The bestselling author of The Party returns with a deliciously twisted story of friendship, retribution and betrayal about a homeless woman fleeing a dangerous past – and the wealthy society wife she saves from drowning, who pulls her into a dark web of secrets and lies.
Lee Gulliver never thought she’d find herself living on the streets – no one ever does – but when her restaurant fails, and she falls deeper into debt, she leaves her old life behind with nothing but her clothes and her car.
Parked in a secluded spot by the beach, she sees a sobbing woman throw herself into the ocean. Lee hauls the woman back to the surface but, instead of appreciation, she is met with fury. The drowning woman, Hazel, tells her that she wanted to die. She’s trapped in a toxic, abusive marriage, and is a prisoner in her own home. Lee has now thwarted her one chance to escape her life.
Out of options, Hazel retreats to her gilded cage. Lee thinks she’s seen the last of her, until Hazel unexpectedly returns the next morning. The women strike up an unlikely friendship and then, one day, Hazel makes a shocking request: she wants Lee to help her disappear. It’ll be easy, Hazel assures her. But Lee soon learns that nothing is as it seems – and that Hazel may not be the friend Lee thought she was…
Buy a copy of The Drowning Woman here.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
Absolutely brilliant! The only suspense/mystery that I’ve read where I couldn’t guess what would happen! The characters are all great, I didn’t pick the twists and turns surrounding Jesse; the suspense build is perfect! Readers will love the storyline, Lee and Hazel are the main characters, can they trust each other? The riches to rags and personalities involved are spot on. I read this book in one sitting! We follow a journey of how to survive when our lives fall apart, how to treat others and how to care! I would strongly recommend this author to anyone wanting a fast-paced story that manages to keep you entertained and guessing, with all the feels too! Vikki, TAS, 5 Stars
If the litmus test for a good psychological thriller is if it keeps you reading into the wee hours of the morning, then The Drowning Woman passes. The story is tight, tense and twisty in ways that will make you gasp. Completely unpredictable. The pages turn themselves! E, QLD, 5 Stars
I have read all of Robyn Harding’s other books, so opening the new novel, The Drowning Woman, was like putting on my comfiest pyjamas and settling in! The story centres on two main characters, Lee and Hazel. Lee is a downfallen woman that has lost everything and is living in her car. Hazel is a woman who seemingly has it all, but wants to escape her life. Their lives collide when Lee pulls Hazel from the ocean and saves her. This starts a friendship between them. The book is divided into four parts, with each main character given two parts. This helps change to the other character’s point of view. The story is full of twists and turns, and you will not be able to put it down until the end! So many times in the book, I didn’t know who could be trusted or who was in it for themselves. If you are a fan of psychological thrillers, or Robyn Harding’s books, I highly recommend this one! Cas, NSW, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed this book, a face-paced thriller, my favourite genre. I liked that it was in parts, from the perspective of Lee and then Hazel. I recommend this read. Luciana, WA, 5 Stars
Wow, just wow! What an amazing book! Twists and turns at every stage. I must admit I read the first couple of pages and put it down for a period of time, just thought it really wasn’t what I wanted to read at the time. But then I picked it up again and I couldn’t put it down! I thought I knew what was going to happen next, but nope, something out of left field comes at you again. So well written too. A genre that I don’t normally read, but so glad I got the chance to read this book. Fabulous story, will now read all the author’s books. I would thoroughly recommend this book, even if it’s not your normal read – you won’t be disappointed. Davina, SA, 5 Stars
Clear your calendars and get set for a thrilling long night! You will not want to put this book down! With dual narrators, The Drowning Woman is a twisty, fast-paced domestic thriller and I loved it, a totally satisfying read! Lee Gulliver is a woman who never expected to find herself living on the streets at thirty-four, after all it wasn’t that long ago she was a businesswoman living her best life. She’s left that life behind her now and owns nothing but her car which is her current accommodation. Hazel is trapped in a toxic marriage and a prisoner in her own home. Her husband is a sadist, rich and dangerous. After Lee saves Hazel’s life, the women form an unlikely friendship but nothing is how it seems. I loved that this book had the theme of homelessness, a topical and timely subject. This was a fabulously unpredictable read. Highly recommended. Gloria, SA, 5 Stars
I loved The Drowning Woman by Robyn Harding! Thrillers are certainly not my go-to genre but I enjoyed this so much that I am keen to read more thrillers. Lee was my favourite character. Lee’s restaurant was a financial victim of the pandemic and Lee found herself homeless as a result. One morning, after sleeping in her car, she rescues a woman called Hazel who is trying to kill herself by drowning. Lies and deceit follow with loads of twists – one in particular made my jaw drop! I read this book quickly, I couldn’t put it down! Claire, VIC, 5 Stars
I read this book in 4 bites. I started reading it at 9.00 pm one evening and was still reading it at midnight. I had a few busy days but was so eager to read more that I stayed up another 2 nights and finally finished it on Mother’s Day morning. I loved the two women whose stories made up most of the book. One who lived a life of luxury at great cost to herself and one who had fallen on hard times through circumstances beyond her control. The twists and turns in this story are what kept me up at night, I couldn’t wait to see where they led. I can honestly say this is the best thriller I have read in a long time and I’m now going to be reading every book this author has written. To say I loved the book would be an understatement. I can’t wait to read her other books. I’m so happy to have discovered a new favourite author. I foresee more late nights spent reading. Lynda, SA, 5 Stars
The Drowning Woman is a twisting, turning thriller about homeless woman, Lee, who is living in her car. It is a dangerous way to survive, and one day she hears Hazel crying on the beach and rescues her from drowning. Hazel, rich but deeply unhappy, is upset to have been thwarted as her husband is domineering and she has no life of her own. From here the two women become improbable friends until Hazel asks for help to disappear from her husband. After this, there are so many twists and turns it made me want to read it in one go as I wanted to know how Lee and Hazel could escape their situations. I was questioning how I might have acted in their situations, and also questioning if everyone was who I thought they were. I loved how people changed and the surprises kept coming. I was kept guessing until the end and will now be seeking out more of Robyn’s books as I loved the intrigue. Tara, SA, 5 Stars
Robyn Harding’s latest psychological thriller The Drowning Woman is one not to be missed. This story is full of twists and turns. It is an incredibly fast paced read, with a good cliffhanger at the end of each point of view. I could not put it down. I was totally absorbed and I could not decide which character was trustworthy and which characters were hiding the biggest secrets. This is a story that keeps you guessing. I have read Robyn Harding books before and this is certainly one of my favourites. I loved every minute of this book and could not put it down. Highly recommend to anyone who loves a fast-paced psychological thriller. Ally, TAS, 5 Stars
The Drowning Woman had me hooked and I was obsessed instantly. Robyn executed the twists and turns splendidly and I didn’t see them coming, each character has layers that peel away and make you change your opinion throughout the story. I loved the style, the pace was super fast and the ending was 10 out of 10! Kylie, NSW, 5 Stars
Perfectly titled, a thriller with many well-defined characters drowning under the weight of their worlds. I was intrigued from the very beginning, all the way to the unexpected ending. Very grateful to have previewed this book. Kirralee, SA, 5 Stars
The Drowning Woman is the latest instalment in the ever-growing list of 5-star reads from Robyn Harding. You must drop everything and read this book. It was one of my most anticipated reads of 2023 and it delivered on every level and then some. Based on two women who are polar opposites, Lee is homeless and living in her car and Hazel who has the high life anyone would be envious of… or would they? Things take a turn when Hazel feels she can no longer go on, but she is courageously saved by Lee, they then vow to look after each other. That is all the storyline I am willing to give up for fear of spoilers; you really must read for yourself. I demolished this book in two sittings, it’s an adrenaline-filled thrill ride from start to finish. The short chapters had me turning pages at warp speed with each unravelling more of this twisted tale. With so many turns my head was spinning, I was racing to get to the conclusion, but at the same time trying to savour every word. A must-read! Cassandra, VIC, 5 Stars
This book was an absolute 10/10 thriller. So many twists and turns, just when you think you know what is going on the plot thickens. I enjoyed this fast-paced thriller from beginning to end. I literally couldn’t put it down! Justine, NSW, 5 Stars
I couldn’t put this book down. The storyline draws you in and you have to know what’s next. The complexity of the characters with exceptional plot twists is truely an art form. A wonderful book about friendship and betrayal that makes you question how well you really know someone. Emma, QLD, 5 Stars
I couldn’t wait to read another of Robyn Harding’s novels. It did not disappoint! The Drowning Woman is a page-turning suspenseful novel in true Robyn Harding style. Amanda, QLD, 5 Stars
Who’s colluding with who, which relationships are real? Beguiled and betrayed, who can Lee trust? Like a rollercoaster, strap in for the unexpected jolts, sudden twists and turns – it’s recommended to stay seated and read to the end of the gripping ride. Anita, QLD, 5 Stars
Gosh, this book grabbed me from the first page! I just couldn’t put it down and loved the twists and surprises. I felt so much sympathy for Lee’s plight – living in her car and scrabbling to find money for food – even though she had created her own situation. Similarly with Hazel, who found herself in a terrifying relationship – one that she had gone into with open eyes. Both Lee and Hazel are flawed characters, but you just can’t help empathising with them and hoping that everything works out. Thank you so much for sending me a preview copy; I have found a new author and can’t wait to read Robyn Harding’s other books. Dariel, WA, 5 Stars
The Drowning Woman is a story of friendship and betrayal between two damaged and desperate women. A fast-paced thriller with intricate plot twists and misdirection all along the way. Megan, NSW, 5 Stars
Wow, what a page-turner! From the first page to the last, I found The Drowning Woman hard to put down. The storyline is very original, with a twist I couldn’t see coming at the beginning of part two. The author painted a picture of each character in a way that made them feel whole – both likeable and unlikeable! If you are a lover of a gritty, real, and twisty story, this is the one for you. Nicole, NSW, 5 Stars
I found this novel to be a fast-paced and thrilling read. The short chapters meant that I kept wanting to know more. There are so many twists that I didn’t see coming and the main characters are likeable although sometimes their actions are a bit far-fetched. A very addictive and suspenseful read that I would definitely recommend! Marjolaine, WA, 5 Stars
Really loved this and especially the twists and turns. Thought I had the plot all worked out only to be totally wrong! Lots of women’s voices, which I really love. Robyn Harding is one great writer! Jenny, VIC, 5 Stars
When I started reading this book, I had little idea of what it was about. It was very well written and the twists kept coming! It’s the first book I’ve read in a long time that has kept me unaware of what was coming. I loved every page. Ebony, WA, 5 Stars
Wow! What a book and what great writing. I have been waiting for a book to grip me as much as this book did. I had never read any of Harding’s previous books, but now I definitely will read them all. The story was gripping, confronting at times but the twists and turns I never saw coming! Harding has an ability to really portray the real life struggles and the dynamics of friendships and adult relationships. Book of the year thus far. Katarzyna, VIC, 5 Stars
Clear your schedule because once you open this book you will have to read to the very end. It is that good. Robyn’s best by far. Twists and turns you never saw coming. Characters who you weren’t sure whether to love or hate from each turning of the page. My favourite book of 2023 so far (and maybe even for the last few years). Tracy, WA, 5 Stars
I loved all the twists and turns. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I will be reading more of this author’s works. Mary, QLD, 5 Stars
Wow! This story is twisted, all the way to the last chapter. So well written, great ‘grabs’ and easy to read. I could not put it down. The characters are believable, unfortunately there are people like this, and the author does not waste words on descriptions, just gets right to the plot. I loved it, and it ended the way I hoped too. Fiona, QLD, 5 Stars
Another great story from Robyn Harding. Lots of twists and turns with two female characters stuck in hard and vulnerable lives. Definitely worth a read if you are looking for a well-written mystery! Nicole, NSW, 4 Stars
To start with, I struggled with this book. I just didn’t know where it was going to go but once I got going I found it hard to put down. This book shows us what a desperate person can do. However, it was cliché at times and covered every possible drama, and it had a satisfying but predictable ending. I did like it and would recommend reading it if you like a fast-paced drama/thriller and murder mystery. Amy, ACT, 4 Stars
Intense, twisted, so many wtf moments. It was thrilling to read and would recommend it to those who love a good mystery thriller. Jen, NSW, 4 Stars
Twists, turns and surprises galore! The Drowning Woman is a suspenseful tale with some important themes wrapped up in fast-paced plotting and compelling characters. Teagan, SA, 4 Stars
This is the first Robyn Harding book I’ve read, so was unsure what to expect. It didn’t disappoint. This fast-paced psychological thriller had me hooked from the beginning. The short chapters added tension to the story and kept me turning the pages. I read it in a day. I liked the main characters, Lee and Hazel, both trying to survive for different reasons. The author’s strong writing transported me into Lee’s world of living in her car – I felt her hopelessness and fear trying to stay safe at night. Likewise, Hazel’s powerlessness and fear of her abusive husband – the sense of foreboding gave me icy shivers. When their worlds collide, the twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat while trying to work out who to trust. In among the secrets, lies and betrayals there were many ‘Oh. No.’ moments. I was team Lee one minute and team Hazel the next. A great read and I thoroughly recommend it. I’ll read more by this author for sure. Pamela, QLD, 4 Stars
A well-written intense portrayal of two women trying to get their lives back in order – but written as a thriller with some great twists. It took me a few chapters to get into it (because I struggled with the reality of life for a homeless woman), but after the first major twist, I was hooked, staying up late to keep reading this great novel. Gritty airport/holiday read. Cathryn, TAS, 4 Stars
Deceit, darkness, collusion and confusion, all woven together so well in this great read. Life, whilst appearing to be getting back on track for some, is slowly yet quickly unraveling for others. I enjoyed this book immensely. Maryanne, NSW, 4 Stars
A very engaging look at what desperate women are capable of, in the quest for their essential survival. The story explores how people are shaped by their experiences and are not always what they present to the world. The major twist is unexpected. An addictive read recommended for those who enjoy the books of Claire Mackintosh and Peter Swanson. Heidi, VIC, 4 Stars
The Drowning Woman has a unique and enthralling premise: what if a woman forced to sleep in her car witnesses another woman try to kill herself? What follows is a dark story of friendship and betrayal, with twist upon twist. It’s domestic suspense at its finest. I enjoyed this book, read it in 2 days. Inessa, NSW, 4 Stars
The Drowning Woman had me hooked from the start and its short chapters kept me turning the page in anticipation of what was going to happen next. The book is divided into sections that alternate between the two main characters’ perspectives: homeless, down-on-her-luck Lee and the affluent yet desperately unhappy Hazel who is fleeing an abusive marriage and needs Lee’s help to make her disappear. I found both Lee and Hazel well-written as strong, whip-smart female characters and both were likable, especially Lee. Prepare for many twists and turns to keep you guessing as well as questioning which female character you should trust. The ending left me smiling. Very excited to read more books by Robyn Harding. Emma, ACT, 4 Stars
What a great read! The suspense all the way through the novel meant I couldn’t put it down. The character Lee showed how your life can change so quickly for the worse. Hazel lives in such an unreal situation so dominated and abused by her husband. Two unlikely friends who meet under very different circumstances. People with power and money can manipulate many people with little care to people’s lives. Thoroughly enjoyed this book! Kaye, VIC, 4 Stars
The Drowning Woman by Robyn Harding is a fast-paced suspense thriller that delves into female friendships, retribution, and betrayal. Through the dual perspectives of two women from different backgrounds, the novel will captivate readers with its intriguing storyline. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that there is more to the situation than meets the eye. From the very beginning, The Drowning Woman grabs your attention and maintains a brisk pace. The short, snappy chapters and unexpected twists kept me engaged throughout. However, upon reaching the end, I had mixed feelings about the book. While it had its thrilling moments, some plot points felt exaggerated and unrealistic, which detracted from my overall enjoyment. Additionally, the ending felt rushed, leaving several unresolved plot lines. The Drowning Woman is a solid choice if you’re seeking an entertaining “popcorn thriller”. The book’s fast pace and unexpected twists will keep you entertained, as long as you don’t scrutinize it too closely. Lisa, QLD, 3 Stars
I chewed through this book at a pace indicative of both how easy a read it was, and how eager I was to know more! Two fascinating and well-drawn female characters, whose individual life circumstances draw them together in a plot full of guessable and unguessable twists and turns (I do so like it when I’m wrong!) The writing itself is typical of this genre, matter of fact more than fluff and pomp, but I did take umbrage at the borderline overuse of ‘middle-age’ as a character descriptor – perhaps it’s that I fit into that category myself and found it grating? Or perhaps it’s that society renders us invisible past 40, and the author chose to merely reflect this fact? Regardless, solid work, and if this genre is your cup of tea, no doubt you’ll find this work pleasing. Eva, WA, 3 Stars
I enjoyed The Drowning Woman by Robyn Harding. It had all the elements of a good thriller – twists, turns, the unexpected. I found it hard to put down. Alice, NSW, 3 Stars
Covid affected many people. For Lee, it has resulted in her losing her business and her home. Now she is living in her car on the other side of the country, estranged from her family. Hazel is the wife of a wealthy criminal lawyer. When Lee and Hazel meet, we leap into a world of deception and lies. Whilst the concept for this book was interesting, I was unable to relate to or like any of the characters. I felt that there were too many questions left unanswered, that perhaps it was leaving things unsaid to pave the way for a sequel? Sadly disappointing. Anne, ACT, 2 Stars
A harrowing story of resilience, survival and friendship between two women. Suspenseful and also scary. It was a new genre for me and though written very well, I realise why I shy away from Crime and Suspense. Margaret, NSW, 2 Stars
Buy a copy of The Drowning Woman here.
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