This book review was part of a podcast discussion.
Listen to the episode here.
In the spirit of my favorite holiday, Halloween, I listened to The Darkwater Bride by Marty Ross on audiobook (an Audible original). The story is an audio drama more than an audiobook, complete with voice actors and sound effects reinforcing the horror experience.
The story takes place in a Victorian London. Authorities call Scottish girl Catriona Miller to the city to identify her father’s body, which they dragged out of the Thames. Mysterious circumstances around his death lead Catriona to investigate further, along with local detective Culley who helps against his superior’s wishes.
Their search leads to the ghostly legend of the Darkwater Bride, a spectral figure who reportedly lures men into the river with a deadly kiss.
I should certainly warn you that this audio drama is not for children. It has a fair amount of uncomfortable sexual descriptions that often, in my opinion, hurt the experience. Some of it was likely meant to make the listener uncomfortable, but I think the story could have done without much of it.
Overall, the story was compelling, and the voice acting and sound effects were very well done and evocative. If you like ghost stories, mystery, or true-crime dramas, you may enjoy this story. But be aware, it almost certainly will make you uncomfortable.
I would rate it 3.5/5
Cincinnati, OH
Co-host of 'Why is This a Thing?' and 'Fantasy Book of the Month' Podcast. Coffee lover, cat-dad, fantasy nerd and workaholic.
