Saltwater

A Novel

By: Katy Hays

Narrated by: Allyson Ryan, Cassandra Campbell, Carlotta Brentan

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Cloisters comes a slow-burn psychological drama about an opulent family that unravels when a decades-old crime resurfaces.

“Full of chills and darkness.”—Oprah Daily

“Fans of family dramas and thrillers will devour this tense, suspenseful novel.”—Woman’s World

In 1992, Sarah Lingate is found dead below the cliffs of Capri, Italy, 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 her 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 paranoid, insular Lingate family begins to crack, and Helen seizes the opportunity with the help of Lorna Moreno, the family assistant. But then Lorna disappears, and the investigation into Sarah’s death is reopened. Everyone who was on Capri thirty years ago remains a suspect—Helen’s 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.

Combining a glittering, dark atmosphere, morally-gray characters, and mind-bending twists, Saltwater is an exploration of the corrupting effects of generational privilege and the lengths people go to protect a legacy—and how no one can hold a grudge like family.

Captivating, Raw, and Impossible to put down!

Salt Water by Katy Hays completely gripped me from the very beginning. I binged the entire audiobook in one day; it was that good. The writing was sharp, emotional, and powerful, with a story that felt both deeply personal and universally relatable.

I was captivated by the way Hays wove together themes of identity, grief, connection, and transformation. There was something so raw and honest about the voice of this book that it stayed with me long after I finished listening. Every word felt intentional. Every chapter drew me in deeper.

If you're looking for a book that challenges, moves, and immerses you completely, this is it. Absolutely unforgettable. Five stars without hesitation.

Bad narrators

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

The Twists had twists in this one.

I enjoyed the pace, the development of characters… the slow showing of who they really were, up to, and including the end.

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.