The Wake

by Nicola Faulkner

A tense, atmospheric psychological thriller about memory, motherhood, and the truths we try to outrun.

When Claire Holloway boards a luxury cruise with her three-year-old daughter, Lily, she hopes to leave the past behind. Calm seas, new memories, and a chance to breathe. But paradise shatters when Lily vanishes somewhere between the buffet and the endless horizon.

Trapped at sea with no one to trust and nowhere to run, Claire must dig beneath the glittering surface of the ship to uncover the truth before the ocean swallows her and her secrets whole.

A haunting story of a mother's fierce love and the shadows that lurk beneath even the brightest waters, The Wake will keep you turning pages long into the night.

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 19, 2025

Reviews

[Annette Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Wake" is a gripping psychological thriller that kept me on edge from start to finish. Claire’s fear and fierce love as a mother felt deeply real, and the story’s tension and secrets had me turning pages late into the night. A haunting reminder that even the brightest waters can hide the darkest truths.

[Devin Drennen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a Goodreads Giveaway win. I almost stopped reading after 75 pages because of how repetitive it was. I was reading the same thing over and over and over again. This book could have been about 50 pages long if all of the repetitive fluff was taken out. It was a huge struggle to finish.

[Russel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

[Olivia (Olivia) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing style is unique, but it adds so much depth and realism to the story. It truly feels like stepping into the past.

[Anna Kristensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the start. It’s tense, emotional, and full of twists that kept me guessing. I felt completely pulled into the story and really cared about the characters especially Claire. Her fear, guilt, and determination felt so real, I was right there with her the whole time. The cruise setting made everything feel even more intense. One of the best thrillers I’ve read in a long time.

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Psychological Thriller. I found the beginning of this book boring and hard to get into the story. I understand why the beginning was like that after reading the whole book. I found the middle to keep going over the same things, and I did not want to keep reading it. I did push through. I loved the ending, but If I was Claire I would want to kill someone. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Adeola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not always an easy read, but definitely a rewarding one. The main character’s journey is gripping and unforgettable.

[Glacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful and unusual historical novel that really makes you feel the chaos after the Norman invasion. The language takes getting used to, but it’s worth it.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really engaging read that kept me interested from start to finish. The story flowed well and the characters felt real.