Indulge in a refreshing aperol spritz and transport yourself to the dazzling coast of Capri with a new gothic thriller that delves into the shadows lurking beneath the surface of opulence. In Katy Hays’ upcoming release “Saltwater” from Ballantine Books, the enigmatic and wealthy Lingate family is still haunted by the tragic death of Sarah Lingate in 1992, her lifeless body discovered beneath the cliffs of Capri, leaving behind her young daughter Helen. As the 30th anniversary of Sarah’s supposed accidental demise approaches, the Lingates are thrown into disarray when a significant piece of jewelry worn by Sarah on the night of her death reappears unexpectedly.
The revelation of the necklace reignites questions surrounding Sarah’s demise, pushing the secretive Lingate family to their breaking point. Amidst the turmoil, Helen seizes an opportunity to break free from the grip of her paranoid and mysterious relatives, enlisting the help of family assistant Lorna Moreno. With suspicions running high and alliances crumbling, the suspenseful narrative hurtles towards a gripping conclusion where everyone is a potential suspect. A captivating read for enthusiasts of “White Lotus,” this spring break murder mystery promises to captivate readers of all ages.
Experience a sneak peek of “Saltwater” below.
Rebecca, positioned as if she could challenge him, not immobilized in the water, notices Lorna’s exhaustion and urges him to return the ladder. Turning towards the steering wheel, he signals it’s time to depart. “Wait!” she interjects. Gripping Helen, she unintentionally pulls her underwater, her weary legs and weak body struggling against the fatigue that plagues her. Overwhelmed by fear, the thought of him deserting them while she is on the brink of escape is unbearable.
Amidst the chaos, Helen resurfaces for air, prompting Rebecca to release her grip. However, her survival instincts override, and she inadvertently drags Helen down once more. The plea for payment slips out before she can comprehend her actions, but Helen remains unable to respond as she is pulled back under. Ciro catches a glimpse of Helen surfacing again just in time.
Struggling with conflicting impulses, Rebecca grapples with the urge to release Helen but finds herself inadvertently pulling her down again. Helen retaliates by kicking her, causing Rebecca to flinch. Ciro issues a warning from the boat, with Giuseppe and Lorenzo observing the unfolding drama.
In a desperate attempt to free herself, Helen implores Rebecca to let go, but her body refuses to comply as she continues to struggle. Ciro, sensing the escalating danger, plunges into the water and swiftly intervenes by pulling Rebecca away from Helen. The force of his action causes Rebecca to cry out in pain, fearing he may have dislocated her shoulder.
Lorenzo throws a life preserver towards them, and Rebecca instinctively swims towards it, her panic receding as she reaches safety. Despite the relief, she is consumed by horror and shame at her actions. Coughing and supported by Ciro, Helen is guided back to the boat as Rebecca grapples with guilt and remorse.
As Helen recovers, Rebecca tries to apologize, her voice strained with regret. Ciro, focused on ensuring Helen’s well-being, instructs her to focus on breathing and calming down. Despite Helen’s attempt to downplay the incident, Rebecca is overwhelmed by guilt, feeling responsible for the distress caused.
Struggling to come to terms with her actions, Rebecca is offered a towel and a beer, her body trembling from the cold and the weight of her remorse. Helen, seemingly forgiving, places the blame on a misinterpreted joke gone too far. However, the unspoken tension between Ciro and Rebecca is palpable, hinting at the underlying rift caused by the incident.
The events that transpired on that fateful day loom heavy in Rebecca’s conscience, as she grapples with the repercussions of her impulsive actions. The looming sense of regret and the fragile dynamics of their relationships linger in the air, leaving a somber aftermath to an ill-fated misstep.
Excerpted from SALTWATER copyright 2025 by Katy Hays. Used by permission of
