Thank you to Netgalley, Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine, and Katy Hays for the advanced copy of "Saltwater." "Saltwater" by Katy Hays is a captivating thriller that promises to be a must-read for fans of the genre. The story revolves around the wealthy Lingate family, whose idyllic vacation on the island of Capri is shattered by the resurfacing of a decades-old crime. In 1992, Sarah Lingate, a celebrated playwright, was found dead below the cliffs of Capri, leaving behind her three-year-old daughter, Helen. Despite suspicions that the Lingates were involved, Sarah's death was ruled an accident. Every year, the family returns to Capri to prove the truth of the ruling, but this year, on the thirtieth anniversary of Sarah's death, a surprise awaits them.

The Lingates arrive at their villa to find Sarah's necklace, the one she was wearing the night she died. This discovery throws the family into turmoil, as the specter of that night haunts them. Helen, now an adult, has been sheltered and controlled by her family, living under strict rules and regulations as the sole heir to the Lingate fortune. She is unable to form close relationships or travel freely, fearing that she might accidentally reveal secrets about her family. However, with the reappearance of the necklace, Helen sees an opportunity to break free from her family's suffocating grip.

She enlists the help of Lorna Moreno, a family assistant, and together they plot their escape. But as Lorna disappears and the investigation into Sarah's death is reopened, Helen realizes that everyone who was on Capri thirty years ago remains a suspect. This includes her controlling father Richard, her rarely-lucid aunt Naomi, her distant uncle Marcus, and their circle of friends, visitors, and staff. Even Lorna, Helen's closest ally, may not be who she seems.

As long-hidden secrets about that night surface, the truth about Sarah's death becomes increasingly elusive. The novel delves into themes of familial loyalty, generational trauma, and the complexities of wealth and privilege. The characters are flawed and their choices are often questionable, adding to the suspense and intrigue of the story. The narrative is told from multiple perspectives and timelines, providing a rich and layered exploration of the events surrounding Sarah's death.

"Saltwater" is a captivating read that will keep you guessing until the very end. With its intricate plot, complex characters, and stunning setting, it is a perfect summer read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery thriller. The novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers, leaving them pondering the secrets that lie beneath the surface of even the most seemingly perfect families.

- The novel "Saltwater" by Katy Hays centers around the Lingate family, whose idyllic vacation on the island of Capri is disrupted by the reappearance of a decades-old crime: the death of Sarah Lingate, a celebrated playwright, which was ruled an accident but is now being re-investigated.
- The discovery of Sarah's necklace, found at the family's villa, throws the family into turmoil and prompts Helen, Sarah's daughter, to seek freedom from her controlling family.
- The novel explores themes of familial loyalty, generational trauma, and the complexities of wealth and privilege, with a multi-layered narrative that keeps readers guessing until the very end. #Saltwater #NetGalley

Saltwater by Jessica Andrews is a beautifully written, atmospheric novel that captures the push and pull of identity, family, and belonging. The fragmented, lyrical prose creates an immersive experience, but at times, the nonlinear structure made it feel a bit disjointed. While the emotional depth and sensory details were compelling, the story lacked momentum, making it harder to stay fully engaged. Still, Andrews' exploration of a young woman navigating her past and future felt raw and authentic. A good read for those who appreciate poetic storytelling over plot-driven narratives. ⭐⭐⭐

I loved the author's last book so was very excited to ready this one. Talk about a slow burn... the first 2/3 of the book really dragged on and I almost put it down. I'm not sure exactly what had me bored but I'm glad I stayed with it. When I hit the 70 percent mark, gosh this story really picked up and I couldn't stop reading.

My thanks to Net Galley and Random House/Ballantine for allowing me to review an arc.

3.5 stars.

I didn't hate this book. Great setting, family drama, 2 great mini Mysteries. How did Sara die? Who killed Lorna. That drew me in. My problem, the writing style and pacing. Jumping back forth. Non linear. Lots of Then and Now chapters. Didn't flow. Nice surprise ending though.

Quite an atmospheric and twisty read! I love the Capri setting for this one and it definitely had me guessing until the end!

3.5 stars⭐️
Is history repeating itself for this rich, secretive family? This novel had so many twists and turns which made it entertaining, but a little unbelievable towards the end. I enjoyed the multiple POVs and timelines along with the news articles, but found all the characters pretty unlikable. Overall, an enjoyable read in a picturesque atmosphere.

Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for a copy of this book!

This was a 4 star read for me! I LOVED this such an amazing twisty mystery!! Obsessed with the italy setting and the characters! Dark secrets! Its everything!

(3.5, rounded up to 4)

Katy Hays’ "Saltwater" is an enticing web of mystery and family intrigue, set against the breathtaking yet treacherous backdrop of Capri.

At the novel’s heart is Helen Lingate, a woman determined to avenge her mother’s untimely death thirty years earlier. Armed with a mysterious golden snake necklace and a plan to blackmail her powerful family, Helen’s journey is as dangerous as it is compelling. The intricate plot unfolds in layers, interweaving past and present, as we dive into the lives of Helen, her late mother Sarah, and her co-conspirator Lorna. Each perspective adds depth, ensuring the narrative remains richly character-driven even as the tension builds.

Hays excels at pacing, allowing the mystery to unravel with just the right balance of suspense and revelation. Twists come at the perfect moments, keeping readers guessing without ever feeling contrived. The setting of Capri itself becomes an atmospheric character—its sun-soaked glamour contrasting with the dark secrets it holds. As Helen and Lorna’s motives converge and diverge, the stakes rise, leading to an explosive and unforgettable climax. Themes of legacy, betrayal, and self-reinvention underscore the drama, giving the story a compelling emotional core.

The strength of "Saltwater" lies in its complex, dynamic characters. Helen’s fierce resolve, Lorna’s raw ambition, and Sarah’s haunting legacy form the backbone of this riveting tale. Hays crafts them with nuance, ensuring their flaws and vulnerabilities make them relatable, even as their scheming draws us into their world. With its gripping plot, richly drawn characters, and a shocking conclusion, "Saltwater" is a dazzling and deeply satisfying read. A modern tale with echoes of Greek tragedy, it’s sure to leave readers enthralled.

I really wanted to like this book, but the first 80% of me was ROUGH. It was a slow read with a lot of names and messiness. I feel like when it hit 80%, EVERYTHING took place way too fast.

Thanks for the gifted arc, I just wish I liked it more.

Thank you NetGalley, Ballantine Books and Katy Hays for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of Saltwater.
This novel is about rich people behaving badly. The moral seems to prioritize keeping up appearances no matter what. The image you portray is way more important than the truth or even the money!
I found it rather sad and depressing as the story continued. There were no family relationships, no trust, no enjoyment and all the characters wanted was to keep the image alive and be one step in front of everyone else.
This type of mystery/thriller is not for me. The timeline changes constantly, the characters are unlikeable and I’m not sure of what truly happened.
The most confusing was the story was told in first person perspective. I wasn’t immersed enough to know who was telling the story now or what the timeframe was covering. I need more emotional characters and a slower pace to try to put all the pieces together. I just knew things were going to change multiple times and that is not my favorite way to enjoy a story.

I could not put this twisty book down. Helen just wants to escape from her family, especially knowing they may be the reason why her mom was killed when she was just three years old.. Alternating between 2022 and 1992, there is a lot to unravel. Who can be trusted? Who can’t be trusted? And I did not see all of the twists coming. Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for a chance to read this one early in exchange for an honest review..

I was excited to receive this as an ARC! The cover is STUNNING. This was a fantastic thriller with twists in every chapter. Absolutely loved and could not put it down!

I am loving books set around the Amalfi coast. What an epic opening line: "Money is my phantom limb."

White Lotus vibes, in the best way. Think also Knives Out, Glass Onion: talk about a book having LAYERS. My brain got whiplash keeping up.

"Saltwater" as a term comes up often, a fun callback to the title. We get multiple POVs. Every character has a twisted relationship to the other, and everyone is hiding something (or multiple somethings).

This review will be posted on my booksta, toomanyfivestarreads, around publication date.

Review posted to StoryGraph and Goodreads on 3/9/25. Review will be posted to Amazon on release date.

A decades old scandal surrounding a wealthy family comes to head on their annual family vacation to Capri. This book was wild. Very rich people behaving badly vibes. I had so many times while reading where I felt like I knew what had happened but the twists kept coming and I was truly surprised by part of the ending. I really enjoyed the way that we were taken into multiple point of views during different time periods. It added a lot of layers and richness to the story. This is definitely a book I’ll be recommending folks to grab and ready on the beach.

I am sorry to say I hate the writing style of this book. I love mysteries, especially missing persons, so I was hoping this would be great but it’s definitely not for me. The style is very pretentious and long winded. I couldn’t go more than a few chapters because it’s all too insufferable. It sounds like we have either the coddled, over protected rich girl who is complaining about her gilded cage or the assistant who despises the rich for being rich. Neither one of those narrations is at all of interest to me so I gave up.

I really enjoyed this. I loved the setting in Capri Italy. And I always love a story about a really twisted family mixed in with a crime from years past.

Katy Hays' Saltwater is a beautifully written and emotionally rich novel that immerses readers in a story about love, loss, and the complexities of self-discovery. With its lush prose and vivid imagery, this novel explores the intersection of personal growth, the environment, and human connections, making it a thoughtful and engaging read.

The story follows the protagonist as she navigates the aftermath of a loss, returning to a coastal town where she grapples with her past and the relationships that have shaped her. Hays does an excellent job of creating a poignant atmosphere, with the sea and its surrounding landscape serving as a powerful metaphor for the character's internal journey. The setting is intricately described, and the natural world feels as alive and integral to the story as the characters themselves.

The characters in Saltwater are multi-dimensional and compelling. The protagonist’s emotional struggles are portrayed with depth and nuance, making her journey of healing and self-understanding both relatable and moving. The relationships she forms—both new and old—are thoughtfully explored, and the dynamics between the characters add emotional weight to the narrative.

Hays’ writing is lyrical and introspective, with a deep sense of place that immerses the reader in the story. The pacing of the book is deliberate, allowing the narrative to unfold slowly and thoughtfully. This slower pace may not be for everyone, especially those looking for a more fast-paced, plot-driven story. However, for readers who enjoy character-driven stories that explore themes of grief, identity, and connection, Saltwater is both rewarding and beautiful.

One minor drawback is that the novel’s pacing can sometimes feel a bit too slow, and at times, the introspective nature of the story might feel overwhelming for readers who prefer more plot-driven narratives. However, for those who appreciate rich character development and evocative prose, these moments add to the emotional depth of the book rather than detract from it.

In conclusion, Saltwater is a poignant and beautifully written novel that delves into themes of loss, love, and personal growth. Katy Hays’ lyrical writing and rich character exploration make this a moving and thought-provoking read. While the pacing may not suit everyone’s tastes, readers who enjoy introspective, emotionally-driven stories will find Saltwater to be a deeply rewarding experience.

The cover of this book is so beautiful, the scenery in the background and the gorgeous water is what drew me into it as well as the title. This is my first book by this author, and it is a mystery thriller, that follows a MPOV across a variety of different timelines. Each story is intricating interwoven to keep the reader engaged and turning pages.

In this book is based off the island Capri and follows a wealthy family that we soon discover has a dark family secret from 30 years ago (who doesn't love a good family drama, and mystery, what family doesn't have dark secrets of their own). 30 years ago, Sarah Lingate was discovered at the bottom of a cliff off of Capri. Her cause of death was ruled "accidental" or was it?

From the time of Sarah’s "accident" the family makes it a tradition almost to go to the island every year. On the anniversary of her thirtieth death anniversary, something strange happens to the Lingate family related to Sarah’s death. Helen, Sarah’s daughter, decides to leave with the family assistant, Lorna. What happens next is that Lorna disappears, and the thirty-year-old death investigation is cracked wide open again.

This author did a wonderful job of writing an atmospheric, captivating and engaging plot and storyline. It keeps the reader flipping pages to see what happens next. I personally love books that bounce between narratives, and have MPOV's, I love knowing each person's thoughts and point of view.

A thriller set in beachside Italy is right up my alley! Especially after just watching season 2 of The White Lotus.
Rich people and their bad decisions is always a good time, but throw in family drama and murder and it’s even more exciting.

While I loved the setting and the twists, the pacing of this was a little off for me as a thriller fan. It was a little too slow for me until about the 60% mark, after that I was having a thrilling time unraveling the mysteries of the Lingate family. I love Katy’s historical influences and her intelligence shines in both of her books!

In 1992 Sarah Lingate is found dead and suspicions run rampant that the old money Lingate family she married into had something to do with it. Now thirteen years later, the family returns to the island of Capri.

A great mystery for those that love wealthy people tropes, especially in vacation settings. I enjoyed how newspaper clips from the past helped to tell the story. This was an interesting story and the writing was well done, it just wasn’t my favorite but it may be yours! The author is talented and the writing flowed well.

“This, I have always known, despite its sparkling, azurine beauty, is a place of violence.”

Saltwater comes out 3/25.

rich people are WILD 🤯 I’m a sucker for a family drama turned murder mystery, so I knew I was all in from the very first chapter!!

alternating between the 1990s and present day, the lingate family is full of secrets, including what really happened to sarah on capri - and what is happening now to the family as they reunite on the same island… and let me tell you, the backdrop of capri and the lilian islands was GORGEOUS 💛 I absolutely ate up every description & felt like I was truly there

the alternating POVs between sarah in the 90s, helen (her daughter) in present day, and lorna (the family assistant) in present day, made sense in theory - but there were some chapters that just felt jarring to me 🤷🏼‍♀️ I did enjoy seeing all of the events play out through their respective eyes though

and while I figured the family’s own secrets would be the death of them (literally and figuratively), the ending still shocked me 😮‍💨 it ended on a very satisfying note

helen was the only factor that didn’t always work for me… a product of her own family, she wasn’t the most likable or willing to do what it takes in the end (which I get it’s your family but they might have unalived your mom so 👀)

a huge thank you to netgalley and ballantine for the advanced copy in exchange for a honest review!

rating: 4 stars
wine pairing: barbara d’asti red blend