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The Drowning Woman
A deliciously twisted story of friendship, retribution, and betrayal about a homeless woman fleeing a dangerous past—and the wealthy society wife she saves from drowning, who pulls her into a dark web of secrets and lies.
Lee Gulliver never thought she’d find herself living on the streets—no one ever does—but when her restaurant fails, and she falls deeper into debt, she leaves her old life behind with nothing but her clothes and her Toyota Corolla. In Seattle, she parks in a secluded spot by the beach to lay low and plan her next move—until early one morning, she sees a sobbing woman throw herself into the ocean. Lee hauls the woman back to the surface, but instead of appreciation, she is met with fury. The drowning woman, Hazel, tells her that she wanted to die, that she’s trapped in a toxic, abusive marriage, that she’s a prisoner in her own home. Lee has thwarted her one chance to escape her life.
Out of options, Hazel retreats to her gilded cage, and Lee thinks she’s seen the last of her, until her unexpected return the next morning. Bonded by disparate but difficult circumstances, the women soon strike up a close and unlikely friendship. And then one day, Hazel makes a shocking request: she wants Lee to help her disappear. It’ll be easy, Hazel assures her, but Lee soon learns that nothing is as it seems, and that Hazel may not be the friend Lee thought she was.
Lee Gulliver never thought she’d find herself living on the streets—no one ever does—but when her restaurant fails, and she falls deeper into debt, she leaves her old life behind with nothing but her clothes and her Toyota Corolla. In Seattle, she parks in a secluded spot by the beach to lay low and plan her next move—until early one morning, she sees a sobbing woman throw herself into the ocean. Lee hauls the woman back to the surface, but instead of appreciation, she is met with fury. The drowning woman, Hazel, tells her that she wanted to die, that she’s trapped in a toxic, abusive marriage, that she’s a prisoner in her own home. Lee has thwarted her one chance to escape her life.
Out of options, Hazel retreats to her gilded cage, and Lee thinks she’s seen the last of her, until her unexpected return the next morning. Bonded by disparate but difficult circumstances, the women soon strike up a close and unlikely friendship. And then one day, Hazel makes a shocking request: she wants Lee to help her disappear. It’ll be easy, Hazel assures her, but Lee soon learns that nothing is as it seems, and that Hazel may not be the friend Lee thought she was.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published June 13, 2023
About the author
Robyn Harding
16 books4,412 followersRobyn Harding is the bestselling author of several books and has written and executive produced an independent film. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her family and two cute but deadly rescue chihuahuas.
To learn more about Robyn's books visit: http://www.robynharding.com. Or follow her on Instagram: @rhardingwriter
or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRobynH...
To learn more about Robyn's books visit: http://www.robynharding.com. Or follow her on Instagram: @rhardingwriter
or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRobynH...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 9,201 reviews
August 20, 2023
My opinion of this book went up, down, up, down and all over the place until I finally decided the uneven pacing and loose plotting were too much for me to really enjoy or recommend it.
My journey went like this.
1) The dramatic opening gripped me immediately-- Lee, on the run from an abusive gangster, rescues a woman from drowning only to discover this stranger is also a victim, one being imprisoned and hurt by a violent husband. Can Lee help her escape?
2) Then came a hundred or so pages of conversation, googling, dating, eating breakfast and spa treatments. I have now discovered that one of the most boring things is to listen to someone else describe their spa treatments.
3) Then BOOM! The figurative shit comes flying at that figurative fan. Everything happens all at once-- murder, lies, disappearances, backstabbing, scary phone calls and secret recordings.
4) Oh wait, here comes another BOOM! Even more secret shit was going on than we knew before!
5) The bad guys are caught!
6) The bad guys are free!
7) The bad guys are caught! Well, maybe. They might be. Oh fuck it, let's just get out of here.
I am not a fan of this kind of thriller that drags the reader along by throwing up constant shockers, some of which don't seem to make much sense. I am also not a fan of drama being created by characters constantly doing stupid things and putting themselves at risk. I lost count of how many times one of the main two characters thought something like "I know I shouldn't but I'm too curious". Some amount of poor decision-making is expected when stressed, but not this level of stupidity.
Also, this is a book in which the two main women
The ending was so... odd to me. I felt like so much hadn't been wrapped up, so many loose ends left hanging. Is there a sequel coming?
My journey went like this.
1) The dramatic opening gripped me immediately-- Lee, on the run from an abusive gangster, rescues a woman from drowning only to discover this stranger is also a victim, one being imprisoned and hurt by a violent husband. Can Lee help her escape?
2) Then came a hundred or so pages of conversation, googling, dating, eating breakfast and spa treatments. I have now discovered that one of the most boring things is to listen to someone else describe their spa treatments.
3) Then BOOM! The figurative shit comes flying at that figurative fan. Everything happens all at once-- murder, lies, disappearances, backstabbing, scary phone calls and secret recordings.
4) Oh wait, here comes another BOOM! Even more secret shit was going on than we knew before!
5) The bad guys are caught!
6) The bad guys are free!
7) The bad guys are caught! Well, maybe. They might be. Oh fuck it, let's just get out of here.
I am not a fan of this kind of thriller that drags the reader along by throwing up constant shockers, some of which don't seem to make much sense. I am also not a fan of drama being created by characters constantly doing stupid things and putting themselves at risk. I lost count of how many times one of the main two characters thought something like "I know I shouldn't but I'm too curious". Some amount of poor decision-making is expected when stressed, but not this level of stupidity.
Also, this is a book in which the two main women
The ending was so... odd to me. I felt like so much hadn't been wrapped up, so many loose ends left hanging. Is there a sequel coming?
May 20, 2023
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I enjoyed The Perfect Family and loved The Arrangement by this author but The Drowning Woman was a huge letdown. The book starts off well enough, with Lee saving Hazel from drowning herself. But the further I read on the more ridiculous the book got. The author threw in every single thriller cliche and then some. Every single character in this book was a twat, not one likable one in the bunch, I had no one to cheer for.
Hazel is the typical damsel in distress but I didn't buy it. She is an abused woman with no money, no friends, no employment history/prospects and no options yet she has an affair with a man she hardly knows and trusts him explicitly right away. No way would that happen! And Lee starts dating a customer from work, sleeps at his house, has sex with him, trusts him yet doesn't know his last name or phone number!? Give me a break!
There were just too many coincidences in the plot and the storyline wasn't just over the top it was down right ridiculous. The lawyers behaviour and the police procedures were not realistic and didn't add up at all. This book just missed the mark on all fronts.
Same old premis, same old tired trope of women being taken advantage of in unrealistic ways. This book has a relatively high rating on Goodreads (4.39 at the time of this review) and many positive reviews so take my opinion with a grain of salt. (Did I read a different book?)
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
I enjoyed The Perfect Family and loved The Arrangement by this author but The Drowning Woman was a huge letdown. The book starts off well enough, with Lee saving Hazel from drowning herself. But the further I read on the more ridiculous the book got. The author threw in every single thriller cliche and then some. Every single character in this book was a twat, not one likable one in the bunch, I had no one to cheer for.
Hazel is the typical damsel in distress but I didn't buy it. She is an abused woman with no money, no friends, no employment history/prospects and no options yet she has an affair with a man she hardly knows and trusts him explicitly right away. No way would that happen! And Lee starts dating a customer from work, sleeps at his house, has sex with him, trusts him yet doesn't know his last name or phone number!? Give me a break!
There were just too many coincidences in the plot and the storyline wasn't just over the top it was down right ridiculous. The lawyers behaviour and the police procedures were not realistic and didn't add up at all. This book just missed the mark on all fronts.
Same old premis, same old tired trope of women being taken advantage of in unrealistic ways. This book has a relatively high rating on Goodreads (4.39 at the time of this review) and many positive reviews so take my opinion with a grain of salt. (Did I read a different book?)
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
Read
June 11, 2024Harding has a precision with her characters that makes their dilemmas feel tangible. The coastal setting alongside the internal struggles of each woman mirror each other. Harding captures suspense while balancing it with moments of calm. For those who listen to the audiobook (The Drowning Woman), this book performance will enhance their listening experience.
This book may be a thriller, but its beauty is in the exploration of relationships and strength. Harding's story will have readers thinking they are holding their breath, as they go through the beautiful journey of two women who are brought together by fate and the tides of their future.
This book may be a thriller, but its beauty is in the exploration of relationships and strength. Harding's story will have readers thinking they are holding their breath, as they go through the beautiful journey of two women who are brought together by fate and the tides of their future.
January 20, 2024
“Drowning Woman" is undoubtedly a gripping, riveting, and surprising read! It's filled with twists and jaw-dropping moments that will make you scream! Personally, I banged my head against the wall when I encountered an unexpected sucker punch after discovering the biggest twist. It was absolutely mind-blowing!
The book features two heroines, and I found it a little easier to connect with Lee. She seemed to be paying a heavier price for the bad choices she had made. Plus, her family members were complete morons! She lost her restaurant during the pandemic and made the biggest mistake by accepting money from extremely dangerous people. Now, she's on the run, living a homeless and penniless life in NYC, where she once owned a restaurant and had an active lifestyle. One day, her life takes a turn when she saves Hazel, who was attempting to commit suicide by drowning herself.
Hazel is a victim of an abusive relationship. She entered into a master/slave contract with her wealthy but dangerous husband, who also happens to be a powerful criminal defense lawyer. The agreement not only subjects her to sexual slavery but also includes verbal and psychological abuse. In return, her mother receives care for her dementia in a specialized facility.
Hazel needs help to disappear, and she offers Lee a way out as well. However, as Lee becomes involved in Hazel's escape plan, she realizes that nothing is as it seems, and she finds herself in an even more dangerous situation than when she was sleeping in her car, now with a knife in her hand.
Personally, I felt more attached to Lee, and while reading Hazel's point of view, I kept wondering where the hell Lee was! I couldn't connect with Hazel as deeply as I did with Lee. I understand that Hazel wanted to help her mother and unknowingly became prey to a dangerous monster, but the red flags were so obvious from the beginning. She could have found another way to support herself. Lee, on the other hand, was a victim of unfortunate circumstances and fought hard to survive. She didn't have many choices, whereas Hazel had an opportunity for an escape from the start but refused to take it! Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading Hazel's perspective because it was action-packed, heart-throbbing, and kept me on my toes. I was constantly asking myself what would happen next.
The story was still heart-wrenching and carried a strong message of girl power, even though there were some plot holes left behind (I won't reveal any more to avoid spoiling). The theme of everyone deserving a second chance was well served.
I'm giving this book four action-packed, exciting, and mind-bending stars! It's highly recommended for thriller lovers and fans of Robyn Harding, like myself.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing me with this amazing review copy in exchange for my honest opinions
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The book features two heroines, and I found it a little easier to connect with Lee. She seemed to be paying a heavier price for the bad choices she had made. Plus, her family members were complete morons! She lost her restaurant during the pandemic and made the biggest mistake by accepting money from extremely dangerous people. Now, she's on the run, living a homeless and penniless life in NYC, where she once owned a restaurant and had an active lifestyle. One day, her life takes a turn when she saves Hazel, who was attempting to commit suicide by drowning herself.
Hazel is a victim of an abusive relationship. She entered into a master/slave contract with her wealthy but dangerous husband, who also happens to be a powerful criminal defense lawyer. The agreement not only subjects her to sexual slavery but also includes verbal and psychological abuse. In return, her mother receives care for her dementia in a specialized facility.
Hazel needs help to disappear, and she offers Lee a way out as well. However, as Lee becomes involved in Hazel's escape plan, she realizes that nothing is as it seems, and she finds herself in an even more dangerous situation than when she was sleeping in her car, now with a knife in her hand.
Personally, I felt more attached to Lee, and while reading Hazel's point of view, I kept wondering where the hell Lee was! I couldn't connect with Hazel as deeply as I did with Lee. I understand that Hazel wanted to help her mother and unknowingly became prey to a dangerous monster, but the red flags were so obvious from the beginning. She could have found another way to support herself. Lee, on the other hand, was a victim of unfortunate circumstances and fought hard to survive. She didn't have many choices, whereas Hazel had an opportunity for an escape from the start but refused to take it! Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading Hazel's perspective because it was action-packed, heart-throbbing, and kept me on my toes. I was constantly asking myself what would happen next.
The story was still heart-wrenching and carried a strong message of girl power, even though there were some plot holes left behind (I won't reveal any more to avoid spoiling). The theme of everyone deserving a second chance was well served.
I'm giving this book four action-packed, exciting, and mind-bending stars! It's highly recommended for thriller lovers and fans of Robyn Harding, like myself.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing me with this amazing review copy in exchange for my honest opinions
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
March 6, 2023
Twistier than a drive on Colorado's infamous "Million Dollar Highway"
I could almost feel the icy chill of some of the scenes. So much dodgy behavior, deception, and double-dealing that happens throughout the whole story. Just when I thought all the twists had been revealed, BAM, another one would totally shake me!
I'd kept saying to myself, "What in the name of twists just happened?!"
Lee and Hazel find themselves sharing more than they ever, ever expected they would. They both have things to hide and are running on empty. Something really bothered me about one of them, but I like to give people another chance to make things right.
Enjoyed this twist driven thriller, even with more than a few things that were questionable. The ending was a bit tidy, but I did enjoy it. Recommend to fans of this author and those who enjoy a fast, runaway thriller!
Thanks to Netgalley for my ARC. This one is out on June 13, 2023
I could almost feel the icy chill of some of the scenes. So much dodgy behavior, deception, and double-dealing that happens throughout the whole story. Just when I thought all the twists had been revealed, BAM, another one would totally shake me!
I'd kept saying to myself, "What in the name of twists just happened?!"
Lee and Hazel find themselves sharing more than they ever, ever expected they would. They both have things to hide and are running on empty. Something really bothered me about one of them, but I like to give people another chance to make things right.
Enjoyed this twist driven thriller, even with more than a few things that were questionable. The ending was a bit tidy, but I did enjoy it. Recommend to fans of this author and those who enjoy a fast, runaway thriller!
Thanks to Netgalley for my ARC. This one is out on June 13, 2023
February 9, 2023
This is twisted! I was unable to put it down until I finished it! It is a psychological thriller under the premise of a sad betrayal of friendship. A homeless woman, Lee, once had a successful restaurant, but closed the doors due to COVID. Once the shelter-in-place was lifted, she was unable to gain back the momentum pre-COVID. She lives in her car on the streets of Seattle with no one to turned to after she had a falling out with her sister.
If Lee's luck hadn't already run out, it was about to get worse when someone broke into her car and stole her identification and the only money she had left. When she is asleep in her car by the ocean, she hears a woman sobbing and realizes she is swimming out into the deep waters. When she goes under, Lee swims out to rescue her. Hazel is furious with her rescue that she was trying to get away from her abusive husband. He keeps her in bondage and death by suicide was her only option out of this toxic relationship. Lee can’t imagine Hazel’s life being worse than her own. She lives in a mansion by the sea and is married to a powerful attorney. She goes back to him and returns the next day to give food to Lee and make her an offer.
Their friendship is built from lies and deception and her only hope from this toxic relationship is Lee helping her disappear before he kills her. I was leery from the get-go when new characters are introduced and what are they hiding and who can she trust. Trust me when I say this is an outstanding thriller that you do not want to miss. There are so many twists and shady circumstances that will have you questioning every person you meet on the street has something to hide.
"Basically, it means that when people see someone in a bad situation, they tend to believe that individual brought it themselves. Of course, there are always external, situational forces at play, but it's human nature to think it could never happen to you."
Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this incredible ARC in exchange for my honest review.
If Lee's luck hadn't already run out, it was about to get worse when someone broke into her car and stole her identification and the only money she had left. When she is asleep in her car by the ocean, she hears a woman sobbing and realizes she is swimming out into the deep waters. When she goes under, Lee swims out to rescue her. Hazel is furious with her rescue that she was trying to get away from her abusive husband. He keeps her in bondage and death by suicide was her only option out of this toxic relationship. Lee can’t imagine Hazel’s life being worse than her own. She lives in a mansion by the sea and is married to a powerful attorney. She goes back to him and returns the next day to give food to Lee and make her an offer.
Their friendship is built from lies and deception and her only hope from this toxic relationship is Lee helping her disappear before he kills her. I was leery from the get-go when new characters are introduced and what are they hiding and who can she trust. Trust me when I say this is an outstanding thriller that you do not want to miss. There are so many twists and shady circumstances that will have you questioning every person you meet on the street has something to hide.
"Basically, it means that when people see someone in a bad situation, they tend to believe that individual brought it themselves. Of course, there are always external, situational forces at play, but it's human nature to think it could never happen to you."
Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this incredible ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 7, 2023
OK WOW I am exhausted in the best way
June 14, 2023
3.5 ⭐️ (review of the Audible version)
I finished with some mixed feelings about this one. I LOVED the first half-but the second half was not as strong for me.
The book is told in FOUR parts, and Part One (Lee) had me immediately HOOKED.
Lee had finally obtained her dream-to own a successful restaurant in New York. But Covid lockdowns would end her dream as quickly as it started, and she fled to Seattle, in her Toyota Corolla, in debt to the wrong people. Now she sleeps in her car, with a knife in her lap, in a secluded park by the beach.
One morning, she saves a woman from drowning, but Hazel’s walk into the icy waters was intentional-she wanted to end her life-so she is none too pleased. Trapped in an abusive marriage, one where the agreed dynamic was Master/Slave, (ugh!) Hazel is forced to return to her gilded cage, because of Lee’s well intentioned intervention.
I felt the FOREBODING at this point, and part one ends with a bit of a cliffhanger.
I was still ALL IN, for Part Two, as we switch to Hazel’s POV, learning some new things, and getting her perspective on some of things we had heard from Lee in Part One.
An unlikely friendship develops, and then Hazel asks Lee for help-she wants to “disappear” and escape her life.
WHO CAN BE TRUSTED?
Because of how the book opened, this felt more like Lee’s story to me-but the focus shifted to Hazel, our “Drowning Woman” in the second half, and since I was more invested in Lee-I missed her!
In Parts 3 and 4, the focus shifts away from the women’s friendship, and the story lost some steam for me.
How could these women have fallen for the men in their lives?
Or, maybe when women are voicing men, it just rarely sounds natural. The men sounded like caricatures of bad guys. ( I often find that when men are voicing women, it sounds silly, as well)
Still, upon sleeping on this-the surprising TWISTS, made this story worthy of more than 3 ⭐️ as it was better than average, so I am rounding ⬆️
AVAILABLE NOW!
I would like to thank Novel Suspects for the Audible copy I won-narrated by Brittany Wilkerson and Henriette Zoutomou.
I am not sure how the narration was broken down as Lee always had a distinctive VOICE, but Hazel didn’t-sometimes the narrator fell out of character and sounded like Lee, instead of Hazel, which was a bit distracting and confusing. I had to remind myself of whose POV it was when that would happen.
I finished with some mixed feelings about this one. I LOVED the first half-but the second half was not as strong for me.
The book is told in FOUR parts, and Part One (Lee) had me immediately HOOKED.
Lee had finally obtained her dream-to own a successful restaurant in New York. But Covid lockdowns would end her dream as quickly as it started, and she fled to Seattle, in her Toyota Corolla, in debt to the wrong people. Now she sleeps in her car, with a knife in her lap, in a secluded park by the beach.
One morning, she saves a woman from drowning, but Hazel’s walk into the icy waters was intentional-she wanted to end her life-so she is none too pleased. Trapped in an abusive marriage, one where the agreed dynamic was Master/Slave, (ugh!) Hazel is forced to return to her gilded cage, because of Lee’s well intentioned intervention.
I felt the FOREBODING at this point, and part one ends with a bit of a cliffhanger.
I was still ALL IN, for Part Two, as we switch to Hazel’s POV, learning some new things, and getting her perspective on some of things we had heard from Lee in Part One.
An unlikely friendship develops, and then Hazel asks Lee for help-she wants to “disappear” and escape her life.
WHO CAN BE TRUSTED?
Because of how the book opened, this felt more like Lee’s story to me-but the focus shifted to Hazel, our “Drowning Woman” in the second half, and since I was more invested in Lee-I missed her!
In Parts 3 and 4, the focus shifts away from the women’s friendship, and the story lost some steam for me.
How could these women have fallen for the men in their lives?
Or, maybe when women are voicing men, it just rarely sounds natural. The men sounded like caricatures of bad guys. ( I often find that when men are voicing women, it sounds silly, as well)
Still, upon sleeping on this-the surprising TWISTS, made this story worthy of more than 3 ⭐️ as it was better than average, so I am rounding ⬆️
AVAILABLE NOW!
I would like to thank Novel Suspects for the Audible copy I won-narrated by Brittany Wilkerson and Henriette Zoutomou.
I am not sure how the narration was broken down as Lee always had a distinctive VOICE, but Hazel didn’t-sometimes the narrator fell out of character and sounded like Lee, instead of Hazel, which was a bit distracting and confusing. I had to remind myself of whose POV it was when that would happen.
May 15, 2024
**Many thanks to NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing, and Robyn Harding for an ARC of this book! Now available as of 6.13!**
Exciting, edgy, and UTTERLY enthralling, the latest from Robyn Harding is nothing short of a summertime smash!
You never think it could happen to you...until it does. Lee Gulliver has had to come to terms with the fact that she had almost everything...and now her successful restaurant and comfortable life are nothing more than a memory. Lee's restaurant couldn't withstand the pandemic, and she's fallen further and further into debt...and desperation. Living out of her Toyota Corolla, she finds free showers where she can and sleeps with a knife at the ready under the front seat...just in case.
Isolated from family and with her friends in the rear view, Lee pulls into a ritzier beach side neighborhood one day for at least a bit more security, but she hears a disturbing sound: the sound of a woman sobbing and then drowning. Lee races to her rescue, but the woman, Hazel, is far from grateful. Hazel is trapped in an abusive and dangerous marriage, locked in a Total Power Exchange with a rich and dominant man, Benjamin, who is also a powerful attorney...and her attempted drowning was, in her mind, the only way out.
Lee figures this will be the last she will ever see of Hazel...until the next morning, when Hazel surprises her with coffee, food...and a proposition. As the two become fast friends despite their disparate life circumstances, their desperation and determination bond them together, and Hazel has a DIFFERENT plan up her sleeve to escape her domineering husband. But this one involves Lee...and if all DOESN'T go according to plan, the consequences could be deadly...for BOTH of them. Is Lee the answer to all of Hazel's silent prayers...or has Hazel cleverly found a way to remove herself from Benjamin's wrath...but leave LEE to take the final, deadly fall?
I've only had the good fortune to read one of Harding's other books so far, and I would ABSOLUTELY classify myself as a fast fan. She checks so many of the boxes for me in terms of favorite thriller devices done well: short chapters, quick pacing, interesting plotting, and those TWISTS...the kind where your mouth ACTUALLY falls open while reading. I remember blasting through The Swap quickly, and I kid you not, this may be the first book in a YEAR or longer (outside from graphic novels that I've read IN ONE DAY.
To call it unputdownable, even? Feels like a HUGE understatement!
If there's one thing Harding does consistently and without fail, it is THAT. I could not stop reading this book, thinking about this book, or doing anything other than scheme and plan when I could pick it up again during the ~26 hours or so between when I started and finished it. So few authors are able to create that inextricable pull, but Harding ALWAYS does it. Were some of the plot points implausible? Maybe. But when the events unfolding are so intriguing, so interesting, and so compelling...it gets to a point where the logic police take a holiday and you can just buckle in for the FUN. 🎢
And both of these ladies (not to mention the other characters) are intricate, flawed, and REAL. They both COULD be unreliable narrators...but again, this isn't something you even need to focus on while reading. The reveals and the shocking secrets unfolding do all of the work for you, and allow you to just observe from the sidelines, popcorn and ice cold beverage in hand, racing to flip the pages while your heart is pounding double-time. When I am enjoying a thriller this much, I usually try to keep from racing towards the end so I can savor it for just a bit longer...but in this case? I don't think ANYTHING could have slowed me down! (Except maybe a brick wall! 🧱)
Robyn Harding has put out 3 books in the past three years, and all 3 have landed on my best of the year lists AND my favorite thrillers list.
And if the third time is USUALLY the charm...there's no telling what my fourth might bring!
😉
4.5 stars
Now available in paperback and also available on Kindle Unlimited!
Exciting, edgy, and UTTERLY enthralling, the latest from Robyn Harding is nothing short of a summertime smash!
You never think it could happen to you...until it does. Lee Gulliver has had to come to terms with the fact that she had almost everything...and now her successful restaurant and comfortable life are nothing more than a memory. Lee's restaurant couldn't withstand the pandemic, and she's fallen further and further into debt...and desperation. Living out of her Toyota Corolla, she finds free showers where she can and sleeps with a knife at the ready under the front seat...just in case.
Isolated from family and with her friends in the rear view, Lee pulls into a ritzier beach side neighborhood one day for at least a bit more security, but she hears a disturbing sound: the sound of a woman sobbing and then drowning. Lee races to her rescue, but the woman, Hazel, is far from grateful. Hazel is trapped in an abusive and dangerous marriage, locked in a Total Power Exchange with a rich and dominant man, Benjamin, who is also a powerful attorney...and her attempted drowning was, in her mind, the only way out.
Lee figures this will be the last she will ever see of Hazel...until the next morning, when Hazel surprises her with coffee, food...and a proposition. As the two become fast friends despite their disparate life circumstances, their desperation and determination bond them together, and Hazel has a DIFFERENT plan up her sleeve to escape her domineering husband. But this one involves Lee...and if all DOESN'T go according to plan, the consequences could be deadly...for BOTH of them. Is Lee the answer to all of Hazel's silent prayers...or has Hazel cleverly found a way to remove herself from Benjamin's wrath...but leave LEE to take the final, deadly fall?
I've only had the good fortune to read one of Harding's other books so far, and I would ABSOLUTELY classify myself as a fast fan. She checks so many of the boxes for me in terms of favorite thriller devices done well: short chapters, quick pacing, interesting plotting, and those TWISTS...the kind where your mouth ACTUALLY falls open while reading. I remember blasting through The Swap quickly, and I kid you not, this may be the first book in a YEAR or longer (outside from graphic novels that I've read IN ONE DAY.
To call it unputdownable, even? Feels like a HUGE understatement!
If there's one thing Harding does consistently and without fail, it is THAT. I could not stop reading this book, thinking about this book, or doing anything other than scheme and plan when I could pick it up again during the ~26 hours or so between when I started and finished it. So few authors are able to create that inextricable pull, but Harding ALWAYS does it. Were some of the plot points implausible? Maybe. But when the events unfolding are so intriguing, so interesting, and so compelling...it gets to a point where the logic police take a holiday and you can just buckle in for the FUN. 🎢
And both of these ladies (not to mention the other characters) are intricate, flawed, and REAL. They both COULD be unreliable narrators...but again, this isn't something you even need to focus on while reading. The reveals and the shocking secrets unfolding do all of the work for you, and allow you to just observe from the sidelines, popcorn and ice cold beverage in hand, racing to flip the pages while your heart is pounding double-time. When I am enjoying a thriller this much, I usually try to keep from racing towards the end so I can savor it for just a bit longer...but in this case? I don't think ANYTHING could have slowed me down! (Except maybe a brick wall! 🧱)
Robyn Harding has put out 3 books in the past three years, and all 3 have landed on my best of the year lists AND my favorite thrillers list.
And if the third time is USUALLY the charm...there's no telling what my fourth might bring!
😉
4.5 stars
Now available in paperback and also available on Kindle Unlimited!
August 11, 2023
My reviews can also be seen at: https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpr...
Another excellent psychological suspense novel from Robyn Harding!
I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read “The Drowning” . I've enjoyed all of Robyn Harding's previous novels, but I'm pretty sure this is my favorite. A terrific read.
“It’s human nature to think it could never happen to you.”
Covid 19 took everything from thirty-four-year-old, Lee Gulliver....EVERYTHING. Her dreams were crushed. Now Lee is just trying to survive. She lives in her car, sleeping in the driver’s seat with the keys in the ignition, ready to drive away at a moments notice.
“Desperate people will commit desperate acts.”
Lee doesn’t have contact with anyone from her former life. She feels like she’s burned every bridge behind her. But there’s someone who REALLY wants to find Lee. Someone who uses violence to solve problems.
Then one morning Lee wakes to hear a woman crying nearby. She tries to ignore the increasing sobs. Then she hears a splash. The woman is definitely not out for a morning swim in the frigid Pacific. Instinct kicks in and Lee jumps into the freezing cold water dragging the woman to the shore.
Lee has just saved this woman’s life. So why on earth is the woman so angry at her?
“There is no way that this woman, in her designer jogging suit and running shoes that probably cost as much as my car, has a life worse than mine.”
The women share their stories and a friendship of sorts begins. Day by day their friendship grows. Then Hazel asks Lee for a favor.
Lee’s life is about to get even more complicated.
A highly intense story of friendship, secrets, betrayal, redemption and more.
This book took me on quite a ride. I was pulled in to the story right away. This author knows how to keep a readers attention. I could NOT put this book down. Non stop action with so many great twists and reveals.
The story alternates between Lee and Hazel’s points of view. I was invested in both and couldn't wait to read what was going to happen next. I was so positive that I knew what was going to happen but I was WAY off. Even if my guesses had been correct, I still would have enjoyed everything about the story.
I love the way Robyn Harding writes. Her stories are entertaining and easy to follow. A terrific combination of well developed, complex characters and a well written exciting plot. This only thing I'm disappointed about is that I will have to wait a while for her next novel!
I'd like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.
Another excellent psychological suspense novel from Robyn Harding!
I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read “The Drowning” . I've enjoyed all of Robyn Harding's previous novels, but I'm pretty sure this is my favorite. A terrific read.
“It’s human nature to think it could never happen to you.”
Covid 19 took everything from thirty-four-year-old, Lee Gulliver....EVERYTHING. Her dreams were crushed. Now Lee is just trying to survive. She lives in her car, sleeping in the driver’s seat with the keys in the ignition, ready to drive away at a moments notice.
“Desperate people will commit desperate acts.”
Lee doesn’t have contact with anyone from her former life. She feels like she’s burned every bridge behind her. But there’s someone who REALLY wants to find Lee. Someone who uses violence to solve problems.
Then one morning Lee wakes to hear a woman crying nearby. She tries to ignore the increasing sobs. Then she hears a splash. The woman is definitely not out for a morning swim in the frigid Pacific. Instinct kicks in and Lee jumps into the freezing cold water dragging the woman to the shore.
Lee has just saved this woman’s life. So why on earth is the woman so angry at her?
“There is no way that this woman, in her designer jogging suit and running shoes that probably cost as much as my car, has a life worse than mine.”
The women share their stories and a friendship of sorts begins. Day by day their friendship grows. Then Hazel asks Lee for a favor.
Lee’s life is about to get even more complicated.
A highly intense story of friendship, secrets, betrayal, redemption and more.
This book took me on quite a ride. I was pulled in to the story right away. This author knows how to keep a readers attention. I could NOT put this book down. Non stop action with so many great twists and reveals.
The story alternates between Lee and Hazel’s points of view. I was invested in both and couldn't wait to read what was going to happen next. I was so positive that I knew what was going to happen but I was WAY off. Even if my guesses had been correct, I still would have enjoyed everything about the story.
I love the way Robyn Harding writes. Her stories are entertaining and easy to follow. A terrific combination of well developed, complex characters and a well written exciting plot. This only thing I'm disappointed about is that I will have to wait a while for her next novel!
I'd like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.
December 23, 2022
Believe all the hype around this book!🤩
Once again, Robyn Harding hits it out of the ballpark!
Lees’ career was flourishing as a respected chef, opening a high-end, fancy-schmancy eatery! Sure, she needed a little seed money to get things rolling. She found it from someone a teensy bit sketchy, but has no worries that she’ll pay off the loan in no time at all.
And she would have if not for one small hiccup…Covid. Lees’ dream turned into a nightmare overnight. With no way to pay off her loans she fears for her life, running as fast and far as she could.
Now Lee finds herself living out of her car scraping pennies together, desperately hoping to one day save enough for a roof over her head.
Asleep in her car/home, she wakes one morning to the sobs of a young woman. Lee quickly rushes to save her from drowning in the ocean.
But how could she know this selfless act would seriously alter the course of of her life?
How, you ask?
Because this woman she just rescued has dark secrets of her own and poor Lee just dropped herself smack in the middle of the drama!
I could not, would not put this book down! I couldn’t decide who had something to hide? Who could I trust? Will everyone survive to the epilogue?
I even had one jaw dropping moment!😱
I’ve loved every book I’ve read from this hugely talented author! And this was definitely one of my favorites! Already counting the days…weeks…months till her next release!
A buddy read with Susanne.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing
Once again, Robyn Harding hits it out of the ballpark!
Lees’ career was flourishing as a respected chef, opening a high-end, fancy-schmancy eatery! Sure, she needed a little seed money to get things rolling. She found it from someone a teensy bit sketchy, but has no worries that she’ll pay off the loan in no time at all.
And she would have if not for one small hiccup…Covid. Lees’ dream turned into a nightmare overnight. With no way to pay off her loans she fears for her life, running as fast and far as she could.
Now Lee finds herself living out of her car scraping pennies together, desperately hoping to one day save enough for a roof over her head.
Asleep in her car/home, she wakes one morning to the sobs of a young woman. Lee quickly rushes to save her from drowning in the ocean.
But how could she know this selfless act would seriously alter the course of of her life?
How, you ask?
Because this woman she just rescued has dark secrets of her own and poor Lee just dropped herself smack in the middle of the drama!
I could not, would not put this book down! I couldn’t decide who had something to hide? Who could I trust? Will everyone survive to the epilogue?
I even had one jaw dropping moment!😱
I’ve loved every book I’ve read from this hugely talented author! And this was definitely one of my favorites! Already counting the days…weeks…months till her next release!
A buddy read with Susanne.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing
June 30, 2023
Looking for a compulsive page-turner to pack on your summer vacation? I got you, or rather Robyn Harding does. Her new release The Drowning Woman fits the bill perfectly.
The less you know beforehand, the better. So, if you happen upon a review that’s heavy on plot and character descriptions, avert your eyes and run the other way.
That said, this twisty psychological thriller is told in four parts that alternate in perspective between Lee and Hazel.
Lee is a New York restaurateur who had to shutter her business and lost it all due to the Covid pandemic. Homeless — and often sleepless in Seattle — Lee wakes up in her Toyota Corolla and sees a distraught, fully-clothed woman wading into the waves. Leaping into action, Lee saves the woman’s life.
Hazel, the eponymous drowning woman who Lee rescues from a cold Puget Sound, shares a story of confinement by her sadist husband in their beautiful, prison-like home.
An unlikely but indelible bond is created between Lee and Hazel, setting both women on a path toward a deadly crossroads.
The juxtaposition of these two women — one completely homeless, the other trapped, a prisoner in her own home — and the shifting power dynamic between the two, is set up beautifully by Harding.
Look, questioning some of the choices they make, it’s quite easy for me to say that neither of these gals are the brightest bulbs in the pack. Then again, I’ve never been homeless nor married to a sadist, have you? Who’s to say what we’d do in either situation.
So suspend your disbelief, sit back, and enjoy the wild ride that Hazel and Lee take you on. The exciting twists and turns will have you questioning everything and everyone and keep you reading late into the night.
The less you know beforehand, the better. So, if you happen upon a review that’s heavy on plot and character descriptions, avert your eyes and run the other way.
That said, this twisty psychological thriller is told in four parts that alternate in perspective between Lee and Hazel.
Lee is a New York restaurateur who had to shutter her business and lost it all due to the Covid pandemic. Homeless — and often sleepless in Seattle — Lee wakes up in her Toyota Corolla and sees a distraught, fully-clothed woman wading into the waves. Leaping into action, Lee saves the woman’s life.
Hazel, the eponymous drowning woman who Lee rescues from a cold Puget Sound, shares a story of confinement by her sadist husband in their beautiful, prison-like home.
An unlikely but indelible bond is created between Lee and Hazel, setting both women on a path toward a deadly crossroads.
The juxtaposition of these two women — one completely homeless, the other trapped, a prisoner in her own home — and the shifting power dynamic between the two, is set up beautifully by Harding.
Look, questioning some of the choices they make, it’s quite easy for me to say that neither of these gals are the brightest bulbs in the pack. Then again, I’ve never been homeless nor married to a sadist, have you? Who’s to say what we’d do in either situation.
So suspend your disbelief, sit back, and enjoy the wild ride that Hazel and Lee take you on. The exciting twists and turns will have you questioning everything and everyone and keep you reading late into the night.
August 19, 2023
Twisty!
Now here is a book that came along at the right time. As Matt said below, it's ridiculous, but it was bingeable and kept my interest throughout.
Basically it's the story of Lee, who used to own her own restaurant in NYC until the pandemic caused it to go under. She owes a bunch of money to a shady investor, so she went on the run and has ended up homeless, living in her car in Seattle. One day while parked near the water, she ends up rescuing a woman from drowning. The woman's name is Hazel and she wants to die because she is stuck in an abusive marriage with a wealthy powerful man. Lee and Hazel forge a sort of friendship and begin to make plans for how they can both disappear and create new lives for themselves.
What seemed to be a straightforward setup twists around itself many times. No one is who they seem, everyone has secrets, and there are surprises around every corner. I don't want to give too much away, so I'll leave it at that. This is told from both Lee's and Hazel's perspectives, alternating in sections so the reader can follow each of their stories in detail (rather than just alternating chapters which wouldn't have worked as well.)
Is this book totally beyond the realm of believability? Oh, for sure.
But it is entertaining? Yes, it definitely was for me.
I thought the twists were skillfully presented and the misdirection was done really well. I started off listening to the audiobook, which is narrated by two narrators for the two main characters and it really kept my interest. Then I switched to the print version so I could finish reading more quickly because I really wanted to know what was going to happen.
Want spoilers? Check out my blog post for a full plot recap
Life Fully Booked Spoilers for The Drowning Woman
Some other reviewers said that this one was too repetitive, because we get the same incidents from the two different points of view. However, I really liked that, because it was like getting to peek behind the curtain in order to get the full picture rather than just one side of the story.
Recommended for those who like super twisty suspense novels and are in the right mood to suspend some disbelief.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Now here is a book that came along at the right time. As Matt said below, it's ridiculous, but it was bingeable and kept my interest throughout.
Basically it's the story of Lee, who used to own her own restaurant in NYC until the pandemic caused it to go under. She owes a bunch of money to a shady investor, so she went on the run and has ended up homeless, living in her car in Seattle. One day while parked near the water, she ends up rescuing a woman from drowning. The woman's name is Hazel and she wants to die because she is stuck in an abusive marriage with a wealthy powerful man. Lee and Hazel forge a sort of friendship and begin to make plans for how they can both disappear and create new lives for themselves.
What seemed to be a straightforward setup twists around itself many times. No one is who they seem, everyone has secrets, and there are surprises around every corner. I don't want to give too much away, so I'll leave it at that. This is told from both Lee's and Hazel's perspectives, alternating in sections so the reader can follow each of their stories in detail (rather than just alternating chapters which wouldn't have worked as well.)
Is this book totally beyond the realm of believability? Oh, for sure.
But it is entertaining? Yes, it definitely was for me.
I thought the twists were skillfully presented and the misdirection was done really well. I started off listening to the audiobook, which is narrated by two narrators for the two main characters and it really kept my interest. Then I switched to the print version so I could finish reading more quickly because I really wanted to know what was going to happen.
Want spoilers? Check out my blog post for a full plot recap
Life Fully Booked Spoilers for The Drowning Woman
Some other reviewers said that this one was too repetitive, because we get the same incidents from the two different points of view. However, I really liked that, because it was like getting to peek behind the curtain in order to get the full picture rather than just one side of the story.
Recommended for those who like super twisty suspense novels and are in the right mood to suspend some disbelief.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
July 9, 2023
I’m oh so satisfied. Robyn Harding’s latest thriller, The Drowning Woman, sure did entertain me.
It’s pretty clear from the get-go that when Lee saves Hazel from drowning, good deed or not, it won’t turn out well for Lee. Soon, she’s caught up in Hazel’s scheme to disappear, sacrificing her own well-being to help her new friend escape an abusive husband.
It’s a dangerous mess that Lee finds herself in – a mess of lies, manipulation, double crosses, and murder – but it’s a lot of fun to watch it unfold on the page. The twists don’t ever stop coming, and Harding pulled me so deeply into the story that I never wanted to come up for air.
There’s some shoddy police work and questionable legal maneuvers; also a few minor loose ends that I wish weren’t nagging me. I’ve decided to let it all go, though – I enjoyed the ride too much to allow my book joy to be tempered.
I had the pleasure of both reading an early digital copy from NetGalley and listening to a gifted audiobook from Novel Suspects. I recommend either format but do want to mention that the dual narration by Brittany Wilkerson and Henriette Zoutomou is top-notch.
My sincerest appreciation to Robyn Harding, Grand Central Publishing, and NetGalley for the digital review copy; also to Novel Suspects for a free audiobook copy. All opinions included herein are my own.
It’s pretty clear from the get-go that when Lee saves Hazel from drowning, good deed or not, it won’t turn out well for Lee. Soon, she’s caught up in Hazel’s scheme to disappear, sacrificing her own well-being to help her new friend escape an abusive husband.
It’s a dangerous mess that Lee finds herself in – a mess of lies, manipulation, double crosses, and murder – but it’s a lot of fun to watch it unfold on the page. The twists don’t ever stop coming, and Harding pulled me so deeply into the story that I never wanted to come up for air.
There’s some shoddy police work and questionable legal maneuvers; also a few minor loose ends that I wish weren’t nagging me. I’ve decided to let it all go, though – I enjoyed the ride too much to allow my book joy to be tempered.
I had the pleasure of both reading an early digital copy from NetGalley and listening to a gifted audiobook from Novel Suspects. I recommend either format but do want to mention that the dual narration by Brittany Wilkerson and Henriette Zoutomou is top-notch.
My sincerest appreciation to Robyn Harding, Grand Central Publishing, and NetGalley for the digital review copy; also to Novel Suspects for a free audiobook copy. All opinions included herein are my own.
July 17, 2023
2.5 Fair
I started out enjoying this story, as the once successful Lee, now homeless and living in her car, rescues a woman, Hazel, from drowning, only to find out she is abused and desperate to escape, even if her only choice is death. The two strike up a friendship.
I’m officially sick to death of reading about abusive men. Can we just stop it? Can authors of thrillers try a new premise once in a while?
But the women in this story? Could they be any weaker and stupid??? Their behavior gives women a bad name. They make one ridiculous choice after another, choices that defy logic unless their brains fell out of their heads. If they had one.
Then the story jumped the shark. There were twists upon twist upon twists, one more ridiculous than the last until my eyes were rolling out of my head. Even popcorn wouldn’t help this one.
Apologies to all my GR friends who enjoyed it. I’m the outlier so please check out other more favorable reviews.
*I received a digital copy for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
I started out enjoying this story, as the once successful Lee, now homeless and living in her car, rescues a woman, Hazel, from drowning, only to find out she is abused and desperate to escape, even if her only choice is death. The two strike up a friendship.
I’m officially sick to death of reading about abusive men. Can we just stop it? Can authors of thrillers try a new premise once in a while?
But the women in this story? Could they be any weaker and stupid??? Their behavior gives women a bad name. They make one ridiculous choice after another, choices that defy logic unless their brains fell out of their heads. If they had one.
Then the story jumped the shark. There were twists upon twist upon twists, one more ridiculous than the last until my eyes were rolling out of my head. Even popcorn wouldn’t help this one.
Apologies to all my GR friends who enjoyed it. I’m the outlier so please check out other more favorable reviews.
*I received a digital copy for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
October 13, 2023
Oh wow! Where have I been all this time?
I almost return this one to the library without listening. That would've been the biggest mistake. With just 2 days left, I thought why not just give it a chance?
O M G!!! 😮
I wanted to finish this one in a day, absolutely unputdownable! The Drowning Woman is suspenseful and I think you should go in blind. My head was spinning, I had no idea who to trust and constantly changing my stance. On the surface, everyone seems decent and good people but everyone has something to hide. A wild ride with many twists and turns throughout the novel but the ending was a bit predictable. Loved it!! 4.5⭐
I almost return this one to the library without listening. That would've been the biggest mistake. With just 2 days left, I thought why not just give it a chance?
O M G!!! 😮
I wanted to finish this one in a day, absolutely unputdownable! The Drowning Woman is suspenseful and I think you should go in blind. My head was spinning, I had no idea who to trust and constantly changing my stance. On the surface, everyone seems decent and good people but everyone has something to hide. A wild ride with many twists and turns throughout the novel but the ending was a bit predictable. Loved it!! 4.5⭐
April 28, 2023
The Drowning Woman is an incredibly fast paced read with short, snappy chapters and edge-or-your-seat suspense. While the plot is well and truly over the top, and a few things were introduced that were never addressed again or sorted to completion, this was definitely an engaging read that will be perfect for summer vacation. If you’re looking for a popcorn thriller, this is it!
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
July 30, 2023
Stop what you are doing, abandon your responsibilities, and grab this unputdownable, twisty thriller!
Having given lower ratings to two of Harding’s earlier books, The Party and The Perfect Family, I was skeptical about picking up her latest domestic thriller. However, the fantastic buzz around this book from my reviewer friends convinced me to give this one a try. I am so glad that I did!
Lee Gulliver is homeless, living out of her car, and waitressing in a dive restaurant. She is awakened one night by a woman who is drowning in the ocean near where she has parked. Hazel Laval attempts to commit suicide, as she would rather die than live another moment with her abusive husband. Lee saves Hazel from drowning and both of their lives are inexplicably changed.
This book can best be described as Behind Closed Doors meets Gone Girl.
Harding does a fantastic job of setting up the plot in such a clever way that makes the reader think that the book will be very predictable and over the top, but then crafts a series of twists that you won’t see coming to explain away everything you think you know.
The short chapters, intriguing characters, and complex plot drew me in immediately and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next.
Cancel your appointments, clear your schedule, and find a cozy spot on the couch. You will not want to move a muscle until you see how this book ends!
I couldn’t give this book all of the stars due to a few inconsistencies. However, now I won’t hesitate to read more offerings from Harding!
4.5/5 stars rounded down
Trigger warnings: abusive relationship and suicide
Having given lower ratings to two of Harding’s earlier books, The Party and The Perfect Family, I was skeptical about picking up her latest domestic thriller. However, the fantastic buzz around this book from my reviewer friends convinced me to give this one a try. I am so glad that I did!
Lee Gulliver is homeless, living out of her car, and waitressing in a dive restaurant. She is awakened one night by a woman who is drowning in the ocean near where she has parked. Hazel Laval attempts to commit suicide, as she would rather die than live another moment with her abusive husband. Lee saves Hazel from drowning and both of their lives are inexplicably changed.
This book can best be described as Behind Closed Doors meets Gone Girl.
Harding does a fantastic job of setting up the plot in such a clever way that makes the reader think that the book will be very predictable and over the top, but then crafts a series of twists that you won’t see coming to explain away everything you think you know.
The short chapters, intriguing characters, and complex plot drew me in immediately and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next.
Cancel your appointments, clear your schedule, and find a cozy spot on the couch. You will not want to move a muscle until you see how this book ends!
I couldn’t give this book all of the stars due to a few inconsistencies. However, now I won’t hesitate to read more offerings from Harding!
4.5/5 stars rounded down
Trigger warnings: abusive relationship and suicide
June 28, 2023
OMG!!! This book is fantastic!!! I absolutely loved it!! I have never met a @rhardingwriter book that I didn’t love… but WOW!!! I swear this is her best yet!!! 😍😍😍 I wasn’t even going to post today… but I NEED to talk about this book!!! Is this the year of the hot 🔥🔥🔥 thrillers or what??
Okay calm down Kim! 😂 Whew!! SO what did I love?? OMG where to start? I read this book in less than a day. It’s a super fast read. I found myself thinking about this crafty little game of cat 🐱 and mouse 🐭 whenever I had to put the book down! Then that sneaky flipping twist!!! 😳😳😳
This was a buddy read with @webreakforbooks … I got to a MAJOR twist and I was like… WHAT?? WAIT WHAT?? 😳 I literally reread it THREE times!! Then once I assured myself that that is what happened..😂… I checked with @webreakforbooks to see is she did the same thing. 🤷♀️… I have not been that blindsided since.. Goodnight Beautiful… which was years ago…. 🫢🤫
Best to go in blind and enjoy the ride!! 😉This was absolutely amazing. Whew!! My top 10 is filling up fast…but this is definitely on that list!! 👏👏👏 At the TOP of that list!! 🥳
Thank you to all the peeps that gave me ALL the FOMO over this book!! You main people to blame 😂 with your amazing reviews are @blondethrillerbooklover @thrillerbookloverspromotions @mandylovestoread @coffee.break.book.reviews -you all told me I would LOVE it and I did!! 🙌🙌😘😘😘
Okay calm down Kim! 😂 Whew!! SO what did I love?? OMG where to start? I read this book in less than a day. It’s a super fast read. I found myself thinking about this crafty little game of cat 🐱 and mouse 🐭 whenever I had to put the book down! Then that sneaky flipping twist!!! 😳😳😳
This was a buddy read with @webreakforbooks … I got to a MAJOR twist and I was like… WHAT?? WAIT WHAT?? 😳 I literally reread it THREE times!! Then once I assured myself that that is what happened..😂… I checked with @webreakforbooks to see is she did the same thing. 🤷♀️… I have not been that blindsided since.. Goodnight Beautiful… which was years ago…. 🫢🤫
Best to go in blind and enjoy the ride!! 😉This was absolutely amazing. Whew!! My top 10 is filling up fast…but this is definitely on that list!! 👏👏👏 At the TOP of that list!! 🥳
Thank you to all the peeps that gave me ALL the FOMO over this book!! You main people to blame 😂 with your amazing reviews are @blondethrillerbooklover @thrillerbookloverspromotions @mandylovestoread @coffee.break.book.reviews -you all told me I would LOVE it and I did!! 🙌🙌😘😘😘
August 8, 2023
As I’m teetering between a 3 or 4 star rating, I’ve decided to go right down the middle with 3.5. ⭐️ This book started off super strong for me, but then somewhere a little over the halfway mark, I started to get a little disinterested. Yes, this book was super twisty with lots of surprises- but I think it may have went overboard (for me anyways).
The Drowning Woman starts off with Lee, who is down on her luck and living in her car. She is not a bad person, just going through a bad time. One morning, she is awakened by a woman who is drowning in the ocean. Of course Lee rushes to save the woman. But did this woman really want to be saved?
Next we have Hazel. Hazel is the woman who tried to drown herself in the ocean. She is living a life of misery and is looking for a way out. Can she forgive Lee for saving her life, and can they be friends afterwards considering their different backgrounds in life and current situation?
This book is divided into Four Parts, with each Part alternating between Lee and Hazel. Within each Part we have nice short chapters, which are a bonus. But Part’s Three and Four started to get a bit wonky for me. There were LOTS of twists, and maybe for this book some might have been unnecessary. Not sure what is was, but something started to draw me away from this. Now, as I’ve finished the book, I’m left feeling a little disappointed (as I wanted to love this book so much!).
Regardless, I still recommend this story as it was cleverly written and others have enjoyed all the twists more than I have. I have read other books from Robyn Harding that I have enjoyed, and I plan to continue reading more from her going forward!
The Drowning Woman starts off with Lee, who is down on her luck and living in her car. She is not a bad person, just going through a bad time. One morning, she is awakened by a woman who is drowning in the ocean. Of course Lee rushes to save the woman. But did this woman really want to be saved?
Next we have Hazel. Hazel is the woman who tried to drown herself in the ocean. She is living a life of misery and is looking for a way out. Can she forgive Lee for saving her life, and can they be friends afterwards considering their different backgrounds in life and current situation?
This book is divided into Four Parts, with each Part alternating between Lee and Hazel. Within each Part we have nice short chapters, which are a bonus. But Part’s Three and Four started to get a bit wonky for me. There were LOTS of twists, and maybe for this book some might have been unnecessary. Not sure what is was, but something started to draw me away from this. Now, as I’ve finished the book, I’m left feeling a little disappointed (as I wanted to love this book so much!).
Regardless, I still recommend this story as it was cleverly written and others have enjoyed all the twists more than I have. I have read other books from Robyn Harding that I have enjoyed, and I plan to continue reading more from her going forward!
June 15, 2023
Can you really trust anyone?
This book tells the story from two different perspectives, seamlessly intertwining them. It is easy to read but still keeps you on edge. The main characters have multiple interconnected plans and goals. As the friendship between Lee and Hazel strengthens, they embark on a fast-paced journey to uncover the wicked intentions of others. This book has a very complex web of events. The plot is amazing, and I thoroughly enjoyed how everything fell into place by the end.
This book tells the story from two different perspectives, seamlessly intertwining them. It is easy to read but still keeps you on edge. The main characters have multiple interconnected plans and goals. As the friendship between Lee and Hazel strengthens, they embark on a fast-paced journey to uncover the wicked intentions of others. This book has a very complex web of events. The plot is amazing, and I thoroughly enjoyed how everything fell into place by the end.
May 14, 2023
The Drowning Woman leans on the dramatic side but is still somewhat compelling despite its flaws.
Lee Gulliver is newly homeless and never could have predicted it. She owned a successful restaurant until Covid hit. Now, she’s working at a diner under the table while living in her car. One morning, she hears a woman sobbing near the ocean and saves her when she tries to drown herself. Initially, the woman Hazel is furious at being saved, but the two quickly become friends. Soon, Lee is drawn into the secrets of Hazel’s life and agrees to help her.
This thriller is fast-paced and offers twist after twist - not all of them are good. There are several unlikely scenarios, and the plot becomes super OTT, even for me.
I much preferred reading Lee’s pov over the second one. There was no need for it, in my opinion, because it rehashes many of the same events and conversations. Surely, Lee could have deduced what was really going on herself.
As for Lee’s character, I thought she was too trusting and naive for someone with her type of experience.
Even though this story was pretty wild, it still compelled me to keep reading, so it has that going for it. It’s receiving plenty of rave reviews from other early reviewers, so don’t let mine deter you from trying it out for yourself.
2.5 rounded down.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://booksandwheels.com
Lee Gulliver is newly homeless and never could have predicted it. She owned a successful restaurant until Covid hit. Now, she’s working at a diner under the table while living in her car. One morning, she hears a woman sobbing near the ocean and saves her when she tries to drown herself. Initially, the woman Hazel is furious at being saved, but the two quickly become friends. Soon, Lee is drawn into the secrets of Hazel’s life and agrees to help her.
This thriller is fast-paced and offers twist after twist - not all of them are good. There are several unlikely scenarios, and the plot becomes super OTT, even for me.
I much preferred reading Lee’s pov over the second one. There was no need for it, in my opinion, because it rehashes many of the same events and conversations. Surely, Lee could have deduced what was really going on herself.
As for Lee’s character, I thought she was too trusting and naive for someone with her type of experience.
Even though this story was pretty wild, it still compelled me to keep reading, so it has that going for it. It’s receiving plenty of rave reviews from other early reviewers, so don’t let mine deter you from trying it out for yourself.
2.5 rounded down.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://booksandwheels.com
August 1, 2023
after sitting with this a bit, 4.5-5 stars it is!!! i DEVOURED this book 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 it has actually left me with a huuuge book hangover 🤣
let me start by saying that i had no idea that Robyn Harding has written 12 books?!?! how have i not read her before?! i am OBSESSED with her writing style. will definitely be checking out more of her backlist!
on to THE DROWNING WOMAN… wow. it truly starts with a bang. the chapters are short, the characters are very elusive and interesting, there are cliffhangers and twists LEFT AND RIGHT. it’s divided into 4-5 Parts and 2 POVs from the two FMC’s and every part ended with a cliffhanger that had me texting my book club group chat with my jaw dropped. it was so addicting and good that i never wanted to put it down—i finished it in 3 sittings but could have easily done 1-2 if i wasn’t so busy!
despite me loving & devouring this, i did have a few minor gripes:
- this book gave me THE LAST MRS PARRISH and THE WIFE BETWEEN US vibes so it wasn’t super original or not-been-done-before which is more of a personal issue considering i’ve read nearly every thriller under the sun
- the ending was a biiiit too resolved for a thriller for my personal taste. i like a bit more of a shocking ending vs everything wrapped up
- the characters acted a bit naive for me at times. hard to believe two people would become that close that quickly however i can see why if i had to really debate it with someone lol
all in all—highly recommend! one of the better thrillers i’ve read in awhile. it certainly lived up to the hype!!!
thanks to Grand Central Publishing for the gifted copy! full review to come on my IG soon :)
let me start by saying that i had no idea that Robyn Harding has written 12 books?!?! how have i not read her before?! i am OBSESSED with her writing style. will definitely be checking out more of her backlist!
on to THE DROWNING WOMAN… wow. it truly starts with a bang. the chapters are short, the characters are very elusive and interesting, there are cliffhangers and twists LEFT AND RIGHT. it’s divided into 4-5 Parts and 2 POVs from the two FMC’s and every part ended with a cliffhanger that had me texting my book club group chat with my jaw dropped. it was so addicting and good that i never wanted to put it down—i finished it in 3 sittings but could have easily done 1-2 if i wasn’t so busy!
despite me loving & devouring this, i did have a few minor gripes:
- this book gave me THE LAST MRS PARRISH and THE WIFE BETWEEN US vibes so it wasn’t super original or not-been-done-before which is more of a personal issue considering i’ve read nearly every thriller under the sun
- the ending was a biiiit too resolved for a thriller for my personal taste. i like a bit more of a shocking ending vs everything wrapped up
- the characters acted a bit naive for me at times. hard to believe two people would become that close that quickly however i can see why if i had to really debate it with someone lol
all in all—highly recommend! one of the better thrillers i’ve read in awhile. it certainly lived up to the hype!!!
thanks to Grand Central Publishing for the gifted copy! full review to come on my IG soon :)
June 20, 2023
I am drowning with praise for "The Drowning Woman".
I am a HUGE Robyn Harding fan and, IMHO, this is her best book yet.
This book is a powerful, captivating, and twisty tale of a homeless woman and the wealthy society wife she saves from an attempted suicide drowning.
Bonded by extraordinary circumstances, both women form an unlikely friendship only to become entangled in a dark web of lies, lies, and more lies.
It's a book about deeply flawed women, love, deceit, retribution, despair, and betrayal.
And it's unlike any other book that you have ever read.
Be prepared to be misdirected, directed, and misdirected again.
I listened to the full-cast audiobook read by Brittany Wilkerson and Henriette Zoutomou.
I always love full-cast audiobooks and both narrators did a superb job with the narration.
I felt that the first 60% of the book was 10-star riveting and unputdownable.
The last portion of the book was not as strong as the book's jolting and jaw-dropping beginning.
Overall, however, this book easily earned 5 enthusiastic stars.
I am a HUGE Robyn Harding fan and, IMHO, this is her best book yet.
This book is a powerful, captivating, and twisty tale of a homeless woman and the wealthy society wife she saves from an attempted suicide drowning.
Bonded by extraordinary circumstances, both women form an unlikely friendship only to become entangled in a dark web of lies, lies, and more lies.
It's a book about deeply flawed women, love, deceit, retribution, despair, and betrayal.
And it's unlike any other book that you have ever read.
Be prepared to be misdirected, directed, and misdirected again.
I listened to the full-cast audiobook read by Brittany Wilkerson and Henriette Zoutomou.
I always love full-cast audiobooks and both narrators did a superb job with the narration.
I felt that the first 60% of the book was 10-star riveting and unputdownable.
The last portion of the book was not as strong as the book's jolting and jaw-dropping beginning.
Overall, however, this book easily earned 5 enthusiastic stars.
August 1, 2023
Two different women are drowning from the choices that they both made in their lives. Can both of them survive? "Desperate people will commit desperate acts."
Lee's dreams of owning her restaurant were taken from her when she became another victim of the pandemic; the economic life, in general, forced her to close her restaurant permanently. Lee is drowning in debt and shame. That threatens to overwhelm her. She wonders if she'll ever be able to recover from the mess her life has become.
Hazel is the drowning woman, about to drown in puget sound along the northwestern coast of Washington. Hazel is drowning under her husband's abusive and toxic environment.
Lee wakes to hear a woman sobbing nearby and cries out to the ocean I'm sorry. What's she sorry for?
Lee tries to ignore the increasing sobs. Then Lee hears a splash. The woman wouldn't go out for a morning swim in early April. The Pacific Ocean is frigid at this time of year. Instinct kicks in to save the woman, and Lee runs toward the water, jumps in and drags the woman to the shore.
Lee has just saved this woman's life. So what is her problem? Why is the woman so angry at her?
Hazel had a plan in the works that day, even though Lee ruined that plan. A bond of friendship begins between the two women despite their social and economic differences.
Each morning Hazel brings Lee breakfast; they eat overlooking the beautiful ocean on a piece of driftwood.
Through these conversations, the reader learns they're both vulnerable and have limited opportunities due to their circumstances. Then Hazel asks Lee for a favour__ Lee doesn't know it now, but her life is about to implode.
Told in dual POV between Lee's and Hazel's Drowning in both is practical in more than one symbolic form in this book. Depending on whose POV you're reading, this is a dual POV book between Lee and Hazel; the titular "drowning woman" is either themselves, the other woman, or both simultaneously.
That's part of the flawless execution of this fast-paced, cleverly-plotted, and thoroughly thought-out thriller_ That had me asking myself these questions. Who can you trust and count on? You never know who is playing who. Regarding your self-preservation and survival.
They are so many twists and turns, and just when you think it's heading one way, and when the big reveal comes midway through the book with a jaw-dropping twist. My head felt like it was going to explode!
Entertaining and easy-to-follow, character-driven plot. With short chapters. —a terrific combination of well-developed, complex, flawed characters, some more likeable than others. There were a few that I wanted to throttle, and I found them utterly egotistical and misogynistic. Plenty of character diversity and a well-written plot kept me rooting for both Lee and Hazel.
In the acknowledgments, Harding thanked her friend Noel McDonald for sharing years of experience and knowledge as an outreach worker with the homeless population on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, which gave Harding an insight into the daily struggle of living on the street the daily trauma and indignities; the physical and psychological toll it takes and the cycles of poverty that is so different to break for the homeless community In the acknowledgments, Harding thanked her friend Noel McDonald for sharing his years of experience and knowledge as an outreach worker with the homeless population on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. It is becoming an increasingly pressing issue in today's society. I commend her for bringing genuine awareness to this issue through her book. The estimated number of homeless people in Canada alone ranges from 150,000 to 300,000, which has risen.
4.25 Stars
Lee's dreams of owning her restaurant were taken from her when she became another victim of the pandemic; the economic life, in general, forced her to close her restaurant permanently. Lee is drowning in debt and shame. That threatens to overwhelm her. She wonders if she'll ever be able to recover from the mess her life has become.
Hazel is the drowning woman, about to drown in puget sound along the northwestern coast of Washington. Hazel is drowning under her husband's abusive and toxic environment.
Lee wakes to hear a woman sobbing nearby and cries out to the ocean I'm sorry. What's she sorry for?
Lee tries to ignore the increasing sobs. Then Lee hears a splash. The woman wouldn't go out for a morning swim in early April. The Pacific Ocean is frigid at this time of year. Instinct kicks in to save the woman, and Lee runs toward the water, jumps in and drags the woman to the shore.
Lee has just saved this woman's life. So what is her problem? Why is the woman so angry at her?
Hazel had a plan in the works that day, even though Lee ruined that plan. A bond of friendship begins between the two women despite their social and economic differences.
Each morning Hazel brings Lee breakfast; they eat overlooking the beautiful ocean on a piece of driftwood.
Through these conversations, the reader learns they're both vulnerable and have limited opportunities due to their circumstances. Then Hazel asks Lee for a favour__ Lee doesn't know it now, but her life is about to implode.
Told in dual POV between Lee's and Hazel's Drowning in both is practical in more than one symbolic form in this book. Depending on whose POV you're reading, this is a dual POV book between Lee and Hazel; the titular "drowning woman" is either themselves, the other woman, or both simultaneously.
That's part of the flawless execution of this fast-paced, cleverly-plotted, and thoroughly thought-out thriller_ That had me asking myself these questions. Who can you trust and count on? You never know who is playing who. Regarding your self-preservation and survival.
They are so many twists and turns, and just when you think it's heading one way, and when the big reveal comes midway through the book with a jaw-dropping twist. My head felt like it was going to explode!
Entertaining and easy-to-follow, character-driven plot. With short chapters. —a terrific combination of well-developed, complex, flawed characters, some more likeable than others. There were a few that I wanted to throttle, and I found them utterly egotistical and misogynistic. Plenty of character diversity and a well-written plot kept me rooting for both Lee and Hazel.
In the acknowledgments, Harding thanked her friend Noel McDonald for sharing years of experience and knowledge as an outreach worker with the homeless population on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, which gave Harding an insight into the daily struggle of living on the street the daily trauma and indignities; the physical and psychological toll it takes and the cycles of poverty that is so different to break for the homeless community In the acknowledgments, Harding thanked her friend Noel McDonald for sharing his years of experience and knowledge as an outreach worker with the homeless population on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. It is becoming an increasingly pressing issue in today's society. I commend her for bringing genuine awareness to this issue through her book. The estimated number of homeless people in Canada alone ranges from 150,000 to 300,000, which has risen.
4.25 Stars
July 15, 2023
4.5 thrilling stars!
This is one of the most unique and captivating thrillers I’ve read in a long time.
Lee is homeless and living in her car. Sleeping in remote parking lots and on quiet side streets at night, she hopes to stay unnoticed. One morning she hears the sound of a woman crying and upon following the cries, saves the woman from drowning in the ocean. This begins a unique and multilayered friendship that keeps the reader guessing…
I was hooked on this story from page 1. I had an immediate investment in the main character who was living in her car and struggling to get by. Homelessness is a main theme explored within this story and I feel the author did an excellent job showing how someone’s life could change so quickly. It was eye-opening and emotion-stirring. I was engrossed and sympathetic to what the main character went through to survive day to day.
Told in a dual perspective, the author nailed the narratives. I was consumed by the perfectly paced story that unfolded seamlessly shifting from one character to the other. I loved the characters — they were all unique. I have read several books by this author and I find she always excels at creating distinctive, uncommon characters that bring unusual and thought-provoking back stories to the narrative.
This storyline is full of twists and turns, manipulation and suspense. It was an unputdownable reading experience for me that had my curiosity piqued from start to finish. It explores some heavy topics and challenges stigma, giving the reader a lot to contemplate. I believe this is one of her best books yet!
My one tiny critique is that I felt the ending was a bit rushed and didn’t match the intensity of the rest of the book. However, it was still great and easy to roll with.
Overall, this was a terrific read that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND to thriller lovers! A fresh and unique story that will have you hooked!
This is one of the most unique and captivating thrillers I’ve read in a long time.
Lee is homeless and living in her car. Sleeping in remote parking lots and on quiet side streets at night, she hopes to stay unnoticed. One morning she hears the sound of a woman crying and upon following the cries, saves the woman from drowning in the ocean. This begins a unique and multilayered friendship that keeps the reader guessing…
I was hooked on this story from page 1. I had an immediate investment in the main character who was living in her car and struggling to get by. Homelessness is a main theme explored within this story and I feel the author did an excellent job showing how someone’s life could change so quickly. It was eye-opening and emotion-stirring. I was engrossed and sympathetic to what the main character went through to survive day to day.
Told in a dual perspective, the author nailed the narratives. I was consumed by the perfectly paced story that unfolded seamlessly shifting from one character to the other. I loved the characters — they were all unique. I have read several books by this author and I find she always excels at creating distinctive, uncommon characters that bring unusual and thought-provoking back stories to the narrative.
This storyline is full of twists and turns, manipulation and suspense. It was an unputdownable reading experience for me that had my curiosity piqued from start to finish. It explores some heavy topics and challenges stigma, giving the reader a lot to contemplate. I believe this is one of her best books yet!
My one tiny critique is that I felt the ending was a bit rushed and didn’t match the intensity of the rest of the book. However, it was still great and easy to roll with.
Overall, this was a terrific read that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND to thriller lovers! A fresh and unique story that will have you hooked!
August 3, 2024
"The Drowning Woman" by Robyn Harding introduces us to an unexpected hero—Lee Gulliver, a homeless woman whose life takes an unexpected turn when she witnesses another woman attempting suicide. After saving her, the two form an unlikely and close friendship. The woman she rescues, shrouded in mystery, offers Lee a deal too enticing to refuse—a lifeline out of destitution. Driven by their bond and the tempting offer, Lee agrees, unknowingly stepping right into a meticulously laid trap.
The first half of the novel is a whirlwind of suspense. While the plot may not be groundbreaking, the thrilling pace and well-crafted twists keep readers on edge. The emotional depth of our flawed, resilient heroine is portrayed convincingly, making it easy for readers to empathize with her struggles. This engaging start justifies why this book has climbed the charts in the Apple Bookstore’s mystery and thriller genre.
However, the second half of the book falters. As the narrative spotlight shifts from Lee, illuminating secondary characters who lack the same magnetism, the story loses its initial grip. Suddenly, it’s not about the mystery anymore—it’s a run-of-the-mill action tale. Characters lose depth, revelations fall flat, and coincidences pile up. The once-promising narrative hurtles toward a predictable ending.
Despite its promising beginning, "The Drowning Woman" feels like a missed opportunity, leaving me longing for the thrilling pace and emotional intensity that marked its first half.
The first half of the novel is a whirlwind of suspense. While the plot may not be groundbreaking, the thrilling pace and well-crafted twists keep readers on edge. The emotional depth of our flawed, resilient heroine is portrayed convincingly, making it easy for readers to empathize with her struggles. This engaging start justifies why this book has climbed the charts in the Apple Bookstore’s mystery and thriller genre.
However, the second half of the book falters. As the narrative spotlight shifts from Lee, illuminating secondary characters who lack the same magnetism, the story loses its initial grip. Suddenly, it’s not about the mystery anymore—it’s a run-of-the-mill action tale. Characters lose depth, revelations fall flat, and coincidences pile up. The once-promising narrative hurtles toward a predictable ending.
Despite its promising beginning, "The Drowning Woman" feels like a missed opportunity, leaving me longing for the thrilling pace and emotional intensity that marked its first half.
June 8, 2023
This book has been everywhere recently. Every time I log onto Goodreads or ig, I see reviewers raving about it. I’m usually a bit reluctant when it comes to picking up overly hyped books, and I couldn’t help but wonder, It can’t be that good, can it?
Well, let me tell you, I was wrong. The Drowning Woman lives up to all the hype and then some! Once I started reading it, I could not put it down!
After the pandemic hit and her restaurant was forced to close, Lee Gulliver found herself in an impossible situation- she was suddenly homeless. While attempting to sleep in her car near a beach, she hears a sobbing woman throw herself into the ocean. Lee rescues the woman and the woman tells her that her name is Hazel and she wanted to die to escape her abusive marriage.
Bonded by both of their desperate situations, the women develop a friendship. One day Hazel asks Lee for her to help leave her abusive marriage permanently and to disappear. The plan sounds simple enough but Lee soon discovers that nothing is as simple as it seems.
This unputdownable thriller is filled with unexpected plot twists. The Drowning Woman is such an entertaining, wild ride and I know that thriller readers will thoroughly enjoy this one! This is my second read by Harding and I can't wait to read more of her work in the future.
The Drowning Woman by Robyn Harding will be available on June 13. A massive thanks to Grand Central Publishing for the gifted copy!
Well, let me tell you, I was wrong. The Drowning Woman lives up to all the hype and then some! Once I started reading it, I could not put it down!
After the pandemic hit and her restaurant was forced to close, Lee Gulliver found herself in an impossible situation- she was suddenly homeless. While attempting to sleep in her car near a beach, she hears a sobbing woman throw herself into the ocean. Lee rescues the woman and the woman tells her that her name is Hazel and she wanted to die to escape her abusive marriage.
Bonded by both of their desperate situations, the women develop a friendship. One day Hazel asks Lee for her to help leave her abusive marriage permanently and to disappear. The plan sounds simple enough but Lee soon discovers that nothing is as simple as it seems.
This unputdownable thriller is filled with unexpected plot twists. The Drowning Woman is such an entertaining, wild ride and I know that thriller readers will thoroughly enjoy this one! This is my second read by Harding and I can't wait to read more of her work in the future.
The Drowning Woman by Robyn Harding will be available on June 13. A massive thanks to Grand Central Publishing for the gifted copy!
November 6, 2023
Lee Gulliver was once an up-and-coming restaurateur in the posh world of New York City. With the arrival of the pandemic, however, the restaurant industry was hit hard, leaving the business floundering. Now homeless, Lee is living out of her car. As months pass, she learns the ins and outs of her gritty new life just hoping to stay safe. So when she finds a secluded alcove by the beach of a tony neighborhood, she knows it’s the perfect place to try to grab some sleep.
At the break of dawn one morning, however, Lee wakes up to the sobs of a woman who seems hellbent on throwing herself into the sea. Determined to keep herself from being the last person to see this stranger alive, Lee swims out after her, dragging her back to shore. Once there, though, Lee is met with anger, not thanks. After all, the drowning woman, Hazel, just wanted to end her life and escape her brutal, abusive marriage. With Lee’s actions, her attempt has been defeated at the very last moment.
With no other choice, Hazel returns to her lavish prison and Lee bunkers back down in her home on wheels. Surely, that was the last they’ll see of one another as they have nothing whatsoever in common. So when Lee is awoken the next morning with a kind smile and warm food, she’s rather surprised. But as the days pass and their routine becomes set, the two women become bonded over their equally difficult circumstances.
One morning, however, Hazel makes a startling request… Will Lee help her disappear? With no friends and even fewer options, she is at Lee’s mercy. But the more they scheme, the more uncertain Lee becomes. After all, what they’re planning could be dangerous for them both. What if it all goes horribly wrong? Plus, does she really know Hazel as well as she thinks she does? Or is she trusting someone that could mean her harm?
A truly twisted tale from beginning to end, The Drowning Woman was thoroughly addictive and wholly unputdownable. But while much of it delivered in spades, there were bits and pieces that were missing that special something for me. Overall, however, this one was still a home run through and through. Confusing? Well, here’s my wrap up of exactly why…
Let’s start at the top, then, shall we? With a slow burn start as the friendship between Lee and Hazel was established, I found myself riveted by their mutual stories. Initially, I have to say, though, it felt decidedly more like a drama than a psychological thriller. But don’t fret, the farther into the book I got, the more those stellar twists and turns changed that fact, but it did take a bit to get there.
The structure itself also had some pluses and minuses. Told in four parts that alternated between Lee and Hazel’s POVs, the storyline morphed with each change of perspective, keeping me in sublime suspense. The only downside to this was the somewhat repetitive nature of the reveals. But through some deftly hidden secrets and heaps of dastardly motives, these two women were nothing and yet everything like I expected. Even better, I was captivated by all of the things I thought I knew, but so didn’t which had me ripping through the pages in my haste to see all of the truths laid bare.
What truly made this novel, however, were the twists. After all, when those twists finally did show up, they showed up. Truly awe-inspiring, they quite literally caused my jaw to drop. At the same time, though, it took longer than I would’ve liked to reach the first major about face. With over a hundred pages to wade through first, it was somewhat of a relief to encounter the first one. I do have to give Harding props, however, as it was quite a doozy, so I’ll gladly forgive her for the delay.
The only legitimate issue I found came right at the end. You see, unfortunately, both the climax and the conclusion felt rushed and hardly well developed. When I reached the point where there were only twenty pages left and absolutely nothing had been resolved, I felt uneasy. Don’t get me wrong, when it was finally all wrapped up, it was pretty darn close to perfection, but still, I rather dislike those hasty, unexplored finales almost as much as the ones that are left open to interpretation. And, if you know, you know, but those are a very definite pet peeve of mine.
When I finally shut the cover, however, the conclusion nevertheless felt like just what the doctor ordered. Was it unrealistic and improbable? Well, yes. Did that make it unsatisfying? Not in the slightest. So once I suspended my disbelief, I allowed myself to buckle up for the ride of my life. On top of that, the layered plot kept me questioning everyone and everything. A fact that only made it even more delicious, in my opinion. So, if you have yet to try a Robyn Harding story like me, grab a copy of this one as quick as you can. After all, if there is one thing I can guarantee, it’s that you won’t be able to put this one down. Rating of 4 stars.
Trigger warning: homelessness, robbery, suicide, controlling relationship, spousal abuse, death of a parent, mention of: COVID affecting business, bankruptcy, dementia, infidelity, blackmail, breaking and entering, murder for hire
At the break of dawn one morning, however, Lee wakes up to the sobs of a woman who seems hellbent on throwing herself into the sea. Determined to keep herself from being the last person to see this stranger alive, Lee swims out after her, dragging her back to shore. Once there, though, Lee is met with anger, not thanks. After all, the drowning woman, Hazel, just wanted to end her life and escape her brutal, abusive marriage. With Lee’s actions, her attempt has been defeated at the very last moment.
With no other choice, Hazel returns to her lavish prison and Lee bunkers back down in her home on wheels. Surely, that was the last they’ll see of one another as they have nothing whatsoever in common. So when Lee is awoken the next morning with a kind smile and warm food, she’s rather surprised. But as the days pass and their routine becomes set, the two women become bonded over their equally difficult circumstances.
One morning, however, Hazel makes a startling request… Will Lee help her disappear? With no friends and even fewer options, she is at Lee’s mercy. But the more they scheme, the more uncertain Lee becomes. After all, what they’re planning could be dangerous for them both. What if it all goes horribly wrong? Plus, does she really know Hazel as well as she thinks she does? Or is she trusting someone that could mean her harm?
A truly twisted tale from beginning to end, The Drowning Woman was thoroughly addictive and wholly unputdownable. But while much of it delivered in spades, there were bits and pieces that were missing that special something for me. Overall, however, this one was still a home run through and through. Confusing? Well, here’s my wrap up of exactly why…
Let’s start at the top, then, shall we? With a slow burn start as the friendship between Lee and Hazel was established, I found myself riveted by their mutual stories. Initially, I have to say, though, it felt decidedly more like a drama than a psychological thriller. But don’t fret, the farther into the book I got, the more those stellar twists and turns changed that fact, but it did take a bit to get there.
The structure itself also had some pluses and minuses. Told in four parts that alternated between Lee and Hazel’s POVs, the storyline morphed with each change of perspective, keeping me in sublime suspense. The only downside to this was the somewhat repetitive nature of the reveals. But through some deftly hidden secrets and heaps of dastardly motives, these two women were nothing and yet everything like I expected. Even better, I was captivated by all of the things I thought I knew, but so didn’t which had me ripping through the pages in my haste to see all of the truths laid bare.
What truly made this novel, however, were the twists. After all, when those twists finally did show up, they showed up. Truly awe-inspiring, they quite literally caused my jaw to drop. At the same time, though, it took longer than I would’ve liked to reach the first major about face. With over a hundred pages to wade through first, it was somewhat of a relief to encounter the first one. I do have to give Harding props, however, as it was quite a doozy, so I’ll gladly forgive her for the delay.
The only legitimate issue I found came right at the end. You see, unfortunately, both the climax and the conclusion felt rushed and hardly well developed. When I reached the point where there were only twenty pages left and absolutely nothing had been resolved, I felt uneasy. Don’t get me wrong, when it was finally all wrapped up, it was pretty darn close to perfection, but still, I rather dislike those hasty, unexplored finales almost as much as the ones that are left open to interpretation. And, if you know, you know, but those are a very definite pet peeve of mine.
When I finally shut the cover, however, the conclusion nevertheless felt like just what the doctor ordered. Was it unrealistic and improbable? Well, yes. Did that make it unsatisfying? Not in the slightest. So once I suspended my disbelief, I allowed myself to buckle up for the ride of my life. On top of that, the layered plot kept me questioning everyone and everything. A fact that only made it even more delicious, in my opinion. So, if you have yet to try a Robyn Harding story like me, grab a copy of this one as quick as you can. After all, if there is one thing I can guarantee, it’s that you won’t be able to put this one down. Rating of 4 stars.
Trigger warning: homelessness, robbery, suicide, controlling relationship, spousal abuse, death of a parent, mention of: COVID affecting business, bankruptcy, dementia, infidelity, blackmail, breaking and entering, murder for hire
March 24, 2024
I just love these fun little twisty thrillers
Well done Ms. Harding, i really enjoyed this one!
The Drowning Woman is about homeless Lee Gulliver who is living in her car after her restaurant business fails, she is knee deep in debt and a situation in her past she truly regrets had her having to leave her old life behind. One night in her car she notices a woman trying to throw herself in the ocean. Lee quickly saves the woman's life but the woman in question, Hazel, is not happy. She doesn't want to live anymore as she is in an abusive relationship. The two women end up forming a friendship, but is Hazel really to be trusted?
This is one of those books that will have you flipping through the pages because its such an easy read and you get really invested into the characters and their problems. If you are a thriller connoisseur then this is your typical thriller, with its cliché and obvious predictions, but even when it still happens you still cant help gasping and saying 'OH HELL NOOOOO'.
A thriller novice will truly eat this book up!!!
The 1/3 of the book had me locked in!
The 2/3 had me very interested in the backstory.
But the last third slightly bored me and i wish it could have ended a bit more differently. Plus there was still some unanswered questions for me.
As much as i did enjoy the book i was hoping to get more of a story about Lee as the book initially starts with her. I did enjoy Hazel story/ journey, but the second half just felt like Lee wasn't even about the story/narrative anymore.
This is my second Robyn Harding book. I read the The Perfect Family which i really enjoyed, but the reveals also fell flat and had me scratching my head asking questions at the end, so i guess that's just the authors writing style.
Nonetheless still a really good gripping entertaining thriller.
3.5 ⭐
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⋆｡°✩PRE REVIEW⋆｡°✩
Ok my mutuals have rated this one quite highly on GR!
Have read some really good thrillers this month...
Here's hoping this one delivers also 🤞🏾❤️
Well done Ms. Harding, i really enjoyed this one!
The Drowning Woman is about homeless Lee Gulliver who is living in her car after her restaurant business fails, she is knee deep in debt and a situation in her past she truly regrets had her having to leave her old life behind. One night in her car she notices a woman trying to throw herself in the ocean. Lee quickly saves the woman's life but the woman in question, Hazel, is not happy. She doesn't want to live anymore as she is in an abusive relationship. The two women end up forming a friendship, but is Hazel really to be trusted?
This is one of those books that will have you flipping through the pages because its such an easy read and you get really invested into the characters and their problems. If you are a thriller connoisseur then this is your typical thriller, with its cliché and obvious predictions, but even when it still happens you still cant help gasping and saying 'OH HELL NOOOOO'.
A thriller novice will truly eat this book up!!!
The 1/3 of the book had me locked in!
The 2/3 had me very interested in the backstory.
But the last third slightly bored me and i wish it could have ended a bit more differently. Plus there was still some unanswered questions for me.
As much as i did enjoy the book i was hoping to get more of a story about Lee as the book initially starts with her. I did enjoy Hazel story/ journey, but the second half just felt like Lee wasn't even about the story/narrative anymore.
This is my second Robyn Harding book. I read the The Perfect Family which i really enjoyed, but the reveals also fell flat and had me scratching my head asking questions at the end, so i guess that's just the authors writing style.
Nonetheless still a really good gripping entertaining thriller.
3.5 ⭐
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
⋆｡°✩PRE REVIEW⋆｡°✩
Ok my mutuals have rated this one quite highly on GR!
Have read some really good thrillers this month...
Here's hoping this one delivers also 🤞🏾❤️
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