The Drowning Game

De: Barbara Nickless

Narrado por: Natalie Naudus

A woman’s investigation into her sister’s death exposes the dark side of a secret life in a gripping novel of power, money, and murder by a Wall Street Journal bestselling author.

Sisters Nadia and Cass Brenner are heirs to Ocean House, a decades-old empire that builds superyachts for the rich and powerful: emirs, oligarchs, and titans of industry throughout America and Europe. They’re a next-generation success with the design of their soon-to-be-commissioned megayacht for a Chinese billionaire. But the sisters’ entrée into the coveted Asian market is tragically cut short when Cass falls from a fortieth-floor hotel balcony.

A Singapore detective rules suicide. Nadia’s been in the yacht business too long not to be suspicious. Especially when she discovers Cass’s involvement in dangerously illicit activities. Pulled into the same web of betrayal, lies, and secrets that trapped her sister, Nadia is on the most perilous mission of her life. Because uncovering the truth behind her sister’s death could tear the Brenner family apart—and it just might get her killed.

From Seattle to Austria to the South China Sea, Nadia must hold on to the one thing that can keep her safe. It’s the Brenner family motto: Trust no one.

©2025 by Barbara Nickless. (P)2024 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Nickless’ thriller offers local color and occasional chills…”—Kirkus Reviews

“An intensely engaging and original murder mystery leading to a climatic resolution, and highly recommended.”—Midwest Book Review

“The Drowning Game is filled with rich scenes of Singapore life, from the haunts of the super-rich to Singapore’s teeming back alleys. Nickless’s research is impeccable, and her twisty thriller is a chilling story of international intrigue and deception.”—The Denver Post

Enjoyable Listen

The last couple of listens (not by this author) were not very inspiring or interesting for mysteries. I liked this one, the characters were good and there was actually something happening. It was an easy but good listen. Glad I used a credit!!!

Captivating! Great read!

What a riveting, well-researched book! I felt like I was in Singapore and the other locales. Many twists and turns for the characters in the spy, AI, white boat world.

Fabulous Story! Astonishing Research on multiple subjects!

I have loved the author's novels since the story of Sydney Rose Parnell was created! ( Hoping for more!) I've read most of Ms. Nickless' novels and have loved them all. This book was even more amazing with it's multiple twists and characters. And such a strong female protagonist. But I was amazed at the amount of research that must have gone into creating this international , semi historical story! Bravo, Ms. Nickless!

Good story

Very good story! Perfect story telling and interesting characters! Loved the couple of twists in the story

Unique story

I enjoyed this book as it conveyed a unique story. An easy listen that kept me interested.

Great story

This book was exceptionally written. I enjoyed the story and especially the setting. It was performed well. However, this narrator spoke all internal narrative softly and all action loudly, making it difficult to listen in a moving vehicle when the sound went from barely audible to very loud. Otherwise it was a great book.

Entertaining and intense at times

I really liked the dynamic of the sibling relationship in this story. The sisters are close despite that Cass lives in China and Nadia lives in Seattle. They both work with their parents, and uncle for the family yacht business. When tragedy occurs it’s left to Nadia to uncover the secrets and find justice for her sister. There is a bit of scenery described to add to the location but so much more could have been done imo. Twists develop with a parallel backstory and that’s when the intrigue and intensity begin. This was an enjoyable book to listen to.

Narration was really good. It can’t be easy portraying a genuine Asian accent!

Boring

If it is possible to become burnt-out from reading, I have hit that goal. I have several highly reviewed books and I haven’t read one I would agree with. This book was not an exception. I could hardly wait for it to end.
Even the stories premise was stupid to me and the author just rambled on and on.

RECOMMENDATION: Proceed with caution