Title: Into the Water
Author: Paula Hawkins
First published May 2, 2017
386 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780735211209 (ISBN10: 0735211205)
Rating: 3.59
Overview
Paula Hawkins, the author of the bestselling novel, The Girl on the Train, is back with another gripping psychological thriller, Into the Water. The river that runs through town has claimed the lives of several women, including a vulnerable teenage girl and a single mother.
Their deaths have shaken the town and brought to light long-kept secrets. Left behind is a lonely teenager, who is now under the care of her estranged aunt, a woman who has fled the town and is now forced to confront her past.
Hawkins’ propulsive writing and deep understanding of human nature will once again captivate readers as she delves into the complex emotions and memories that shape our lives. Into the Water is a haunting and satisfying read that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Remember, things are not always as they seem, so beware of the calm surface, for it may hide something sinister.
About the Author
Have you heard of Paula Hawkins? She’s the talented author behind the wildly popular novel, The Girl on the Train, which even got turned into a hit movie.
And guess what? She’s got a new book coming out on May 2nd! Into The Water promises to be another gripping read full of psychological suspense.
Keep an eye out for it!
Editoral Review
Into the Water by Paula Hawkins: A Deep Dive into Complex Relationships and a Murder Mystery
Paula Hawkins, known for her best-selling novel The Girl on the Train, returns with another gripping thriller in Into the Water. Published in May 2017, the novel follows the mysterious deaths of two women, Nel and Katie, in the town of Beckford, England, whose families are connected by a web of secrets and lies.
Set against the dark and eerie backdrop of a river that has claimed the lives of many over the years, Into the Water explores the complex relationships between siblings, family members, and neighbors, and the devastating effects that secrets can have on those relationships. The novel is told from various perspectives, including those of the deceased women, giving readers a glimpse into their lives before their untimely deaths.
At its heart, Into the Water is a murder mystery that keeps readers guessing until the very end. Hawkins masterfully weaves together multiple plotlines and twists, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they try to figure out what really happened to Nel and Katie.
But the novel is also so much more than a mere whodunit. It tackles themes such as guilt, regret, and the consequences of one’s actions, as well as the power dynamics between women in a small town.
Hawkins’ writing style is immersive and atmospheric, creating a vivid sense of place and a palpable tension throughout the novel. Her characters are flawed and complex, making them feel all the more real and relatable.
The pace of the novel is slow at times, with multiple subplots and the shifting perspectives of different characters, but it ultimately pays off in a satisfying conclusion. However, Into the Water is not without its flaws.
Some readers may find the sheer number of characters and their interconnected relationships confusing or overwhelming, while others may find some of the plot twists and revelations to be predictable. Additionally, the novel’s treatment of mental illness and suicide may be triggering for some readers.
Despite these shortcomings, Into the Water is a gripping and emotionally resonant read that is sure to keep readers engaged until the final page. Hawkins has once again proven herself to be a master of the psychological thriller genre.
Fans of her previous work, as well as those who enjoy murder mysteries with complex characters and themes, will find much to enjoy in this novel. Rating: 3.8/5
Recommended for: Fans of Paula Hawkins’ previous work, readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with complex relationships and multiple perspectives, those who enjoy murder mysteries with a strong sense of place and themes related to guilt, regret, and the consequences of one’s actions.
