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Saltwater
Win a free print copy of this book!
16 days and 15:45:41
15 copies available
U.S. only
In 1992 Sarah Lingate is found dead below the cliffs of Capri, leaving behind her three-year-old daughter, Helen. Despite suspicions that the old-money Lingates are involved, Sarah’s death is ruled an accident, and every year the family returns to prove it’s true. But on the thirtieth anniversary of Sarah’s death, the Lingates arrive at the villa to find a surprise waiting for them—the necklace Sarah was wearing the night she died.
336 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication March 25, 2025
About the author
Katy Hays
3 books779 followersKaty Hays is the author of The Cloisters, a New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller, as well as Read With Jenna Pick. In addition to writing, Katy works as an adjunct Art History Professor, teaching rural students from Truckee to Tecopa. She holds an MA in Art History from Williams College and pursued her PhD in Art History at UC Berkeley. Her academic writing has been published by Ashgate, an imprint of Routledge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews
July 31, 2024
ARC for review. To be published March 25, 2025.
This started slow but ended up as a very respectable sophomore novel that is both family drama and thriller. And it really makes you want to go to Capri, though I think I would feel really, really poor there.
In 1992 Sarah Lingate was found dead below the cliffs of Capri. She left behind her three year old daughter, Helen and husband. Her death was determined to be an accident even though most people think her in-laws and/or husband, the Lingates are involved and their old money in shielding them.
Thirty years later the Lingates arrive back at the same villa in Capri for their annual vacation. Helen is essentially held prisoner, Britney style. When they arrive so does a package containing the necklace Sarah was wearing on the night she died. Helen decides to use this as an opportunity to escape from her family and enlists the help of family employee Lorna Moreno. Then Lorna disappears. Where is she and what happened to Sarah?
Nice stuff. A perfect beach/pool read.
This started slow but ended up as a very respectable sophomore novel that is both family drama and thriller. And it really makes you want to go to Capri, though I think I would feel really, really poor there.
In 1992 Sarah Lingate was found dead below the cliffs of Capri. She left behind her three year old daughter, Helen and husband. Her death was determined to be an accident even though most people think her in-laws and/or husband, the Lingates are involved and their old money in shielding them.
Thirty years later the Lingates arrive back at the same villa in Capri for their annual vacation. Helen is essentially held prisoner, Britney style. When they arrive so does a package containing the necklace Sarah was wearing on the night she died. Helen decides to use this as an opportunity to escape from her family and enlists the help of family employee Lorna Moreno. Then Lorna disappears. Where is she and what happened to Sarah?
Nice stuff. A perfect beach/pool read.
July 29, 2024
I think a lot of people will really enjoy this one. A mystery where Helen’s mom disappeared many years ago and now they are back in Capri and someone else disappears. But not only that, the way Helen is treated by the family is just bizarre and very controlling.
Personally, I didn’t really enjoy the writing style of this one. It went back and forth from past to present, which doesn’t bother me usually, but something about the way it was done made it a little confusing and hard to follow. It just felt a little chaotic.
The story itself needed a bit more suspense too. I think a lot of people will like this one more than I did. For me, it just wasn’t my favorite read, but it is still readable.
Thanks to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Personally, I didn’t really enjoy the writing style of this one. It went back and forth from past to present, which doesn’t bother me usually, but something about the way it was done made it a little confusing and hard to follow. It just felt a little chaotic.
The story itself needed a bit more suspense too. I think a lot of people will like this one more than I did. For me, it just wasn’t my favorite read, but it is still readable.
Thanks to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2024
****8/20/24**** Finished this up on a recent trip and really liked it. You get a rich family, deep psychological drama/mystery, layer upon layer of secrets and family drama - all set in sparkling exotic Capris. I didn't see the finish coming at all. A little darker than I might have liked, but very good. 4+ stars and thank you, NetGalley!
**** 8/4/24 **** Thank you, NetGalley, for a pre-release ARC of Saltwater to read and review. This is a mystery/thriller set in beautiful Capri, Italy, that I've just dived into. Well-written with a female protagonist working for a wealthy family, but she has also secretly befriended the daughter in the family who referred her for the job. It is hard to tell who the allies are vs. foes, although clearly the girl's father and his brother look like the bad guys. But what about the daughter's boyfriend? And what really happened to the girl's mother so many years ago??? I'm only 20% in so I'll have to report back, but very good so far! Fellow netgalley reviewers - request this one - not due for publishing until 3/25/25.
**** 8/4/24 **** Thank you, NetGalley, for a pre-release ARC of Saltwater to read and review. This is a mystery/thriller set in beautiful Capri, Italy, that I've just dived into. Well-written with a female protagonist working for a wealthy family, but she has also secretly befriended the daughter in the family who referred her for the job. It is hard to tell who the allies are vs. foes, although clearly the girl's father and his brother look like the bad guys. But what about the daughter's boyfriend? And what really happened to the girl's mother so many years ago??? I'm only 20% in so I'll have to report back, but very good so far! Fellow netgalley reviewers - request this one - not due for publishing until 3/25/25.
September 1, 2024
Saltwater by Katy Hays is a tense and twisty thriller featuring family secrets and rich people behaving Blbadly, with a strong sense of place that transports the reader to the glistening shores and plummeting cliffsides of the island of Capri.
The Lingate family is Old Money with a fixation on maintaining appearances, even when this means closing ranks when one of their own dies suspiciously. As an adult, Helen, the daughter of the deceased, just wants to live in the present, but her family seems tied down by the past. She would do anything to escape the bonds of her overly controlling family in order to experience true freedom for the first time in her life. Lorna is similarly ready to free herself from the life she is forced to live in the shadow of the rich and powerful. The two women plot together to free themselves from the unwanted constraints of the Lingates and other families like them.
This was a decent thriller with conspiring, betrayal, and murder, all set in enticing locales such as an Italian villa and on the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Who can be trusted?
One aspect of this story that didn't work so great for me was that the chapters alternated amongst three timelines but each occurring in the same locations with almost the exact same characters present, which got confusing at times. "Okay, so this chapter picks back up with Helen on a boat with Ciro, but is this the time Freddy was there with them, or Lorna? Was this before or after that other event? I can't remember!"
Things get a tad bit convoluted and farfetched as truths are revealed, but overall I enjoyed this bracing story of suspense.
There is sexual content in this story, but nothing that happens on the page. There is violence, although nothing super graphic.
Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
The Lingate family is Old Money with a fixation on maintaining appearances, even when this means closing ranks when one of their own dies suspiciously. As an adult, Helen, the daughter of the deceased, just wants to live in the present, but her family seems tied down by the past. She would do anything to escape the bonds of her overly controlling family in order to experience true freedom for the first time in her life. Lorna is similarly ready to free herself from the life she is forced to live in the shadow of the rich and powerful. The two women plot together to free themselves from the unwanted constraints of the Lingates and other families like them.
This was a decent thriller with conspiring, betrayal, and murder, all set in enticing locales such as an Italian villa and on the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Who can be trusted?
One aspect of this story that didn't work so great for me was that the chapters alternated amongst three timelines but each occurring in the same locations with almost the exact same characters present, which got confusing at times. "Okay, so this chapter picks back up with Helen on a boat with Ciro, but is this the time Freddy was there with them, or Lorna? Was this before or after that other event? I can't remember!"
Things get a tad bit convoluted and farfetched as truths are revealed, but overall I enjoyed this bracing story of suspense.
There is sexual content in this story, but nothing that happens on the page. There is violence, although nothing super graphic.
Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 29, 2024
I received an advanced copy of Saltwater from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is the best thriller of 2025! Saltwater is the perfect combination of The Fury, The Villa, and Daisy Darker and is better than all three. Hays slowly unveils twist after twist and just when the reader is sure where the novel is going, a previously hinted at truth is revealed. Some of the best villan monologues, red herrings, and bait and switches in modern crime fiction. Be aware of every detail, because this book is masterly crafted and no plot element is wasted. highly recommended.
This is the best thriller of 2025! Saltwater is the perfect combination of The Fury, The Villa, and Daisy Darker and is better than all three. Hays slowly unveils twist after twist and just when the reader is sure where the novel is going, a previously hinted at truth is revealed. Some of the best villan monologues, red herrings, and bait and switches in modern crime fiction. Be aware of every detail, because this book is masterly crafted and no plot element is wasted. highly recommended.
September 2, 2024
Sarah died many years ago. Her death was ruled an accident. Her family thinks she was murdered. This book kept me guessing until the very end.
August 1, 2024
Secrets. Betrayals. Old money. Murder. All on warm boozy summer nights on the idyllic island of Capri. Buckle up for a ride with the Lingates. A fabulously wealthy family fueled by haunting pasts, secret suspicions and wicked characters you will love to hate.
Admittedly I am not a murder/suspense reader but this plot and setting was too good for me to pass up. I think many readers will enjoy this title.
It does have varying character POVs and skips in time. However, the twisty plot turns, good pacing and captivating details will keep most readers in the pocket. The setting descriptions are fantastic. I feel like Capri was as much a player in the story as the characters. The ending was a little much for me but overall perfectly entertaining summer read!
It hits shelves May 2025. Pick it up for your Memorial Day weekend. Tell the Lingates I sent you. :)
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballentine Books for this advance readers copy. Congratulations to Katy Hays, think you got yourself another winner!
Admittedly I am not a murder/suspense reader but this plot and setting was too good for me to pass up. I think many readers will enjoy this title.
It does have varying character POVs and skips in time. However, the twisty plot turns, good pacing and captivating details will keep most readers in the pocket. The setting descriptions are fantastic. I feel like Capri was as much a player in the story as the characters. The ending was a little much for me but overall perfectly entertaining summer read!
It hits shelves May 2025. Pick it up for your Memorial Day weekend. Tell the Lingates I sent you. :)
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballentine Books for this advance readers copy. Congratulations to Katy Hays, think you got yourself another winner!
August 15, 2024
This was more family drama than a mystery/thriller. Set on Capri, the Lingate family is once again vacationing at the home where Sarah Lingate died in 1992. Her death was ruled a suicide but many people disagreed with that verdict. Now in the present another disappearance has occurred and events seem to be repeating themselves. Told from several different points of view the reader is left wondering what really happened to Sarah, and Lorna.
I enjoyed reading about the picturesque setting however in terms of keeping my interest this book failed. The book was a little slow and predictable at points. I also ended up not liking any of the characters. All of them were selfish and money hungry. It is hard to be invested in a book when you really don't like the characters. There were a couple of twists at the end but I am left with several questions. Overall, this book was only ok for me.
Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
I enjoyed reading about the picturesque setting however in terms of keeping my interest this book failed. The book was a little slow and predictable at points. I also ended up not liking any of the characters. All of them were selfish and money hungry. It is hard to be invested in a book when you really don't like the characters. There were a couple of twists at the end but I am left with several questions. Overall, this book was only ok for me.
Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
August 3, 2024
Saltwater is a juicy book about old money family relationships and MURDER! The premise hooked me right off the bat when the author introduces the Lingate family and the death of Sarah Lingate. The reader gets a glimpse into the lifestyles of the family where all the glitters is definitely not gold. I appreciated the different timelines (1992 when Sarah died & the 2022 current timeline) and thought the author weaved those well together. A solid 4 star for me, I would read more by Katy Hays.
August 25, 2024
This one took me by surprise! So well written and well thought out that I felt so incredibly satisfied by the ending.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sending this eARC.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sending this eARC.
July 27, 2024
This is a fascinating look at a family and all their secrets from 1992 to the present. Initially, Sarah Lingate's dead, bloated body is found in the sea and no one knows anything, Now in the present, her daughter Helen awaits her best friend, Lorna as it appears they hatched some plot together. But Lorna has apparently disappeared and that worries Helen as "the plan" involved both of them and Lorna wouldn't do this to her. Hays reveals lots of duplicity that leads to blackmail, extortion, and murder which always proves that families can be messy--especially wealthy ones!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
August 28, 2024
oooooh an island, a rich family, and a 30 year old murder that comes back into play.
this started off really slow and took me days to finally get into. but once it got to 70% it really picked up and i finished it quickly! this premise was really intriguing and i formed a love hate relationship with each character.
i sort of had a theory about the ending that proved to be correct, but it still had so many turns that i was shocked by the last page.
thanks to NetGalley for the arc!
this started off really slow and took me days to finally get into. but once it got to 70% it really picked up and i finished it quickly! this premise was really intriguing and i formed a love hate relationship with each character.
i sort of had a theory about the ending that proved to be correct, but it still had so many turns that i was shocked by the last page.
thanks to NetGalley for the arc!
September 14, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC.
I finished this book with mixed feelings. I went in with high hopes based on the premise, as mysteries and dysfunctional family dynamics both appeal to me. The writing itself was lovely, and it's clear this book was well thought out. The characters are all flawed, even the main narrators, but they were interesting and Lorna in particular had a fascinating perspective. This book also really, really made me want to go to Italy.
It was a slowburn, which I don't often mind, but this just felt drawn out. It felt much longer than it actually was. The twists and reveals, at first, were predictable to me but I was okay with that. It made sense and was satisfying. The final twists did manage to surprise me, but they were too similar, in my opinion. The final twist was a bit lackluster coming right after the reveal just before it.
Overall, it was a fun read, and I still had a good time with it.
I finished this book with mixed feelings. I went in with high hopes based on the premise, as mysteries and dysfunctional family dynamics both appeal to me. The writing itself was lovely, and it's clear this book was well thought out. The characters are all flawed, even the main narrators, but they were interesting and Lorna in particular had a fascinating perspective. This book also really, really made me want to go to Italy.
It was a slowburn, which I don't often mind, but this just felt drawn out. It felt much longer than it actually was. The twists and reveals, at first, were predictable to me but I was okay with that. It made sense and was satisfying. The final twists did manage to surprise me, but they were too similar, in my opinion. The final twist was a bit lackluster coming right after the reveal just before it.
Overall, it was a fun read, and I still had a good time with it.
August 2, 2024
4.5. Thank you @netgalley and @randomhouse for this advance copy.
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I know it’s not cool to talk about a book that doesn’t come out until March, but I couldn’t resist. Do you see this gorgeous beachy cover?! The descriptions of Capri and twisty, page turning plot make Saltwater a perfect binge worthy summer read. This is a slow burn, thriller-esque rich people behaving badly family drama. All my favorite bookish buzz words. The reader is dropped into the story with multiple POVs and it took some time to orient in the beginning. There are lots of secrets, and you aren’t sure who knows what and where loyalties lie. But that all just upped the suspense and intrigue for me. I could not put this down! An impressive sophomore novel from the author of the Read with Jenna pick, The Cloisters.
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I know it’s not cool to talk about a book that doesn’t come out until March, but I couldn’t resist. Do you see this gorgeous beachy cover?! The descriptions of Capri and twisty, page turning plot make Saltwater a perfect binge worthy summer read. This is a slow burn, thriller-esque rich people behaving badly family drama. All my favorite bookish buzz words. The reader is dropped into the story with multiple POVs and it took some time to orient in the beginning. There are lots of secrets, and you aren’t sure who knows what and where loyalties lie. But that all just upped the suspense and intrigue for me. I could not put this down! An impressive sophomore novel from the author of the Read with Jenna pick, The Cloisters.
July 28, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC.
This was a slow burn full of family drama inside a very rich family.
With picturesque descriptions of Italy's Island of Capri, endless drama and jealousy, and death, this really drew me in.
The best thing about a slow burn mystery is crazy twists at the end that you never saw coming. Katy Hays really tricked me, not once, but twice, and I love her for it. The surprises at the end were so shocking to me, I finished this book with my jaw on the floor.
I definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a great mystery about a crazy family willing to do whatever it takes to "protect" their own.
This was a slow burn full of family drama inside a very rich family.
With picturesque descriptions of Italy's Island of Capri, endless drama and jealousy, and death, this really drew me in.
The best thing about a slow burn mystery is crazy twists at the end that you never saw coming. Katy Hays really tricked me, not once, but twice, and I love her for it. The surprises at the end were so shocking to me, I finished this book with my jaw on the floor.
I definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a great mystery about a crazy family willing to do whatever it takes to "protect" their own.
July 24, 2024
I was immediately drawn in by the synopsis and the book did not disappoint. Rich people acting weird, having secrets, and an unresolved death? Sign me up. I did find myself wishing there was more to it in a way, more description, more suspense, more twists. But it was a fun read nonetheless. I really enjoyed the characters, the ones I liked and the ones I couldn’t stand- which always makes for a better read.
August 1, 2024
thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review!
yeah this one just didn't do it for me. I'm stunned to see it's only 336 pages in print, as it felt way longer than that. I think this book needed to be about a third shorter... it felt overly long and drawn out. I think this writer is good but also she has sort of a dreamy quality to her writing that doesn't work much in a thriller. the characters are kind of generic Terrible Rich People. some of the twists toward the end are quite good, and some are absurdly implausible. idk! not terrible but just did not do it for me.
yeah this one just didn't do it for me. I'm stunned to see it's only 336 pages in print, as it felt way longer than that. I think this book needed to be about a third shorter... it felt overly long and drawn out. I think this writer is good but also she has sort of a dreamy quality to her writing that doesn't work much in a thriller. the characters are kind of generic Terrible Rich People. some of the twists toward the end are quite good, and some are absurdly implausible. idk! not terrible but just did not do it for me.
July 27, 2024
“On glittering Capri, anything can be a mirage. And no one holds a grudge like a family.”
In 1992, Sarah Lingate is found dead beneath the cliffs of dazzling Capri, leaving behind her 3-year old daughter, Helen. Despite suspicions that the wealthy Lingate family was involved, Sarah’s death was ultimately ruled an accident, and every year they return to prove it.
30 years later when the family arrives in Capri, Helen is desperate to escape from the grasp of her family’s paranoia and secrets, and enlists the help of her uncle’s assistant, Lorna. When an unexpected gift arrives at the Villa, the Lingate family is haunted by the night of Sarah’s death and pushed to their breaking point. Lorna disappears, and when her mother’s case is reopened, Helen realizes that no one around her can be trusted. Tensions start to rise, and long hidden secrets boil to the surface, will everyone leave the island alive?
Saltwater is a delightful murder mystery/thriller that is brilliantly written and will captivate you from the start! This book honestly gave me “Rebecca” feels, which is one of my all time favorite books, so it’s no wonder I couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting. While mainly told from Helen’s POV, it does occasionally switch to other characters POV, and you can’t help but picture yourself on the beautiful Italian island of Capri because Hays’ writing style and descriptions are just perfection. The ending delivered a shocking twist that I loved and never saw coming. This was the first book I read by this author, but I absolutely love her writing style so it will not be my last. Also, can we talk about how beautiful the cover is! This book needs to be on my shelf for multiple reasons so I will be snagging a copy when it releases!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing- Ballentine for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
In 1992, Sarah Lingate is found dead beneath the cliffs of dazzling Capri, leaving behind her 3-year old daughter, Helen. Despite suspicions that the wealthy Lingate family was involved, Sarah’s death was ultimately ruled an accident, and every year they return to prove it.
30 years later when the family arrives in Capri, Helen is desperate to escape from the grasp of her family’s paranoia and secrets, and enlists the help of her uncle’s assistant, Lorna. When an unexpected gift arrives at the Villa, the Lingate family is haunted by the night of Sarah’s death and pushed to their breaking point. Lorna disappears, and when her mother’s case is reopened, Helen realizes that no one around her can be trusted. Tensions start to rise, and long hidden secrets boil to the surface, will everyone leave the island alive?
Saltwater is a delightful murder mystery/thriller that is brilliantly written and will captivate you from the start! This book honestly gave me “Rebecca” feels, which is one of my all time favorite books, so it’s no wonder I couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting. While mainly told from Helen’s POV, it does occasionally switch to other characters POV, and you can’t help but picture yourself on the beautiful Italian island of Capri because Hays’ writing style and descriptions are just perfection. The ending delivered a shocking twist that I loved and never saw coming. This was the first book I read by this author, but I absolutely love her writing style so it will not be my last. Also, can we talk about how beautiful the cover is! This book needs to be on my shelf for multiple reasons so I will be snagging a copy when it releases!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing- Ballentine for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 27, 2024
“Saltwater” focuses on the old money Lingate family, who return to the same rented villa in Capri every summer, despite the fact that Sarah Lingate, wife of Richard Wingate, died there under mysterious circumstances in 1992, after falling from a cliff behind the property. It was ruled accidental at the time, but lingering suspicions kept the Lingate family out of the public eye, closing ranks to protect the family despite tensions among its members.
The novel focuses on three POVs. The first perspective is Helen, the 33 year old daughter of Richard and Sarah, who is stifled by the family and wants to escape but is not provided money of her own to pursue her own interests outside of the family. The narrative also flashes back in time to Sarah’s perspective (the second POV) in the days leading up to her death. The third POV is Lorna, a friend of Helen’s who is also the personal assistant to Helen’s Uncle Marcus. Her POV includes headings with a countdown to her disappearance. There is also a hint that Lorna and Helen have devised a scheme to extort money from the family, which they will split if they are successful.
The cause of Sarah’s death and who, if anyone, could be responsible, keeps the reader intrigued, while Lorna’s disappearance is an added source of tension. It is hard to categorize this novel, as it is too slow a burn to be considered a thriller, so the best description would be mystery/intrigue with some literary fiction aspects with its theme of decay, both within the Lingate family and the villa in Capri.
On the negative side, the plot seemed slow and meandering at times, while the multiple time periods sometimes made it difficult to keep track of the different storylines, as the reader would lose the thread of a particular storyline when it was ultimately brought back into focus. That being said, the novel was well written with complex characters, a beautiful setting brought to life by vivid prose, and an intriguing plot. Although the ending seemed somewhat improbable, if the reader is willing to suspend disbelief, it makes for an interesting twist.
The novel focuses on three POVs. The first perspective is Helen, the 33 year old daughter of Richard and Sarah, who is stifled by the family and wants to escape but is not provided money of her own to pursue her own interests outside of the family. The narrative also flashes back in time to Sarah’s perspective (the second POV) in the days leading up to her death. The third POV is Lorna, a friend of Helen’s who is also the personal assistant to Helen’s Uncle Marcus. Her POV includes headings with a countdown to her disappearance. There is also a hint that Lorna and Helen have devised a scheme to extort money from the family, which they will split if they are successful.
The cause of Sarah’s death and who, if anyone, could be responsible, keeps the reader intrigued, while Lorna’s disappearance is an added source of tension. It is hard to categorize this novel, as it is too slow a burn to be considered a thriller, so the best description would be mystery/intrigue with some literary fiction aspects with its theme of decay, both within the Lingate family and the villa in Capri.
On the negative side, the plot seemed slow and meandering at times, while the multiple time periods sometimes made it difficult to keep track of the different storylines, as the reader would lose the thread of a particular storyline when it was ultimately brought back into focus. That being said, the novel was well written with complex characters, a beautiful setting brought to life by vivid prose, and an intriguing plot. Although the ending seemed somewhat improbable, if the reader is willing to suspend disbelief, it makes for an interesting twist.
August 24, 2024
This was a slow burn for me, but once the fire got going, I could barely put it down!
Wealthy "old money" Lingates operate as you might expect; personal assistants, staff in their homes, jet-setting to exotic locales for vacations - the whole she-bang. One such trip in 1992 results in the death of Sarah, mother to three year-old daughter Helen and a close knit family, on the island of Capri. While it's ruled an accident, many are suspicious and believe that the family paid off the police and others to keep the details a secret. As a result of this concern, (now adult) Helen's freedom is very limited - she's constantly under the thumb of her father and uncle, with the threat of losing her luxurious way of life with no place else to live or way to make money.
Helen befriends the family assistant, Lorna Morena, and they hatch a daring plan to escape the strict rules of the family. But before they can execute the plan, Lorna is missing on a trip to Capri. This brings the investigation back in full force threatening to expose the truth.
Thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books, and Katy Hays for the eARC.
Wealthy "old money" Lingates operate as you might expect; personal assistants, staff in their homes, jet-setting to exotic locales for vacations - the whole she-bang. One such trip in 1992 results in the death of Sarah, mother to three year-old daughter Helen and a close knit family, on the island of Capri. While it's ruled an accident, many are suspicious and believe that the family paid off the police and others to keep the details a secret. As a result of this concern, (now adult) Helen's freedom is very limited - she's constantly under the thumb of her father and uncle, with the threat of losing her luxurious way of life with no place else to live or way to make money.
Helen befriends the family assistant, Lorna Morena, and they hatch a daring plan to escape the strict rules of the family. But before they can execute the plan, Lorna is missing on a trip to Capri. This brings the investigation back in full force threatening to expose the truth.
Thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books, and Katy Hays for the eARC.
August 7, 2024
Saltwater is a twisty thriller set (mostly) on the stunning island of Capri. It starts out slow but picks up in the middle and overall I really enjoyed it. The story is told in multiple POV: Lorna and Helen in modern day, and Helen’s mother, Sarah, 20 years prior. There are lots of secrets which are revealed slowly as we peel back the layers of the mystery of the death of Sarah in 1992.
The tension is high as we learn slowly both what unfolded in 1992 and what is happening current day. Capri is a beautiful yet dangerous setting and you can feel the heat of the sun, the sharp edges of the cliffs, and the danger hidden in the water. Although I did find myself struggling to stay engaged in the first half, it did pick up in the second half and was a really exciting ride all the way to the very end.
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group, Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the gifted digital ARC to review.
The tension is high as we learn slowly both what unfolded in 1992 and what is happening current day. Capri is a beautiful yet dangerous setting and you can feel the heat of the sun, the sharp edges of the cliffs, and the danger hidden in the water. Although I did find myself struggling to stay engaged in the first half, it did pick up in the second half and was a really exciting ride all the way to the very end.
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group, Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the gifted digital ARC to review.
August 14, 2024
Wow! I’ve had Katy’s debut The Cloisters on my TBR shelf for so long, and you bet I’ll be picking it up immediately.
This book was a surprise ARC on NetGalley. I was in a rut, so I went to my shelf and picked the prettiest cover- boy, did it live up to its beauty!
I was hooked instantly. All the characters had me so intrigued. It’s hard to describe this book without spoilers. I loved Lorna and Helen. I loathed the other Lingates in such a great way- it made me root for Helen just that much more. Renata and Ciro were such great local secrets, and I’m so glad that Helen could rely on them.
I did get confused a few times, when they would jump into a flash back without any warning, but once you got used to it, they were a lot of fun.
So many twists and turns and I don’t think I saw a single one coming. So grateful for this book.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review., and it sure deserved a great one!
This book was a surprise ARC on NetGalley. I was in a rut, so I went to my shelf and picked the prettiest cover- boy, did it live up to its beauty!
I was hooked instantly. All the characters had me so intrigued. It’s hard to describe this book without spoilers. I loved Lorna and Helen. I loathed the other Lingates in such a great way- it made me root for Helen just that much more. Renata and Ciro were such great local secrets, and I’m so glad that Helen could rely on them.
I did get confused a few times, when they would jump into a flash back without any warning, but once you got used to it, they were a lot of fun.
So many twists and turns and I don’t think I saw a single one coming. So grateful for this book.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review., and it sure deserved a great one!
August 17, 2024
4.5 Stars! Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of Salt Water.
This book takes place with the beautiful backdrop of the Mediterranean and the island of Capri. If they made this into a movie what a beautiful setting it would be!
I read this book so fast even though the second half kind of dragged. There were times where the plot was a bit confusing although I think that was intentional for the “mystery” vibe. I was never sure who knew who previously or knew certain secrets etc.. so it got a bit muddy in the middle.
I enjoy a good “who done it” every once in a while, although it’s not my typical read. Overall this one was worth it and I enjoyed the characters it focused on, flaws and all. I was able to figure out one of the reveals, but not the other. Although the “big” one felt very unlikely and also a little messed up but I don’t want to spoil anything. Overall, worth the read!
This book takes place with the beautiful backdrop of the Mediterranean and the island of Capri. If they made this into a movie what a beautiful setting it would be!
I read this book so fast even though the second half kind of dragged. There were times where the plot was a bit confusing although I think that was intentional for the “mystery” vibe. I was never sure who knew who previously or knew certain secrets etc.. so it got a bit muddy in the middle.
I enjoy a good “who done it” every once in a while, although it’s not my typical read. Overall this one was worth it and I enjoyed the characters it focused on, flaws and all. I was able to figure out one of the reveals, but not the other. Although the “big” one felt very unlikely and also a little messed up but I don’t want to spoil anything. Overall, worth the read!
August 13, 2024
4.5 stars. That was crazy good, with the emphasis on crazy! Just when you are certain you know where this is going, you realize you're only half-way through and there are at least a dozen different reveals yet to come. This is a story about rich people behaving badly, but within their own familly to protect their reputations. I've often said that I don't think I'd want to be obscenely rich. All I ever wanted was to go to the store and be able to buy what I wanted/needed without having to rearrange my entire life!! I can't imagine the amount of stress having all the monies would cause with the constant worry about losing it all and having to change your entire way of life. But, I digress. This is told in several POV's, which I enjoyed as the story unfolded. If you like watching wealthy people eat their own, you will enjoy this one!!
August 25, 2024
I generally find thrillers to be very formulaic, so the question I ask myself while reading is "how well have they created within the formula?"
This novel gives us an isolated, decaying setting in a fading villa on the island of Capri, a rich family with lots of dark and sinister secrets, an 'innocent' who must be protected at all costs, a clever outsider, affairs and amorous encounters galore, money and power, and a history that is mysterious and verboten.
Reading this story is like reading through layers and layers of gauzy batting. The reader keeps unwinding bit by bit and hoping to see more clearly, but the answers keep dancing just beyond our fingertips. Though at times the pacing felt a bit slow, overall, I found this to be a satisfying read with surprises even I did not predict. Believable? No. Fun? Yes. Disappointed? Not a bit.
This novel gives us an isolated, decaying setting in a fading villa on the island of Capri, a rich family with lots of dark and sinister secrets, an 'innocent' who must be protected at all costs, a clever outsider, affairs and amorous encounters galore, money and power, and a history that is mysterious and verboten.
Reading this story is like reading through layers and layers of gauzy batting. The reader keeps unwinding bit by bit and hoping to see more clearly, but the answers keep dancing just beyond our fingertips. Though at times the pacing felt a bit slow, overall, I found this to be a satisfying read with surprises even I did not predict. Believable? No. Fun? Yes. Disappointed? Not a bit.
August 27, 2024
This book gives you a beautiful sense of place on the island of Capri. I'm ready to go! The descriptions and imagery were spot on and allowed the reader to really step into the story.
This intense family drama is full of death, secrets, money, past history and more drama. No real likable characters, but it didn't stop me from binging this well thought out plot. The amount of bread crumbs was perfection, leading you to an ending that was satisfying and a real thrill to read. There was a point in the book where I felt like all the secrets were "out", but lo and behold, there was a lot more to the story and it was such a fun read.
An easy one for me to recommend for readers who enjoy rich people behaving badly and getting away with more than they should.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the advance e-copy of this book.
This intense family drama is full of death, secrets, money, past history and more drama. No real likable characters, but it didn't stop me from binging this well thought out plot. The amount of bread crumbs was perfection, leading you to an ending that was satisfying and a real thrill to read. There was a point in the book where I felt like all the secrets were "out", but lo and behold, there was a lot more to the story and it was such a fun read.
An easy one for me to recommend for readers who enjoy rich people behaving badly and getting away with more than they should.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the advance e-copy of this book.
August 4, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Decent thriller set in picturesque Capri. Throughout the book I was definitely confused on the motivations of all the characters. Even once things started to come together it seemed like they were all trying a little too hard to protect secrets that weren’t worth murder.
A lot of the twists I didn’t see coming, so that helped my rating. But man, think people would learn to stay away from the edge of those cliffs..
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC. It was enjoyable and think will be a popular thriller when it releases!
Decent thriller set in picturesque Capri. Throughout the book I was definitely confused on the motivations of all the characters. Even once things started to come together it seemed like they were all trying a little too hard to protect secrets that weren’t worth murder.
A lot of the twists I didn’t see coming, so that helped my rating. But man, think people would learn to stay away from the edge of those cliffs..
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC. It was enjoyable and think will be a popular thriller when it releases!
August 15, 2024
Read if you like: family dramas, old money, class relations, shady pasts, multiple POVs and timelines.
I enjoyed this book for the writing and the atmosphere. It had a number of twists as well that were (mostly) well executed, if not entirely believable or shocking.
However, I felt the pacing was really slow and a lot of unnecessary detail was given. I also had a hard time with all the jumps back and forth between timelines and characters. There were also parts where the characters reflect on the past for a paragraph or two in the middle of a regular chapter that always threw me for a loop.
All the characters are quite unlikeable but that is the point. This book shows flawed characters with sometimes the best intentions. The family dynamics were interesting. The way the codependency on one another was explained was both sad but seemed authentic in their reasoning.
Overall I wouldn’t recommend this book but that may be because I was expecting a thriller and this is really more a drama about a family.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book for the writing and the atmosphere. It had a number of twists as well that were (mostly) well executed, if not entirely believable or shocking.
However, I felt the pacing was really slow and a lot of unnecessary detail was given. I also had a hard time with all the jumps back and forth between timelines and characters. There were also parts where the characters reflect on the past for a paragraph or two in the middle of a regular chapter that always threw me for a loop.
All the characters are quite unlikeable but that is the point. This book shows flawed characters with sometimes the best intentions. The family dynamics were interesting. The way the codependency on one another was explained was both sad but seemed authentic in their reasoning.
Overall I wouldn’t recommend this book but that may be because I was expecting a thriller and this is really more a drama about a family.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this eARC!
Ngl, a lot of this book was lost on me. I didn’t understand or appreciate the family’s secrecy and commitment to their “legacy” - it felt like we were missing a solid foundation on WHY they felt and acted the way they did about publicity. I didn’t connect with a *single* character, and I felt like the plot twists were too similar to one another and so back-to-back that the shock factor was taken away. I also don’t know if I read it slow, but it felt VERY long and drawn out.
2 stars for a beautiful setting and nice writing!
Ngl, a lot of this book was lost on me. I didn’t understand or appreciate the family’s secrecy and commitment to their “legacy” - it felt like we were missing a solid foundation on WHY they felt and acted the way they did about publicity. I didn’t connect with a *single* character, and I felt like the plot twists were too similar to one another and so back-to-back that the shock factor was taken away. I also don’t know if I read it slow, but it felt VERY long and drawn out.
2 stars for a beautiful setting and nice writing!
August 9, 2024
Playwright Sarah Lingate is vacationing with her husband on Capri, an island off the Italian coast, when she goes missing. Her body is eventually found and the death was ruled an accident or suicide. Thirty years later, her daughter Helen is on Capri with her family and the family's assistant Lorna. They travel to Capri every year on the anniversary of Sarah's death. During this vacation, Lorna goes missing. The Lingate family is very secretive and will do anything to keep their affairs/secrets private, especially by keeping Helen on a short leash. The book follows Helen, Lorna and Sarah. I love books that chapters have the point of view of a certain character.
I really loved this book. Having visited the island, I loved the description of Capri. It is spot on and it took me back there. I liked that the mystery was a slow burn, and at times I thought I had "figured it out" but in the end, it was a great twist on so many levels.
My only criticism and it is very minor, I did not like the Mediterranean was sometimes called 'the Med.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book.
I really loved this book. Having visited the island, I loved the description of Capri. It is spot on and it took me back there. I liked that the mystery was a slow burn, and at times I thought I had "figured it out" but in the end, it was a great twist on so many levels.
My only criticism and it is very minor, I did not like the Mediterranean was sometimes called 'the Med.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book.
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