A haunting premise, intriguing characters, and a supernatural mystery that had all the ingredients for a book I’d love, but unfortunately, “Clear Water” didn’t quite come together for me.

Oh, how I wanted to love this book! Between that gorgeous cover, the haunting description, and the promise of a crime solved with a little supernatural assistance, I was sold before I even pressed play.

And there really were things I enjoyed! The story grabbed my attention almost immediately with the mysterious girl in the road. I also grew attached to several characters, particularly Alma, Un, and Dale, who ultimately plays a key role in solving the crime. The concept itself was right up my alley, and I appreciated the way the supernatural elements were woven into the mystery.

Where the story lost me was in the middle. After such a strong opening, the pacing slowed considerably, and I found my attention drifting. When things picked back up toward the end, I didn’t feel as though I’d missed much of significance, which left me wishing those middle chapters had contributed more to the overall mystery. The shifting timelines also made the story feel a little disjointed at times.

Frankie Corzo’s narration was a highlight! Her performance complemented the haunting atmosphere and helped bring the characters to life. Even when the pacing wasn’t quite working for me, I appreciated the listening experience she delivered.

Ultimately, I think this is a case of a book that simply wasn’t the right fit for me. There’s a compelling story here, with memorable characters and an intriguing supernatural twist. I just wish the journey between that fantastic opening and the resolution had been a little more engaging.

📖 Clear Water
✍️ Gabrielle Lucille Fuentes
🎙️ Frankie Corzo
🎁 Macmillan Audio & NetGalley
📅 11/03/26
⭐️⭐️⭐️