What do you think?
Rate this book
The Drowning
Not yet published
Expected 24 Feb 26A body on the beach. An inheritance. A family pulled apart. Bestselling Australian author Fiona Lowe returns with her most engrossing mystery to date, perfect for readers of Liane Moriarty and Sally Hepworth.
CC Cilento's best memories are of spending every summer holiday running wild in and out of the Friend family beach house with her cousins, James, Ollie, Felix and Lily. It's the next best thing to having brothers and sisters. They've continued the summer tradition into adulthood, getting together at the shack with its absolute beach frontage.
But now a bombshell has the four sibling cousins have officially inherited the property - along with an unexpected fifth share to CC. What starts out as the perfect gift, and a way of keeping the family connected forever, quickly devolves into an emotional power struggle. Half of them want to keep the legacy intact, while the others want to sell - and each side will do anything to make it happen. Soon, CC can't tell friend from foe.
When a body is found on the shack's beach, has this family dispute turned deadly?
CC Cilento's best memories are of spending every summer holiday running wild in and out of the Friend family beach house with her cousins, James, Ollie, Felix and Lily. It's the next best thing to having brothers and sisters. They've continued the summer tradition into adulthood, getting together at the shack with its absolute beach frontage.
But now a bombshell has the four sibling cousins have officially inherited the property - along with an unexpected fifth share to CC. What starts out as the perfect gift, and a way of keeping the family connected forever, quickly devolves into an emotional power struggle. Half of them want to keep the legacy intact, while the others want to sell - and each side will do anything to make it happen. Soon, CC can't tell friend from foe.
When a body is found on the shack's beach, has this family dispute turned deadly?
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 24, 2026
1 person is currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Lowe
192 books649 followersMulti published, Fiona is very excited about her 2026 release, The Drowning a novel about a family, a holiday house and a dead body. Previously published with Berkley and currently with Harper Collins Australia, (HQ Fiction) Fiona's been the recipient of a RITA and two RuBY awards. Families and communities intrigue her and she loves creating characters you could meet on the street and enjoys putting them in unique situations where morals and values can blur and she begs the reader to ask themselves, 'What would you do?'
For a free novella, sign up to Fiona's newsletter at http://www.fionalowe.com
Amazon https://bit.ly/FionaLowe
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FionaLoweAus...
Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/fionaloweau...
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com.au/fionalow...
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/fiona...
Fiona loves to hear from her readers and you can contact her at her website
For a free novella, sign up to Fiona's newsletter at http://www.fionalowe.com
Amazon https://bit.ly/FionaLowe
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FionaLoweAus...
Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/fionaloweau...
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com.au/fionalow...
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/fiona...
Fiona loves to hear from her readers and you can contact her at her website
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Drowning is a book about a woman moving from an idealised idea of families to a more realistic one. There's a lot of telling rather than showing in the writing: "Thankfully, the pregnant woman didn't seem to have heard as her face didn't betray hurt or any other wounded emotions." The character development isn't particularly good. I found it hard to like or relate to the lead protagonist, CC, particularly her desperate need to fit into a family when she already had one.
The author tries desperately hard to leverage current social concerns, from worries about AI "stealing my data"; to mushroom murderess, Erin Patterson, "CC was surprised that none of the cousins seemed concerned that Lily had picked the fungi rather than purchasing them" to self-diagnosis of ADHD: "But mostly she did it so she could school her face into a neutral expression. The current trend of women self-diagnosing with ADHD based on Instagram and TikTok posts was worrying." I found it a bit heavy-handed.
The problem with ADHD and other forms of neurodiversity sat at odds with the lead character who clearly struggles to comprehend the emotions of others. For example, thinking dating apps were clearer than reading emotions of people in front of you feels quite neurodiverse: "This was why the apps were easier–ghosting always answered the question." One would think a doctor would recognise that medical misogyny means getting a diagnosis can be problematic for women. This lack of self-awareness felt at odds with her being a doctor, and to me, made her feel like an unreliable narrator. I found it hard to understand or believe the rapid jump she made between just wanting to belong to the Friends family, to deciding to contest the will.
It's clear that the author, Fiona Lowe, did research ahead of this novel, but needs to find better ways to integrate it into the storytelling than: "She knew that when someone contemplated suicide, they were at a higher risk of doing it again. That the time from thought to action could be as short as five minutes."
Not sure I believed the twist either...
With thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia (HQ) for sending me a copy to read.
The author tries desperately hard to leverage current social concerns, from worries about AI "stealing my data"; to mushroom murderess, Erin Patterson, "CC was surprised that none of the cousins seemed concerned that Lily had picked the fungi rather than purchasing them" to self-diagnosis of ADHD: "But mostly she did it so she could school her face into a neutral expression. The current trend of women self-diagnosing with ADHD based on Instagram and TikTok posts was worrying." I found it a bit heavy-handed.
The problem with ADHD and other forms of neurodiversity sat at odds with the lead character who clearly struggles to comprehend the emotions of others. For example, thinking dating apps were clearer than reading emotions of people in front of you feels quite neurodiverse: "This was why the apps were easier–ghosting always answered the question." One would think a doctor would recognise that medical misogyny means getting a diagnosis can be problematic for women. This lack of self-awareness felt at odds with her being a doctor, and to me, made her feel like an unreliable narrator. I found it hard to understand or believe the rapid jump she made between just wanting to belong to the Friends family, to deciding to contest the will.
It's clear that the author, Fiona Lowe, did research ahead of this novel, but needs to find better ways to integrate it into the storytelling than: "She knew that when someone contemplated suicide, they were at a higher risk of doing it again. That the time from thought to action could be as short as five minutes."
Not sure I believed the twist either...
With thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia (HQ) for sending me a copy to read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Cecilia Cilento’s favourite childhood memories are of spending summer holiday’s with her cousins at the family beach house at Kooramook with James, Ollie, Felix and Lily and they were the siblings she didn’t have.
The shack was built decades ago and is starting to show its age, however the south west coast of Victoria is very popular and close to Geelong and real estate prices for beach frontage properties and land are going up.
Leo Friend's four children inherited the property, and unexpectedly their father has left a fifth share to CC and it causes mixed reactions. Cecilia thought her relationship with her cousins was strong, two want to keep it and a pair want to sell and they don’t take CC’s situation and feelings into account.
Cecilia is employed as registrar at the Portland Hospital for three months, she had been considering staying at the shack and not living in a rental. Tom is a pharmacist at work, he’s a member of a band and plays at the pub and CC’s not sure if he’s interested in her romantically?
The family dispute starts off with a list of rules, and who can use the shack and when, it escalates and CC’s feels uncomfortable, she doesn’t know who she can trust and it only gets worse when a big secret is revealed and a body is found in a rock pool near the beach house.
I received a copy of The Drowning by Fiona Lowe from Harlequin Australia and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This narrative has more twists and turns than the Murray River, just when I thought I worked out who was stalking CC or drowned, something would happen and I would be completely wrong.
The story is about a family and dynamics with in it, different ideas and plans, money and inheritances, the unknown and lies, tension and being manipulated, and hidden danger.
I highly recommend this mild thriller and a book that will keep your interest and focus from the beginning and until you turn the last page and five stars from me.
The shack was built decades ago and is starting to show its age, however the south west coast of Victoria is very popular and close to Geelong and real estate prices for beach frontage properties and land are going up.
Leo Friend's four children inherited the property, and unexpectedly their father has left a fifth share to CC and it causes mixed reactions. Cecilia thought her relationship with her cousins was strong, two want to keep it and a pair want to sell and they don’t take CC’s situation and feelings into account.
Cecilia is employed as registrar at the Portland Hospital for three months, she had been considering staying at the shack and not living in a rental. Tom is a pharmacist at work, he’s a member of a band and plays at the pub and CC’s not sure if he’s interested in her romantically?
The family dispute starts off with a list of rules, and who can use the shack and when, it escalates and CC’s feels uncomfortable, she doesn’t know who she can trust and it only gets worse when a big secret is revealed and a body is found in a rock pool near the beach house.
I received a copy of The Drowning by Fiona Lowe from Harlequin Australia and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This narrative has more twists and turns than the Murray River, just when I thought I worked out who was stalking CC or drowned, something would happen and I would be completely wrong.
The story is about a family and dynamics with in it, different ideas and plans, money and inheritances, the unknown and lies, tension and being manipulated, and hidden danger.
I highly recommend this mild thriller and a book that will keep your interest and focus from the beginning and until you turn the last page and five stars from me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Start Date : 2nd January 2026
Finish Date : 13th January 2026
If you love a good thriller, that jumps at you and keeps you reeling throughout the story, that keeps you thinking and wondering, and you never know what is going to be thrown at you then this is the book for you! If you haven't already added this into your next read for 2026, then I recommended that you jump into it add it into your list. This book is an unstoppable, unputdownable story that you will not regret preordering and reading. You'll be just as hooked into it as I was!
I started of reading this story at bedtime which is one of the reasons why this has taken me some time to get through it while reading physical books during the day, which then changed today (13th January) and decided I wanted to not stop reading (I was up about 3am and started reading for quiet awhile I shall admit. And this is how I have finished this book tonight and onto my next fun arc read for 2026.
I was up to 41% when I realised holy shit that was a bomb shell and half that I didn't expect and that was hidden from her mother for her whole life, was I completely and utterly shocked well yes I was it was a complete change of events for this book.
With the turn of events that happen after the bombshell, I didn't expect these and I was shocked, especially when I learnt who the drowning victim was. And then you learn so much more about it afterwards and then the different bombs and events that happen have you reeling!
All in all I really did enjoy this book and it's another 5 star rating which is a honest rating from me, is there going to be another instalment? Well all I can say is that I really hope that there will be! Cause I was not ready for the book to be over.
Until then I shall wait.
Finish Date : 13th January 2026
If you love a good thriller, that jumps at you and keeps you reeling throughout the story, that keeps you thinking and wondering, and you never know what is going to be thrown at you then this is the book for you! If you haven't already added this into your next read for 2026, then I recommended that you jump into it add it into your list. This book is an unstoppable, unputdownable story that you will not regret preordering and reading. You'll be just as hooked into it as I was!
I started of reading this story at bedtime which is one of the reasons why this has taken me some time to get through it while reading physical books during the day, which then changed today (13th January) and decided I wanted to not stop reading (I was up about 3am and started reading for quiet awhile I shall admit. And this is how I have finished this book tonight and onto my next fun arc read for 2026.
I was up to 41% when I realised holy shit that was a bomb shell and half that I didn't expect and that was hidden from her mother for her whole life, was I completely and utterly shocked well yes I was it was a complete change of events for this book.
With the turn of events that happen after the bombshell, I didn't expect these and I was shocked, especially when I learnt who the drowning victim was. And then you learn so much more about it afterwards and then the different bombs and events that happen have you reeling!
All in all I really did enjoy this book and it's another 5 star rating which is a honest rating from me, is there going to be another instalment? Well all I can say is that I really hope that there will be! Cause I was not ready for the book to be over.
Until then I shall wait.
January 1, 2026
What would you do to be part of the family?
Cecilia Cilento, called CC for the majority of the book, is an emergency medicine registrar, who grew up as an only child, except for summers/ holidays when she was part of the fun of the Friend family (her cousins) at the shack. As an adult CC is returning to the area to complete a rotation at a nearby hospital and hoping to enjoy some time at the Friend’s holiday home, the shack. When CC arrives she is informed that she has inherited a fifth of the shack along with her 4 cousins and not everyone is happy about this decision.
CC is desperate to be part of the family but when a body is found on the beach who should and can she trust? Who’s telling the truth about their future plans for the shack? Will it be happily ever after or a tragic ending?
The Drowning is set in and around the fictional town of Kooramook along the Victoria southern coast line. I wasn’t sure if Kooramook was a real place and googled it to find it means possum to the indigenous Australians of the area the book is based.
Having grown up in a small town, I could picture the relationships of the locals including the band(s), and the local gossip mill.
Overall, I enjoyed this mystery/thriller with a hint of romance, it went at a decent pace, seemed realistic for the time it is set and I didn’t guess the final twist, which is great, although on reflection there were a few hints along the way that I didn’t pick up on.
Having read 3 other Fiona Lowe books I will definitely be coming back for more.
Thank you Netgallery and Harlequin Australia landmark for the opportunity to read and review this book.
🎶 Taylor swift and Aussie rock like “am I ever gonna see your face again”
🎥The movie Casablanca is mentioned at times in the novel between CC and her love interest, Tom, so might be worth a rewatch.
Cecilia Cilento, called CC for the majority of the book, is an emergency medicine registrar, who grew up as an only child, except for summers/ holidays when she was part of the fun of the Friend family (her cousins) at the shack. As an adult CC is returning to the area to complete a rotation at a nearby hospital and hoping to enjoy some time at the Friend’s holiday home, the shack. When CC arrives she is informed that she has inherited a fifth of the shack along with her 4 cousins and not everyone is happy about this decision.
CC is desperate to be part of the family but when a body is found on the beach who should and can she trust? Who’s telling the truth about their future plans for the shack? Will it be happily ever after or a tragic ending?
The Drowning is set in and around the fictional town of Kooramook along the Victoria southern coast line. I wasn’t sure if Kooramook was a real place and googled it to find it means possum to the indigenous Australians of the area the book is based.
Having grown up in a small town, I could picture the relationships of the locals including the band(s), and the local gossip mill.
Overall, I enjoyed this mystery/thriller with a hint of romance, it went at a decent pace, seemed realistic for the time it is set and I didn’t guess the final twist, which is great, although on reflection there were a few hints along the way that I didn’t pick up on.
Having read 3 other Fiona Lowe books I will definitely be coming back for more.
Thank you Netgallery and Harlequin Australia landmark for the opportunity to read and review this book.
🎶 Taylor swift and Aussie rock like “am I ever gonna see your face again”
🎥The movie Casablanca is mentioned at times in the novel between CC and her love interest, Tom, so might be worth a rewatch.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When Cecelia Cilento is unexpectedly left a share of the shack where she spent so many summers while growing up, she thinks it’s a chance to finally be a proper part of the family she loved in her youth. The cracks in that idea however, don’t take long to appear. As she continues to navigate her position and her entitlement, the relationships between all parties continues to deteriorate.
This was an absorbing book on many levels. I always enjoy a story where the family relationships are being explored. This story has that in spades. Allegiances fluctuate, and personal issues become clearer, as the story unfolds. I really enjoyed this book, and certainly didn’t have it all figured out in advance. A really enjoyable read from Fiona Lowe.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
This was an absorbing book on many levels. I always enjoy a story where the family relationships are being explored. This story has that in spades. Allegiances fluctuate, and personal issues become clearer, as the story unfolds. I really enjoyed this book, and certainly didn’t have it all figured out in advance. A really enjoyable read from Fiona Lowe.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I've read several of Fiona's books now, plus have a few more on my tbr pile.
When I saw that she had a new book coming out in 2026 I was so excited.
This book had everything you could wish for, mystery, family secrets, a body on a beach and even some romance.
What complex characters Fiona has created, along with the complicated family dynamics.
A supposedly simple bequest in a Will triggers a series of events no one could have seen coming. I most certainly didn't! With twists and turns aplenty, this book kept me turning the pages long after I should have been in bed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.
When I saw that she had a new book coming out in 2026 I was so excited.
This book had everything you could wish for, mystery, family secrets, a body on a beach and even some romance.
What complex characters Fiona has created, along with the complicated family dynamics.
A supposedly simple bequest in a Will triggers a series of events no one could have seen coming. I most certainly didn't! With twists and turns aplenty, this book kept me turning the pages long after I should have been in bed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
While I did enjoy this book I found parts of it a bit frustrating and you had to wait a long time for ‘The Drowning’ to happen.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book.
November 22, 2025
Another Fantastic story from Fiona Lowe!
Gripping from the very beginning, this one had it all!
Family angst, love drama, lies and betrayal!
Kept me guessing till the very end!
Highly Recommend this book!
Gripping from the very beginning, this one had it all!
Family angst, love drama, lies and betrayal!
Kept me guessing till the very end!
Highly Recommend this book!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews