The Drowning House

by Elizabeth Black

Photographer Clare Porterfield's once-happy marriage is coming apart, unraveling under the strain of a family tragedy. When she receives an invitation to direct an exhibition in her hometown of Galveston, Texas, she jumps at the chance to escape her grief and reconnect with the island she hasn't seen for ten years. There Clare will have the time and space to search for answers about her troubled past and her family's complicated relationship with the wealthy and influential Carraday family.

Soon she finds herself drawn into a century-old mystery involving Stella Carraday. Local legend has it that Stella drowned in her family's house during the Hurricane of 1900, hung by her long hair from the drawing room chandelier. Could Stella have been saved? What is the true nature of Clare's family's involvement? The questions grow like the wildflower vines that climb up the walls and fences of the island. And the closer Clare gets to the answers, the darker and more disturbing the truth becomes.

Steeped in the rich local history of Galveston, The Drowning House portrays two families, inextricably linked by tragedy and time. (synopsis from Netgalley and cover image fro Goodreads).

My Thoughts

This was one of those books I call a slow burn. There were just enough unanswered questions and uncertainties to keep me reading. The story unfolds in bits and pieces until it all falls together at the end.

I loved the author’s writing style - the way she phrases her descriptions of normal, everyday things was lovely This is a debut for Ms. Black and I must say - Bravo! I will certainly be following along to see what will come next from this very talented writer.

Thank you to Doubleday/ Nan A. Talese and Netgalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for an unbiased review.

Publish date: January 15, 2013.