Something in the Water

Something in the Water
by Catherine Steadman
Pages: 342
Published by Ballantine
Publication Date June 5th 2018
Source: Library
Genres: Thriller
Goodreads

A shocking discovery on a honeymoon in paradise changes the lives of a picture-perfect couple in this taut psychological thriller debut--for readers of Ruth Ware, Paula Hawkins, and Shari Lapena. If you could make one simple choice that would change your life forever, would you?

Erin is a documentary filmmaker on the brink of a professional breakthrough, Mark a handsome investment banker with big plans. Passionately in love, they embark on a dream honeymoon to the tropical island of Bora Bora, where they enjoy the sun, the sand, and each other. Then, while scuba diving in the crystal blue sea, they find something in the water. . . .

Could the life of your dreams be the stuff of nightmares?

Suddenly the newlyweds must make a dangerous choice: to speak out or to protect their secret. After all, if no one else knows, who would be hurt? Their decision will trigger a devastating chain of events. . . .

Have you ever wondered how long it takes to dig a grave?

Wonder no longer. Catherine Steadman's enthralling voice shines throughout this spellbinding debut novel. With piercing insight and fascinating twists, Something in the Water challenges the reader to confront the hopes we desperately cling to, the ideals we're tempted to abandon, and the perfect lies we tell ourselves.

Goodreads Progress

Have you ever wondered how long it takes to dig a grave? Wonder no longer. It takes an age. However long you think it takes, double that.

That opening line had me at hello and grabbed my attention as to learn not only who she was burying but why.

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes while Mark and, particularly Erin were planning their wedding. Their theme being “We can’t afford this but it’s our special day and we want to feel like a Prince and Princess before we go bankrupt”. Sadly, that is not an exaggeration.

I feel like this is just stating the obvious. With every turn I questioned their judgement, starting with picking up the damn bag in the first place until the very last sentence it was stupid decision after stupid decision. Was there something in the water that was making them stupid?

This mainly surrounded the USB and getting rid of the diamonds that were both found in the bag.  The attempts to dispose of these items came across as a flounder and I felt the author stumbled on how to go about it.  However, she had great pacing that kept my interest and for the most part was able to overlook it.

Mark is creepy and clearly secretive.  I wanted to yell at Erin to run as far away as possible and don’t look back.  I could see the wheels turning in his brain that something evil was afoot, I just didn’t know when the other shoe was going to drop.

The ending of Something in the Water had me on the edge of my seat.  However, I would have really liked to have known what was on the USB.  Sure it was bad but, was it Russians hacking the 2016 election bad or Erin Brockovich winning Best Picture bad?  Inquireing minds want to know.  Overall, I found it an entertaining, satisfying read.

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• Reese Witherspoon Book Club Challenge