Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

I think it was an interesting choice to combine true crime into a book about a hobby. Or is it the reverse? It felt like it should have been one or the other, and switching back and forth didn't help.

I really enjoyed the bits that were focused on women in this world, both as hobbyists and careers. The section on women in the navy just reminded me why I don't trust men... I appreciated the girl power vibe of those sections.

And while it's nice to see the more human side to the author, I felt his fear and anxiety really impacted the interview (which we'd been building up to the entire book) negatively. The opportunity seemed wasted, like maybe there was someone better for the job.

While an interesting read, I think both topics could be covered in separate books more thoroughly.

This was a really well done true crime nonfiction book, it had that feel that I was looking for from the description. Matthew Gavin Frank was able to weave a strong story and keep this respectful. It was researched well and was engaged with what was happening.

Disturbing, poetic, mesmerizing, and revealing–more than a story of murder, this is a journey into the heart of darkness.

The talented and accomplished journalist Kim Wall disappeared while interviewing an eccentric man aboard his homemade personal submarine. 

Combining true crime and a kaleidoscopic vision of the drives and physical and psychological effects connected to diving in submersibles–particularly among the relatively small number of enthusiasts who spend time at depth in personal submarines–Frank delivers a book that's harrowing, beautiful, and transformative.

This unusual book held me transfixed. It's extraordinary at the level of language. Frank layers history, obsessions, biology, technology, terrors, inhumanity, and perception into a remarkable work. His willingness to push his own limits, expose his vulnerabilities, and treat his subjects with compassion–or more visceral reactions–is inspiring. 

He explores the white-male-dominated subculture of personal submarine enthusiasts and related topics as he traces factors that led to murder. His direct approach to misogyny is refreshing.Submersed stands out as one of the most original and magical nonfiction works I've read in a long time.

Thank you, Pantheon, for the eARC for consideration. These opinions are solely my own.