The Drowning Kind

Social worker Jax receives news of her sister Lexie's drowning in the family's Vermont pool. While dealing with the aftermath, she discovers Lexie had been researching the history of their grandmother's property and its spring-fed pool. The narrative alternates between present day and 1929, following two parallel stories. In the present, Jax investigates her sister's death and the pool's dark history. In 1929, Ethel Monroe visits a newly opened health resort built around natural springs that supposedly grant wishes. A series of unexplained events connect these two timelines as both women confront the mysterious properties of the spring waters. Family secrets emerge as Jax pieces together the connections between past and present while grappling with loss and grief. The novel explores the bonds between sisters, the price of getting what you wish for, and the thin line between the natural and supernatural. Through its dual narratives, it raises questions about family legacy and the sometimes destructive power of desire.

Many readers describe The Drowning Kind as a slow-burn supernatural thriller that alternates between two timelines. The atmosphere and sense of dread build gradually throughout the story. Readers appreciated: - The connection between past and present storylines - Vivid descriptions of the dark pool setting - Complex family relationships - The blend of ghost story and historical fiction Common criticisms: - Pacing drags in the middle sections - Some plot threads left unresolved - Main character Jax feels unsympathetic to many readers - Several reviewers found the ending rushed Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (24,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (3,400+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.7/5 (500+ ratings) One frequent reader comment notes that "the creepy swimming pool scenes deliver genuine chills," while others mention the book "takes too long to get going." Multiple reviews compare the style to classic gothic horror but note the modern timeline feels less compelling than the historical sections.

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🌊 The book weaves together two timelines: 1929 and the present day, both centered around a mysterious natural spring in Vermont with alleged healing powers. 💫 Author Jennifer McMahon was inspired to write this story after learning about the real-life tradition of "taking the waters" at natural springs during the early 20th century. 🏊‍♀️ Natural springs like the one featured in the book were often developed into grand resorts during the 1920s, where wealthy visitors would seek cures for various ailments. 🌙 The character of Ethel Monroe was partly inspired by the author's grandmother, who suffered from mental illness and spent time in institutions. 📚 McMahon wrote much of the book during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, which she says enhanced her ability to capture the story's eerie, claustrophobic atmosphere.