Let me tell you, T.J. Newman's "Drowning" just hijacked my entire evening (in the best way possible!). If you see me with permanent hand cramps, you'll know why. I've been on this whole 'flight thriller' kick lately, and let me just say, this one? Chef's kiss. It's like she looked into my soul and wrote the exact book I needed.
Seriously, from the moment that plane hit the water, I was gone. I was basically holding my breath right along with the characters. It's not just that it's suspenseful—it's scary real. You can practically feel the icy water and the panic. I was so invested, I might as well have been wearing a life vest.
What really got me, though, was how much I cared about everyone on that plane. You know how sometimes you read thrillers and the characters are just cardboard cutouts? Not here! Newman really digs into their lives, their secrets, their fears. I was rooting for them, crying for them, and basically having a full-on emotional breakdown with them.
And the pacing? Forget about it! It's like a rollercoaster that never slows down. I was flipping pages so fast, I thought I'd get paper cuts. I finished it in one go, because there was no way I was putting it down.
I’m giving this a solid 5 stars, even though I'd happily give it 4.5. It was just that good. If you're looking for a book that will make your heart race and keep you up way past your bedtime, "Drowning" is your answer. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. My 'flight thriller era' just found its queen!"

Fantastic. Phenomenal. Everything I could have asked for in a fast paced, edge of your seat thriller!

Drowning by T.J. Newman is an adrenaline-fueled thriller that pulls you in from the very first page and doesn’t let go. The novel’s gripping premise—survivors trapped inside a sinking plane—creates a relentless sense of urgency that keeps the tension high throughout. Newman, a former flight attendant, brings a sense of realism to the technical details, making the story feel authentic and immersive. The emotional stakes are just as intense as the physical danger, with well-drawn characters fighting against impossible odds. While some plot points feel predictable and a few moments lean into melodrama, the fast pace and cinematic storytelling make up for it. This is a high-octane survival thriller that will keep readers turning pages late into the night. Fans of Falling and disaster fiction in general will love it. A solid, heart-pounding read that delivers suspense, action, and emotion in equal measure.

Not sure why I decided to read this 2 weeks before I take a flight 🥲

This was kinda average for me, I like how fast paced it was and that there was always something happening but the character pov’s let it down for me.

I really didn’t enjoy the back and forth of multiple pics throughout one chapter as I would just get confused and forget whose mind I was in at the time.

Not much else to say on this unfortunately, I think I liked the first book a little more.

Oh MY GOD. This book. I mean, really. This book had me hooked from the first moment. The concept is absolutely terrifying and you probably shouldn't read if you're claustrophobic. This was the kind of book that you could see playing out cinematically in your head. Absolute adrenaline rush.

The premise of Drowning by T.J. Newman is undeniably gripping, but much like my experience with her previous work, the delivery fell short of my expectations. The concept—a plane crash in an ocean and a desperate fight for survival—sets the stage for a nail-biting thriller. However, the execution left me wanting more.

While the stakes are undeniably high, I found myself struggling to stay immersed. The pacing felt uneven, with stretches that lacked the action and suspense the synopsis promised. The main characters, unfortunately, came across as somewhat stereotypical, which made it harder to connect with them on an emotional level. For a story with such life-and-death stakes, I wanted to feel more invested in their fates.

That said, Drowning is still a solid "light" read. For fans of thrillers who enjoy high-concept plots and can overlook some narrative flaws, this book has its moments. Just beware: if you’re catching a flight anytime soon, you might find your thoughts wandering uncomfortably back to this story!

Immediately pulls you in and the adrenaline never stops flowing. Drowning by T.J. Newman is an action packed thriller that is hard to put down. Perfect for an exciting weekend read. Relationships, humanity, time pressure to save lives, science and engineering, and gut wrenching decisions…Drowning is enthralling until the very end.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book so that I could share my thoughts about the novel.

Was I an idiot for reading this book while I was sitting on a plane flying through the air? Yes. Was I thrilled, entertained, and captivated? Also yes. TJ Newman does flight thrillers like no one else, and this one is fantastic. I'd love to listen to an audiobook of Newman's work someday and hope those will be available here soon. The fast pace and continuous thrills made this one almost literally unputdownable. This book would also make a great movie. Hollywood, get on it! Highest recommendation.

The fact that a flight attendant wrote the first book in this series while being up in the air is amazing to me! Newman’s airline experience really helps her bring those stories to life! The fact that two have been optioned for the big screen is no surprise- they could definitely be blockbusters!

✈️Falling - When confronted with terrorism, a pilot must make difficult choices to try to keep everyone (onboard and on land) safe.

✈️Drowning - Six minutes into the flight a plane crashes into the water. After an attempted evacuation, twelve passengers and crew are trapped inside a sinking plane!

✈️ Worst Case Scenario - Following a medical emergency, a plane crashes into a nuclear power plant. The workers on the ground need to figure out how to contain the radiation!

All three of these books will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. Such a thrill ride

Another faced paced adventure that keeps you at the edge of your seat. I finished this one in one sitting . I have to say I really enjoy listening to Steven Weber and I’m a little disappointed he’s not narrating this author’s latest novel !

My rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audio rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💫

This was such a unique story and I was gripped pretty instantly. It did get a little too technical for me at times but I really liked it and needs to be made into a movie ASAP. This would also be a great choice for any men in your life! Thank you to Avid Reader Press and Netgalley for my copy!

Wow! I heard a lot of great things about T.J. Newman’s writing so I decided I would read one of her books. And all I can say is anxiety!! But I don’t mean this as a bad thing.

I knew after reading the summary, this book was about a plane crashing into the ocean. But what was inside was a bit more thrilling than the caption! I was on the edge of my seat through this entire book. I read it in one sitting because I could not put it down and not know how it ended. I found myself reading faster as things were progressing with the book as well.

Overall I thought this was a great read and I can’t wait to pick up another book by this author!

I read Falling a few years ago and loved it so much. I was dubious that Drowning would live up to the expectations but I needn’t have worried. It was incredible! I even preferred it to Falling! If you love a disaster movie style thriller, you’ll love this!

I recently finished my second T.J.Newman book and I throughly enjoyed it more then their debut! So much action was packed into this 300 page book that I was able to fly through it (pun intended) in less than a couple of days. While some of the events did seem a little farfetched it still meant for an on the edge of your seat ride where I was dying to know the end.

I really enjoyed Falling and I read this one even faster. It had me on the edge of my sit not knowing how it was going to turn out for each passenger. Can’t wait for her next book!

“Drowning” is about an airplane that falls into the sea thus the title. I loved this book especially towards the end. There were a lot of technical talk that was a bit hard to understand. I would love to see this in the big screen. I love how straightforward and fast paced this is. Minus one star for being cliché and predictable.

Thank you Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for the early copy.

The idea of this book is so fresh and new. It starts off with a bang. The opening scenes are exciting and tense. I couldn't wait to continue reading.

You can tell the author has knowledge of flight procedures which adds to the experience.

It is also obvious as the events continue that the author has done their best to understand diving. There are a few layman misconceptions that are addressed by the characters during the story, which I took note of and appreciated.

I loved everything about the plot. The story is well thought out and developed.

I can say that my engagement steadily declined along with the pacing and the introduction of Chris.

We have yet another strong female lead who can do.. anything.. just because.

The flashback made the pacing go from 10 to 1, and for some reason, I just never recovered.

Unfortunately, I didn't care for or bond with any of the characters. This really hindered my enjoyment. I didn't really mind if they lived or died, so I was left with no suspense.

I needed someone to care about.

T.J. Newman’s Drowning is a gripping and intense thriller that showcases the author’s knack for crafting high-stakes narratives with deeply human elements. Having thoroughly enjoyed Newman’s previous work, I was eager to dive into this novel, and it did not disappoint. Drowning offers a compelling mix of psychological tension and emotional depth, making it a standout read.

At its core, Drowning presents a harrowing scenario: passengers trapped on a sinking plane, struggling to survive against insurmountable odds. Newman excels in creating a palpable sense of fear and urgency, immersing readers in the dire situation with vivid and heart-pounding scenes. The claustrophobic environment of the plane, combined with the ticking clock of their impending doom, builds tension that keeps readers on edge.

The passengers, each with their own backgrounds and personal stakes, are rendered with remarkable realism. Their fears, hopes, and vulnerabilities are portrayed with such authenticity that readers become deeply invested in their fates. The author’s ability to humanize these characters amid the chaos adds a layer of emotional weight to the story, making their struggles feel both urgent and poignant.

Equally compelling are the rescue teams working tirelessly to save the stranded passengers. Newman balances the narrative between the terror faced by those trapped on the plane and the desperation of those trying to reach them. This dual perspective enriches the story, highlighting the heroism and perseverance of the rescuers while also delving into their own personal challenges and conflicts. The interplay between these two groups adds depth to the novel, showcasing the broader impact of the crisis beyond the immediate danger.

One of the most refreshing aspects of Drowning is its approach to resolution. While the novel does tie up all the individual storylines, it doesn’t shy away from presenting outcomes that are not necessarily happy or ideal. This realistic portrayal of consequences adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative, reflecting the complexities of real-life situations where not everyone’s story ends on a positive note. This nuanced approach to storytelling enhances the impact of the novel, leaving readers with a more profound and thought-provoking experience.

Having read and enjoyed Newman’s previous book, Falling, I was curious to see how her writing would evolve in Drowning. I’m pleased to report that she continues to demonstrate a keen ability to craft suspenseful and emotionally resonant stories. Her skillful blending of intense action with character-driven drama ensures that Drowning is a gripping read from start to finish.

Holy moly! This book grabbed me by the throat, took me on a 110 mph thrill ride and refused to let go! FANTASTIC! I loved it! Ea h book gets better and more thrilling! Thank you!

Yet again another book I couldn’t put down by TJ Newman! Grabbed you right from the beginning and kept you through til the end. Non stop drama and action and you won’t regret reading it.