I received an ARC of this book from Random House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest feedback. My first thought is - when can I go to Capri??? The author did an amazing job with the setting. From the summer crowds, to aperitivo time, to the ruins - it was fascinating and vividly described. At the beginning, I had a little bit of trouble keeping the characters straight, particularly Richard and Marcus, but once the story developed more, that was resolved. I enjoyed the multiple viewpoints/timelines. I thought the author did a good job on pacing as far as which chapters would be Helen, which Sarah, etc. There were a few parts where it was a little slow, and some character behaviors which seemed maybe not quite believable, which is the reason I took off one star. I was completely shocked with one of the twists, actual mouth dropping open in surprise, so that is huge for me as a thriller reader. I feel like there were maybe one or two details not totally explained, so I would be curious to see if other readers thought the same.

I requested this because I love anything where the premise is “rich people problems abroad” as it reminds me of books by Katherine St. John/Katherine Wood. This one definitely delivered in that aspect! I was super hooked from the start because of the mystery of the mother’s death — and the twist that came at the end was crazy! It was a really enjoyable read that I’d recommend for anyone who loves a good warm weather thriller.

Really like this thriller - took a bit to get going but then I really enjoyed it and it made me want to go on vacation so badly!!

I began this book with high hopes of it not only being a great mystery read but it allowing me to revisit Capri, where I spent the summer three years ago. While it did reference several of the places I was familar with and the story ended up having a twist at the end that I definitely did not see coming, I found keeping track of who the characters were and their relationship to each other a bit confusing, perhaps due to the constant switching from past to present, but this family is just one mixed up mess, so it's easy to see why Helen would want to escape it. Overall, I would say that it fits the bill for a summer/beach read for most people.

This was not for me. Rich selfish characters, nor could I find any characters that I felt for making me interested. I'm sure there's many who would still enjoy this book , just want my cup of tea.

For starters THIS COVER IS STUNNING!! I will most definitely be displaying this on my shelf when my preordered copy gets delivered! I loved the suspenseful family drama that was going on however I do think it was a bit slow and I was waiting for things to pick up for a while. I will say the last 20% or so did make the rest worth it. I’m excited to see what else this author has to offer in the future! Hopefully more stunning covers as well!

DNF’d at 26%. I kept trying with this one but I was just bored. Pair that with I couldn’t keep track of the timelines or differentiate between the characters and I gave up on this one unfortunately.

Katy Hays’ second novel Saltwater is an enthralling blend of mystery, drama, and intrigue, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Capri. As a first-time reader of Hays’ work, I was thoroughly impressed by her storytelling and writing prowess. This book held my attention from start to finish, and at one point, I simply couldn’t put it down.

The story’s setting is a character in itself. Capri’s stunning scenery, combined with an air of secrecy and wealth, immediately evokes White Lotus vibes, making the narrative all the more immersive. Hays’ vivid descriptions will leave readers longing for an Italian getaway.

The plot centers around the Lingates, a wealthy and enigmatic family who guard their privacy fiercely. In the early 1990s, Sarah Lingate tragically fell to her death from a cliff in Capri. While the family was cleared of any wrongdoing, suspicions have lingered ever since. Every year, the Lingates return to Capri, maintaining their traditions and mysteries.

Enter Lorna, the assistant to Marcus Lingate, Sarah’s brother-in-law. Lorna strikes up a friendship with Sarah’s daughter, Helen, now 33 years old. Together, they concoct a plan to uncover the truth behind Sarah’s untimely death. However, Lorna’s sudden disappearance throws their plans into chaos, adding another layer of mystery. The revelations that follow are nothing short of jaw-dropping, with twists that will keep readers guessing until the very end.

The characters in Saltwater are a fascinating mix of morally gray individuals—a cast you’ll either love to hate or hate to love. Their complex relationships and hidden motives add depth to the narrative, making the twists all the more impactful.

Hays’ ability to weave a suspenseful, character-driven story is remarkable, and the ending delivers twist after twist, ensuring a satisfying conclusion. This book is a must-read for fans of thrillers and family dramas. Saltwater is a fantastic debut that showcases Katy Hays as an author to watch. Highly recommended!

I had fun reading this novel. There were times I thought I was starting to figure it out, but Hays kept sending me down twists and turns all the way to the end of the book.

I wouldn't say I was really rooting for any specific character as they all had their flaws and issues, but I was satisfied with how all of their endings fit together.

If you are a fan of thrillers then look no further. This story was filled with family drama, murder, mystery, lies, secrets and so many twists I lost count! And that ending! You will not want to put this book down! Great read!

This book was just okay. At times it was very predictable. The characters were hard to like. I did enjoy the setting of the book though. Thank you to Random House Publishing-Ballantine and Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

DNF at 15%. A story and characters I just could not get into, with unbearably slow pacing and a confusing timeline. I'm very disappointed, because I had high hopes for this one.

This is my first book by this author, and I found it to be a really good read overall. I really enjoyed the multiple timeframes that the story was told in, as well as the multiple POVS. I thought the first three quarters of the book was really good. The story was moving along quickly, and I was really invested in the characters. There was suspense, and I loved that I couldn't predict where the story was going. In the last part of the book, I found the twists to be a little to far fetched and unbelievable for me. It became a little too chaotic for my liking, which kept me from rating it higher. Overall, though, the whole of the story was enjoyable.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the early copy to read and review.

I received an advance copy of Saltwater from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoy mysteries, but not so much like this. Not even sure I know how to describe what "this" is. Thriller and suspense are the popular tags, while I tend to favor series like Anna Pidgeon, Kinsey Milhone, Jack Reacher, and the very cozy Mrs. Pollifax. By my figuring, I have read only 2-3 novels similar to this in the past two years. So I was surprised when it was offered to me without requesting it, but it sounded interesting, and it is so hard to say no to free books!

Italy is such a beautiful setting for books, especially in locales the rich and famous frequent, and a beautiful, at times creepy, sense of the setting is presented here. Getting to Italy was a relief. TBH, Helen's character, by virtue of the way she was raised so sheltered, was flat and her reliability was questionable, but that was likely intentional. It was tiring at times reading about protecting the family and their wealth.

The author talks about the difficulty of writing her sophomore book, but arriving in Italy was like flipping a switch on the suspense, and Helen emerged like a butterfly from her cocoon. The plot twists came with increasing speed and wow factor. If you want to know more about the plot, read a different review, but I will leave you with, if you think it's true, it's probably not.

3.5 stars

I thought at the beginning this book may end up being on my dnf list. If it wasn't for receiving it as an advanced copy it probably would have. But I stuck with it and ended up enjoying it.

The reason this book almost ended up as a dnf is because at the beginning the chapters go back and forth between Sarah, Helen and before Lorna disappears. Add to that, the story takes place in the then and now depending on which character is the focus of the chapter. I found myself confused as to where the story was going. But once I got the hang of who was who and how the chapters were going it wasn't that bad and I appreciated the format.

I'm not sure what I would classify this book as. It didn't have a thriller feel to it so I guess I would say a suspense. Or maybe just a story about money, lies, scandal and family. The story is a really slow burn.

The story ended with many twists and turns and revelations I didn't see coming. There was no shortage of drama at the end.

All in all this wasn't a bad book and would make a good vacation read. It's probably not a book I would rave about to others and refer to as a must-read.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy.

This was definitely not a happy book. It was more like a psychological thriller in a sense. I loved the descriptions of Italy and Capri. However, the characters were not likeable and the story was not quite believable. The ending was certainly twisted and while I had a suspicion of how things happened, I was only slightly wrong. I think most readers will figure this mystery out.

How many twists and turns can one move have? Apparently, a lot! But that's what makes this book the charmer it is. You're never quite sure of what's going on or who did it. You just keep turning pages and wonder if you got it right. But, trust me, you never will!

This book is a winner! It is hard to believe that this is only Ms. Hays's second novel. Let's hope she keeps going. I can't wait to read her next one.

3.5 stars

I enjoyed the writing, setting, and central mystery here, but overall, I hoped for faster pacing and a bit more suspense and investment in the outcomes.

30 years ago, Helen's mother died in what the family determined was a self-inflicted manner, but there are lingering questions about the accuracy of this interpretation. In the present day, Helen is ready to solve the mystery and cut ties with her wealthy family and their apparent secrets if needed.

This motif - the wealthy family and their inner evil under a very different, somewhat polished exterior - is so prevalent that something really special needs to happen to set them apart from their many comparable peers. I'm not sure that happens here beyond a charming setting and a fulfilling ending. For me, the pacing was too slow, and the characters and their mindsets were a little too expected. I hoped for more of a thrilling mystery and found that the mystery stood alone (i.e., without the thrills).

Hays is a skilled writer, and this is a great concept that I think will serve as a solid spring break and maybe even summer beach read. I will read more from this author.

Rich people behaving very, very badly, a 30 year old scandal ready to pop again, and all of the secrets that the Lingate’s have fought so hard to keep are about to be out in the open.
Hays is a great writer and her descriptions of the environment on Capri are incredible. There are a LOT of story lines to follow in this book so get your thinking caps on and be ready for a slow start and then a loooooot of twists (for anyone this book doesn’t work for, it’s going to be the crazy twists that get them)

Thank you for the free copy in exchange for my honest review

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for this ARC! Wow, what a fun read. The setting is beautiful with a soft undertone of decay… A playwright was murdered while vacationing with her family in Capri. Who or what caused her death? Thirty years later, her brother-in-laws assistant goes missing on the same island while the family vacations carelessly… Nothing could have prepared me for the twists and turns of this one! Sometimes I find twists like this corny but in this book, it absolutely works. This book is empowering, breath-taking, moving… I cannot express it, you will just have to read it for yourself.