Review: Saltwater by Katy Hays
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Looking for a smart, slow-burn thriller that blends old money, long-buried secrets, and Italian island glamour? Saltwater by Katy Hays delivers all that and more – with a murder mystery that unspools like sun-bleached silk over the cliffs of Capri.
From the author of The Cloisters, this novel sinks you deep into a gilded family’s paranoia and privilege as a decades-old death resurfaces in the most unexpected way. And spoiler: I couldn’t put it down.
Key Takeaways: Saltwater by Katy Hays
What It’s About
In 1992, Sarah Lingate – a talented playwright who married into one of America’s wealthiest families – is found dead beneath the cliffs of Capri. Her young daughter, Helen, is left behind. Her wealthy in-laws insist it was an accident. But thirty years later, when the family returns to their villa as they do every year, the necklace Sarah was wearing the night she died mysteriously appears on the doorstep.
Suddenly, the story they’ve all tried to preserve starts to crack.
Now an adult, Helen is still trapped under the thumb of her controlling, secretive family – until she begins to push back. Alongside Lorna, a sharp-witted assistant who quickly becomes her ally, Helen starts digging into the past. But when Lorna disappears and Sarah’s death is reclassified as suspicious, everyone becomes a suspect – including those Helen trusts the most.
With its glittering Mediterranean backdrop, interwoven timelines, and morally gray characters, Saltwater is a chilling portrait of legacy, loyalty, and just how far some families will go to keep their secrets buried.
My Review Rating – 4 out of 5 stars.
This was a rich, atmospheric thriller with just the right blend of slow-burning tension and twisty family secrets. I loved the immersive setting, the morally messy characters, and the way the mystery unfolded piece by piece. I knocked off a star only because the multiple POV shifts and flashback structure got a little tangled at times—but overall, it’s a compelling read I’d recommend to fans of twisty suspense.
What I Liked
The Setting
The island of Capri felt like a character itself – lush, dramatic, and claustrophobic in the best way. Katy Hays does a brilliant job immersing you in the setting, from the cliffs and crumbling villas to the lingering shadows of wealth and scandal. If you love atmospheric thrillers with a luxe backdrop, this one’s for you.
The Characters
I’m always a sucker for complicated women, and this book has them in spades. Helen is quietly sympathetic, Lorna brings a fresh energy to the page, and even the cold, insular Lingate family members are compelling in their dysfunction. You’re not always sure who to trust – and that’s part of the fun.
The Plot & Storyline
I love a thriller with genuinely surprising twists, and this one delivers. The mystery unfolds slowly but surely, leading to a finale that was both unexpected and emotionally satisfying. The pacing picks up toward the end in the best way, and I stayed up way too late finishing it.
What I Disliked
If I had one complaint, it’s that the POV switches and flashbacks were occasionally hard to follow. The voices of the characters weren’t always distinct, and I found myself flipping back to reorient myself more than once. It didn’t ruin the book for me, but it did interrupt the flow occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions About Saltwater by Katy Hays
What is Saltwater by Katy Hays about?
Saltwater is a psychological suspense novel set on the island of Capri. It follows Helen Lingate, a woman haunted by the mysterious death of her mother decades earlier. When new evidence resurfaces, long-hidden family secrets begin to unravel, and not everyone will make it off the island alive.
Is Saltwater by Katy Hays a sequel to The Cloisters?
No. While Saltwater is Katy Hays’ second novel, it is not a sequel to The Cloisters. Both books are standalone psychological thrillers, but they share themes of ambition, secrecy, and eerie, atmospheric settings.
Where is Saltwater set?
The book is primarily set in Capri, Italy, with some scenes taking place in Naples and Milan. The lush, moody setting of Capri plays a huge role in the story’s tone and mystery.
Is Saltwater based on a true story?
No, Saltwater is a work of fiction. However, the novel has a “true crime” vibe and uses newspaper-style clippings and flashbacks to give it a realistic, investigative feel.
Is Saltwater a thriller or family drama?
Both! Saltwater blends family drama with psychological suspense. It’s filled with secrets, shifting loyalties, and a slow-build mystery that gradually turns into a full-blown thriller.
What genre is Saltwater by Katy Hays?
It falls squarely into the psychological thriller category, with elements of family drama and dark academia-adjacent intrigue. It will appeal to fans of The Talented Mr. Ripley, Other People’s Clothes, and The Cloisters.
Conclusion: Is Saltwater Worth Reading?
If you love twisty thrillers wrapped in family dysfunction and draped in luxury, Saltwater by Katy Hays is a must-read. With its haunting setting, tangled loyalties, and decades of buried secrets, it’s a sharp reminder that even the most beautiful places can hide ugly truths. A perfect beach read – with bite.
📚 Did You Know?
Capri has been a luxury getaway since Roman times. Emperor Tiberius loved it so much that he ruled the Roman Empire from Villa Jovis on the island for over a decade.
