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Dark Waters 1: A Family Drama Book Series
The Waters’ is a strong, prominent black family in Philadelphia with access to the good life. Money, power, and lack of respect flow through the tight-knit family as destruction threatens to rock the foundation they are all trying to keep together.
Judge Waters and his wife, Lillian, work overtime to save their marriage, but when hatred and bitterness take over, all bets are off. Once the fighting starts, their children Keenan Jr., Naomi, and Saint go off into the world, wearing their parents' drama as a coat of arms. They then lie, cheat, and steal, causing havoc in the lives they come across, just like their mother and father taught them to do.
Ultimately, damaging secrets and decade-old lies will all come crashing down around them one by one. Then when death comes knocking, The Waters Family and their shattered fate hang in the balance, wondering what’s coming next . . .
Judge Waters and his wife, Lillian, work overtime to save their marriage, but when hatred and bitterness take over, all bets are off. Once the fighting starts, their children Keenan Jr., Naomi, and Saint go off into the world, wearing their parents' drama as a coat of arms. They then lie, cheat, and steal, causing havoc in the lives they come across, just like their mother and father taught them to do.
Ultimately, damaging secrets and decade-old lies will all come crashing down around them one by one. Then when death comes knocking, The Waters Family and their shattered fate hang in the balance, wondering what’s coming next . . .
- GenresFiction
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2023
About the author
Nick Haskins
8 books19 followersNick Haskins is the author of My Husband's Wife, Betrayed, She's Obsessed, and his new family drama book series, Dark Waters. Nick was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, where he resides. After years of aspiring to become a professional screenwriter, he began to shape his creative dreams and released his first African American fiction book, On the Edge of Heat, in 2011. In addition to his novels, Nick's new audiobook, Paradise Ocean Hotel, will be released in the summer of 2024.
Readers can visit Nick's website at www.nickhaskinsbooks.com, email him at nickhaskins@nickhaskinsbooks.com, or follow him on social media @iamnickhaskins
Readers can visit Nick's website at www.nickhaskinsbooks.com, email him at nickhaskins@nickhaskinsbooks.com, or follow him on social media @iamnickhaskins
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 28, 2025
The Waters Family is something!!!
The story is suspenseful, emotionally layered, and keeps you engaged from the very first chapter. The pacing is solid, the characters are intriguing, and the plot leaves you eager for what’s next. A strong introduction to a dark, compelling world—I’m definitely continuing the series.
The story is suspenseful, emotionally layered, and keeps you engaged from the very first chapter. The pacing is solid, the characters are intriguing, and the plot leaves you eager for what’s next. A strong introduction to a dark, compelling world—I’m definitely continuing the series.
May 5, 2023
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley and Kcin Entertainment Group. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating: 2/5 Stars
Published: June 6, 2023
Series: A Family Drama, Book 1
Pages: 217
“Dark Waters” novel is a first time read by Nick Haskins, new author to this reader. Where to begin or should I say end. I tend to give new-to-me authors a welcoming chance with their novels to please me as a reader but for this story, I really had to push my way through to the end. There was just too much going on in the story and too much drama that the storyline did not connect in places. At one point I had to digress a bit with the reading to try to understand the plot and intent of the story. There was no consistency that I almost DNF early in the reading.
Judge Keenan Waters Sr., the patriarch of this family dynamics is supposedly ruthless, handsome and exudes power, however he epitomizes the role of liar, cheat, and unscrupulous. Characteristics that are passed down through to his children who do likewise to gain power and success as their father. There was too much chaos in this story and over the top drama that I could not connect to any of the characters because they were all the same…unlikeable or weak. A house built on lies, deceit and secrets eventually come tumbling down on this family and I for one can’t say that they don’t deserve the outcomes.
Not well-written although it had potential to be a good book. It was lacking in areas and needed development of some of the characters. From the description, I thought this was going to be a good novel for this reader but overall, it just didn’t do it for me.
Rating: 2/5 Stars
Published: June 6, 2023
Series: A Family Drama, Book 1
Pages: 217
“Dark Waters” novel is a first time read by Nick Haskins, new author to this reader. Where to begin or should I say end. I tend to give new-to-me authors a welcoming chance with their novels to please me as a reader but for this story, I really had to push my way through to the end. There was just too much going on in the story and too much drama that the storyline did not connect in places. At one point I had to digress a bit with the reading to try to understand the plot and intent of the story. There was no consistency that I almost DNF early in the reading.
Judge Keenan Waters Sr., the patriarch of this family dynamics is supposedly ruthless, handsome and exudes power, however he epitomizes the role of liar, cheat, and unscrupulous. Characteristics that are passed down through to his children who do likewise to gain power and success as their father. There was too much chaos in this story and over the top drama that I could not connect to any of the characters because they were all the same…unlikeable or weak. A house built on lies, deceit and secrets eventually come tumbling down on this family and I for one can’t say that they don’t deserve the outcomes.
Not well-written although it had potential to be a good book. It was lacking in areas and needed development of some of the characters. From the description, I thought this was going to be a good novel for this reader but overall, it just didn’t do it for me.
June 9, 2023
Not my cup of tea...
Dark Waters is my introduction to author Nick Haskins. I thank NetGalley for a copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review. The book follows a prominent Black family in Philadelphia with Judge Keenan Waters Sr. and his wife Lillian at the helm. The Waters family, while largely successful has a host of secrets and lies that run the gamut. But, nothing appears to be worse than the infidelity going on with Keenan Sr. and his mistress. While Lilian continues to threaten to file for divorce, no longer willing to play the willful and patient wife, learns that her husband and his mistress are harboring the biggest secret of them all. One that ultimately can destruct the entire family.
Dark Waters is a character-driven novel. And I tend to love when characters are thoughtfully constructed and developed. In this case they were not. I would have rather the characters come alive instead of being told what they were doing by the author all throughout the book. As a result the writing did not flow as it could have and it made for a sometimes confusing and oftentimes underwhelming read. Don't get me wrong, however, this story line has a wealth of potential that could be explored. It just did not hit for me as perhaps it could have. There were also some errors throughout the book that made for a difficult read in some spaces, hence my lower rating. Not sure if I'd be willing to read a second installment without those things taken into consideration first.
Dark Waters is my introduction to author Nick Haskins. I thank NetGalley for a copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review. The book follows a prominent Black family in Philadelphia with Judge Keenan Waters Sr. and his wife Lillian at the helm. The Waters family, while largely successful has a host of secrets and lies that run the gamut. But, nothing appears to be worse than the infidelity going on with Keenan Sr. and his mistress. While Lilian continues to threaten to file for divorce, no longer willing to play the willful and patient wife, learns that her husband and his mistress are harboring the biggest secret of them all. One that ultimately can destruct the entire family.
Dark Waters is a character-driven novel. And I tend to love when characters are thoughtfully constructed and developed. In this case they were not. I would have rather the characters come alive instead of being told what they were doing by the author all throughout the book. As a result the writing did not flow as it could have and it made for a sometimes confusing and oftentimes underwhelming read. Don't get me wrong, however, this story line has a wealth of potential that could be explored. It just did not hit for me as perhaps it could have. There were also some errors throughout the book that made for a difficult read in some spaces, hence my lower rating. Not sure if I'd be willing to read a second installment without those things taken into consideration first.
July 24, 2023
The author had you understand the characters as he built on them throughout the story. And that is a testament to the writing ability because there is a large cast of characters.
The author does a great job making you feel like you’re in the thick of it with the characters throughout the course of the book. There is some crazy and you are front and center to witness it.
This was wonderfully entertaining while having some mystery and suspense thrown in.
The author does a great job making you feel like you’re in the thick of it with the characters throughout the course of the book. There is some crazy and you are front and center to witness it.
This was wonderfully entertaining while having some mystery and suspense thrown in.
July 26, 2023
There were a lot of moving a parts to this one and I really liked the way Nick Haskins told the story of this family.
These characters each have their own personalities and depth to them. There are so many goods and bads for everyone and so much going on. None of them felt one-dimensional or forced, they all shined through as individuals.
I felt that the plot was a good one, but the flow of it seemed a bit rushed at times. This is a highly involved read with so much drama laced through!
These characters each have their own personalities and depth to them. There are so many goods and bads for everyone and so much going on. None of them felt one-dimensional or forced, they all shined through as individuals.
I felt that the plot was a good one, but the flow of it seemed a bit rushed at times. This is a highly involved read with so much drama laced through!
May 10, 2026
4.5 stars
This book was so messy and I loved every minute of it. I am so glad there is a 2nd one already released because I need to see what the heck is going on. I feel bad for Naomi because I can relate to being casted away from your own family for simply being different.
Now it did take me a while to get used to this point of view but around 30% I'm like okay... I can get jiggy with this lol
Overall, I give it about 4.5 stars!
This book was so messy and I loved every minute of it. I am so glad there is a 2nd one already released because I need to see what the heck is going on. I feel bad for Naomi because I can relate to being casted away from your own family for simply being different.
Now it did take me a while to get used to this point of view but around 30% I'm like okay... I can get jiggy with this lol
Overall, I give it about 4.5 stars!
April 29, 2023
I really didn’t care for this book. The writing did not flow well. The plot had potential but it lacked focus. Instead of character development it gave more description of the characters. How they looked, what they drove, etc. It just wasn’t for me.
****Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review****
****Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review****
June 26, 2023
True Family drama!!!! And I loved it! Everybody has some thing going on,even people close to them have something going on. This book has it all and more, iff you like drama you will love this book!
Great pacing, good attention to detail, and managing to connect multiple plot lines throughout.
This is quite the ride.
I received a copy via RABT Book Tours & PR in exchange for an honest review.
Great pacing, good attention to detail, and managing to connect multiple plot lines throughout.
This is quite the ride.
I received a copy via RABT Book Tours & PR in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2023
What a ride, this family was dysfunctional and learning the ins and outs and following along was quite the ride.
There is A LOT going on in this book. It definitely takes some concentration to follow along. You will want some time to just focus on reading so you don't miss anything.
Surprises along the way keep the plot moving at a quick pace and make this easy to get lost in.
There is A LOT going on in this book. It definitely takes some concentration to follow along. You will want some time to just focus on reading so you don't miss anything.
Surprises along the way keep the plot moving at a quick pace and make this easy to get lost in.
July 1, 2023
This Book is Fire!!
The Waters Family is jacked up! Judge Waters is the master creator along with his wife Lillian of chaos, messiness, hypocrisy, selfishness and lack of morals! If Mom and Dad are a mess then what do you expect their children to be! Drama and more drama! And Mr. Haskins, I can't wait to read Book 2!!
The Waters Family is jacked up! Judge Waters is the master creator along with his wife Lillian of chaos, messiness, hypocrisy, selfishness and lack of morals! If Mom and Dad are a mess then what do you expect their children to be! Drama and more drama! And Mr. Haskins, I can't wait to read Book 2!!
June 8, 2024
Fantastic Book!
I really enjoyed reading this book and at times I couldn't even put it down. This was my first time reading a book by Nick Haskins and I am sold! I have just purchased 3 more of his books and I can not wait to start reading them.
I really enjoyed reading this book and at times I couldn't even put it down. This was my first time reading a book by Nick Haskins and I am sold! I have just purchased 3 more of his books and I can not wait to start reading them.
February 16, 2025
Dang this was sooo good!
I am so eagerly awaiting the next installment. I could not put this book down!! August 2025 can't get here fast enough! The suspense is kiilling me!! Please send me a notification!!
I am so eagerly awaiting the next installment. I could not put this book down!! August 2025 can't get here fast enough! The suspense is kiilling me!! Please send me a notification!!
May 10, 2025
wow
This is a great story of how elite families hide general life situations for their reputations. Where the love of money can lure you to betraying family members and status keeps you bound to misery. Such a great read
This is a great story of how elite families hide general life situations for their reputations. Where the love of money can lure you to betraying family members and status keeps you bound to misery. Such a great read
August 28, 2025
Intense!
Wow!
Yet another breathtaking novel by Nick Haskins! This one had me sitting at the edge of my seat the entire time! Page by page as more twists and turns unravel! Family drama at it's best!
I cannot wait to read part 2
Wow!
Yet another breathtaking novel by Nick Haskins! This one had me sitting at the edge of my seat the entire time! Page by page as more twists and turns unravel! Family drama at it's best!
I cannot wait to read part 2
April 9, 2024
Could not stop reading!
Excellent read! Can't wait for book 2.
I can see this becoming a TV show.
If you like drama, this is for you.
Excellent read! Can't wait for book 2.
I can see this becoming a TV show.
If you like drama, this is for you.
July 7, 2024
very well written
I really enjoyed this book but a little disappointed there was not a sequel. Hopefully there is one coming soon.
I really enjoyed this book but a little disappointed there was not a sequel. Hopefully there is one coming soon.
January 23, 2025
Great book
I enjoyed this book so much.I could not put it down and I can't wait until book 2 comes out. Hopefully that will be soon.
I enjoyed this book so much.I could not put it down and I can't wait until book 2 comes out. Hopefully that will be soon.
April 4, 2025
Where’s Part II
DRAMA!!! Well this was an unexpected page turner for me. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and I’m looking forward to reading the sequel.
DRAMA!!! Well this was an unexpected page turner for me. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and I’m looking forward to reading the sequel.
March 27, 2026
Dark Water 1: A Family Drama Book
Judge Waters, wife Lillian & daughter Naomi are a soap opera in progress. But, ahh, ahh... Keenan Jr, the first born, is definitely portrayed in this book as a crook aka politician, period. Their younger son, his girlfriend/fiancée, and friend Jonathan are in a love tragedy aka triangle. I can not wait to read the next book. Keep up the good writing with interesting storylines. Author Nick Haskins, please keep those shocking incidents coming. LOL!
I would definitely recommend this two-part series.
Read 9/29/2025.
Judge Waters, wife Lillian & daughter Naomi are a soap opera in progress. But, ahh, ahh... Keenan Jr, the first born, is definitely portrayed in this book as a crook aka politician, period. Their younger son, his girlfriend/fiancée, and friend Jonathan are in a love tragedy aka triangle. I can not wait to read the next book. Keep up the good writing with interesting storylines. Author Nick Haskins, please keep those shocking incidents coming. LOL!
I would definitely recommend this two-part series.
Read 9/29/2025.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews