A review by athenezadam
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid

dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

In A Study in Drowning, a college student visits a recently deceased author's estate for an architectural project and collaborates with a colleague to learn the truth about the author's works. The water theme is consistently used in the setting and in several details. The main characters are aptly outlined, including the protagonist's instincts, trauma responses, and arc. Though the academic part of the mystery is obvious, the overall message of his dark academia fantasy is positive, conveyed through a gentle love interest and in the plot's resolution.