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Muddy the Water
A popular fishing captain is murdered on his own trawler and everyone in Haversport, Massachusetts, knows the culprit is a young deckhand named Ben Broome -- including Detective Lillian Grimes. But Ben has discovered the perfect hiding as a reporter writing for the tiny Coastal Packet, a newspaper in South Carolina.
When a half-eaten body washes in, it becomes the biggest story in the paper's history and brings cunning, charismatic Ben immediate success. But it also leads Grimes closer to the truth. She soon teams up with hungry rival reporter Florence Park to hunt Ben down before he can charm-or kill-his way to freedom.
Shown from three perspectives, killer, detective, and reporter, Muddy the Water brings readers inside the newsroom of a struggling small newspaper on the bucolic South Carolina coast and speaks to the concept of identity-and whether anyone ever shows their true self.
Praise for "Muddy the Water:"
"This snappy, suspenseful thriller will keep you guessing until the final chapter and will make you wonder—can anyone be a journalist?" — Katie Couric, journalist and author
"A page-turning ... twisty thriller." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Tremendous book. You'll be transfixed." — Peter King, sportswriter and author
"It grabs you by the collar and won't let go." — Jo Piazza, bestselling author of The Sicilian Inheritance
When a half-eaten body washes in, it becomes the biggest story in the paper's history and brings cunning, charismatic Ben immediate success. But it also leads Grimes closer to the truth. She soon teams up with hungry rival reporter Florence Park to hunt Ben down before he can charm-or kill-his way to freedom.
Shown from three perspectives, killer, detective, and reporter, Muddy the Water brings readers inside the newsroom of a struggling small newspaper on the bucolic South Carolina coast and speaks to the concept of identity-and whether anyone ever shows their true self.
Praise for "Muddy the Water:"
"This snappy, suspenseful thriller will keep you guessing until the final chapter and will make you wonder—can anyone be a journalist?" — Katie Couric, journalist and author
"A page-turning ... twisty thriller." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Tremendous book. You'll be transfixed." — Peter King, sportswriter and author
"It grabs you by the collar and won't let go." — Jo Piazza, bestselling author of The Sicilian Inheritance
258 pages, Paperback
Published January 28, 2025
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4192 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 26, 2025
Thank you to Jessica Barrows Beebe for the gifted copy of Muddy Waters, pub date 1/28/25
Well, this was definitely a crazy game of cat and mouse if I do say so myself - murder, journalism, and a killer hiding in plain sight had me hooked from page one.
When a popular fishing captain is murdered in Massachusetts, everyone knows young deckhand Ben Broome is guilty. But then he vanishes, reappearing as a rising star reporter at a struggling newspaper in coastal South Carolina.
When a gruesome body washes up, it’s the biggest story of his career, and the beginning of his downfall.
Told from multiple POVs - the killer, the detective hunting him, and a rival reporter - this book delivers sharp suspense, newsroom drama, and a chilling exploration of identity.
The biggest question: how long can someone fake a new life before the truth catches up?
If you’re into fast-paced thrillers with a little cat and mouse chase at its core, you’ll want to pick this one up.
I ultimately gave this 3.5, rounded to 4 ⭐️ which is a very solid rating in my book!
Well, this was definitely a crazy game of cat and mouse if I do say so myself - murder, journalism, and a killer hiding in plain sight had me hooked from page one.
When a popular fishing captain is murdered in Massachusetts, everyone knows young deckhand Ben Broome is guilty. But then he vanishes, reappearing as a rising star reporter at a struggling newspaper in coastal South Carolina.
When a gruesome body washes up, it’s the biggest story of his career, and the beginning of his downfall.
Told from multiple POVs - the killer, the detective hunting him, and a rival reporter - this book delivers sharp suspense, newsroom drama, and a chilling exploration of identity.
The biggest question: how long can someone fake a new life before the truth catches up?
If you’re into fast-paced thrillers with a little cat and mouse chase at its core, you’ll want to pick this one up.
I ultimately gave this 3.5, rounded to 4 ⭐️ which is a very solid rating in my book!
December 28, 2024
Note: I received an ARC of this book. However, this does not impair the impartiality of my review.
What makes a thriller like Muddy the Water ripple beneath its surface? Beyond the breathless pacing and finely tuned characters, there’s a confluence of storytelling undercurrents that most readers might skim over but are crucial to its immersive allure.
Setting as Character
South Carolina’s Lowcountry, with its misty harbors and marshy wilderness, isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a protagonist in its own right. The setting pulsates with life, much like Where the Crawdads Sing but with a noir twist. This is not the idyllic, romanticized South of postcards but a gritty, nuanced stage where blood mixes with brine and history echoes through its geography. Did you know the Lowcountry’s waterways have seen everything from pirates to Gullah folklore? That rich history layers every scene in the book with an uncanny tension.
Psychological Layers and Sociopolitical Themes
Grimes, the steely detective, isn’t merely solving a case—she’s tackling the complexities of being a woman in a predominantly male, testosterone-charged workplace. Her silent battles, reflected in her calculated moves against the Roykos of her world, are a microcosm of a larger societal issue. How often do thrillers underscore the emotional toll of balancing personal loss and professional composure without descending into cliché?
The Ethics of Journalism
At its core, Muddy the Water is a probing commentary on the ethics of storytelling. Can anyone be a journalist, as Katie Couric muses in the foreword? The narrative constantly challenges readers to question the morality of truth-seeking when personal secrets are weaponized and sensationalism prevails. With the industry in flux, this subplot is a poignant reminder of the stakes.
Numbers Speak Louder
Crime rates in small towns like Haversport might seem negligible compared to cities, but they are often underestimated. FBI data shows that such towns experience some of the most intense, interpersonal crimes. Against this statistical backdrop, Grimes’ investigation becomes not just believable but inevitable. The 33-knot winds and specific nautical details surrounding the crew’s ordeal onboard the Ella Rosa are a testament to the authors’ meticulous research, adding an authentic edge.
Literary Influences and Rhetorical Punch
Does Muddy the Water owe its brooding ethos to Chandler or its grit to Rankin? While its prose occasionally channels Hemingway’s economy, its twists could rival the best of Gillian Flynn. When Ben coldly contemplates assuming another man’s identity, the reader is invited into a Shakespearean meditation: “Can one murder a man’s life as thoroughly as his body?”
Unexpected Anecdotes
The sequence where Grimes recalls saving Carlos from drowning in a Humvee canal crash is more than backstory—it mirrors the titular “muddying.” Just as murky waters obscured her path to heroism then, so does the fog of betrayal and corruption muddy her investigation now.
Final Thoughts
To borrow from Twain, “The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.” Barrows and Beebe strike thunderously with their debut. Muddy the Water is not just a murder mystery; it’s an exploration of humanity’s darker shores, challenging us to ask: What lies beneath our own reflections in the water?
What makes a thriller like Muddy the Water ripple beneath its surface? Beyond the breathless pacing and finely tuned characters, there’s a confluence of storytelling undercurrents that most readers might skim over but are crucial to its immersive allure.
Setting as Character
South Carolina’s Lowcountry, with its misty harbors and marshy wilderness, isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a protagonist in its own right. The setting pulsates with life, much like Where the Crawdads Sing but with a noir twist. This is not the idyllic, romanticized South of postcards but a gritty, nuanced stage where blood mixes with brine and history echoes through its geography. Did you know the Lowcountry’s waterways have seen everything from pirates to Gullah folklore? That rich history layers every scene in the book with an uncanny tension.
Psychological Layers and Sociopolitical Themes
Grimes, the steely detective, isn’t merely solving a case—she’s tackling the complexities of being a woman in a predominantly male, testosterone-charged workplace. Her silent battles, reflected in her calculated moves against the Roykos of her world, are a microcosm of a larger societal issue. How often do thrillers underscore the emotional toll of balancing personal loss and professional composure without descending into cliché?
The Ethics of Journalism
At its core, Muddy the Water is a probing commentary on the ethics of storytelling. Can anyone be a journalist, as Katie Couric muses in the foreword? The narrative constantly challenges readers to question the morality of truth-seeking when personal secrets are weaponized and sensationalism prevails. With the industry in flux, this subplot is a poignant reminder of the stakes.
Numbers Speak Louder
Crime rates in small towns like Haversport might seem negligible compared to cities, but they are often underestimated. FBI data shows that such towns experience some of the most intense, interpersonal crimes. Against this statistical backdrop, Grimes’ investigation becomes not just believable but inevitable. The 33-knot winds and specific nautical details surrounding the crew’s ordeal onboard the Ella Rosa are a testament to the authors’ meticulous research, adding an authentic edge.
Literary Influences and Rhetorical Punch
Does Muddy the Water owe its brooding ethos to Chandler or its grit to Rankin? While its prose occasionally channels Hemingway’s economy, its twists could rival the best of Gillian Flynn. When Ben coldly contemplates assuming another man’s identity, the reader is invited into a Shakespearean meditation: “Can one murder a man’s life as thoroughly as his body?”
Unexpected Anecdotes
The sequence where Grimes recalls saving Carlos from drowning in a Humvee canal crash is more than backstory—it mirrors the titular “muddying.” Just as murky waters obscured her path to heroism then, so does the fog of betrayal and corruption muddy her investigation now.
Final Thoughts
To borrow from Twain, “The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.” Barrows and Beebe strike thunderously with their debut. Muddy the Water is not just a murder mystery; it’s an exploration of humanity’s darker shores, challenging us to ask: What lies beneath our own reflections in the water?
July 13, 2025
3.5 rounded to 4 for a strong debut effort by a brother/sister writing team.
The plot is convincing, the characters well-formed, and the pacing brisk.
My quibble is with the details that are all too conveniently revealed and discovered in order to solve this murderer-in-plain-sight tale.
The plot is convincing, the characters well-formed, and the pacing brisk.
My quibble is with the details that are all too conveniently revealed and discovered in order to solve this murderer-in-plain-sight tale.
January 15, 2025
Jessica Barrows Beebe and Matt Barrows do a great job showing what the characters are thinking, making their problems feel real and easy to relate to. The story moves at a good pace, with the tension slowly building, so it keeps you interested. A must read!
December 23, 2024
Good book
March 5, 2025
The highest praise I can give any mystery or thriller is that it reminds me of Louise Penny’s brilliant Armand Gamache novels. Well, this stunning thriller fits the bill—a gripping page-turner infused with beautiful prose, vivid descriptions, and multi-dimensional, realistic characters.
I enjoyed this read so much that it ended far too soon, and I know it’s one that will stick with me for awhile. Highly recommend giving it a try!
I enjoyed this read so much that it ended far too soon, and I know it’s one that will stick with me for awhile. Highly recommend giving it a try!
December 29, 2024
Haversport, Massachusetts, appears idyllic—a serene, coastal haven. That illusion shatters when a beloved fishing captain is discovered savagely murdered. Suspicion immediately falls on Ben Broome, a defiant young deckhand. Detective Lillian Grimes, convinced of his guilt, is ready to make her move, but Broome vanishes before she can act. Months later, he resurfaces in South Carolina, not as a fugitive but as a reporter for a small newspaper. Fame quickly finds him when a decomposed body washes ashore. Meanwhile, Detective Grimes partners with Florence Park, a rival journalist, to track Broome down. Yet, Broome has plans of his own, upending their pursuit in unexpected ways.
Muddy the Water, by Matt Barrows and Jessica Barrows Beebe, unfolds as a gripping mystery-crime novel, skillfully narrated from three distinct perspectives: Detective Grimes, Ben Broome, and Florence Park. This narrative approach evokes the intricate storytelling of Dashiell Hammett and Michael Connelly. By alternating narrators, the authors enrich the story, providing depth and nuance that elevate it above a standard whodunit. Each perspective brings something vital to the narrative. Broome, initially a suspect steeped in mystery, emerges as a multi-dimensional character grappling with moral ambiguity. Grimes, seemingly a textbook detective archetype, reveals layers of complexity that make her both relatable and compelling. Park’s voice, unbiased and sharp, offers readers a clear lens through which to view the escalating tension, grounding the story amid its twists and turns.
The structural ambition of the novel is worth noting. Shifting between three protagonists could have easily disrupted the pacing or diluted the impact, but Barrows and Beebe handle it with remarkable finesse. Their seamless transitions and strong characterizations make the narrative cohesion feel effortless, even as the plot hurtles forward with intensity. Readers will find plenty to admire here. The dialogue is thoughtful and deliberate, adding a contemplative tone to the thrilling plot. The pacing balances moments of quiet revelation with bursts of high-stakes drama. Most importantly, the conclusion is deeply satisfying—a payoff that feels genuinely earned rather than conveniently delivered.
Muddy the Water is more than a murder mystery; it’s a character-driven exploration of truth, deception, and justice. Fans of crime fiction will appreciate its clever twists, while those new to the genre will find themselves captivated by its rich storytelling and dynamic cast. This novel proves that in the hands of skilled authors, even the murkiest waters can yield treasures worth discovering.
Muddy the Water, by Matt Barrows and Jessica Barrows Beebe, unfolds as a gripping mystery-crime novel, skillfully narrated from three distinct perspectives: Detective Grimes, Ben Broome, and Florence Park. This narrative approach evokes the intricate storytelling of Dashiell Hammett and Michael Connelly. By alternating narrators, the authors enrich the story, providing depth and nuance that elevate it above a standard whodunit. Each perspective brings something vital to the narrative. Broome, initially a suspect steeped in mystery, emerges as a multi-dimensional character grappling with moral ambiguity. Grimes, seemingly a textbook detective archetype, reveals layers of complexity that make her both relatable and compelling. Park’s voice, unbiased and sharp, offers readers a clear lens through which to view the escalating tension, grounding the story amid its twists and turns.
The structural ambition of the novel is worth noting. Shifting between three protagonists could have easily disrupted the pacing or diluted the impact, but Barrows and Beebe handle it with remarkable finesse. Their seamless transitions and strong characterizations make the narrative cohesion feel effortless, even as the plot hurtles forward with intensity. Readers will find plenty to admire here. The dialogue is thoughtful and deliberate, adding a contemplative tone to the thrilling plot. The pacing balances moments of quiet revelation with bursts of high-stakes drama. Most importantly, the conclusion is deeply satisfying—a payoff that feels genuinely earned rather than conveniently delivered.
Muddy the Water is more than a murder mystery; it’s a character-driven exploration of truth, deception, and justice. Fans of crime fiction will appreciate its clever twists, while those new to the genre will find themselves captivated by its rich storytelling and dynamic cast. This novel proves that in the hands of skilled authors, even the murkiest waters can yield treasures worth discovering.
January 28, 2025
What a terrific read! All the wisdom and humanity of Louise Penny with a big dose of spice and some great twists and turns. The characters in this book are nuanced and real. I whipped through this book - which I don't usually do - and then felt sad, because I didn't want it to end. Well written, cinematic and full of the kinds of insights that make you feel better about not being able to put the book down and get off the sofa.
SEQUEL PLEASE!! I want to see these characters again. (Well, most of them.... :)
A great book to give to anyone you know who needs to be transported to another world for a couple of days. Just a great read.
SEQUEL PLEASE!! I want to see these characters again. (Well, most of them.... :)
A great book to give to anyone you know who needs to be transported to another world for a couple of days. Just a great read.
March 16, 2025
Muddy the Water
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“ A popular fishing captain is murdered on his own trawler and everyone in Haversport, Massachusetts, knows the culprit is a young deckhand named Ben Broome, including Detective Lillian Grimes. But Ben has discovered the perfect hiding place: as a reporter writing for the tiny Coastal Packet, a newspaper down in South Carolina.”
Did a buddy read with this book and really enjoyed it. The mystery itself was good. The characters were fairly good written. The settings were well described. The main murderer was very paranoid maybe a little too much for my liking. Overall I enjoyed the book and would recommend it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“ A popular fishing captain is murdered on his own trawler and everyone in Haversport, Massachusetts, knows the culprit is a young deckhand named Ben Broome, including Detective Lillian Grimes. But Ben has discovered the perfect hiding place: as a reporter writing for the tiny Coastal Packet, a newspaper down in South Carolina.”
Did a buddy read with this book and really enjoyed it. The mystery itself was good. The characters were fairly good written. The settings were well described. The main murderer was very paranoid maybe a little too much for my liking. Overall I enjoyed the book and would recommend it.
November 26, 2025
Muddy the Water was a gripping and atmospheric read that kept me hooked throughout. I especially loved how the story unfolds through multiple character perspectives with each adding depth, tension, and emotional complexity. The suspense builds steadily and makes for a truly engaging experience.
While I found myself wanting a slightly more fulfilling sense of closure at the end, it didn’t take away from how powerful and well-crafted the story was overall. A compelling thriller I’d absolutely recommend. For me, this was really a 4.5-star read, but since Goodreads doesn’t allow half stars, I’m rounding down to a 4.
While I found myself wanting a slightly more fulfilling sense of closure at the end, it didn’t take away from how powerful and well-crafted the story was overall. A compelling thriller I’d absolutely recommend. For me, this was really a 4.5-star read, but since Goodreads doesn’t allow half stars, I’m rounding down to a 4.
February 19, 2025
"Lillian Grimes pulled into the parking lot on a morning so cold and dreary it was hard to tell the day had even begun." And we're off, with an evocative first sentence that foreshadows the brilliant storytelling in the next 243 pages. It's cliche to call a book a page-turner that's impossible to put down, but ... this is a page-turner that's impossible to put down. This was a reminder that I need to get back to reading more fiction. There's nothing quite like the way it can transport you when you're in the hands of a brilliant author (or in this case, authors).
February 12, 2025
Wow! What a great book, superb story telling, awesome insight into the world of boating & nautical terms. Easy read, that flowed very well with excellent storytelling and details. A true page turner that makes the reader feel contempt for a certain character and empathy for another. Absolutely loved it and suggest it to any
bibliophile who likes a good murder mystery! Last thing, loved the part with grandma pouring coffee, subtle, smart and a beautifully executed plot twist. Great book!
bibliophile who likes a good murder mystery! Last thing, loved the part with grandma pouring coffee, subtle, smart and a beautifully executed plot twist. Great book!
May 9, 2025
This book is a page turner and easy to get into. Once I started reading, I had trouble putting it down. I'm still thinking about the characters and visualizing where it all takes place. This book should become a movie. The authors move the story forward so it's easy to read and use descriptive language that engages. I found myself replaying scenes from the book in my mind before falling asleep. I bought this book for my mother to read and she was immediately hooked too. Highly recommend!
May 27, 2025
4.28
This was a giveaway win and the authors were so kind to sign my copy and send me a handwritten card
I pushed their book to the head of my line
Fun tale where we know the bad guy right up front and it's really just an incredibly engaging cat n mouse for the rest of the pages
I hope these two siblings write more books like this, they know what they're doing and I was in love with the fun new setting.
This was a giveaway win and the authors were so kind to sign my copy and send me a handwritten card
I pushed their book to the head of my line
Fun tale where we know the bad guy right up front and it's really just an incredibly engaging cat n mouse for the rest of the pages
I hope these two siblings write more books like this, they know what they're doing and I was in love with the fun new setting.
December 13, 2025
Such a fun, engrossing read! Muddy the Water is a wonderfully written page-turner full of surprising twists and turns, interesting character development, and descriptive details. At its core, it's also a psychological thriller that made me, as the reader, question my moral compass. Who exactly am I rooting for here? This unique story stayed with me long after I finished the book. I highly recommend it. (And I'd love to see it turned into a movie!)
February 15, 2025
I just finished Muddy The Water and it took my breath away. This is a Thriller with a capital T in the likes of masterpieces like The Fugitive. It reads like a movie and it's real and raw and funny and very, very scary. I absolutely loved this story and am still haunted by it. I don't look at the world the same anymore.
March 7, 2025
Wonderful story. Keeps you guessing till the last page. If you are a lover of crime fiction, the unusual twist of knowing the murderer from the beginning is exciting and nerve-wracking. The naturalist writing about New England and South Carolina Low Country is a lovely bonus! Pick Muddy the Water up and you won’t put it down. It's a jaw dropper!!
April 9, 2025
If you like detective mysteries and psychological thrillers, this is a good one! It's not a 'who-done-it' because we're clear who the murderer is from the start. However, the story moves quickly with clever plot twists that build tension and suspense as the reader wonders if the killer has found the perfect hideaway. Unpredictable and cunning, I found this one hard to put down.
June 18, 2025
I won this book from Goodreads contest! And I push this book ahead of my huge TBR pile to read and so glad I did. This book was a bit different than other books I read. It started off right away knowing who committed the murder, but the story continued with a few different POV that kept me interested. I felt like it was an easy read; and great storyline. Enjoyed the ending.
December 29, 2024
This book is a winner of the Spotlyts Story Award. (Reference link that will go live on or after 17 January 2025: https://spotlyts.com/2025/01/17/spotl...)
January 4, 2025
A whodunit where you know who done it but are on the edge of your seat wondering if he will get away with it. And some of the most likable characters, who you imagine going to get a beer with. Didn’t want to put it down.
January 28, 2025
Is it a who done it when you know who done it? This intriguing flip on the usual murder mystery is a real page turner. Really enjoyed the settings, especially as the authors evoked the low country of South Carolina. I hope to meet some of the characters again.
September 25, 2025
Most mysteries don’t tell you who the killer is but this author did. It was interesting how he mentioned to take over another life and get away with it. The reader is waiting for him to get caught. I enjoyed the book but was disappointed in the end.
December 21, 2024
Good book
December 23, 2024
Love this so much
December 24, 2024
Love this 🤍
January 28, 2025
This page-turner kept me anxiously reading and wanting more. Looking forward to the sequel.
January 28, 2025
If you like crime thrillers on Netflix and shows like that then this book is for you! Super addicting from start to finish and keeps you guessing at every turn. Highly recommend!
February 1, 2025
Sifting Through Mud
Over the last 50 years I have read hundreds of murder mystery books by many authors and this is one of the best I have read!! It needs a sequel!
Over the last 50 years I have read hundreds of murder mystery books by many authors and this is one of the best I have read!! It needs a sequel!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews