I didn’t know what to expect going in! A collection of mini stories but really kept me intrigued- would I go out of my way for it, not really but did I enjoy the change of pace- absolutely

this book and this stories within felt important, felt prfound, felt like little imprints on your heart. they were deep but fun, they were light yet full of darker shading. this was such a interconnected group of stories that charm and compel you to read them.
the way Barbara writes her characters is really something. i really enjoyed her writing and she totally bought me in to each tale. the consistency in books like this is key. and she nailed that.

Pool Fishing is a haunting, beautifully written collection of short stories that lingers long after you finish reading. Barbara DeMarco-Barrett masterfully creates a vivid sense of place, whether it's the gritty edges of coastal California or the eerily open spaces of the desert. The settings aren’t just backdrops—they shape the characters and their actions.

Each story explores characters living on society’s fringes—women navigating complicated relationships, trauma, and deep longing. Many of the stories center on motel rooms, pools, and desert landscapes, which adds a sense of isolation and quiet tension. The characters’ choices aren’t always wise, but they feel deeply human.

I was particularly drawn to The Water Holds You Still—an unsettling, slow-burn story with unexpected twists—and Blue Martini, which captures the complicated push and pull of control and freedom. DeMarco-Barrett’s writing is atmospheric, dark, and deeply psychological, with a touch of the surreal in stories like 51 Winfield.

If you enjoy character-driven stories with a noir edge and strong female leads, Pool Fishing is worth reading. It’s unsettling in the best way—thought-provoking, layered, and completely absorbing.

The thread tying these smart noir stories together are the images of flawed young women, some unlucky and fed up, some naughty and bored. Set in the shadows of some of Southern California’s more affluent communities, “Pool Fishing” by Barbara DeMarco Barrett is a fun collection of short tales about the unthinkable choices people make when pushed to their limits. These stories showcase DeMarco’s gift for creating compelling characters and a vivid sense of place.
My favorites: “The Water Holds You Still”, a story that explores the dangers of a backyard pool. “Rowboat”, a peek into one woman’s quest for revenge on her book club’s mean girl. And “Sandman” shows the power of frightened suburban parents over a predator.
A delightful and sometimes creepy page turner.

I really enjoyed reading the different stories. Well written and makes you think. Highly recommend. The stories reflect on different characters and what is going on in their lives. I will be re reading this.

I was drawn to the women-driven stories, which are interlinked by theme and the Californian location. Love the connection through bodies of water and women behaving on instinct above all else. My favourite stories in this collection are Doors, Sea Change, and Pink Aviary. The stories are well written, but some lack a certain depth. To me, a lot of the stories felt unfinished or just not cohesive with themselves. I wanted to love this book because, in theory, it's so interesting and well written, just not executed as well. I might be too picky, but some of these story directions or endings disappointed me. I would love to re-read this if some of the stories were updated/edited.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love the stories of the different women. Each of the stories were unique and entertaining, yet it felt as if they flowed together. Barbara DeMarco-Barrett has a unique way of making it feel as if you are in the book. The characters seemed old time Hollywood and recent at the same time. I will be looking forward to more from this author.
Thank you Barbara DeMarco-Barrett and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

The good, the bad, and the ugly the lives of women in California.
The book was okay. Some of the stories held me better than others.
Honestly, I think if Barbara had written full books especially the first story, then I would have loved it even more.
I want to read more about the Pool Guy, the bad electricity, and the momma who had all the money!
That story itself is the 3 stars.

“Pool Fishing” by Barbara DeMarco-Barrett was everything I didn’t know I needed in a mystery. From the first chapter, I was hooked by the Palm Springs setting, the noir tone, and a lead character I found both relatable and refreshingly bold.

The story unfolds with a perfect mix of old-Hollywood glamour and gritty suspense. Every detail felt intentional, no fluff, just a smart and twisty mystery that kept me guessing. I loved how the clues were subtle but satisfying to piece together, and I was completely caught off guard in the best way by how it all came together.

What stood out most was how real the characters felt. You don’t just follow the story, you feel like you’re part of it. This book was impossible to put down, and it’ll definitely stick with me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC, this one’s going straight to my “must recommend” shelf!

Pool Fishing is an intriguing read. From the first short story to the last you are taken on a journey through the gritty side of Orange County from different women point of view.

I truly enjoyed diving into each short story. Although different, each story flowed into each other. It was well paced and written.

Some of the short stories are shorter than others, and I found that those stories had me wanting more. It seemed right when we were getting to the story, it was finished. That is why I rated it 4 out of 5 stars.

As with most short story collections, this one had its highs and lows, but it was probably one of the best collections I have ever read. I loveeeed the way the author writes, theres a fluidity to her language that pulls you along for the ride. My favourite story was probably the first one, but I enjoyed all of them.

Thriller lovers, watch out for the next great read. Pool Fishing by Barbara DeMarco-Barrett was a great read.

Pool fishing is an engaging collection of short stories that I read in one sitting. I enjoyed the first story the most but felt the others were underdeveloped and wished the writer delved more into each topic. I think this is a refreshing book to read during a slump or you just need a quick read.

Thank you to Kelp Books, Barbara, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this e-ARC!

Barbara Demott-Barrett's collection of short stories *Pool Fishing* has some strengths, but leaves the reader wanting more.
Demott-Barrett's prose is serviceable with some moments of genuine beauty. It's strength lies in its clarity. However, at times, her metaphors are misplaced and her style unpolished.
The stories tend toward a neo-noir genre, that romanticizes the grittier aspects of California/coastal life, including crime, drug and substance abuse, as well as abusive relationships. In and of itself, there is nothing wrong with this genre, but many of the stories are basically the same story about the same person in slightly different scenarios. There's only so much you can do when your main goal seems to be trying so hard to make smoking seem cool again. Her first story is the most interesting one, because in this story Demarco-Barrett dares to explore some themes of deeper human interest and philosophical value: dementia, aging, dealing with complex family dynamics, loss of self, etc. The choices the characters make in this story are actually intriguing.
Aside from the first and a few glimmering moments in other stories, for the most part, Demarco-Barrett shies away from diving deeply into the subject matters she approaches. She is either too timid to fully explore the implications of the issues she addresses, or is only addressing them for the *aesthetic.* I am hopeful that it is the former and that she dares to dig deeper in the future.

A collection of dark short stories Enjoyed some of the stories more than others. A very quick read. Thank you to Netgalley and Kelp Book for ARC.

I absolutely enjoyed reading this. Will definitely be recommending. Kept me really hooked I'll love to reread again

Reading “Pool Fishing” by Barbara DeMarco-Barrett was an unexpected journey into the depths of human emotion and the complexities of familial relationships. Having previously encountered DeMarco-Barrett’s work in Palm Springs Noir, I was eager to see how she would navigate the themes in this story. 

The narrative unfolds with a quiet intensity, drawing me into the protagonist’s world with subtle yet powerful prose. DeMarco-Barrett’s ability to convey profound emotions through everyday scenarios is truly remarkable. The story’s setting, presumably in a familiar Southern Californian backdrop, adds a layer of authenticity that resonated with me.

What struck me most was the story’s exploration of forgiveness and the lingering shadows of past grievances. The protagonist’s internal struggle felt palpable, and I found myself reflecting on my own experiences with reconciliation and the complexities that come with it.

DeMarco-Barrett’s writing is both evocative and restrained, allowing the reader to delve deep into the characters’ psyche without being overwhelmed. The story’s pacing is deliberate, giving each moment the space it needs to leave a lasting impact.  

In conclusion, “Pool Fishing” is a testament to DeMarco-Barrett’s skill in crafting narratives that are both intimate and universally relatable. It’s a story that lingers in the mind, prompting introspection long after the final sentence

In Pool Fishing, Barbara DeMarco-Barrett explores the lives of women on society’s fringes; emotionally, financially, or geographically; set against the gritty backdrop of coastal Orange County and the stark California desert. These dark, sensual, and atmospheric stories revolve around a converted motel and the dry heat of Palm Springs, where bodies of water often mirror the characters’ inner turmoil. Whether it’s a widow haunted by her husband’s voice through a bowling shirt or a woman entangled with a pool cleaner whose motives turn deadly, each tale is rich with tension, desire, and uneasy transformation. Strange, compelling, and deeply human, Pool Fishing is a striking collection about escape, survival, and the choices we make in the shadows. This was my first book by Barbara DeMarco-Barrett, and I look forward to reading more.

Stayed up late to Read this in a night, I really enjoyed this book. I would read more books by this author

Pool Fishing is an engaging and thoughtfully written book that offers readers a memorable experience. The story is well-paced, with a clear beginning, middle, and end, and the author does an excellent job developing the characters and setting.

The writing style is accessible yet expressive, pulling readers into the world of the story. Whether you're looking for emotional depth, intriguing plot twists, or vivid world-building, this book has something to offer. While there may be a few minor flaws—perhaps some slow sections or underdeveloped subplots—they don't significantly detract from the overall enjoyment.