The premise was super interesting and I wanted to learn more about the characters but the switching between timelines was not super clear and it made it difficult for me to get invested in the book. I kept getting confused and that was distracting me from who the characters were.

It also made it hard for me to focus in the beginning. Once I would get sucked into the story we’d switch POVs and I’d have to get re-sucked into again. While the middle and ending picked up and I was able to enjoy the story, the beginning was a big hurdle for me to get over.

If you are a reader of older suspense novels, this reminded me of some of Mary Stewart’s suspense books, with the European island setting, family secrets, intrigue and a great sense of place. The island of Capri was described so vividly and its isolation was perfect for creating an atmosphere for this toxic family hiding so many things. I was honestly a bit confused in the beginning; I’m not sure the set up was done well. But once I got oriented and started piecing together the past and present storylines, it all mostly made sense. Some of the twists I guessed and some took me genuinely by surprise which gets harder to do the more thrillers you read. The twists are, of course, not entirely believable but they work for this kind of book. The characters are all just truly awful so definitely do not go into this expecting to end up rooting for anyone.

Saltwater by Katy Hays is a captivating and atmospheric novel that beautifully explores the tension between personal upheaval and the haunting pull of the sea. The evocative prose and vivid coastal setting draw readers into a world where mystery and emotion intertwine. However, while the story's psychological depth and slow-burn tension are gripping, some readers may find it a bit slow, with certain sections feeling drawn out. Despite this, Hays delivers a compelling and immersive read, particularly for those who enjoy literary fiction with a touch of suspense and richly crafted settings.

Haves and Have Nots behaving badly. There are secrets, sexual tension, and cliches about wealth. I think I'd have enjoyed this more with a cocktail poolside.

Katy Hays’s Saltwater transports readers to the shores of glittering Capri. Here the island’s breathtaking natural beauty stands in stark contrast to the elaborately constructed, artificial world of the elite, a world where everyone is expected to go to any length necessary to keep up appearances. Tired of endless rivalries, unspoken rules, and twisted deceptions, Helen and Lorna decide it’s time to exit the stage while they still can. Now they just need to figure out who they can trust in order to make their escape.

Hays’s pacing is on point throughout much of the novel, keeping events moving along smoothly while still offering needed context and building suspense. The switching perspectives helps with this pacing, but sometimes it feels like it does so at the expense of creating fully fleshed out characters. While I can appreciate wanting to add a twist or two to keep readers guessing, the final twists feel more like impossible reaches.

Fast paced and captivating. I kept thinking I figured it out but by the end I was floored. What an incredible plot and perfect way to layer the story and characters.

I’m glad I finished this book, because it did not pull me in within the first 40%. The story moved very slowly and there was nothing exciting or making me wonder. Then, as the family drama starts to unroll, it does pick up before slowly feeling like parts could be cut. However, the ending was surprising and I didn’t see it coming. I liked the twists. The writing was very good and the different timelines were easy to follow.

I would give this 3.5 stars.

The beginning and end of this book were both really strong. The middle was too slow for me. The plot was fairly predictable, except for two plot twists. There really should have only been one instead of two, considering they felt too similar. I feel like Lorna somehow surviving felt made the mom surviving more trivial. It needed to be one or the other. I also had a hard time connecting to any of the characters. They didn't bring much to the table. An easy pool side read.

This book was excellent. I read it at the beach, and it was the perfect book for beach reading. The story was intriguing from the very beginning, and the twists and turns kept me guessing throughout. I recommend this book for anyone who wants a twisty family drama with murder and mystery at the center. It was a really fun read!

I had a really hard time finishing this book, I felt like there was many characters and it at times was hard to follow. I think there needed to be more of a wow factor at the beginning to keep me invested and interested. I think also because of the many different timelines I struggled.

3.5 stars

Thanks to the publisher and Netgally for an ARC of Saltwater.

Thirty years ago Sarah Lingate was vacationing in Carpi with her husband, his brother and wife when she was found dead at the bottom of the cliffs. Her death was ruled an accident. Each year the family continued to visit Capri.

Helen Lingate is now an adult and this year's trip to Capri promises to reveal what really happened to her mother all those years ago.

Overall this book was good. I do feel like there was too much "fluff" in the middle. Everything seemed to happen at the end and I would have liked to see that expanded on a little more.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Saltwater

There have been many times in my life where I have wondered what it might be like to be wealthy. Who would I be with luxury vacations, designer clothes, a prestigious education, fine jewelry, a full staff, and so much more? Beyond that, would I be happy? Or, like in Helen’s situation, would I have freedom?

A beautiful setting, a most idyllic island, full of secrets and lies, half truths, and murder; sounds like a magical place for family bonding, right?

Not!

With twist after twist that I didn’t see coming, I found the plot to flow well as each layer was pulled away to reveal more and more about a family with so much to hide!

I enjoyed the past and present view points. I wish there had been more suspense but overall it was an entertaining story.

I was looking forward to reading Saltwater because:
1. It's set in a beautiful exotic location
2. There's a death of a family member

BUT, I could only get about 11% into it before I just was not compelled to go forward. There were a lot of characters, and I didn't really understand how they were related, and I could not relate to them. After 11%, there was no big "event" to keep me reading. Unfortunately, I had to abandon the book for something more fun and engaging.

Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review Saltwater.

This was a stylish thriller that had me guessing right to the end.
Sarah Lingate’s death in Capri be it by murder, suicide or accidental has loomed over the family for 30 years. It has created an insular, controlling paranoia within Richard, Sarah’s husband and father to their daughter who was four when Sarah died. Their continued pilgrimage to Capri every summer is yet another oddity of the family. Why return to the scene of her death? And what really happened in Capri, the summer of 1992?
Katy Hays weaved drama and glamor throughout and pointed the pen at so many suspects. I enjoyed the different view points and the oozing of wealth and privilege so imbued on the pages.
I would have liked to see more back story on Lorna. There were glimpses but she deserved more. It would have helped me understand some of her choices too.
I am definitely going to read Katy Hays first book The Cloisters now.
Thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine for the ARC.

Saltwater
By Katy Hays
Publication Date: March 25, 2025

The three-decades long Summer escape to the ultra-rich, sparking island of Capri brings repeated death and unsolved mystery to the Lingate family, who is ever-deserving of punishment.

Often called the island of wealth for the wealthy, the steep cliffs and glamorous villas of Capri are the Summer home to the Lingates. Sarah Lingate, a famous playwright, lives a happy life of luxury, but are happiness and luxury just an illusion? The triple POV tale of the days before the deaths of both Sarah in 1992 and Lorna, thirty years later, lead the reader down a path of guesses, multiple suspects, despised family members, and long-held personal secrets.

I loved the character develop of each family member through the eyes of Sarah, Helen, and Lorna. Chapter by chapter, the three women seem to see the true nature of each person but are often mistaken in how dangerous each are. The story unfolds with all the shock and harshness of White-Lotus/Succession.

The antique gold snake necklace drew everyone into continuing to perpetrate the mystery of the deaths. The ultimate secret of the necklace made me giggle.

I loved how each of the three women became stronger and more enlightened as the story came to conclusion.

I loved the surprise ending. Everyone gets what they deserve!

4 stars-Pre-Order your copy today!

Net Galley and Ballantine Books have provided me with an advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I struggled to finish this book as I could not get involved in it. The story line was good but dragged and the characters did not resonate with me. The author did an excellent job of blending it all to a conclusive ending. There were some surprises that captured your attention building to a murderer reveal that was unexpected.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.

A woman grows up knowing that her mother died when she was young, but never really knowing the cause of her death. Years later, she is able to find out the truth. Overall, an engaging read, though the character reveal at the end didn't make sense to me.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Katy Hays’ “Saltwater” is a mesmerizing thriller which transports readers to the sun-drenched, yet shadowy, island of Capri. This novel is a masterful blend of family drama, suspense, and the haunting echoes of past crimes, making it a compelling read from start to finish.

The story revolves around a luxurious family retreat on the picturesque island of Capri, where the opulence of the setting contrasts sharply with the dark secrets that begin to surface.

The protagonist, a 33 year-old woman who has lived under the watchful eye of her wealthy and powerful family, returns to the island for their annual summer gathering. However, the idyllic vacation is shattered when a decades-old crime resurfaces, threatening to unravel the facade of her family’s perfect life.

Hays excels at creating complex, multi-layered characters. The protagonist’s journey is particularly compelling as she navigates the treacherous waters of family loyalty and personal integrity. Each family member is meticulously crafted, with their own secrets and motivations that add depth to the narrative.

Hays’ writing is evocative and immersive, capturing the beauty and menace of Capri with equal skill. Her descriptions of the island’s glittering shores and dramatic cliffsides create a vivid backdrop for the unfolding drama. The pacing is expertly managed, with suspense building steadily as the plot twists and turns. Hays’ skillful ability to weave intricate details into the narrative enhances the overall reading experience.

“Saltwater” delves into themes of family loyalty, betrayal, and the long shadows cast by past sins. The novel explores how the weight of secrets can shape and distort relationships, and the lengths to which people will go to protect their loved ones.

“Saltwater” is a captivating and thought-provoking thriller that will appeal to fans of both psychological suspense and family dramas. Katy Hays has crafted a story that is as beautiful as it is unsettling, with richly drawn characters and a plot that keeps readers guessing.

Whether you’re looking for a gripping beach read or a novel that delves into the complexities of family dynamics, “Saltwater” is a must-read.

Many thanks to Netgalley for this arc. I received this book in exchange for my honest review. My thoughts are entirely my own.

In this book we are following the point of view of Helen and Lorna. Helen is a member of the Lingate family and her mother was killed on Capri,Italy at a house that the family goes to every year to remember her. Helen's family is very controlling and her father and uncle took measures to ensure that Helen never said one word about her mother. Lorna is her uncle's assistant and goes to Capri with the family. Once Lorna arrives she feels like she will be murdered. As their week in Capri continues Helen and Lorna come closer and closer to the truth of what happened to Helen's mother Sarah. There are multiple twist and turns throughout this novel. Helen finds out their father Richard isn't really her father and that her mother is actually alive. Luckily the Lingates finally unravel and their secrets of the night of Sarah's murder is revealed and Helen finds out who truly murdered her mother and why. This book was very interesting and kept me hooked until the very end. I am glad that everything worked out at the end of the book .