Dark Water
Friendship doesn’t die, it waits…
A haunting and lyrical novel, ‘Dark Water’ is a psychologically intense portrait of adolescent yearning and obsession.
When Helena returns to her childhood home in Orkney, she is forced to face memories that she has spent half a lifetime running from. Her best friend, the charismatic Anastasia, disappeared after a swimming incident. But what really happened that night by the wrecks?
My Thoughts & Review:
Before I say anything about this book I feel I need to stress to you that this is the début offering from Sara Bailey. I say this because as you read this book you are completely unaware of this fact, the author writes so comfortably that this could be her 20th published novel.
Cleverly weaving the past and the present, Bailey brings to life her characters and their respective tales. Helena returning to Orkney because of her father’s ill health, struggles with being surrounded by the place of her childhood, the memories and the murmurs her reappearance has caused with the locals.
Not only does the reader learn about adult Helena, but also learns of her as she grew up on the island with her best friend Anastasia. How the two girls had the best of times together, their mischief and hijinks until they reached teenage years, when they drifted apart, their friendship strained by jealousies, heartbreak, envy and worst of all death.
The physical setting of this book adds to the haunting atmosphere of the psychological thriller. Orkney’s rugged coastline and beautiful scenery provide the perfect backdrop for the story. Bailey draws the reader in with the eerie setting, her wonderfully flowing narrative and attention to detail.
The characters are interesting and engaging, the plot is intense and gripping, absolutely amazing that this is a début novel.
You can pre order a copy of Dark Water here.
