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Saltwater
In 1992 Sarah Lingate is found dead below the cliffs of Capri, leaving behind her three-year-old daughter, Helen. Despite suspicions that the old-money Lingates are involved, Sarah’s death is ruled an accident, and every year the family returns to prove it’s true. But on the thirtieth anniversary of Sarah’s death, the Lingates arrive at the villa to find a surprise waiting for them—the necklace Sarah was wearing the night she died.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published March 25, 2025
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69239 people want to read
About the author
Katy Hays
3 books1,111 followersKaty Hays is the author of The Cloisters, a New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller, as well as Read With Jenna Pick. In addition to writing, Katy works as an adjunct Art History Professor, teaching rural students from Truckee to Tecopa. She holds an MA in Art History from Williams College and pursued her PhD in Art History at UC Berkeley. Her academic writing has been published by Ashgate, an imprint of Routledge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,678 reviews
February 28, 2025
3 stars! 🌟 Huge thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine & NetGalley for the ARC! 💌
Rich people, dark secrets, and a decades-old mystery in glamorous Capri? Sounds like my kind of thriller! But did it deliver? Ehhh… not quite.
The book kicks off with the mysterious death of Sarah Lingate in 1992. Her body was found below the cliffs, but despite all the whispers, her powerful, old-money family insists it was an accident. Now, 30 years later, her daughter Helen returns to Capri, only to find a chilling surprise—the necklace Sarah was wearing the night she died. Cue the paranoia, the secrets unraveling, and the feeling that not everyone on this island is getting out alive. 😱
I LOVED the atmospheric vibes—Capri was painted in a way that felt so lush and eerie, making the island almost a character itself. 🌴 The whole “rich people behaving badly” trope was chef’s kiss 👌, and the idea of an annual family retreat where everyone is pretending the past doesn’t exist? SO GOOD. 🌊
🌊 Rich People Drama
💰 Murder Mystery
🌊 Dual Timeline
💰 Slow Burn Suspense
🌊 Family Secrets & Betrayals
💰 Isolated Setting
But here’s where things went sideways:
✧ The writing style was…not it. The multiple timelines and perspectives should’ve made the story gripping, but instead, it felt messy and hard to follow. I kept flipping back to figure out who was talking. 🤔
✧ Where’s the suspense?! A mystery with a setup this juicy should be thrilling, twisty, and unputdownable—but instead, the pacing dragged. I wanted secrets spilling, betrayals, OMG-moments, but a lot of it felt like filler. 🥱
✧ The characters? Meh. Helen had potential, but I never really felt connected to her or any of the family members. They were just kind of… there. 😒
By the time the big reveals rolled in, I was already mentally on a boat back to the mainland. Did I gasp at some twists? Sure. Was I wowed? Not really. 🙄
If you love slow-burn mysteries with moody settings and complicated family drama, you might enjoy this more than I did. But if you're looking for a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat thriller? This might leave you feeling a little shipwrecked 🚢.
Final verdict? Good concept, meh execution. Would I vacation in Capri? Absolutely. Would I revisit this book? Nope. 🏖️
Rich people, dark secrets, and a decades-old mystery in glamorous Capri? Sounds like my kind of thriller! But did it deliver? Ehhh… not quite.
The book kicks off with the mysterious death of Sarah Lingate in 1992. Her body was found below the cliffs, but despite all the whispers, her powerful, old-money family insists it was an accident. Now, 30 years later, her daughter Helen returns to Capri, only to find a chilling surprise—the necklace Sarah was wearing the night she died. Cue the paranoia, the secrets unraveling, and the feeling that not everyone on this island is getting out alive. 😱
I LOVED the atmospheric vibes—Capri was painted in a way that felt so lush and eerie, making the island almost a character itself. 🌴 The whole “rich people behaving badly” trope was chef’s kiss 👌, and the idea of an annual family retreat where everyone is pretending the past doesn’t exist? SO GOOD. 🌊
🌊 Rich People Drama
💰 Murder Mystery
🌊 Dual Timeline
💰 Slow Burn Suspense
🌊 Family Secrets & Betrayals
💰 Isolated Setting
But here’s where things went sideways:
✧ The writing style was…not it. The multiple timelines and perspectives should’ve made the story gripping, but instead, it felt messy and hard to follow. I kept flipping back to figure out who was talking. 🤔
✧ Where’s the suspense?! A mystery with a setup this juicy should be thrilling, twisty, and unputdownable—but instead, the pacing dragged. I wanted secrets spilling, betrayals, OMG-moments, but a lot of it felt like filler. 🥱
✧ The characters? Meh. Helen had potential, but I never really felt connected to her or any of the family members. They were just kind of… there. 😒
By the time the big reveals rolled in, I was already mentally on a boat back to the mainland. Did I gasp at some twists? Sure. Was I wowed? Not really. 🙄
If you love slow-burn mysteries with moody settings and complicated family drama, you might enjoy this more than I did. But if you're looking for a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat thriller? This might leave you feeling a little shipwrecked 🚢.
Final verdict? Good concept, meh execution. Would I vacation in Capri? Absolutely. Would I revisit this book? Nope. 🏖️
April 17, 2025
OHHMMGGGEE!! With a vivid setting, multiple blind turns, and a deliciously dysfunctional family at the center of the action, Saltwater was one truly intoxicating tale. A slow burn exploration of many a dark secret, I quickly got sucked into the island of Capri. Thanks to evocative descriptions that brought the Italian locale to life, I felt as if I was a fly on the wall within a den of villains and supposed victims. But it was the plot itself that had me flying through the chapters. Peppered with foreboding cliffhangers that drew me in deep, I couldn’t put the book down until I reached the very last page.
While the build-up within the first half of the book was a definite slow burn, the last 160 pages took me on the ride of my life. After all, like a circling monster, the plot wound tighter and tighter until the explosive finale, which was filled with twist after twist. You see, just when I thought it was all over, there was an earth-shattering about face. Not only that, but it was followed by yet another—and another. Thanks to the perfect plotting, I didn’t foresee even a one and was left whispering “No f***ing way!” more than once as this claustrophobic tale gave way to a utterly flawless climax and conclusion.
As for the characters, it took me quite a while to get their mettle. Clouded by a multitude of secrets and lies, I had a hard time figuring out who was just suspicious and who was truly evil. A wide assortment of morally gray individuals, all but a few had my spidey-senses tingling. And let me tell you, when all was finally revealed, I was overcome with adoration for my dear Ms. Hays. Written with intensity and precision, this tale full of rich people behaving badly hit the nail on the head. After all, who can resist a low-key game of cat-and-mouse that is unguessable in the extreme?
All in all, I was beyond blown away. With an atmospheric setting, multiple distinct POVs as well as multiple timelines, and brilliant characterizations, this family drama/suspense/thriller was an out-and-out home run. From the taut, suspenseful scenes that triggered many side-eye glances from me to the deep background that built the multiple narrators into solid personas, I simply couldn’t have loved it more if I tried. So go grab your copy as soon as you can. I mean, who doesn’t love a family who oozes duplicitous deceit, rampant egotism, and unbridled greed as they each try to outwit one another? Rating of 5+ stars.
SYNOPSIS:
In 1992, Sarah Lingate is found dead below the cliffs of Capri, leaving behind her three-year-old daughter, Helen. Despite suspicions that the old-money Lingates are involved, Sarah’s death is ruled an accident. And every year, the family returns to prove it’s true. But on the thirtieth anniversary of Sarah’s death, the Lingates arrive at the villa to find a surprise waiting for them—the necklace Sarah was wearing the night she died.
Haunted by the specter of that night, the legendary Lingate family unity is pushed to a breaking point, and Helen seizes the opportunity. Enlisting the help of Lorna Moreno, a family assistant, the two plot their escape from Helen’s paranoid, insular family. But when Lorna disappears and the investigation into Sarah’s death is reopened, Helen has to confront the fact that everyone who was on Capri thirty years ago remains a suspect—her controlling father, Richard; her rarely lucid aunt, Naomi; her distant uncle, Marcus; and their circle of friends, visitors, and staff. Even Lorna, her closest ally, may not be who she seems.
As long-hidden secrets about that night boil to surface, one thing becomes clear: Not everyone will leave the island alive.
Thank you to Katy Hays, Random House — Ballantine, and NetGalley for my digital and physical copies. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 25, 2025
Content warning: blackmail, controlling relationship, infidelity, drowning
While the build-up within the first half of the book was a definite slow burn, the last 160 pages took me on the ride of my life. After all, like a circling monster, the plot wound tighter and tighter until the explosive finale, which was filled with twist after twist. You see, just when I thought it was all over, there was an earth-shattering about face. Not only that, but it was followed by yet another—and another. Thanks to the perfect plotting, I didn’t foresee even a one and was left whispering “No f***ing way!” more than once as this claustrophobic tale gave way to a utterly flawless climax and conclusion.
As for the characters, it took me quite a while to get their mettle. Clouded by a multitude of secrets and lies, I had a hard time figuring out who was just suspicious and who was truly evil. A wide assortment of morally gray individuals, all but a few had my spidey-senses tingling. And let me tell you, when all was finally revealed, I was overcome with adoration for my dear Ms. Hays. Written with intensity and precision, this tale full of rich people behaving badly hit the nail on the head. After all, who can resist a low-key game of cat-and-mouse that is unguessable in the extreme?
All in all, I was beyond blown away. With an atmospheric setting, multiple distinct POVs as well as multiple timelines, and brilliant characterizations, this family drama/suspense/thriller was an out-and-out home run. From the taut, suspenseful scenes that triggered many side-eye glances from me to the deep background that built the multiple narrators into solid personas, I simply couldn’t have loved it more if I tried. So go grab your copy as soon as you can. I mean, who doesn’t love a family who oozes duplicitous deceit, rampant egotism, and unbridled greed as they each try to outwit one another? Rating of 5+ stars.
SYNOPSIS:
In 1992, Sarah Lingate is found dead below the cliffs of Capri, leaving behind her three-year-old daughter, Helen. Despite suspicions that the old-money Lingates are involved, Sarah’s death is ruled an accident. And every year, the family returns to prove it’s true. But on the thirtieth anniversary of Sarah’s death, the Lingates arrive at the villa to find a surprise waiting for them—the necklace Sarah was wearing the night she died.
Haunted by the specter of that night, the legendary Lingate family unity is pushed to a breaking point, and Helen seizes the opportunity. Enlisting the help of Lorna Moreno, a family assistant, the two plot their escape from Helen’s paranoid, insular family. But when Lorna disappears and the investigation into Sarah’s death is reopened, Helen has to confront the fact that everyone who was on Capri thirty years ago remains a suspect—her controlling father, Richard; her rarely lucid aunt, Naomi; her distant uncle, Marcus; and their circle of friends, visitors, and staff. Even Lorna, her closest ally, may not be who she seems.
As long-hidden secrets about that night boil to surface, one thing becomes clear: Not everyone will leave the island alive.
Thank you to Katy Hays, Random House — Ballantine, and NetGalley for my digital and physical copies. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 25, 2025
Content warning: blackmail, controlling relationship, infidelity, drowning
August 16, 2025
—— 𝟒 ✰ 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬. 🐍
❝𝐹𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑏𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡. 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑦 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑘 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓. 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑒. 𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓 𝑎𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚 𝑖𝑛 𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢, 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢.❞
📱┆𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐲 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐲 𝐇𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐬
🏷️┆𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: 𝔽𝕚𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟, 𝕊𝕦𝕤𝕡𝕖𝕟𝕤𝕖
📆┆𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝: 𝟠/𝟙/𝟚𝟝 - 𝟠/𝟜/𝟚𝟝
📃┆𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬
「 “In 1992 Sarah Lingate is found dead below the cliffs of Capri, leaving behind her three year old daughter, Helen. Despite suspicions that the old-money Lingates are involved, Sarah's death is ruled an accident, and every year the family returns to prove it's true. But on the thirtieth anniversary of Sarah's death, the Lingates arrive at the villa to find a surprise waiting for them; the necklace Sarah was wearing the night she died.”」
❝ “𝐻𝑜𝑤 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑑𝑜 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡?”
“𝑊𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑏𝑜𝑡ℎ 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒,” 𝐶𝑖𝑟𝑜 𝑠𝑎𝑦𝑠.
𝐻𝑒 𝑟𝑢𝑛𝑠 𝑎 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑟 𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑚𝑦 𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘, 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑎 𝑖𝑠 𝑝𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑢𝑙.
“𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠.” ❞
࿐༉༉ ࿐༉༉ ࿐༉༉
❝𝑀𝑎𝑦𝑏𝑒 𝑤𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑟𝑢𝑖𝑛𝑠, 𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑎, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑛, 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑔𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑓.❞
ᴍʏ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ★★★★☆
ɢᴏᴏᴅʀᴇᴀᴅꜱ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: 𝟹.𝟻𝟾 ☆ ꜱᴛᴀʀꜱ
ꜱᴇᴀꜱᴏɴ: ☀️
ᴘᴀɪʀ ᴡɪᴛʜ: ᴄᴀᴘʀᴇꜱᴇ ꜱᴀʟᴀᴅ 🍅
ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ɪ ʀᴇᴄᴏᴍᴍᴇɴᴅ?: ✅
⊱ ────── {⋆ ‧₊˚♪𝄞 ⋆} ────── ⊰
lıllılı.ıllı.ılılıılıı.lllııılı.
ɴᴏᴡ ᴘʟᴀʏɪɴɢ: ꜱᴛɪʟʟ ʟᴇᴀʀɴɪɴɢ — ʜᴀʟꜱᴇʏ
1:07 ———♡——— 3:34
⇄ ◃◃ ⅠⅠ ▹▹ ↻
╭───
┆
╰⪼ I should be livin' the dream, but I go home and I got no self-esteem. you think I'm swimmin' in green, but it's passed around my family tree.
⊱ ────── {⋆ ‧₊˚♪𝄞 ⋆} ────── ⊰
ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ:
🐍 ᴅᴜᴀʟ ᴛɪᴍᴇʟɪɴᴇ
🌊 ᴛᴏxɪᴄ ꜰᴀᴍɪʟɪᴇꜱ
💰 ᴍᴜʀᴅᴇʀ ᴍʏꜱᴛᴇʀʏ
🐍 ꜱʟᴏᴡ ʙᴜʀɴ ꜱᴜꜱᴘᴇɴꜱᴇ
🌊 ɪᴛᴀʟɪᴀɴ ᴄᴏᴀꜱᴛ ꜱᴇᴛᴛɪɴɢ
💰 ʀɪᴄʜ ᴘᴇᴏᴘʟᴇ ʙᴇʜᴀᴠɪɴɢ ʙᴀᴅʟʏ
⚠️TW: some sexual content, murder, drug abuse
❝𝑃𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡—𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒𝑡 𝑖𝑡 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑘 𝑎 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠—𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑠𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑦. 𝐼 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤. 𝐼’𝑚 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚.❞
࿐༉༉ ࿐༉༉ ࿐༉༉
💬┆𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
• I guess this is where my Italian summer era comes to an end since I don’t have anymore Amalfi Coast reads on my summer TBR. It was fun while it lasted.
• Saltwater was not what I expected, but I still really liked it. The way the author described Capri was spot on. From Marina Grande to the side streets with the boujee stores to the funicular. Her writing truly made me feel like I was back there on my honeymoon; just without all the murder & lies!
• The Lingate family was so shitty, I didn’t know who I could trust & was eventually questioning everyone; even Helen herself. But I like when an author keeps you on your toes & the “villain” of the story isn’t so obvious. In this case, I think every single character played the part of the villain at one point in this book.
• Two things that didn’t really work for me: the dual timelines & Lorna’s story. I normally don’t mind dual timelines. They’re not my favorite, but when they’re done right, I can enjoy them. In this case, there wasn’t dual timelines: it had become multiple timelines, which ended up confusing the hell out of me. I had to go back to figure out not only which character’s head we were in, but which year we were in as well. My head was spinning. 😵💫 And Lorna, girl, sorry, but you were pointless. Her character was just there. I feel like the whole book would’ve been fine without her. The part she played was not essential to anything.
• As a connoisseur of thrillers, all the reveals in this one got me & I appreciate that. 👏🏼 But if you’re looking for a fast paced, super suspenseful thriller, I don’t think this will be for you. The pacing was often slow, which I actually didn’t mind since I was so engrossed in the story. And while the suspense wasn’t right there in your face all the time, you could still feel its presence lingering throughout the book.
࿐༉༉ ࿐༉༉ ࿐༉༉
❝𝐼 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑘 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑆𝑎𝑙𝑡𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟, 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑚𝑦 𝑚𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑤 𝑚𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑦 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒. 𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝐼 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑎 𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑒𝑙𝑠𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑚𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑦, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼—𝐼 𝑎𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑜 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑤𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑔. ❞
࿐༉༉ ࿐༉༉ ࿐༉༉ ࿐༉༉ ࿐༉༉ ࿐༉༉ ࿐༉༉ ࿐༉༉ ࿐༉༉
February 28, 2025
4 solid stars for a twisty mystery, set on the island of Capri, Italy. For those of you who like surprises, there is a major one at the end. The blurb sets the scene:
" In 1992 Sarah Lingate is found dead below the cliffs of Capri, leaving behind her three-year-old daughter, Helen. Despite suspicions that the old-money Lingates are involved, Sarah’s death is ruled an accident. And every year, the family returns to prove it’s true. But on the thirtieth anniversary of Sarah’s death, the Lingates arrive at the villa to find a surprise waiting for them—the necklace Sarah was wearing the night she died."
Helen is now 33 and with the help of her friend Lorna, she is determined to find out what happened when her mother died. The book goes back and forth between 1992 and the present day.
Each chapter in the book has one of several narrators:
Helen
Lorna
Sarah
Naomi, married to Marcus. Marcus is the brother to Helen's father Richard.
Helen does solve the mystery. From the beginning of the book, the reader gets the sense that there are secrets that will be revealed. I recommend this book to mystery fans.
One quote by Lorna upon arriving on Capri: "I've spent two months preparing for this trip, but I couldn't have prepared for the way the island smells-of figs-or the way the light kisses the agaves and the pines. I couldn't have prepared for the scene-the jewelry, how everyone wears their fabric draped loosely but has insisted their plastic surgeon pull their skin tight, the personal security that follows at a safe distance."
Thank You Kathleen Quinlan at Random House Publishing Group for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.
#Saltwater #NetGalley.
Pub Date Mar 25 2025
" In 1992 Sarah Lingate is found dead below the cliffs of Capri, leaving behind her three-year-old daughter, Helen. Despite suspicions that the old-money Lingates are involved, Sarah’s death is ruled an accident. And every year, the family returns to prove it’s true. But on the thirtieth anniversary of Sarah’s death, the Lingates arrive at the villa to find a surprise waiting for them—the necklace Sarah was wearing the night she died."
Helen is now 33 and with the help of her friend Lorna, she is determined to find out what happened when her mother died. The book goes back and forth between 1992 and the present day.
Each chapter in the book has one of several narrators:
Helen
Lorna
Sarah
Naomi, married to Marcus. Marcus is the brother to Helen's father Richard.
Helen does solve the mystery. From the beginning of the book, the reader gets the sense that there are secrets that will be revealed. I recommend this book to mystery fans.
One quote by Lorna upon arriving on Capri: "I've spent two months preparing for this trip, but I couldn't have prepared for the way the island smells-of figs-or the way the light kisses the agaves and the pines. I couldn't have prepared for the scene-the jewelry, how everyone wears their fabric draped loosely but has insisted their plastic surgeon pull their skin tight, the personal security that follows at a safe distance."
Thank You Kathleen Quinlan at Random House Publishing Group for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.
#Saltwater #NetGalley.
Pub Date Mar 25 2025
April 23, 2025
I don't know if I'm a natural-born sleuth or if I just read a lot of mystery-thrillers (maybe both?), but I will usually figure things out long before the novel's ending. It's not often I'm left guessing and/or surprised by an outcome.
But, wow, gotta admit: I never saw this reveal coming. Knock me over with a feather!
Bravo, Katy Hays.
Read
April 3, 2025Ugh...32%? That's it? I've been reading this book for what feels like forever.
Honestly, if I wanted to listen to a bunch of obscenely wealthy people bitch, whine, and complain about how tough they have it then I'd just turn on the news.
My only positive takeaway is that Capri does sound lovely.
DNF - no rating.
Honestly, if I wanted to listen to a bunch of obscenely wealthy people bitch, whine, and complain about how tough they have it then I'd just turn on the news.
My only positive takeaway is that Capri does sound lovely.
DNF - no rating.
May 23, 2025
2 stars.
Okay, another book I struggled to finish. I should give myself a round of applause. This book really knocked me unconscious for weeks. I’d start reading in bed, and then—boom—blackout, and suddenly my morning alarm is going off. The power this book had. 😢😢
I really wanted to give up on it,really. But yeayyy, I pulled through.
I thought I knew the ending, but I guess I didn’t? I’m giving it 2 stars for the unexpected twist... but no, I wouldn’t give it more than that.
Note : Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for this ARc in exchange for my honest review
Okay, another book I struggled to finish. I should give myself a round of applause. This book really knocked me unconscious for weeks. I’d start reading in bed, and then—boom—blackout, and suddenly my morning alarm is going off. The power this book had. 😢😢
I really wanted to give up on it,really. But yeayyy, I pulled through.
I thought I knew the ending, but I guess I didn’t? I’m giving it 2 stars for the unexpected twist... but no, I wouldn’t give it more than that.
Note : Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for this ARc in exchange for my honest review
March 19, 2025
Prestige, power, secrets, keeping appearances, and control all come into play in Saltwater. The Lingate family returns to the island of Capri every year. It was there that Sarah Lingate was found dead below the cliffs. Each year they return but this year there is something waiting for them - a necklace! It's not any necklace; it is the necklace that Sarah was wearing the night she died!
This book gives a look at the Lingate family and how they take care of their own even if that means using control and manipulation. It shows, Sarah's daughter, Helen who has brough Lorna Moreno, an employee of the family. Helen wants to know what happened to her mother and hopes that Lorna can help her. When Lorna goes missing, an investigation ensues....
This book has a good mystery and lots of family drama and tension. The Lingates are not a family that I would want to spend much time with. They are not the most likeable bunch and have a bunch of secrets between them. While I did not warm up0 to the Lingate family, I did enjoy the atmosphere of this book. Capri is a wonderful setting for this mystery thriller. This is tension and drama galore as well as a few twists and revelations.
I did not see the final reveal coming and I thought the author did a great job pulling that off. I found this to be a solid read and would enjoy reading more books by this author in the future.
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
This book gives a look at the Lingate family and how they take care of their own even if that means using control and manipulation. It shows, Sarah's daughter, Helen who has brough Lorna Moreno, an employee of the family. Helen wants to know what happened to her mother and hopes that Lorna can help her. When Lorna goes missing, an investigation ensues....
This book has a good mystery and lots of family drama and tension. The Lingates are not a family that I would want to spend much time with. They are not the most likeable bunch and have a bunch of secrets between them. While I did not warm up0 to the Lingate family, I did enjoy the atmosphere of this book. Capri is a wonderful setting for this mystery thriller. This is tension and drama galore as well as a few twists and revelations.
I did not see the final reveal coming and I thought the author did a great job pulling that off. I found this to be a solid read and would enjoy reading more books by this author in the future.
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
February 13, 2025
The beautiful blue Mediterranean Sea. A wonderful island, Capri. A wealthy family with dark secrets. Murder for nearly 30 years ago. And it all crashes together with the daughter of the victim wants answers. To start with, the plot was superb and the ending was so twisty I could never have guessed all the things going on. Readers just accept what they hear - never believe until you have proof. Mostly, it was 20% too long, and I only say this because there were chapters where nothing much happened and it felt slow and repetitive. But the writing was solid, and the characters had some spunk to them. I'd read more by the author in the future.
July 29, 2024
I think a lot of people will really enjoy this one. A mystery where Helen’s mom disappeared many years ago and now they are back in Capri and someone else disappears. But not only that, the way Helen is treated by the family is just bizarre and very controlling.
Personally, I didn’t really enjoy the writing style of this one. It went back and forth from past to present, which doesn’t bother me usually, but something about the way it was done made it a little confusing and hard to follow. It just felt a little chaotic.
The story itself needed a bit more suspense too. I think a lot of people will like this one more than I did. For me, it just wasn’t my favorite read, but it is still readable.
Thanks to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Personally, I didn’t really enjoy the writing style of this one. It went back and forth from past to present, which doesn’t bother me usually, but something about the way it was done made it a little confusing and hard to follow. It just felt a little chaotic.
The story itself needed a bit more suspense too. I think a lot of people will like this one more than I did. For me, it just wasn’t my favorite read, but it is still readable.
Thanks to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Mystery Thriller
This mystery thriller story follows a few characters across different timelines. In 1992, Sarah Lingate was discovered dead beneath the cliffs of Capri, an island in Italy. The cause of death was ruled accidental despite the suspicious circumstances.
From then on, Sarah’s family made it a habit to go to this island every year. On her thirtieth death anniversary, something strange happens to the Lingate family related to Sarah’s death. Helen, Sarah’s daughter, decides to leave with the family assistant, Lorna. What happens next is that Lorna disappears, and the thirty-year-old death investigation is reopened.
First, the pros of the book: The author successfully created an atmospheric novel, and I think she did an excellent job with the setting. The plot itself is interesting, as well. It makes the reader wonder what happened and what will happen next.
Unfortunately, the way the story was narrated didn't work for me. The multiple perspectives and different timelines worked against the entertainment value. What really made it worse was that the characters needed more unique voices. Using the first-person narration style requires a unique voice or else it will feel confusing.
I often went back to confirm whose perspective I was reading. The jumps in the timelines don’t allow the reader to fully connect with the characters or remain fully engaged with the story.
Salt Water had the potential to be a compelling mystery thriller and a favorite read, if not for the drawbacks I mentioned. If you can disregard these shortcomings, you might enjoy the book a lot.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
Genre: Mystery Thriller
This mystery thriller story follows a few characters across different timelines. In 1992, Sarah Lingate was discovered dead beneath the cliffs of Capri, an island in Italy. The cause of death was ruled accidental despite the suspicious circumstances.
From then on, Sarah’s family made it a habit to go to this island every year. On her thirtieth death anniversary, something strange happens to the Lingate family related to Sarah’s death. Helen, Sarah’s daughter, decides to leave with the family assistant, Lorna. What happens next is that Lorna disappears, and the thirty-year-old death investigation is reopened.
First, the pros of the book: The author successfully created an atmospheric novel, and I think she did an excellent job with the setting. The plot itself is interesting, as well. It makes the reader wonder what happened and what will happen next.
Unfortunately, the way the story was narrated didn't work for me. The multiple perspectives and different timelines worked against the entertainment value. What really made it worse was that the characters needed more unique voices. Using the first-person narration style requires a unique voice or else it will feel confusing.
I often went back to confirm whose perspective I was reading. The jumps in the timelines don’t allow the reader to fully connect with the characters or remain fully engaged with the story.
Salt Water had the potential to be a compelling mystery thriller and a favorite read, if not for the drawbacks I mentioned. If you can disregard these shortcomings, you might enjoy the book a lot.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
May 5, 2025
I recommend you go into this book blind. Even after reading it I am sincerely flummoxed. This story has multiple narrators, and thus multiple points of view. And so many twists and turns that it took me to the last page to figure out what I had just read. Is that good or bad? I leave it to each reader to decide.
What I did get out of this story, is that it may not pay to be rich. That it could create selfishness and greed and murderous intentions. Which may not end well for some.
Which makes this story dark and twisty with some unlikable characters with not very redeeming qualities. So, does that mean they get what they deserve in the end? (No spoilers from me.)
3.5 stars
What I did get out of this story, is that it may not pay to be rich. That it could create selfishness and greed and murderous intentions. Which may not end well for some.
Which makes this story dark and twisty with some unlikable characters with not very redeeming qualities. So, does that mean they get what they deserve in the end? (No spoilers from me.)
3.5 stars
May 16, 2025
Thank you so much to @ballantinebooks @penguinrandomhouse and @heykatyhays for the e-ARC.
This is a story about a very wealthy family, the Lingates. There are two mysteries and timelines. One, the mysterious death of the mother years before and the disappearance of their assistant.
I enjoyed the descriptions of Capri. This was a slow burn that took a while to hook me, but once I did, I enjoyed it. There are multiple twists in the novel that I enjoyed as well. It gets crazy at the end too.
3.5 for the pacing
Raised to 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 15, 2024
The Isle of Capri juts jaggedly into the Mediterranean, a playground of the rich and a bustling tourist haunt. Every year it plays host to a nest of monstrous vipers…. rotten to the core.
It all starts in July of 1992, when playwright Sarah Lingate goes missing from their holiday villa. The previous evening the wealthy family attend a celebratory dinner where Sarah and her husband Richard reportedly have a disagreement and Richard returns to Casa Malaparte alone.
In the present day, 30 years on from her mother‘s death, Helen Lingate, her boyfriend Freddy, her father Richard, uncle Marcus, aunt Naomi, along with Marcus‘s assistant Lorna are back on Capri for their annual vacation. Helen is straining within the family straight jacket and along with Lorna has hatched a plan to enable her to break free. However, the pair unleash way more than they bargain for. It’s as if they are entering shark filled waters.
If ever there’s a viperish bunch then this is it in the Lingates. Entitled, dangerous, suffocating and controlling but I’ll stop there as it’s best that you meet them for yourself. The characterisation is exemplary, they are so easy to visualise although clearly not easy to like. Even those you think you may like at the start, take my advice and hold that thought. One thing is for certain, they make for riveting reading even if at times my jaw drops at their antics.
Katy Hays does atmosphere terrifically well, that becomes clear to me in The Cloisters, her first book. She brings Capri alive, its sights, sounds, smells, the crowds and she utilises some magnificent locations to great effect in some taut and suspenseful scenes. I’ve been to Capri and in my opinion she absolutely nails it. Yes, it’s beautiful and romantic but the steep cliffs issue kind of threat, the sort where disaster could be but a step away.
The plot from the beginning is tense, mysterious, claustrophobic and conspiratorial. It’s obvious a game of cat and mouse is underway, but the million dollar question is, who is the cat and who are the mice?? Who is a friend and who a foe? This becomes a game of survival. It becomes increasingly intense as my suspicion antenna nearly spins into orbit. I constantly ask myself why would the family keep returning to Capri after what happens to Sarah? That would indeed be telling!
Although this keeps me gripped, reading on and wanting to know the truth if indeed it’s possible to get to it, I do wonder if it gets a bit prolonged?? Whilst I do enjoy most of the clever twists there’s one I do have a question mark against although I don’t see it coming and so kudos for that.
Overall, despite the minor reservations, I do think this is a cracking read and I am thoroughly entertained.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to the publisher for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
It all starts in July of 1992, when playwright Sarah Lingate goes missing from their holiday villa. The previous evening the wealthy family attend a celebratory dinner where Sarah and her husband Richard reportedly have a disagreement and Richard returns to Casa Malaparte alone.
In the present day, 30 years on from her mother‘s death, Helen Lingate, her boyfriend Freddy, her father Richard, uncle Marcus, aunt Naomi, along with Marcus‘s assistant Lorna are back on Capri for their annual vacation. Helen is straining within the family straight jacket and along with Lorna has hatched a plan to enable her to break free. However, the pair unleash way more than they bargain for. It’s as if they are entering shark filled waters.
If ever there’s a viperish bunch then this is it in the Lingates. Entitled, dangerous, suffocating and controlling but I’ll stop there as it’s best that you meet them for yourself. The characterisation is exemplary, they are so easy to visualise although clearly not easy to like. Even those you think you may like at the start, take my advice and hold that thought. One thing is for certain, they make for riveting reading even if at times my jaw drops at their antics.
Katy Hays does atmosphere terrifically well, that becomes clear to me in The Cloisters, her first book. She brings Capri alive, its sights, sounds, smells, the crowds and she utilises some magnificent locations to great effect in some taut and suspenseful scenes. I’ve been to Capri and in my opinion she absolutely nails it. Yes, it’s beautiful and romantic but the steep cliffs issue kind of threat, the sort where disaster could be but a step away.
The plot from the beginning is tense, mysterious, claustrophobic and conspiratorial. It’s obvious a game of cat and mouse is underway, but the million dollar question is, who is the cat and who are the mice?? Who is a friend and who a foe? This becomes a game of survival. It becomes increasingly intense as my suspicion antenna nearly spins into orbit. I constantly ask myself why would the family keep returning to Capri after what happens to Sarah? That would indeed be telling!
Although this keeps me gripped, reading on and wanting to know the truth if indeed it’s possible to get to it, I do wonder if it gets a bit prolonged?? Whilst I do enjoy most of the clever twists there’s one I do have a question mark against although I don’t see it coming and so kudos for that.
Overall, despite the minor reservations, I do think this is a cracking read and I am thoroughly entertained.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to the publisher for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
July 31, 2024
ARC for review. To be published March 25, 2025.
This started slow but ended up as a very respectable sophomore novel that is both family drama and thriller. And it really makes you want to go to Capri, though I think I would feel really, really poor there.
In 1992 Sarah Lingate was found dead below the cliffs of Capri. She left behind her three year old daughter, Helen and husband. Her death was determined to be an accident even though most people think her in-laws and/or husband, the Lingates are involved and their old money in shielding them.
Thirty years later the Lingates arrive back at the same villa in Capri for their annual vacation. Helen is essentially held prisoner, Britney style. When they arrive so does a package containing the necklace Sarah was wearing on the night she died. Helen decides to use this as an opportunity to escape from her family and enlists the help of family employee Lorna Moreno. Then Lorna disappears. Where is she and what happened to Sarah?
Nice stuff. A perfect beach/pool read.
This started slow but ended up as a very respectable sophomore novel that is both family drama and thriller. And it really makes you want to go to Capri, though I think I would feel really, really poor there.
In 1992 Sarah Lingate was found dead below the cliffs of Capri. She left behind her three year old daughter, Helen and husband. Her death was determined to be an accident even though most people think her in-laws and/or husband, the Lingates are involved and their old money in shielding them.
Thirty years later the Lingates arrive back at the same villa in Capri for their annual vacation. Helen is essentially held prisoner, Britney style. When they arrive so does a package containing the necklace Sarah was wearing on the night she died. Helen decides to use this as an opportunity to escape from her family and enlists the help of family employee Lorna Moreno. Then Lorna disappears. Where is she and what happened to Sarah?
Nice stuff. A perfect beach/pool read.
April 12, 2025
for me this was good but not great! a bit too slow of a burn and the twists seemed a bit out there / happened a bit too late.
good news is there were a TON of twists in this one… like so many and in the backhalf they just kept coming to the last page! i think the pacing of the twists were a bit off tho—if one of those twists happened earlier, it woulda catapulted the story better for my thriller taste. i was personally not prepared for the slow burn and character arcs and wanted a bit more of a fast moving book for my beach read, so take that with a grain of salt and to help expectations going in.
the setting tho >>>> the island in Capri was a vibe and so easy to immerse yourself in. and i looove a good messy family drama. especially when it’s about a rich family ;) i swear people w money have so much drama and i’m here for it! think THE WHITE LOTUS vibes at times.
and i low key loved the savagery of some of the characters at the end of this 👀👀👀 not saying more bc of spoilers but if you know, you know!
i love this author’s writing but definitely prefer THE CLOISTERS over this one.
TYSM to Random House for the gifted copy! the cover of this is stunning
good news is there were a TON of twists in this one… like so many and in the backhalf they just kept coming to the last page! i think the pacing of the twists were a bit off tho—if one of those twists happened earlier, it woulda catapulted the story better for my thriller taste. i was personally not prepared for the slow burn and character arcs and wanted a bit more of a fast moving book for my beach read, so take that with a grain of salt and to help expectations going in.
the setting tho >>>> the island in Capri was a vibe and so easy to immerse yourself in. and i looove a good messy family drama. especially when it’s about a rich family ;) i swear people w money have so much drama and i’m here for it! think THE WHITE LOTUS vibes at times.
and i low key loved the savagery of some of the characters at the end of this 👀👀👀 not saying more bc of spoilers but if you know, you know!
i love this author’s writing but definitely prefer THE CLOISTERS over this one.
TYSM to Random House for the gifted copy! the cover of this is stunning
April 8, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
Saltwater.
Here we go again, another narrative about a family of wealthy, privileged people with secrets and a mysterious death in their past.
Why do I keep reading these books?
Because I keep hoping an author will surprise me but there was nothing surprising about Saltwater.
You'll find all your fave tropes here:
1. Unlikable one dimensional characters with
2. A gorgeous setting
3. Adults adultering
4. Boozing
5. Drugging and let's not forget the old tried and true...
6. Green-eyed monster - jealousy!
The narrative is long and repetitive interspersed with flashbacks and POVs from Helen, the daughter of the deceased, Lorna, the family assistant, and Sarah, Helen's mom.
There is monotonous monologuing about secrets and if anyone can be trusted and how you can never really leave this type of family.
There is very little suspense and urgency with many characters to keep track of.
We get details about lavish parties and partying, none of which is new in these types of books.
Not surprisingly the pacing of the story dragged and there are enough red herrings to shake a stick at.
The twist(s) were easy to guess at, at least they were for me.
The action doesn't happen until the very end and it's SOO over the top so prepare to suspend disbelief.
Read this with a grain of salt(water).
Here we go again, another narrative about a family of wealthy, privileged people with secrets and a mysterious death in their past.
Why do I keep reading these books?
Because I keep hoping an author will surprise me but there was nothing surprising about Saltwater.
You'll find all your fave tropes here:
1. Unlikable one dimensional characters with
2. A gorgeous setting
3. Adults adultering
4. Boozing
5. Drugging and let's not forget the old tried and true...
6. Green-eyed monster - jealousy!
The narrative is long and repetitive interspersed with flashbacks and POVs from Helen, the daughter of the deceased, Lorna, the family assistant, and Sarah, Helen's mom.
There is monotonous monologuing about secrets and if anyone can be trusted and how you can never really leave this type of family.
There is very little suspense and urgency with many characters to keep track of.
We get details about lavish parties and partying, none of which is new in these types of books.
Not surprisingly the pacing of the story dragged and there are enough red herrings to shake a stick at.
The twist(s) were easy to guess at, at least they were for me.
The action doesn't happen until the very end and it's SOO over the top so prepare to suspend disbelief.
Read this with a grain of salt(water).
February 2, 2025
Rich people behaving badly is always entertaining. I did find this to be more of a family drama than a thriller. A cast of highly unlikeable characters though..goodness I didn’t like any of them.
What I did love was the setting of Capri. The authors writing absolutely transported me there with the rich and the beautiful scenery. The story was a little drawn out, very much a slow burn it does jump around in time and perspective a lot too so that keeps you on your toes.
Thanks to Random House Ballantine Books for my early copy to read. A book I might not have read otherwise. 3.5stars
What I did love was the setting of Capri. The authors writing absolutely transported me there with the rich and the beautiful scenery. The story was a little drawn out, very much a slow burn it does jump around in time and perspective a lot too so that keeps you on your toes.
Thanks to Random House Ballantine Books for my early copy to read. A book I might not have read otherwise. 3.5stars
June 12, 2025
One word " Exhausting"
Suckered in by its cover... 😒
Suckered in by its cover... 😒
November 27, 2024
Who wouldn’t like to vacation on the Isle of Capri, the playground of the rich and famous.
In 1992, Sarah Lingate disappears. She’s found dead below the cliffs. Her death is ruled an accident. What really happened that night?
Thirty years later as the family vacations once again on the island., Helen, Sarah’s daughter has her suspicions of what really happened to her mother.
This is a wonderful mystery thriller. It is filled with twists and turns and ending I didn’t see coming.
The cover of this book just drew me in. The writing was superb. Katy Hays captured the sights and sounds of a summer in Capri. The characters were well drawn out, some not so likable. It is a perfect mystery thriller filled with family drama.
A perfect beach read
.Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for this advanced readers copy.
.
In 1992, Sarah Lingate disappears. She’s found dead below the cliffs. Her death is ruled an accident. What really happened that night?
Thirty years later as the family vacations once again on the island., Helen, Sarah’s daughter has her suspicions of what really happened to her mother.
This is a wonderful mystery thriller. It is filled with twists and turns and ending I didn’t see coming.
The cover of this book just drew me in. The writing was superb. Katy Hays captured the sights and sounds of a summer in Capri. The characters were well drawn out, some not so likable. It is a perfect mystery thriller filled with family drama.
A perfect beach read
.Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for this advanced readers copy.
.
April 8, 2025
Saltwater has a great cover and centers around the Lingate family, who are brimming with wealth and secrets. Sarah Lingate died in Capri in 1992 and her death was ruled an accident. The family returns to the island each year and Sarah’s daughter, Helen, now an adult, is determined to find out really happened to her mom years ago.
The setting of Capri was atmospheric and I was interested in the mystery at the center of the story, but the pace was somewhat slow, and I didn’t always enjoy when the alternating POVs were switching throughout the book. I didn’t see all of the plot elements coming, which I appreciated. Saltwater has an eye-catching cover, and an intriguing mystery, but it didn’t quite deliver the level of enjoyment I’d hoped for.
Thank you to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
The setting of Capri was atmospheric and I was interested in the mystery at the center of the story, but the pace was somewhat slow, and I didn’t always enjoy when the alternating POVs were switching throughout the book. I didn’t see all of the plot elements coming, which I appreciated. Saltwater has an eye-catching cover, and an intriguing mystery, but it didn’t quite deliver the level of enjoyment I’d hoped for.
Thank you to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2025
Katy Hays is a new author for me and I enjoyed this book. I just love discovering new authors to enjoy.
Description:
In 1992, Sarah Lingate is found dead below the cliffs of Capri, leaving behind her three-year-old daughter, Helen. Despite suspicions that the old-money Lingates are involved, Sarah’s death is ruled an accident. And every year, the family returns to prove it’s true. But on the thirtieth anniversary of Sarah’s death, the Lingates arrive at the villa to find a surprise waiting for them—the necklace Sarah was wearing the night she died.
Haunted by the specter of that night, the legendary Lingate family unity is pushed to a breaking point, and Helen seizes the opportunity. Enlisting the help of Lorna Moreno, a family assistant, the two plot their escape from Helen’s paranoid, insular family. But when Lorna disappears and the investigation into Sarah’s death is reopened, Helen has to confront the fact that everyone who was on Capri thirty years ago remains a suspect—her controlling father, Richard; her rarely lucid aunt, Naomi; her distant uncle, Marcus; and their circle of friends, visitors, and staff. Even Lorna, her closest ally, may not be who she seems.
As long-hidden secrets about that night boil to surface, one thing becomes Not everyone will leave the island alive.
My Thoughts:
Love the beautiful setting in Capri; a perfect backdrop for this mystery/thriller. I felt sorry for Helen - she was so controlled and boxed in. Did her mother commit suicide or was she murdered? The wealthy family returns to Capri every year. You would think they would avoid it since someone they supposedly loved had such a deadly accident there, but they go once per year. Helen is suspicious not only of the family but a few other people on the island. The story has some surprises which is always good for me. Anyone who enjoys a good mystery will like this book.
Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through Netgalley for an advance copy.
Description:
In 1992, Sarah Lingate is found dead below the cliffs of Capri, leaving behind her three-year-old daughter, Helen. Despite suspicions that the old-money Lingates are involved, Sarah’s death is ruled an accident. And every year, the family returns to prove it’s true. But on the thirtieth anniversary of Sarah’s death, the Lingates arrive at the villa to find a surprise waiting for them—the necklace Sarah was wearing the night she died.
Haunted by the specter of that night, the legendary Lingate family unity is pushed to a breaking point, and Helen seizes the opportunity. Enlisting the help of Lorna Moreno, a family assistant, the two plot their escape from Helen’s paranoid, insular family. But when Lorna disappears and the investigation into Sarah’s death is reopened, Helen has to confront the fact that everyone who was on Capri thirty years ago remains a suspect—her controlling father, Richard; her rarely lucid aunt, Naomi; her distant uncle, Marcus; and their circle of friends, visitors, and staff. Even Lorna, her closest ally, may not be who she seems.
As long-hidden secrets about that night boil to surface, one thing becomes Not everyone will leave the island alive.
My Thoughts:
Love the beautiful setting in Capri; a perfect backdrop for this mystery/thriller. I felt sorry for Helen - she was so controlled and boxed in. Did her mother commit suicide or was she murdered? The wealthy family returns to Capri every year. You would think they would avoid it since someone they supposedly loved had such a deadly accident there, but they go once per year. Helen is suspicious not only of the family but a few other people on the island. The story has some surprises which is always good for me. Anyone who enjoys a good mystery will like this book.
Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through Netgalley for an advance copy.
February 6, 2025
I can't go with half stars, so it'll be a 3 star.
Rich people behaving badly, the premise drew me in initially.
Sarah Lingate died in 1992. Her death was an accident after she fell over the cliffs and into the water on the island of Capri. She left behind her 3 year old daughter, Helen. Her family continues to return every year. The Lingate family is old-money wealthy, and there are suspicions that someone in the family is involved with her death. the 30th anniversary of her death, the necklace Sarah was wearing when died is found. This discovery reopens family wounds and rehashes secrets as well.
With all this tumultuous drama, Helen uses this opportunity to escape her overbearing and suffocating family. She gets Lorna, the assistant, to help her, but then Lorna herself disappears. This puts Sarah's death on the forefront, which will unveil a web of lies.
A big thanks to Netgalley and Random House-Ballantine books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Expected publication March 25, 2025.
Rich people behaving badly, the premise drew me in initially.
Sarah Lingate died in 1992. Her death was an accident after she fell over the cliffs and into the water on the island of Capri. She left behind her 3 year old daughter, Helen. Her family continues to return every year. The Lingate family is old-money wealthy, and there are suspicions that someone in the family is involved with her death. the 30th anniversary of her death, the necklace Sarah was wearing when died is found. This discovery reopens family wounds and rehashes secrets as well.
With all this tumultuous drama, Helen uses this opportunity to escape her overbearing and suffocating family. She gets Lorna, the assistant, to help her, but then Lorna herself disappears. This puts Sarah's death on the forefront, which will unveil a web of lies.
A big thanks to Netgalley and Random House-Ballantine books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Expected publication March 25, 2025.
April 26, 2025
Rich people behaving badly? Sign me up! In real life, though, not so much. This story portrays the extravagant lifestyles and the ridiculous waste that mask the cutthroat tactics taken to ensure that generational wealth remains intact. What would a family do to protect a name that means more than the people carrying it? In this case, murder, of course.
Sarah’s death may have been ruled accidental, but everyone in Capri knows the Lingates for who they are: murderers. How do you ensure that the locals don’t spread rumors? By returning to the site of the murder every year.
Helen has lived in a pretty little controlled box since her mother’s mysterious death. She’s not allowed much freedom for fear of embarrassing the family. But she has a plan and sees a way to escape. However, she isn’t the only one with a plan. Lorna, her uncle's personal assistant, also has her own motives.
Most of this novel unfolds just as you would expect with a covered-up murder… but don’t write it off before the last quarter. I know it seems like a long time, but that’s where the magic finally happens. Who truly wields power behind the Lingates is not who you would expect. The twists are definitely worth the wait.
Sarah’s death may have been ruled accidental, but everyone in Capri knows the Lingates for who they are: murderers. How do you ensure that the locals don’t spread rumors? By returning to the site of the murder every year.
Helen has lived in a pretty little controlled box since her mother’s mysterious death. She’s not allowed much freedom for fear of embarrassing the family. But she has a plan and sees a way to escape. However, she isn’t the only one with a plan. Lorna, her uncle's personal assistant, also has her own motives.
Most of this novel unfolds just as you would expect with a covered-up murder… but don’t write it off before the last quarter. I know it seems like a long time, but that’s where the magic finally happens. Who truly wields power behind the Lingates is not who you would expect. The twists are definitely worth the wait.
May 18, 2025
* 5⭐️0🌶️
* This book is deliciously scandalous oh my. The lingate family is such the stereotypical mega stupid rich family.
* There are 6 main players in this group: we have Marcus and Naomi lingate, Marcus’s assistance Lenora. Richard- widow of Sarah lingate who mysterious died 30 years ago and their daughter Helen who brought her boyfriend Freddy on the trip. They take a mega yacht to the island of capri to have a week of rest and relaxation where Lenora who is also friends with Helen is not suppose to be the assistant but she is also suppose to relax too.
* Until Lenora goes missing. And the story starts from 36 hours before Lenora is no where to be found.
* The lingate family is despicable lol.
* There are also a few side characters and their story arcs get confusing and somehow everyone seems like they are only looking out for themselves and a way to make money. For people who hate the lingates they sure want a lot from the lingates.
* This book was AMAZING! Honest to goodness greatness. I have never been surprised and fooled so much. So many twists and turns and family lies just left and right. The whole book was just deceit. It was wild. The epilogue was amazing. The whole book was just so skillfully written and the pages just flying. It was so addicting.
* This book is deliciously scandalous oh my. The lingate family is such the stereotypical mega stupid rich family.
* There are 6 main players in this group: we have Marcus and Naomi lingate, Marcus’s assistance Lenora. Richard- widow of Sarah lingate who mysterious died 30 years ago and their daughter Helen who brought her boyfriend Freddy on the trip. They take a mega yacht to the island of capri to have a week of rest and relaxation where Lenora who is also friends with Helen is not suppose to be the assistant but she is also suppose to relax too.
* Until Lenora goes missing. And the story starts from 36 hours before Lenora is no where to be found.
* The lingate family is despicable lol.
* There are also a few side characters and their story arcs get confusing and somehow everyone seems like they are only looking out for themselves and a way to make money. For people who hate the lingates they sure want a lot from the lingates.
* This book was AMAZING! Honest to goodness greatness. I have never been surprised and fooled so much. So many twists and turns and family lies just left and right. The whole book was just deceit. It was wild. The epilogue was amazing. The whole book was just so skillfully written and the pages just flying. It was so addicting.
August 20, 2024
****8/20/24**** Finished this up on a recent trip and really liked it. You get a rich family, deep psychological drama/mystery, layer upon layer of secrets and family drama - all set in sparkling exotic Capris. I didn't see the finish coming at all. A little darker than I might have liked, but very good. 4+ stars and thank you, NetGalley!
**** 8/4/24 **** Thank you, NetGalley, for a pre-release ARC of Saltwater to read and review. This is a mystery/thriller set in beautiful Capri, Italy, that I've just dived into. Well-written with a female protagonist working for a wealthy family, but she has also secretly befriended the daughter in the family who referred her for the job. It is hard to tell who the allies are vs. foes, although clearly the girl's father and his brother look like the bad guys. But what about the daughter's boyfriend? And what really happened to the girl's mother so many years ago??? I'm only 20% in so I'll have to report back, but very good so far! Fellow netgalley reviewers - request this one - not due for publishing until 3/25/25.
**** 8/4/24 **** Thank you, NetGalley, for a pre-release ARC of Saltwater to read and review. This is a mystery/thriller set in beautiful Capri, Italy, that I've just dived into. Well-written with a female protagonist working for a wealthy family, but she has also secretly befriended the daughter in the family who referred her for the job. It is hard to tell who the allies are vs. foes, although clearly the girl's father and his brother look like the bad guys. But what about the daughter's boyfriend? And what really happened to the girl's mother so many years ago??? I'm only 20% in so I'll have to report back, but very good so far! Fellow netgalley reviewers - request this one - not due for publishing until 3/25/25.
April 30, 2025
Several years ago, Sarah Lingate plummeted to her death on a family vacation in Capri. The police do not suspect foul play. Fast forward to present day and the family is gearing up for their annual trip back to Capri. Needless to say it is not a relaxing trip and family secrets begin seeping out of the cracks.
The atmosphere was done perfectly, especially how Capri was described. You could envision the cliffs, the town center, and the water perfectly. This book gave me a White Lotus vibe for sure. There is nothing redeeming about the Lingate family. They are miserable, insufferable people, but you can just feel the underlying dark current that you know will soon start spiraling out of control. This definitely was OTT, but fit my reading mood perfectly. Nothing better than sitting by the pool flipping a page watching another family internally combust. 🍹📚
And as a plus I didn’t catch the twist. That’s a win in my book.
The atmosphere was done perfectly, especially how Capri was described. You could envision the cliffs, the town center, and the water perfectly. This book gave me a White Lotus vibe for sure. There is nothing redeeming about the Lingate family. They are miserable, insufferable people, but you can just feel the underlying dark current that you know will soon start spiraling out of control. This definitely was OTT, but fit my reading mood perfectly. Nothing better than sitting by the pool flipping a page watching another family internally combust. 🍹📚
And as a plus I didn’t catch the twist. That’s a win in my book.
June 29, 2025
I struggled to get into this book; its overly detailed chapters and drawn-out setup made for a slow beginning. The multiple timelines, rather than enhancing the plot, often felt messy and hard to follow. Although the story eventually found its stride with a series of twists, a few of these felt a bit far-fetched, even as others provided genuinely surprising reveals.
Overall, this was an okay read. If you like slow burns with many details and a wild ride, you might enjoy it!
Overall, this was an okay read. If you like slow burns with many details and a wild ride, you might enjoy it!
February 19, 2025
Helen and the rest of her dysfunctional family go to the island of Capri where her mother fell to her death from a cliff 30 years ago. She uncovers many secrets and lies while relentlessly searching for the truth.
This was a great story full of twists and turns.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for the opportunity to read this eARC that will be released March 25, 2025!
This was a great story full of twists and turns.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for the opportunity to read this eARC that will be released March 25, 2025!
October 13, 2024
4 stars - a decent enough mystery/thriller - setting of Capri was gorg! Maybe too much family angst, but okay. Thanks to Net Galley & the publisher for the widget
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