What do you think?
Alexandra Mallory #2
The Woman In the Water
When the punishment doesn't fit the crime...
...someone has to die.
Alexandra is obsessed with the spectacular house next door to the tiny cabin she and Jared are sharing.
The odd behavior of the owners piques Alexandra's curiosity.
Her envy of the house turns to an obsession with its occupants.
An obsession to discover exactly what they're hiding.
Before she can discover the truth, a woman's body washes up on a nearby beach, and Jared's fixation with the circumstances of her death threatens to expose Alexandra.
When Alexandra uncovers the terrible secrets next door, she is forced to confront the menace lurking within.
An unsettling thriller with a taut narrative that keeps you guessing. If you were captivated by The Woman In the Mirror, you'll love The Woman In the Water.
Pick up a copy and continue reading Alexandra's story of obsession and revenge today, you won't be able to stop.
Book Two: The Alexandra Mallory psychological suspense series.
...someone has to die.
Alexandra is obsessed with the spectacular house next door to the tiny cabin she and Jared are sharing.
The odd behavior of the owners piques Alexandra's curiosity.
Her envy of the house turns to an obsession with its occupants.
An obsession to discover exactly what they're hiding.
Before she can discover the truth, a woman's body washes up on a nearby beach, and Jared's fixation with the circumstances of her death threatens to expose Alexandra.
When Alexandra uncovers the terrible secrets next door, she is forced to confront the menace lurking within.
An unsettling thriller with a taut narrative that keeps you guessing. If you were captivated by The Woman In the Mirror, you'll love The Woman In the Water.
Pick up a copy and continue reading Alexandra's story of obsession and revenge today, you won't be able to stop.
Book Two: The Alexandra Mallory psychological suspense series.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2016
About the author
Cathryn Grant
88 books452 followersCathryn is the author of over forty novels. She writes psychological thrillers, psychological suspense, and the ALEXANDRA MALLORY series which features a sociopath you can’t help but love. Readers say they're “absolutely addicted” to the series.
The things that cause torment in real life—obsession and revenge, guilt and envy and longing—are endlessly fascinating in fiction and she never grows tired of writing stories about characters struggling to overcome the worst.
Cathryn also writes ghost stories because who knows what lies beyond our senses—The Haunted Ship Trilogy and the Madison Keith series of novellas.
When she’s not writing, she’s usually reading, walking on the beach, or playing golf, going way out of her way to avoid hitting her ball in the sand or the water. She lives on the Central California Coast with her husband and her cat, Cleopatra.
You can get in touch with her by email, find her social media links, or sign up for her monthly newsletter at cathryngrant.com/contact. As a thank you for signing up, you’ll receive a free short story about Alexandra Mallory.
The things that cause torment in real life—obsession and revenge, guilt and envy and longing—are endlessly fascinating in fiction and she never grows tired of writing stories about characters struggling to overcome the worst.
Cathryn also writes ghost stories because who knows what lies beyond our senses—The Haunted Ship Trilogy and the Madison Keith series of novellas.
When she’s not writing, she’s usually reading, walking on the beach, or playing golf, going way out of her way to avoid hitting her ball in the sand or the water. She lives on the Central California Coast with her husband and her cat, Cleopatra.
You can get in touch with her by email, find her social media links, or sign up for her monthly newsletter at cathryngrant.com/contact. As a thank you for signing up, you’ll receive a free short story about Alexandra Mallory.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 6, 2026
Ich habe zu dem Buch gegriffen, weil ich die Ausgangslage ziemlich spannend fand: Du wachst in deinen Flitterwochen auf, aber neben dir liegt ein fremder Mann. Dein Ehemann ist verschwunden und das schlimmste: Niemand will dir glauben.
Der Anfang ist auch spannend, man möchte herausfinden, was vor sich geschieht und tappt lange Zeit im dunkeln. Seltsame Dinge passieren und irgendwie kann man echt nicht einordnen: Wer ist gut? Wer ist böse? Und wem kann man glauben? Kann man Chelsea überhaupt selbst glauben? Oder wird sich wirklich langsam verrückt und der Mann ist doch ihr Ehemann?
Zur Mitte hin zieht sich der Thriller etwas, weil man sich etwas im Kreis dreht, aber sobald etwas mehr von der Backstory kommt (und vor allem die anderen POVs als Chelseas) wurde es wieder spannend und ich hab echt mitgefiebert. Gerade das Entdecken der Backstory hat echt Spaß gemacht.
Den Haupttwist am Ende habe ich tatsächlich schon kommen sehen, aber es waren noch einige Details dabei, die mich dann doch überrascht haben.
Im Ganzem ein guter Thriller für zwischendurch. Aber es wird wirklich viel Alkohol drin getrunken :D
Vielen Dank an NetGalley & Bookouture für das Rezensionsexemplar!
July 17, 2019
This is the second in this series and I liked it better than the first.
Alexandra is still the same self centred, avenging, manipulative, person from the first book. In this case, her attention is focused on the family in the big house. The cabin, that Alex and Jared have rented, belongs to the owners of this house and shares some common outdoor space.
As the story unfolds we find out more about her childhood and upbringing. This does go part way to explaining who she is and why she is like this. She continues to work in the same place and uses her wiles to continue to bend her boss, Tess, to her way of thinking.
As before, the story is told from different POV, and in different time periods. There are new characters, Hal, Deborah, and a mysterious “other” in the fascinating house next door. The writing is very good and the characters interesting.
When Alex discovers the secret of the mystery guest, she decides it is up to her to mete out justice. She plans her punishment and carries it out, in spite of the intimate living arrangements with Jared.
The reason I liked this book better than the first is because Jared finally grows a back bone, realizes she is not going to change, and leaves to go and pursue his own goals.
Alexandra is still the same self centred, avenging, manipulative, person from the first book. In this case, her attention is focused on the family in the big house. The cabin, that Alex and Jared have rented, belongs to the owners of this house and shares some common outdoor space.
As the story unfolds we find out more about her childhood and upbringing. This does go part way to explaining who she is and why she is like this. She continues to work in the same place and uses her wiles to continue to bend her boss, Tess, to her way of thinking.
As before, the story is told from different POV, and in different time periods. There are new characters, Hal, Deborah, and a mysterious “other” in the fascinating house next door. The writing is very good and the characters interesting.
When Alex discovers the secret of the mystery guest, she decides it is up to her to mete out justice. She plans her punishment and carries it out, in spite of the intimate living arrangements with Jared.
The reason I liked this book better than the first is because Jared finally grows a back bone, realizes she is not going to change, and leaves to go and pursue his own goals.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2020
The story continues...
Book two in this series, and we get to see a little bit darker side of our sociopathic murderess. Book one glorified Alexandria, making her seem almost sane. This book opened the door to her darkness. Her thoughts revealed her coldness and her disconnect from other people. A character who is around her a lot becomes uneasy when she stares at him for two hours, hardly blinking. Her manipulation of other people is What she obviously lives for. That, and getting what she wants.
And yet this book, like book one, isn't a chilling horror story, it's actually kind of fun. It's still understandable why Alex does what she does. I suspect many would admire her work life antics and strategies.
This book began telling about Alexandria's childhood, which I found interesting.
This would probably make a good enough standalone story. I read it to continue with the story after book one. This book picks up exactly where the last book left off.
I will definitely be reading more books in this series.
Book two in this series, and we get to see a little bit darker side of our sociopathic murderess. Book one glorified Alexandria, making her seem almost sane. This book opened the door to her darkness. Her thoughts revealed her coldness and her disconnect from other people. A character who is around her a lot becomes uneasy when she stares at him for two hours, hardly blinking. Her manipulation of other people is What she obviously lives for. That, and getting what she wants.
And yet this book, like book one, isn't a chilling horror story, it's actually kind of fun. It's still understandable why Alex does what she does. I suspect many would admire her work life antics and strategies.
This book began telling about Alexandria's childhood, which I found interesting.
This would probably make a good enough standalone story. I read it to continue with the story after book one. This book picks up exactly where the last book left off.
I will definitely be reading more books in this series.
January 19, 2018
I kind of liked the first book in this series- THE WOMAN IN THE MIRROR... Yes, Alexandra was a self centered, selfish, clearly damaged woman, but Cathryn Grant at least let the reader understand why Alexandra was killing who she killed and why she lied to get what she wanted at the drop of the hat. While she was nowhere near a sympathetic figure, I did not walk away hating her.
Then came THE WOMAN IN THE WATER and, well Alexandra was still leading Jared The Wimp around by the nose and killing whomever irritated her. While "The Gifford Rapist" and his Mom were far from outstanding human specimens, killing them was really ridiculous and the way it was done even more ridiculous. And Hal the father? I disliked him the most.
I had already downloaded THE WOMAN IN THE PICTURE on my Kindle before reading this one, so I'll give it a try- But THE WOMAN IN THE WATER was NOT a good read.
Then came THE WOMAN IN THE WATER and, well Alexandra was still leading Jared The Wimp around by the nose and killing whomever irritated her. While "The Gifford Rapist" and his Mom were far from outstanding human specimens, killing them was really ridiculous and the way it was done even more ridiculous. And Hal the father? I disliked him the most.
I had already downloaded THE WOMAN IN THE PICTURE on my Kindle before reading this one, so I'll give it a try- But THE WOMAN IN THE WATER was NOT a good read.
July 31, 2018
72. The Woman In the Water; (Alexandra Mallory Book 2); by Cathryn Grant; (2 1/2*); kindle; bk 2; KINDLE LIBRARY; NOIR; (JUNE 2018)
Not so good as the first book of this series. I found myself bogged down & trapped within the confines of Alex's mind. Did not like it there! She makes too many easy excuses for her behavior in this second book. Several of Grant's characters that I enjoyed (?) in the first book became too whinny & manipulative in this outing, IMHO.
Not so good as the first book of this series. I found myself bogged down & trapped within the confines of Alex's mind. Did not like it there! She makes too many easy excuses for her behavior in this second book. Several of Grant's characters that I enjoyed (?) in the first book became too whinny & manipulative in this outing, IMHO.
December 21, 2023
I love this author and several of her books have been highly rated by me. But for me the jury is out on Alexandra Mallory. At first I found her intriguing and I liked her in the first book in this series. But in this one, she just comes across as petulant, arrogant and someone who thinks her form of justice is the right one.
I may be out on the rest of this series which is unfortunate because there are so many books. I will try the third in the series to see if it's more palatable.
I may be out on the rest of this series which is unfortunate because there are so many books. I will try the third in the series to see if it's more palatable.
August 3, 2022
shocking and disturbing!
Alexandra is definitely someone you want to stay away from! I recommend you start with the first book in the series. You need to be a part of her life from the beginning. Her thought process is fascinating and disturbing! she takes revenge to a whole new level. She not only gets revenge for things done to her, but she has taken it upon herself to get revenge for others, whether they want it or not. I am not giving this book the justice it deserves, I am simply telling you, read it!
Alexandra is definitely someone you want to stay away from! I recommend you start with the first book in the series. You need to be a part of her life from the beginning. Her thought process is fascinating and disturbing! she takes revenge to a whole new level. She not only gets revenge for things done to her, but she has taken it upon herself to get revenge for others, whether they want it or not. I am not giving this book the justice it deserves, I am simply telling you, read it!
March 25, 2019
Read it!!!
Excellent novel it's twisty, sexy, smart and keeps you guessing through parts of it.
. I recommend this series. I enjoyed this story, Alex is brilliant i love her. I wish I could be just like her in some ways.
This is my second reading of the series and I love it.
Excellent novel it's twisty, sexy, smart and keeps you guessing through parts of it.
. I recommend this series. I enjoyed this story, Alex is brilliant i love her. I wish I could be just like her in some ways.
This is my second reading of the series and I love it.
August 13, 2021
I almost enjoyed this second book in the series more than the first - which is saying something because I definitely enjoyed the first as well. The suspense and build up is great yet the story isn’t overly dark and serious the entire time. Can’t wait to dive into the third book!
February 27, 2022
Great Sequel!
I loved the first book and this was a great second book in the series! Some of the conversations are irritating, in the way that everyone seems to have the same voice, but it didn’t altogether diminish my enjoyment of this story.
I loved the first book and this was a great second book in the series! Some of the conversations are irritating, in the way that everyone seems to have the same voice, but it didn’t altogether diminish my enjoyment of this story.
May 7, 2022
This is my second Cathryn Grant book in a week. Just as with the first, it is a, keep you guessing, can’t put it down, page turner. I never expected the ending. She’s made a fan of me and I’m starting the first in her list of books.
May 13, 2018
A fascinating and avenging sociopath!
July 29, 2020
Delicious
I really loved this one. We have some back story about our budding, no blooming psychopath. Alex is more and more fascinating. Jared finally reclaimed himself.
I really loved this one. We have some back story about our budding, no blooming psychopath. Alex is more and more fascinating. Jared finally reclaimed himself.
September 1, 2020
Addictive
What can I say I’m addicted to these books! Couldn’t read it fast enough! Definitely starting her next book right away!!!
What can I say I’m addicted to these books! Couldn’t read it fast enough! Definitely starting her next book right away!!!
May 14, 2021
Waste of Time
Don't know why I stuck it through to the end on this book. The whole story line is rather boring. The worst is the sudden ending.
Don't know why I stuck it through to the end on this book. The whole story line is rather boring. The worst is the sudden ending.
March 8, 2022
This book was better than the last one. However get rid of the Bombs.
May 3, 2023
Alexandra Mallory character: favourite sociopath ever.
The story plays a secondary role and it’s a bit, well, in the background - luckily.
The story plays a secondary role and it’s a bit, well, in the background - luckily.
January 17, 2024
I don’t like the main character Alex at all and will not read any more books which feature her.
July 23, 2024
Good book. These books will stay with you! Enjoy!
October 14, 2016
Interesting read
Well this book was definitely different. Especially reading from the point of view of a sociopath. I can appreciate the views of the real event that happened in this book.
Well this book was definitely different. Especially reading from the point of view of a sociopath. I can appreciate the views of the real event that happened in this book.
June 13, 2019
I have read two in this series and dislike the protagonist even more now. Wow. Can you say man hater? Sooo predictable. Meet man. Hate man. Kill man. And any woman tied to him. A wee bit mystery exists in the "how" and the "when," hence the 2-star instead of 1.
February 15, 2017
This series is like chocolate; I can't get enough of it
These books are mesmerizing. The character of Alexandra is enticing and I eagerly look forward to each new novel. Her brand of vigilantism is intriguing; much like the show Dexter but focused on misogynistic men and weak women who support their stance.
This particular novel-the third in the series, introduced a new, unforeseen facet of one of the main characters that was not anticipated as well as a new character that could definitely add another intriguing dimension to future novels.
I can't wait for the next release!
These books are mesmerizing. The character of Alexandra is enticing and I eagerly look forward to each new novel. Her brand of vigilantism is intriguing; much like the show Dexter but focused on misogynistic men and weak women who support their stance.
This particular novel-the third in the series, introduced a new, unforeseen facet of one of the main characters that was not anticipated as well as a new character that could definitely add another intriguing dimension to future novels.
I can't wait for the next release!
October 14, 2020
Slower read
It took me a couple of tries to finish this book. I usually devour anything that Cathryn Grant writes. I'm not sure why this book was different. It wasn't until I got to the near end that I felt my usual admiration for the author. The way the loose ends came together was brilliant and believable.
The book had all the trademarks of a Cathryn Grant story, and I found our sociopath Alexandra to still be quite likable. Eventually I will finish the long series of books about her (mis)adventures.
It took me a couple of tries to finish this book. I usually devour anything that Cathryn Grant writes. I'm not sure why this book was different. It wasn't until I got to the near end that I felt my usual admiration for the author. The way the loose ends came together was brilliant and believable.
The book had all the trademarks of a Cathryn Grant story, and I found our sociopath Alexandra to still be quite likable. Eventually I will finish the long series of books about her (mis)adventures.
July 31, 2018
76. The Woman in the Painting by Cathryn Grant; (3*); kindle;
bk 3; NOIR; (JUNE 2018)
Although these suburban noir by Grant are just so-so, I do find them rather fascinating. This 3rd one was a bit different from the first 2 as the dastardly deeds were held off until rather close to the book's end.
I think I would prefer the entire story being told by Alex as opposed to the 3 as it is here in this tale. But I am sure I will still be picking up the 4th in a short amount of time.
bk 3; NOIR; (JUNE 2018)
Although these suburban noir by Grant are just so-so, I do find them rather fascinating. This 3rd one was a bit different from the first 2 as the dastardly deeds were held off until rather close to the book's end.
I think I would prefer the entire story being told by Alex as opposed to the 3 as it is here in this tale. But I am sure I will still be picking up the 4th in a short amount of time.
September 28, 2016
Unsettling thriller
I enjoyed every sentence of this novel, despite the main character's total lack of empathy. Indeed, she was captivating because she is so different from the people I know. Or is she? Grant weaves a taut narrative that keeps you guessing - sometimes I was right, sometimes I wasn't. Can't wait to read another one of Grant's other novels next.
I enjoyed every sentence of this novel, despite the main character's total lack of empathy. Indeed, she was captivating because she is so different from the people I know. Or is she? Grant weaves a taut narrative that keeps you guessing - sometimes I was right, sometimes I wasn't. Can't wait to read another one of Grant's other novels next.
June 4, 2017
From a true reader:
This book is excellent. A real page Turner, kept my attention throughout. Please keep them coming !
Truly great writing. Thank you. Please keep them coming.
To anyone who hasn't read this author , you have to catchup!
This book is excellent. A real page Turner, kept my attention throughout. Please keep them coming !
Truly great writing. Thank you. Please keep them coming.
To anyone who hasn't read this author , you have to catchup!
May 7, 2019
Read this novel
I love this series. The strong woman in these novels are just amazing and interesting, it's a great series of books. I can't wait to read the next one! Im so happy to have discovered Cathnryn Grant. Please keep writing and I'll keep reading.
I love this series. The strong woman in these novels are just amazing and interesting, it's a great series of books. I can't wait to read the next one! Im so happy to have discovered Cathnryn Grant. Please keep writing and I'll keep reading.
July 31, 2020
Tantalizing!
Some new characters, even alive at the end, except for...well, you'll have to find out.
I love the way Cathryn Grant tells a story and Alex is such an interesting character. As is Tess and Jen. I love the chapters that take us back to the making of Alexandra.
Some new characters, even alive at the end, except for...well, you'll have to find out.
I love the way Cathryn Grant tells a story and Alex is such an interesting character. As is Tess and Jen. I love the chapters that take us back to the making of Alexandra.
September 10, 2020
Another great read
This was a great novel! I read it through in one sitting because I just couldn’t put it down! I kinda figured out the plot half way through but it was so intriguing to see how the whole devious plot unfolded! I am currently reading more of this authors works!
This was a great novel! I read it through in one sitting because I just couldn’t put it down! I kinda figured out the plot half way through but it was so intriguing to see how the whole devious plot unfolded! I am currently reading more of this authors works!
August 17, 2021
Another fun read in this series and it’s equally compelling as the first two books! I love how easy these are to get lost in - you can easily spend hours reading without realizing how much time has passed because you feel like you’re in another world. I can’t wait to start the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews