A review by yvo_about_books
The Girls In The Water by Victoria Jenkins

4.0

Finished reading: July 27th 2017

"You couldn't escape the past. It stayed with you, there, in your shadow. It lurked at your shoulder, breathing on your neck like a ghost."

*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***

Spoiler

Basically I wanted to read this one as soon as I saw the cover and the blurb sounded really positive as well. Then I saw positive reviews popping up here and there and the writing style being compared to Robert Bryndza's Erika Foster series and I was sold. This comparison wasn't wrong, because the writing style definitely has a similar feel and is very very engaging. I was hooked as soon as I started reading and both the pace and prose made it very easy to read The Girls In The Water. Of course the sole fact that this first book of a new detective series has a serial killer is already a huge bonus for me... Call me twisted, but I have a weird fascination for those. The case detective King and Lane have to investigate is intriguing and the story has quite a few plot twists and potential suspects to keep you busy guessing. It's always a good sign when that happens! I wasn't completely charmed by the characters though. The whole damage past for the detective characters is just getting old I guess... And I never managed to warm up to Alex and Chloe completely. I do admit I was curious about Chloe's past and it did add a little something extra to the story. And my lack of connection to the main characters was probably my only complaint of an otherwise fast-paced, entertaining serial killer rollercoaster ride. I will be looking forward to book two!



The body of Lola Evans is found in a local park and both Alex King and Chloe Lane are called in to investigate the case. When a few days later a second girl goes missing, they fear they might have a serial killer on their hands... Especially since the two girls seem to share a troubled history and were members of the same support group. Just a coincidence or does the killer have a specific target? It's up to detective King and her team to find out before it's too late... And more vulnerable girls might be in danger.



If you enjoy reading fast-paced and well written detective thrillers I can definitely recommend The Girls In The Water. Both the writing style and pace made me fly through this serial killer thriller and the case itself was intriguing as well. Lots of plot twists and potential suspects to keep you guessing and that is always a bonus! I wasn’t completely charmed by the characters, but that doesn't take away I still thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

P.S. Find more of my reviews here.