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Shallow Water
“It’s like reading Gillian Flynn with a romance.” - Berkeley Publishing.
It’s been eight years since Clara left her suffocating hometown of Pt. Redwood on California’s rural Mendocino coast.
She swore she’d never go back. Not after what happened graduation night.
When her estranged mother suffers a stroke, Clara has no choice but to return, coming face-to face with her traumatic past—including her best friend’s unsolved murder and Sean, the love she abandoned.
When another young girl is found dead—her death identical to that of the eight-year-old cold case—Clara and Sean find themselves at the center of the investigation and wading through the trenches of their own psychological damage.
★★★★★ “A brilliant mystery that had me at the edge of my seat!”
★★★★★ "Fans of Gillian Flynn's Sharp Objects will love Shallow Water."
★★★★★ “Nail-biting and steamy. Clara and Sean are complex characters you really route for.”
★★★★★ "You will fall in love with Clara. She's raw, both tough and tender, and unapologetically bad ass.
It’s been eight years since Clara left her suffocating hometown of Pt. Redwood on California’s rural Mendocino coast.
She swore she’d never go back. Not after what happened graduation night.
When her estranged mother suffers a stroke, Clara has no choice but to return, coming face-to face with her traumatic past—including her best friend’s unsolved murder and Sean, the love she abandoned.
When another young girl is found dead—her death identical to that of the eight-year-old cold case—Clara and Sean find themselves at the center of the investigation and wading through the trenches of their own psychological damage.
★★★★★ “A brilliant mystery that had me at the edge of my seat!”
★★★★★ "Fans of Gillian Flynn's Sharp Objects will love Shallow Water."
★★★★★ “Nail-biting and steamy. Clara and Sean are complex characters you really route for.”
★★★★★ "You will fall in love with Clara. She's raw, both tough and tender, and unapologetically bad ass.
- GenresMysteryRomantic Suspense
362 pages, Unknown Binding
Published November 28, 2018
407 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Amanda J. Clay
18 books80 followersAmanda J. Clay writes gripping mysteries and thrillers with complex, unforgettable characters designed to keep you up all night.
A Northern California native, she had a fantastic time studying English and Journalism in the foothills of the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains and then a very serious time slaving away for a Master’s degree in sunny Southern California. When she’s not staring at a computer screen, she spends most of her spare time plotting world adventures.
She currently lives in Nashville, TN with her dashing, real-life hero of a husband, who inspires her villains and heroes alike.
She's wanted to be a writer since before she could hold a pencil and considers herself the luckiest girl in the world to be living her dream.
She is proudly represented by Melissa Edwards of Stonesong Literary Agency.
Follow her on IG @amandajclayauthor
A Northern California native, she had a fantastic time studying English and Journalism in the foothills of the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains and then a very serious time slaving away for a Master’s degree in sunny Southern California. When she’s not staring at a computer screen, she spends most of her spare time plotting world adventures.
She currently lives in Nashville, TN with her dashing, real-life hero of a husband, who inspires her villains and heroes alike.
She's wanted to be a writer since before she could hold a pencil and considers herself the luckiest girl in the world to be living her dream.
She is proudly represented by Melissa Edwards of Stonesong Literary Agency.
Follow her on IG @amandajclayauthor
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 30, 2019
The 1st POV is always a negative and it took numerous attempts before I actually read this one. The first part of the novel was a huge negative and the main character of Clara was not endearing. Also didn't enjoy that Sean kept seeing Tabby and Clara at the same time. And the psycho plot was not believable.
With the last few reads, I'm in desperate need of a good, solid read.
With the last few reads, I'm in desperate need of a good, solid read.
November 29, 2018
I loved this! So well written, I felt like I was there. Could not put down this book! Highly recommend.
May 20, 2020
An amazing shorter story that has you gripped and wondering what happens. Clara left home to get away from everything. Unfortunately for her , she has to go back. Don’t miss out.
August 28, 2019
This book is full of mystery and suspense with a lot of twists and turns so that I was kept guessing. I thought the whole story was intriguing from start to finish. The author has written a lot of depth to the main characters and they certainly are not perfect, but they are realistic. There are some steamy scenes so be prepared for that, not a problem for me but some of the reviewers seem objectionable to it. I liked the book and think the author did a good job.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 12, 2019
I generally do not downgrade stars for not being my type of book. This book was well-written and the story intriguing but geez, a little warning about the pornographic scenes would have at least given me what I needed to decide if I wanted to read this book. I did not expect this from the description of the book. Otherwise, this book would have been 5-star with the basic story and the smut removed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 13, 2019
This is my first book by this author, I enjoyed I it from beginning to end. It is a well written story that has edge of your seat suspense. The characters made the story seem real. Clara is a great character. She is troubled with her past but despite that she is strong and determined. I loved her and Sean together, I couldn't wait to see if they would end up together and if they would figure out the mystery behind the missing girls. I highly recommend this book.
December 5, 2018
Great Story
I couldn't put this story down & it nearly killed me to leave it alone and go to work! I did guess 2 of the guilty parties but definitely not the 3rd. Great story, I'm a huge fan of Amanda J. Clay's story telling.
I couldn't put this story down & it nearly killed me to leave it alone and go to work! I did guess 2 of the guilty parties but definitely not the 3rd. Great story, I'm a huge fan of Amanda J. Clay's story telling.
September 6, 2019
A good book. I had a difficult time putting the book down. Someone was killing girls and I thought that I solved the mystery as to who that person was only to be blown out of the water. Surprise, surprise.
August 7, 2019
Could not put it down
I was hooked from the first page. This is the first I have read from this author and I will be looking out for if her books to read
I was hooked from the first page. This is the first I have read from this author and I will be looking out for if her books to read
July 11, 2019
Definitely didnt see that coming
Definitely didnt see that coming !. I love a book that keeps you guessing which this really does! A mystery and murderer in a small town but an unlikely murderer.
Definitely didnt see that coming !. I love a book that keeps you guessing which this really does! A mystery and murderer in a small town but an unlikely murderer.
March 9, 2019
Shallow Water
is a nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat story that has a bit of everything. From tension, fear, and panic to drama, romance and conflict, and joy and sorrow, there really is something for everyone. It is a suspenseful, psychological thriller fiction novel set in wonderfully scenic Pt. Redwood on California’s rural Mendocino coast.
What’s really likeable about it straight-away are the opening chapters that draw you into the main character, Clara Kendrick. She is a strong, feisty, sexy, confident, badass, journalist, but is living her life under the shadow of the past. She partially blames herself for the terrible unsolved murder of her best friend Ruthi eight years ago, memories of which continue to haunt her.
Clara receives a telephone call from a relative begging her to go and visit her sick mother who she hasn't seen since she fled from her home town all those years ago. She can't bear the thought of seeing her first-love and old flame Sean again. Relationships are put to the test when she does return and past issues are brought to the fore.
But not long into her return to Pt. Redwood, another teenage girl is found on the beach in similar circumstances to Ruthi. Clara and Sean find themselves at the centre of the investigation. Is there a serial killer at large, or is the second murder a coincidence?
I felt instantly on her side of the emotional and impulsive Clara, particularly in her initial dealings with Sean, her handsome, bad-boy first-love. You can immediately sense there is something still going on, and one of the highlights of the book is following how they deal with their emotional baggage. Sean is, at first, hard to work out but you gradually get to know him as the story unfolds and see that he has many surprising qualities. Both the plot and the character development are excellent, and the story-line is very believable. The story is both captivating and engaging. It held my interest from start to finish, and I found myself rooting for both Sean and Clara as they tried to deal with all of the accusations being made against them and the courage they showed in confronting their challenges.
Shallow Water was an interesting novel particularly for the interplay of the different characters - a distant and indifferent mother, a group of exceptionally bitchy grown-up teenagers and a judgemental, close-knit community. Plenty of twists and turns ups and downs along the way and plenty of surprises. I loved the authors writing style which I found very easy to read and the suspense at times had me scared and almost afraid to read on. I loved it!
I did figure out who was behind the murders but not until very near the climax of the book and I was very satisfied with the ending. I have been inspired to read more from Amanda J. Clay and I highly recommend this book. I suggest wholeheartedly that you add it to your reading list.
Thank you to LibraryThing and the author, Amanda J. Clay for a free ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary, honest review.
What’s really likeable about it straight-away are the opening chapters that draw you into the main character, Clara Kendrick. She is a strong, feisty, sexy, confident, badass, journalist, but is living her life under the shadow of the past. She partially blames herself for the terrible unsolved murder of her best friend Ruthi eight years ago, memories of which continue to haunt her.
Clara receives a telephone call from a relative begging her to go and visit her sick mother who she hasn't seen since she fled from her home town all those years ago. She can't bear the thought of seeing her first-love and old flame Sean again. Relationships are put to the test when she does return and past issues are brought to the fore.
But not long into her return to Pt. Redwood, another teenage girl is found on the beach in similar circumstances to Ruthi. Clara and Sean find themselves at the centre of the investigation. Is there a serial killer at large, or is the second murder a coincidence?
I felt instantly on her side of the emotional and impulsive Clara, particularly in her initial dealings with Sean, her handsome, bad-boy first-love. You can immediately sense there is something still going on, and one of the highlights of the book is following how they deal with their emotional baggage. Sean is, at first, hard to work out but you gradually get to know him as the story unfolds and see that he has many surprising qualities. Both the plot and the character development are excellent, and the story-line is very believable. The story is both captivating and engaging. It held my interest from start to finish, and I found myself rooting for both Sean and Clara as they tried to deal with all of the accusations being made against them and the courage they showed in confronting their challenges.
Shallow Water was an interesting novel particularly for the interplay of the different characters - a distant and indifferent mother, a group of exceptionally bitchy grown-up teenagers and a judgemental, close-knit community. Plenty of twists and turns ups and downs along the way and plenty of surprises. I loved the authors writing style which I found very easy to read and the suspense at times had me scared and almost afraid to read on. I loved it!
I did figure out who was behind the murders but not until very near the climax of the book and I was very satisfied with the ending. I have been inspired to read more from Amanda J. Clay and I highly recommend this book. I suggest wholeheartedly that you add it to your reading list.
Thank you to LibraryThing and the author, Amanda J. Clay for a free ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary, honest review.
June 24, 2019
This was a new author for me, and I'm completely hooked. I could NOT put this book down! Fantastic writing, compelling characters, and a page-turning plot with twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. Will definitely read more of this author's books. Highly recommend!
December 11, 2018
Pleasantly surprised
This book kept my attention, I looked forward to reading it each day, and it kept me guessing who the killer was. Although I figured it out a bit before the reveal. The opening sentence of the book definitely grabbed my attention, but not in a good way. Some things felt forced, and it took a bit for the story to work out its kinks and build, but overall I was pleasantly surprised.
This book kept my attention, I looked forward to reading it each day, and it kept me guessing who the killer was. Although I figured it out a bit before the reveal. The opening sentence of the book definitely grabbed my attention, but not in a good way. Some things felt forced, and it took a bit for the story to work out its kinks and build, but overall I was pleasantly surprised.
December 15, 2018
A good read, the book was packed with action, heartache, and so many other emotions. The ending was a little shock, I sort of had figured out whom I thought was responsible, so I was right but wrong also lol. Let the suspense draw others into reading the book. I would recommend it to others.
December 19, 2018
Hard to put down, great thriller
I read Shallow Water on a long flight and it made by flight go by so fast. Weaving a cold case in with recent murder in a small town, the author created a narrative that was thrilling and surprising. Highly recommend!
I read Shallow Water on a long flight and it made by flight go by so fast. Weaving a cold case in with recent murder in a small town, the author created a narrative that was thrilling and surprising. Highly recommend!
March 13, 2019
This book is a seriously suspenseful read. I had a hard time putting it down and was so eager to find out what was going to happen next. The author’s excellent writing style really made me feel like I personally knew Clara and was in Point Redwood with her. I highly recommend this book!
May 25, 2019
Amanda Clay did a great job writing this book. I could not put it down.
This was an entertaining book from tart to finish. Just the right length
from start to finish to permit the author to develop all of the characters.
This was an entertaining book from tart to finish. Just the right length
from start to finish to permit the author to develop all of the characters.
March 25, 2020
Great spencerful thriller
This is a very spencesful book it keeps you in your book till the end, the murderer is the lest to guess it is a very thrilling book a great read .very well written.
This is a very spencesful book it keeps you in your book till the end, the murderer is the lest to guess it is a very thrilling book a great read .very well written.
July 21, 2020
Great romantic suspense story.
I really enjoyed this. The characters of Clara and Sean shared so many hurts that seeing them work through their issues, over their old relationship, Ruthi’s death, and all the trauma brought about by this new spree of murders kept me hooked.
The identity of the killer was a great twist, and there were other surprising circumstances related to the final confrontation that I really enjoyed. It wrapped up this part of the plot very nicely.
My only problem with the story is the very abrupt epilogue that really didn’t give me as much closure as I wanted regarding the future if Clara and Sean, and those also affected by the killer.
3.75 stars ⭐️
I really enjoyed this. The characters of Clara and Sean shared so many hurts that seeing them work through their issues, over their old relationship, Ruthi’s death, and all the trauma brought about by this new spree of murders kept me hooked.
The identity of the killer was a great twist, and there were other surprising circumstances related to the final confrontation that I really enjoyed. It wrapped up this part of the plot very nicely.
My only problem with the story is the very abrupt epilogue that really didn’t give me as much closure as I wanted regarding the future if Clara and Sean, and those also affected by the killer.
3.75 stars ⭐️
March 30, 2021
Good mystery/love story. Had me gripped throughout wondering who the killer was. Not used to an author randomly changing the point of view, so that was strange at first, but I got used to it. Daily we got e.v.e.r.y drop of detail on Clara’s alcohol of choice which could’ve been dialed down as it seemed like filler. I get the author was trying to make a point about how troubled she was though. Some pretty good twists and nice attention to detail giving us a full picture of each character. Would definitely read more from this author.
February 18, 2025
This is a good story. I thought the author’s linkage of Clara to murder was weak. However the intricate manner that the story came to conclusion with the twists and turns of various characters was genius. I thought story dragged a little in beginning which is why I ranked it a 4star read.
Read
September 5, 2019DNF
October 11, 2019
No use for the curse words
I gave up at 22% because of the language . Lack of vocabulary is what I was taught when it is limited to the F word etc. No than you .
I gave up at 22% because of the language . Lack of vocabulary is what I was taught when it is limited to the F word etc. No than you .
September 5, 2023
Good!
A real cliff hanger! Just when you think you have figured. it out
it changes.
The only thing I didn’t like was some of the language.
A real cliff hanger! Just when you think you have figured. it out
it changes.
The only thing I didn’t like was some of the language.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews