The Drowning Girls

By: Paula Treick DeBoard

Narrated by: David Atlas, Amy McFadden

Length: 10 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

Liz McGinnis never imagined herself living in a luxurious gated community like The Palms. Ever since she and her family moved in, she's felt like an outsider amongst the Stepford-like wives and their obnoxiously spoiled children. Still, she's determined to make it work - if not for herself, then for her husband, Phil, who landed them this lavish home in the first place, and for her daughter, Danielle, who's about to enter high school.

Yet underneath the glossy veneer of The Palms, life is far from idyllic. In a place where reputation is everything, Liz soon discovers that even the friendliest residents can't be trusted - and almost everyone has secrets they'd do anything to protect. So when the gorgeous girl next door befriends Danielle, Liz can't help but find sophisticated Kelsey's interest in her shy and slightly nerdy daughter a bit suspicious.

But while Kelsey quickly becomes a fixture in the McGinnis home, Liz's relationships with both Danielle and Phil grow strained. Now even her own family seems to be hiding things, and it's not long before their dream of living the high life quickly spirals out of control....

©2016 Paula Treick DeBoard (P)2016 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Good book but poor ending

This book was fast paced and kept me listening the whole way through. I am disappointed with the ending or lack of

Great book - not a mystery but more thrilling

Dark but great. Loved the narrators & the story. It left me feeling perplexed with emotions. Recommend.

Left me hanging

The story was dark & entertaining but it ends very abruptly! It was a strange way to end with really no closure. The book was good though, it just goes nowhere.

Gone Girl & Girl on the Train on steroids!

What did you love best about The Drowning Girls?

I absolutely loved that it drug you in from the very first second you started listening and kept you diving deeper and deeper until you are right there in the last scene.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Phil was by far my favorite. His accent, demeanor, loyalty, work ethic, family values really made me love him from the very beginning. You also start to really feel for him even though you realize that if he had made a couple different choices and communicated with his wife it would have made it easier on him, but since he is so likable, it is very easy to start justifying why it was ok.

What about David Atlas and Amy McFadden ’s performance did you like?

They were absolutely, positively perfect for this book especially David Atlas. His accent was delicious!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely!!!

Any additional comments?

Love, love, loved this book. It captivated my attention from the very start and I just could not stop listening.

The story is one that will really make you think how far would someone have to push you and your family before you would commit murder. Of course, all of us would say, never, but just take a listen to this story and see what you answer to that question is once you are finished.

I loved all the characters especially the husband with the Australian accent. The wife is likable too, but there were definitely moments throughout the story that I was like just listen and believe in your husband.

If you enjoyed Gone Girl, Girl on the Train, and Pretty girls, you will definitely enjoy this gem. I actually may have liked it better than the first two I listed.

For you audible listeners, this was the BEST narrated book I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. You could visualize the characters so vividly and their accents were absolutely perfection and not at all annoying.

This may be worth a re-read in print form.

Superb, Do Not Pass Up !

Love Amy MC Fadden first. She can Read anything. A delight to listen to.
This was an unexpected plot. At first , you THOUGHT, usual story. NO WAY. many well developed characters, that are so real., you can imagine this is reality. I believe there are communities, like this ,. But do not want to.
Very intriguing, manipulation from a 16 Y.o. ( way to young to know all that entails- sorry parents not on top of it. Too busy with their own lives , and let the only Daughter have full reign over her activities...which are so unhealthy,.they become dangerous and very Tragic.
May seen a tad far fetched, but I can clearly see this scenario play out. Sad , But True.
if you have teenagers and you are very involved with your own careers.....please read. Your children deserve more !

Loved!!

Story kept me on edge. Loved the narrator. The ending left me wanting more though.

Juicy Drama

I am very picky about narrators. The last few books I listened to, I hated the narration...and have stopped the book after a few chapters.
This was a breath of fresh air. I really enjoyed both narrators
The story is sneaky, twisted, and full of confusion for the characters. I really enjoyed it.
Liz, her husband Phil, and daughter Danielle move into a fancy gate community. The people who live there are shallow and seem to believe the whole world revolves around them and their little gated world. Liz and Phil are not wealthy, so they end up getting into the ritzy community because Phil gets a job there. He is something of a community manager.
Little fires pop up around the neighborhood, and in families.
I do not want to give any spoilers away, so I will not get into much detail.
I really enjoyed the novel, however I kept getting frustrated at Phil. If he would have just told his wife the truth... a lot of hurt could have been avoided.
If you are looking for a great flowing book, with deceptive characters, drama, upheaval and juicy fun, this book is for you!

Pretty good

The story and performance was entertaining, however the ending was very disappointing. Felt like everything was left unresolved.

great read

A great storyline, disliked ending, do not like to be left hanging. Likeable main character.

Fantastic, but...

There were a few part that, for me, didn't add to the story; instead, they pulled me away from the growing anticipation I felt with the main story. Also, the ending seemed abrupt. I love endings that don't drone, but there were still a few things I wanted to see resolved. All personal preference, mind you. The writing is lovely and vivid. I couldn't get enough of the main story. And the voice actors: jeez they were perfect for this!