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sarah5's review
4.0
Thanks to the author as I was lucky enough to be sent a copy through the giveaways section on the site. This is the story of Sarah Grey who begins to see a ghost of someone of the same name and is known through local history and myth as a sea-witch. This is a mixture of genres: horror, thriller, historical fiction and a bit of romance as well.
I found this book genuinely creepy, there were a few moments when I actually jumped when I read them and there was a sense of tension throughout. A great read and I would definitely read more by this author.
cursedepub's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
stefhyena's review
3.0
This was overall a bit disappointing, although it started well. The manager coming into a school and showing disrespect for teachers and teaching was extremely relateable and I don't know why she eroded that to let all the good things in her plot be taken over by a problematic romance with a control freak. There was literally nothing I liked about the romance aspect, I think it was a mistake to have it in there at all. Similarly I would have liked some more character development from any of the friends who were supposedly such a big part of life (it began with descriptions of four of them that made it sound like it would be about these slightly boozy but solid girls).
The historical stuff was the best, although some of it was just red herrings. The journals were written in a (to me) convincing voice, and there was a genuine sense of mystery in the story which was resolved well. Even so there were some bald patches as far as motivation was concerned, characters could have been better filled in here or there. The plot was also cluttered with so many things going on (ditch the romance, but also does everyone have to be bereaved?) that it was a bit hard to follow...the stuff with Sharon's mum kind of came out of nowhere and it shouldn't have.
The book made some feminist points (though could have carried them across to the modern day a tad better) and mostly built its mood well. I wasn't terrified but it was a bit spooky. Probably worth a look if you are bored.
The historical stuff was the best, although some of it was just red herrings. The journals were written in a (to me) convincing voice, and there was a genuine sense of mystery in the story which was resolved well. Even so there were some bald patches as far as motivation was concerned, characters could have been better filled in here or there. The plot was also cluttered with so many things going on (ditch the romance, but also does everyone have to be bereaved?) that it was a bit hard to follow...the stuff with Sharon's mum kind of came out of nowhere and it shouldn't have.
The book made some feminist points (though could have carried them across to the modern day a tad better) and mostly built its mood well. I wasn't terrified but it was a bit spooky. Probably worth a look if you are bored.
ksm's review
3.0
The Drowning Pool by Syd Moore
Widowed, single mother Sarah Grey moves to Leigh in an attempt to rebuild her life following the death of her husband.
One night following a "seance" with her friends she starts seeing things which are hard to explain. When her son also starts seeing and hearing things she realises that she is being haunted by the ghost of a suspected 19th century witch. If Sarah wants to move on with her life she will have to listen carefully to the ghosts of the past.
I enjoyed following the journey of Sarah and her investigation into the life of a woman wrongfully accused of witchcraft in the 19th century. The characters were well developed and Sarah was likeable and dealt with her situation quite well, no hysterics or over reactions which makes a change.
The ghost story elements of this novel are neither scary nor chilling but intriguing. The past and present are intertwined skillfully, you know where you are and there aren't so many characters that you find yourself lost.
The only thing that put me off at times slightly is the persistent "if only I knew now what i knew then" type of sentences. Sarah keeps making references like that and it was a bit jarring as it made you expect what was to come later. Typically of me i had guessed the ending but it may have taken a bit longer without certain suggestions of what may happen to a character at the end.
Overall i enjoyed the book, the characters are well rounded, the story was interesting and the end tied everything up nicely. I would definitely read another book by Syd Moore.
I recommend reading this book if you like a good ghost story without the horror element and if you like a mystery with a touch of romance thrown in for good measure.
7/10
Widowed, single mother Sarah Grey moves to Leigh in an attempt to rebuild her life following the death of her husband.
One night following a "seance" with her friends she starts seeing things which are hard to explain. When her son also starts seeing and hearing things she realises that she is being haunted by the ghost of a suspected 19th century witch. If Sarah wants to move on with her life she will have to listen carefully to the ghosts of the past.
I enjoyed following the journey of Sarah and her investigation into the life of a woman wrongfully accused of witchcraft in the 19th century. The characters were well developed and Sarah was likeable and dealt with her situation quite well, no hysterics or over reactions which makes a change.
The ghost story elements of this novel are neither scary nor chilling but intriguing. The past and present are intertwined skillfully, you know where you are and there aren't so many characters that you find yourself lost.
The only thing that put me off at times slightly is the persistent "if only I knew now what i knew then" type of sentences. Sarah keeps making references like that and it was a bit jarring as it made you expect what was to come later. Typically of me i had guessed the ending but it may have taken a bit longer without certain suggestions of what may happen to a character at the end.
Overall i enjoyed the book, the characters are well rounded, the story was interesting and the end tied everything up nicely. I would definitely read another book by Syd Moore.
I recommend reading this book if you like a good ghost story without the horror element and if you like a mystery with a touch of romance thrown in for good measure.
7/10
kayliecelery's review
4.0
This book was great. It kept me intrigued all the way through. Although, I did find the characters hard to relate to. I felt that they were a bit mix mashed. However if you enjoy books about ghosts this is a definite must read.
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