The Trouble with Drowning by Heather Hach is an engaging dive into the complexities of self-worth, obsession, and ambition. At first glance, Kat is an aspiring writer caught in the shadow of the dazzling author Eden Hart, and her longing to become more like Eden is instantly relatable. What starts as admiration soon morphs into a dangerous obsession as Kat tries to mold herself into the person she wishes she could be, spurred by her career taking off and the whirlwind romance with Jacob, the son of her literary idol.

Hach deftly portrays Kat’s descent, making us root for her yet also question her decisions as her carefully crafted life begins to unravel. The emotional intensity builds beautifully as Kat’s envy transforms into something darker and more unsettling. The author’s sharp, introspective writing shines in exploring themes of mental health, the pressure of idealized success, and how ambition can twist into something destructive.

One of the strongest aspects of this novel is how it tackles the allure of fantasy versus the reality of one's self-image, and how comparison can be corrosive if unchecked. While Kat’s breakdown can feel extreme at times, it’s a visceral portrayal of how striving to be someone you're not can tear you apart.

My one criticism is that the pacing occasionally drags, especially in the middle sections where Kat’s inner turmoil becomes a bit repetitive. However, the tension ramps up in the final chapters, making for a compelling conclusion that leaves a lasting impression.

The Trouble with Drowning is an intriguing read for those who enjoy psychological thrillers tinged with ambition, rivalry, and the dark side of self-perception. Heather Hach has crafted a cautionary tale that lingers long after the last page.

I listened to an ALC of The Trouble with Drowning by Heather Hach. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite deliver the suspense I expected. It’s marketed as a psychological thriller, but I found it leaned more into character-driven fiction with suspenseful touches rather than a true thriller. Laura Bell Bundy’s narration kept me engaged though, I really enjoyed her narration style.

The story takes its time to build, and while the mental health representation was thoughtful, I found it hard to stay invested with the slow pacing. The ending felt like it was trying to build tension that hadn’t really been there before, which left me a bit unsatisfied. If you’re in the mood for a slower, introspective story rather than edge-of-your-seat suspense, this might work for you.

I received an ARC of this earlier this year and was unable to finish it. I just couldn't connect with the story or characters, and really struggled until I had to call it a poor fit for me and stop reading. I was compelled by the blurb and evocative cover though, and when I saw that there was an audio version available I decided to give it another try. I'm very glad I did, as I found the audiobook to draw me in where the ebook did not, and I wound up really enjoying it (which feels strange to say, given the subject matter, but is nevertheless true).

Hach does a marvelous job capturing the complexities of her characters, who are to a man full of the foibles, flaws, and quirks that embody real people. I did not realize it would be quite as dark as it was - both the cover art and the blurb underplay that, in my opinion, and it's possible that contributed to my difficulties connecting with the story the first time around. This time I went in with no expectations, and that openness really paid off. I found it to be an altogether consuming story, with a roller coaster of emotional responses drawn from me as the story progressed. I was moved, angered, frustrated, and troubled by what I heard - all in the best possible ways.

It's a complicated world and Hach captures that complexity from both the individual and caregiver sides of mental illness. It makes for a difficult story but a rewarding one.

I am not sure how I feel about this book since it deals with mental health. I hated Kat but I felt for her too obviously. There was so much deception going on and no one caught on that I just could not believe it. I would have liked to see what really happened with Kat in the end too. I found the book too long and think it could have been edited down. I felt bad for Eden being drawn into the mess and all that happened there. Overall a good look at severe mental illness.

I listened to this audiobook and it was more powerful than I ever expected. The narrator was perfect. The whole path of Kat, Eden and Jacob and how they were interwoven was artfully done. I’ll admit that a number of the book references were lost on me, but I don’t think it took anything away from me. The highlight on mental illness was a refreshing read and I found myself relating and comparing it to my own struggles. It was refreshing to have such a flawed main character

Book Title: The Trouble with Drowning
Author: Heather Hach
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Bell Laura Bundy
Publisher: Greenleaf Audiobooks/Greenleaf Book Group Press
Genre: Thriller
Audiobook Pub Date: November 21, 2024
My Rating: 3.4 Stars
Pages: 328

The Heather Hach starts with the 'Author’s Notes'. She tells us her motivation for writing this story also gives us trigger warning that this story is about mental illness and suicide.
She also provides resources if you or if you know anyone who might be suicidal.
( I always applauded when author tackles tough subjects that they offer resources.)

The cover is so cute I was sure I could deal with the trigger warnings.

Kat Lamb grew up a foster child and is an aspiring author who wants to write a memoir.
She is attracted to charismatic Jacob Walsh whose mother Carol is an author and is willing to help Kat develop her memoir-plus her relationship with Jacob seems to be developing as well.

Kat works at Tucson’s Antigone Books and is thrilled when her idol author Eden Hart is scheduled to do a reading at the bookstore. Kat believes Eden has it all and hopes that she too will have a published novel and to be just like her.

As the story moves on we find out that Kat has a dark side. Kat is diagnosed with a mental disorder and prescribed medication and therapy- she often has suicidal thoughts.

Want to thank NetGalley and Greenleaf Audiobooks/Greenleaf Book Groups Press for this early audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for November 21, 2024.

This book was a wild ride. I loved the first two parts of the novel, and but they moved a little slowly, so by the time we made it to part 3, things had to wrap up fast, which is maybe why it felt like such a roller coaster. Overall, good book.

All the praise for Laura Bell Bundy’s narration!! I listened to an ALC of this gripping thriller. Though it had some rough topics it was a fascinating story!

I listened to a gripping thriller that expertly weaves together multiple perspectives and dives deep into themes of mental health. The narrative captivated me with its rich character development and emotional complexity. Each point of view offered a unique lens through which to explore the story, making the experience all the more immersive.

The exploration of mental health was particularly striking, shedding light on the struggles that often remain hidden beneath the surface. I found myself empathizing with the characters, especially during their tender moments, which provided a beautiful contrast to the darker themes in the book. These scenes reminded me of the fragility of the human experience and the connections that bind us, even in our most challenging times.

The tension built steadily as the plot unfolded, filled with unexpected twists that kept me guessing. Yet, it was the emotional depth and the nuanced portrayal of relationships that truly resonated with me. By the end, I felt a sense of both unease and resolution, pondering the complexities of love, trauma, and the paths we take toward healing. This book is a haunting reminder of how our pasts shape us and how understanding can emerge from even the darkest places.

The cover and premise for this one truly intrigued me, unfortunately the execution did not work for me. This was so slow and I wasn't able to get into it at all. I had to DNF.

was so excited to listen to the audio ALC of this book as the description pulled me in immediately. Unfortunately the execution didn’t match.

Despite the book not being for me I am so thankful to have gotten the audio ALC from NetGalley and Greenleaf Audiobooks. Getting a free copy early enabled me to be able to review it.

I think this may be a situation where I would be enjoyed the physical copy of the work so maybe when it comes out on November 21st.

The narrator Bell Laura Bundy sounded fine in her natural speaking voice although she sounds so young it makes it sound like a YA book which it is not. The trouble came when she voices the other characters. The male characters sounded bizarre. The narrator also does this sort of baby talk which is hard to tale Things are serious.

For the book itself. The first 66% of the book is very slow. It’s hard to connect with the characters and when it does start to flow better it’s so late in the process that you still can’t connect.

You l so whatnot reminds me of? A screenplay rather than a novel! Maybe that’s the issue.

With all that said it could just be a personal issue so don’t ignore the book if the description was pleasing to you!! On the positive it gives some great mental health representation.

First things first, the narration by Laura Bell Bundy is delightful and had a big part in keeping me hooked on this audiobook! I enjoyed her variety of voices and accents very much and she's so pleasant to listen to.

The story itself was very different from what I had expected. I'm not sure it's doing itself a favor by being marketed as a psychological thriller. I'm a real wimp but I didn't find any suspense here.
Very early on, I thought this book sounded and felt more like general fiction with suspense elements. And listening to it from that angle worked well enough for me because the characters (as brought to life by Laura Bell Bundy) felt complex and interesting enough to stick with it.

Sadly, I did not like the ending at all. It felt like it was trying to shoehorn in tension that the book had never really managed to build up before. Kat never comes off as seriously threatening. She isn't even creepy. And given how Eden and Jacob react to her in the last chapter before the epilogue, they didn't seem particularly scared either, even knowing what she had done to them.

It was also somewhat disappointing that we didn't get more of Kat's point of view toward the end. Leaving aside whether or not we need her specific kind of representation of mental health struggles (i.e. which diagnosis makes you hurt other people), I would have preferred to see her find a path forward. Not necessarily with meds and therapy, but I would have liked some more insight into how she managed to build a somewhat successful writing career.

We follow Kat, who is looking to have her book published. Conveniently her boyfriend Jacob's mother is an accomplished author and takes her under her wing however when Jacob and Kat break up, things start to get a little messy.

And I mean messy in a way I didn't see coming! Boy was I shocked at the way the story turned. You need to go into this book without knowing a lot to really appreciate the shock value it will bring. Well written, fantastic narration and with a strong focus on mental health, I am so glad I picked this one up.

“The trouble with drowning” .. the cover is so unique and the premise had me super interested in this book, I was really excited for it to come into NetGalley as an audiobook so I could finally get to read it.

Sadly that excitement did not last long, I feel very sorry to say but this is the first book I’ll ever be DNFing on NetGalley.. I made it to 70% after promises from other readers that the pacing and action picks up speed after the half way mark; but I just didn’t find that to be the case and didn’t want to prolong the unenjoyment I was experiencing.

Let me start by saying that the *writing* is NOT in any way bad. I can tell the author put a lot of time and effort into the book and it’s not the writing or dialogue that’s the problem for me, I felt entirely disconnected from all the characters after finding none of them likeable, I found the pacing of the book to be very slowwwww burn (if you like character focussed books then you will probably enjoy this).

I just wanted more from the plot, more action more thrill, something to get my blood pumping, but I just found my conscious drifting due to the lack of anything really happening.

Don’t let me put you off reading this book, there’s a chance you will still enjoy it, I may be the outlier here.

I will say the narrator was doing a good job, I just wasn’t giving with the plot.

Thank you to Heather Hach and Greenleaf audiobooks for giving me a chance, hopefully we can try again with something new in the future that will be a better fit for me.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.

Heather Hach’s The Trouble with Drowning is a compelling exploration of personal growth, resilience, and the complexities of human relationships. The story centers around Kat Lamb, a bookstore employee with a tumultuous past, who finds herself entangled in a web of emotions when she meets the dazzling author Eden Hart. Kat’s journey of self-discovery is heart-wrenching and inspiring, making for a deeply engaging narrative.

Laura Bell Bundy’s narration is a standout feature of this audiobook. Her performance brings the characters to life with a nuanced understanding of their emotional depths. Bundy’s ability to convey Kat’s vulnerability and Eden’s charisma adds a rich layer to the listening experience. Her clear and expressive voice ensures that listeners remain captivated from start to finish.

The plot is well-crafted, with Hach skillfully balancing moments of tension and introspection. Kat’s struggles with her past and her comparisons to Eden are portrayed with authenticity, making her a relatable protagonist. The narrative’s pacing is steady, allowing for a deep dive into the characters’ psyches without feeling rushed.

The Trouble with Drowning delves into themes of self-worth, identity, and the impact of past traumas. Hach’s writing is both poignant and thought-provoking, encouraging readers to reflect on their own lives and relationships. The book’s title metaphorically captures Kat’s internal battles, making her journey towards self-acceptance all the more powerful.

Listening to this audiobook is an immersive experience, thanks to the combination of Hach’s evocative storytelling and Bundy’s exceptional narration. It’s a story that resonates on multiple levels, offering both entertainment and emotional depth. Whether you’re a fan of contemporary fiction or looking for a story that tackles real-life issues with grace and sensitivity, The Trouble with Drowning is a worthy addition to your audiobook collection.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!!

What a good book! I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I loved the main characters! They had great chemistry and worked so well together. I loved how the book just flowed. My first by this author but will not be my last!!!

The Trouble with Drowning (audiobook) grabbed my attention very quickly!
I did find the middle a bit slow but it picked up and the last 4-5 hours had me hooked.

Heather Hach really managed to showcase the complexities of mental health in Kat's character. At moments I really disliked Kat, the next I was rooting for her and the next I was scared of her ... that is a sign of a good character.

Thank you NetGalley, Heather Hach and Greenleaf Book Group for the arc.

4.5

This went really differently than I expected, in a good surprise kind of way.
These characters are so well fleshed out and we get a really honest look at their motivations and relationships, and they're not all pretty inside.

I found Kat's character to be refreshing. She's certainly unwell in several parts, but even when she was quite a bit off the rails, I was absolutely rooting for her. I think it's because she ended up so openly and completely herself, embracing her strengths even when she was obviously struggling with her weaknesses.

LOVED the way this all came together at the end. Narration by Bell Laura Bundy was excellent.

Thank you to Greenleaf Audiobooks | Greenleaf Book Group Press and NetGalley for an audio ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

The Trouble with Drowning (audio)
4.25⭐️

This audiobook grabbed my attention at the beginning, lost me for a little bit in the middle, and picked up towards the end. The ending didn’t wow me the way I was expecting it to.

I’m learning I really enjoy reading books written by screenwriters. I can truly see these type of books play out as a movie in my mind. I was impressed with how real and raw the characters felt without being overly complicated. I thought it was a good representation of mental illness. The good, bad, and toxic parts of relationships were represented. I appreciated that none of the characters felt overly stereotypical, but instead read as real complex humans.

Audio specific feedback: I’m glad I got to hear the audio version. I feel like this is one I would enjoy more by listening vs reading. My opinion on the narrator ebbed and flowed throughout. Overall I enjoyed the narration and distinct voices, but some of the accents made me feel some sort of way.

Thank you NetGalley and Greenleaf Audiobooks for this audio ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley, Goodreads, and Amazon.

Audio Pub Date Nov 21 2024

The authors in different stages of their career and different mindsets, one man to link them all. Kat is unwell - cultist parents, neglected and abused as a child and abandoned. Her new boyfriend, Jacob, who is also her mentor and favorite author, Carol's son, dumps her over mild breakdowns. He is a red flag and gaslighting is his hobby as he tries to do the same thing to his next girlfriend too when she is actually being drugged by Kat.
Somehow, Jacob presented himself as the villain in this psychological thriller to me than Kat. Maybe that was the point.
The portrayal of mental illness is done well in the book. While psychological thrillers don't often even mention that their villains are unwell, this one did not shy away from the discussion and even made it a central theme.
The lack of concern for Kat in her friend, Jess, boyfriend, Jacob and mentor, Carol, surprised me more than anything Kat did. This book was unputdownable for me. I devoured the book in a day and found myself thinking of the characters. And a book is a 5-star read for me when it stays with me and makes me think about the characters and plot again and again. This riveting read ended with a possibility of a sequel and I would love to read more about Kat!