This book is so unlike anything I've read recently! It is an incredibly well written, twisty, ominous, supernatural thriller!

Jax's sister Lexie has shown sporadic behaviour in the past, so Lexie is not alarmed when she receives 10 missed calls from her in one night. However, the next day she finds out that Lexie drowned. She drowned in a natural spring at their grandmother's house, a spring that has been rumoured to have both healing and destructive powers!

I was hooked from the beginning and was totally caught up in this novel! The story is told from two different perspectives: present day Lexie, and Ethel in 1929 who visits the spring on holiday with her husband. The spring, the land it's on, and the community members all hold dark secrets! The plot is intertwined and clever- I was never completely sure which direction it was going!

SO why not five stars? I truly enjoyed this experience and was thoroughly entertained! They were a few details that I still wondered about at the end.. and I had come up with so many different plot options in my mind that it turned out just a bit simpler than I had hoped. However, this is an amazing, fast-paced, THRILLING story that I hope you will pick up too!

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

I *almost* DNF’d this book. When I was realizing it had a supernatural storyline, I got worried it wouldn’t be for me. Plots with ghost stories don’t work well for me. After chatting with a couple friends that had read it, I decided to stick with it and am glad I did.

If you are like me and hesitant for the same reason - I can say that this one was super well done. I don’t get creeped out with supernatural the same way I do with a murder-y thriller, because I have to suspend disbelief a bit, but this one definitely had some chilling aspects to it.

I loved the dual timelines and the atmospheric writing. Overall, I enjoyed the characters and the journey to figure out what exactly is going on in this seemingly haunted pool.

4.5 stars!

Suspenseful. Mysterious. Engrossing. Gothic. Atmospheric.

Jax returns to the home her sister, Lexie, inherited when their grandmother passed away. Lexie tragically drowned in the pool and Jax needs to clean up the house and determine what will happen with the property that has been in the family for generations. The house, pool and property have a very complicated and heavy history with her family. Many claim that the spring water filled pool has healing powers. Locals fear that the pool gives and can provide miracles, but it also takes away and causes irreversible loss.

I was intrigued and entranced by this story from the first to last page. The characters, the plot, the pace and flow, the atmosphere, the mystery — they were all so well developed and engrossing that I was completely consumed by every page. The novel unfolds through Past and Present timelines which I loved. Both timelines were enthralling and tension-filled. I was fully invested in both storylines. There are family secrets and mysteries that kept me guessing how everything would come together.

The writing was exquisite. This was my first book by this author and I quickly reserved her backlist from my library after finishing this one. Looking forward to diving into those!

Generally, I am not one for supernatural stories. This book does have that element but I didn’t doubt it for a minute. I was hanging on every word. As I was reading, I felt creeped out and worried, but couldn’t possibly put the book down. I highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley for my review copy!

Thank you Netgalley, Simon & Schuster Canada and the author Jennifer McMahon.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, we have two sisters who love each other in their youth yet grew apart in their later years. Family ancestral home with creepy magical pool which grants wishes, every wish granted to a person will also have consequences.
Double timeline 1929 and 2019.
Loved the characters, the storyline. I could not wait to pick up this novel again. The story draws you in like the pool.
Jaw dropping ending.
Recommend
4 stars

Hot Diggity Dang, this is one I am excited to talk about!!! Warning: It is no beach read! Don't read this one while lounging around any water!!!

Why have I waited so long to read a book by this author? I now have a few other books waiting for Lindsay and me to dive into right away.

The Drowning Kind has all the elements I love in a thriller and more with the supernatural elements to the story. It's haunting, thrilling, suspenseful, atmospheric, devilishly horrifying, and full of tension. It has one of the best protagonist I have seen in a story, but not one I want to get up close with. Not only is it the protagonist, but it's also the setting, and it one vivid, creepy, and chilling in more ways than one.

After a tragic loss, Jax returns to her Grandma's estate, where she and her sister Lexie spent summers swimming in the pool, and Lexie lived. The pool is fed by a natural spring, but that not all that feeds it. It's filled with frigid, pitch-black water that appears to be bottomless. Doesn't sound so inviting does it? The pool has a history of giving and taking something from its visitors. It has secrets it's not quickly going to give up. It's perfectly paced and layered with the pool giving up its horrifying and haunting secrets, twists, turns, and reveals just at the right time to send those delightful chills up my spine. It has a great beginning and ending, and the tension builds with each page right up to that chilling ending that left me reeling after finishing. I highly recommend it.

I loved this dark and twisted supernatural story about a haunted pool. Jackie and Lexie are sisters who spent summers at their grandmother's house. They had heard stories about the pool being a dangerous place and they were not to swim unattended. Lexie starts to manifest manic behaviors as a teen. When their grandmother dies and leaves the house to Lexie, Jackie is crushed and moves across the country for college and her career. She gets a call that Lexie is dead and returns to the house for the funeral. I love the way Ms. McMahon tells the backstory going back to the first people who owned the house. I would suggest you read this with the lights on...scary. I would highly recommend it. I received this book for free and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

Thank you to Net Galley and Simon & Schuster for the advanced readers copy.

Be careful what you wish for.

The Springs in Bradenburg are rumoured to be cursed. Still people from far and wide have tome to the springs hoping to cure their ails. What they don't all know is that the waters provide but the waters also take. The locals know better. They know to stay far away.

Jax isn't answering her phone. Her sister Lexie seems to be having another manic episode and each message she leaves is more unhinged than the last. She breathes a sigh of relief when the phone calls finally stop. But Lexis is dead. Another drowning victim of the Bradenburg springs.

Jax goes back to their family home of Sparrow Crest for Lexi's funeral and comes across her research on the history of the property. Moving between timelines we start to see the darkness shrouding the springs. The lure of the pool, the miracles of its black waters. What it's given and just how much it's taken.

Something is living in these springs. Have you seen the woman yet? Heard her siren song? Are you brave enough to try to see down to the bottom of the pool? Beware: if you fall in you may never come out.

Lots of spooky elements and a fascinating story of a family battling mental illness and a malevolent property.

Thank you to the publisher for my copy of this one, all opinions are my own.

OH MY GOODNESS this book is so insanely good! I am still totally blown away by the story, the characters, the supernatural undertones, the creepiness.....it's mind blowingly well done.

I love stories that are both plot driven, with incredibly well developed and highly colorful characters, which this book offers up chapter after chapter. The movement between the past and present was so perfectly done, with the tone of each really sending you into the era. I was totally drawn into the mystery behind what about the pool was true, and I LOVED the ghost/supernatural element to it. SO well done to be SO creepy, but in a completely believable way.

I don't want to give anything away with this one, but let me tell you, this is a must for thriller readers this year. You won't regret it, even as it haunts you after.

Jax and her older sister Lexie grew up swimming in the pool at their grandmother’s estate, so Jax is shocked to get a call informing her that Lexie has drowned there. Jax and Lexie had a strained relationship for years, even since Lexie inherited the estate. Lexie's struggles with mental illness made Jax distance herself from her sister. But when Jax arrives at the estate to go through her Lexie’s things, she learns that Lexie was researching the history of their family and the property. Why was Lexie so obsessed with the pool? Is it a tragic coincidence that Lexie ended up dying there? The tragic case of newlywed Ethel Monroe arriving at the pool in 1929 is the key. Desperately for a baby. Ethel learns that the water is rumoured to grant wishes and makes her request, never suspecting that the spring takes in equal measure to what it gives.

This was a spine-tingling supernatural suspense novel to read.

I received an eARC from Netgalley & Simon and Schuster with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.

The Drowning Kind is my 1st novel by Jennifer McMahon.
I don't believe I will ever be able to look at a pool again the same way after reading this creepy tale.
Told in two timelines - Jax 2019 and Ethel 1929 both stories center around Brandenburg Springs. People come to the Springs to make wishes, cure illnesses and recover from injuries as the Springs is believed to have healing powers. But both Jax and Ethel quickly learn that miracles from the Springs come with a price. When the water gives, the water also takes.
A unique, chilling story that I enjoyed. However, I would have enjoyed it more if the main mystery was resolved and a few of the plot points weren't left unexplained.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

This book actually had me creeped out and I loved it. I don’t think I’ve had a book make me feel this way before.

Taken from the published book (thank you, Amazon), the dedication sets the perfect mood:
“For everyone out there who has the good sense to be a little afraid when swimming in deep, dark water. You tell yourself there’s nothing down there, but there is. There always is.”

The perfect combination of mystery and history (of the local town and its people) made this book an engrossing read. I love that the book went back and forth between the present day and the history of the house, town and family. As you read more about the history you begin to piece together bits from the present and understand what had happened. I loved figuring out some of the puzzles and seeing the revealing of others.

I actually reread the epilogue right away to make sure I had read what I just read. I still don’t know how I feel about it. I feel like I need a book group to talk about it all with.

Overall I would rate this a 4.5/5 but I’m going to round it up to a 5 for the creepiness factor. I really enjoyed this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of the book to review. This review is my own opinion.

A creepy, atmospheric paranormal thriller that will have you looking over your shoulder, and checking the reflections in the water. Jennifer McMahon has brought those monsters at the bottom of the lake to life, and will have you questioning that noise.

An old pool, fed by a natural spring, and local legends of the water’s healing powers. Two families, going back several generations, with their well-being and secrets intricately entangled with the pool. And the women who have died in that pool, calling to the living, luring them with their promises. A caution to be careful what you wish for, because the pool will take what it needs in return.

This book left me with the same spine-tingling sensation that I felt as I closed the pages of du Maurier’s Rebecca, marveling at the power and malevolence of Manderley. McMahon has imbued the pool at Sparrowcrest with the same sense of foreboding and evil, challenging the reader to try to ignore its allure. This book is masterfully written, with the two timelines and POVs well-balanced and compelling. Well-paced, and intriguing to the very end. And that ending... I was not expecting that ending!! Will recommend this to those who like a bit of paranormal suspense... but don’t take it for that late-night read by the pool.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Simon and Schuster Canada for providing an advance reading copy in exchange for my honest review.

Pub date: April 6, 2021

What a chilling and atmospheric read!

Two sisters: Jax & Lexie. Grown estranged and each suffering from their own demons
+
Two interconnected timelines: 1929 and 2019
+
A mysterious natural springs that may grant wishes, but always takes something in return
= A whole lot of thrills and chills and a great read

I loved The Drowning Kind! It balances the supernatural, thriller and real world elements so well. The dual timelines were both really well developed and I was fully invested in each era of the story.

There are so many layers to the family history here and the book is rich in character development (great supporting characters too) and plotting. And that ending!!

Even if you don’t typically read supernatural thrillers, I think this one will appeal to anyone who loves a chilling and atmospheric story.

Thank you to @simonschusterca and @netgalley for the gifted ecopy.

Wow, what a book! What a story! I loved this so much.

See if this grabs you. A mysterious pool that is magical, grants wishes, heals the sicks, performs miracles. But for every gift it expects something in return. The price can be high. Dual timelines involving a desperate mother, tragic deaths, estranged sisters. Unexpected twists and turns. Lots of VERY spooky events and a VERY creepy atmosphere. Reminded me of some of Stephen King’s scariest work.

Jennifer McMahon has outdone herself with The Drowning Kind. Highly, highly recommend it and can’t wait for her next one.

It is publication day for this book, “The Drowning Kind” by Jennifer McMahon and I just finished reading it today.

It was a very good, creepy, spooky, page turner of a read that I enjoyed immensely. There are two timelines/perspectives that tell the present and past timeline of the family and their estate, both the house and pool, and I enjoyed both timelines.

You slowly learn about the family history as the story unfolds. It is a creepy but also fun read and I will not go swimming as comfortably after this read.

Be careful what you wish for, it might come true in more ways than you expect.

Thank you for the arc of this book.

This was such a chilling and atmospheric read! It had an incredibly intriguing and unique plot and was filled with just the right amount of suspense!

I really enjoyed the duel timelines storytelling as it alternated between the past of 1929 and the present time of 2019.

I thought the whole book was really well done but unfortunately I’m learning that supernatural thrillers with ghosts and paranormal aspects just aren’t my favourite sub genre. I do however recommend everyone to check it out as it was truly haunting and compelling!

“Be careful what you wish for...”

3.5 /5 stars

The Drowning Kind is my first book by this author. It is sort of a combination between Mystery/Suspense, Horror, Historical Fiction and Women's Fiction.

The prologue starts in 2000. Then we move to the present (2019). The book then alternates between the present and 1929.

The narrator is Jackie/Jax (1st person POV) who is a social worker. She grew up with her sister Lexie spending summers in Vermont at her grandmother's house called Sparrow Crest.

This story alternates with 1929. We meet 37 year old newlywed Ethel, who desperately wants a baby. She and her husband go to a fancy hotel called the Brandenburg Springs where the springs might have healing powers.

Jax's grandmother's pool also has mysteries. And this was the main focus of the book.

I don't usually like historical fiction. But in this case it worked very well for the story. I enjoyed seeing how the past and present could possibly be connected.

The part that I liked less was the horror aspect. I don't love horror. And the whole idea of the springs or people giving and taking did not really appeal to me.

Overall, this book was definitely interesting. But be warned it is super creepy. And the ending was disturbing.

This book was extremely haunting and chilling.

The Drowning Kind by Jennifer McMahon is a supernatural thriller.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Simon & Schuster, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


My Synopsis:   (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Jax and her sister Lexie were so close as they grew up, even though her sister was often a bully.  But when their grandmother dies and leaves her home (Sparrow Crest) to Lexie,  Jax's jealousy prevents her from sharing in her sisters good fortune.  They have not been in touch for over a year.

When her sister starts calling again, Jax ignores the calls.  Lexie's mental health issues are horrendous when she doesn't take her meds, and Jax is sick of rushing to her rescue. But when she gets a call from her aunt, telling her that Lexie has drowned in the pool they grew up playing in, Jax returns to Sparrow Crest.

Jax is determined to understand what happened.  She wants to uncover the history of her family and the property that have been kept secret from her all these years.  But then, Lexie was looking into the same thing.

The pool has always had a reputation.  People came from far and wide to swim in it's dark waters and to drink from it's murky depths.  For it is widely known that the pool can heal.  It is also known that what the pool gives, the pool takes.  And now it appears it has taken Lexie.


My Opinions:   
OMG....this was an edge-of-your-seat page turner!  I absolutely loved it.

This was a ghost story that will make me think twice every time I step into the murky waters of an unknown body of water.  That "pool" came to life for me.  It was a creepy spot, and the author made sure you knew it!  She nailed the atmosphere all around that place!

The story is told in the both the present (Jax's story in 2019), and the past (Ethel's story showing how the house came to be, in 1929).  Both stories were equally compelling.

I loved the characters, both past and present, although I wasn't overly fond of Lexie or Ted.  But that really didn't matter...they fit the story perfectly.

The writing was excellent.  It was a really fast read....there was no putting this one down!  I have a couple of other books by this author, and they have just moved up my TBR pile.

Definitely recommend this one...grab it if you are in the mood to be freaked out a little.

Creepy but you’re never sure if it’s all in their heads. Fantastic read. Not always a fan of books where the story jumps between past and present, but this kept you interested. Reading a bit about the past and how it all links up really holds your attention. Wished to have seen more insight into Lexie’s “research”, but it all made sense in the end.

Thank you to @netgalley & @simonschusterca & @jennifermcmahonwrites for sending me an E-ARC of her upcoming book the Drowning Kind out April 6th!!!
I found this a slow burn book and i really enjoyed it!! It was REALLY creepy which Jennifer does sooo well!! I’m not a big fan of supernatural & ghost stories but Jennifer does such a good job with them! I was really captivated from the first couple chapters and was not disappointed!! The ending i did NOT see coming which i also love!!!