Dead in the Water

by A.J. Carter

The worst things happen at sea…

Eva thought she'd found the perfect escape – two weeks in Cyprus with nothing but sun and cocktails. When she meets Javier, a charming stranger with a stunning yacht, a romantic morning cruise seems like an ideal addition to her holiday.

But once they're out at sea, small inconsistencies in his stories begin to surface. The boat that promised freedom becomes something else entirely, and the man she trusted may not be who he claims to be. As the coastline disappears and they sail deeper into open water, Eva begins to suspect she's made a terrible mistake.

Trapped on the endless ocean with nowhere to run, Eva must rely on her wits to survive. But when the person you trusted becomes your greatest threat, how do you stay alive?

A heart-stopping psychological thriller about deception, survival, and the deadly secrets hidden beneath a charming smile.
—————

Genres: Thriller

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2025

About the author

AJ Carter is a psychological thriller author from Bristol, England. His first book, The Family Secret, is praised by critics around the world, and he continues to regularly deliver suspenseful novels you can’t put down.

Sign up to his mailing list today and be the first to hear about upcoming releases and hot new deals for existing books. You’ll also receive a FREE digital copy of The Couple Downstairs – an unputdownable domestic thriller you won’t find anywhere else in the world: https://BookHip.com/WAXFLLP

Reviews

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dead in the Water was such a captivating, binge-worthy psychological thriller by A.J. Carter! Carter is a new-to-me author who instantly earned a spot on my go-to author list. The story follows Eva, who heads to Cyprus for a relaxing getaway but ends up meeting Javier, a handsome stranger who sweeps her off her feet. When he invites her to join him on his yacht, it feels like the start of a dream vacation—until they sail out to sea and things start to feel off. As Javier’s story unravels and the boat shifts from escape to entrapment, Eva realizes she’s in serious danger and must figure out how to survive.

I loved the tense, claustrophobic setting on the yacht and how the suspense built as the story unfolded. It was a quick, entertaining read with plenty of twists to keep me hooked. On the downside, a few of the plot points were a bit predictable and some character motivations could have been fleshed out more.

Carter’s writing is easy and straightforward, with short chapters and a smooth flow that makes the book a fast, immersive read. It’s the kind of style that pulls you right in without unnecessary details. Even though it leans on a familiar stranded-at-sea trope, the story was still gripping and kept me turning the pages.

Thanks, Kimmy, for gifting me this one for my birthday—such a great find and another author to add to our growing list!

[Kimmy Goldman · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️.
Crazy fast read! I enjoyed how this was action packed and set in the Mediterranean on a yacht. Although some things perhaps far fetched, this was unputdownable with zero lull in pacing.
Thank you for the loan, Jackie!!

[jeanette Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!

What did I just read? Such an incredibly well written book! I could not and did not want to put it down. Definitely top of my best books of 2025!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need a part 2 immediately…

[Phyllis Fried · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartstopping

This amazing thriller had me up reading until the wee hours of the morning. As the intensity builds I found myself holding my breath. A J Carter has outdone himself this time. From Cypress to Malta on a luxury yacht with a charismatic man, what could go wrong? I am happy to recommend this book.

[Mary Nierman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read!!!!

I enjoyed every aspect of this book. Must say I never saw the twist coming. The romance seemed there, but inevitably very sinister! I really was shocked by her discovery of the passports and the shocking revelation that ultimately overwhelmed her. My gosh, could hardly put this book down!!!!!

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping read

I loved this book, it’s a super good read: very gripping, not knowing what was going to happen next, the end of the book left me hoping there will be a sequel. I thoroughly recommend this book, Dead in the Water, by AJ Carter.

[Mary Ann McLeroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead in the water

OMG. My anxiety is off the chart!!!! This was one of the most anxiety ridden endings I think I've ever read! And the ending.... I sure hope we get book two of the hunt for Javier. Please AJ Carter! A new huntress!!!!

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic thriller

Love the way aj carter builds this book. From a lovely cypress vacation to a journey of abuse fright control and determination to survive
On the seat of my chair couldn’t put this book down

[johnnie brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. What a book !!!!!!

I would recommend this book to anyone. I liked the whole thing front to back. She was quite a woman. He was quite a man. This book just went from one thing to another. Oh my goodness. I got angry & sad. Parts were fairly unbelievable.

[Autumn Hanson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just wanted to shake Eva!!! She made some super dumb choices when she met Javier but he was definitely a smooth criminal.

This was a very tense read waiting to see how it ended!

[Sammye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic psychological thriller. I was invested in Javier and Eva’s story from the first chapter! So much heart stopping suspense and drama. On the edge of your seat page turner.

[maire]

Brilliant

I couldn't put this book down Absolutely brilliant I didn't want it to end.
I book AJ Carter writes a sequel

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead in the Water

This was a very good book. I totally enjoyed it. Unusual storyline. Like nothing I've read before. I definitely recommend this book.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Lauren Speringo · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half was really good but the second half seemed to be redundant and predictable. I liked the writing style though.

[Laura Seys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow 🤩🤩

[Brittany Ferger · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.7

[WYNDI S HARP · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Hunter Becomes The Hunted

AJ Carter never fails to impress me with her psychological thrillers.
You will not be disappointed with this one. Period.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally suspenseful. My worst nightmare

[Brooke Casteen · Rating 5 out of 5]

fabulous

One of the best reads I’ve had in awhile. Kept me hooked and I read it in two days. 100/10!

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent storyline

Excellent storyline, I was hooked. The ending though, meh.
A.J Carter is definitely a talented writer I read everything he writes.

[Barondestructo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Our naive protagonist ignores red flags to slow walk into trouble, bizarrely fails to seize the opportunity to escape, but is ultimately bailed out by fortuitous events. Kinda lame.

[Bonnie Lockhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

could be anyone

Lots of truth here. Probably happens more the we know. Good writing. I was fully engaged Will read more of your work

[Faye Ranger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead in the water

Well written. It's a shame he didn't die. Glad she survived. I do enjoy your books. They go into great detail
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