Many thanks to my friends at @avidreaderpress and @simon.audio for the #gifted copies of this book.

 

Claustrophobic.  Pulse pounding.  An action-packed race against time.  This is THE must-read thriller of the year. 

 

For 6 minutes Flight 1421 was like any other airplane in the sky.  Then suddenly, it catapulted through the air and into the water, becoming more akin to a submarine and creating a rescue situation unlike any before.   

 

I’m not being dramatic when I say this book should’ve been accompanied with its own oxygen mask.  Newman’s experience in the airline industry shines through in her fully immersive writing. 

 

But immersive writing in a book about drowning hits a little different.  I could not catch my breath.  That intensity!!  It was the perfect blend of heart racing, hyperventilating, can’t look away, HAVE TO KNOW.  

 

Yet amid those adrenaline-soaked moments, there is a heartwarming story of comradery, teamwork, and the power in human connection.  The full-bodied portrayal of these characters as they fought for survival had me rooting for them, wishing I could go through the pages to help in some way.  There’s an emotional depth to Drowning that is unique.  Newman deftly balances the tension with the sentiment.  

 

Drowning broke me out of the *worst* thriller slump.  I had begun to think none would dazzle me ever again.  Boy was I wrong.  Not only did Drowning dazzle, but it also reminded me why thrillers are one of my favorite genres.  

 

I devoured Newman’s debut novel, Falling.  But I think she’s really hit her stride with Drowning, which I loved even more.  

 

Her airline expertise combined with her sharp, compulsive storytelling prove she has found her niche with airline thrillers, and I’ll be on board for each one she writes.  (I might avoid the actual flights she’s on though….)

 

🎧 Newman’s last book, Falling, was spectacularly narrated by @actuallystevenweber, a longtime favorite of mine.  So when I saw he would be back in the narrator seat for Newman’s new novel, I was immediately on board (for the narration, not the sinking plane).  He’s joined this time by Tony award winning actress, Laura Benanti.  Could there be a more perfect narration duo?  Not for this book.  They impeccably executed the tense, anxiety ridden atmosphere and held me spellbound as the book unfolded.