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Dark Waters
A modern woman confronts a nineteenth-century mystery in this haunting novel of tragedy, trapped spirits, and moving on from the past . . .
Michelle left Australia to begin a new life in London away from the pain caused by her cheating husband and her own infertility. But one thing hasn’t her ability to see and speak to the dead.
When she encounters Ned, who died in 1848, Michelle wonders what unresolved business keeps his spirit from eternal rest. And as she explores Ned’s past, she learns of the tragic fate of Clara, Ned’s lover.
But now that Michelle knows what haunts Ned, can she help free him—and herself at the same time?
Dark Waters is a haunting debut novel about finding hope for the future by learning to set yourself free from the sins of the past.
Michelle left Australia to begin a new life in London away from the pain caused by her cheating husband and her own infertility. But one thing hasn’t her ability to see and speak to the dead.
When she encounters Ned, who died in 1848, Michelle wonders what unresolved business keeps his spirit from eternal rest. And as she explores Ned’s past, she learns of the tragic fate of Clara, Ned’s lover.
But now that Michelle knows what haunts Ned, can she help free him—and herself at the same time?
Dark Waters is a haunting debut novel about finding hope for the future by learning to set yourself free from the sins of the past.
- GenresThriller
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2024
14 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 8, 2024
⭐️3.5 stars ⭐️
An emotional, excellently written novel. I loved the research the author put into the story, mixing true life stories and fiction.
Michelle was a powerful character, strong and human. I enjoyed the Ghost Whisperer vibes, the mystery behind Ned’s past, the search for the truth.
This read was also extremely upsetting, especially towards the end. Even though each character seems to have reached peace, a sort of happy ending, I can’t help but feel the pain and grief and loss every character endured.
Still, a very compelling and interesting read, just too heart-wrenching for me.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
TW (spoilers) : Infant death, infanticide, infertility.
« She was a woman who would always be haunted. She would always be able to see the dead and she could no longer pretend this was not a part of who she was. »
An emotional, excellently written novel. I loved the research the author put into the story, mixing true life stories and fiction.
Michelle was a powerful character, strong and human. I enjoyed the Ghost Whisperer vibes, the mystery behind Ned’s past, the search for the truth.
This read was also extremely upsetting, especially towards the end. Even though each character seems to have reached peace, a sort of happy ending, I can’t help but feel the pain and grief and loss every character endured.
Still, a very compelling and interesting read, just too heart-wrenching for me.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
TW (spoilers) : Infant death, infanticide, infertility.
September 1, 2024
TW - rape, infant death, infertility, murder and death in childbirth are present in this book, and are mentioned in this review.
REVIEW:
This is an atmospheric, deeply affecting novel which I inhaled in a day.
We have two protagonists, recently separated Michelle and long-time dead Ned. Both are reluctant to face their pasts, yet both need to in order to move on: Ned, to the afterlife which has long evaded him, and Michelle, away from the cheating husband she is still drawn to.
Michelle is a relatable heroine. Classy, educated, intelligent and kindly, she is clearly suffering after the breakdown of her marriage, and has escaped to London to breathe and recover. She's easy to relate to, and easy to support in her quest to move away from the (frankly, quite awful) Nick. Ned, however, is as murky a character as the waters of the Thames (which could be a third character in this story) but all the same, you want him to find peace. In his life he did three terrible things, but this is a story about redemption, and he earns his - not quite happy, but certainly fitting - ending.
There are two mentions of infant death in this book, and both scenes upset me terribly. Both deaths are a result of the cruelty of the Victorian era, and are understandable in that context, but still, I found all references to child poverty and infant mortality deeply upsetting. Likewise, there is a scene that clearly shows sex without consent (in that the female character is too inebriated to give consent) and that also made me uncomfortable. I cried during a scene where one character chooses to sacrifice herself and her infant son rather than live any further in crushing poverty, close to starvation, and I cried at the end, when all was resolved, and that character's story was wrapped up. Like I said, this is a deeply affecting novel, and one I recommend you read with tissues by your side.
The ending of this book is very clever, and I didn't see the twist coming. The twist offered a strange kind of comfort, but one thing I liked about this book was Michelle coming to terms with her infertility, and I would have preferred it if there hadn't been the promise of a child to come in her life. This is my personal preference though, and doesn't detract from the end of the story.
The author has a way with words, and the writing is incredibly evocative. I also found the author notes at the end of the story to be relevant and interesting, and could tell from that and the passion in the author's voice that this was a well-researched and well-loved project.
All in all I was entirely drawn into this story, and look forward to more of the author's work.
REVIEW:
This is an atmospheric, deeply affecting novel which I inhaled in a day.
We have two protagonists, recently separated Michelle and long-time dead Ned. Both are reluctant to face their pasts, yet both need to in order to move on: Ned, to the afterlife which has long evaded him, and Michelle, away from the cheating husband she is still drawn to.
Michelle is a relatable heroine. Classy, educated, intelligent and kindly, she is clearly suffering after the breakdown of her marriage, and has escaped to London to breathe and recover. She's easy to relate to, and easy to support in her quest to move away from the (frankly, quite awful) Nick. Ned, however, is as murky a character as the waters of the Thames (which could be a third character in this story) but all the same, you want him to find peace. In his life he did three terrible things, but this is a story about redemption, and he earns his - not quite happy, but certainly fitting - ending.
There are two mentions of infant death in this book, and both scenes upset me terribly. Both deaths are a result of the cruelty of the Victorian era, and are understandable in that context, but still, I found all references to child poverty and infant mortality deeply upsetting. Likewise, there is a scene that clearly shows sex without consent (in that the female character is too inebriated to give consent) and that also made me uncomfortable. I cried during a scene where one character chooses to sacrifice herself and her infant son rather than live any further in crushing poverty, close to starvation, and I cried at the end, when all was resolved, and that character's story was wrapped up. Like I said, this is a deeply affecting novel, and one I recommend you read with tissues by your side.
The ending of this book is very clever, and I didn't see the twist coming. The twist offered a strange kind of comfort, but one thing I liked about this book was Michelle coming to terms with her infertility, and I would have preferred it if there hadn't been the promise of a child to come in her life. This is my personal preference though, and doesn't detract from the end of the story.
The author has a way with words, and the writing is incredibly evocative. I also found the author notes at the end of the story to be relevant and interesting, and could tell from that and the passion in the author's voice that this was a well-researched and well-loved project.
All in all I was entirely drawn into this story, and look forward to more of the author's work.
December 26, 2024
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. The author seamlessly weaves together a tale of heartbreak, resilience & the supernatural. From the very first page I was captivated & could not put it down. A relaxing Boxing Day well spent.
The depiction of the main character, Michelle's, pain & the strength she finds in starting over is so real, it felt as though I was walking every step with her. But it is not just a story of heartbreak & reinvention.
Michelle's connection with the spirit a young man, Ned, who carries a burden he cannot release is both haunting & moving. Their interactions are written in such a way that I found myself so invested in the unfolding story & its outcome, desperately rooting for Michelle as she navigates the uncharted territory of trying to release Ned's burden, & desperately hoping that his feelings of guilt were unfounded. And all the while feeling a deep sense of connection & a desire to warn & protect the characters from Ned's past.
The author skilfully balances themes of grief & betrayal with moments of tenderness & hope. The pace is perfect. If you are looking for a book that will captivate you from start to finish, this is an absolute must-read.
I do really hope that this book is the first in a series. I'm not ready to say goodbye to Michelle. There are so many more tales that could be told through her gifted eyes.
The depiction of the main character, Michelle's, pain & the strength she finds in starting over is so real, it felt as though I was walking every step with her. But it is not just a story of heartbreak & reinvention.
Michelle's connection with the spirit a young man, Ned, who carries a burden he cannot release is both haunting & moving. Their interactions are written in such a way that I found myself so invested in the unfolding story & its outcome, desperately rooting for Michelle as she navigates the uncharted territory of trying to release Ned's burden, & desperately hoping that his feelings of guilt were unfounded. And all the while feeling a deep sense of connection & a desire to warn & protect the characters from Ned's past.
The author skilfully balances themes of grief & betrayal with moments of tenderness & hope. The pace is perfect. If you are looking for a book that will captivate you from start to finish, this is an absolute must-read.
I do really hope that this book is the first in a series. I'm not ready to say goodbye to Michelle. There are so many more tales that could be told through her gifted eyes.
September 11, 2024
This is a taut, tense and deliciously dark debut novel. It overflows with originality and innovative plot devices. It's compelling reading with some very chilling moments.
Deborah Siddoway takes inspiration from her literary hero, Charles Dickens, and evokes pathos with an emotional rollercoaster of love, loss, poverty, death and hope.
London doubles as a backdrop for the central character, Michelle, in the present day, and for the tragedies encountered by, Ned, nearly two hundred years ago. One great strength of the narrative is the collision between the living and the dead and Michelle's determination to find an escape for a trapped spirit. The plight of unmarried mothers in Victorian England is addressed with tender compassion and is particularly poignant to read.
A darkly compelling tale with an utterly propulsive plot.
Deborah Siddoway takes inspiration from her literary hero, Charles Dickens, and evokes pathos with an emotional rollercoaster of love, loss, poverty, death and hope.
London doubles as a backdrop for the central character, Michelle, in the present day, and for the tragedies encountered by, Ned, nearly two hundred years ago. One great strength of the narrative is the collision between the living and the dead and Michelle's determination to find an escape for a trapped spirit. The plight of unmarried mothers in Victorian England is addressed with tender compassion and is particularly poignant to read.
A darkly compelling tale with an utterly propulsive plot.
August 29, 2024
This author had a lovely way of storytelling, bringing the reader into the story quickly, using similes and metaphors to describe situations to enable the reader to fully feel what is happening throughout. I wanted to keep reading throughout! The theme was very engaging and I liked the way it switched between London in the 1800’s and the present day. I felt the author developed the characters well and I really felt empathy for their situations. The Author’s Notes at the back of the book were also very interesting about the historical context the novel is set in. There were a few repetitive parts in the story, but overall, it was a very engaging and emotional read.
I received an ARC from Bloodhound Books for an honest review, thank you, and all thoughts are my own.
I received an ARC from Bloodhound Books for an honest review, thank you, and all thoughts are my own.
September 13, 2024
Freedom comes in many different forms. Michelle moved from Australia to London after her husband cheated on her and also got his girlfriend pregnant. Michelle is also gifted with the ability to see dead people. She meets Ned who has been dead since 1838. The plot revolves around how Michelle needs freedom from Nick, her ex, and Ned needs freedom from his past. I really like the book and the characters. The book is very descriptive of the times and culture of London in1838. I recommend this book for all thriller readers.
September 14, 2024
This is the first book that I've read by this author and I wasn't sure what to expect, but was drawn initially by the striking front cover.
This was such an unexpected read as from the title it really doesn't give too much away at all!
We follow the storylines over a dual timeline, swapping from present day, back to the 1800's, trying to solve the mystery.
I'm trying to be vague as I really don't want to give any spoilers, especially for those who don't read blurbs beforehand, like me!
I really loved all the characters. They were well presented and developed nicely thought the book.
I felt empathy for each of them in their own dilemmas and issues and it was lovely to see how Michelle and Ned worked together.
The writing was very good and kept me engaged from start to finish and I loved the exciting twists and connections running throughout.
A great read and I'm looking forward to more in the future.
This was such an unexpected read as from the title it really doesn't give too much away at all!
We follow the storylines over a dual timeline, swapping from present day, back to the 1800's, trying to solve the mystery.
I'm trying to be vague as I really don't want to give any spoilers, especially for those who don't read blurbs beforehand, like me!
I really loved all the characters. They were well presented and developed nicely thought the book.
I felt empathy for each of them in their own dilemmas and issues and it was lovely to see how Michelle and Ned worked together.
The writing was very good and kept me engaged from start to finish and I loved the exciting twists and connections running throughout.
A great read and I'm looking forward to more in the future.
September 12, 2024
Dark Waters by Deborah Siddoway was an excellent and gripping psychological book, which was full of suspense with great twists and turns throughout that made this book a great read. Once. I opened my kindle and started to read Dark Waters. I was hooked and found it hard to put this book down. which made it a great holiday or day off read.
This book is the first I have read from this author, I highly recommend. i will be reading more books from this author. I loved it.
This book is the first I have read from this author, I highly recommend. i will be reading more books from this author. I loved it.
September 21, 2024
This story follows Michelle and her gift of seeing and communicating with the dead. She uses her gift to try to help lost souls move on, while also dealing with personal upheaval. I loved the concept of the book. I loved the duality of Michelle’s character as she navigated the similarities and differences between her personal life and her work with the dead. I did feel there was some repetition in the narration and Michelle’s thoughts and feelings. Overall an enjoyable read.
August 28, 2024
After a disastrous end to her marriage Michelle starts a new life in London as far away from her husband in Australia as possible. When she meets Ned, a spirit who has unfinished business she realises her Grandmothers gift has to be recognised, she can’t ignore it any longer. What follows is a fantastic story, well told and chilling.
September 4, 2024
A well-crafted and compelling story about special ancestral gifts and the the things that bound is to our past! I really enjoyed this book and the way the author made the past and present merge and weave and intricate, sometimes eerie, (and certainly atmospheric) tale. Highly recommend! Will look for more books by this author in the future. #darkwaters #debborahsiddoway #netgalley #goodreads
September 12, 2024
Dark Waters is a fantastic book about Michelle, her ex and her supernatural powers. Fleeing half way across the world to try and escape her husband and his affair Michelle finds herself helping a ghost find peace.
This is really well written and I couldn’t put it down - definitely worth a read!
I was given an ARC in exchange for a review but all views are my own.
This is really well written and I couldn’t put it down - definitely worth a read!
I was given an ARC in exchange for a review but all views are my own.
September 25, 2024
This is a well written story and the character of Michelle is wonderfully portrayed and reminded me of the series The Ghost Whisperer. Interesting and intriguing in parts, but there were times in the book I felt myself drifting off. The research of the era has clearly been done and done well but it just lacked the ‘ghostly’ edge for me. All in all it was worth the read.
October 3, 2024
This was a really quiet but haunting story. It wasn't what I was expecting. I thought it'd be more of a mystery/thriller, ghost story kind of book. There was a ghost, but it wasn't a spooky story. It's more of a character-driven piece. The writing was decent and the story, while not the most unique, was compelling.
I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.
I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.
January 8, 2025
Not my cup of tea at all. I skim read most of it. The base of the story was pretty good; Ned shows Michelle a time in London many years ago. He introduces Clara and she shows Michelle a tragic side of child rape, poverty and abandonment.
The rest of it was filled with too much unnecessary description and side stories.
Would not recommended and only just finished it. Sorry!
The rest of it was filled with too much unnecessary description and side stories.
Would not recommended and only just finished it. Sorry!
August 26, 2024
This is a great debut novel. Intelligent, emotional, a real page turner.. believably fictitious but grounded, this book and the main character teach you how women have struggled throughout history in a heart wrenching and breathtaking way. I can’t wait for the Netflix series!!
August 18, 2024
This was great, very intriguing and very well written, I rushed it at the end, as I needed to know what happened but, I will re-read it again soon so that I can savour it more.
August 22, 2024
Brilliant. I was so invested in the lives of the characters both now and in the 1800s. Well written and great to see such a strong female main character.
August 26, 2024
Loved it. Kept me up at night reading and didn’t want it to end. Loved how it was set in the 1800’s and the female character is such a strong character. Well written would recommend a read.
August 26, 2024
Absolutely loved this psychological suspense novel. So well written. I did guess the twist but it didn't spoil the story at all. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews