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Pond Water
In the quiet town of Elmhurst, where secrets fester like toxins, a simple pond holds the key to unraveling a web of deception that spans generations. Meet Jared, a battle-scarred Navy SEAL whose quest for peace becomes a battle for survival when the town's poisoned pond threatens to expose the darkness lurking beneath the surface. Bobbie Jo, the enigmatic neighbor with secrets of her own, may hold the answers Jared seeks, but her motives are as murky as the pond itself.
When haunting discoveries emerge from the depths of the toxic water, it sets in motion a chain of events that will force Jared and his loyal friends, to fight for their lives. As they navigate a landscape of treacherous lies and inexplicable horrors, the neighbors, will stop at nothing to keep the truth submerged.
Pond Water is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that will plunge you into the murky depths of a town's dark history. It's a story of resilience, friendship, and the relentless pursuit of the truth, no matter the cost. Are you ready to dive in?
When haunting discoveries emerge from the depths of the toxic water, it sets in motion a chain of events that will force Jared and his loyal friends, to fight for their lives. As they navigate a landscape of treacherous lies and inexplicable horrors, the neighbors, will stop at nothing to keep the truth submerged.
Pond Water is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that will plunge you into the murky depths of a town's dark history. It's a story of resilience, friendship, and the relentless pursuit of the truth, no matter the cost. Are you ready to dive in?
83 pages, Paperback
Published September 15, 2023
210 people are currently reading
1457 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 395 reviews
February 9, 2024
I purchased this on the TikTok Shop after a friend on Facebook asked if I’d heard about this book going viral over on BookTok. I looked it up and decided to buy it because it was on sale for $6 and the proceeds go to the author, an indigenous and Appalachian woman who has Parkinson’s Disease. This is her first book in a decade because her disability left her unable to write. In the bio, it says she has Parkinson’s due to arsenic poisoning, which makes some of the message of the book clear as it contains a similar incident.
I want to add that I have seen some people discussing whether this was a scam or marketing ploy and from what I have researched it does not seem like it. I found posts on her profile going back to 2012 regarding her health struggles and environmental pollution & toxins in water, so it’s clearly something she’s been passionate about a while. I did find one Pinterest post calling her out for fake indigenous ancestry claims, but it didn’t provide any information outside of “her family doesn’t look native to me.” I dug hard and could not find any other additional information, so I am not equipped to make a judgement on those accusations at this time.
There are also some accusations this is an AI-written book, however the content seems to match her writing style on Facebook and the grammatical errors seem unlike AI errors and pretty consistent in their occurrence (too many commas, accidental spacing between words, wrong form of its, run-on sentences & cut off sentences, etc). I will withhold judgement on that, as there is no disclosure in the book that AI was used and no proof at this time either.
I’ll also add: this is a self published book by a 73 year old woman. I wasn’t expecting Shakespeare. I expected it to be imperfect but was more into supporting an elderly woman with a disability’s dream.
It seems to me like Brenda wanted to share the story of her being poisoned by mosquito deterrent in 1991 and Rian helped her get it on the page, with some tweaks to make it more horror-like. I’m not sure if the Karen incident was faked/exaggerated or not but I’m not going to jump to conclusions about a sick elderly woman. If additional info comes out, I will edit my review accordingly. After all, it’s $6, I wasn’t gonna spend it on anything better anyway.
The book is about a man named Jared, who is a retired Navy SEAL, and his wacko neighbor Bobbie Jo who likes to bathe in the toxic sludge of the local pond. Jared is trying to look out for his community and raise awareness of the environmental concerns, but there is something more sinister in the pond than chemicals.
I think this was a pretty okay environmental horror novella. I think it is wonderful Brenda Biddix has been able to write after so long, and I want to support her dream. I think with some editing work, the book could be even better. I like the themes about fighting for the truth and protecting your community. I liked the atmosphere of the writing, some of the descriptions of nature are very beautiful and really insert you into the story. There are a lot of grammatical errors and the pacing could be improved. The book kind of jumps from big scene to big scene without going into a lot of depth about the characters and there’s more telling than showing. I think if we had started out with Bobbie Jo moving in and a few chapters of the strange behavior building up, maybe a backstory of how the pond was a favorite hobby fishing hole of Jared’s until the factory polluted it, Jared struggling with wanting to mind his own business vs do the right thing, etc., it would have invested us more in the story and had a bigger payoff. Some scenes were just over way too quickly which messed with the tension that was building.
The ending is a cliffhanger so I’m guessing there will be a sequel. It’s a shame that it ended right when the action started, I wish it had been a bit longer and better edited.
I want to add that I have seen some people discussing whether this was a scam or marketing ploy and from what I have researched it does not seem like it. I found posts on her profile going back to 2012 regarding her health struggles and environmental pollution & toxins in water, so it’s clearly something she’s been passionate about a while. I did find one Pinterest post calling her out for fake indigenous ancestry claims, but it didn’t provide any information outside of “her family doesn’t look native to me.” I dug hard and could not find any other additional information, so I am not equipped to make a judgement on those accusations at this time.
There are also some accusations this is an AI-written book, however the content seems to match her writing style on Facebook and the grammatical errors seem unlike AI errors and pretty consistent in their occurrence (too many commas, accidental spacing between words, wrong form of its, run-on sentences & cut off sentences, etc). I will withhold judgement on that, as there is no disclosure in the book that AI was used and no proof at this time either.
I’ll also add: this is a self published book by a 73 year old woman. I wasn’t expecting Shakespeare. I expected it to be imperfect but was more into supporting an elderly woman with a disability’s dream.
It seems to me like Brenda wanted to share the story of her being poisoned by mosquito deterrent in 1991 and Rian helped her get it on the page, with some tweaks to make it more horror-like. I’m not sure if the Karen incident was faked/exaggerated or not but I’m not going to jump to conclusions about a sick elderly woman. If additional info comes out, I will edit my review accordingly. After all, it’s $6, I wasn’t gonna spend it on anything better anyway.
The book is about a man named Jared, who is a retired Navy SEAL, and his wacko neighbor Bobbie Jo who likes to bathe in the toxic sludge of the local pond. Jared is trying to look out for his community and raise awareness of the environmental concerns, but there is something more sinister in the pond than chemicals.
I think this was a pretty okay environmental horror novella. I think it is wonderful Brenda Biddix has been able to write after so long, and I want to support her dream. I think with some editing work, the book could be even better. I like the themes about fighting for the truth and protecting your community. I liked the atmosphere of the writing, some of the descriptions of nature are very beautiful and really insert you into the story. There are a lot of grammatical errors and the pacing could be improved. The book kind of jumps from big scene to big scene without going into a lot of depth about the characters and there’s more telling than showing. I think if we had started out with Bobbie Jo moving in and a few chapters of the strange behavior building up, maybe a backstory of how the pond was a favorite hobby fishing hole of Jared’s until the factory polluted it, Jared struggling with wanting to mind his own business vs do the right thing, etc., it would have invested us more in the story and had a bigger payoff. Some scenes were just over way too quickly which messed with the tension that was building.
The ending is a cliffhanger so I’m guessing there will be a sequel. It’s a shame that it ended right when the action started, I wish it had been a bit longer and better edited.
January 31, 2024
I bought this to support the author and I really wanted to like it but I didn’t. The characters are flat and the writing is awkward. An interesting concept though!
October 1, 2024
This was a fast paced book with a unique plot line. I was really happy to support the author.
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March 19, 2024low key bobbie jo was my favorite, especially at the end. she’s slaying
January 24, 2024
Poorly written, poor storyline & characters. I purchased it for supporting the author only.
December 28, 2023
4 stars ⭐️ wow. I first heard about this book through the authors TikTok. I went ahead and I ordered it through TikTok shop and I’ll be honest with you. This book did not disappoint. It was a quick read. I think it was a total of an 1 and 20 min it took for me to read it. I really hope they continue on with the story. I need to know what happens. Definitely check it out for yourself.
May 27, 2024
This is a very short book, less than 85 pages. I appreciate that I was able to finish something. A small win still feels like a balm for my spirit.
This is a story about a neighbor dispute and environmental contamination caused by toxic spills and dumping of chemical waste.
It is a horror novel that reads very quickly. The pace is fast and the writing is straightforward. I found it to be a good story. It isn't filled with details, which I found to be fine. I didn't feel like I was missing anything.
I get frustrated with the “convenient technology remembering/forgetting.” Sometimes, the main character used his phone to take pictures and call the police. Then, he seemingly forgot about his cell and behaved helplessly. A bit frustrating, but I try to let characters live their lives and make their own decisions so whatever.
I don't really care for the ending. I wanted more, personally, but I didn't mind being dropped into the drama of this guy's life temporarily.
This is a story about a neighbor dispute and environmental contamination caused by toxic spills and dumping of chemical waste.
It is a horror novel that reads very quickly. The pace is fast and the writing is straightforward. I found it to be a good story. It isn't filled with details, which I found to be fine. I didn't feel like I was missing anything.
I get frustrated with the “convenient technology remembering/forgetting.” Sometimes, the main character used his phone to take pictures and call the police. Then, he seemingly forgot about his cell and behaved helplessly. A bit frustrating, but I try to let characters live their lives and make their own decisions so whatever.
I don't really care for the ending. I wanted more, personally, but I didn't mind being dropped into the drama of this guy's life temporarily.
January 22, 2024
I bought this book mainly cause I wanted to help support the author’s medical bills. I do not regret my purchase. However, the book didn’t make any sense and doesn’t have an ending and just randomly leaves you at a cliffhanger.
February 3, 2024
Only gave it one star to support the author’s treatment. Story needed editing badly.
March 21, 2024
Stars only given for goodreads tracking. I purchased it simply to help a writer with a disability. I read it and, like many others, enjoyed it, but I didn't expect it to be perfect. It was more sci-fi to me than thriller and has the potential to be more with thought and development. For what the book/novella was, it was enjoyable and happy to help.
March 2, 2024
This was a short and easy read, but I’m sorry…. It’s terrible. The story NEVER goes anywhere! I feel like I have the same questions at the end that I did in the beginning. Spoiler alert… the crazy neighbor is some kind of monster but the book completely ends before you get any answers whatsoever. What’s causing the pond pollution? Why is she a monster? What’s actually in the pond? Who is in the pond? NOT A SINGLE SOLID ANSWER TO ANY OF THESE!! I guess it’s the biggest cliffhanger there is, but not at all my cup of tea.
I purchased this book because of the story behind the author, which I saw on TikTok. I wanted to support her story and how she’s still trying to write after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. But since she co-wrote this with another author you’d like two minds could create a half decent book.
I purchased this book because of the story behind the author, which I saw on TikTok. I wanted to support her story and how she’s still trying to write after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. But since she co-wrote this with another author you’d like two minds could create a half decent book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2024
I hope there is a sequel
February 6, 2024
Influenced by TT to get this book and support the co-author’s medical bills. There are a lot of rave reviews about this intriguing horror genre short story, and I was excited to check it out.
Even though it wasn’t a book I ended up enjoying, I’m happy I bought it. I hope in the future, they can continue to develop this storyline and iron out the many wrinkles of editing, including typos, character development, and plot holes.
Even though it wasn’t a book I ended up enjoying, I’m happy I bought it. I hope in the future, they can continue to develop this storyline and iron out the many wrinkles of editing, including typos, character development, and plot holes.
February 22, 2024
This is a quick and easy read. I bought it to support the author and her medical bills through TikTok, and will continue to do so if she makes more books.
Overall, I enjoyed it but feel it could have been a bit longer to make the story make more sense. That being said, if she has another one in the chamber then I’m sure she can wrap this story up nicely 😁
Creepy atmosphere and descriptions? Check
Mysterious undertones? Check
Short and fast paced? Check
Do I fully understand what the fuck happened? Nope lol
Overall, I enjoyed it but feel it could have been a bit longer to make the story make more sense. That being said, if she has another one in the chamber then I’m sure she can wrap this story up nicely 😁
Creepy atmosphere and descriptions? Check
Mysterious undertones? Check
Short and fast paced? Check
Do I fully understand what the fuck happened? Nope lol
February 20, 2024
I got this from Tik Tok shop from an indigenous woman with Parkinson’s disease who got back into writing. It was a super fast paced story about toxic water making the neighborhood act wild. It ends on a cliffhanger and there are QR codes that lead to pages that say “Coming Soon” so maybe we’ll hear more!
April 4, 2024
First, I'd like to say that I bought 2 copies of this book for the sole purpose of helping an elderly author with a debilitating disease; and despite the following review, I do not regret buying the books, nor is it my intention to discourage others from buying the book for the monetary benefit of the author to help with her treatments. I do not, however, write insincere or dishonest reviews. Also, despite the length of this review, as always, there are no spoilers.
I went into this book fully prepared to love it and was absolutely floored at how the quality of writing, the pace, and the format was much worse than I expected. Multiple 5-star reviews lead me to believe this would be an excellent read. The idea for the story is a good one; I was excited to see where it lead, however, the way it was written wasted an excellent opportunity for a great book.
The pace of the book was extremely fast and none of the characters or scenes were nearly as fleshed out as they could have been. In all honesty, the entire book read like someone was giving a longer-than-usual synopsis of the full story. There were little pieces of the main characters that, if developed and worked on, could have made both lovable and frightening characters if the book wasn't so rushed.
As a copy editor, I noticed a concerning amount of inconsistencies, such page 10 stating the old woman recently moved to the neighborhood but page 21 stating she'd used the pond water for decades. It was honestly more than a little disorienting, making me flip back and forth between the pages making sure I read everything correctly. If the author's intention was to make the reader feel a little crazy, then she definitely succeeded. The worst part for me was that it tried to end on a cliffhanger, but instead just ended in the middle of a tense scene.
I was highly disappointed in the book as a whole but loved the premise. If the author were to work with an editor and spend more time with the characters, she could turn this little novella into a fantastic horror piece. I do hope she is able to come back to it and give it another try.
I went into this book fully prepared to love it and was absolutely floored at how the quality of writing, the pace, and the format was much worse than I expected. Multiple 5-star reviews lead me to believe this would be an excellent read. The idea for the story is a good one; I was excited to see where it lead, however, the way it was written wasted an excellent opportunity for a great book.
The pace of the book was extremely fast and none of the characters or scenes were nearly as fleshed out as they could have been. In all honesty, the entire book read like someone was giving a longer-than-usual synopsis of the full story. There were little pieces of the main characters that, if developed and worked on, could have made both lovable and frightening characters if the book wasn't so rushed.
As a copy editor, I noticed a concerning amount of inconsistencies, such page 10 stating the old woman recently moved to the neighborhood but page 21 stating she'd used the pond water for decades. It was honestly more than a little disorienting, making me flip back and forth between the pages making sure I read everything correctly. If the author's intention was to make the reader feel a little crazy, then she definitely succeeded. The worst part for me was that it tried to end on a cliffhanger, but instead just ended in the middle of a tense scene.
I was highly disappointed in the book as a whole but loved the premise. If the author were to work with an editor and spend more time with the characters, she could turn this little novella into a fantastic horror piece. I do hope she is able to come back to it and give it another try.
June 6, 2024
Fast paced short story with maybe a part two?
October 6, 2024
I was lost and confused the entire time. Although Bonnie Jo is the star of the show!
March 8, 2024
Good short read. I liked the fast pace of the book
February 9, 2024
Booktok recommendation - We love supporting a little old lady author!
December 24, 2023
Can't wait for the next story was quite a thrilling ride to take and that Karen neighbor hung bcc just dang relatable lol
February 25, 2024
This was bad. I bought it to support the author, but I would not recommend it.
March 10, 2024
If you want to support a Parkinson’s patient like I did, you can get this book for under $10. Tiktok made me do it. 😭 I am happy that I was able to support this woman, however this book is very badly written. The storyline is interesting which is half the reason I bought the book. If you can get past the endless “hung in the air” and “sense of urgency” phrases along with some things just plain not making any sense, it’s not terrible. I did not finish though because I could not take it seriously 🥲
January 2, 2025
I fell into the tik tok trend unfortunately like everyone else. Love supporting the author but sadly I’m not a fan of the book. I will have two more reviews for the next in the series as I’m a completionist but currently I would have to say I’m not a fan of the writing. I feel it jumped around to much, one minute you’re reading about the pond and what Jared will do next and then out of no where you’re eating with Allen at home, no segway just point A to B super fast and pray it doesn’t give you readers whiplash.
January 5, 2025
I’ve been in a terrible physical book slump for a while now so my friend lent me this short story she got off TikTok. The author is a woman in her 70’s with Parkinson’s and all the proceeds help her with her medical bills which I love.
Now I know a lot of the reviews I’ve seen say the book could have used an editor. While true, I don’t think it was too bad for a self published book. It is straight to the point and does end on a cliffhanger. I know there are sequels, so I’ll probably borrow those too and read them. I did enjoy the unknown aspect of what was happening with the pond and it did spike my anxiety at some points so the horror aspect of the book was good in my opinion. For a short story I enjoyed it and hopefully reading this and others will bring me back into picking up books and reading them as opposed the I audio books as my main source.
Now I know a lot of the reviews I’ve seen say the book could have used an editor. While true, I don’t think it was too bad for a self published book. It is straight to the point and does end on a cliffhanger. I know there are sequels, so I’ll probably borrow those too and read them. I did enjoy the unknown aspect of what was happening with the pond and it did spike my anxiety at some points so the horror aspect of the book was good in my opinion. For a short story I enjoyed it and hopefully reading this and others will bring me back into picking up books and reading them as opposed the I audio books as my main source.
May 24, 2024
This is quite possibly one of the most creative thrillers I’ve ever read. I read it in one sitting! I loved it. AND if you purchase it, you’re supporting a wonderful woman who has Parkinson’s pay off her medical bills! I love this book and I need the next! 😍
August 3, 2024
I bought this book to support the author and so I don’t regret spending the money.
This book isn’t well written and I’m confused why so many people were hyping this up like it was. If the book was better written I think this could be a great YA thriller but the plot was all over the place and it was left on a weird cliffhanger.
This book isn’t well written and I’m confused why so many people were hyping this up like it was. If the book was better written I think this could be a great YA thriller but the plot was all over the place and it was left on a weird cliffhanger.
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September 23, 2024Only bought this book from tiktok shop bc the old lady who wrote it was really cute and I wanted to support her. It didn’t meet my expectations at all was worse than I expected but not gonna rate it bc u know what she tried
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February 8, 2025Wanted to support the author. This isn’t for me. Only 80 pages but I was eating for something to happen. Fast paced. Not a complete story. Leaves off on a cliffhanger. I thought there’d be more of a sci-fi aspect. Just not for me.
February 10, 2024
Not a huge thriller fan but enjoyed this one. The book leaves you with no answers so I wish it was longer or at least a sequel. Just needed a bit more work but I'm happy with my choice to support the author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 395 reviews