Definitely the best debut novel I have ever read! This thriller was so different from other books....loved how the plot was weaved together to make a fantastic story. I've been recommending to everyone I know. Thanks for the advance copy. I'll be waiting for her next book!!!

This is not going to be an in depth review. This book has to many ways that I could spoil it unintentionally by writing it up.

Let's just say it's a story about a young couple on their honeymoon in Bora Bora. They find something in the water while scuba diving. The book got me right from the beginning and I couldn't put it down. That's not to say that there were't things that were kind of cliche. That being said, the good out weighs the bad. My advice is to read the book!!

There is one thing that every good book has in common, regardless of genre. Any guesses? Answer: Voice. It's not something specific that can be pointed out most of the time, and it's often times subtle. This book had it from the getgo, obvious from the opening chapter. Hard to ignore. Combine that with an exciting plot and relatable characters, and you have yourself a winner - that's what we have here.

My only complaint is something I can't put my finger on, but I felt like something was missing from the plot. Ultimately there were surprises and appropriate twists and turns, but the action lagged a bit in the middle third. But the voice keeps it going and makes up for the lag in action, and it all wraps up appropriately. I could imagine some being a bit unsatisfied with the conclusion, as it does leave some questions unanswered. But for me, I felt as if enough information was shared to satisfy my commitment, and for that I'm pleased.

All things considered, Something in the Water is a good debut thriller, and I do recommend it. And with that voice...Catherine Steadman is a name to watch.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

There is a reason greed is one of the seven deadly sins. Greed can ruin the best things in life and in this case, it has its sights set on Erin and Mark, honeymooners in Bora Bora. With him recently unemployed, greed saw an opening into what otherwise may have been a beautiful marriage and partnership. A few times I wanted to yell at the characters about something stupid they had done or something I wasn't sure why they hadn't done. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and spent a lot of time wondering just where it would end up, even though Ms. Steadman tells you right at the beginning of the story. Somehow that helps build the suspense instead of ruining the book.

If possible, I'd give this one 3.5 stars. It has a very interesting premise, but there are parts that were entirely too far fetched to even be believable and those parts kept me questioning everything else.

Mark and Erin were rather unlikable and I didn't find myself with a lot of sympathy for them and the mess they were embroiled in. All along, at every step, they had decisions to make and they almost without fail chose the worst they could have.

It was odd to me that a couple supposedly so in love and on their dream honeymoon could so quickly unravel into two individuals completely out for themselves. Nonetheless, everyone likes different things, so give this book a shot and see what you think.

I requested this book on Netgalley and appreciate reading an early copy.

What a great debut novel. From that opening line to the very end got my attention. Could not put it down. The thrill, the suspense is there, all the what if's and what would yo do's. All the suspense and how the story develops through the pages. All the good elements that I always look forward to on a thriller this book has them.

I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I really, really enjoyed this one! Initially, I found it a tiny bit slow (other than the big shock at the beginning) but about 20% of the way in, I was glued to my seat and never looked back. I finished this one in a day, that's how good I thought it was. I found myself racing through to see what would happen. At times I found it slightly far-fetched but overall I was intrigued as to how this would all go down. Parts were slightly predictable, but that did not stop me from enjoying this book. This is a great thriller that I would highly recommend. I'd give it 4.5 stars!

I couldn't stop reading this one. I loved the suspense and how the story took off from an interesting book about newlyweds to a crazy ride after they find their 'treasure'. Ok, the decisions that make are absurd but that's what made it fun.

One thing that I think could have been better was the main character's seemingly abrupt changeover to a not-so-rational person. Would definitely recommend.

WOW! That was a wild ride and I LOVED it! I couldn't put this book down. What an original storyline. A couple finds something in the water on their honeymoon. This discovery turns into a deliciously twisted mystery for them to solve. Little did they know that this "something in the water" would become a "tidal wave" coming to destroy them.

Thank you for this ARC!

Definitely 5 stars for me. Steadman's writing style captured me, page one. Choppy and snarky at times, which I absolutely loved. Erin's thoughts were brilliantly written.

This book had complex issues but was still very much an easy read. Love, marriage, tensions with money and unemployment, murder, diamonds and huge amounts of cash.

Plus, seriously, who doesn't want to read about a honeymoon in Bora Bora?

Cannot wait for her next book!

Erin, a documentary film maker, has it all. A exciting new film project, a loving fiancé and a small but tasteful wedding coming up. Unfortunately for Erin an unexpected even on her dream honeymoon changes everything. I had a hard time with this book. After a very interesting start, I quickly got annoyed by Erin's blind faith in her perfect fiancé/husband after I saw signs of his true nature that Erin dismissed. I stuck with it because it gained strength and speed as Erin begins to figure out what was really going on. It was a good read after which you'll wonder what you would have done if you had been in Erin's shoes.

This was an okay read. I rated this book a 3.75/5. It does draw you in and you want to read more, however, I found it just alittle unbelievable at times. All on all, I would give this a read simply because of twists & turns in the plot.

Wow! Very suspenseful with lots of shocking twists and turns. I was hooked from the beginning to the end. I would definitely read more by this author.

Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman is a highly readable book with a tense atmosphere that will keep readers flipping the pages even when the plot leaves them baffled beyond belief. This book is fine, but this story does not measure up to the promise of its description. The characters aren't very complex and their actions are bizarre, verging on unrealistic, yet events conspire to vindicate all their choices. The former wouldn't be so galling were it not for the latter. There were plenty of loose ends I'd have liked to see resolved in more detail, but the ending was fitting enough for the story that was told. A thoroughly three-star read.

This one was a miss for me. I found the writing style to be very choppy which distracted me from the story itself. I also strongly disliked the characters.

Erin is someone who trusts people way too easily. She trusts her husband with everything she has and to be honest he was a jerk from the get-go. As soon as he lost his job he became a whiny baby who turned all the blame onto Erin. I continually wanted to scream at Erin about the choices she was making.

Overall, while I really wanted to love this book, I just couldn't get into it. The concept overall sounded good but I just wasn't drawn into the characters or the story all that much.

I received an advanced copy in exchange of an honest review.

I can't decide why I didn't like this book more, I just couldn't bring myself to care about these characters , wish I liked it more.

The author, Catherine Steadman, does a great job of characterization. Through thoughts, actions and conversations, Erin, the main character was brought to life, and kept me reading to find out why she was burying her husband in the beginning of the book. After the intriguing beginning, Catherine spins a tale that shows how in love the couple were, their wedding and honeymoon. It was enough to keep me reading until the very ending when all was revealed.

Now for what I didn’t like: If there was an award for the author who managed to throw the f word in a book the most times, Catherine Steadman would win it. Not only is it used as a curse word, but the main character also uses it to describe sex with her boyfriend. Most authors MIGHT throw it in now and then for emphasis, but in this book it is actually a part of the character’s speech, and up until the honeymoon, it shows up all over the place. Not only that, but she tosses in profanity against God. Too much!

This book was enjoyable. The opening definitely draws you in. The middle and bulk of the story about these characters was interesting at times and also dull at the same time. But overall the story kept me engaged and wanting to know the motivations behind the characters. I also kept wondering what I would’ve done if I were in this situation. I can picture this story being turned into a movie or television series.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher Ballantine Books for the advanced ARC. All opinions are my own.

Something’s Fishy

A newlywed couple get more than they bargained for on their honeymoon when they find a mysterious locked bag. Erin and Mark seem like the perfect couple however even early in their relationship signs appeared that these two people are not who they seem to be.

The main issue I had with this story is the utter lack of believability leading up to the dramatic end. It was absurd. I get what the story was trying to achieve however it missed the mark both in its portrayal of two people who remained so unappealing from start to finish so that it was difficult to root for anyone as well as in the story’s events and how ludicrous the plotline when viewed along a continuum.

Unless you are not paying attention, it is easy to figure out the ultimate outcome, especially after the opening chapter. No surprises there. The ending meant to be provocative or cryptic failed to tie the story together. It was awkward and out of place.

Erin is an interesting character in that she seems devious and clever in some ways but not at all smart in others creating the kind of personality paradox that doesn’t add up. None of her experiences rang true and though fiction, readers like a certain amount of reality mixed in. We were reminded over and over how physically attractive Mark is however none of his attractiveness came through.

Something in the Water is a quick and somewhat entertaining read however there are far better written books in this genre that I would suggest giving this one a pass.

BRB Rating: Skip It.

This was an enjoyable read however I’m still not really clear on the ending?? The main character, Erin, was not that bright and sometimes you wanted to yell at her “what are you doing?” But a decent summer mystery.