Saltwater

A Novel

De: Katy Hays

Narrado por: Allyson Ryan, Cassandra Campbell, Carlotta Brentan

On glittering Capri, anything can be a mirage. And no one holds a grudge like family.

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Cloisters comes an electrifying thriller about an opulent family retreat to Italy that’s shattered by the resurfacing of a decades-old crime.

“Perfect for fans of White Lotus, this is a spring break murder mystery for the ages.”—People

In 1992, Sarah Lingate is found dead below the cliffs of Capri, leaving behind her three-year-old daughter, Helen. Despite suspicions that the old-money Lingates are involved, Sarah’s death is ruled an accident. And every year, the family returns to prove it’s true. But on the thirtieth anniversary of Sarah’s death, the Lingates arrive at the villa to find a surprise waiting for them—the necklace Sarah was wearing the night she died.

Haunted by the specter of that night, the legendary Lingate family unity is pushed to a breaking point, and Helen seizes the opportunity. Enlisting the help of Lorna Moreno, a family assistant, the two plot their escape from Helen’s paranoid, insular family. But when Lorna disappears and the investigation into Sarah’s death is reopened, Helen has to confront the fact that everyone who was on Capri thirty years ago remains a suspect—her controlling father, Richard; her rarely lucid aunt, Naomi; her distant uncle, Marcus; and their circle of friends, visitors, and staff. Even Lorna, her closest ally, may not be who she seems.

As long-hidden secrets about that night boil to surface, one thing becomes clear: Not everyone will leave the island alive.

©2025 Katy Hays (P)2025 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Engrossing and sinister, Saltwater has all the elements thriller readers love: dead bodies, deception, and betrayal. But at its core, this multilayered story delves into the concepts of familial loyalty and generational trauma, making Saltwater a must-read.”—Julie Clark, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Flight

“A riveting, atmospheric, elegantly written, and twist-packed tale . . . brilliant!”—Ellery Lloyd, New York Times bestselling author of The Club

“A masterful, riveting, and unsettling tale of privilege, greed, and lust . . . I can’t remember reading a book with as many deftly executed twists and revelations. I devoured it in what felt like seconds.”—Ella Berman, author of the Reese’s Book Club pick Before We Were Innocent

Bad narrators

I think I would have really enjoyed the book, but unfortunately the narrators chosen were hard to listen to.

The twists

So good! Kept me on my toes. Want more like this. The author is so captivating

Suspense till the End

Loved the book and narration . Suspenseful to the end and major twist! Need to visit Capri.

Gorgeous thriller!

A very atmospheric and cerebral thriller. Could get lost in the world Hays created. The narrators are engaging and bring the POV characters to life.

The Ending!

I enjoyed the book until it got to the ending. The ending was so ridiculous that it ruined the story for me. The narration was really good.

The twist and turns were magnificent

This book was captivating from the start until the last page. I loved the all the details, mystery that kept me thinking and urge to not put it down. Great book, highly recommend!!

The last hour

It was a good book, but really slow the first 7 hours. I wish the twist would have been revealed a little sooner or made the book shorter .

Turn after turn

Loved the different direction the story moved. Some expected, some unexpected. Great narration. Great listen !

Edge-of-Your-Seat Capri Thriller

Saltwater by Katy Hays is amazing! There are as many twists and turns in this riveting family mystery as there are on the roads of Capri. At each turn, I was floored—again and again.

The story is set on the stunning island of Capri—an island rich in history, beauty, and death. I love Capri, and each time a familiar hotel, restaurant, or sight was mentioned, memories flooded back. Hays nails the flavors and vibe of one of the chicest places on Earth.

This is an exciting and compelling thriller rooted in the dynamics of a cutthroat family guarding secrets... but not the ones you expect. The characters are all well-drawn and believable. I especially loved the multi-POV narration—it totally works. It kept me on the edge of my seat, constantly engaged and guessing.

The narration by Allyson Ryan, Cassandra Campbell, and Carlotta Brentan was spectacular—each voice perfectly matched the tone of the story.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves thrillers that transport you to exotic places and keep you guessing until the very end.

Entertained

Solid twists at the end! Very entertaining and the performances were great. Excited to discuss at book club this month!