Book Review: Saltwater by Katy Hays
OHHMMGGGEE!! When I first heard about Saltwater by Katy Hays, I was immediately intrigued by its premise: a murder mystery set against the beautiful backdrop of Capri. But it wasn’t just the picturesque setting that caught my eye; it was the promise of a dark family saga intertwined with secrets and deception. And let me tell you, Hays delivered an intoxicating tale that kept me turning the pages late into the night.
At its core, Saltwater grapples with themes of family, betrayal, and the murky waters of memory. The story revolves around the mysterious death of Sarah Lingate, whose fall from the cliffs of Capri seems to have left more questions than answers. Thirty years later, the Lingate family returns to the island, only to find the very necklace Sarah wore that fateful night, suddenly reigniting suspicions and old wounds. Helen, Sarah’s daughter, finds herself trapped within this web of secrets, enlisting the help of family assistant Lorna Moreno to navigate her treacherous lineage.
What struck me most was the way Hays portrayed her characters—not a single one was wholly good or bad, which made them all the more fascinating. With multiple points of view peppered throughout the narrative, I spent much of my reading time questioning the true motivations of each character. Everyone from the controlling father, Richard, to the distant uncle, Marcus, had my “spidey-senses” tingling, leaving me to wonder who could be trusted. The morally ambiguous characters became a rich tapestry that kept me guessing, and I often found myself whispering, “No f***ing way!” at the reveals.
The writing style is intensely vivid; Hays crafts atmospheric scenes that transport you right into the heart of Capri. The claustrophobic tension builds perfectly in the first half of the book, although I admit I was worried about the slow burn. But once the narrative hit its stride in the last 160 pages, it felt like I was on a roller coaster plummeting toward an explosive finale filled with twist after twist. The perfect plotting had me hooked until the very last moment, where revelations left me breathless.
Saltwater is a drama of familial dysfunction, but it also explores how trauma can shape our lives long after the initial event. It resonates especially with anyone who has ever grappled with the impact of family secrets. Hays’s exploration of love, loyalty, and greed is brilliantly written, proving that sometimes the deepest bonds come with the darkest shadows.
So, who would enjoy this book? If you’re a fan of atmospheric thrillers that dive deep into complex relationships, or if you love stories about morally gray characters embroiled in mysteries, Saltwater is for you. Even if you’re just in it for a lush setting and gripping suspense, this novel promises an escapade that won’t disappoint.
In reflection, my experience with Saltwater was an exhilarating journey through intertwined narratives and gripping suspense that left me aching for more. I urge you to grab your copy when it releases on March 25, 2025—trust me, this is one family drama you won’t want to miss. Happy reading!