The Season of Sinking

by Daphne Woolsoncroft

In the second thriller from a hit true crime podcaster turned novelist, a woman’s unsettling past creeps back into her consciousness as she returns to her hometown and begins to suspect the locals are hiding a terrible secret swirling around her mother's recent death.

When Imogen Bly's mother suddenly passes away, she leaves her Seattle apartment and returns to Lake Blair—the picturesque Washington town where she grew up. After Imogen and her twin sister Amelia arrive, ready to pack up their mother's home, strange things begin to happen, reminding Imogen of her long‑held feelings of dread surrounding her hometown.

Imogen enlists the help of her first crush, next-door neighbor Rory, to uncover the truth about her mother's death and the traumatic event she experienced as a child. But is the boy who got away really the man with something to hide? Or is the suspicious neighbor in the house across the lake behind it all? When Imogen’s own family’s tragedies lead her to question the disappearance of a local young woman the previous year, her persistent unease becomes terrifyingly real and suddenly nowhere feels safe…

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

320 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication July 7, 2026

About the author

Daphne Woolsoncroft, a Los Angeles native, is the host and producer of the hit true crime podcast Going West, with a 150K-200K listeners per episode and over two million monthly downloads. When she's not writing or researching true crime cases, you can find her traveling to gloomy destinations, catching the newest horror film in theaters, or reading on the couch with her plump English Bulldog, Dewey.

Reviews

[cyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review. This book was so good and such a page turner. I really enjoyed Nightwatching by this author so I had high expectations going into this. I liked all of the different POVs and the stalker plotline really had me hooked. I didn’t enjoy this quite as much as her other novels but I still recommend. This would me for a perfect beach read if you’re looking for something a little more creepy.

[Justinstaysreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was already obsessed with Daphne Woolencroft after her debut, so getting an ARC of The Season of Sinking from NetGalley had me way too excited—and it really delivered.

This book is dark, gritty, and unsettling in the best way. The villain is genuinely deranged in that “this is getting worse but I can’t stop reading” way. The mystery is also super well structured, unfolding piece by piece in a really satisfying way.

Everything feels intentional, like it all circles back as things start to sink in (the title is so on point once you finish it).

Moody, addictive, and sharply written without being overdone.

Easy 4 ⭐️ . Thanks NetGalley — out July 2026.

[DC Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Season of Sinking was sort of this cozy suspense thriller, not actually cozy, but more like the nostalgic feeling of binging classic thriller films during a rainy day stuck at home. The setting felt foggy, rainy, overcast. The lake setting, the anonymous third pov, all of it worked for me in this classic thriller that made me feel on edge. I do think that we spent a little to much time with the characters reflecting and wished I could’ve gotten more close calls and run ins with the mysterious stalker. But overall this was a fun read! Thanks again for the ARC 🫶

[Nikki Lee (Nikkileethrillseeker) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

RTC

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very dark and creepy read that really drew me as the suspense continued to build.

Imogen and her twin sister Amelia are reeling from the sudden and unexpected death of their mother. With no other family around, they are left alone to sort through their childhood home and prepare the lakefront house for sale. When they arrive, Imogen begins to notice weird happenings around the house—and they seem to be escalating. Sometimes she even feels like she’s being watched. With the combination of that and the rumors circulating around town, Imogen and Amelia begin to wonder if their mother’s death was an accident at all.

The author sets an eerie tone right away with an unknown POV who seems to be stalking Imogen. Most of the chapters alternate between Imogen and Amelia, with the stalker appearing infrequently. This created a very unnerving atmosphere and made it hard to know which characters to trust.

It was a little slower paced than some other thrillers I’ve read but I still really enjoyed it and by the end couldn’t put it down.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Grand Central Publishing & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

I absolutely LOVED this author's last book, The Night Watcher, so when I found out she had another book coming out, I KNEW I had to get my hands on it. It was pretty much EVERYTHING I was hoping for. It was creepy, eerie, dramatic, and suspenseful! The ONLY reason why it didn't get 5 stars is I wish it had been as creepy as her previous book, but I have nothing negative to say about this! I absolutely loved the main characters and I was dying to know what happened next. The way Daphne writes kept me absolutely captivated and had me wanting to pick up my kindle any chance I had. This is a MUST read when it comes out on July 7th, 2026! You won't want to miss it! Please don't quit writing books Daphne!

Bonus: If you love true crime, be sure to check out her podcast, Going West!

[Ashley Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Season of Sinking by Daphne Woolsoncroft is haunting, atmospheric, and completely unforgettable. From the very first page, I felt pulled under its eerie, slow-building tension—like being caught in deep water with no way to surface.

The story is beautifully written, blending emotional depth with a creeping sense of dread that never lets up. The characters feel raw and real, each carrying secrets that unravel in shocking and heartbreaking ways. There’s a quiet intensity throughout the book that makes every revelation hit even harder.

What really stood out was the mood—dark, immersive, and almost hypnotic. It’s the kind of book that lingers with you long after you’ve finished, leaving you thinking about it for days.

A stunning, chilling read that perfectly balances suspense and emotion. Absolutely a 5-star experience.

[Theresa Petty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I basically screamed when I got the arc for Daphne Woolsencroft’s new book!
Nightwatcher was one of my favorite reads last year. The Season of Sinking absolutely stayed true to the eerie, atmospheric style Woolsencroft hooked her readers with in her debut.
Imogen and Amelia are twins who recently lost their mother to a tragic drowning accident in their hometown. When they return to clean out their mom’s house nothing is quite what it seems, and someone is watching from the shadows.
Y’all. I read this in one sitting. One sitting. Haven’t done that in a while. Maybe not since Nightwatcher, honestly. Woolsencroft has become an auto read for me! If you haven’t read her, go get Nightwatcher and then go grab The Season of Sinking in July!
Thank you thank you netgalley and Grand Central Publishing, this made my entire year!

[Alexa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced copy! I have been dying to read this book & it def didn’t disappoint! Night Watcher was one of my favorite books that I read last year, so when I got approved for this authors newest book, I immediately started it!

This one was spooky, atmospheric, and completely bingeable from start to finish. The mystery kept me guessing the entire time, and I loved the eerie hometown secrets vibe throughout the story. Woolsoncroft does such a good job creating tension and making you question everyone.

Overall, such a fun and unsettling read that was hard to put down. Easy 4.5 ⭐ for me! (Rounded to 5 ⭐️ on GR!)

[Felicia Bracamontes · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC REVIEW✨

first off congrats to Daphne Woolsoncroft on another amazing book! this was such a fast paced, keep you on your toes type of thriller. and talk about cliffhangers, I love a good cliffhanger but WOW every chapter keeps you wanting more and makes it extremely difficult to put that book down!!

the story starts off with twins Imogen and Amelia having to make the difficult task of coming home to their lake front home to pack up their late mothers belongings. while there, past trauma resurfaces and old family history unravels. however, along with the twins packing up there is a stranger watching them from afar and it just gets more and more sinister from there! does this hook you yet?? two chapters in and I was done for, I lived and breathed this book until it was completely devoured.

set to be released in early July so add this one to the top of your TBR if you haven't already!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Night Watcher was one of my favorite books last year and I am so happy to say Daphne’s second novel delivered in the same creepy, unsettling, I’m obsessed with this book, these characters, and setting kind of way!

Imogen and her twin sister Amelia have experienced the terrible and sudden loss of their mother. They head back to their hometown to pack up her house. When they get there creepy things start happening, their mother’s death doesn’t make sense, and there’s a missing girl with ties to their hometown as well.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

[Samantha Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the early copy of this book.

Nothing like reading a book about stalking to get your blood pumping. This book is so, so good, and the ending will leave you shocked. I loved every moment of the thriller portion of the book, but I do wish there had been more development at the end after the villain is stopped. Outside of that, this is the perfect book.

[Michelle (Murder Books and Wine)]

Super excited for this one because I loved her debut novel so much!

[Caitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

I found quite a bit of the plot points predictable but still enjoyed it! The writing was well paced so it was easy to binge

[Danielle Batey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you come across an author’s work for the first time and just know they’re going to become one of your favorites. @daphne.woolsoncroft is one of those for me.

Her debut novel “Nightwatcher” was an edge of your seat thriller. I couldn’t put it down and it was easily 5 stars.

Fast forward to her second book “The Season of Sinking” (releasing July 2026) and it was the exact same rollercoaster ride. When I got approved for this ARC (thank you @netgalley !) I literally screamed because I just knew it would be another 5 star read.

Her writing style is fast paced and easy to read, while still being descriptive enough for everything to flow. Her books are one you can read in a day. I actually had to slow myself down because I didn’t want it to be over.

My jaw was on the floor more times than I can count. The twists and turns had me second guessing everything. Just when you think you know what’s going to happen… you don’t.

If you’re looking for an author who will keep you saying “what the heck just happened?!” she’s your girl.

Highly recommend pre ordering this book but until then definitely check out Nightwatcher. You will not be disappointed by this author.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be waiting (im)patiently for you, beautiful book

[Nicole Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

“The Season of Sinking” by Daphne Woolsoncroft is one of those quiet, moody thrillers that slowly pulls you under instead of throwing you straight into chaos. And, honestly, that’s either going to really work for you or not at all.

The story follows twin sisters, Imogen and Amelia, who return to their childhood lake house after their mother’s strange death; she was found washed up on shore after a storm, which is already suspicious enough. But once they’re back, things get even more unsettling. There’s that constant feeling of being watched, a bunch of questionable people around the lake (including a neighbor with a telescope), and even a missing girl that may or may not be connected.

The setting is so good. The lakeside town feels eerie in that subtle, creeping way, like everything looks calm and pretty on the surface, but something is definitely wrong underneath. The lake itself almost feels like a character, adding to that heavy, foreboding vibe the whole time.

What really stands out is the atmosphere and emotional depth. This isn’t a fast-paced, twist-every-five-pages kind of thriller. It’s much more focused on grief, memory, and the way the past kind of messes with your perception of reality. Imogen, especially, carries a lot of that weight as she’s dealing with her mom’s death and unresolved childhood trauma, and her dynamic with Amelia adds a lot to the story.

The mystery unfolds pretty slowly, with suspicion shifting between different characters, and you’re never totally sure who or what to trust. It keeps you guessing, but in a quieter, more psychological way rather than relying on big shocking reveals.

That said, if you’re going in expecting something super intense or fast-paced, this might feel a little underwhelming. The pacing is definitely on the slower side, and the tension builds gradually instead of exploding.

But if you like character-driven thrillers with a strong sense of place and a lingering, slightly haunting vibe, this one really delivers. It’s less about the twists and more about the feeling it leaves you with, and it definitely sticks with you after you finish.

Overall, it’s a beautifully written, atmospheric mystery that trades shock value for emotional depth and quiet unease. Perfect for a rainy day when you want something a little eerie but also thoughtful.

[Jennifer B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book review 📖

📜The Season Of Sinking
✍️Daphne Woolsoncroft
📠Grand Central Publishing
📚Mystery/Thriller Fiction
🗓️Pub date: July 7, 2026

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

✨Thank you @NetGalley and @grandcentralpub for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

From the publisher:

When Imogen Bly's mother suddenly passes away, she leaves her Seattle apartment and returns to Lake Blair—the picturesque Washington town where she grew up. After Imogen and her twin sister Amelia arrive, ready to pack up their mother's home, strange things begin to happen, reminding Imogen of her long held feelings of dread surrounding her hometown.

Imogen enlists the help of her first crush, next-door neighbor Rory, to uncover the truth about her mother's death and the traumatic event she experienced as a child. But is the boy who got away really the man with something to hide? Or is the suspicious neighbor in the house across the lake behind it all?

When Imogen’s own family’s tragedies lead her to question the disappearance of a local young woman the previous year, her persistent unease becomes terrifyingly real and suddenly nowhere feels safe …

Thoughts:

Now this is is a haunting and propulsive thriller done right. Daphne Woolsoncroft knows how to ratchet up the suspense and let it hang for a few before dropping the hammer. In fact, she’s now the queen of stalkery vibes, because Night Watcher (another 5 star) kept me sleeping with the lights on, and this one is no different.

The race to uncover what’s going on between the two narratives works beautifully. Nothing terrifies me more than a bump-in-the-night vibe, especially with some unwanted and hidden house guests lurking in dark corners. My nails are now chewed to the quick and I’ll be sleeping with one eye open from here to eternity.

@daphne.woolsoncroft thank you for making me lose allll the sleep over this book! It’s incredible!

#netgalley #advancedreadercopy #theseasonofsinking #daphnewoolsoncroft

[Rachel Hanes · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading last year’s “Night Watcher” by this author (which I loved), I was super excited to dive into this book. I am happy to say that I was not disappointed by this newest release. Once again, I found the setting to be very atmospheric and creepy. I also enjoyed the POV’s we got from the two sisters of Imogen and Amelia.

This story begins with Imogen Bly, returning back to her childhood home in Lake Blair to clean out her mother’s home. In returning to her childhood home, her sister Amelia, will meet her there to begin packing up the many belongings that were left behind after her mother’s recent death. Once home, old memories resurface, as well as the reconnecting with old neighbors.

As Imogen is often left in her mother’s home alone to pack, she begins to hear strange noises, and often feels as if she is being watched. Is Imogen imagining things? And was her mother experiencing the same thoughts?

While back home in Lake Blair, Imogen and Amelia are informed of a local woman who has been missing for a year. This makes Imogen feel even more uneasy being back home, and she is not comfortable being around any of her neighbors. Also, the longer Imogen stays at her mother’s house, the more she questions how her mother really died.

I really enjoyed the secluded, quiet, creepy atmosphere of being at the lake house. I could picture it perfectly in my mind, and that made it so much more suspenseful. Everything tied up nicely at the end (if not a bit predictable), but still made for an enjoyable read. I say add this book to your list, as I’m already looking forward to this author’s next book already!

Many thanks to NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing, and the author for a DRC of this book, in which I had the pleasure of reading for an honest opinion.
Publication date: July 7, 2026
Genre~ General Fiction (adult), Mystery & Thrillers

[Jeremy Reppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Season of Sinking” was a gripping and twisted psychological thriller. Following the unexpected death of their mother (Alice), twin sisters Amelia and Imogen have returned to Lake Blair to sort through her belongings and sell the house. Imogen’s return is of particular interest to one Lake Blair resident. Unbeknownst to her, she has a stalker. While she does not know about the stalker (or his delusions that they are meant for each other), Imogen is troubled by signs that someone has been coming into her mother’s house while she has been staying there packing up the belongings. Also, a comment by a neighbor raises a question about whether Alice’s death was really an accident.

But who could it be? Is it Rory, whose parents live next door and who Imogen dated for a time in high school and who wants to rekindle a relationship (which also appeals to Imogen). Or what about the creepy guy across the lake who often seemed to be watching the family through his telescope. He and Alice had a confrontation in the past. And he has ties to a woman who has been missing for a year and who was also from Lake Blair. And what, if anything, does a childhood incident have to do with current events. In her mom’s papers is an empty folder labeled “IMOGEN’S INCIDENT— 2003.” Imogen has no recollection of the incident, as her mind has hidden the details in a recurring nightmare. Amelia knows at least some of what happened but doesn’t want to share it with Imogen, convinced that it will just traumatize Imogen.

[Nikki Brodsky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Daphne Woolsoncroft returns with a sophomore atmospheric suspense novel. While it didn't quite grab me the way her debut did, there is still plenty to appreciate in this eerie tale.

What Worked
The standout element of this book is the atmosphere. Woolsoncroft does a fantastic job crafting an eerie small-town setting that immediately sets a somber, unsettling mood. As the plot unfolds, the narrative successfully leaves you questioning every character’s motives & I found myself suspecting everyone at one point or another.

Points of Critique
There were moments where the writing felt a bit bogged down. Some sections were overly descriptive in ways that didn't necessarily move the plot forward or add to the tension.
Additionally, readers should go into this expecting a suspenseful mystery rather than a fast-paced thriller. Because the pacing was much more deliberate than her first book, I found I wasn’t as hooked by the story itself this time around.

Though this wasn't a total standout for me, Woolsoncroft remains a talented writer with a gift for mood and stories in this space, especially given her podcast experience in true crime. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for whatever she writes in the future!

Thank you NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing, and Daphne Woolsoncroft for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The Season of Sinking is scheduled for release on July 7, 2026.

[Hope Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daphne Woolsoncroft’s The Season of Sinking hit some very familiar feels in me. The second this book started talking about creepy water, family secrets, and a town full of people who clearly needed several years of therapy, I was invested.

I’ll admit, some of the plot twists were pretty easy to see coming, but weirdly that didn’t matter much to me because the relationships were what made this book work so well. The tension between Imogen and Amelia felt painfully real in that “we love each other but also know exactly how to ruin each other’s day” sibling way. And watching Imogen reconnect with Rory while unraveling everything surrounding her mother’s death gave the story a lot more emotional weight than I expected going in.

Also, the atmosphere? So good. Every scene near the water had me internally yelling, “Absolutely not, girl, do not go down there alone,” while fully continuing to read at midnight like I have good decision-making skills.

What I liked most is that even when I guessed where parts of the mystery were headed, I still cared enough about the characters to keep flying through it. It felt less like a twist-heavy thriller and more like this emotional, eerie unraveling of grief, guilt, family baggage, and small-town secrets. Basically: come for the spooky lake, stay for the emotional damage. Easy 5 stars from me.

[Viktoria Simon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two sisters, Imogen and Amelia, are visiting their childhood home for the last time to deal with the logistical and emotional mess of their mother’s suspicious death. Their sleuthing brings questions about a possible connection between their mother & another woman who went missing a year earlier.

Imogen also reconnects with her first love/crush, Rory, and although he seems supportive, he’s also a bit suspicious. She wants to trust him, but the darkness of grief mixed with the rosy tint of budding attraction makes seeing his true intentions a challenge.

Thoughts:

Being on a crime mystery kick lately and grieving a loved one myself, this book found me at the perfect time! Woolsoncrofts writing style gave me plenty of moments where I reread a sentence thinking, “I’ve had this exact same feeling, but didn’t know how to put it into words.” She beautifully paints the experiences of grieving, uncovering secrets, and visiting a hometown.

The only real cons I’d give are that the ending felt a bit rushed and unrealistic at times, and Amelia’s character felt like a clone of Imogen. They’re supposed to be twins, but I would’ve loved them more if they had their own unique personality and speaking styles. The rest of the characters had distinct voices and I’m glad Imogen was the MC because I did connect well with her.

So very grateful to receive this ARC via the Goodreads giveaway. Thank you to the author and publisher!

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark, eerie, and quietly unsettling. I liked The Season of Sinking just as much as her debut, Night Watcher. Her writing is so atmospheric and unsettling in the best way. I was completely consumed by the storytelling from start to finish.

The atmosphere in this one is so strong, it has that eerie, lingering feel that sticks with you. It’s more of a slow-burn, but the suspense builds really well and keeps you invested. I loved the small-town setting, it added to that constant sense of unease, and the mystery surrounding her mother’s death and the past kept me guessing. There’s also an emotional layer woven throughout that gave the story more depth. It’s one of those books that’s easy to get lost in and hard to step away from.

A few moments did feel a little repetitive in tone and introspection, and the reveals weren’t necessarily shocking. It was more of a slow unravel than big twists. Even though I typically prefer fast-paced thrillers over more subtle, slow-burn mysteries, this was still one I really enjoyed and found myself completely engaged by.

I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next. I’d say if you enjoyed Night Watcher, I think you’ll most likely enjoy this one just as much.

A big thank you to Grand Central Publishing, via NetGalley, for the ARC.

[Hillary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Daphne’s debut, Night Watcher, so I was thrilled to hear she was releasing a second book!

In this story, Imogen and her twin sister Amelia return home after their mother’s passing to pack up her house. But something doesn’t sit right with Imogen,her mother’s death feels suspicious, and she starts to believe the town is hiding dark secrets connected to it.

I genuinely didn’t want this book to end. Each chapter pulled me in deeper, and I was constantly questioning who could be trusted. The atmosphere was incredibly creepy and full of suspense, with twists that kept me hooked all the way through to a satisfying ending. Daphne’s writing continues to impress me, she has a real talent for keeping readers fully engaged. I couldn’t put this one down and already hope there’s another book on the way!

If you haven’t read Night Watcher yet, I highly recommend starting there, then picking this one up when it releases on July 7th. And if you enjoy podcasts, be sure to check out Daphne’s Going West as well.

Thank you to NetGalley, Daphne, and Grand Central Publishing for the eARC!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Publication Date: July 7, 2026

[Liza (LitLifewithLiza) Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Netgalley ARC: After the hype of Night Watcher, Daphne is back with another creepy and tense thriller that'll keep you flipping that pages. My initial reaction: I couldn't put this book down. She immediately sets the scene returning with the "him" chapters, and if you read Night Watcher you know these chapters are going to make you feel uncomfortable for our main characters, but at the same time throw you into detective mode. Who is this mystery stalker and what does he want? No one can be trusted.

We follow Immogen and Amelia as they navigate their mother's death and return home. But, there are multiple roadblocks to leaving. Was their mom's death actually an accident or was someone out to get her? Why is there a empty file from Immogen's past paired with flashes of a distant memory, what is she blocking out? And who's the creepy figure living by the lake that keeps running into them?

Each storyline and mystery keeps you on edge and weave together perfectly for a fast paced and thrilling read. Daphne's words will transport you into this disturbing reality where you will have to figure out the truth before it's too late.

Pub day: July 2026

[Pam Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC, I was so excited to read this early!

As a longtime fan of Daphne Woolsoncroft from her true crime podcast "Going West", it came as no surprise that her writing immediately pulled me in with her debut novel Night Watcher and now this!

In her second novel, we follow twins Imogen and Amelia as they mourn the loss of their mother. When they return to their childhood lake house to sort through her belongings, they begin to experience strange and unsettling occurrences. What first seems like a tragic accident soon takes on a more ominous tone, leaving them to wonder if there’s more to their mother’s death than they were led to believe.

The story starts as a slow burn, building atmosphere and tension, but the second half shifts into a fast paced race for the truth. I found myself second guessing every character and just when I thought I had it figured out, the story twisted in another direction.

Daphne does a great job capturing the duality of small town life, how the place that holds your most cherished memories can also conceal its darkest secrets. Overall, an engaging and suspenseful read!

[Crystal · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled with this one. I've tried for the past two days to read this and I'm throwing in the towel. It's not a bad book, just not for me. DNF at 16%.

What stopped me from finishing this:
1. there is a scene in the beginning (remember I stopped at 16% so I don't consider this a spoiler) where Imogen is going through her mother's office. She sees an envelope marked with her name, the year, and incident. She doesn't remember anything about an incident and she texts her sister who also says she doesn't remember anything and then she just puts it aside. Girl no, I am immediately going through that folder.
2. It was overly written. In one scene Imogen talks about her golden hair. No one I know is talking like that about themselves. Just one example. Without getting into quotes it would be hard to pinpoint other examples.

I think the above is more me than the book so I would still say give it a try, especially if you've read her debut and liked it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I read the first few pages of The Season of Sinking, I was immediately immersed into the atmospheric and foreboding world of Daphne Woolsoncroft’s latest thriller.

Imogen suffers from night terrors. She has recently lost her mother in a drowning. Imogen and her fraternal twin, Amelia, have to pack up their mom’s lake front house. While on the property, Imogen can’t shake the feeling that she is being watched. These suspicions are confirmed when disturbances occur inside the home. She also learns about a young woman that has been missing. Imogen starts to suspect people around her and questions what really happened the night her mother died.

The writing is evocative, and the ending cathartic. Last year I read Night Watcher and loved it. I was hoping that the Daphne Woolsoncroft’s next book would be as good. It exceeded my expectations. The tone is different from Night Watcher, but it is equally as suspenseful and compulsive.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the eARC.

[Jessa Layne • readwithjessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

After her mother suddenly passes away, Imogen returns to her childhood home in the small town of Lake Blair with her twin sister, Amelia, to pack up their things. But being back stirs up old fears, and strange, unsettling events begin to happen almost immediately. As she reconnects with her first crush Rory, Imogen starts digging into her mother’s death and a traumatic childhood memory that never quite made sense. When past tragedies and a local disappearance start to intertwine, Imogen realizes that something much darker may be lurking beneath the surface of her hometown. I was so excited to pick this one up after loving the author’s previous book, Night Watcher, and it was definitely a great follow up! This is a slow burn thriller that builds with a creepy, eerie atmosphere and a steady sense of dread. The small town setting added so much to the story and made everything feel even more unsettling and ominous. There were so many secrets and past trauma that kept unraveling throughout the story that you will not want to put this book down!

Thank you to the author, @NetGalley and @grandcentralpub for the gifted copy! This book is out July 7, 2026