Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman #Review

The perfect couple. The perfect crime?

“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 it…”

Erin is a documentary filmmaker on the brink of a professional breakthrough; Mark is a handsome investment banker with a bright future. They seem to have it all, until Mark loses his job and cracks start to appear in their perfect life. But they’re determined to make it work. They book their dream honeymoon and trust that things will work out – after all, they have each other.

On the tropical island of Bora Bora, Mark takes Erin scuba diving. Mark is with her – she knows he’ll keep her safe. Everything will be fine. Until they find something in the water…

Erin and Mark decide to keep their discovery a secret - after all, if no one else knows, who would be hurt? Their decision will trigger a devastating chain of events which will endanger everything they hold dear.

‘A wild, page-turning ride! It’s the perfect beach read!’ Reese Witherspoon 

Something in the Water was selected for the Reese Witherspoon Book Club in July 2018 and has been optioned by Twentieth Century Fox for adaption, with Reese Witherspoon attached to produce. 

My Thoughts

This fast-paced thriller leads you through the story at a slightly breathless speed. You are given Erin's perspective and at times can hardly believe what she decides to do next. It can certainly be described as a page-turner. You can't help but wonder what you would do in Erin and Mark's shoes, at each twist and turn.

    I found the opening chapter to be so vivid that it hooks you right into the story, at the same time, giving you an inkling about some of Erin's qualities. She has an independent streak and a wry sense of humour, with the ability to stay calm on the outside and get things done. How far she actually thinks through the implications of her actions, I'm not sure. She certainly acts on impulse. 

    With its short chapters and plot driven impetus, it would be an ideal holiday read as you can pick it up and start reading on easily. I enjoyed the symmetry of the story structure as events turn full circle and all in all, I found it to be an enjoyable read.

In short: Twists and turns keep this crime thriller moving!

About the Author

Catherine Steadman is an actress and writer based in North London. She has appeared in leading roles on British television as well as on stage in the West End, most recently in Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution in 2018. In 2016 she was nominated for Laurence Olivier Award for her performance in Oppenheimer. She is best known for her role as Mabel Lane Fox in Downton Abbey.  

She grew up in the New Forest and lives with a small dog and average sized man. Something in the Water is her first novel and her second is due for release in early 2020. 

You can follow Catherine here: Twitter   |  Instagram  

Book links: Amazon UK   |  Amazon US

Thanks to  Catherine Steadman, Simon & Schuster, and Anne Cater of Random Things Tours  for a copy of the book and a place on the tour. 

                                                         Check out the rest of the tour!