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Schwarzes Wasser
Ein morbides Hotel, eine traumatisierte Heldin, Wintereinbruch auf einer einsamen Insel: Eine einzige Nacht verwandelt den Traum der jungen Hotelmanagerin Hannah in einen Alptraum: Die Mittsommerparty sollte der Höhepunkt der Saison für ihr Luxushotel auf einer einsamen kleinen Insel mitten im wildromantischen Fluss Blackwater werden. Doch das rauschende Fest endet in einer Katastrophe, als mehrere Gäste im mondbeschienenen Fluss ertrinken. Hannah entwickelt daraufhin panische Furcht vor Wasser, die sie buchstäblich auf der Insel gefangen hält. Selbst als sich das Hotel mit dem Wintereinbruch endgültig leert, kann sie nicht fort. Mittlerweile ist sie überzeugt, dass die schreckliche Nacht kein Unfall war. Warum weigert sich ihre Schwester, die auch im Wasser war, darüber zu sprechen? Hannah ist allerdings nicht so einsam auf der Insel, wie sie glaubt: Nicht nur die Geister der Toten sind bei ihr geblieben, sondern auch jemand, der um jeden Preis verhindern will, dass die Wahrheit ans Licht kommt.
416 pages, Paperback
Published November 2, 2022
40 people are currently reading
740 people want to read
About the author
S.K. Tremayne
15 books1,253 followersHello! I am S K Tremayne, but my true name is Sean Thomas.
I write books where real places become menacing, and where ordinary people experience something extraordinary.
Born in Devon, I now live in London, but I travel a lot in my second job as a journalist, sometimes visiting places which inspire the books. My first S K Tremayne thriller, THE ICE TWINS, was a number one Sunday Times bestseller. The S K Tremayne novels have been translated into thirty languages, and have been bestsellers around the globe. Yay!
I am always happy to hear from readers; you can reach me at:
sktremayne@gmail.com
I also have a website: www.sktremayne.com
My latest book is THE ASSISTANT, published in the UK on December 26, 2019 (but a bit earlier on Kindle). It's all about the way we give our lives to technology, and what happens if that technology turns on us, and haunts us.
When I'm not working on books or articles, I can generally be found staring out of windows, urgently looking for the next good idea.
I write books where real places become menacing, and where ordinary people experience something extraordinary.
Born in Devon, I now live in London, but I travel a lot in my second job as a journalist, sometimes visiting places which inspire the books. My first S K Tremayne thriller, THE ICE TWINS, was a number one Sunday Times bestseller. The S K Tremayne novels have been translated into thirty languages, and have been bestsellers around the globe. Yay!
I am always happy to hear from readers; you can reach me at:
sktremayne@gmail.com
I also have a website: www.sktremayne.com
My latest book is THE ASSISTANT, published in the UK on December 26, 2019 (but a bit earlier on Kindle). It's all about the way we give our lives to technology, and what happens if that technology turns on us, and haunts us.
When I'm not working on books or articles, I can generally be found staring out of windows, urgently looking for the next good idea.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
August 30, 2022
I have loved some of Tremayne’s earlier work, but not this novel. Mostly since it didn’t make sense. And it would have been much better if the author dropped the bad conjunctions, they really annoyed me. I also had to laugh when the main character thought that her dog would love to fly. What did that add to the plot? The plot also shifted from being a phobia to an outlandish conclusion from the main character; if she solved the mystery of her sister’s death, all would be well in the world. And when she finally figured it out? Really?
May 16, 2022
3.5
The Stanhope is an isolated unique hotel located on Dawzey Island off the Essex coast. Hannah works at the hotel but she is tormented, trapped by guilt and fear especially of the Blackwater River which flows around Dawzey. Following an incident earlier that summer Hannah has developed a phobia, a genuine terror of the water and as the novel unfolds it’s clear that Hannah needs to fear more than the water. The story is told by Hannah in the present day and her sister Kat in the past which pieces together the riddle, the puzzle and the enigma of the events of last summer.
The novel starts well with the use of short sharp staccato sentences to convey the emotions especially of Hannah. The premise is good and Hannah‘s phobia does feel real though it’s hard to connect to Hannah herself. There is a strong supernatural element surrounding the drowning hour which adds a chilling atmosphere, it’s certainly creepy and ghostly in places reinforced via tarot cards which I especially like. This is a very intriguing conundrum which bubbles to the surface well.
The isolation of being cut off from the mainland adds to the feeling of claustrophobia which also flows through via the hotel itself. There are also some good images which further add to the sensations and there are some suspenseful moments.
However, the book does prevaricate and drifts a bit like the surrounding waters as we are given a lot of background and description of guests which slows the pace. Some of the dialogue is a bit silly though I get that it’s sister language but it’s also rather toe curling. The solution when it comes has a more earthly feel than I am expecting and it does seem to arrive and depart somewhat abruptly.
Overall, this is a mixed read with some strong and enjoyable supernatural moments but the buildup may be too slow for some readers.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins/Harper Fiction for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
The Stanhope is an isolated unique hotel located on Dawzey Island off the Essex coast. Hannah works at the hotel but she is tormented, trapped by guilt and fear especially of the Blackwater River which flows around Dawzey. Following an incident earlier that summer Hannah has developed a phobia, a genuine terror of the water and as the novel unfolds it’s clear that Hannah needs to fear more than the water. The story is told by Hannah in the present day and her sister Kat in the past which pieces together the riddle, the puzzle and the enigma of the events of last summer.
The novel starts well with the use of short sharp staccato sentences to convey the emotions especially of Hannah. The premise is good and Hannah‘s phobia does feel real though it’s hard to connect to Hannah herself. There is a strong supernatural element surrounding the drowning hour which adds a chilling atmosphere, it’s certainly creepy and ghostly in places reinforced via tarot cards which I especially like. This is a very intriguing conundrum which bubbles to the surface well.
The isolation of being cut off from the mainland adds to the feeling of claustrophobia which also flows through via the hotel itself. There are also some good images which further add to the sensations and there are some suspenseful moments.
However, the book does prevaricate and drifts a bit like the surrounding waters as we are given a lot of background and description of guests which slows the pace. Some of the dialogue is a bit silly though I get that it’s sister language but it’s also rather toe curling. The solution when it comes has a more earthly feel than I am expecting and it does seem to arrive and depart somewhat abruptly.
Overall, this is a mixed read with some strong and enjoyable supernatural moments but the buildup may be too slow for some readers.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins/Harper Fiction for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
July 4, 2022
Thank you to the publisher for my advanced copy of this book to read.
I have been a fan of most of this authors books but I am afraid this one was a miss for me. For a thriller it was incredibly slow to become a thriller. The main characters of Hannah and her sister felt very young and their way of talking to each other very annoying.
The premise of the book sounded really good but I failed to get hooked.
I have been a fan of most of this authors books but I am afraid this one was a miss for me. For a thriller it was incredibly slow to become a thriller. The main characters of Hannah and her sister felt very young and their way of talking to each other very annoying.
The premise of the book sounded really good but I failed to get hooked.
May 15, 2022
This is the fifth novel I have read by author Sean Thomas and have always found his books a little hit or miss for me personally. Unfortunately I didn’t enjoy this one as much as ‘The Ice Twins’ and personally found this one interesting but not exciting. The tagline with the book states ‘unputdownable’ but I found it very easy.
Hannah is trapped on a small island where she works for an hotel covering the PR side. has been ‘trapped’ on a small island where she works in PR for an exclusive hotel. She still feels a sense of guilt from the tragic drowning that occurred on the hotels big opening and still holds a fear of going in the water. The only way off the island is to cross the water so her phobia means she is trapped.
The book failed to capture my imagination and by the end of it I had little interest in how it was going to finish. Disappointing but I know from previous books by this author is capable of a lot more.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Hannah is trapped on a small island where she works for an hotel covering the PR side. has been ‘trapped’ on a small island where she works in PR for an exclusive hotel. She still feels a sense of guilt from the tragic drowning that occurred on the hotels big opening and still holds a fear of going in the water. The only way off the island is to cross the water so her phobia means she is trapped.
The book failed to capture my imagination and by the end of it I had little interest in how it was going to finish. Disappointing but I know from previous books by this author is capable of a lot more.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2022
THE DROWNING HOUR is a closed door mystery set on an island, with delicious spooky vibes and a hint of the supernatural. After a tragic incident she has totally blocked out, Hannah suffers from a phobia that makes her unable to cross water, and she becomes a virtual prisoner of The Stanhope Hotel, a grand establishment surrounded by the Blackwater estuary. In an effort to work through her crippling fears, Hannah tries to find out what happened that fateful night on the island. The deeper she digs, the more things start going wrong, and a terrible suspicion mounts ….
I love an atmospheric island setting, and the spooky vibes on this one made for a delicious backdrop to the novel. Overall, the reading experience had as many highs and lows as the waves buffering the island on a stormy night, mainly because I found it difficult to suspend disbelief at times. The hardest thing to swallow for me was the idea that Hannah had no way to get off the island, especially since she was under the care of a therapist, who surely could have found an answer to her dilemma. Unfortunately most of the premise hinged on this particular element. That said, I was intrigued by the different strands of mysteries that extended out from the central theme, such as the family secrets that tied Hannah and her sister to this island.
Read this if you love atmospheric island settings and are happy to suspend disbelief for the sake of the story.
*blog* *facebook* *instagram*
I love an atmospheric island setting, and the spooky vibes on this one made for a delicious backdrop to the novel. Overall, the reading experience had as many highs and lows as the waves buffering the island on a stormy night, mainly because I found it difficult to suspend disbelief at times. The hardest thing to swallow for me was the idea that Hannah had no way to get off the island, especially since she was under the care of a therapist, who surely could have found an answer to her dilemma. Unfortunately most of the premise hinged on this particular element. That said, I was intrigued by the different strands of mysteries that extended out from the central theme, such as the family secrets that tied Hannah and her sister to this island.
Read this if you love atmospheric island settings and are happy to suspend disbelief for the sake of the story.
*blog* *facebook* *instagram*
December 10, 2022
4.5/5⭐️
Adoro thrillers passados em hotéis!! Li super depressa e adorei imenso 😌
Adoro thrillers passados em hotéis!! Li super depressa e adorei imenso 😌
June 18, 2022
Unfortunately, I wanted to enjoy this book but it was definitely a bit disappointing.
I loved the concept of this book. I really enjoy books set on islands.
However, this book felt much longer than it needed to be.
It was slow and quite boring in places. The middle part of the book was very repeative.
The main character was annoying, although you felt sorry for her, I never really warmed to the character.
There definitely was a caulstrophobic feel to this book which I did enjoy, however, there wasn't much action till the very end.
Overall, this felt like a pretty average psychological thriller, I've read very similar before so unfortunately does not stand out in any way.
I loved the concept of this book. I really enjoy books set on islands.
However, this book felt much longer than it needed to be.
It was slow and quite boring in places. The middle part of the book was very repeative.
The main character was annoying, although you felt sorry for her, I never really warmed to the character.
There definitely was a caulstrophobic feel to this book which I did enjoy, however, there wasn't much action till the very end.
Overall, this felt like a pretty average psychological thriller, I've read very similar before so unfortunately does not stand out in any way.
January 31, 2023
Não gostei deste livro. Arrastou-se demasiado até meio e quando finalmente ganhou ritmo acho que a história descambou para várias situações ridículas e muito por explicar.
A escrita não é má mas o autor decidiu criar uma espécie de linguagem entre duas irmãs com várias palavras acabadas em X. Foi extremamente irritante e quase me fez desistir do livro. Deixo-vos duas frases para exemplificar:
"Problemix com o paizix?"
"Passeiex na praiex?"
Uma das únicas coisas que consigo apontar de mais positivo foi a reviravolta mais ou menos a meio do livro que não estava nada à espera. A outra foi que a partir daí a sensação de claustrofobia e medo da personagem foram muito bem transmitidas.
Este autor traz-me sentimentos muito contraditórios. Um dos livros dele adorei, outros dois gostei. E este e outro achei mesmo maus. Portanto já nem sei o que esperar do próximo livro. Se o vou ler? Provavelmente sim. Nunca se sabe quando calha um bom.
A escrita não é má mas o autor decidiu criar uma espécie de linguagem entre duas irmãs com várias palavras acabadas em X. Foi extremamente irritante e quase me fez desistir do livro. Deixo-vos duas frases para exemplificar:
"Problemix com o paizix?"
"Passeiex na praiex?"
Uma das únicas coisas que consigo apontar de mais positivo foi a reviravolta mais ou menos a meio do livro que não estava nada à espera. A outra foi que a partir daí a sensação de claustrofobia e medo da personagem foram muito bem transmitidas.
Este autor traz-me sentimentos muito contraditórios. Um dos livros dele adorei, outros dois gostei. E este e outro achei mesmo maus. Portanto já nem sei o que esperar do próximo livro. Se o vou ler? Provavelmente sim. Nunca se sabe quando calha um bom.
August 14, 2023
Czy to już obłęd, czy tylko niepokój? Czy to tylko strach, czy już urojenia?
Hannah Langley pracuje w luksusowym hotelu Stanhope umiejscowionym na odciętej od świata wyspie porośniętej lasem. Przez pewne wydarzenia nabawiła się fobii przed wodą, a dokładnie przed otaczającą ją Blackwater. Główna bohaterka postanawia odkryć tajemnicę tamtej tragicznej nocy, a przy okazji poznaje jeszcze więcej sekretów dotyczących wyspy i ludzi...🧐
Fabuła przeplatana jest dwoma perspektywami - HANNAH teraz i KAT wtedy. "Czarna woda" z biegiem stron otacza Czytelnika coraz większym uczuciem paranoi i strachu... Wrażenie potęguję narracja pierwszoosobowa, która sprawia, że pozycję czyta się jak jeden niekończący się monolog ✍️
To nie jest zła książka... Klimat, pomysł i finałowy zwrot akcji są genialne, jednak coś mnie zawiodło - nie umiem tego dokładnie określić, ale chyba zabrakło mi większego odczuwania tych emocji 🤷♀️
PS "Asystentka" tego Autora dużo bardziej przypadła mi do gustu 📖
Hannah Langley pracuje w luksusowym hotelu Stanhope umiejscowionym na odciętej od świata wyspie porośniętej lasem. Przez pewne wydarzenia nabawiła się fobii przed wodą, a dokładnie przed otaczającą ją Blackwater. Główna bohaterka postanawia odkryć tajemnicę tamtej tragicznej nocy, a przy okazji poznaje jeszcze więcej sekretów dotyczących wyspy i ludzi...🧐
Fabuła przeplatana jest dwoma perspektywami - HANNAH teraz i KAT wtedy. "Czarna woda" z biegiem stron otacza Czytelnika coraz większym uczuciem paranoi i strachu... Wrażenie potęguję narracja pierwszoosobowa, która sprawia, że pozycję czyta się jak jeden niekończący się monolog ✍️
To nie jest zła książka... Klimat, pomysł i finałowy zwrot akcji są genialne, jednak coś mnie zawiodło - nie umiem tego dokładnie określić, ale chyba zabrakło mi większego odczuwania tych emocji 🤷♀️
PS "Asystentka" tego Autora dużo bardziej przypadła mi do gustu 📖
January 13, 2023
Este foi o primeiro livro que li do autor. Fiquei fã e adorei especialmente a ambientação e a premissa. O final ficou um bocadinho aquém, mas o resto compensou.
A trama passa-se numa ilha ao largo de Inglaterra, onde se localiza um hotel de luxo, um bosque e pouco mais. Para além do hotel e um território desolado, não há mais habitações. Hannah, a relações públicas do hotel, vê-se “presa “ na ilha devido a um trauma resultante de um acidente que ocorreu no verão anterior e que a impede de conseguir atravessar a enorme massa de água envolta na ilha.
As descrições da ilha estão incríveis. O autor consegue transmitir um espírito dark, através de uma aura de mistério e misticismo à volta do território. A interação de Hanna com o ambiente confere detalhes da atmosfera do local, que o torna quase real. Adoro quando os autores conseguem transmitir estas sensação através dos cenários.
O enredo é muito original, um thriller psicológico envolvente onde não sabermos o que é ou não real. A Hannah, devido à sua fobia, é chamada de louca. E nós abraçamos esta loucura com ela e tentamos desvendar todos os segredos que aquele local esconde.
Com um misto de claustrofobia e inquietude esta narrativa leva-nos numa viagem alucinante.
Tenho mais um livro do autor cá em casa e fiquei ainda mais curiosa com ele. Já leram algum dos seus livros ?
A trama passa-se numa ilha ao largo de Inglaterra, onde se localiza um hotel de luxo, um bosque e pouco mais. Para além do hotel e um território desolado, não há mais habitações. Hannah, a relações públicas do hotel, vê-se “presa “ na ilha devido a um trauma resultante de um acidente que ocorreu no verão anterior e que a impede de conseguir atravessar a enorme massa de água envolta na ilha.
As descrições da ilha estão incríveis. O autor consegue transmitir um espírito dark, através de uma aura de mistério e misticismo à volta do território. A interação de Hanna com o ambiente confere detalhes da atmosfera do local, que o torna quase real. Adoro quando os autores conseguem transmitir estas sensação através dos cenários.
O enredo é muito original, um thriller psicológico envolvente onde não sabermos o que é ou não real. A Hannah, devido à sua fobia, é chamada de louca. E nós abraçamos esta loucura com ela e tentamos desvendar todos os segredos que aquele local esconde.
Com um misto de claustrofobia e inquietude esta narrativa leva-nos numa viagem alucinante.
Tenho mais um livro do autor cá em casa e fiquei ainda mais curiosa com ele. Já leram algum dos seus livros ?
March 8, 2025
There's a real sense of isolation for the novels protagonist Hannah, whose afraid of water finds herself trapped on this atmospheric hotel on a remote island.
This is due to a drowing incident (as the title suggests) during the previous summer.
The novel is a little slow to begin with, though the mysterious East Wing is very intriguing.
I was able to get a real sense of how unstable Hannah was and for the most part the writing was strong.
This is due to a drowing incident (as the title suggests) during the previous summer.
The novel is a little slow to begin with, though the mysterious East Wing is very intriguing.
I was able to get a real sense of how unstable Hannah was and for the most part the writing was strong.
May 4, 2024
"Vive como se tivesses nascido hoje de manhã e morresses logo à noite. Agarra cada dia como se fosse comida e estivesses esfomeada."
A HORA DA MORTE de S.K. Tremayne cativou-me logo no início e despertou-me uma vontade muito grande de ler durante uma grande parte.
Um hotel, com reputação antiga dúbia, numa ilha e com uma ala em desuso que causa medo nos funcionários. Uma mulher jovem com fobia da água e, por isso, incapaz de fazer a viagem pelo rio para regressar a Londres. Uma lancha que aparece no rio na calada da noite. Menções vagas a um evento de afogamentos ocorrido há uns meses.
Muitas coisas estranhas a acontecerem, algumas com elementos sobrenaturais.
Tudo muito apelativo, no entanto, a determinada altura, tudo já soava demasiado inconsistente, muito pouco convincente. Parece que o autor pegou no assunto pelo lado errado.
O Glutão, o cão, merece as estrelas todas mas, o livro leva 3⭐.
A HORA DA MORTE de S.K. Tremayne cativou-me logo no início e despertou-me uma vontade muito grande de ler durante uma grande parte.
Um hotel, com reputação antiga dúbia, numa ilha e com uma ala em desuso que causa medo nos funcionários. Uma mulher jovem com fobia da água e, por isso, incapaz de fazer a viagem pelo rio para regressar a Londres. Uma lancha que aparece no rio na calada da noite. Menções vagas a um evento de afogamentos ocorrido há uns meses.
Muitas coisas estranhas a acontecerem, algumas com elementos sobrenaturais.
Tudo muito apelativo, no entanto, a determinada altura, tudo já soava demasiado inconsistente, muito pouco convincente. Parece que o autor pegou no assunto pelo lado errado.
O Glutão, o cão, merece as estrelas todas mas, o livro leva 3⭐.
December 18, 2022
Bei einer ausufernden Sommerparty sterben mehrere Hotelgäste in den Stömungen des Blackwater Flusses. Hotelangestellte Hannah war hautnah dabei als das Unglück passierte. Seit dem hat sie panische Angst vor Wasser und kann deswegen nicht mal mehr die Insel verlassen. Außerdem ist Hannah davon überzeugt, dass es vielleicht doch kein Unglück war, sondern jemand auf der Insel ein perfides Spiel spielt. Je näher Hannah der Wahrheit kommt, desto mehr mysteriöse Sachen passieren ihr...
Das Setting auf der Insel umgeben vom Blackwater war wirklich sehr schön beschrieben. Die kalte Jahreszeit im Buch hat ihr übriges zu einer düsteren und kargen Atmosphäre getan. Ein Hotel auf einer verlassenen Insel ist bestimmt ein tolles Reiseziel, wenn man mal abseits der Touristenströme etwas schöne Landschaft und Kulinarik genießen möchte. Ist man jedoch eine der letzte Angestellten auf der Insel und hat zunehmend berechtigte Angst, dass man durchdreht oder verfolgt wird - verwandelt sich die schöne Abgeschiedenheit schnell in eine bedrohliche Lage. Die einzige Verbindung zum Festland ist die Fähre, die Hannah jedoch nicht nutzen kann aufgrund ihrer starken Wasserphobie.
Wir lesen die Geschichte abwechselnd aus der Sicht von Hannah in der Gegenwart und ihrer Schwester Kat in der Vergangenheit. Kat war bei dem besagten Unglückstag auch auf der Insel und erzählt ihre Sichtweise bis hin zum Unglück selbst. Die Schreibweise war ehrlicherweise etwas gewöhnungsbedürftig. Es hat sich alles sehr unrund gelesen, da die Sätze oftmals eher abgehackte Gedanken war.
Beide Schwestern fand ich schwer zu fassen. Das mag an den komischen Gedankenfetzen gelegen haben, aber auch grundsätzlich haben die Frauen nicht sehr plausibel gehandelt. Den Wechsel zwischen den Protagonistinnen fand ich jedoch gut, da so etwas mehr Spannung in die Story kam. Ohne die Perspektivwechsel wäre die Geschichte wohl noch mehr geplätschert.
Das Ende ist sicherlich Geschmackssache, ich jedoch fand es sehr konstruiert und irgendwie so gar nicht passend zum Rest der Geschichte. Insgesamt war "Schwarzes Wasser" eine durchschnittliche Story mit schwacher Auflösung. Das gelungenste am Buch war das düstere und kalte Setting.
Das Setting auf der Insel umgeben vom Blackwater war wirklich sehr schön beschrieben. Die kalte Jahreszeit im Buch hat ihr übriges zu einer düsteren und kargen Atmosphäre getan. Ein Hotel auf einer verlassenen Insel ist bestimmt ein tolles Reiseziel, wenn man mal abseits der Touristenströme etwas schöne Landschaft und Kulinarik genießen möchte. Ist man jedoch eine der letzte Angestellten auf der Insel und hat zunehmend berechtigte Angst, dass man durchdreht oder verfolgt wird - verwandelt sich die schöne Abgeschiedenheit schnell in eine bedrohliche Lage. Die einzige Verbindung zum Festland ist die Fähre, die Hannah jedoch nicht nutzen kann aufgrund ihrer starken Wasserphobie.
Wir lesen die Geschichte abwechselnd aus der Sicht von Hannah in der Gegenwart und ihrer Schwester Kat in der Vergangenheit. Kat war bei dem besagten Unglückstag auch auf der Insel und erzählt ihre Sichtweise bis hin zum Unglück selbst. Die Schreibweise war ehrlicherweise etwas gewöhnungsbedürftig. Es hat sich alles sehr unrund gelesen, da die Sätze oftmals eher abgehackte Gedanken war.
Beide Schwestern fand ich schwer zu fassen. Das mag an den komischen Gedankenfetzen gelegen haben, aber auch grundsätzlich haben die Frauen nicht sehr plausibel gehandelt. Den Wechsel zwischen den Protagonistinnen fand ich jedoch gut, da so etwas mehr Spannung in die Story kam. Ohne die Perspektivwechsel wäre die Geschichte wohl noch mehr geplätschert.
Das Ende ist sicherlich Geschmackssache, ich jedoch fand es sehr konstruiert und irgendwie so gar nicht passend zum Rest der Geschichte. Insgesamt war "Schwarzes Wasser" eine durchschnittliche Story mit schwacher Auflösung. Das gelungenste am Buch war das düstere und kalte Setting.
November 16, 2022
DNF...
Die Hälfte gelesen und es ist einfach nur langweilig.
Dazu kommt noch die nervige Kindersprache der erwachsenen Geschwister.
Lohnt sich für mich nicht weiter zu lesen.
Die Hälfte gelesen und es ist einfach nur langweilig.
Dazu kommt noch die nervige Kindersprache der erwachsenen Geschwister.
Lohnt sich für mich nicht weiter zu lesen.
June 30, 2023
Trochę ciężko mi ocenić tę książkę, bo pewne rzeczy były ok a kolejne takie sobie a po drugie to moje pierwsze spotkanie z autorem.
Akcja z samego początku się dłuuuży. Liczyłam na nieco coś innego niż dostałam.
Akcja z samego początku się dłuuuży. Liczyłam na nieco coś innego niż dostałam.
September 5, 2022
Um livro viciante que está muito bem construído.
A minha opinião em vídeo em Livros à Lareira com chá: https://youtu.be/w6inbBvX2k8
A minha opinião em vídeo em Livros à Lareira com chá: https://youtu.be/w6inbBvX2k8
June 18, 2022
This is a great mystery thriller.
Hannah has a severe phobia that has left her stranded in a hotel where she works.
Her fiancé comes to the island to visit her but she is too afraid of the water to leave.
There was an incident years ago and through conversations she thinks she had with her sister, Hannah is determined to find out what really happened that night.
When business dries up the manager decides to close the hotel and leaves a few staff there to maintain it but soon things go from bad to worse.
This is a unique storyline and one that certainly kept me guessing about what really happened to Kat.
A good read.
Thanks to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Hannah has a severe phobia that has left her stranded in a hotel where she works.
Her fiancé comes to the island to visit her but she is too afraid of the water to leave.
There was an incident years ago and through conversations she thinks she had with her sister, Hannah is determined to find out what really happened that night.
When business dries up the manager decides to close the hotel and leaves a few staff there to maintain it but soon things go from bad to worse.
This is a unique storyline and one that certainly kept me guessing about what really happened to Kat.
A good read.
Thanks to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
December 22, 2022
0.5 rounded up
This was definitely not for me. This was a slow burn "thriller" which for this reader didn't thrill! The characters did not interest me at all, and the talk between the two sisters in their childish language (bobsy, dobsy, popsy ... arrghh) very quickly wore thin. As to the ending ... !!! And all wrapped up in a few pages.
I kept reading on the belief that this must get better, there are some very positive reviews, but I'm sorry that I persisted.
This was definitely not for me. This was a slow burn "thriller" which for this reader didn't thrill! The characters did not interest me at all, and the talk between the two sisters in their childish language (bobsy, dobsy, popsy ... arrghh) very quickly wore thin. As to the ending ... !!! And all wrapped up in a few pages.
I kept reading on the belief that this must get better, there are some very positive reviews, but I'm sorry that I persisted.
July 19, 2023
The Stanhope, a beautiful and stunning remote hotel situated on an island in the middle of the Blackwater Estuary. Hannah is the Events Organiser, but after a terrible tragedy occurred last summer, she finds herself too scared to leave the Island after developing an irrational fear of water.
As the hotel tries to rebuild its reputation after the events of last summer, Hannah tries to piece together what really happened that night. Coming to terms with the events of the past may help her deal with her anxieties of the present. But it’s not so easy…
A hugely atmospheric thriller which felt brooding and very menacing. I loved the descriptions of the isolated island with the dangerous waters churning around it. The hotel felt creepy as hell and added to my sense of unease and suspicion. Throw in an incredibly cute dog, a hint of witchiness and the supernatural and a cleverly crafted plot and you have a winner on your hands.
As the hotel tries to rebuild its reputation after the events of last summer, Hannah tries to piece together what really happened that night. Coming to terms with the events of the past may help her deal with her anxieties of the present. But it’s not so easy…
A hugely atmospheric thriller which felt brooding and very menacing. I loved the descriptions of the isolated island with the dangerous waters churning around it. The hotel felt creepy as hell and added to my sense of unease and suspicion. Throw in an incredibly cute dog, a hint of witchiness and the supernatural and a cleverly crafted plot and you have a winner on your hands.
June 9, 2022
I had to abandon this book at a third of the way through. The premise was intriguing (an island with an isolated hotel on, a female member of staff unable to leave because of something happening there in the past)., But the book was slow to develop with characters who were two-dimensional at this point. The slang talk of the two sisters annoyed me, and likewise the name she gave to the dog. Also I don’t like reading thriller type books with animal characters in, as they make me sad. The main character also didn’t look after her dog properly at this point, not knowing where he was in the woods for over two hours, whilst lost in her own head.
I’ve read and enjoyed other SK Tremayne books before, so it is probably this subject matter and me. Apologies, but not every book is good for everyone.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I’ve read and enjoyed other SK Tremayne books before, so it is probably this subject matter and me. Apologies, but not every book is good for everyone.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 3, 2022
Slow to begin with, The Drowning Hour had swirls of mystery that soon got to me as my gaze rested on the lines that appeared on every page.
There was always a subtext in the book, hiding in the words. The subplots were hidden in the phobia of the main character, along with the dubious sense of secrets in the prose.
A sense of impending danger, something lying in wait in silence, wanting to pounce on me. The aura became darker, more claustrophobic, as the book progressed.
I found myself empathizing with Hannah who seemed to be all alone, wrapped tightly in her fears. The isolation of the setting with the hotel on an island, cut off from the mainland, added to the eeriness, so also the style of writing.
The book felt like a snapshot of dreams that wove its magic on me
There were quite a few fault-lines.
The backstory of her fears was not dealt well. Nor was I given the reason for the deteriorating relationship with her father.
Suddenly, out of the blue, one of the villains became a nice guy.
The book gave importance to one aspect of the subplot while forgetting the others. Therefore, the ending became rushed.
The prose had many colloquial accents and terms, along with a new language between sisters, which were confusing and some words were downright a put-off. It took me nearly half the book to settle down in its pages.
The audiobook did not work for me at all as I found myself drifting away and not understanding the story because of the sister-language which had words like sisterbobs and hannahdogs. The eBook sorted that out
I am a complete fan of this author's books and would always recommend them because he has mad skills. Just the direction gets skewered sometimes.
The first two books are the best. And I did like this one, even though, unfortunately, it didn't feel complete.
There was always a subtext in the book, hiding in the words. The subplots were hidden in the phobia of the main character, along with the dubious sense of secrets in the prose.
A sense of impending danger, something lying in wait in silence, wanting to pounce on me. The aura became darker, more claustrophobic, as the book progressed.
I found myself empathizing with Hannah who seemed to be all alone, wrapped tightly in her fears. The isolation of the setting with the hotel on an island, cut off from the mainland, added to the eeriness, so also the style of writing.
The book felt like a snapshot of dreams that wove its magic on me
There were quite a few fault-lines.
The backstory of her fears was not dealt well. Nor was I given the reason for the deteriorating relationship with her father.
Suddenly, out of the blue, one of the villains became a nice guy.
The book gave importance to one aspect of the subplot while forgetting the others. Therefore, the ending became rushed.
The prose had many colloquial accents and terms, along with a new language between sisters, which were confusing and some words were downright a put-off. It took me nearly half the book to settle down in its pages.
The audiobook did not work for me at all as I found myself drifting away and not understanding the story because of the sister-language which had words like sisterbobs and hannahdogs. The eBook sorted that out
I am a complete fan of this author's books and would always recommend them because he has mad skills. Just the direction gets skewered sometimes.
The first two books are the best. And I did like this one, even though, unfortunately, it didn't feel complete.
July 4, 2022
A thriller set on an isolated island with and MC (main character) that can't leave, duh, duh, duh!
SYNOPSIS
"A hotel brimming with wealthy guests surrounded by the Blackwater estuary, The Stanhope hotel sits on a beautiful remote island. Tonight is the grand reopening, and organiser Hannah watches the guests with pride. Celebration leads to tragedy
But as drinking descends into debauchery, drunken revellers wade into the water, unaware of the treacherous tide at The Drowning Hour.
They are never seen again.
Tormented by a terror of water, Hannah is stuck on the island over winter. Whispers about That Night begin to circle.
Someone knows what really happened in The Drowning Hour – and Hannah isn’t safe…"
WHAT I ENJOYED
🔪 A slow-burn thriller with the best-isolated setting.
🔪 Two POVs (points of view) and timelines: Hannah in the present and her sister Kat in the past.
🔪 Short chapters, I love books with short chapters.
🔪 The claustrophobic atmosphere of the book and its characters.
🔪 The brewing danger and suspicious characters.
If you are new to reading thrillers or want to get into the genre this is a book to check out.
SYNOPSIS
"A hotel brimming with wealthy guests surrounded by the Blackwater estuary, The Stanhope hotel sits on a beautiful remote island. Tonight is the grand reopening, and organiser Hannah watches the guests with pride. Celebration leads to tragedy
But as drinking descends into debauchery, drunken revellers wade into the water, unaware of the treacherous tide at The Drowning Hour.
They are never seen again.
Tormented by a terror of water, Hannah is stuck on the island over winter. Whispers about That Night begin to circle.
Someone knows what really happened in The Drowning Hour – and Hannah isn’t safe…"
WHAT I ENJOYED
🔪 A slow-burn thriller with the best-isolated setting.
🔪 Two POVs (points of view) and timelines: Hannah in the present and her sister Kat in the past.
🔪 Short chapters, I love books with short chapters.
🔪 The claustrophobic atmosphere of the book and its characters.
🔪 The brewing danger and suspicious characters.
If you are new to reading thrillers or want to get into the genre this is a book to check out.
February 20, 2023
wel leuk en lekker spannend enzo maar ook érg onwaarschijnlijk
August 5, 2022
Thrilling
July 11, 2023
"Czarna woda" autorstwa S.K. Tremayne to niezwykle mrożący krew w żyłach thriller, który zapewnia czytelnikowi niezapomniane doznania. Akcja książki toczy się w luksusowym Hotelu Stanhope, który staje się prawdziwym więzieniem na malowniczej wyspie Dawzy otoczonej rzeką Blackwater. Ta rzeka, pozornie spokojna i urocza, skrywa w sobie zabójczą pułapkę. Wydarzenia rozpoczynają się podczas hucznej imprezy z okazji otwarcia hotelu, gdy pięcioro gości zostaje porwanych przez zdradliwy prąd, znany jako Czarna Woda, podczas beztroskiej kąpieli.
Główna bohaterka, Hannah, która również pracuje w hotelu, była świadkiem tej straszliwej tragedii. To wydarzenie traumatyzuje ją na tyle, że nabiera panicznego lęku przed wodą i nie jest w stanie opuścić wyspy. Uwięziona na Dawzy, Hannah postanawia zgłębić tajemnicę tej fatalnej nocy i odkrywa wciągającą i mroczną historię. Okazuje się, że sama również nie jest bezpieczna, a jej własne życie jest zagrożone.
Czy uda jej się odkryć prawdę o tamtej nocy?
"Czarna woda" jest mistrzowsko skonstruowanym thrillerem, którego fabuła jest zawiła, skomplikowana i nieprzewidywalna. Autor umiejętnie układa puzzle tajemnic z przeszłości, prowadząc czytelnika przez labirynt zdarzeń i wątków, aż do zaskakującego rozwiązania. Tremayne w mistrzowski sposób konstruuje historię, układając poszczególne elementy jak karty tarota, tworząc gęstą atmosferę, aż można ją kroić nożem. Czytelnik jest pogrążony w nieprawdopodobnych zjawiskach, które nadają powieści psychodeliczny charakter.
S.K. Tremayne w "Czarnej wodzie" wprowadza nieprawdopodobne zjawiska, które wzbogacają historię o elementy nadprzyrodzone. Ta mieszanka mrocznego realizmu i paranormalnych elementów sprawia, że powieść staje się jeszcze bardziej tajemnicza i intrygująca. Autor perfekcyjnie wplata plot twisty na najwyższym poziomie, zaskakując czytelnika w najmniej spodziewanych momentach. Charakterystyczne dla autora zwroty akcji doskonale oddają jego pisarski styl, pełen zaskoczeń i nieoczekiwanych obrotów.
Dodatkowo, autor wzbogaca fabułę o psychologiczne elementy, które oddziałują na psychikę bohaterów, oraz o zabawne gry słowne, które były domeną siostry Hannah, Kat. Te dodatkowe warstwy sprawiają, że "Czarna woda" staje się jeszcze bardziej unikalna i wciągająca.
Nieprzewidywalna i zagadkowa natura "Czarnej wody" sprawia, że czytelnik nigdy nie jest pewien, co wydarzy się na następnych stronach. To prawdziwie mroczny thriller, który wciąga i trzyma w napięciu od pierwszej do ostatniej strony. Dla miłośników tajemniczych historii, psychodelicznej atmosfery i nieprzewidywalnych zwrotów akcji, "Czarna woda" jest lekturą niezwykle satysfakcjonującą. S.K. Tremayne stworzył powieść, która wciąga i wstrząsa czytelnikiem, pozostawiając go z dreszczem na plecach i pragnieniem odkrycia kolejnych sekretów. To bez wątpienia niezwykłe literackie doświadczenie, które z pewnością przypadnie do gustu miłośnikom mrocznych thrillerów. Ja jestem szczerze zachwycona kunsztem pisarskim autora, kreacją bohaterów i świetnie skonstruowaną fabułą, która mrozi krew w żyłach.
Główna bohaterka, Hannah, która również pracuje w hotelu, była świadkiem tej straszliwej tragedii. To wydarzenie traumatyzuje ją na tyle, że nabiera panicznego lęku przed wodą i nie jest w stanie opuścić wyspy. Uwięziona na Dawzy, Hannah postanawia zgłębić tajemnicę tej fatalnej nocy i odkrywa wciągającą i mroczną historię. Okazuje się, że sama również nie jest bezpieczna, a jej własne życie jest zagrożone.
Czy uda jej się odkryć prawdę o tamtej nocy?
"Czarna woda" jest mistrzowsko skonstruowanym thrillerem, którego fabuła jest zawiła, skomplikowana i nieprzewidywalna. Autor umiejętnie układa puzzle tajemnic z przeszłości, prowadząc czytelnika przez labirynt zdarzeń i wątków, aż do zaskakującego rozwiązania. Tremayne w mistrzowski sposób konstruuje historię, układając poszczególne elementy jak karty tarota, tworząc gęstą atmosferę, aż można ją kroić nożem. Czytelnik jest pogrążony w nieprawdopodobnych zjawiskach, które nadają powieści psychodeliczny charakter.
S.K. Tremayne w "Czarnej wodzie" wprowadza nieprawdopodobne zjawiska, które wzbogacają historię o elementy nadprzyrodzone. Ta mieszanka mrocznego realizmu i paranormalnych elementów sprawia, że powieść staje się jeszcze bardziej tajemnicza i intrygująca. Autor perfekcyjnie wplata plot twisty na najwyższym poziomie, zaskakując czytelnika w najmniej spodziewanych momentach. Charakterystyczne dla autora zwroty akcji doskonale oddają jego pisarski styl, pełen zaskoczeń i nieoczekiwanych obrotów.
Dodatkowo, autor wzbogaca fabułę o psychologiczne elementy, które oddziałują na psychikę bohaterów, oraz o zabawne gry słowne, które były domeną siostry Hannah, Kat. Te dodatkowe warstwy sprawiają, że "Czarna woda" staje się jeszcze bardziej unikalna i wciągająca.
Nieprzewidywalna i zagadkowa natura "Czarnej wody" sprawia, że czytelnik nigdy nie jest pewien, co wydarzy się na następnych stronach. To prawdziwie mroczny thriller, który wciąga i trzyma w napięciu od pierwszej do ostatniej strony. Dla miłośników tajemniczych historii, psychodelicznej atmosfery i nieprzewidywalnych zwrotów akcji, "Czarna woda" jest lekturą niezwykle satysfakcjonującą. S.K. Tremayne stworzył powieść, która wciąga i wstrząsa czytelnikiem, pozostawiając go z dreszczem na plecach i pragnieniem odkrycia kolejnych sekretów. To bez wątpienia niezwykłe literackie doświadczenie, które z pewnością przypadnie do gustu miłośnikom mrocznych thrillerów. Ja jestem szczerze zachwycona kunsztem pisarskim autora, kreacją bohaterów i świetnie skonstruowaną fabułą, która mrozi krew w żyłach.
June 25, 2022
A good, easy thriller.
I managed to guess what was happening pretty close to the start, I think there were a few giveaways for me which made me guess but it was still a great read.
I loved the differing POV’s, I felt it gave more of an insight into the story and events leading up to it. I have mixed feelings about Hannah, sometimes I liked her and other times I didn’t, she kind of annoyed me! I didn’t like the sister’s nicknames towards each other, I thought it was too much and too often.
However, as for the plot line, I thought it was interesting and has a lot of potential but for me, it just didn’t hit the mark. I think it could be fantastic if it had a bit more of a thriller feel to it but I just felt it was a little jumbled.
To end on a high, I thought it was an original book to write and I enjoyed the concept of it. I guessed from the get-go Hannah’s fiancé was a bit of a creep and I think he added quite a bit to the book despite not being in it a lot. I find Hannah to be quite strong considering she was trying to get over her phobia.
Thank you to @instabooktours for arranging this tour and to S.K. Tremayne and @harpercollinspr for allowing me a copy of the book (and a hardback too!)
I managed to guess what was happening pretty close to the start, I think there were a few giveaways for me which made me guess but it was still a great read.
I loved the differing POV’s, I felt it gave more of an insight into the story and events leading up to it. I have mixed feelings about Hannah, sometimes I liked her and other times I didn’t, she kind of annoyed me! I didn’t like the sister’s nicknames towards each other, I thought it was too much and too often.
However, as for the plot line, I thought it was interesting and has a lot of potential but for me, it just didn’t hit the mark. I think it could be fantastic if it had a bit more of a thriller feel to it but I just felt it was a little jumbled.
To end on a high, I thought it was an original book to write and I enjoyed the concept of it. I guessed from the get-go Hannah’s fiancé was a bit of a creep and I think he added quite a bit to the book despite not being in it a lot. I find Hannah to be quite strong considering she was trying to get over her phobia.
Thank you to @instabooktours for arranging this tour and to S.K. Tremayne and @harpercollinspr for allowing me a copy of the book (and a hardback too!)
January 24, 2023
Having loved The Ice Twins, I was very much looking forward to this and I was not disappointed! THE DROWNING HOUR is set in a luxury hotel, The Stanhope, which is situated on an island ... a little tricky for our narrator, Hannah, who has a severe phobia of water. Hannah's phobia stems from events which happened the previous summer, when several hotel guests drowned during a wild party ... but what really happened that night, and why is Hannah's sister, Kat, not telling her the whole truth? This is a very pacy, very atmospheric story which feels cleverly claustrophobic, despite the wild and desolate setting. I once went to a lecture by David Nobbs and he said the best stories always involve someone being trapped - either mentally, emotionally or physically (he was so right). Hannah is most definitely trapped, and it's a race against time to solve the riddle of the drownings and escape the island for good. Just to give you an idea of how invested I was in this story, I spent a lot of time worrying about Hannah's dog, and just in case we are cut from the same cloth ... nothing happens to the dog. The dog is fine. You're welcome.
Read
August 17, 2022Há alguns anos li "As gémeas do gelo" de S. K. Tremayne que, lamentavelmente, ficou aquém das expectativas. Por essa razão, quando ouvi falar da publicação d`"A hora da morte", não senti grande interesse. No entanto, tive novamente o privilégio de poder ler através de empréstimo e não recusei a oportunidade.
Parti para esta leitura sem grandes expectativas, por isso, como se costuma dizer, "tudo o que veio foi ganho".
Apesar de não ter ficado muito agradada nem convencida com o desfecho, nem com alguns pequenos pormenores ao longo do enredo, admito que gostei da atmosfera obscura vivenciada ao longo da história. A evolução do medo de Hannah para fobia (Cf. Sinopse) teve em mim um certo efeito claustrofóbico a dada altura. Consegui mesmo me imaginar na sua pele.
Este não será um livro para ficar na memória, mas serviu o seu propósito no momento: distraiu-me.
Julho 2022
Parti para esta leitura sem grandes expectativas, por isso, como se costuma dizer, "tudo o que veio foi ganho".
Apesar de não ter ficado muito agradada nem convencida com o desfecho, nem com alguns pequenos pormenores ao longo do enredo, admito que gostei da atmosfera obscura vivenciada ao longo da história. A evolução do medo de Hannah para fobia (Cf. Sinopse) teve em mim um certo efeito claustrofóbico a dada altura. Consegui mesmo me imaginar na sua pele.
Este não será um livro para ficar na memória, mas serviu o seu propósito no momento: distraiu-me.
Julho 2022
June 30, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, bit slow to get going but once it did - WOW! Took me 2 days to read.
Hannah is trapped by a phobia on an island, working in a hotel that is the scene of an awful accident. Over time, she looks into the tragedy and finds more than she bargained for. The “now and then” chapters work really well together, building to a revealing end. I did feel it was a little rushed at the end, but it still worked well and everything was answered, no “what about…?” I always find that disappointing at the end of a book.
Overall, a good twisty thriller that will grip you. I’ll be looking out for more by this author for sure.
Hannah is trapped by a phobia on an island, working in a hotel that is the scene of an awful accident. Over time, she looks into the tragedy and finds more than she bargained for. The “now and then” chapters work really well together, building to a revealing end. I did feel it was a little rushed at the end, but it still worked well and everything was answered, no “what about…?” I always find that disappointing at the end of a book.
Overall, a good twisty thriller that will grip you. I’ll be looking out for more by this author for sure.
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