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The Season of Sinking
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 …
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 …
Audible Audio
First published July 7, 2026
About the author
Daphne Woolsoncroft
3 books583 followersDaphne 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 388 reviews
July 14, 2026
I COULD NOT put this book down once I got started!!
A Crash of Glass.
Mom Screaming My Name.
The Boy’s Bloodied Face
The book opens with Imogen’s recurring nightmare.
But things are about to get worse when Imogen and her fraternal twin sister, Amelia return to Lake Blair, Washington to pack up their mother Alice’s house after her surprising and untimely death at the young age of just 54. It was ruled an ACCIDENT but once the sisters arrive they get the sense that it could have been murder.
Someone is watching from a telescope across the lake, and someone is entering the house when the women are out running errands.
Coincidentally, a young woman from the same small lakefront community has also been missing for a year.
Who can be trusted?
Who is hiding something?
“PEOPLE ARE DECEIVING. THE BRIGHTEST SMILES CAN HIDE THE DARKEST TRUTHS”
As with her debut, Night Watcher, author Daphne Woolsoncroft has crafted another story set in the Pacific Northwest, which captures the allure of the area and the charm of the local culture.
HAUNTING, UNSETTLING and SEEPING in ATMOSPHERE, I could almost FEEL the cool, misty rain!
The only thing keeping this from being a 5 star read was the resolution which didn’t quite work for me-no spoilers-but, the strength of the rest of the story has cemented Woolsoncroft as an AUTO-READ author for me moving forward and I CANNOT WAIT to read whatever she pens next! ✍🏻
Thank You to the NOVEL SUSPECTS program, and GRAND CENTRAL PUBLISHING for mailing me a finished copy, to sit beside NIGHT WATCHER on my book shelf. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
AVAILABLE NOW!
A Crash of Glass.
Mom Screaming My Name.
The Boy’s Bloodied Face
The book opens with Imogen’s recurring nightmare.
But things are about to get worse when Imogen and her fraternal twin sister, Amelia return to Lake Blair, Washington to pack up their mother Alice’s house after her surprising and untimely death at the young age of just 54. It was ruled an ACCIDENT but once the sisters arrive they get the sense that it could have been murder.
Someone is watching from a telescope across the lake, and someone is entering the house when the women are out running errands.
Coincidentally, a young woman from the same small lakefront community has also been missing for a year.
Who can be trusted?
Who is hiding something?
“PEOPLE ARE DECEIVING. THE BRIGHTEST SMILES CAN HIDE THE DARKEST TRUTHS”
As with her debut, Night Watcher, author Daphne Woolsoncroft has crafted another story set in the Pacific Northwest, which captures the allure of the area and the charm of the local culture.
HAUNTING, UNSETTLING and SEEPING in ATMOSPHERE, I could almost FEEL the cool, misty rain!
The only thing keeping this from being a 5 star read was the resolution which didn’t quite work for me-no spoilers-but, the strength of the rest of the story has cemented Woolsoncroft as an AUTO-READ author for me moving forward and I CANNOT WAIT to read whatever she pens next! ✍🏻
Thank You to the NOVEL SUSPECTS program, and GRAND CENTRAL PUBLISHING for mailing me a finished copy, to sit beside NIGHT WATCHER on my book shelf. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
AVAILABLE NOW!
July 7, 2026
There are some secrets within the Bly household. There is no doubt about it.
After the recent death of their mother, Imogen and her twin sister, Amelia, head back to their childhood home to pack up everything. While the death was ruled accidental, Imogen starts to believe that may not be the case. The more she looks into her mother’s death, the more she begins to have an uneasy feeling that someone is constantly watching her. She is also plagued by nightmares that she has had since she was a child. The quicker she can finish packing up her mother‘s house and get back to her normal life, the better.
The first 3/4 of the book were definitely creepy. You can feel the unease along with Imogen as she is constantly looking over her shoulder. I liked how the main focus was from her point of view, with Amelia‘s only scattered in infrequently. It helped keep the momentum going without constantly shifting back and forth.
As for the ending …I’m a little unsure of how I felt about it. Everything was resolved, which was a positive, but for the who and why, I felt was a wee bit out there. I think it will come down to personal preference on how you feel about it.
If you’re looking for a creepy thriller with chapters that leave you wanting to continue on late into the evening, this is that book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
After the recent death of their mother, Imogen and her twin sister, Amelia, head back to their childhood home to pack up everything. While the death was ruled accidental, Imogen starts to believe that may not be the case. The more she looks into her mother’s death, the more she begins to have an uneasy feeling that someone is constantly watching her. She is also plagued by nightmares that she has had since she was a child. The quicker she can finish packing up her mother‘s house and get back to her normal life, the better.
The first 3/4 of the book were definitely creepy. You can feel the unease along with Imogen as she is constantly looking over her shoulder. I liked how the main focus was from her point of view, with Amelia‘s only scattered in infrequently. It helped keep the momentum going without constantly shifting back and forth.
As for the ending …I’m a little unsure of how I felt about it. Everything was resolved, which was a positive, but for the who and why, I felt was a wee bit out there. I think it will come down to personal preference on how you feel about it.
If you’re looking for a creepy thriller with chapters that leave you wanting to continue on late into the evening, this is that book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2026
A slow, eerie descent into dark waters.
When Imogen Bly's mother dies unexpectedly, she returns to Lake Blair, the picturesque Washington town she hasn't called home in years. Alongside her twin sister, Amelia, she plans to sort through her mother's belongings and leave again as quickly as possible. But almost immediately, strange things begin to happen, stirring up old feelings of dread and forcing Imogen to confront the traumatic event that has haunted her since childhood. Soon, Imogen finds herself drawn into a mystery that may be far closer to home than she ever imagined.
Daphne Woolsoncroft's sophomore thriller was positively creepy and set up excellently, making for a great, if deeply eerie, read. The familiar trope of a woman returning to her small hometown and getting caught up in a mystery is executed really well here and never felt overly familiar or stale.
The setting deserves special mention: the Pacific Northwest already lends itself perfectly to atmospheric thrillers, and placing the story on a lake only amplifies the sense of isolation and foreboding. This feels like the perfect autumn read to match its moody, unsettling atmosphere, though it's equally captivating during the summer months when you have the time to devour it in one sitting - or let it keep you up at night.
The novel switches between the perspectives of Imogen, her twin sister Amelia, and, occasionally, an unnamed male stalker, but Imogen is very much the heart of the story, and I loved the way she was portrayed. She's flawed, vulnerable, and easy to root for, and her growing unease is rendered beautifully. Only her rekindled relationship with her first crush didn't quite convince me, perhaps because it felt rushed despite their childhood connection.
For most of the novel, this was exactly my kind of thriller: slow-burning, foreboding, and rich in atmosphere. The mystery itself is engaging, and the character work is strong enough that even familiar elements don't feel overly derivative. My only real reservation lies with the ending, which veers into more over-the-top territory than I personally would have liked. The carefully cultivated dread of the novel's first half suddenly kicks into overdrive, and the escalation felt a touch too much for me after such a restrained and atmospheric build-up.
Still, that's a relatively minor complaint in what was otherwise an immensely compelling read. With its wonderfully eerie setting, strong characterization, and an intriguing mystery, The Season of Sinking kept me thoroughly hooked. And the sentence from which the novel draws its title? Perfection. No notes.
I highly enjoyed this sophomore novel and absolutely cannot wait to pick up Daphne Woolsoncroft's debut.
Many thanks to Grand Central Publishing for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"The Season of Sinking" was published on July 7, 2026, and is available now.
When Imogen Bly's mother dies unexpectedly, she returns to Lake Blair, the picturesque Washington town she hasn't called home in years. Alongside her twin sister, Amelia, she plans to sort through her mother's belongings and leave again as quickly as possible. But almost immediately, strange things begin to happen, stirring up old feelings of dread and forcing Imogen to confront the traumatic event that has haunted her since childhood. Soon, Imogen finds herself drawn into a mystery that may be far closer to home than she ever imagined.
Daphne Woolsoncroft's sophomore thriller was positively creepy and set up excellently, making for a great, if deeply eerie, read. The familiar trope of a woman returning to her small hometown and getting caught up in a mystery is executed really well here and never felt overly familiar or stale.
The setting deserves special mention: the Pacific Northwest already lends itself perfectly to atmospheric thrillers, and placing the story on a lake only amplifies the sense of isolation and foreboding. This feels like the perfect autumn read to match its moody, unsettling atmosphere, though it's equally captivating during the summer months when you have the time to devour it in one sitting - or let it keep you up at night.
The novel switches between the perspectives of Imogen, her twin sister Amelia, and, occasionally, an unnamed male stalker, but Imogen is very much the heart of the story, and I loved the way she was portrayed. She's flawed, vulnerable, and easy to root for, and her growing unease is rendered beautifully. Only her rekindled relationship with her first crush didn't quite convince me, perhaps because it felt rushed despite their childhood connection.
For most of the novel, this was exactly my kind of thriller: slow-burning, foreboding, and rich in atmosphere. The mystery itself is engaging, and the character work is strong enough that even familiar elements don't feel overly derivative. My only real reservation lies with the ending, which veers into more over-the-top territory than I personally would have liked. The carefully cultivated dread of the novel's first half suddenly kicks into overdrive, and the escalation felt a touch too much for me after such a restrained and atmospheric build-up.
Still, that's a relatively minor complaint in what was otherwise an immensely compelling read. With its wonderfully eerie setting, strong characterization, and an intriguing mystery, The Season of Sinking kept me thoroughly hooked. And the sentence from which the novel draws its title? Perfection. No notes.
I highly enjoyed this sophomore novel and absolutely cannot wait to pick up Daphne Woolsoncroft's debut.
Many thanks to Grand Central Publishing for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"The Season of Sinking" was published on July 7, 2026, and is available now.
July 8, 2026
**3.5-stars rounded up**
The Season of Sinking is the latest release from Daphne Woolsoncroft, author of the gripping 2025-Thriller, Night Watcher. This novel features one of my favorite tropes, where an MC returns to their hometown after a long time away and ends up investigating some sort of mystery.
In this story, we're actually following twin sisters, Imogen and Amelia. The women return to their small hometown of Blair, Washington, after their mother suddenly passes.
They return to pack up her house and settle the estate, but Imogen is bothered by the circumstances of her death, and believes foul play could be possible.
The details of the night her mother died, they just don't make sense to Imogen, and she can't quite let it rest. Additionally, strange things start happening around the house, and that along with her Mom's mysterious death, having Imogen's spidey senses pinging off like crazy.
With the help of the cute boy next door, Rory, Imogen begins digging deeper into what happened to her Mom. There are also some other black spots in Imogen's memory regarding her past, and she starts digging around there too.
We do get Amelia's perspective as well, but Imogen is definitely the driving force behind this narrative. She's unsettled by everything going on, and definitely takes a very active role trying to clear up her questions.
As many of us know, sometimes it's best to leave the past in the past, but also, sometimes it comes to get you whether you're ready or not. Imogen may get her answers, but at what costs?
After really enjoying Woolsoncroft's last novel, Night Watcher, I was excited to get to this one, and though it wasn't quite as successful for me as her 1st-novel was, I still feel it was quite entertaining and well-written.
Night Watcher played into some of my own personal fears, and I did love the podcast element of that one. This one though was still intriguing. I like how Woolsoncroft builds up the tension in her stories, and the way she reveals different layers to her mysteries.
I also loved the Pacific Northwest setting. This one is set on a lake, and the landscape and place felt like such a pivotal part to the story. It was easy to envision and I felt like the mood of the place was a good match for the story being told.
Overall, though this wasn't the strongest fit for me as far as the content went, I still think it's a great read. The characters are fantastic, particularly Imogen, and the writing is fluid and engaging.
I would definitely recommend this to Mystery Thriller fans, particularly if you like atmospheric stories with characters digging into their own pasts. I think this is a great pick for Summer reading as well; easily consumable in a weekend, or while you're on vacation.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Grand Central Publishing, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm excited to see what Woolsoncroft writes next!
The Season of Sinking is the latest release from Daphne Woolsoncroft, author of the gripping 2025-Thriller, Night Watcher. This novel features one of my favorite tropes, where an MC returns to their hometown after a long time away and ends up investigating some sort of mystery.
In this story, we're actually following twin sisters, Imogen and Amelia. The women return to their small hometown of Blair, Washington, after their mother suddenly passes.
They return to pack up her house and settle the estate, but Imogen is bothered by the circumstances of her death, and believes foul play could be possible.
The details of the night her mother died, they just don't make sense to Imogen, and she can't quite let it rest. Additionally, strange things start happening around the house, and that along with her Mom's mysterious death, having Imogen's spidey senses pinging off like crazy.
With the help of the cute boy next door, Rory, Imogen begins digging deeper into what happened to her Mom. There are also some other black spots in Imogen's memory regarding her past, and she starts digging around there too.
We do get Amelia's perspective as well, but Imogen is definitely the driving force behind this narrative. She's unsettled by everything going on, and definitely takes a very active role trying to clear up her questions.
As many of us know, sometimes it's best to leave the past in the past, but also, sometimes it comes to get you whether you're ready or not. Imogen may get her answers, but at what costs?
After really enjoying Woolsoncroft's last novel, Night Watcher, I was excited to get to this one, and though it wasn't quite as successful for me as her 1st-novel was, I still feel it was quite entertaining and well-written.
Night Watcher played into some of my own personal fears, and I did love the podcast element of that one. This one though was still intriguing. I like how Woolsoncroft builds up the tension in her stories, and the way she reveals different layers to her mysteries.
I also loved the Pacific Northwest setting. This one is set on a lake, and the landscape and place felt like such a pivotal part to the story. It was easy to envision and I felt like the mood of the place was a good match for the story being told.
Overall, though this wasn't the strongest fit for me as far as the content went, I still think it's a great read. The characters are fantastic, particularly Imogen, and the writing is fluid and engaging.
I would definitely recommend this to Mystery Thriller fans, particularly if you like atmospheric stories with characters digging into their own pasts. I think this is a great pick for Summer reading as well; easily consumable in a weekend, or while you're on vacation.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Grand Central Publishing, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm excited to see what Woolsoncroft writes next!
July 21, 2026
the setup…
Imogen Bly is returning to Blair, Washington, the place where she and her fraternal twin sister Amelia grew up. Both left for Seattle after high school but Imogen was the one who rarely returned. Now they’re both back to pack up their mother Alice’s house on Lake Blair. She inexplicably died two weeks ago and Imogen dreads not only the grief she’ll have to face but the anxiety that drove her away. It’s not long after their arrival, Imogen can’t shake the feeling that she’s being watched and strange things begin to happen in the house. Run!
the heart of the story…
There’s a strong sense of atmosphere created from the start, picturesque and beautiful, but also something else. Imogen should have trusted her instincts because things got creepy right away and it wasn’t her imagination. I couldn’t shake the feeling and neither could she. But I knew something she didn’t…Imogen was being stalked. And, the nightmares she’s had since her childhood had to be meaningful.
the narration…
Natalie Van Sistine was wonderful at voicing Imogen’s anxiety, in contrast to Amelia’s more sensible attitude. She certainly brought the tension in her storytelling, too.
the bottom line…
I did a read/listen combination, which helped a lot in going back to check stuff. It’s a seriously creepy story high on atmosphere and suspicions of the other occupants in that cul-de-sac. While I got a lot right, I had no idea how it was being pulled off and that kept me riveted. The climatic ending was superb. I loved the debut novel and now Woolsoncroft is two for two with me.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for my complimentary hardcover. All opinions are my own.)
Imogen Bly is returning to Blair, Washington, the place where she and her fraternal twin sister Amelia grew up. Both left for Seattle after high school but Imogen was the one who rarely returned. Now they’re both back to pack up their mother Alice’s house on Lake Blair. She inexplicably died two weeks ago and Imogen dreads not only the grief she’ll have to face but the anxiety that drove her away. It’s not long after their arrival, Imogen can’t shake the feeling that she’s being watched and strange things begin to happen in the house. Run!
the heart of the story…
There’s a strong sense of atmosphere created from the start, picturesque and beautiful, but also something else. Imogen should have trusted her instincts because things got creepy right away and it wasn’t her imagination. I couldn’t shake the feeling and neither could she. But I knew something she didn’t…Imogen was being stalked. And, the nightmares she’s had since her childhood had to be meaningful.
the narration…
Natalie Van Sistine was wonderful at voicing Imogen’s anxiety, in contrast to Amelia’s more sensible attitude. She certainly brought the tension in her storytelling, too.
the bottom line…
I did a read/listen combination, which helped a lot in going back to check stuff. It’s a seriously creepy story high on atmosphere and suspicions of the other occupants in that cul-de-sac. While I got a lot right, I had no idea how it was being pulled off and that kept me riveted. The climatic ending was superb. I loved the debut novel and now Woolsoncroft is two for two with me.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for my complimentary hardcover. All opinions are my own.)
June 23, 2026
Twin sisters Imogen and Amelia return to their hometown after the unexpected death of their mother to go through her house and decide what to keep, sell, and throw out.
It appeared that their mother had drowned, but things didn’t quite add up as she was a healthy and active 54-year-old who had spent most of her life out on the lake behind her home.
Convinced that there was foul play, Imogen and Amelia start talking to more locals, kind of becoming amateur detectives.
This book really sucked me in right from the beginning, which is something that I always hope for, particularly in a mystery or thriller.
I stayed up until 2AM reading (which I paid for today) because I could not put it down!
It’s told in three POVs: Imogen, Amelia, and a male character whose identity we don’t know throughout most of the book. I kept guessing as to who I thought he was, and then there would be another twist proving me wrong.
I just called him The Stalker (it kind of reminded me of the setup in Jamie Day’s book, Beach Thriller).
I did end up figuring out who he was, but only shortly before it was revealed in the book.
I read this in June, but I think that it may be better enjoyed in October, while sipping a pumpkin spice latte and getting ready for Halloween (especially if you live in the Pacific Northwest).
The only drawback for me personally is that this book was a reminder that as an only child with divorced parents, I’m going to have to go through that house sorting process twice, without the support of a sibling.
This was an enjoyable read and now I want to read Daphne Woolsoncroft’s other book, Night Watcher!
Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with the ARC.
It appeared that their mother had drowned, but things didn’t quite add up as she was a healthy and active 54-year-old who had spent most of her life out on the lake behind her home.
Convinced that there was foul play, Imogen and Amelia start talking to more locals, kind of becoming amateur detectives.
This book really sucked me in right from the beginning, which is something that I always hope for, particularly in a mystery or thriller.
I stayed up until 2AM reading (which I paid for today) because I could not put it down!
It’s told in three POVs: Imogen, Amelia, and a male character whose identity we don’t know throughout most of the book. I kept guessing as to who I thought he was, and then there would be another twist proving me wrong.
I just called him The Stalker (it kind of reminded me of the setup in Jamie Day’s book, Beach Thriller).
I did end up figuring out who he was, but only shortly before it was revealed in the book.
I read this in June, but I think that it may be better enjoyed in October, while sipping a pumpkin spice latte and getting ready for Halloween (especially if you live in the Pacific Northwest).
The only drawback for me personally is that this book was a reminder that as an only child with divorced parents, I’m going to have to go through that house sorting process twice, without the support of a sibling.
This was an enjoyable read and now I want to read Daphne Woolsoncroft’s other book, Night Watcher!
Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with the ARC.
April 10, 2026
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.
July 5, 2026
Review of advanced reader copy from NetGalley
I absolutely loved this one!
One of my favorite things about this book was the connection I felt with the characters. The author did an incredible job bringing them to life, and I truly felt like I was right there alongside them every step of the way.
I also really enjoyed the multiple POVs. Seeing the story unfold through each character's perspective added so much depth and allowed the mystery to unravel at the perfect pace. Every new chapter revealed just enough to keep me guessing, and I found myself suspicious of almost everyone.
This book is packed with mystery, suspense, a touch of romance, and an underlying creepy atmosphere that kept me completely hooked. I started reading it last night and finished it today because I simply couldn't put it down.
This is the second book I've read by this author, and I've loved both. She's officially become an auto-buy author for me, and I can't wait to see what she writes next!
I absolutely loved this one!
One of my favorite things about this book was the connection I felt with the characters. The author did an incredible job bringing them to life, and I truly felt like I was right there alongside them every step of the way.
I also really enjoyed the multiple POVs. Seeing the story unfold through each character's perspective added so much depth and allowed the mystery to unravel at the perfect pace. Every new chapter revealed just enough to keep me guessing, and I found myself suspicious of almost everyone.
This book is packed with mystery, suspense, a touch of romance, and an underlying creepy atmosphere that kept me completely hooked. I started reading it last night and finished it today because I simply couldn't put it down.
This is the second book I've read by this author, and I've loved both. She's officially become an auto-buy author for me, and I can't wait to see what she writes next!
May 10, 2026
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
RTC
RTC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Trigger! DV
Me on This Book in Eight Ironic English Words: Dark twist on DV domestic violence, child style 😬
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5 🔼
"People are deceiving. The brightest smiles can hide the darkest truths." p109
In Short: So I like this one, it has a decent execution and a good concept. I think the big twist was pretty great. I don't think I put it all together, even subconsciously.
I was genuinely shocked, and not because it didn't make sense, but because it was soooo messed up lol. It subverts the class abuse trope power dynamic. Good story stuff.
I'm not going to tear this book up, but I have to say that pacing is critical to a book's success. This book was slow and hot for two thirds of the book, and then it was chaotic and confusing at the end. That big change in style lost me.
Also, for anyone who hasn't heard me say it before, multiple first person narrators is hard to pull off unless the author can make them sound distinctive.
Also, "sick" people aren't necessarily violent. Violent people are violent. (Just a little casual ableism there.)
I recommend this one to fans of Nicole W. Ihli and abduction plots.
Preread: Honestly, the author's trigger warning about stalking, in which she defines it as a violent crime, really makes me wonder what readers in general think of stalking. And gendered and sexualized violence, more widely.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the arc!📚
"Content Warnings:"
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
ableism, ableist language, abduction, false imprisonment, stalking, DV,
Me on This Book in Eight Ironic English Words: Dark twist on DV domestic violence, child style 😬
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5 🔼
"People are deceiving. The brightest smiles can hide the darkest truths." p109
In Short: So I like this one, it has a decent execution and a good concept. I think the big twist was pretty great. I don't think I put it all together, even subconsciously.
I was genuinely shocked, and not because it didn't make sense, but because it was soooo messed up lol. It subverts the class abuse trope power dynamic. Good story stuff.
I'm not going to tear this book up, but I have to say that pacing is critical to a book's success. This book was slow and hot for two thirds of the book, and then it was chaotic and confusing at the end. That big change in style lost me.
Also, for anyone who hasn't heard me say it before, multiple first person narrators is hard to pull off unless the author can make them sound distinctive.
Also, "sick" people aren't necessarily violent. Violent people are violent. (Just a little casual ableism there.)
I recommend this one to fans of Nicole W. Ihli and abduction plots.
Preread: Honestly, the author's trigger warning about stalking, in which she defines it as a violent crime, really makes me wonder what readers in general think of stalking. And gendered and sexualized violence, more widely.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the arc!📚
"Content Warnings:"
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
ableism, ableist language, abduction, false imprisonment, stalking, DV,
May 11, 2026
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 🫶
July 28, 2026
I went into this one pretty blind after loving this authors debut which was a 5 star read for me. This was okay! I think I had a high expectations going in even with going in blindly. I feel like a lot was happening and nothing was happening all at the same time. This seemed to be more of a mystery than a thriller to me but it was still solid. Some things just felt unanswered and abrupt in the end. I wanted more.
After the death of their mother twins Imogen and Amelia are brought back to their hometown where the past seeps into their present.
Thank you GCP and NetGalley for my arc copy. All opinions are my own.
After the death of their mother twins Imogen and Amelia are brought back to their hometown where the past seeps into their present.
Thank you GCP and NetGalley for my arc copy. All opinions are my own.
July 28, 2026
Well this was a fun one! I loved Night Watcher by Daphne so I knew I had to read this one too.
I read it super quick and it definitely was a fast paced book. I love that it had short chapters as well which made it go by so quickly for me. I love that this story had me guessing a lot on who was "stalking" Imogen. There were times I thought I had it down only to find out I was wrong. I did like the use of the two POV's, well actually 3 if you include "the stalker" as well in parts of it but you mostly got Imogen and Amelia's POVS. You get this creepy feeling as you read this book once you hear about someone watching you from afar. Nobody likes that feeling and that's definitely what you will get out of this story.
Thank you again to Grand Central Publishing for having sent me this #gifted copy of The Season of Sinking. Everyone definitely needs to check this one out.
I read it super quick and it definitely was a fast paced book. I love that it had short chapters as well which made it go by so quickly for me. I love that this story had me guessing a lot on who was "stalking" Imogen. There were times I thought I had it down only to find out I was wrong. I did like the use of the two POV's, well actually 3 if you include "the stalker" as well in parts of it but you mostly got Imogen and Amelia's POVS. You get this creepy feeling as you read this book once you hear about someone watching you from afar. Nobody likes that feeling and that's definitely what you will get out of this story.
Thank you again to Grand Central Publishing for having sent me this #gifted copy of The Season of Sinking. Everyone definitely needs to check this one out.
July 21, 2026
3/5 🌟
This was a good, decent read for me. The author really excelled in a few areas, especially the writing and the setting. They absolutely nailed the small-town atmosphere and the constant sense of uneasiness that lingered throughout the story. The writing also worked really well for me, even if it felt a bit too wordy at times.
What didn't work for me were the characters and the mystery.
The characters felt extremely flat, and I absolutely did not enjoy the insta-love subplot. It came out of nowhere and constantly pulled me away from the actual plot. I was also disappointed by the relationship between the two sisters. It just wasn't IT. Their bond felt very superficial, and I kept hoping the author would explore their relationship in more depth.
The beginning was really strong, but as the story progressed, it gradually went downhill for me. The mystery itself wasn't intriguing enough to keep me invested, and most of the revelations felt pretty ehh. The obsession aspect wasn't even well-defined; in fact, it felt completely random.
Overall, I have pretty mixed feelings about this one, but I still enjoyed it enough. I'd definitely be open to picking up more books by this author in the future.
This was a good, decent read for me. The author really excelled in a few areas, especially the writing and the setting. They absolutely nailed the small-town atmosphere and the constant sense of uneasiness that lingered throughout the story. The writing also worked really well for me, even if it felt a bit too wordy at times.
What didn't work for me were the characters and the mystery.
The characters felt extremely flat, and I absolutely did not enjoy the insta-love subplot. It came out of nowhere and constantly pulled me away from the actual plot. I was also disappointed by the relationship between the two sisters. It just wasn't IT. Their bond felt very superficial, and I kept hoping the author would explore their relationship in more depth.
The beginning was really strong, but as the story progressed, it gradually went downhill for me. The mystery itself wasn't intriguing enough to keep me invested, and most of the revelations felt pretty ehh. The obsession aspect wasn't even well-defined; in fact, it felt completely random.
Overall, I have pretty mixed feelings about this one, but I still enjoyed it enough. I'd definitely be open to picking up more books by this author in the future.
August 2, 2026
Look 👀 at this cover!!! 😍 All the creepy vibes!! This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year!! Thank you @grandcentralpub #partner for the absolutely gorgeous gifted copy!! 🥰🫶
It should come as no surprise that @daphne.woolsoncroft wrote another page turner that I couldn’t put down!! So atmospheric!! It literally gave me chills. 🥶
When Imogen returns back to Lake Blair.. it’s like the past is catching back up with her. Her mom who is an avid swimmer 🏊 has just drowned in the lake. Was it REALLY an accident??? Or was there more to this story. 🥺
Holy creepy stalker vibes!! Who is the guy across the lake?? It really is like Imogen has moved on.. but the small lake community has stood still…. 😬 He is staring across the lake… like he always has.🫣
The whole lake atmosphere.. the “stalker “… had me on edge the ENTIRE book. I couldn’t relax….which is EXACTLY how I want my thrillers to make me feel. Lock 🔐 the doors!! I warned you. 😉
This is exactly what I needed!! @daphne.woolsoncroft is definitely a must read author for me! I already knew that as her last book made my top 5 last year! Just saying…
It should come as no surprise that @daphne.woolsoncroft wrote another page turner that I couldn’t put down!! So atmospheric!! It literally gave me chills. 🥶
When Imogen returns back to Lake Blair.. it’s like the past is catching back up with her. Her mom who is an avid swimmer 🏊 has just drowned in the lake. Was it REALLY an accident??? Or was there more to this story. 🥺
Holy creepy stalker vibes!! Who is the guy across the lake?? It really is like Imogen has moved on.. but the small lake community has stood still…. 😬 He is staring across the lake… like he always has.🫣
The whole lake atmosphere.. the “stalker “… had me on edge the ENTIRE book. I couldn’t relax….which is EXACTLY how I want my thrillers to make me feel. Lock 🔐 the doors!! I warned you. 😉
This is exactly what I needed!! @daphne.woolsoncroft is definitely a must read author for me! I already knew that as her last book made my top 5 last year! Just saying…
July 16, 2026
I thought this book would be an easy 5 star read for me as it has all the things I like in a thriller: buried memories that we have to figure out right alongside the characters, a mysterious death of a family member that at first looks accidental but we know better, and a town with secrets! Even better? It’s set on a lake in the pacific northwest! All of this sounds right up my alley and usually it is. But I’m not sure how I felt about these characters. I don’t know what it was, but they just felt inauthentic and like they were placed in the story but didn’t really fit it. I also wasn’t all that blown away by “twist”. It seemed obvious given the fact that the author’s note at the beginning of the book almost spoils it for you.
Regardless of my feelings though I do think the book is solid and I know many readers will love it. So, I recommend check it out for yourself!
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐
Regardless of my feelings though I do think the book is solid and I know many readers will love it. So, I recommend check it out for yourself!
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐
April 11, 2026
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.
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.
August 5, 2026
"How can I chase a ghost I can't see?"
If the Bly sisters returning to their PNW hometown of Lake Blair to sort through their late mother's things doesn't immediately scream "atmospheric" to you, then maybe this book isn't for you!
My goodness, THE SEASON OF SINKING was absolutely loaded with atmosphere as we find ourselves on a lake in a small town in Washington as twins, Imogen and Amelia find themselves back at their childhood home after the very sudden passing of their mother.
OBVIOUSLY, secrets are plentiful and, with the anniversary of a local woman gone missing approaching, everyone is on edge and unsure who on their little lake can be trusted.
This story has so much heart in it and covers an immense amount of ground when it comes to all the layers woven into the plot and the histories of our main characters. It truly felt like everyone had a secret and it was easy to feel like an outsider much like Imogen and Amelia did after so much time away.
Honestly, such an enjoyable and immersive thriller that I couldn't recommend more!
Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for my copy for review!
If the Bly sisters returning to their PNW hometown of Lake Blair to sort through their late mother's things doesn't immediately scream "atmospheric" to you, then maybe this book isn't for you!
My goodness, THE SEASON OF SINKING was absolutely loaded with atmosphere as we find ourselves on a lake in a small town in Washington as twins, Imogen and Amelia find themselves back at their childhood home after the very sudden passing of their mother.
OBVIOUSLY, secrets are plentiful and, with the anniversary of a local woman gone missing approaching, everyone is on edge and unsure who on their little lake can be trusted.
This story has so much heart in it and covers an immense amount of ground when it comes to all the layers woven into the plot and the histories of our main characters. It truly felt like everyone had a secret and it was easy to feel like an outsider much like Imogen and Amelia did after so much time away.
Honestly, such an enjoyable and immersive thriller that I couldn't recommend more!
Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for my copy for review!
July 9, 2026
This book was so atmospheric, so much so that it gave you that creepy feel I always look for in a thriller. I really enjoyed this storyline, loved that it was fast paced and had short chapters! This author is quickly becoming one of my favs!
July 16, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
• atmospheric suspense
• small town lake setting
• stalker x traumatic childhood
This book completely pulled me in. The layered characters, the constant sense that something wasn't quite right... I got major Hitchcock vibes throughout. When I hit the final third, I couldn't put it down. SO good! Title Appreciation Note: by the end, it felt like it carried so many meanings--you can sink with grief, sink with regret, and sink under the weight of trauma (and, well, physically sink). It tied everything together in a really impactful way.
🗣 Thank you to Grand Central and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book via gifted eARC! All opinions are honest and my own.
• atmospheric suspense
• small town lake setting
• stalker x traumatic childhood
This book completely pulled me in. The layered characters, the constant sense that something wasn't quite right... I got major Hitchcock vibes throughout. When I hit the final third, I couldn't put it down. SO good! Title Appreciation Note: by the end, it felt like it carried so many meanings--you can sink with grief, sink with regret, and sink under the weight of trauma (and, well, physically sink). It tied everything together in a really impactful way.
🗣 Thank you to Grand Central and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book via gifted eARC! All opinions are honest and my own.
July 7, 2026
I was so happy to see Daphne Woolsoncroft releasing another book because I really enjoyed her debut, and I'm happy to say this one didn't disappoint.
The story follows Imogen, who returns to her hometown with her twin sister, Amelia, after their mother's unexpected death. The official conclusion is that it was a tragic accident, her mother drowned after going out onto the lake during a stormy night.
But...
The more Imogen thinks about it, the less it makes sense.
Her mother loved the lake, knew it better than anyone, and somehow chose to go out in the middle of a storm... wearing her PJs? It just doesn't feel right.
Almost as soon as Imogen arrives home, strange things begin happening. At first she brushes them off as coincidences, but as the incidents become more unsettling, and even dangerous, she starts wondering if there's much more to her mother's death than anyone wants to admit.
At the same time, the events around her begin stirring memories from her childhood. Or are they really memories? That's one of the things I enjoyed most about this book. I was constantly questioning whether Imogen was remembering something she had buried for years or if grief and trauma were playing tricks on her mind.
I also loved Rory. Watching Imogen reconnect with her childhood crush while the two of them slowly investigated the mystery together was such a nice balance to all the darker moments. They made a great team, and I found myself rooting for both the romance and the investigation.
The mystery kept me engaged throughout, and the atmosphere around Lake Blair was wonderfully unsettling. Every chapter made me question who could be trusted and what was really happening.
Overall, this was another great suspense novel from Daphne Woolsoncroft, and I'll definitely be picking up whatever she writes next.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
The story follows Imogen, who returns to her hometown with her twin sister, Amelia, after their mother's unexpected death. The official conclusion is that it was a tragic accident, her mother drowned after going out onto the lake during a stormy night.
But...
The more Imogen thinks about it, the less it makes sense.
Her mother loved the lake, knew it better than anyone, and somehow chose to go out in the middle of a storm... wearing her PJs? It just doesn't feel right.
Almost as soon as Imogen arrives home, strange things begin happening. At first she brushes them off as coincidences, but as the incidents become more unsettling, and even dangerous, she starts wondering if there's much more to her mother's death than anyone wants to admit.
At the same time, the events around her begin stirring memories from her childhood. Or are they really memories? That's one of the things I enjoyed most about this book. I was constantly questioning whether Imogen was remembering something she had buried for years or if grief and trauma were playing tricks on her mind.
I also loved Rory. Watching Imogen reconnect with her childhood crush while the two of them slowly investigated the mystery together was such a nice balance to all the darker moments. They made a great team, and I found myself rooting for both the romance and the investigation.
The mystery kept me engaged throughout, and the atmosphere around Lake Blair was wonderfully unsettling. Every chapter made me question who could be trusted and what was really happening.
Overall, this was another great suspense novel from Daphne Woolsoncroft, and I'll definitely be picking up whatever she writes next.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
June 11, 2026
Thank you so much to the publisher for the ARC via paperback!
My review:
I ended up giving this novel 4.25 stars and I was super impressed! This author was a podcaster turned to a novelist so I did not expect anything out of the ordinary but I was surprised. The writing in this is was the extract writing I want in a novel, when all the little things become something unexpected. This book also has some great themes and was more than just a slasher thriller. I normally don’t love when there are more than 2 POVs in a story but the author told it so well and I was impressed. The plot was original and was told in a way that I hadn’t seen before. Now if you have read to this point you might be thinking, “why didn’t you give it 5 stars?” And that’s simply because I didn’t connect with the characters. They were written good but they were still dry and I didn’t care that much, that being said I still loved them. Another thing that this novel lacked just slightly in my opinion was that atmospheric vibes that I’m always looking for. Though that is more personal than just the plot, characters, etc. I just really love the vibes a story gives off and in this I wasn’t getting that to the full extent. All and all this was a great read and I will definitely recommend.
My review:
I ended up giving this novel 4.25 stars and I was super impressed! This author was a podcaster turned to a novelist so I did not expect anything out of the ordinary but I was surprised. The writing in this is was the extract writing I want in a novel, when all the little things become something unexpected. This book also has some great themes and was more than just a slasher thriller. I normally don’t love when there are more than 2 POVs in a story but the author told it so well and I was impressed. The plot was original and was told in a way that I hadn’t seen before. Now if you have read to this point you might be thinking, “why didn’t you give it 5 stars?” And that’s simply because I didn’t connect with the characters. They were written good but they were still dry and I didn’t care that much, that being said I still loved them. Another thing that this novel lacked just slightly in my opinion was that atmospheric vibes that I’m always looking for. Though that is more personal than just the plot, characters, etc. I just really love the vibes a story gives off and in this I wasn’t getting that to the full extent. All and all this was a great read and I will definitely recommend.
July 14, 2026
4⭐️ - this book pulled me under so fast. daphne knows how to make an eerie atmosphere, with the feeling someone is always watching. i could not put this book down, but i also felt like the ending was rushed. once we figured out what was going on, i felt like a lot of questions were left unanswered or were given a very quick statement as to why. overall i have enjoyed both of daphnes books and continue to be a huge fan of going west <3
dnf-did-not-finish
August 8, 2026 Got to 50% and was just bored. Interesting premise but nothing was really happening.
July 13, 2026
One of the best mystery/ thrillers I have read in a long time. Gave me the legit creeps many times. Will be an auto buy author for me now!!
Thank you Grand Central Pub for the ARC!
Thank you Grand Central Pub for the ARC!
June 15, 2026
Thriller fans seeking their next mystery, please look no further, you’ve found it.
This book was completely captivating from the start and I could not wait to see where it took us. I loved the characters and the setting, the town was just creepy enough to be concerning but not so creepy that it kept me awake at night. This book had everything I could want in a thriller! Highly recommend.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
This book was completely captivating from the start and I could not wait to see where it took us. I loved the characters and the setting, the town was just creepy enough to be concerning but not so creepy that it kept me awake at night. This book had everything I could want in a thriller! Highly recommend.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
July 29, 2026
When Imogen Bly's mother dies unexpectedly in what was ruled an accident, Imogen returns to her eerie hometown of Lake Blair Washington with her sister Amelia to settle the estate. But the moment they arrive, unsettling memories begin to surface and strange events convince Imogen that her mother's death wasn't an accident after all. As she investigates with the help of her childhood crush Rory, Imogen discovers buried family secrets, a missing woman and a decades old trauma that may connect everything.
The Season of Sinking is a beautifully atmospheric psychological thriller that takes its time setting up the mystery. Instead of relying on non stop twists, it slowly pulls you deeper into a story filled with grief, family secrets and a small town where everyone seems to know more than they're willing to admit. The Pacific Northwest setting was practically a character in itself, adding to the eerie feeling that never lets up. I loved watching the pieces of the mystery come together as past and present collided and the emotional depth of the sisters relationship gave the story even more heart. If you're looking for an adrenaline fueled thriller, this may feel too slow for you. But if you love haunting atmospheres, layered characters and mysteries that get under your skin, this is absolutely worth the journey!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Daphne Woolsoncroft, and Grand Central Pub for this eARC!
The Season of Sinking is a beautifully atmospheric psychological thriller that takes its time setting up the mystery. Instead of relying on non stop twists, it slowly pulls you deeper into a story filled with grief, family secrets and a small town where everyone seems to know more than they're willing to admit. The Pacific Northwest setting was practically a character in itself, adding to the eerie feeling that never lets up. I loved watching the pieces of the mystery come together as past and present collided and the emotional depth of the sisters relationship gave the story even more heart. If you're looking for an adrenaline fueled thriller, this may feel too slow for you. But if you love haunting atmospheres, layered characters and mysteries that get under your skin, this is absolutely worth the journey!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Daphne Woolsoncroft, and Grand Central Pub for this eARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
'If you don't have anything nice to say.. don't say anything at all.'
Well, I am giving an honest review SO BUCKLE UP:
Unfortunately, this was as painful of a read as her first novel, Night Watcher, was for me. If not more so. I do not think our girl Daphne's writing style is for me. Her chosen way of piecing together sentences reads juvenile and like, too unnecessarily wordy. Or just, unnecessary period.. The other large issue I had was with how much got thrown at me while traveling through the plot. Only to end up in an unsatisfying end with seemingly important things not revisited before the end.
Going out on a limb to say that maybe podcasters should stay podcasting 🫤 I said what I said.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This novel is set to publish tomorrow, July 7th, 2026.
Well, I am giving an honest review SO BUCKLE UP:
Unfortunately, this was as painful of a read as her first novel, Night Watcher, was for me. If not more so. I do not think our girl Daphne's writing style is for me. Her chosen way of piecing together sentences reads juvenile and like, too unnecessarily wordy. Or just, unnecessary period.. The other large issue I had was with how much got thrown at me while traveling through the plot. Only to end up in an unsatisfying end with seemingly important things not revisited before the end.
Going out on a limb to say that maybe podcasters should stay podcasting 🫤 I said what I said.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This novel is set to publish tomorrow, July 7th, 2026.
August 5, 2026
This was one of my most highly anticipated reads this summer! I love a good summer lakeside small town thriller and this set the atmosphere perfectly. I had a good time with this one loved the twists love that you suspect every character. Kept me intrigued the whole time. I predicted some aspects however it was still fun I still enjoyed those reveals and the final twists were great. I felt like they could’ve added an epilogue or a little more to the end as it felt a little abrupt but overall a fun time! Can’t wait for another release by Daphne Woolsencroft!
July 13, 2026
In this slow burn thriller we have a set of twins who have just lost their mom and are tasked with cleaning out her house. As the reader you’re aware that something terrible happened to one of the twins years ago but you have no idea what it is. A side plot with a missing girl is going on, and early on you know someone is watching one of the twins. Obviously these things have to tie together, you’re just not sure how.
I love a slow burn, tension filled thriller but this one didn’t achieve that in my opinion due to the dialogue.
There was a lot of potential with the plot but overall I think it was lacking that polish I expect to see in a book.
I truly wanted to love this one but it ultimately missed the mark for me.
Thank you to the author and Grand Central Publishing for my gifted copy.
I love a slow burn, tension filled thriller but this one didn’t achieve that in my opinion due to the dialogue.
There was a lot of potential with the plot but overall I think it was lacking that polish I expect to see in a book.
I truly wanted to love this one but it ultimately missed the mark for me.
Thank you to the author and Grand Central Publishing for my gifted copy.
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