The Last Time We Drowned

by Saratoga Schaefer

Six influencers. One luxury yacht. Nowhere to hide.

Charlie Engels is broke and desperate when her bookstagram account lands her the offer of a lifetime: join Empress, a state-of-the-art yacht houseboat off the Florida Keys turned influencer paradise. Lucrative brand deals and a ready-made “sisterhood” of internet stars—it may not be Charlie’s dream job, but she knows she’d be a fool to turn it down.

It’s also the perfect distraction; Charlie's eager to outrun her past and a staggering betrayal by her former best friend. Now, aboard Empress, Charlie is surrounded by dazzling women with their own baggage: the magnetic but ruthless leader, the spiraling fashion queen, the inseparable twins, the peacemaker with cracks in her confidence, and the memory of the influencer who Charlie is replacing. The same influencer who Charlie keeps seeing on board, even though the others insist she quit.

But when a hurricane traps the group at sea with their billionaire boss, the dream turns claustrophobic. Communications cut. Supplies dwindling. Old betrayals bubbling to the surface. Then the first body drops.

As paranoia mounts and alliances splinter, Charlie realizes the real danger isn’t the storm outside—it’s the deadly games being played below deck. And if she can’t outwit a killer, her past won’t be the only ghost that comes back to drown her.

Razor-sharp, atmospheric, and impossible to put down, THE LAST TIME WE DROWNED is a locked-room psychological thriller where luxury curdles into terror and survival comes at the highest price.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Adult Fiction, Suspense, Social Media

384 pages, Paperback

Expected publication June 2, 2026

About the author

Saratoga Schaefer (they/them) is the USA Today Bestselling and Indie Press Bestselling author of vicious horrors and twisted thrillers. Their books have been featured in Variety, People Magazine, Cosmopolitan, and Glamour, and their writing has appeared in Writer’s Digest, CrimeReads, and more. Originally from Brooklyn, Saratoga now lives upstate with several needy animals and a haunted clown table.

Reviews

[little reading ghost · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW WOW WOW

OH MY GOD SARATOGA THIS IS AMAZING

Thank you to NetGalley for letting me have an early copy to read!

Okay, so for the last six months, I have stayed away from thrillers bc they’ve been bothering me. This is the EXACT thriller I needed. WOW THIS IS GOOD

I’ve read all of Saratoga’s books, and the level this one is on is a completely different level. The writing is so good I can’t get over it. The twists and turns really kept me going, and at one point I gasped out loud.

As someone with a book account and the fear of big bodies of water, I got goosebumps 10/10

[Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saratoga Schaefer has quickly become a must-read author for me. Every book quickly hooks me, and I can never put them down.

The Last Time We Drowned is a thriller that follows Charlie, a bookstagrammer, who accepts a job that throws her into a world of luxury influencers. What sounds like a life changing opportunity quickly turns darker when Charlie grows suspicious about the past history on the yacht where they are living. Is there more to the story than her fellow influencers are letting on, or is Charlie the one harbouring secrets of her own?

If you were a fan of “The Compound” by Aisling Rawle, this is a similar vibe.

Thanks to Cosmo Reads for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Molly Shatzkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading dozens (hundreds…) of thrillers over the past decade, I was just about ready to give them up for good. The tropes had gotten old, the writing was getting iffy and I learned that reading paragraphs in italics gave me a migraine. I shouldn’t know who the killer is 20 pages in (in some cases just from the prologue). I had officially become a cynic.

But! when I found out that Saratoga Schaefer was writing a thriller, how could I pass up the opportunity to read the galley? Serial Killer Support Group and Trad wife live in my head rent free and I therefore trust Saratoga Schaefer implicitly. And they did NOT disappoint. I finished the book in two sittings and am still thinking about some of the scenes and asking myself what I think about certain themes (thank you for the existential crisis on friendship, death, and ghosts btw)

Can’t wait to have a hard copy upon release and can’t wait to see what Saratoga will do next!

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 🌟

[Justin Soderberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

First being introduced to Saratoga Schaefer through their fantastic debut novel Serial Killer Support Group followed by their incredible body horror Trad Wife , so needless to say The Last Time We Drowned was a must-read. Although this third novel is billed as a mystery thriller, the horror influences are ever present turning The Last Time We Drowned into a unique and gripping read.

Charlie Engels is broke and desperate when her bookstagram account lands her the offer of a lifetime: join Empress, a state-of-the-art yacht houseboat off the Florida Keys turned influencer paradise. Lucrative brand deals and a ready-made "sisterhood" of internet stars―it may not be Charlie's dream job, but she knows she'd be a fool to turn it down.

It's also the perfect distraction; Charlie's eager to outrun her past and a staggering betrayal by her former best friend. Now, aboard Empress, Charlie is surrounded by dazzling women with their own baggage: the magnetic but ruthless leader, the spiraling fashion queen, the inseparable twins, the peacemaker with cracks in her confidence, and the memory of the influencer who Charlie is replacing. The same influencer who Charlie keeps seeing on board, even though the others insist she quit.

But when a hurricane traps the group at sea with their billionaire boss, the dream turns claustrophobic. Communications cut. Supplies dwindling. Old betrayals bubbling to the surface. Then the first body drops.

As paranoia mounts and alliances splinter, Charlie realizes the real danger isn't the storm outside―it's the deadly games being played below deck. And if she can't outwit a killer, her past won't be the only ghost that comes back to drown her.

Okay, The Last Time We Drowned is not a horror novel, let me just say that. But if the theme of social media influencing in Trad Wife struck a chord with you, then The Last Time We Drowned is going to be even more for you.

We get a locked-room, well boat at sea, thriller which features social media influencers in a mystery that had me quickly turning the page. Sometimes even when an author dabbles in another genre, their main genre seeps in and I was here for every moment. The reason I say there is a horror influence is the creeping sense of tension and dread I felt from Schaefer's previous two novels. Not to focus too much on the horror of things, but social media influencing in general seems horrific.

Schaefer introduces us to a multilevel thriller with six influencers on a yacht at sea with the focus on our main character who doesn't really seem to fit in. The more gradual first half of the novel sets the stage for the more fast-paced and thrilling second half filled with a few twists, turns, and redemption. Saratoga takes the book in directions and makes character decisions I didn't expect which made the story even that much more satisfying.

You feel for Charlie as the book progresses, but also there are moments you want to hate the bookstagrammer (I won't spoil this). However, the story wraps up with a truly satisfying ending that was a surprise to me when all is said and done.

The Last Time We Drowned is an electrifying entry into the thriller genre for Saratoga Schaefer. While the novel is deeply set in the mystery thriller genre, it has glimpses of horror I would come to expect from the author. Schaefer took chances, made satisfying decisions, and crafted a story that sets itself apart from the crowd.

The Last Time We Drowned hits bookstores everywhere on June 2, 2026 from Cosmo Reads. The audiobook is available for preorder via Libro.fm!

[Gali · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hits two of my favorite tropes: locked-room murder and being trapped aboard a ship at sea. The Last Time We Drowned by Saratoga Schaefer is an intense psychological thriller following six influencers in a gripping tale of terror and survival. I expected a light read, as befits the genre, but what I got was a deeper, more layered novel than most thrillers of its kind — and I mean that as a compliment.

Charlie Engels is a queer Bookstagram influencer haunted by her past. Devastated by her best friend's betrayal and death, broke and desperate, she eagerly accepts a life-saving offer to join Empress, a state-of-the-art yacht houseboat off the Florida Keys where six other influencers reside. Aboard Empress, Charlie meets the other women, each carrying her own baggage: Vivienne — the charismatic, ruthless leader and lifestyle content creator; Fiona — the makeup artist; the twins Rachel (a nutritionist) and Ashley (a yoga instructor); and Piper — a fashion-focused content creator.

The plot thickens when a hurricane hits, trapping them at sea with their boss and his friend. Communications are cut, supplies dwindle, and Charlie is haunted by appearances of the influencer she replaced — whom, strangely enough, the others refuse to discuss. It turns out Charlie isn’t the only one with secrets. When the first death occurs, the storm outside mirrors the storm inside, and secrets begin to surface.

Claustrophobic, atmospheric, suspenseful, and sinister, the book slowly drags you underwater and doesn’t let go. It captured my attention from the first page and held it to the very end. The premise feels fresh despite familiar tropes, the characters are diverse and layered, and the writing works beautifully for the genre, perfectly capturing the ambience.

The story is written from Charlie's first-person perspective, and I have mixed feelings about her. I liked her, but I didn’t like that she gave good reviews to all books — even bad ones — and lied easily. It made her an unreliable narrator in my eyes. I didn’t know whether to shake her or hug her at times. I condemned some of her choices and found her a bit hypocritical — first stone and all — yet I still ended up rooting for her. I didn’t like some of the other characters and found Vivienne exhausting, but I appreciated the emotional dynamics between them.

The title fits perfectly, and the drowning motif is central to the story. The novel explores social media and personal branding, loss, grief, toxic friendships, alcohol misuse, moral dilemmas, complex relationships, isolation, and PTSD. Overall, I loved the book and finished it in two sittings. The plot is filled with twists, and although I guessed a couple of them, it didn’t lessen my enjoyment. This is a cut above many others in the genre. Those who enjoy psychological thrillers with bite and complex character dynamics will find it compelling. I highly recommend it and give it full stars!

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* Review on my blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2026...

[Sara Mishkind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huge thank you to Netgalley for the ARC reader copy!!

In a world where authors everywhere are trying to figure out how to shape social media-based plots, this book does an excellent job of integrating it seamlessly.

This book follows Charlie, a popular bookstagramer with dwindling mental stability and plenty of bills. In her desperation for a stable job, she turns to an influencer group based on a yacht called the Empress. Led by Viv, the lavish lifestyle influencer, the Empress group claims to be a family, albeit a dysfunctional one. After a freak hurricane traps Charlie, all her new “sisters”, and their boss, Trey, on board, the happy family image starts to disintegrate. With little food and no internet connection, Charlie starts to find out that this luxury yacht is more haunted than she ever was. While waiting for their uncertain rescue or potential demise, the number of proverbial skeletons only grows, and Charlie is determined to find out just how deep the closet really is.

I personally loved the pacing of this book. I think it’s the best-paced thriller I’ve ever read. It really felt like they cut out a lot of the thriller fat that usually finds its way into books marketed as suspenseful. I will say, some of the tension was a bit weak, probably because of the pacing, but I honestly preferred that to a drawn-out scavenger hunt that only drops the smallest and most confusing clues. I love a good “aha!” moment, but a lot of books spend the entire time working up to that moment, and then the rest of the book ends up being boring. This book definitely had an “aha” moment, but the whole book didn’t hinge on it, which was nice.

I enjoyed the characters a lot, I feel like they were all very likable. I really loved Ashley and Piper. Some of the less important characters, like Rachel or Fiona, had significantly less depth to them, but I didn’t think it particularly took away from the book. Especially with how short the book was, I really applaud the amount of characterization that the author was able to achieve.

I loved the ending, I think it was perfect. It was incredibly, incredibly satisfying. I love a satisfying ending. Also, the bookception going on with the fictional novel of A Song of Salt and Scales was amazing. I’m not a romantasy reader, but I would read that book. A Greek myth retelling where mermaids are the keepers of the underworld? Hello, someone write that right now.

I really enjoyed this book. I’ve been dying to read Serial Killer Support Group (no pun intended), so I was really excited to see the author had this book up on Netgalley. I’ll be tuned in to see what else she writes!

[Punkin’ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARE YOU kiddinggg meeee!!!?!! SIX STARS!! ⭐️
~
Serial Killer Support Group~ 5/5
Trad wide~ TBR
The Last Time we Drowned 5/5

I have been here reading since the jump and will continue to do so and screamed when I got the approval email for the ARC! This was fanatic and I couldn’t read it fast enough and was a little tiny bit sad when it was over because it was so good haha.
~
Calling all my bookish social media & thriller and locked room mystery bookstagram people!! You’re gonna wanna pick this one up because it sudo- involves us and our online bookish space!! Cue the meme: “ᴡᴀɪᴛ, 𝙄𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙮 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙪𝙨??”
Not really, no, (okay maybe a little) but as someone who runs a bookish account (@literature_and_love_) I 100% empathized with our FMC Char and the pressure it puts on us to preform /post all the time. This book is more than just about glittery waves, sparkling expensive yachts, and glossy and shiny influencers. It’s what lurks in the murky depths underneath the pretty exterior. What are influencers actually like behind all the high engagement posts and expensive clothes?. Charlie gets the opportunity of a lifetime, she gets to join the Empress and get a peak behind the curtain, but was it more than she wanted?

This is what I want more of. These thrillers with (ghostly elements?) are my jam and I highly recommend this to anyone who’s a fan of the genre! Like I said though; once you start you’re going to want to finish it one sitting. It’s addictive.

🌊Very vauge potential plot spoilers read at your own risk!
I loved the stark difference in personality vs performance with our influencer girls and I also loved the references to mermaids and sirens. The scene where all the girls are talking on the boat together surrounding Char and getting her to talk about her trauma reminded so much of that mean spirited mermaid clip of Wendy in Peterpan. I could just see this book playing out in my head like a movie. The setting is described in such a way; it could be taken at face value or slightly ominous and I thought that was poetic.

🌊Trope Tags🌊
Locked in mystery
Toxic relationships
The pretty& ugly side of influencing
Slightly maybe paranormal
Book within a book

₊˚⊹⋆˙⟡Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy! My opinions on this read and this review are my own!₊˚⊹⋆˙⟡

[E W · Rating 4 out of 5]

—A big thank you to Net Galley and Saratoga Schaefer for the opportunity to read and review this unreleased ARC

The Empress — a dream come true or a floating nightmare?

After a traumatic betrayal leaves Charlie jobless and emotionally wrecked, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity falls into her lap: a glamorous job marketing a luxury yacht alongside six elite influencers. It feels like fate. A reset. A dream.

But dreams built on curated perfection rarely survive a storm.

What starts as nonstop partying and aesthetic perfection slowly turns volatile as tension builds between the women onboard. And when a hurricane hits, the real unraveling begins. Because that’s the thing about storms — they don’t just shake the boat. They expose everything.

As one line perfectly puts it:
“That’s the thing about storms. They bring what was hidden under the sand up to the surface, tossing the truth to the waves.”

This wasn’t a slow burn — it was a storm system building in the distance. The tension rises steadily until everything collides.

The story reads like a glamorous whodunit wrapped in a ghost-story atmosphere — eerie, claustrophobic, and charged with the sense that something isn’t right long before the truth surfaces. It’s the kind of book that makes you afraid to look behind you, even in broad daylight.

Vivienne, the calculating ring leader.
Feona. Rachel. Ashley.
And Piper — gorgeous, magnetic, and impossible to read.

Six beautiful influencers. Zero trust.

What I loved most was the exploration of curated online personas versus who people really are when the filters come off. The toxic sisterhood dynamics felt sharp and believable. Trauma bonding, betrayal, shifting loyalties — no one is innocent here, including Charlie.

The atmosphere is glossy on the surface but deeply unsettling underneath. You can practically feel the salt air… and the dread creeping in as the storm traps them together.

If you love glamorous thrillers with messy female dynamics, mounting tension, and a haunting whodunit edge, this one delivers.

Small circle. Big secrets. Trust no one.

Happy reading — and brace for impact.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

I've had Trad Wife on my TBR for such a long time now that when I saw The Last Time We Drowned available as an ARC, I jumped at the chance to read it. I've not officially read anything else by Saratoga Schaefer before this, but I will say that their voice is definitely intriguing.

The Last Time We Drowned focuses on a sometimes-writer and sometimes-book influencer named Charlie who's grieving the loss of her best friend, Sage. What we learn is that Sage passed away shortly after publishing her first novel - one she actually stole from Charlie. Charlie tries to move on from the betrayal by accepting a job as an influencer on a big, fancy yacht called Empress with several other women. Charlie doesn't really fit into Empress's vibe because she's bookish and admittedly doesn't look like the other model-beautiful women. While she's struggling to get her footing as a new member of the team, Charlie finds out that the "family" she's walked into has some not-so-hidden baggage.

A lot of this novel is Charlie playing detective after thinking she sees a ghost on the yacht. She finds some other concerning items that don't belong to the current Empress influencers and decides to do an investigation into why the girl she's replacing left.

While the novel is well-written and does keep my attention (it's definitely fast-paced), I found most of the plot to be a little too predictable, and there aren't too many likable characters to root for. There were times they would make decisions that seemed a little goofy or far-fetched for how they presented themselves.

Overall, this book was good. I didn't love it, and that's okay. I'm still excited to read Schaefer's other works, and I'm glad I got the opportunity to read this one.

*Thanks to NetGalley, Cosmo Reads, and Saratoga Schaefer for this eARC. This review contains my honest, authentic thoughts and opinions.*

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book wasn't necessarily the follow-up that I was expecting after Saratoga Schaefer's recent 'Trad Wife,' but I did love it none-the-less. While there are definitely some spooky elements present and the overall atmosphere is claustrophobic and eerie, I found the tone of the novel to be much more mysterious and dramatic than its predecessor, with a lot more heart at the center of the story. It is hauntingly beautiful.

Schaefer brilliantly marries the tropes of the unreliable narrator, influencer culture and stolen identity. It brought to mind some similar reads that I've also enjoyed- 'Yellowface,' 'Julie Chan Is Dead,' ‘Chlorine’ and 'The Writing Retreat,' and I definitely think the audience for 'The Last Time We Drowned' would overlap with those novels. Though the story was pretty straightforward and one can mostly assume where it's going, Schaefer still does an excellent job of weaving the thread of doubt and keeping the reader engaged in the plot the whole way through. Their writing just has a certain magnetism - dynamic character work, vivid settings and imagery, and a natural yet fast-paced flow to their words.

Rather than rehashing a plot that you can easily find elsewhere online, I will tell you the main message I reflected on during and after reading: If we were all defined by our worst or weakest moments, would any of us be considered "good?" If you're interested in exploring this question further along with themes of cyclical abuse, 'eat the rich,' and/or found family, this will be a super satisfying read!

Thank you so much to the author, publisher (Cosmo Reads) and NetGalley for the opportunity to receive an arc! The book is set to release 6/2/26 and I predict it’s gonna be a hit!

[Teran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an engaging storyline and one of my favorite setups: the locked room trope. There’s just something about a contained setting with secrets simmering under the surface that always works for me, and this book leaned into that tension in a really compelling way.

I especially loved the whole concept of influencers trapped together in one house…it felt like a dark, retro nod to 90s reality TV, complete with voyeurism, manufactured personas, and the slow unraveling of what people present versus who they actually are. That vibe alone kept me invested.

That said, a few aspects brought the rating down slightly for me. While the story definitely moved forward, there were moments where it also felt like… nothing was really happening. The pacing occasionally stalled, even though the plot itself was progressing, which pulled me out just a bit.

The ending delivered a twist I wasn’t necessarily expecting, and I appreciated how it tied back into the overall concept. While it didn’t completely blow my mind, it did solidify why the setup worked so well.

Overall, this was a solid, atmospheric read with a great premise, a trope I love, and a nostalgic reality TV edge.

Huge thanks to NetGalley for providing an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Raelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book that could easily be classified as a "popcorn thriller," and I don't mean that in a bad way. The writing is good, the plot moves quickly, and there are enough characters to keep things interesting. I was a little skeptical of the "catty women drama on a yacht" setup as I've read some disappointing books with similar framing, but this is easily my favorite of that particular niche.

I didn't find Charlie a particularly interesting main character, but the theme of drowning was tied in very well and her motivations were believable. I do think some facets of the plot, like the role of abusive men, were kind of tacked on rather than fully explored, but that doesn't bother me too much.

My biggest issue with this one was predictability. I saw a majority of the twists coming and guessed how most things would wrap up pretty early on, particularly related to Sage. The end also came together a little too neatly for my taste; there wasn't a ton of nuance in how that was handled.

Overall, a good beachy, summery thriller read, provided one isn't afraid of drowning.

3.5/5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Cosmo Reads for the ARC.

[Zoe Lipman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will forever love Saratoga Schafer. I will forever read all of their books.

I do think that Serial Killer Support Group may forever be my favorite thriller (and favorite by this author), but this was also super fun. Can we please have more influencer-gone-wrong thrillers? I am so down for that.

This follows our main characters as she is recruited into a collab account that promotes a yacht. But things get messy. There are mysterious deaths and disappearances and complicated dynamics. Things go awry.

I don't want to say anything else because spoilers. But know that this is a fun time that I sped through. If you like complicated character dynamics with so much overarching tension, definitely give this a read.

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 A vibe house on a yacht, and despite what these influencers say, there is a lot of drama, and they aren’t likable! Our FMC really wanted the sympathy vote, and she’s a bookstagrammer, so I thought I’d relate, but she uses a fake personality for her posts, and even if she hates a book, she won’t rate it below 4 stars. Girl, get out of here! No wonder she’s dying inside.

(I do secretly want to read the book she was writing—a retelling of Hades and Persephone where Persephone is a mortal woman and Hades is a merman. 😍)

This is definitely thriller with a very small amount of horror. A little bit reminiscent of What Lies Beneath (2000), but less creepy, and on a fancy boat with booze. This would be a fun summer, water-side read!

Thanks to NetGalley and Cosmo Reads for the eARC! Pub date June 2, 2026.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Cosmo Reads for my eARC

I really loved Serial Killer Support Group so I was really excited to learn the same author wrote a locked door mystery. The premise was interesting and the location was great but it took a while for the plot to take off. There was a lot of backstory - which was relevant - but unfortunately I predicted most of it. The foreshadowing seemed really obvious to me. Predicting a plot line isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I was disappointed that I was able to.

In terms of the present day plot, I just never got invested. I think I needed more personality from the characters. They never came alive to me and I just felt disconnected. That being said, I do like how the story wrapped up and overall, I am glad I read it. The book was well written and after the first 25% or so the pacing evened out.

[Dori Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Six influencers living on a mansion yacht during a major storm, what could go wrong?!

This was a really good book from a new-to-me author and I enjoyed the story. It got me through the blizzard of ‘26. While it was clear early on something was not right with these girls, I couldn’t wait to find out exactly what happened. I appreciate the stories from MC’s past because each dropped a subtle clue, and the ending was satisfying.

I had to knock a half star off for the “ghost story” element in here. It distracted me from the story and took me out of it. I didn’t find it added to it and instead muddied and confused it.

Than you Cosmo Reads and NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Michelle Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, author Saratoga Schafer and Cosmo Reads for the ARC and opportunity to honestly review this book.

While the premise was intriguing and showed clear potential, this novel ultimately felt a bit too young adult for my personal taste. The central concept had promise and offered a solid foundation for an engaging story, and there were a few well-placed twists that added interest along the way.

However, the writing style and character dynamics came across as somewhat immature, which made it difficult for me to fully connect with the narrative. Although the book may resonate strongly with a younger audience, it didn’t quite align with my preferences. That said, the core idea is compelling, and with more depth and refinement, it could have been a standout read.

3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

"What if I'm writing a story in my head that doesn't exist?"

Thank you Cosmo Reads for the ARC of The Last Time We Drowned by Saratoga Schaefer

🗓 Release Date: June 2, 2026
📚 Mystery/Thriller

~~

This was a fun book and a great thriller!

I love that the main character, Charlie, is a bookstagrammer. She is hired to work along with other influencers aboard a yacht.

The book was very suspenseful and entertaining. I liked the plot and there are several great twists. I thought it ended in a way that was satisfying and wrapped up all of the major storylines.

I recommend The Last Time We Drowned and I think it will be the perfect summer read! ☀️ ⚓️ 🛥

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ultimately, I think this just wasn’t for me. It was well written but I wasn’t able to stay engaged with the story. I didn’t care about any of the characters and I was able to guess the twists pretty early on. Not completely but enough to say I knew it. I feel that in order to rate a psychological thriller highly I need to be surprised by the twists and, unfortunately, I just wasn’t. It’s not a bad book by any means and I plan on reading more from the author. This one just missed the mark for me.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kayleigh Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally binge worthy, fun, unputdownable, and a wild ride from start to finish!

I went into this one not even having read what it’s about because if Saratoga writes a book: I’ll read it.

I was able to finish this one in less than 24 hours and honestly, the only critique I had throughout the book ended up being explained near the end. I loved but hated every single character in this book, loved the setting, the pacing, everything was written perfectly imo.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Time We Drowned by Saratoga Schaefer completely pulled me under, in the best way. This locked-room thriller on a luxury yacht is tense, atmospheric, and impossible to put down. The influencer setting feels fresh and sharp, and the paranoia builds perfectly as secrets unravel at sea. Twisty, claustrophobic, and addictive, I was guessing until the very end! A perfect beach read for this summer!!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A big thank you to NetGalley & Saratoga Schaefer for the opportunity to read this advanced copy 🙂


I couldn’t put this book down. I read it in about 2 days

A razor-sharp thriller that slowly drags you underwater and keeps you there.
The setting of a luxury houseboat trapped in a storm was so atmospheric and scary. It’s a serious exploration of betrayal, PTSD, and the dark underbelly of wealth.

[Melissa Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re in the mood for a fast paced popcorn thriller this one’s for you! Six influencers stranded on a yacht will a hurricane coming, betrayals start bubbling to the surface.

Charlie is down on her luck after being betrayed by her best friend so she takes this influencer job out of desperation. But she gets more than she bargains for.

This book was pretty faced paced although not my favorite trope. I definitely think there will be many people who will enjoy this book.

[Hailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This book reminded me why I am powerless when it comes to addicting psychological thrillers. This was such a well written book. And I was hooked into this story throughout the entire time.
Normally the issue that I have with thrillers is that I can typically call that “twist,” but that was not the case in this book. I look forward to reading Trad Wife by this author as well, her writing style is fantastic.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fast paced, but I didn't like a single one of these characters. I was rooting for nobody. The visions of Sage also got kind of tiresome. I didn't feel spooked or any kind of way about them. I guess overall the atmosphere was kind of lacking. None of the twists were very shocking or surprising.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much Netgalley for the advanced read!

First book of Saratoga Schaefer that I’ve read. Definitely won’t be my last. Honestly it was a little slow in the beginning because they were introducing all the characters which is understandable. At 40% I was 100% invested and finished the next day!! 4 stars indeed!!

[Saratoga Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

imagine I rated this like 3 stars lol.

CONTENT WARNINGS (can also be found on my website): drowning, toxic friendships, alcohol misuse, death, violence, PTSD, claustrophobic setting, cheating, mild horror (haunting), diet culture, and parental death (off-page).

[Emy McGuire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shimmering and sinister. The Last Time We Drowned slowly drags you underwater and keeps you there— even til the final page!

[miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you net galley for the ARC!

i cannot get enough of saratoga’s writing. such flawed and complex characters. i can’t wait for everyone else to read this when it releases!