Name: The Drowning Summer
Rating: 3.166666666666667 (6 reviews)
ISBN: 9780759557536

Christine Lynn Herman

Sixteen-year-old fledgling mediums Mina and Evelyn navigate their growing attraction as they investigate the connection between a vengeful spirit and murders that rocked their costal Long Island town six years ago.

The Drowning Summer

Zoe Smolen

2.5 rounded up, 

This was my first Christine Lynn Herman, and honestly if might be my last. This book was objectively fine, but it was kind of boring for what a paranormal ghost story. The tone feels inconsistent with the book, and there's way too many plot lines that none of them feel satisfyingly resolved - especially the environmental impact of the plant. 

The romance felt forced, and all of the characters felt pretty one-dimensional and didn't show that much growth throughout the novel. The side characters of Kenny, Luisa, and Amy were some of the most enjoyable characters of the book and deserved more time. 

My favorite thing might have been the twist, which I admittedly did not see coming, so points for that!

Thanks to the publishers for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A gorgeously atmospheric contemporary fantasy by the author of The Devouring Gray and The Deck of Omens. Six years ago, three Long Island teenagers were murdered—their drowned bodies discovered with sand dollars placed over their eyes. The mystery of the drowning summer was never solved, but as far as the town’s concerned, Evelyn Mackenzie’s father did it. His charges were dropped only because Evelyn summoned a ghost to clear his name. She swore never to call a spirit again. She lied. For generations, Mina Zanetti’s family has used the ocean’s power to guide the dead to their final resting place. But as sea levels rise, the ghosts grow more dangerous, and Mina has been shut out of the family business. When her former friend Evelyn performs another summoning that goes horribly wrong, the two girls must uncover who was really behind the drowning summer murders—and navigate their growing attraction—before the line between life and death dissolves for good. Beautifully written and enticingly witchy, The Drowning Summer is an eerie story perfect for reading under a full moon.

The Drowning Summer

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