*Special thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for sharing this digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest review*

This book falls under the YA mystery thriller/paranormal club for me. The Drowning Summer switches between our two main characters, Evelyn and Mina as they battle creepy things that go bump in the night. And by that I mean ghosts. We're talking about ghosts here people! And boy, do I love a good, well-written ghost story. This books is definitely that and more! The book takes place in the Long Island Sound and something is causing the ghost population to act up more than normal and it's up to our budding main squeezes to figure out what. Did I mention this book has ghosts? And beautifully well written characters with great arcs? Oh and the ocean? Can't forget the ocean.

I'm getting too excited just talking about this! To the things I loved! Gosh, what didn't I love about this book?! I loved getting the dual POV and the characters really shined in both. Evelyn with all her rough edges, passionately short-tempered self, but always wearing her heart on her sleeve. While Mina stuffed any and all emotions down and never really let herself feel anything, too worried she needed to be perfect. Until, of course, Evelyn comes barging through her perfectly laid plans. As one does. I loved getting to know these two and seeing them interact with one another and the other side characters. All the characters felt three dimensional, even the side characters. They had great story arcs and felt flushed out. I enjoyed the representation with LGBTQ+ main characters and POC side characters.

The story overall really kept me hooked. The ghosts were perfectly creepy. The murder mystery kept me guessing and staying up saying "one more chapter" because I was just so enthralled with what was going on. I'm not going to go into too much here because I don't want to spoil anything for readers. Just know if you love a good ghost story with a thrilling murder mystery plot, you'll want to pick this up.

I had no issue with the pacing. Herman did an amazing job of shifting between plot and character development. Herman weaved these two narratives really well and the story never felt dull. I never felt like one or the other was lacking. I was thoroughly engrossed the whole time.

I really enjoyed getting to know the characters, the creepy atmosphere the ghosts added to the story, and trying to unravel the mysteries behind everything. The romance between the characters wasn't in your face, but a slow burn. It didn't detract from the story but added another beautiful layer to it. That slow burn got me. I was rooting for it the whole time! There were some undertones of environmental issues, mainly about the ocean and marine life. It never felt preachy to me though. Granted I care about that stuff so take that as you will.

I've already been recommending this book to people! The characters are well written and have amazing story arcs, the mystery kept me enthralled and engaged and wanting to keep reading. the ghosts were described vividly in all their ghostly eeriness. the romance was *chef's kiss*, the platonic relationships really felt believable, and I was sad when I finished the book. I can't wait to purchase my copy of this to add to my collection! And talk about it incessantly to anyone who has the misfortune to ask me about a book recommendation.