The Woman in the Water (Heard)-BoT-Mystery Suspense-Available Now

This is the second book I have read in as many days that has a character “returning home” in search of the truth about what happened to her sister. Interesting how reading sometimes goes in genres and themes like that.

Anyway, this book is a mystery thriller that verges on the spooky at times. It is atmospheric, the writing is evocative and very descriptive, and there are multi-layered incidents and relationships that are unraveled.

Due to a tragedy, Felicity has to return to the home that she left as a teenager. Her reasons for leaving are slowly revealed throughout the story via flashbacks. The chapters were clearly labeled, and I was never confused as to whether the action was occurring in the past or the present.

I thought she was a complex character. She obviously has a chip (or several of them) on her shoulder due to past events. She felt that her family betrayed her just as her friends did, so she has chosen to forge through life pretty much on her own.

But how much of that is reality and how much of that is her perception – or her self-fulfilling prophecy – is what really makes this story so interesting. There were times that it was difficult to feel sorry for her because she was sometimes her own worst enemy when it came to doing the right thing.

Admittedly, she doesn’t have the easiest time of it. She feels guilty for not being able to talk to her sister more (due to past events) and when she arrives home, it soon becomes apparent that somebody (or more than one person) doesn’t want her there.

Is it because of the current events, or does it have something to do with the past that she ran away from several years prior?

Yeah….no. Not going to tell you.

But her realization about the people who have remained in or returned to town is believable and natural. The author does a fantastic job of dropping hints here and there keeping both Felicity and the reader guessing – and very off balance.

I thought the imagery of water and what a big part it plays in the plot was particularly effective. Whether it is murky and used to hide secrets or a violent but cleansing storm, a placid lake, or a swamp, it is used to great effect throughout the story.

I highly recommend this taut, atmospheric mystery thriller.

Author Bio: Kelly Heard is a novelist from Afton, Virginia. She published poetry in literary magazines before signing her debut novel, Before You Go, with Bookouture.

Kelly prefers writing to most other pastimes, but you’ll occasionally find her in the garden, hiking, or exploring antique shops.