A review by novaturient_bibliophile
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid

dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

This book was incredible on so many levels. First of all, the imagery that it used and the atmosphere that it created was insanely palpable. I don’t think any other book I’ve ever read has been so immersive in that aspect. And then there’s the language: the motifs (i.e. drowning), the poetic prose, the allusions to literature that was literally written just for this book! I also found the characters to be complex in a way that made them endearing by and real. 
My only two complaints would be 1) the lack of world-building (I need a prequel just on the Drowning) and 2) the predictability of the twist (I guessed it about 100 pages before the reveal). 
This book made me feel like a dark academia schoolgirl trudging through a dreary European town. Also, I am now more in touch with my feminine rage. Men suck.
This book reminds me of Ariadne and Elektra by Jennifer Saint and the song Cassandra by Taylor Swift.