A review by katiemcgregor
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid

dark emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

My main problem with A Study in Drowning is that it's predictable. I figured out the main "plot twist" very early on in the book so the big reveal only served to fill in the gaps. That being said, the vibes were immaculate and I loved the unreliability of Effy's perspective, the academic rivals, and the Welsh influences (idk what it is about Welsh-inspired fantasies but I eat them up). It's been a few years since I read The Wolf and and the Woodsman but I liked the pace of this much better as well.

I wish certain parts of the story were given more time and that it wasn't so predictable but the uncanny vibes were impeccable so this was enjoyable overall.
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