Saltwater

I am embarrassed to tell you that I almost gave up on this one. I’m so glad I did not. It’s a massive slow-burning psychological thriller. It starts out very literary — languid, like Capri, where it is set — and quickly intensifies, becoming very, very plotty. I initially struggled with all of the different characters . . . and didn’t particularly care for any of them. I am really happy I kept going, because I ultimately loved it. The premise is that thirty years earlier, Sarah Lingate is found dead, leaving behind her three-year-old daughter, Helen. Her death was ruled an accident, and every summer the family returns to the island. Except this time, a surprise awaits them: the necklace that Sarah wore when she died. Add to that, the disappearance of the family assistant. We meet the privileged Lingate family (quite the cast of characters), their housekeeper, and her son . . . everyone is a suspect in Sarah’s murder, and not everyone will make it out of Capri alive. I will say no more but I absolutely loved this. It’s the perfect summer read.