This book had very strong feelings of where the crawdads sing however this one was slower. Things didn’t pick up that quickly until the last 40 pages or so when the trial started. When Elijah went to the lake looking for evidence that Erin left behind, I wondered if we were seeing his guilt behind actually doing it.

It's been a long while since I've read a murder mystery. This claims to be the next 'where the crawdad sings', And I can see the correlations but it fell short for me. I kept reading but did predict the ending well before hand. The author is an enjoyable writer and I wouldn't be detered if they did write something else, this just wasn't quite for me.

*I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review*

MIDDLETIDE is a slower-paced, character driven mystery set in Point Orchards, Washington where our protagonist Elijah Leith has returned after seeking fame (unsuccessfully) in Cali. as a writer. He settles in at his late father’s cabin, becomes employed at the local garage.. with the remembrance of his first love Nakita never far from his mind. But still reeling from the loss of her husband, Nakita keeps her distance from him. Some time after Dr Erin loses her daughter in a car accident and her husband leaves.. Elijah becomes her patient, they date a few times until he ends it. Then Dr Erin’s body is found on his land, presumably a suicide, but other factors come into play nodding toward homocide. Coincidentally, the only book he did publish called MIDDLETIDE, spoofs her death to a “T.” So of course, Elijah is arrested for her murder with every turn flipped upside-down pointing directly to him as the guilty party. Crouch has an interesting take on the mystery involved, the lingering romance, and in the way it all comes full circle. Is a fantastic, mind-boggling debut that kept me turning pages nonstop. 4.5 stars — Pub. 6/11/24

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The author prologues the story with the surprising discovery of a body by a secluded lake in the Pacific Northwest. We are then introduced to a small-town sheriff and his young deputy, who are examining the scene. We find out that the deceased is a beautiful and well-respected member of the small town. The story bounces from three different timelines: Present day (the murder) set in 1994, the late 70’s (the love story of Elijah and Nakita, which was disrupted by Elijah following his dream in Seattle), and the late 80’s (when Elijah comes back to town). It is a story within a story if you will. It's about young love and finding one’s way back home. It’s about finding joy in the simplicity of life. It’s about grief and redemption. Part small town murder mystery, part undying and boundless love story, part ode to the beauty of nature and homesteading. This book shows the depths a person will go for one they love. It was a satisfying unfolding for me. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I want to visit the Pacific Northwest. I want to live in a small town. I want to start my own homestead. I do not want to be murdered. All because of the moody, detailed atmosphere.

January 1994 Pacific Northwest - two fishermen come upon a special fishing spot and happen to see a young woman hanging from a tree. This happens to be on the property of Elijah Leith who lives alone and was once involved with this woman.

The story takes us back in time to Elijah life in high school when he was in love with Nakita, ahead in time when Elijah & Nakita were adults and meet again when Elijah returns to the area. The story is told where the reader gets background as well as what is going on in the present.

I have to say this book would not leave my head, even at night after I went to bed, I was thinking about it and speculating as to what really happened. The short chapters, the compelling story, the beautifully descriptive setting, and wondering how this story would end kept me reading!

My thanks to Net Galley and Atria Books for an advanced copy of this e-book.

I tend to read any novel set in the PNW. Middletide held the atmospheric essence of the setting that I watch out for when choosing these thrillers. The author did a great job at transporting readers to the area. Once I was there, the story kept me there with a wonderful mystery.

📚 PRE-PUBLICATION BOOK REVIEW 📚

Middletide By Sarah Crouch
Publication Date: June 11, 2024
Publisher: Atria Books

📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

📚MY REVIEW:

I will admit, I didn't really know what to expect with this book. I knew it was a debut novel and the synopsis from BOTM piqued my interest enough to select this as one of my May selections. Then I saw the book available on NetGalley as an ARC, so I requested it while waiting for my #bluebox to arrive...And now, I'm so grateful to have a physical copy of this book, because I had no idea how much I was going to love it and how much I'd want to recommend it to everyone I know!

This was a character-driven story -- I would call it more of a mystery than a thriller -- that was just phenomenal! The writing in this book was superb and the layering of the storylines was so well-done. The depth within which Crouch developed the main characters was brilliantly captivating, leaving the reader with a feeling that you knew these people in real life. The book is part small-town life, part love story, part prodigal son returns, part mystery. There's something almost nostalgic in the way the mystery within this story unfolds, reminding me of old episodes of Murder She Wrote or Perry Mason, with its sneaky whodunnit style of figuring out what really happened.

I initially struggled with the way each chapter went back and forth between dates and years (sometimes decades), and I found myself having to flip back and forth between chapters to figure out which time period I was in. The more I read though, the easier it became to keep it straight.

I became so invested in the storyline and wanting to figure out what actually happened, I couldn't stop thinking about it and binged the book as fast as possible. This was not a heart-pounding creepy thriller filled with jump scares. It was a more intelligent novel -- a captivating whodunnit mystery with so many memorable characters in a charming small town, you almost forgot you were reading a whodunnit mystery. A brilliantly enjoyable debut novel from Sarah Crouch, who is now an author I'll be watching for a long time to come. ❤️

Thank you to BOTM for always introducing me to books and authors I'd otherwise likely never discover...And a big thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for this advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review!

#Middletide #SarahCrouch #NetGalley #ARC #fivestarreads #debutthrillers #bookstoread #bookreviews #bookrecommendations #thrilleraddict #booklover

I was excited about this one, as I had seen it on social media quite a bit. I’m approximately 20% through the book and I’ve decided to DNF because I’m bored. Unfortunately, this book is not for me. While I love detailed descriptions, I feel as though that’s all I’ve read so far- nothing has happened.

As soon as I saw perfect for Crawdad fan’s I wanted to try this out! I can see the comparisons; the vibes (setting) are the same. Can see people really enjoying this

2 stars. I had high hopes for this one. Unfortunately, the writing makes it hard to stay engaged- it is very verbose and overly descriptive. I couldn’t wait for it to be over. The last 1/3 of the book was the best part of it but it could’ve easily been a lot shorter.

Sarah Crouch's debut novel, *Middletide*, is a masterful blend of suspense, atmosphere, and emotional depth that grips readers from the very first page. Set in the hauntingly beautiful Puget Sound town of Point Orchards, the story unravels the mysterious death of Dr. Erin Landry, weaving a complex tapestry of intrigue, betrayal, and the enduring power of love.

The novel opens with a chilling scene: the body of the beloved Dr. Erin Landry is discovered hanging from a tree on the property of Elijah Leith, a failed writer who has recently returned to his hometown. Sheriff Jim Godbout’s initial assessment of suicide is quickly overshadowed by suspicions of foul play, especially when eerie parallels between the circumstances of Erin's death and the plot of Elijah's novel come to light.

Elijah, a character marked by his failures and haunted by his past, becomes the prime suspect. Crouch deftly portrays his struggle, not only with the accusations but also with his personal demons. His return to Point Orchards is a journey of seeking redemption and reconnection, particularly with Nakita, a remarkable woman from the nearby reservation who embodies both his deepest regret and his hope for forgiveness.

Crouch’s writing is richly atmospheric, capturing the eerie beauty of the Pacific Northwest and the claustrophobic tension of a small town quick to judge. The town of Point Orchards is vividly brought to life, its inhabitants drawn with a keen eye for human complexity. The narrative is propelled by a series of twists and turns that keep readers guessing, as Elijah’s quest to clear his name leads him into a web of deceit and long-buried secrets.

The novel excels in its character development. Elijah is a deeply flawed yet sympathetic protagonist, whose inner turmoil and determination are portrayed with sensitivity and nuance. Nakita’s character is equally compelling, her strength and resilience providing a poignant counterpoint to Elijah’s struggles. The relationship between them is beautifully explored, adding emotional weight to the suspenseful plot.

Sheriff Jim Godbout also deserves mention as a character who adds depth to the investigative thread of the story. His methodical approach and growing doubts about the easy conclusions reflect a more profound commentary on the nature of justice and truth in a close-knit community.

*Middletide* is not just a thriller; it is a profound exploration of human emotions and relationships. The themes of love, loss, and revenge are interwoven with a keen understanding of the human condition. Crouch's prose is both lyrical and gripping, making this a book that is hard to put down and even harder to forget.

Fans of *All Good People Here* and *Where the Crawdads Sing* will find much to admire in *Middletide*. It stands as a testament to Sarah Crouch's storytelling prowess, promising an exciting future for this talented new author. In *Middletide*, Crouch has crafted a haunting and memorable tale that lingers long after the final page is turned.

It appears I am in the minority on this one. I enjoyed the authors writing style but felt the story was dragging throughout the middle of the story. Overall I was just not pulled in like I would have liked.

Loved this exciting book. Filled with all my favorites , young love, murder, twists, and a small town procedural. I was guessing until the very end, trying to hunt down the truth for myself. Definitely a great one!

Dr. Erin Landry is found hanging from a tree on the property of Elijah Leith. At first it appears to be a suicide after Sheriff Jim Godbout’s initial investigation. After further investigation it seems to be murder. All evidence points to the prime suspect is Elijah Leith. It was on his property, he had a brief relationship with the deceased, and witnesses relayed a fight between the two. The most damaging evidence is that the murder is that it follows the events in Leith’s first novel, The Middletide. This novel has suspense, twists and even romance. It is a page turner and exciting read. I recommend this book and hope to read more stories by Sara Crouch.

Middletide by Sarah Crouch was a fun debut novel. I enjoyed the setting and story. I was kept guessing throughout the book and multiple timelines. I felt for the characters.

The one downside I found was reading this novel digitally, was that it was hard to keep track of the different timelines. It would have been helpful to have the dates the chapters took place in the table of contents to better follow the progression of the novel.

I can’t wait to read what Sarah Crouch writes next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria books for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

When the town doctor is found hanging in the middle of the woods, it’s initially deemed a suicide. But further investigation shows that something more be at play.

Crouch paints a beautiful setting for novel and digs in well to that. I think this book will strike a chord with fans of mystery, procedural/courtroom type books with a strong romance thread throughout.

I also appreciated that the nursery mystery took an unexpected turn and the motive is one I don’t think I’ve ever seen in a novel before.

I did want more out of the characters. I felt we had a good grasp on Elijah but I really could have used more exploration into the other characters in the novel.

Thank you to Atria books and to NetGalley.

I really enjoyed this book. It’s a true crime murder mystery with characters that are familiar but still interesting. It has a rustic vibe but it’s definitely more Ethel Cain Americana than, let’s say, bright & happy cottage-core. The story is entwined with its surroundings which is why I’ve included that chronically online comparison; it’s very important that you know the vibes going in. Without spoiling anything, this is a book for David Fincher fans (specifically that movie he made in 2014 iykyk…). I loved it. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a cozy fast read with twists that aren’t too complicated and characters that truly come alive. My only complaint has to do with originality specifically regarding the similarities between this book and the previously mentioned Fincher film. I look forward to reading more of Sarah Crouch’s work!

Thank you Netgally and the publishers for this ARC :)

What a way to enter the thriller world! Middletide is a killer debut. The atmospheric setting really pulled me in from the beginning. We get to follow alternating timelines as we learn the truth behind an apparent suicide. I truly can’t wait to see what Crouch writes next!

Thank you NetGalley for an early copy of this book! Middletide is my favorite book I’ve read so far this year. While half way through the book I did figure out what was going to happen, I enjoyed every second of watching the story unfold. I also liked that instead of throwing in a same sex relationship into the story (which is in almost every book I’ve read recently) she spoke about God. I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next!

The “flavor” of this book reminded me a little of Where the Crawdads Sing in that the nature of the Pacific Northwest setting is such an atmospheric presence in the story.

Middletide is told via alternating timelines, which I enjoy. There is a lot going on in this story. At the heart of the plot is the apparent suicide of Erin, the town’s beautiful young doctor, but it is also a story about love, coming home, identity, nature, and revenge. The accused is one of the town’s native sons and the evidence against him is quite specific and apparently ironclad. With the help of his childhood girlfriend and her father, he must prove his innocence.

I did have a few issues. My biggest issue was believing the root cause of Erin’s death; it seemed quite a stretch. I also struggled to truly relate to the love story that is at the heart of this book. It begins when the main characters are 16 and 18 and then they are reunited later in life. I didn’t have a good sense of the root of their relationship.

All-in-all I did like this debut despite my complaints above. It was rich in its descriptions of nature and living off the land, and I enjoyed the small-town environment of the Pacific Northwest. The mystery had enough uniqueness to keep my attention.