Two thumbs up! Way up!! Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman hit all the sweet spots for this reviewer, and is a Mystery in Minutes 2018 favorite!

Promoted in partnership with Audible by Reese Witherspoon and Hello Sunshine, Ms. Witherspoon's relatively new media company dedicated to female-driven storytelling content across platforms, the audio book of Something in the Water is narrated by the author, and, as is the case for me with Imogen Church and Kate Winslet, I could listen to Catherine Steadman's British-accented voice all day long. Ms. Steadman actually employs several different accents in this performance, and the conversational, at times subtly sexy, first person POV - as if main character Erin Locke were speaking directly to the reader - is immensely appealing. As an added bonus, it has been announced that Hello Sunshine will be producing the film adaptation of the novel. Hooray! #ReadItBeforeYouSeeIt!

Something in the Water opens with one of the book's characters digging a grave. This turns out to be the perfect metaphor for this story. When documentary filmmaker Erin Locke and her brand new husband, investment banker Mark Roberts, discover "something in the water" on their South Pacific honeymoon, their new love and life together will never be quite the same, as their subsequent choices "snowball" into a deeper and deeper mess that will have readers asking, "What would I have done?" If, like me, you love to "shout" at book characters during highly suspenseful scenes, then get those vocal cords warmed up and buckle your seat belts, because Something in the Water becomes an increasingly tense, immersive, and utterly gripping ride, as it taps into primal fears that many of us share! Ms. Steadman's novel also takes the amateur detective plot device, and turns it on its head!

Catherine Steadman is a very talented crime writer, whose debut novel, Something in the Water, is pure fun, and a summertime - or anytime - must read! Mystery in Minutes is already counting down the months till Ms. Steadman's next offering!

Best for Crime Fiction Readers:

• Who enjoy British psychological thrillers and suspense.

• Who appreciate crime fiction featuring an amateur detective, though Ms. Steadman turns this plot device on its head!

• Who enjoy reading tales of domestic suspense.

• Who are interested to read about morally ambiguous and complex characters.

• Who enjoy listening to audio books with British narrators. At the time of this writing, this is month two that Something in the Water has occupied the #1 spot on the New York Times bestseller list for audio fiction!

Pages: 342 (Hardcover)

Length: 11 hrs. 40 mins. (Audio Book)

Publisher's Blurb:

“A psychological thriller that captivated me from page one. What unfolds makes for a wild, page-turning ride! It’s the perfect beach read!”—Reese Witherspoon (Reese’s Book Club x Hello Sunshine book pick)

A shocking discovery on a honeymoon in paradise changes the lives of a picture-perfect couple in this taut psychological thriller debut--for readers of Ruth Ware, Paula Hawkins, and Shari Lapena.

If you could make one simple choice that would change your life forever, would you? 

Erin is a documentary filmmaker on the brink of a professional breakthrough, Mark a handsome investment banker with big plans. Passionately in love, they embark on a dream honeymoon to the tropical island of Bora Bora, where they enjoy the sun, the sand, and each other. Then, while scuba diving in the crystal blue sea, they find something in the water. . . .

Could the life of your dreams be the stuff of nightmares?

Suddenly the newlyweds must make a dangerous choice: to speak out or to protect their secret. After all, if no one else knows, who would be hurt? Their decision will trigger a devastating chain of events. . . .

Have you ever wondered how long it takes to dig a grave?

Wonder no longer. Catherine Steadman's enthralling voice shines throughout this spellbinding debut novel. With piercing insight and fascinating twists, Something in the Water challenges the reader to confront the hopes we desperately cling to, the ideals we're tempted to abandon, and the perfect lies we tell ourselves.

About the Author:

Catherine Steadman is an actress and writer based in North London. She is known for her roles in Downton Abbey and Tutankhamun, starring alongside Sam Neill, as well as shows including Breathless, The Inbetweeners, The Tudors, and Fresh Meat.

In 2017 she will feature in political thriller Fearless and new BBC comedy Bucket. She also has appeared on stage in the West End including Oppenheimer for the RSC, for which she was nominated for a 2016 Laurence Olivier Award.

Something in the Water is her first novel.

MINM Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars!