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!

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

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 (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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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