A very slow start which failed to draw me in which is a shame because the second half of the book is fast-moving and interesting. I found the interaction between the two main characters very disjointed and Alex seems to be permanently exhausted and depressed which perhaps isn't surprising because of her missing sister but it did become a little wearing. I'm probably being too picky because at heart this is an excellent thriller but it just didn't click with me.

Notes on a Drowning is an engaging and very well-plotted story about two women with an awkward shared past who work together to prevent a similar tragedy to the one that first brought them together.

The beginning of the book is a little slower than the ending, as the reader begins to piece together the narrative of the two women, who have complicated lives without the addition of the mystery that reunites them. The mystery itself is complex and grows increasingly dangerous for them. Who can they trust, aside from no one but a very few?

This is a tale of corruption and power and how corrupting such power can be. It is also very current, contending with the persistent 'boys club' mentality that infects politics and the terrible underbelly that goes with it.

Yet, it is also a fast-paced and well-executed read. I devoured it in two sittings.

This is not my usual read. I'm a bit more 'thriller' minded and also more historical or cosy crime, but this is a timely tale of corruption and politics, unputdownable until the last page.

My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my review copy.

Thank you to the author and Orion for the advanced copy.

A really thought provoking, fast paced political thriller. I felt like we went on the journey with the characters to uncover the mystery. The subject matter felt timely and impactful, exploring the issue of corruption from the rich and powerful.

A great read!