Black Water Bones

by S.E. Reed

A suffocating Southern thriller from an award-winning author. The next unputdownable read for fans of Stacy Willingham and Noelle W. Ihli.

She left Chokoloskee Island behind years ago. The Everglades isn’t done with her yet.

Cameron St. Rose was five when her mother disappeared into the mangroves without a trace. Growing up the daughter of one of the island’s founding families, she always knew that asking questions was more dangerous than not knowing.

Now a manager at a luxury spa on Florida’s glittering coast, Cameron has built a life far from the swamp and its secrets. But when a tropical storm washes human remains out of the black water, she’s compelled to return home.

Catching up with her childhood best friend, Michaela, being served drinks by her ex, then going home to an empty house—it’s a bittersweet homecoming. And then Michaela vanishes. Cameron knows what Chokoloskee looks like when it’s hiding she can hear it in the conversations which stop when she walks into a room, and the way the whole island closes ranks around a silence she was raised never to break.

But Cameron isn’t a little girl anymore. And she’ll drag every secret out of the mud and the mangroves to find her friend—even the one about her mother.

Perfect for readers who

Return-to-her-hometown thrillersSmall town with dark secretsEveryone is a suspectTragedy in the past meets mystery in the presentAtmosphere atmosphere atmosphereThe past won’t stay drownedCompelling heroine with a tragic backstoryReaders love S.E. Reed’s gripping

“Such a wild ride!!! I could not put this book down!!! It was utterly fantastic!!! 5/5 stars without hesitation!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“So good. I absolutely devoured this in a day. I thought I could see the end coming but not at all… I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Such a fun read.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A brilliant read that hooked me from the outset I couldn’t tear myself away! The plot was truly exceptional!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“An amazing read! From the very start I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. The story pulled me in right away and kept me turning the pages until the very end. I honestly hated for it to end because I was enjoying it so much… An absolute must-read!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“[Had me] staying up late when I should have been sleeping… Fast-moving, the story immediately draws you in and had my attention throughout.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Wow… So good and twisted will have you thinking well after you have finished this read.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I really had no idea where the story was going… I could not put the book down as the story unfolded!… So many twists and turns that there was no way I could have anticipated how the story was going to end.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Thriller, Suspense, Mystery Thriller

304 pages, Paperback

Published June 17, 2026

About the author

S.E. Reed is an award-winning multi-genre author. She grew up in the Pacific Northwest, but longed to see the rest of America. After living in all five regions, she finally settled in Florida–nestled between the swampy Everglades and Atlantic Ocean. Many of her stories have a strong contemporary southern theme, but she also dabbles in the strange, bizarre, and fantastical.

Reviews

[Caz (Underlined) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out on Chokoloskee Island where everything feels damp, dark and just a bit unsettling, Black Water Bones really pulls you in straight away.

This follows Cam, and honestly, her past sits over the whole story like a shadow she can’t shake. Her mum disappearing during that violent storm when she was a child never really leaves her, and you can feel how much that moment has shaped everything she is now. Years later, bodies start turning up in the water and it all begins to feel like the island is hiding something much bigger than anyone wants to admit.

One scene that really stuck with me is when Cam thinks she’s found her cat out in the water… but it turns into something far more disturbing — a finger attached to a severed arm. That’s the moment everything shifts and you realise just how dark and unsettling this story is going to get.

What I liked most is it’s not really just about the killings. It’s the atmosphere, the feeling of the place. Everything feels heavy and closed in, like the water is never fully empty.

The water especially just feels wrong the whole time — like it’s holding onto secrets just below the surface.

It’s definitely more psychological than your typical crime thriller. It’s slow, eerie, and you’re constantly questioning what’s real with Cam’s memories and what actually happened.

But yeah… it just lingers after. Not in a loud way, just quietly sitting with you once you’ve finished it.

Thank you NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and the author S. E. Reed for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Publishing date: July 14th 2026.

[Lady MacDeath 🌒🌕🌘 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twenty something Cameron St. Rose was born and raised on Chokoloskee Island in The Everglades, and the daughter of one of the founding families of the island. Her mother Natalie disappeared one night, into the mangroves, and hasn’t been seen since…Cameron was five years old, and has grown up not knowing what happened to her mum.
Cam has a fabulous job as the manager of a luxury spa, on the Florida Coast, and has put the swamps out of her mind, until…
A huge tropical storm has washed up several human remains out of the black water, and Cam having the use of the family’s airboat, feels compelled to take leave from her job, and help the sheriff, etc, in the search of the swamps, thus revealing long dark secrets.

I was surprised how much I liked this book, my first from this author. Initially, I didn’t care for Cam, as I thought she was too bent on how “beautiful” she looked, and how many heads she could turn, but the more I read, the more I warmed to Cam. This story is set in two different timelines, and set amongst the black water of the swamps. There is murder, corruption, drug and people trafficking, though you don’t get to read about the drug and people trafficking much, so no trigger warnings needed. The story kept a good pace throughout, and as much as I love reading anything to do with the isolated Alaskan wilderness, I also love reading about the swamps, and the mangroves, the nature, and life in The Everglades, to the point that I immersed myself fully into island life. This was gripping, emotional, and suspenseful, and I loved it.

5 ⭐️

Thanks to S.E. Reed, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.

Available: 14 July 2026

[Destiny Hallak · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Well, I liked the setting of this book at least.

So, there is a bit to unpack here. Let us start with our main character Cameron St Rose. The first thing I want to say is if a man I do not know is getting into my personal space, I would not be swooning over him. I feel like every interaction between Cameron and Sebastian was just plain weird. I was not too enthusiastic watching how their relationship played out. As for Michaela, if my best friend was attacked I would be HUNTING the person who was responsible. It seemed like Cameron was not too invested in finding out what happened to Michaela until later, and even then she didn't do much. The focus was more on riding the airboat to different locations to find whatever the drones spotted in the water. Honestly, that felt like what the majority of Cameron's story was about.

I didn't think the chapters for Natalie St. Rose really added much to the story. I mean, by reading those chapters we slowly figure out what's happening on the island. However, I thought there would be some sort of overlap between Cameron's and Natalie's POVs and there wasn't. The ending of Natalie's story also fell flat for me and I am sure it would not have taken much to figure out if the island was safe to return to. That's just me though.

Overall, I was very disappointed by this book especially because I loved the setting. The characters did not have much depth to them and I can't really say what they did throughout the book. I was left with more questions than answers by the end of the book.

[Lu thrillskillsandchills · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Another fantastic thriller from S.E. Reed! Black Water Bones is now my third novel by her, and she’s yet to disappoint. I’ve now read The First Wives, The First Widows and Black Water Bones, and every single one has landed at 4.5 stars or higher. Safe to say she’s become an auto-read author for me!

What sets this one apart from her previous books is the setting. The Florida Everglades do so much of the heavy lifting when it comes to the atmosphere. Chokoloskee is the perfect backdrop for this story, with its winding waterways, dense mangroves and the constant reminder that you’re never too far from a gator. It created such an eerie sense of unease that the setting genuinely felt like another character throughout the entire book.

The dual timelines were woven together beautifully, slowly revealing the truth without ever feeling confusing. There were twists I genuinely didn’t see coming, along with a couple I managed to piece together before they were revealed. Even then, it didn’t take anything away from my enjoyment because there was always another layer to uncover. I was completely invested in Cameron’s story and couldn’t wait to see how everything connected.

If you enjoy atmospheric thrillers packed with buried secrets, missing persons and a setting that’s every bit as compelling as the mystery itself, I’d absolutely recommend adding Black Water Bones to your TBR.

[_blondebooknerd · Rating 1 out of 5]

What. A. Mess. 😭🌿💀

First of all... this cover? 😍✨

The synopsis? 👏 Southern Gothic ✔️

Missing women ✔️

Everglades vibes ✔️

Family secrets ✔️

Me five chapters in:

🤨

Me halfway through:

😐

Me several weeks later forcing myself to finish:

🫠💀

I wanted to love this SO badly. Everything about the premise screamed "Bekah, this is your kind of thriller." Instead, I felt like I was wandering around the Everglades with absolutely no map.

The plot was all over the place. 🌪️ There were so many storylines and pieces that never felt cohesive, and instead of building suspense, I just kept wondering where we were going... and if we'd ever get there.

😵‍💫 Confused?

Yes.

😴 Invested?

[Marissa (holdme.thrillme) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE a swampy thriller. There’s just something inherently creepy about swamps and mangroves and you know that a ton of bodies have been disposed of in swamps. In this book the swamps were a whole main character and I loved that! The island setting and the people on the island were so interesting to me. The author did an awesome job of throwing twists into the mix to keep me invested and turning the pages. Read this if you’re into:

🐊Swamps
🐊 Body parts
🐊 Woman in white
🐊 Serial killer
🐊 Twists

I especially loved the unexpected ending! That was probably one of the biggest twists.

[fanboyriot · Rating 3 out of 5]

This kinda fell a bit flat for me. While the plot was interesting, detailed, and well developed… I don’t think the same about the characters. It might just be the tone first person point of view gave off but the main character felt one dimensional especially at the beginning. I did like how the point of view switched with the main character’s and how it progressed in the story I just wish they had more depth to them.

(Note: I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher/author for the opportunity.)

POV: First Person
Sad Level: 💧💧💧
Would I Recommend? Maybe
Emojis Based on Vibes: 🚤🤫🍻

⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS
Graphic: Animal death, Dementia
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Violence, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Physical abuse, Sexual content

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like an easy read with a witty female protagonist and a lot of twists and turns, then you will enjoy Blackwater Bones.

Written in short chapters interspersed with flashbacks, the story follows Cameron St. Rose on the hunt to uncover the truth of what has been happening in her local community as well as pondering the fate of her mother, who vanished when she was small.

Blackwater bones had the premise of a great thriller, with an interesting setting, intriguing lore and an easy to read writing style. However, the protagonist was fairly unlikable. I was not invested in Cameron. I found the way she was described to be quite shallow and over the top. I enjoyed the enigmatic breadcrumbs left by the author, but found the last third of the book to be a little messy and maybe rushed? I would have loved to have more about the island co op and their traditions, as this seemed to be a a thread that became severed and not tied up.

Overall, a quick and easy read.

[Jo Wyld · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick paced thriller that will make you question who can be trusted all the way through!

And even then you still won't see some of the twists coming!

Some of the elements in this book are very emotional too giving this thriller real depth within a dark storyline!

[Yvette Jarrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
Black Water Bones by S.E. Reed
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was so excited to get an early copy of Black Water Bones, and it completely lived up to my expectations. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. I flew through it in a single sitting and immediately found myself wishing there was a second book because I’m convinced the Everglades and the people who call it home still have more secrets left to reveal.

Set against the wild, untamed backdrop of Florida’s Everglades, this atmospheric thriller pulls you deep into a world of mangroves, black water, alligators, and long-buried secrets. The setting is so vividly written that you can almost hear the cicadas buzzing, frogs calling from the water, and the gentle movement of the swamp around you. The Everglades become more than a backdrop, they create a constant sense of tension, isolation, and unease that lingers throughout the story.

When Cameron St. Rose returns to Chokoloskee Island to help search for a missing woman, she finds herself confronting both present-day mysteries and the unanswered questions surrounding her own past. The dual timelines were woven together beautifully, slowly revealing pieces of the puzzle while keeping me fully invested in both storylines. Every time I thought I knew where things were headed, another twist changed everything.

Filled with mystery, suspense, romance, and a touch of psychological intrigue, this is the kind of story that completely pulls you in and refuses to let go. The close-knit island community is filled with secrets, questionable motives, and characters you’re never quite sure you can trust.

The ending was both emotional and satisfying, bringing all the pieces together in a way that felt meaningful and earned. I was especially grateful for the epilogue, which provided that little bit of extra insight I always love.

If you love immersive Southern thrillers packed with suspense, secrets, and unexpected twists, add this one to your TBR immediately. It’s easily one of the best books I’ve read this year. And if you haven’t read this author’s other books yet, I can’t recommend them enough! 📚🖤

This book is available on July 14, 2026. A huge thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing this advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Deanna Loves to Read!!:) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ok- I think I read a different book than the majority of reviewers, because it is averaging 4-5 stars.
I am hoping the author's intent was to write a PARODY of small town murder and all the tropes/commentary on beauty- but I don't think that was the purpose.

I felt it was degrading to women and just ridiculous! So if you feel like sticking around and reading this review, I will go into reasons why!

Let's start with that intriguing synopsis!

"She left Chokoloskee Island behind years ago. The Everglades isn’t done with her yet.
Cameron St. Rose was five when her mother disappeared into the mangroves without a trace. Growing up the daughter of one of the island’s founding families, she always knew that asking questions was more dangerous than not knowing.
Now a manager at a luxury spa on Florida’s glittering coast, Cameron has built a life far from the swamp and its secrets. But when a tropical storm washes human remains out of the black water, she’s compelled to return home.
Catching up with her childhood best friend, Michaela, being served drinks by her ex, then going home to an empty house—it’s a bittersweet homecoming. And then Michaela vanishes. Cameron knows what Chokoloskee looks like when it’s hiding something: she can hear it in the conversations which stop when she walks into a room, and the way the whole island closes ranks around a silence she was raised never to break.
But Cameron isn’t a little girl anymore. And she’ll drag every secret out of the mud and the mangroves to find her friend—even the one about her mother."

I mean if you love past/present mysteries, with a personal link, and dark atmosphere- who wouldn't pick this up!

However.....
Cameron is a narcissistic, self involved character. I feel that the idea of "beauty" by this author is so demeaning. Cameron is BEAUTIFUL, SEXY!! And you are told this, ad nauseum, like every other page in the first five chapters- and even throughout the story. For instance:

1. She has golden blonde hair/long honey blonde hair/ shining blonde hair...
OK- She's BLONDE!
2. She is SEXY! She is tall! How do we know this? Well:
-she explains that she is beautiful and sexy, even calls herself a "10", someone every one wants to look like, because SHE IS THE MANAGER OF A LUXURY SPA- and this is part of her job!!!!! And it is simply her DNA.
-When she goes to the bar, ALL the men look at her and she has to have strategies so they will not bother her.
-When she goes back to the bar the next day to talk to the police about her friend that went missing, she describes how she simply went in a tank top with no bra. As she is sitting in the heat outside, the bartender brings her some water. She drinks about 3/4, then pours the rest over her head with some dribbling down her neck and chest. Then describes how all the men from the sheriff's department and park rangers, stare at her chest! Well, DUH! You have no bra and a tank top, and just poured water over yourself! 🙄🤦🏻‍♀️

But wait, there's more!

After all of this she decides to go visit her dad in his assisted living facility. When she gets there- still in the tank top and shorts, you guessed it! Her dad says "Hey, beautiful!"- BUT THEN- all his friends living in the facility make comments on her beauty with one of them asking her to sit on his lap!!!!!!!!
- Even the female deputy comments on how gorgeous she is, and asks why she want want to be in this small town because she is so beautiful! (What the heck does that have to do with where you live????)
🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮

At this point I just could not go on. So I got my long handled swifter and dusted the ceiling fans, the ceiling beams. Then (and I am not really a drinker) I got out the blackberry dessert wine that my husband uses for baking desserts, and drank a glass! (Usually I drink tea when I read- but if I was going to complete the challenge, I needed something stronger).

The other thing Cam is- a warrior beast, strong woman who doesn't take cr=p, AND knows how to drive a boat! Like really- it is described so much!

When she found a body the day before, there was an alligator getting ready to eat the floating victim. Well our heroine Cam finds a HARPOON gun spear thing in the boat. She has never shot the thing before- but miraculously- She is able to shoot that gator IN THE EYE!!! 🙄Because she is a bad🫏.

Then there is the "romance" aspect....
So Cam is this "strong, independent, BEAUTIFUL woman. But she will suddenly turn to mush at the sight of any semi attractive man in this story. But of course they ALL want her!

At this point I am going to finish this book. I will NOT let it defeat me and add to a DNF shelf!

I kept waiting for the mystery. There is so much time spent on unrelated stuff. The connection to the past is never really examined. The mystery really was a small part of the story, and not that surprising. I think THAT part could have been good if it had been developed more.

And I can see why at the beginning of the book, her boyfriend cheats on her (not that I condone that at all- but she is nauseating). I think he was annoyed by her, too!

So essentially, what I read was:
45% commentary on the (ridiculous) ideal of women's beauty being BLONDE and SEXY and TALL 🫦
40% on her being turned on by, well, muscles.💪🏻
15% Mystery

I am sorry- but I have always promised to be honest in my reviews. This wasn't even entertaining in a bad way. I also wish one of my GR friends would read it and let me know if I am losing the plot!!

Anyways, if you are still reading, thank you for staying with me on my "Ted-rant-talk". This was just so disappointing on so many levels.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm. This is, obviously, my honest and voluntary review!!

[Yvonne (It's All About Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finished reading: July 12th 2026

"I think about that weird little island on the map, the one with the ocean road, the whole time I walk home. I wonder what secret it's keeping? I hope they're reading to keep one more. Because I'm counting on it."

*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Storm Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***

REVIEW

I admit that I was sold as soon as I saw that Everglades setting. Then I read the blurb, and I was even more excited about Black Water Bones. I mean, the main character Cameron's missing mother years ago, body parts washing up after a tropical storm, Cameron's best friend going missing in the present... Talk about all the right ingredient for a perfect thriller cocktail! And while there were definitely a lot of things I loved in Black Water Bones, it was the main character and surprise romance that ended up letting me down.

So, Black Water Bones. First things first, and I have to say that the premise itself is fantastic. There are a lot of things in play in the plot, and I could appreciate how we only slowly started to learn more about what was really going on on the island. This story uses a dual POV structure, switching between Cameron and Natalie. I admit that it took me longer than expected to connect the two, but I did like what Natalie's POV added to the plot and it gave more insight in what is happening on the island. I definitely preferred her character over Cameron as well... Who ended up being one of the main reasons why this book didn't work as well for me personally.

Why do I say this about Cameron? First of all, there are SO many cliches involved when it comes to her character, and the constant repetition of just how hot and sexy she was got old fast. Her self-absorbed personality didn't really help either, and she sure makes the most stupid decisions. Also, why does she have to have not one, but THREE love interests in this book?! It was bad enough for the romance to pop up at all, as I'm never a fan of romantic suspense (especially when it comes as a surprise), but having so many men running after her just gave me the ick. And for someone who is supposed to be clever and be a true 'island girl' capable of protecting herself, she sure trusted strangers blindly no matter how many red flags popped up.

The mystery itself was so compelling, and it was such a shame for it to be completely overshadowed by the romance in parts. If you enjoy romantic suspense, you will probably have a different reaction to this balance, but for me personally it was a dealbreaker. Especially since the romance was more lust/insta-love than real connection, and especially since there were so many red flags. The thriller part of the plot also got quite over the top in the second half after certain things are revealed about what is really going on, and you definitely have to be able to suspend your disbelief in order to enjoy the direction Black Water Bones will take.

As a whole, there were things I liked in Black Water Bones and I can't deny that certain parts were very atmospheric with that Everglades setting. The plot went darker than expected, but I personally didn't mind as I can't deny that it had me hooked... It was such a shame about the romance and unlikeable main character though, as it ended up ruining the whole experience for me. Fans of romantic suspense will probably have a better time though.

[Ruthie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who moved from New York to Florida about 10 years ago, I may be a little biased when it comes to books set in Florida, but Black Water Bones completely immersed me in the Everglades. S. E. Reed's descriptions of the sweltering heat, thick humidity, mangroves, mosquitoes, and alligator-filled waters made me feel like I was right there alongside the characters. By the time I finished the book, I found myself wanting to visit Everglade City and Chokoloskee Island to experience the setting for myself...although I'll definitely be saving that trip for the winter!

This is more of a slow-burn, character-driven thriller than the fast-paced, twist-after-twist type of thriller, and lately I've realized I've really been enjoying books like that. The story is told through two POVs and multiple timelines, slowly peeling back the layers of the island's history and the people who call it home. The close-knit community, built by generations of the same families, has plenty of secrets, and it's clear from the beginning that the past still has a hold on everyone.

When Cameron returns home after a tropical storm uncovers human remains, she's forced to confront not only the decades-old disappearance of her mother, but also the long-buried secrets of the island. I really enjoyed how the author gradually revealed pieces of the past, giving just enough information along the way to keep me wanting to know what really happened.

I wouldn't go into this expecting constant jaw-dropping twists because that's not the kind of thriller this is. There are definitely twists along the way, but they're more subtle and naturally woven into the story than shocking for the sake of shock value. I was able to piece together parts of the mystery before the reveal, but that honestly didn't take away from my enjoyment. For me, this book was all about the atmosphere, the layered characters, and watching the past and the island's secrets slowly come to light.

Based on the overall vibe, I found myself wondering if there was going to be a supernatural element to the island, but that wasn't the direction the story took. Instead, it stays grounded in reality, and by the end, I felt that worked really well for this story. The suspense comes from the isolated Everglades setting, the unsettling history of the island, and the feeling that everyone knows more than they're willing to say. There were several moments that had me feeling genuinely uneasy—not because the book leans into horror, but because the situations felt believable and the tension kept quietly building.

Overall, Black Water Bones is an immersive, atmospheric thriller that blends family secrets, a close-knit island community, and a richly developed Florida setting into a story that kept me turning the pages. If you enjoy slow-burn thrillers with strong character development, multiple timelines, and a setting that feels like its own character, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up.

Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and S. E. Reed for providing me with an advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

★★★☆☆

I was really looking forward to picking this one up after reading S.E. Reed’s The First Wives last year and giving it four stars. I loved the writing style in her previous book, but unfortunately, the writing in Black Water Bones felt quite juvenile by comparison. It is a real shame because return-to-hometown thrillers set in small towns filled with dark secrets are usually right in my wheelhouse, and both the cover and the blurb had me immediately hooked.

The story follows Cameron St. Rose, who fled Chokoloskee Island years after her mother vanished into the mangroves when Cameron was just five years old. Now running a luxury spa on Florida’s coast, she is pulled back to the swampy secrets of her upbringing after a tropical storm washes up human remains. Returning home means running into her ex, reconnecting with her childhood best friend Michaela, and navigating an empty house. But when Michaela suddenly vanishes and the islanders close ranks in total silence, Cameron is determined to drag every hidden truth out of the mud—including what happened to her mother.

Without a doubt, the core mystery and the setting were the strongest elements of the book. Even when the plot began to lose its grip, the unfolding secrets and the eerie island backdrop kept me invested. The Everglades felt completely isolated, creepy, and unsettling, and the author did a fantastic job bringing Chokoloskee Island to life to build a constant sense of unease. I also appreciated that the ending took a few unexpected turns rather than opting for a neat, predictable resolution, even if it was not entirely satisfying.

Where the book lost me was the execution of the characters and dialogue. I found Cameron remarkably conceited—at one point she literally remarks on knowing she is a ten and knowing she is sexy, not to mention her choice to wear a blazer with nothing underneath to work. The attempt at regional dialogue felt really jarring as well; the heavy use of phrases like "I ain't wanting nothing to do with it" and double negatives did not match the rest of the narration and pulled me out of the story. Furthermore, every single interaction between Cameron and Sebastian felt plain bizarre, making it hard to care about how their relationship played out. Natalie's epilogue chapter also completely undid all of her character development up to that point.

Ultimately, this one just was not for me, despite having all the ingredients of a genre I usually love.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Margaret Agnew · Rating 3 out of 5]

S.E. Reed’s latest standalone Black Water Bones spends a lot of time in and around water. Heroine Cameron St. Rose has been away from her small hometown in Florida, Chokoloskee Island for a long time. Though she’s there to help with the search for body parts that appeared after a big storm, she’s also missed the place and especially her father’s airboat business. Cameron had a good childhood, though she still remembers the dark day her mother disappeared and she found a severed arm at the same time. This is part of the reason she immediately takes off from her fancy job in a spa to help.

The other part is soon to be ex-boyfriend Holden. He’s been working late with no explanation and was of course cheating on her. Holden works at the same spa, and was cheating with a fellow employee, so Cameron understandably needs some distance from the place. She quickly reconnects with her former home, with all the familiar faces, and falls back into step with best friend Michaela.

But things don’t stay calm and nostalgic for long. A full body turns up in the Everglades, and Michaela gets attacked late at night. She is beaten so badly she’s in a coma, leaving Cameron with no answers and a burning question about whether or not Michaela’s beating was connected to the bodies. Could her best friend have ended up loose parts for the gators to find, too?

The story is also told in two different time periods, with the back in time narration following Cameron’s mother. This was well done, as even though both points of view are first person, their style of talking was so different the reader could always tell who was who. Natalie St. Rose was a feisty character herself, and interesting to follow.

Black Water Bones is a ton of fun to read. There were few books I’ve ever read about people less like myself, and that was part of the charm. The mystery is good, though often the character descriptions were silly - most people are devastatingly attractive, and there are a heck of a lot of blue eyed blonds. Cameron often comes off as interested in both men and women, given how much she gushes about the hotness of people around her, and has between two and three (all male sadly) love interests before the end of the book. 

This is a cast that is unabashedly what they are. They’ve all dated, they’re all getting married after a month of knowing each other. With the strong mystery, and the less common setting, this book is absolutely worth the read. 

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up

I have such mixed feelings about this book. I requested it because the premise sounded so good! People dying in the Everglades, a mother-and-daughter dual timeline, and a whole lot of secrets? Sign me up.

Unfortunately, I had a really hard time getting into it. We start with Cam, who is a very self absorbed character. In the beginning, her beauty, how hot she is, and how every man wants her are mentioned constantly, which just wasn’t for me. She works at a spa and lives in a city but decides to leave that life behind after finding out her long term boyfriend has been cheating on her and returns to the small island in the Everglades where she grew up.

I also found it a little strange how calm Cam was while constantly stumbling across corpses and body parts. It just didn’t feel very realistic to me. On top of that, the constant flirting with every man she met started to get a bit repetitive.

The first half of the book felt much more like a family drama than a thriller, and I came very close to DNFing it more than once.
But I’m so glad I kept going.
After the halfway point, this book completely changed for me. It turned into such a wild ride, and every time I thought I had everything figured out, it threw another twist my way. I absolutely loved slowly peeling back the layers of the mystery, and the dual timelines worked so well. I also really enjoyed getting to know Cam’s mother, although I do wish we’d gotten a little more of her story.

The finale was absolutely insane. I genuinely never saw it coming, which is rare for me because I usually figure out thriller endings pretty early on. While some of the choices in the epilogue weren’t my favorite, the ending as a whole was incredibly satisfying.
Overall, despite my rocky start, I ended up really enjoying this book. I’d honestly love to reread it someday just to experience all of those twists again knowing what I know now.

Thanks you netgalley and storm publishing for the ARC.

[Eva Edge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black Water Bones by S.E. Reed is an atmospheric, lush, and deeply haunting psychological thriller that fully embraces the eerie, suffocating beauty of the Florida Everglades.

Set against the heavy heat and tense hush of the sweltering swamplands, the narrative follows a character-driven mystery told through two distinct timelines, each presented in alternating first-person perspectives. In the present, we follow Cameron as she returns to a small town where conversations abruptly die the moment she enters a room, while the past tracks her feisty, fascinating mother, Natalie, whose historical timeline holds the keys to a long-buried disappearance. The author handles this formatting quirk beautifully; despite both women sharing first-person narration, their unique voices and distinct speaking styles ensure the reader never loses their footing as the past and present blur seamlessly. However, while Natalie is an absolute joy to follow, Cameron is significantly harder to warm to, frequently coming across as overly self-absorbed with eye-roll-inducing internal thoughts that threaten to stall the reader's empathy.

The mystery surrounding the central family drama unfolds at a steady, deliberate pace, expertly blending local folklore with a pervasive sense of dread that rises straight out of the black water. While the pacing occasionally slows in the middle act, the suffocating atmosphere of the surrounding mangroves successfully maintains an undercurrent of danger. Defying typical genre tropes, the final act delivers a highly satisfying, unexpected climax that keeps the reader guessing, even if a couple of the smaller reveals are easy to spot in advance. Bringing its darkest secrets to the surface with chilling precision, this immersive ride easily earns 4 strong mystery stars.

[Bo.reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cover and Southern Everglades setting were what first drew me to Black Water Bones, and while the atmosphere was one of its strongest aspects, the overall story didn’t quite live up to the promise of its premise for me.

The Everglades was immersive, eerie, and vivid. Between the mangroves, island secrets, local folklore, and the mystery surrounding Cameron’s missing mother, there was plenty here to keep me intrigued. The prologue was also a strong start, and while parts of it felt more like chapter-one material, it ends on a hook that immediately makes you want to keep reading.

Unfortunately, I never really connected with Cameron. I find it difficult to warm to characters who come across as overly self-absorbed, and some of her internal thoughts had me rolling my eyes rather than rooting for her. There were also moments where the swearing felt excessive. I don’t mind strong language at all, but it was used so often that it eventually lost its impact and became more of a distraction.

The core mystery and setting were the strongest parts of this story. Even when the plot started to lose it's grip, the unfolding secrets and island backdrop kept me invested. The ending took a few unexpected turns, and while it wasn’t entirely satisfying, I appreciated that it didn’t go for a neat, predictable resolution.

All in all, this falls into decent-read territory for me. As this was my second time reading this author, I’m still glad I picked it up and I can absolutely see it working better for other readers. If you enjoy slow-burn suspense, haunting small-town settings, family secrets, and mysteries where the past refuses to stay buried, this may still be worth adding to your TBR.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Suesyn Zellmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cameron returns home to the Everglades when body parts start washing up again, just like they did when she was a little girl. She was raised on Chokoloskee Island and has to reorient herself to the small community lifestyle once more, as her current life is more glamorous. But the author really wants you to believe that you can’t take the feisty island spirit out of the girl, as Cam is gorgeous and successful, yet not too above driving an airboat and shooting gators. And apparently, swearing all the time when it’s unnecessary and just makes her unappealing. And then she constantly refers to her own beauty, which makes her even more unappealing. Who’s supposed to relate to a character like this?

So everyone’s searching for body parts, they find some, and then her best friend vanishes. No one seems to think it’s connected to the body parts. Cam gets the feeling everyone on the island knows some secrets she’s not privy to, and she can’t trust anyone. Besides her narrative, we also see from her mother’s perspective when she first came to town, and she’s mostly a caricature of uneducated white trash (her own words) who’s happy just being a wife and wanting to raise babies.

The story isn’t too suspenseful and reads more like a cozy mystery or even a romance because she falls for the hot, muscular guy she meets right after breaking up with her cheating boyfriend. And that’s about how seriously you can take the story, especially when it segues into a most dangerous swampy game. But I don’t think it’s supposed to be as campy and wacky as it is.

My thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the free advanced reading copy of this book.

[TrishAM · Rating 4 out of 5]

S.E Reed has written so much atmosphere into this story, the heat and humidity in the swamp was palpable, I could almost smell the swampy, black, alligator infested swamp water, I could see the reedy inlets where people could hide or get lost.
Cameron (Cami) had left Chokoloskee Island a few years ago, an island with a strange community of which her father was one of the foundling families. Cami was manager of a luxury Florida spa, she had caught her boyfriend cheating on her with the soux chef, she had heard disturbing rumours from the island where she was born, her mother had disappeared in the mangoes when Cami was five years old, her father now had Alzheimer's so she decided that it was time to spend a couple of weeks on Chokoloskee Island, would the island draw her back for good?
The rumours were true, human remains were being dragged from the swamps, Cami would use her fathers boat to help with the search for the rest of the body parts, the parts that hadn't been macerated by animals.
When Cami's best friend from childhood disappeared and was found later beaten unconscious, Cami was determined to find out what was happening in her home town, a town where everyone knew everyone.
This story follows Cami and the people of Chokoloskee Island as they try to trace a macabre killer but who could she trust ?
The author has created diverse, well rounded characters, each one of which I suspected at various parts of the story, I did guess some bits but by no means all of it, there were quite a few surprises, this is a great, if slightly macabre, story which had me turning pages.
Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is totally voluntary.

[The Chapter Belle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a big S.E. Reed fan, so I really wanted to love Black Water Bones, but this one ended up being just okay for me.

When Cameron St. Rose was five years old, her mother disappeared in the Everglades. Years later, Cameron is living the glamorous life her mother always dreamed of for her - until human remains surface from the swamps, forcing her to return to her tiny hometown of Chokoloskee Island. The story unfolds through dual timelines, following both Cameron and her mother, Natalie, as long-buried secrets begin to resurface.

One thing I really appreciated was how distinct the two main characters felt. Cameron and Natalie had completely different voices and personalities, which made the dual perspectives easy to follow.

Unfortunately, I never connected with Cameron. She came across as incredibly shallow and constantly seeking attention, and her fixation on men became frustrating. Three different love interests in a 300ish page thriller just wasn't for me.

The real standout here was the atmosphere. The Everglades felt eerie, isolated, and genuinely unsettling, and S.E. Reed did an excellent job bringing Chokoloskee Island to life. It created a constant sense of unease that kept me turning the pages.

If you enjoy family secrets, small-town mysteries, quick chapters, and a strong sense of place, Black Water Bones is a fast, popcorn-style thriller. While it wasn't a favorite of mine, I'd still recommend it to readers looking for an atmospheric mystery with a unique setting!

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC!

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely swept away by Black Water Bones. From the very first pages, S.E. Reed creates such a vivid sense of place that I could practically feel the humid air of the Everglades and see the dark waters and mangroves come to life. The atmosphere is rich, immersive, and absolutely perfect for a suspense-filled thriller.

What I loved most was how unpredictable the story was. Every time I thought I had figured out what was happening, the plot took another turn and proved me wrong. The twists kept coming, and I found myself constantly second-guessing my theories right up until the end. The dual timeline structure was handled beautifully, with the past and present storylines weaving together seamlessly and adding depth to both the mystery and the characters.

Cameron's return to Chokoloskee Island creates a compelling mix of family secrets, buried trauma, and present-day danger. The small-town setting, the dark history lurking beneath the surface, and the growing tension made it impossible to put down. Reed balances suspense, emotion, and psychological intrigue expertly, creating a story that is both gripping and deeply engaging.

Black Water Bones is an atmospheric, twist-filled thriller that kept me guessing from beginning to end. If you enjoy mysteries packed with secrets, strong settings, and plenty of surprises, this is one you won't want to miss.

Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and S.E. Reed for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second book to read by this author. My first being “The First Widows” that I absolutely loved. Reading the blurb for this book had me thinking this was going to be something completely different. I thought it was going to be more of a creepy, possible horror, mystery. Actually, this novel is actually not too far from my previous read in style. There is humor, romance, mystery, and a touch of psychological thriller.

“The First Widows” was a hands down 5-star novel. So why the 4-star for this one? The language is a bit over the top. Listen, if you read mystery/thriller genre, your gonna get some curse words. Some of this didn’t even really make sense, let alone a true sentence.

My other issue is one that I think was brilliantly pointed out by the actor Raine Wilson. He pointed out that Hollywood had gotten lazy in their writing of people of faith, particularly Christians. As he stated, if he saw someone was a Christian in a movie or tv series, he knew they were immediately the killer/bad guy. Reed does this in this novel. And to be honest, it’s just a worn-out trope. Reed’s writing is better than that.

Minor quibbles. The book is really good, but had an opportunity to be great.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ended up really enjoying Black Water Bones, even if it wasn't quite a five-star read for me. The premise completely pulled me in—a missing mother, a small island hiding decades of secrets, and the eerie Florida Everglades as the backdrop? Say less. The atmosphere was easily one of my favorite parts of the book. The Everglades felt so vivid and unsettling, and the short chapters made this a really quick, addictive read.

The second half was definitely my favorite. Once everything started falling into place, I couldn't stop reading. There were a few twists that genuinely caught me off guard, and I liked that the ending tied everything together in a satisfying way. I do wish we'd gotten a little more about the island's history and traditions because that was such an interesting part of the story, but it didn't take away from how invested I became in uncovering all the secrets.

Overall, this was an atmospheric, twisty thriller that kept me turning the pages. The setting alone makes it worth picking up, and if you enjoy Southern gothic mysteries, dual timelines, and stories full of family secrets, I think this one is definitely worth adding to your TBR. I'm giving it 3.75 stars—not quite a favorite, but still a really enjoyable read that I'm glad I picked up.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing this advanced readers copy!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Cameron St. Rose's mother vanished without a trace years ago, the mystery was never solved. Now living away from her hometown island, Cameron returns after a tropical storm washes body parts out of the Everglades. Determined to uncover the truth, she finds herself surrounded by secrets and long-buried mysteries.
I absolutely loved this book. It completely pulled me in, and I found myself thinking about it even when I wasn't reading. The characters felt so real, and I became deeply invested in their stories.
One of my favourite parts was the Everglades setting. Living in Australia, I knew very little about the Everglades before picking up this book, but I became so fascinated by it that I found myself researching it while reading. The atmosphere added so much to the story and made the mystery even more compelling.
This book had everything I look for in a read: mystery, suspense, and a touch of romance. It was addictive, steadily paced, and kept me turning the pages as I tried to piece together the island's secrets.
I'm genuinely sad it's over because I didn't want to leave this world behind. This was my first book by S.E. Reed, but it definitely won't be my last.
Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing.

[Adrian Dooley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately this one wasn’t for me. It should have been. It’s a genre I love and read most and the blurb sounded great.

Set in the Everglades in Florida, Black Water Bones is an atmospheric noir thriller, my main problem with the book was the central character Cameron. She is the central character and narrator in the book and well, she was just incredibly annoying throughout and not even in an interesting way. Seemingly totally self absorbed she flips between being incredibly strong willed and holding her own to seemingly going weak at the knees and throwing herself at any man with even a hint of a bicep. Like I found it hard to comprehend a woman wrote this female character. Not matter how good the book was or could be (and it wasn’t great) it’s just hard to get past such a poorly written and unbelievable character.

The story itself at its heart is pretty simple and small and you certainly feel a lot of repetition in the book. There’s huge chunks where not a lot happens and is just padded with rinse and repeat chapters( how many times do we have to go out and the airboat with Cam looking for more body parts!)

So in case you didn’t guess, I didn’t enjoy this one unfortunately. A hard miss.

Many thanks to the puny for the ARC through Netgalley.

[Mihaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley, S.E. Reed and Storm Publishing for the ARC.

My rating: 3.8⭐️

A gothic thriller set in the Everglades, split between the POVs of Cam and Natalie. Natalie's story was immersing and so captivating, making me wish there was more of her perspective. Meanwhile, Cam's side of the story failed to captivate me, or even care for her as a person. We barely knew anything about her personality, spending too much time in a repetitive cycle of 'he's attractive/not gonna happen'.

The description of the Everglades though, in both POVs, was captivating and alive. It almost felt like I was going with them on the airboat, seeing the same stuff as them. It felt like one wrong step, and it would swallow me alive.

The twists were ok, pretty easy to guess, and it took a while until the suspense would come linger over the character's backs, dragging both us and them in the plot. There was no chemistry between either of the characters, and most interactions seemed awkward and stand-offish, even between friends.

It is a good read, especially if you like descriptions of the Everglade, just have patience until the suspense manages to set in. The suspense is not as catchy, but it ruffles your feathers here and there, leaving your heartbeat skip at certain moments.

[Beth Von Voigt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cameron is the manager of spa on the coast of Florida not far from her home of Chokoloskee Island. She’s yearning to return home when she gets word that human remains have surfaced on the island and jumps at the chance to help in the search. She reunites with her childhood best friend only to discover that she soon after goes missing. It brings back so many memories of when her mother went missing when she was a little girl. She will stop at nothing to find out what happened to Michaela and what secrets are being kept by the island.

This book was outstanding. The only reason for the 4.5 star review is that it was a bit weird how the FMC just seemed very casual about the finding of body parts on the island. It made the story a bit less believable for me. Otherwise, it was a great read and the storyline was original which is hard to find anymore. I loved the subtle details dropped throughout the book that lead to more information being discovered at the end of the story. I also loved the hometown connection between the characters and the close knit feel of the community. The island’s secrets added so much to the mysterious vibe and the ending wasn’t obvious. *Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!

[Lisa Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Scarlett Press for the advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

Black Water Bones is an atmospheric thriller that fully embraces the eerie beauty of the Florida Everglades. The setting is easily the novel’s strongest character lush, haunting, and filled with an underlying sense of danger that kept me turning the pages.

The mystery surrounding the disappearance at the heart of the story unfolds at a steady pace, with enough twists and secrets to keep me invested. I also appreciated how the author blended family drama, local folklore, and suspense without losing sight of the emotional core of the novel.

While I enjoyed the journey, there were moments where the pacing slowed, and I would have liked a bit more depth from a few of the secondary characters. The ending was satisfying, even if I guessed a couple of reveals before they happened.

Overall, this is an immersive, suspenseful read with a vivid sense of place that thriller fans especially those who enjoy Southern Gothic vibes, nature-forward mysteries, and slow-burn suspense will likely enjoy. I look forward to reading more from S.E. Reed.

[Cin (cinsnextchapter) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have absolutely LOVED every book I’ve read from S.E. Reed! This is the third thriller I’ve read from her, and once again I was completely wowed. Black Water Bones is set in the Florida Everglades in and around Chokoloskee Island. I actually lived not too far from there for a couple of years as a kid in the early '90s, so it was really cool to see places like Homestead and the Tamiami Trail mentioned throughout the story.

When body parts begin turning up in the Everglades, Cameron returns to Chokoloskee Island with her father's airboat to help search for more human remains. Before long, the investigation becomes deeply personal when her best friend, Michaela, is attacked. Cameron's own mother disappeared from the island when she was just a child, leaving behind questions that were never answered. As if that wasn't enough, there are whispered stories about a mysterious Lady in White wandering the Everglades. Could all of these mysteries somehow be connected?

The tension in this book was almost nonstop, and I felt fully invested in Cameron’s story from beginning to end. This was a total page-turner, and the Florida Everglades setting made it the PERFECT summer read! Another easy 5 stars for me!