The Drowning Game

By: Barbara Nickless

Narrated by: 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.

Critic reviews

“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!!!

Good story

Well read easy to listen to. Story was well paced with good twists. On to another.

Ridiculous narration made it impossible to finish the first chapter.

Caricatures are loathsome to me. I prefer narrator not an over the top acting interpretation.
Another wasted credit .

Well Researched and Incredibly Captivating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ — The Drowning Game by Barbara Nickless
Barbara Nickless delivers a gripping, globe‑spanning thriller that blends high‑stakes intrigue with the emotional pull of sisterhood. Following Nadia Brenner’s relentless search for the truth behind her sister Cass’s suspicious death, the novel sweeps readers from the glittering marinas of Singapore to the storm‑tossed South China Sea, layering secrets, betrayals, and unexpected alliances2. The pacing is sharp, the settings vivid, and the family dynamics add real depth to the suspense.
While the storyline is excellent and kept me hooked from the first chapter, the ending felt rushed — as if the final revelations didn’t have quite enough room to breathe. Still, the journey there was so compelling that it earns a solid 4.5 stars in my book.

Interesting concept

Developed characters, interesting storyline. Better than expected for a daily deal. Narrator did a great job moving from character to characters.