Review: Saltwater by Katy Hays
OHHMMGGGEE!! When I first laid eyes on Katy Hays’ Saltwater, I knew I was in for a wild ride. It’s one of those novels that beckons you in with a whisper, promising secrets, drama, and a vividly painted backdrop that’s as intoxicating as the story itself. Capri has never seemed so alive—or so twisted. With a masterful mix of family dysfunction and dark suspense, I dove headfirst into this slow-burning thriller, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint!
At its heart, Saltwater revolves around the haunting death of Sarah Lingate in 1992, a tragedy that leaves a family fractured yet united in their deception. The story unfolds during the thirtieth anniversary of her death, with unresolved tensions simmering as the Lingate clan gathers once more. The atmosphere is thick with foreboding, as Helen, Sarah’s daughter, finds herself tangled in a web of lies and secrets. As I turned the pages, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being a fly on the wall, privy to a dizzying array of motivations and betrayals among the morally ambiguous characters.
Hays expertly crafts an enriching narrative that oscillates between multiple perspectives and timelines, each layer peeling back more of the family’s sordid history. The characters are complex and richly developed—so much so that I felt my “spidey-senses” tingling with suspicion about nearly everyone. I loved the psychological depth Hays infused into each character, particularly Helen and her evolving sense of agency. The way Hays reveals the tension with precision kept me on the edge of my seat, whispering “No f***ing way!” more than once.
The pacing of the novel deserves special mention. While the first half unfolds slowly and deliberately, building tension like a well-tuned guitar string, the final act is a breathtaking sprint that left me breathless. Hays knows how to wield suspense like an artist—each cliffhanger expertly placed to ensure I couldn’t possibly put the book down. Just when I thought I had all the pieces figured out, Hays would throw in a twist that made me reassess everything I thought I knew.
As a lover of compelling character dynamics, I found Saltwater to be an absolute home run. The way Hays exposes the fragility of family ties amidst greed, deception, and control struck a deep chord. Who can resist the pull of a captivating game of cat-and-mouse when the stakes are so fervently high?
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Saltwater to anyone who loves a gripping family drama woven with dark secrets and thrilling twists. Hays has crafted an unforgettable tapestry that captivates, shocks, and ultimately leaves you reflecting on the nature of trust and betrayal. Whether you’re a fan of thrillers or just looking for a novel that’ll hold you hostage until the last page, grab a copy—trust me, you won’t regret it!
Rating: 5+ stars
Thank you to Katy Hays, Random House — Ballantine, and NetGalley for my digital and physical copies. All opinions are my own.
Discover more about Saltwater on GoodReads >>
