The book is in the legal thriller genre but I would put it as a crime thriller. When I think of legal thriller I think of a lot of lawyers and courtrooms and while this book does have lawyers it does not have a lot of courtrooms. When a woman is found drowned in the Thames, her death is ruled accidental but her family is not buying it. As the female protagonists investigate they uncover secrets no one wants them to know. I enjoyed the multiple POV and how the chapters were labeled with each character’s POV. I enjoyed the investigation and insight into the police.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group for the chance to read this book

I will admit I usually try to stay away from any political subjects in books, we have enough of that in daily life don't we, and I would not say any type of "legal" thriller is anywhere near my Genre of book either. But somehow this worked for me, I liked this book VERY much, once I got the hang of all the characters, it was a pretty fast paced read for me. I loved the 2 FMCs, I feel they both had pretty promising careers, they both had quite a bit to lose, and boy did they risk it all!

Sometimes you have to Go all in to right some past wrongs, These girls had every reason to steer clear of each other for all future intents and purposes, But I'm sure glad they did not! I would say they finally got the answers they were looking for and A LOT MORE! Curious if this is a stand alone book or if this will become a kind of series, not sure where they would go from here but it was kind of left open that more could happen in the future! I will be here to read it if that were to happen! For the record if that were to happen, I would like some kind of description or even a picture of Leon's horrendous Jumper! It sounded funny but I couldn't get the full effect not knowing what a jumper is where these people might be from! I feel the world today has 40 different words for what one thing is anymore, it's quite confusing!

Alex and Kat have a less-than pleasant shared past. Yet, a current event that reminds them both of the past happens and they are forced to reckon with that event from all those years ago.

The characters are likable, and the plot is a constant twisting, turning trail that makes you unlikely to want to stop and put the book down. It is a tried and true thriller, even if it is on the less heart pounding side.

My only issue is that the beginning was so darn slow. I kept putting it down at first and struggled to pick it back up. However, the second half of the book absolutely blew me away

An engaging and intense story that kept me glued to the pages eager to see how it all ends! 4.5 stars

Anna Sharpe’s Notes on a Drowning is a gripping and thought-provoking thriller that tackles a chilling premise: the disappearance of girls who have seemingly been forgotten by society. Packed with tension, danger, and a sense of urgency, this action-driven novel pulls readers into a world where justice feels elusive, and one woman’s determination becomes the catalyst for uncovering the truth.

The protagonist, Alex, is a force to be reckoned with. Her relentless pursuit of answers and unwillingness to let these missing girls go unnoticed is both inspiring and heartbreaking. Sharpe weaves a story filled with peril and escalating stakes as Alex’s investigation puts not only her life in danger but the lives of those around her. The tension is palpable, keeping readers on edge as the mystery unravels.

What makes Notes on a Drowning stand out is its commentary on power, particularly the power—or lack thereof—that many women experience. The characters are given a strength that resonates deeply, embodying a fight for justice that many readers will find both empowering and poignant.

Sharpe’s storytelling is compelling, with a fast-paced plot and vivid characters that linger in the mind long after the final page. For readers who enjoy thrillers that combine action with social commentary, Notes on a Drowning is a must-read—equal parts gripping and empowering.