A Book A Week

It has been a while since a thriller indeed thrilled me. As a suspense lover, I am constantly seeking the next book that will keep me on my toes. A downside to reading as many books in the genre as I do is that I can usually spot the twist or end well before reaching the climax. Reading a mystery or thriller is still fun, but not knowing how everything will finish brings an extra layer of suspense and satisfaction. It was with high hopes that I accepted a copy of Robyn Harding's latest The Drowning Woman from her publisher. The premise drew me in, but the twists ultimately turned me into a fan. 

Lee is about as close to rock bottom as she could possibly be. After opening her restaurant, she was living her dream. COVID arrived, crushing Lee's business, romance, and any chance at a real future. Now she travels around with only her beat-up Toyota and a meager amount of clothes. There's really no way things could get any worse. One morning, as Lee lies on the Seattle beach, letting time pass by, she takes notice of a sobbing woman. The lady seems hysterical. Lee gazes on as the woman thrusts herself into the frigid ocean. She's clearly decided to drown herself. Rushing to action, Lee dives into the water after her, hauling the woman back to the safety of the shore. 

The woman Lee rescued is anything but grateful for the good deed. Her name is Hazel, and she's downright furious with Lee. Hazel explains that she's been part of an abusive relationship, and she felt that death was her only way out. Now Lee has robbed her of that escape. After they've parted ways, Lee is certain she's seen the last of Hazel. But the next day, Hazel returns. The pair begin to bond over their collective misfortunes, creating a friendship that shouldn't be. Then one day Hazel makes a bizarre request. She's come up with another way to leave her husband, and she wants Lee to help her disappear. 

As I began reading The Drowning Woman, I felt a bit off-kilter. I didn't understand how Harding's story about a down-on-her-luck, homeless woman could possibly turn into a thriller. Even as the initial setup about the drowning woman unfolded, teeing up the domestic suspense to come, I didn't think this book would end up wowing me. Then, in a masterful stroke of plotting that completely swept the rug out from under me, Harding changed the POV of the book. Learning about the events that I'd just read from a different perspective completely blew my mind. Suddenly the true nature of this twisted story was disclosed, and the reveals didn't stop coming. I easily breezed through the latter half of the novel, blindsided by each new revelation. Yes, logical thinking derails a bit of the story, but I didn't care. I was completely sucked into this book and couldn't put it down. The plot does center around a consensual nonconsensual relationship that gets pretty dark, so be warned of the potential triggers there. Still, if you're searching for a thriller that will keep you guessing, go ahead and pick up The Drowning Woman. You won't regret it. 

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 35)