Into the Water Book Review

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After her sister is tragically found dead at the bottom of the infamous river in her town, Jules reluctantly returns to her childhood home to sort out her sister’s affairs and look after her 15-year-old niece, Lena. But this isn’t the first woman who’s died in that water and it seems the town is hiding more than it’s fair share of secrets.

Having read The Girl on the Train a few years ago I had high hopes for another Hawkins thriller! And how disappointed I was… need I say more than this book had over 10 points of view…10!? If you have to start your book with a key to remind the reader who everyone is, isn’t that a sign you’ve probably made it too confusing? A book just about Jules and Lena’s relationship in the aftermath of Nel’s death would have been much better rather than the chaotic narrative we got instead.

For a book that is over 400 pages long, there was surprisingly little plot to get your teeth into. This was definitely hindered by the umpteen points of view, but everything was also just a little abstract and wishy-washy. I think the author was trying to create atmosphere and heighten the tension, but honestly, I just wanted her to cut to the chase.

I will say, I did like the way the book references the history of the river and how women accused of witchcraft were wrongfully drowned there hundreds of years ago. It gave the mystery a sense that it was bigger than itself, however, it didn’t realty tie together as much as I hoped it would.

Overall this was just an incredibly underwhelming book. I’m not sure why the author was trying to make the reader work so hard to get to the plot, but perhaps this is the trap of having such a successful book previously, as you’re given cart blanche to write whatever you want after!

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