Where Water Lies

by Hilary Tailor

How long would you let someone else’s secret control your life?

Eliza has lived two lives – one before she fell into an obsessive teenage friendship with Eric and Maggie, and the one after it was destroyed in a single afternoon. To Eliza, Eric and Maggie were irreplaceable, so she hasn’t. Instead, drifting through life alone, she spends every morning diving into her memories as she swims in Hampstead Ponds, her guilt never far below the surface.

Twenty years might have passed, yet Eliza still can’t help searching for Maggie everywhere. Then one day she spots a woman who looks just like her. Eliza has spent half her life wondering what really happened that afternoon and if Maggie’s back, will it help her finally get answers?

But memories are like ripples on water, and can be deceptive. As the past and present collide, Eliza begins to wonder: will learning the truth set her free – or will it only drag her down deeper?

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Audiobook

332 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2024

About the author

Hilary Tailor is a design consultant, and has worked with clients including adidas and Puma as a colour and trend forecaster. She was raised on the Wirral Peninsula and graduated from the Royal College of Art. The Vanishing Tide is her first novel.

Reviews

[Becky Lyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my choice for May's Kindle First Reads. Hilary Tailor weaves a wonderful tale, that draws you in. I struggled to put this book down, I couldn't sleep last night thinking where the story would go to next and inevitably finished it in less than 24 hours. I am looking forward to reading her other novel 'The Vanishing Tide'.

[Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Where Water Lies" by Hilary Tailor is a fiction book with a focus on characters and their relationships.

In high school, Eliza and Eric became best friends. Later, it was Eliza, Eric, and Maggie who were always together. In the future, Iris and Eliza were friends, and Eliza and Lou were friends. And there was a pond where Eliza liked to swim in all seasons. The story details these relationships in the past and the present, 20 years later.

Honestly, I was pretty bored. I prefer books with more action. If you do like heavy character stories, this one may be good for you. It is well written. By breaking it down this way below, I hope it helps you to understand my rating.

Characters - 5/5
Writing - 5/5
Plot - 2/5
Pacing - 2/5
Unputdownability - 2/5
Enjoyment - 2/5
Narration - 4/5 by Nneka Okoye
Cover - 4/5
Overall - 26/8 = 3 2/8

Thank you to Netgalley, Brilliance Audio, and Hilary Tailor for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

[Kimberley McElwee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrilling

I really enjoyed this book. It’s slightly out of the norm from my usual reading which is crime/thriller but i was intrigued by the missing person angle. Then I started reading it and was hooked. It’s a book well written and the characters draw you into their separate stories in a way that makes you want to keep digging to find out more. It’s a story of loss, love and second chances. Highly recommended. A great read.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this - the slowly unfolding of what has happened in the past, and why Eliza & Iris are how they are, their insecurities and foibles - their lives cross swimming in an outdoor pool, and its not the pool that heals, but the women who meet there. Its moody and atmospheric, and Eliza's life is unravelling, and not all is quite as it seems (no great mystery or drama), but texture and layers. You know something awful happened in Eliza's past, but not quite what.

[Angie Pantz · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 . Overall this is a good book. Well written with a great storyline but for some reason I just struggled to love it. I had a hard time connecting to the characters and even found myself frustrated and annoyed with them at times. I also found it a little slow with the pacing. I wanted to like it but found it a bit lacklustre.
I’m sure others would find Where Water Lies to be a great book but I just didn’t connect with it.

[Joan McDowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating story

Beautifully written. A twisting, slow reveal story of friendship, love, loss and restitution. The story gripped me from the beginning until the last page.

[Milly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this! 3.5 ⭐️ rounded to 4. I was so intrigued at the beginning but it waned a little in the middle and the end was a tad underwhelming after a fantastic start. The writer creates beautiful imagery and I particularly enjoyed those of the ponds

[Ayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where Water Lies by Hilary Tailor has left me in agony because I know it’ll be a while before I find a book this beautiful again!

I skimmed the blurb and downloaded this on a whim - the cover struck me as ethereal and meaningful - so I didn’t know a lot going into this and very much enjoyed it that way. Immediately I knew I was looking at something special and had found a new favourite author. There was no time to ‘settle into the story’ per-say, and no need to, as it was captivating from page one, and I just stared with wonder at having found such a breathtaking piece of literature.

Tailor crafts each sentence beautifully, mesmerising you with her ability to tell stories. She hones in on these hyper specific moments and scenes with such descriptive and emotive language you feel as though you were there, that those moments were yours, also.

This is a story that knows itself inside out, and it reads like pressing play on a movie in your mind. Hauntingly beautifully, moving, intricate and unforgettable - I did not want to leave this book. I just loved the atmosphere of the Ladies pond too and the meanings woven into it.

I will be scrambling to get my hands on a physical copy and anything else Hilary Tailor ever writes!

[Nocturnally Tacit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where Water Lies


How I loved this book!!!
The poetic expression and masterful use of language in this captivating tale left me utterly speechless. The fluidity of its storytelling was nothing short of enchanting, with the poetry woven throughout its pages demanding every last drop of my highlighter's ink. The narrative was both heartbreaking and believable, effortlessly guiding me through the ebb and flow of events.

While the characters' shared self-absorption occasionally hindered my connection to them, it became clear that this trait was a manifestation of their deep-seated trauma and guilt, effectively freezing them in time.

Ultimately, the beauty and emotional depth of this difficult yet rewarding read make it a must-recommend for any literary enthusiast. With an exceptional story, mesmerizing style, authentic dialogue, and a pace that kept me engaged, "Where Water Lies" has earned its place among my highest-rated reviews.

Ratings:

Story: 10/10
Style: 10,000/10
Dialogue: 10/10
Characters: 6/10
Pace: 8/10
Writing: 10/10

I eagerly await the author's next masterpiece, as the potential for gorgeousness is undeniable.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second Hilary Tailor novel. I very much liked The Vanishing Tide, but I enjoyed Where Water Lies still more. There are many similarities in the two books: angst ridden women; family skeletons in the cupboard; ghostly happenings in the background; and above all water – the powerful tidal flows of England's coastal waters in the former and Kenwood Ladies' Pond presented as 'The Heath and Ladies' Pond in the latter. But somehow the short chapters of Where Water Lies flowed more easily catching you up in the story, transforming it into a 'page-turner' (even though you sensed the denouement well enough) and, above all, a satisfactory conclusion. Compliments to Ms Tailor as her writing skills evolve further and further: even further compliments for what I think she must have suffered experiencing Kenwood Ladies' Pond in the real with its freezing winter waters!

[Vanessa Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this novel in one day, more or less in one sitting. I was immediately drawn into the book by the first scene which is set, like many more, in the Kenwood Ladies Pond which I know and love. Eliza and Iris, each haunted by her past and finding some solace in the pond waters, intrigued me and the parallel narrative threads drew my forward as the two women interacted with each other and in their different work environments, each revealing her blend of strength and fragility. The writing is assured and elegant and the characters well drawn. The dénouement is satisfying, not just the unpicking of the past but also each woman’s emotional development, perhaps aided by the pond. Highly recommended.

[Phyllis Sheofee · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Author Adventure

I’m honestly pleasantly pleased with this read. I won this kindle book through a giveaway through Goodreads and so glad I entered. Hilary Taylor is a new author for me and I will be gobbling up everything she publishes.
This was a beautifully written coming of age story. The growth of those involved, the relationships formed, the story tempo. It all blended together so well. I could hardly put it down. I still feel consumed not only with the human characters, their lives and evolving stories but also with the Pond! My word the Pond!! The carefully detailed description of the Pond put you instantly in that location with the sensory elements surrounding you.
Exquisite piece of literature.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time I've read anything by Hilary Tailor, but it certainly won't be the last. This is such a beautifully written book; Hilary Tailor has a poetic way with words. It is about two women who met at natural pond for women only. Both have secret pasts which still trouble them, both swim for different reasons. The characters draw you into their separate stories in a way that makes you want to keep digging to find out more. It’s a story of loss, love and second chances. This was a great read and I highly recommend this book. Thank you, Net Galley for providing me the opportunity to read this ARC.

[tokyo · Rating 3 out of 5]

"People come here thinking the pond will heal them. But it doesn't. It's the women."

Two different stories of two women (Eliza and Iris) who cross paths at a pond, with slightly parallel stories. As their stories and backgrounds are gradually unveiled, Hilary Tailor showcases the significance of the past on the present. It was well-written and very complex, yet retained the high levels of suspense throughout. However, it failed to stand out to me. It had a thrilling plot, but the execution could've been better.

[Dianne Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this tale...it is a slow burner...maybe not terribly exciting...but it is a story well told based on a real pond in Hampstead.
I liked Eliza and who could not like Lucas. Maggie less so....I think the story peters out as it progresses...the hint of more sinister events doesn't quite manifestas it bomes a little predicable in the last quarter.
The description of the pond was atmospheric...on the whole, a good read.

[Roxanne Rampage · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is beautifully written and very atmospheric. The authors descriptions are wonderful, and as a swimmer myself, I get where she's coming from.

This might not suit everyone, I will agree. It is quite slow-paced with the build up of characters and what happens, but I personally loved this.

If you enjoy books like Where The Crawdads Sing, then I think you'll enjoy this one.

Looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Emilie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful- highly recommend!

I read this book after a little reading slump and it brought my reading back to life. The storyline is fresh and well-rounded. The dialogue is realistic and kept me on edge. The ending didn’t feel rushed or neglected as they often feel in books. I’m so glad I picked this one up!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four Stars 🌟

This was my First Reads choice. I wasn’t expecting much TBH but after the first couple of chapters it drew me in. The writing was a bit flowery at times and the storyline a bit predictable but the absence of gratuitous bad language and sex was very refreshing.

[Eileen Holmes-ievers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Although the end was slightly predictable, there was a twist I didn’t see coming. The characters were intriguing and well-written. One of those books I really didn’t want to end.

[Angeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Amazon first read took me by surprise. I liked the writing and found the story gripping. this is a powerful novel about friendship, family, love, guilt, sorority and forgiveness

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the characterisation. I guessed some of the plotline but I loved the outdoor swimming element and all-in-all enjoyed the book.

[Sharron Burrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written book

[kimberly ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

what a beautiful book 😭

[Gina Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping read

A gripping read of friendship and relationships. Iris and Eliza's stories are very different but the same. Well Worth a read.

[jude goldstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

i gobbled up this audio book. my thanks to netgalley and brilliance audio for giving me this opportunity to listen. publishing date is tomorrow. congratulations to hilary tailor. and to Nneka Okoye, who does a gorgeous job narrating. this is a beautiful book. a sensitive ode to the interior life we carry inside of us, filled with remorse and regret and shame and suffering. lest you think this is a depressing book, be assured, it is not. it is filled with lovely imagery of the most beautiful swimming pond, by the heath, outside of london proper. eliza's cottage and greenhouse are enviable, even in their dilapidated condition. eliza and iris meet at the pond, each of them holding so much pain inside and hiding from their family and the past. together they find ways to free themselves of this burden and to reunite with the people they left. and love. at 18 eliza was tangled up with a set of twins, eric and maggie. tragedy ensues and she lost them both. she carries them close to her, including a tattoo of 3 dots on her arm. a triangled relationship for sure. lois left her baby boy and husband due to post partum depression that she didn't even know she had. there is one other rather important lovely character, too. lucas, who holds a space for eliza and loves her deeply. i am going to go back and read the author's first book now, the vanishing tide.

[Ifa Inziati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for eARC of this novel. Reviews are my own.

What happens when two women with haunting past meet? One is dealing with series of threats that become more and more real each time, and the other is forced to face the truth that she tries so hard to ignore. Eliza and Iris made unforgivable mistakes, but the journey to healing is long, frightening, and requiring sacrifice. Will they make it? Will there finally be peace for both of them?

This story set in England is spiced with thrilling mystery, but at the core it's a heartwarming, true-to-name Women's fiction. Eliza's past made me curious that I couldn't wait to flip the page to find out while guessing. I also enjoyed that high school part a lot, and I kind of wish it also was written as a separate novel. Oh, how I love Eric. And also Lucas. The guys here are walking green flags and it made the romance part so much better than expected.

I also adore the setting, making me want to try swimming in a pond or own a cottage. The writing style takes a huge part in this. And since it is written in two distinct perspectives—Eliza's in first POV and Iris' in third—I don't have problems navigating their stories. However, Eliza and Maggie's conversation felt too long even though necessary. Eliza and Iris, since they are the ones making mistakes, can come across unlikable but it'll pay well in the end.

Where Water Lies brings us to an unexpected meeting in the water that says will heal you, but the fact is it's the women, not the water. It's not too late to mend broken hearts.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎧4.25-4.5⭐️

I had the audiobook read by Nneka Okoye who does an excellent job.

A new to me author with this Women’s fiction. Eliza swims daily in Hampstead pools where her life intersects with Iris a lifeguard at the pool. Eliza has lived two lives one where she fell into an obsessive teenage friendship with Eric and Maggie, and then twenty years later where she’s reclusive and alone. Eliza’s two worlds collide in this story. We get Iris’s story from both her interaction with Eliza plus her own story. The dual threads and their connection work really well together to add more depth and interest.

The story telling is gentle, a literary slow burn,it’s unusual for me to gel with a slow burn but the characters are so well written. There are no big twists and turns, instead having various layers which are gradually explored it really drew me in. It’s a moving story pretty much throughout, but not too heavy it’s obvious that both of our MCs have a troubled past, it also has a feel good vibe.
They are mainly likeable characters which helps to get you on side, but there’s one to dislike.
This is one that I would recommend, especially in audiobook format.

[Kitty Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two women swim in the Hampstead Ladies Pond in all weathers and through all seasons. It is a precious place for both of them, but they swim there for very different reasons. The cold, murky water filled with the detritus of dead leaves helps isolated Eliza to revisit the past. For Iris, a charity worker whose work includes reuniting missing people with their families, the pond is a refuge that helps her to forget past choices.

Neither woman expects or wants to make a connection with the other, but as the past reaches out towards both of them, their paths are drawn irrevocably together. On the bumpy road towards their different truths, they issue each other challenges that must be accepted in order for each woman to find resolution and to move on in their lives.

I adored this book. The characters and their issues, insecurities and triumphs are so well drawn, and I was with each of them for the entirety of their journeys. The pages are filled with such gorgeous descriptive writing and rich emotion. I devoured it and am now a firm Hilary Tailor fan.

[C A Gentle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would actually give this book 3.5 stars, but as I can't I have rounded it up to 4, which is higher than I would have liked. However, I did enjoy this book which is primarily about one woman who is wracked with guilt from her past and unable to move forward or let others into her life. She finds some kind of solace in open water swimming on Hampstead Heath. Despite her best efforts to avoid contact with others she ends up having to rely on another woman who also swims there. They both much in common in that they both effectively "ran away" from their past. I found the book very interesting with the information about missing people, how organisations deal with people who are looking for missing people, or missing people coming forward. Looking at the reasons, thinking behind people's actions, their view and/or misconceptions about how their actions affect others was fascinating and something well worth giving thought to. I got this book free as part of Amazon's First Reads for May, though I didn't start reading it until quite late in May. I also enjoyed reading about the ponds for swimming and the history.

[Susan Aldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an intriguing story about two women, Eliza and Iris, who swim most days in the cold water of the Ladies' Pond on Hampstead Heath. Eliza, a teacher, has had a traumatic past due to her intense involvement with twins Eric and Maggie, and the Pond is the only place where she finds peace of mind. Iris too has had a troubled life, losing contact with her son, and finds redemption in her charity work which involves reuniting missing people with their families. After a rocky start, where Iris actually runs Eliza over in her car, the two become friends and reveal their stories to one another. A string of incidents make Eliza feel that Maggie has returned to seek her out and she may finally learn the truth of what happened to Eric. Eliza has inherited an old cottage on the edge of the Heath and is a keen gardener. This, and the Pond, provide a mysterious and beautiful setting for this unusual story. I particularly liked the author's notes about the Pond, detailing the research she has done to make this location such a fitting setting for this story of trauma and healing.