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Undertow
An exhilarating debut novel that follows one woman's hunt for the truth when she realizes she might have married a killer
They said her death was a tragic accident. And I believed them…until now.
Carmen is happily married to Tom, although she knows she'll always live in the shadow of another woman—the mistress who ended his first marriage: Zena. Mercurial, mesmerizing, manipulative Zena—a woman who, Carmen begins to discover, had the potential to incite the darkest of emotions. Zena, who drowned in the sea late one night.
Zena seems ever-more present, even in death, and when Carmen unknowingly stumbles on evidence that her husband has not been telling her the whole truth, she can't shake her unease. As she uncovers documents and photographs, a very different tale than the one Tom has led her to believe begins to unfold, and she finds herself increasingly isolated and paranoid. As the twisted events of that night begin to come to light, Carmen must ask herself if it's really a truth worth knowing…even if it destroys her and the lives of the people she loves most.
They said her death was a tragic accident. And I believed them…until now.
Carmen is happily married to Tom, although she knows she'll always live in the shadow of another woman—the mistress who ended his first marriage: Zena. Mercurial, mesmerizing, manipulative Zena—a woman who, Carmen begins to discover, had the potential to incite the darkest of emotions. Zena, who drowned in the sea late one night.
Zena seems ever-more present, even in death, and when Carmen unknowingly stumbles on evidence that her husband has not been telling her the whole truth, she can't shake her unease. As she uncovers documents and photographs, a very different tale than the one Tom has led her to believe begins to unfold, and she finds herself increasingly isolated and paranoid. As the twisted events of that night begin to come to light, Carmen must ask herself if it's really a truth worth knowing…even if it destroys her and the lives of the people she loves most.
315 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2016
44 people are currently reading
1633 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Heathcote
2 books21 followersElizabeth Heathcote has worked as a feature writer and editor on newspapers and magazines for many years. Her jobs have included women's editor and deputy features editor at the Independent on Sunday, as well as freelance feature writing for publications such as the Independent, Observer, Guardian, Marie Claire and Red. She is presently associate editor at Psychologies magazine. Elizabeth's home is southeast London, where she lives with her partner and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
June 19, 2017
Carmen is newly married Tom who has three kids with ex-wife Laura. Before Tom met Carmen, he had an affair with another woman Zena while he was married to Laura. Carmen a free-lance journalist while going through Tom's old laptop discovers that Zena died under mysterious circumstances with suspicion falling on Tom. Due to lack of any evidence though Zena’s death was declared as accidental drowning. Through her investigative skills though Carmen discovers discrepancies in Tom’s explanation of that night. Was Tom capable of such a heinous crime with his kids around and if he did commit it was Carmen really safe with him?
I did like the concept of the book but the execution of the story didn’t actually work for me. I found the book very slow and didn’t really warm up to Carmen. I did not expect the ending so I would give it an extra ½ star for that. I am sure other people might enjoy the book but it was not for me.
Many thanks to Harlequin & NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
I did like the concept of the book but the execution of the story didn’t actually work for me. I found the book very slow and didn’t really warm up to Carmen. I did not expect the ending so I would give it an extra ½ star for that. I am sure other people might enjoy the book but it was not for me.
Many thanks to Harlequin & NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
March 26, 2017
Well, I didn't mean to read this book in one sitting but... that's how it turned out!! This is a really quick, engaging domestic thriller - it's not a "life changing" kind of read, but it kept me completely absorbed. It's fast-paced and totally easy to binge-read - a kind of "light suspense" novel that's not violent or too dark. This will definitely be one to add to your summer reading list!! Full review to come.
November 24, 2016
5 Words: Family, trust, secrets, lies, love.
This book was insanely gripping and kept me hooked right from the first page.
It took me a little while to connect with Carmen, to really get to like her and understand her. I felt that her characterisation was a little jumpy and unreliable. I loved her resentment towards Tom's first wife and how bitter she was at Laura being so perfect. I mean, who even has enough time for such perfection? I just wish Carmen had been a little more consistent.
This started off quite slow, and it took its time to get going. But once it was off? I could not put it down, reading each page faster than the last.
The thing I loved most about this book was how each setting was described. I was transported instantly to these places, I could feel the rain on my face, hear my own footsteps striking loud against the silence, see the oppressive mist rolling in from the sea... And that was just the first chapter!
When I got to end, I thought I had it all figured out - but those last few pages surprised me, I wasn't entirely right (but close!).
Undertow is definitely worth a read if you're a fan of psychological thrillers!
This book was insanely gripping and kept me hooked right from the first page.
It took me a little while to connect with Carmen, to really get to like her and understand her. I felt that her characterisation was a little jumpy and unreliable. I loved her resentment towards Tom's first wife and how bitter she was at Laura being so perfect. I mean, who even has enough time for such perfection? I just wish Carmen had been a little more consistent.
This started off quite slow, and it took its time to get going. But once it was off? I could not put it down, reading each page faster than the last.
The thing I loved most about this book was how each setting was described. I was transported instantly to these places, I could feel the rain on my face, hear my own footsteps striking loud against the silence, see the oppressive mist rolling in from the sea... And that was just the first chapter!
When I got to end, I thought I had it all figured out - but those last few pages surprised me, I wasn't entirely right (but close!).
Undertow is definitely worth a read if you're a fan of psychological thrillers!
March 2, 2017
I enjoyed Undertow - it had a beautiful flow about it, an intriguing mystery element and was a very good psychological thriller.
To be fair I did work out the ultimate solution quite early on but I do that quite a lot, what made me really enjoy this one was the relationship between Carmen and Tom - how the history informed the present - making Carmen suspicious of Tom and his motives for everything. That and the family dynamic - the themes of fractured and reformed family and the ever shifting changes in those relationships was a strong theme throughout Undertow and was done really well. Especially with the bond that Carmen forms, in very different ways, with each of Toms children.
It was a page turner, wonderfully addictive - for me it was waiting to see where all the characters ended up - I was rooting for Carmen to get her happy ever after, I did not care for the dead girl, Zena, at all even when the author fleshed her out and gave her softer edges - I also liked how the little twists along the way were subtle and clever. My favourite character was the more peripheral Kieran, Undertow is a character driven story all the way.
Overall great stuff. Bring on more from Elizabeth Heathcote.
To be fair I did work out the ultimate solution quite early on but I do that quite a lot, what made me really enjoy this one was the relationship between Carmen and Tom - how the history informed the present - making Carmen suspicious of Tom and his motives for everything. That and the family dynamic - the themes of fractured and reformed family and the ever shifting changes in those relationships was a strong theme throughout Undertow and was done really well. Especially with the bond that Carmen forms, in very different ways, with each of Toms children.
It was a page turner, wonderfully addictive - for me it was waiting to see where all the characters ended up - I was rooting for Carmen to get her happy ever after, I did not care for the dead girl, Zena, at all even when the author fleshed her out and gave her softer edges - I also liked how the little twists along the way were subtle and clever. My favourite character was the more peripheral Kieran, Undertow is a character driven story all the way.
Overall great stuff. Bring on more from Elizabeth Heathcote.
September 19, 2018
Anyone who knows me, or reads my reviews, will know that I enjoy good psychological thrillers, so when I see a novel described as a “heart-pounding psychological thriller”, I just have to accept an invitation to read it.
Tom, a successful corporate lawyer in London, was married to Laura and fathered three children before embarking on an affair with beautiful Zena. The marriage eventually broke up, then Zena mysteriously drowned and Tom went on to marry Carmen, a journalist. She is ten years younger than Tom, ten years more naive, and intimidated by ex-wife Laura. She is also a somewhat unsure and gauche step-mother to teenage rebel Mel, likeable lad Jake and little Mercy (yes, really - who would name a child Mercy!).
Carmen – I'm sorry, but every time I read that name it brought to mind heated hair rollers – anyway, Carmen and Tom are hoping to start a family of their own. He earns enough money to allow her to stay at home and work freelance, except she doesn't seem able to attract any assignments. A chance remark by a total stranger propels Carmen into a state of doubt about Tom and his possible involvement in Zena's death. With time on her hands, she starts Snooping – big time. Does she feel guilty? Yes. Does she stop? Nope.
When I'm reading a book specifically for review I place sticky notes on relevant pages for future reference. By the time I got to page 25 – this book is 343 pages – I knew I couldn't go on for much longer, however, I persevered, but at 114 I really couldn't continue. The pages I have read are bristling with sticky notes highlighting passages that are clunky or have too much detail, and to quote them all would be nothing more than copying the whole book. Here are some examples:
“....Her foot on the stones was too loud in the void where her daughter's voice, or someone else's, or anything normal should have been.”
“...'They didn't have sausage either, nothing hot. Egg and cress, or egg and smoke salmon, which do you want?' He wanted the egg and smoked salmon of course, but he said she should have it, but she insisted that she felt like egg and cress, and they laughed at their good manners....”
On one occasion Carmen runs a bath and “wrapped herself in a giant towelling dressing gown that Tom had brought her back from some work trip or other”. Anyway, she goes to read a book while waiting for the bath to fill. Four pages later, after a romp on the bed with Tom, and a conversation about Zena, the bath water is still running! So this is either one huge bath, or the water trickles out drop by drop, and exactly why do we need to know about the origin of her dressing gown? When every detail has a wordy explanation it makes for tedious and exasperating reading; it's like being pounded with a sledgehammer. Someone please tell the author that most readers do not need to be bludgeoned, then spoon fed.
There is not one likeable character, and Carmen in particular is beyond irritating. She's a journalist, familiar with current technology, computer literate but doesn't know how to do a proper Google search, and doesn't understand why someone using Facebook would have her privacy setting to restrict information. Her reasoning is that no-one she knows bothers with that, so why would Zena? Because of this she is immediately suspicious of Zena's motives – ridiculous.
I would love to know whose heart pounded when they read this book, but it wasn't mine and it certainly does not encourage me to read anything else by this author.
Another "gem" from Amazon for me to read and review.
Tom, a successful corporate lawyer in London, was married to Laura and fathered three children before embarking on an affair with beautiful Zena. The marriage eventually broke up, then Zena mysteriously drowned and Tom went on to marry Carmen, a journalist. She is ten years younger than Tom, ten years more naive, and intimidated by ex-wife Laura. She is also a somewhat unsure and gauche step-mother to teenage rebel Mel, likeable lad Jake and little Mercy (yes, really - who would name a child Mercy!).
Carmen – I'm sorry, but every time I read that name it brought to mind heated hair rollers – anyway, Carmen and Tom are hoping to start a family of their own. He earns enough money to allow her to stay at home and work freelance, except she doesn't seem able to attract any assignments. A chance remark by a total stranger propels Carmen into a state of doubt about Tom and his possible involvement in Zena's death. With time on her hands, she starts Snooping – big time. Does she feel guilty? Yes. Does she stop? Nope.
When I'm reading a book specifically for review I place sticky notes on relevant pages for future reference. By the time I got to page 25 – this book is 343 pages – I knew I couldn't go on for much longer, however, I persevered, but at 114 I really couldn't continue. The pages I have read are bristling with sticky notes highlighting passages that are clunky or have too much detail, and to quote them all would be nothing more than copying the whole book. Here are some examples:
“....Her foot on the stones was too loud in the void where her daughter's voice, or someone else's, or anything normal should have been.”
“...'They didn't have sausage either, nothing hot. Egg and cress, or egg and smoke salmon, which do you want?' He wanted the egg and smoked salmon of course, but he said she should have it, but she insisted that she felt like egg and cress, and they laughed at their good manners....”
On one occasion Carmen runs a bath and “wrapped herself in a giant towelling dressing gown that Tom had brought her back from some work trip or other”. Anyway, she goes to read a book while waiting for the bath to fill. Four pages later, after a romp on the bed with Tom, and a conversation about Zena, the bath water is still running! So this is either one huge bath, or the water trickles out drop by drop, and exactly why do we need to know about the origin of her dressing gown? When every detail has a wordy explanation it makes for tedious and exasperating reading; it's like being pounded with a sledgehammer. Someone please tell the author that most readers do not need to be bludgeoned, then spoon fed.
There is not one likeable character, and Carmen in particular is beyond irritating. She's a journalist, familiar with current technology, computer literate but doesn't know how to do a proper Google search, and doesn't understand why someone using Facebook would have her privacy setting to restrict information. Her reasoning is that no-one she knows bothers with that, so why would Zena? Because of this she is immediately suspicious of Zena's motives – ridiculous.
I would love to know whose heart pounded when they read this book, but it wasn't mine and it certainly does not encourage me to read anything else by this author.
Another "gem" from Amazon for me to read and review.
September 8, 2016
Originally reviewed on Becca's Books.
Dark, disturbing and absolutely compelling in every way possible, Undertow by Elizabeth Heathcote was a novel that, once started, I didn't dare to put down. It follows the story of Carmen, wife to lawyer Jack and step-mother to his three children, who becomes curious about the alleged drowning of Zena, a previous girlfriend and the woman who ended Jack's previous marriage to the mother of his children, Laura. The progression of the novel is driven by a number of chilling and terrifying discoveries that Carmen makes as she begins to delve deeper into Tom's past, her curiosity ever-growing. With twists and turns aplenty, and shocking revelations rearing their head at every moment, as well as journeys down paths Carmen had never intended to tread upon, this novel took me in and held me captive while the past unravelled and tangled with the present in the most electrifying of ways.
Heathcote begins Undertow in a grim but attention-grabbing way, three years prior to when we meet Carmen, as the body of a dead woman is found, washed up on the beach in St Jude's, a small and gossipy seaside village. Following on from this discovery made by Paula and her young daughter while out walking the dog, Heathcote then brings readers back to the present day, and we're introduced to Carmen. I really enjoyed learning about her marriage to Tom, however unsettling it began to become, as well as Tom's children and his ex-wife Laura. It wasn't hard to notice the slight discordance that simmered beneath the surface though. I was unable to put my finger on what exactly was causing this, but I was aware of something just not being right between them. There were small hints and mentions of a temper that had previously risen up in Tom, and I found myself wondering if I'd be witness to it at some point in the novel. It didn't sit right with me at all and added a certain sense of foreboding to the novel that remained right the way through, heightening my senses to anything and everything that happened.
Zena's existence took a hold of Carmen, especially when she began down the path of finding out more about the woman Tom had once been with. It was intense, grimly captivating and I became completely absorbed in figuring out the truth behind Zena's last day alive. I adored how Heathcote very slowly revealed the truth, not only to me as the reader but to Carmen as well. It was obsessive almost, but I could understand her interest at the same time. It didn't help that Tom, whenever asked about Zena and what had happened to her, seemed reluctant to give anything away. This is when Carmen really believes that something is amiss, and decides to take matters into her own hands. She becomes a detective almost, unable to stop herself from going through her husband's laptop, emails and archives to find the answers she's so desperately looking for.
It becomes compulsive for Carmen, to uncover the truth, and I was wrapped up entirely in the mystery behind Zena's death and the reluctance on Tom's part to tell Carmen the whole story about what happened on that fateful day. It was dark and disturbing, frightening at times, but on the whole a riveting and mysterious story about the past and how, even in the present day, it has a way of catching up with you. I was engrossed from beginning to end, constantly kept on my toes as Heathcote lead the way to a tremendous, adrenaline-inducing ending that had me catching my breath. Zena, although dead, played an incredibly prominent role in this novel, a role that felt ghostly and dominated Carmen's life till the very end.
Becca's Books is awarding Undertow by Elizabeth Heathcote with five of my bookish stars. I read this at breakneck speed, hungry for the mystery to unravel so that I could put the pieces of such a compelling puzzle together. From beginning to end, I was fascinated and felt a sense of loss when I turned the final page. Overwhelmingly tense, I felt unable to breath when the truth was unveiled. What a read.
Dark, disturbing and absolutely compelling in every way possible, Undertow by Elizabeth Heathcote was a novel that, once started, I didn't dare to put down. It follows the story of Carmen, wife to lawyer Jack and step-mother to his three children, who becomes curious about the alleged drowning of Zena, a previous girlfriend and the woman who ended Jack's previous marriage to the mother of his children, Laura. The progression of the novel is driven by a number of chilling and terrifying discoveries that Carmen makes as she begins to delve deeper into Tom's past, her curiosity ever-growing. With twists and turns aplenty, and shocking revelations rearing their head at every moment, as well as journeys down paths Carmen had never intended to tread upon, this novel took me in and held me captive while the past unravelled and tangled with the present in the most electrifying of ways.
Heathcote begins Undertow in a grim but attention-grabbing way, three years prior to when we meet Carmen, as the body of a dead woman is found, washed up on the beach in St Jude's, a small and gossipy seaside village. Following on from this discovery made by Paula and her young daughter while out walking the dog, Heathcote then brings readers back to the present day, and we're introduced to Carmen. I really enjoyed learning about her marriage to Tom, however unsettling it began to become, as well as Tom's children and his ex-wife Laura. It wasn't hard to notice the slight discordance that simmered beneath the surface though. I was unable to put my finger on what exactly was causing this, but I was aware of something just not being right between them. There were small hints and mentions of a temper that had previously risen up in Tom, and I found myself wondering if I'd be witness to it at some point in the novel. It didn't sit right with me at all and added a certain sense of foreboding to the novel that remained right the way through, heightening my senses to anything and everything that happened.
Zena's existence took a hold of Carmen, especially when she began down the path of finding out more about the woman Tom had once been with. It was intense, grimly captivating and I became completely absorbed in figuring out the truth behind Zena's last day alive. I adored how Heathcote very slowly revealed the truth, not only to me as the reader but to Carmen as well. It was obsessive almost, but I could understand her interest at the same time. It didn't help that Tom, whenever asked about Zena and what had happened to her, seemed reluctant to give anything away. This is when Carmen really believes that something is amiss, and decides to take matters into her own hands. She becomes a detective almost, unable to stop herself from going through her husband's laptop, emails and archives to find the answers she's so desperately looking for.
It becomes compulsive for Carmen, to uncover the truth, and I was wrapped up entirely in the mystery behind Zena's death and the reluctance on Tom's part to tell Carmen the whole story about what happened on that fateful day. It was dark and disturbing, frightening at times, but on the whole a riveting and mysterious story about the past and how, even in the present day, it has a way of catching up with you. I was engrossed from beginning to end, constantly kept on my toes as Heathcote lead the way to a tremendous, adrenaline-inducing ending that had me catching my breath. Zena, although dead, played an incredibly prominent role in this novel, a role that felt ghostly and dominated Carmen's life till the very end.
Becca's Books is awarding Undertow by Elizabeth Heathcote with five of my bookish stars. I read this at breakneck speed, hungry for the mystery to unravel so that I could put the pieces of such a compelling puzzle together. From beginning to end, I was fascinated and felt a sense of loss when I turned the final page. Overwhelmingly tense, I felt unable to breath when the truth was unveiled. What a read.
October 12, 2016
Carmen becomes obsessed with finding out what happened to her husband's ex-partner, Zena. She knew Zena had drowned months before she met Tom, but when she uncovers details he kept from her, Carmen become suspicious about what actually happened to Zena and begins digging, not having any idea where her questions would take her.
The premise of this novel sounded intriguing and it starts off very well, but somewhere in the middle of deciding whether her marriage is viable or not, I lost my connection as a reader to Carmen.
The conclusion of the mystery wasn't entirely predictable but by the time I'd reached the end the point of the story seemed less relevant and I couldn't believe Carmen had stuck around as long as she had around this toxic family.
An OK read but far from a memorable psychological thriller this year.
The premise of this novel sounded intriguing and it starts off very well, but somewhere in the middle of deciding whether her marriage is viable or not, I lost my connection as a reader to Carmen.
The conclusion of the mystery wasn't entirely predictable but by the time I'd reached the end the point of the story seemed less relevant and I couldn't believe Carmen had stuck around as long as she had around this toxic family.
An OK read but far from a memorable psychological thriller this year.
November 21, 2018
I found Undertow to be a very enjoyable read which is exactly what you want from a book.
When I first started reading I was a little unsure, then again, I think I'm always that way with every book I start. I think it's the eagerness and impatience of the reader in me to immediately want to know where the story is heading. A contrasting difference to the writer in me who wants to lead readers down a garden path of red herrings and clues from the beginning.
The undercurrent of paranoid tension running through the main character, Carmen's mind is completely understandable. Is she married to a murderer or not? The paranoia, I believe is mostly there at first because of gossip, but then her obsession with Zena, her husband Tom's beautiful and free-spirited ex who drowned in the sea not far from their holiday bungalow begins to build.
I'd be very surprised if anybody out there hasn't been fascinated by their loved one's previous relationships. I guess it's that curiosity inside of us or even a lack of confidence, a need to know if we can compete with the lovers that came before even though it really isn't an issue.
Carmen searches for anything she can find out about Zena, even gaining access to her social media. Then comes the looking through her husband's laptop, then his old laptop. She finds things that add to the stirrings of uncertainty developing about Tom's innocence. Her suspicions lead her down many roads, always finding new information telling her Tom is guilty of murder. Time and time again she confronts Tom and always he reveals a little more, but never everything; always holding something back. It's a story of insecurities on many levels in both Tom and Carmen. With her mind all over the place and her discoveries leading her to believe Zena was not a very nice person at all, her love for Tom tells her that if he did kill Zena, can she carry on as normal and live with it, she certainly thinks about it. The one thing Carmen never contemplated was if Tom was innocent, could their marriage survive all the secrets and unsaid truths?
It is a fascinating story and I loved it. I was gripped and wanted to know the chilling truth about what happened to Zena, but mostly, I wanted to know if the couple's marriage could survive the agony they put themselves through.
When I first started reading I was a little unsure, then again, I think I'm always that way with every book I start. I think it's the eagerness and impatience of the reader in me to immediately want to know where the story is heading. A contrasting difference to the writer in me who wants to lead readers down a garden path of red herrings and clues from the beginning.
The undercurrent of paranoid tension running through the main character, Carmen's mind is completely understandable. Is she married to a murderer or not? The paranoia, I believe is mostly there at first because of gossip, but then her obsession with Zena, her husband Tom's beautiful and free-spirited ex who drowned in the sea not far from their holiday bungalow begins to build.
I'd be very surprised if anybody out there hasn't been fascinated by their loved one's previous relationships. I guess it's that curiosity inside of us or even a lack of confidence, a need to know if we can compete with the lovers that came before even though it really isn't an issue.
Carmen searches for anything she can find out about Zena, even gaining access to her social media. Then comes the looking through her husband's laptop, then his old laptop. She finds things that add to the stirrings of uncertainty developing about Tom's innocence. Her suspicions lead her down many roads, always finding new information telling her Tom is guilty of murder. Time and time again she confronts Tom and always he reveals a little more, but never everything; always holding something back. It's a story of insecurities on many levels in both Tom and Carmen. With her mind all over the place and her discoveries leading her to believe Zena was not a very nice person at all, her love for Tom tells her that if he did kill Zena, can she carry on as normal and live with it, she certainly thinks about it. The one thing Carmen never contemplated was if Tom was innocent, could their marriage survive all the secrets and unsaid truths?
It is a fascinating story and I loved it. I was gripped and wanted to know the chilling truth about what happened to Zena, but mostly, I wanted to know if the couple's marriage could survive the agony they put themselves through.
August 7, 2016
Undertow is a gripping psychological thriller. Combining domestic noir with psychological elements makes for a great read. The author has done a brilliant job in portraying the characters and their various back stories. I really enjoyed the sense of menace and tension that builds throughout the novel leading up to its climactic ending. While I had made some guesses along the way, it didn't hinder my enjoyment of the book. In a market saturated with this genre, Elizabeth Heathcote has done well to stand out. Undertow is an assured and confident book, and I would definitely recommend it.
April 14, 2018
Chilling, taut, absolutely perfect.
June 20, 2016
Undertow, by Elizabeth Heathcote, is a psychological thriller with an intriguing synopsis, a gripping opening chapter, an acceptable enough denouement, but a plot and character development that just didn’t do it for me. The manner in which the protagonist acted too often lacked plausibility, as did the reaction she encountered from certain minor characters. I struggled to maintain engagement.
Carmen is married to Tom. They both have a history. Prior to meeting her husband, Carmen had been with Nick for fifteen years. Shortly after they split up, due to Nick’s unfaithfulness, the struggling actor got his big break and is now living the celebrity lifestyle in LA. Tom’s background is a part of his and Carmen’s everyday life. He has regular contact with his three children from a twelve year marriage to Laura. However, it is not Laura and the children who his latest wife has difficulty dealing with but the memory of Zena, a beautiful young woman Tom had an affair with, who he left his family for, and who subsequently died in a drowning accident close to their coastal holiday home.
Carmen and Tom had told each other of their pasts when they met. Their romance led to marriage within months and they are trying for a baby. It is only when Carmen starts to learn of the circumstances surrounding Zena’s death that she becomes aware there is much Tom has not shared. He has not, for instance, told her that he was supected of causing his lover’s death.
Carmen is a freelance journalist struggling to find work so her desire to dig out the facts and her doggedness in approaching those who may have known Zena can be explained. What I struggled with was marrying this side of her character with the prevarications she displayed. I perceived too many contradictions in aspects of her behaviour.
Carmen did not wish to believe that Tom could be a murderer as it would shatter the illusions she had created of their happy life together. She was, however, aware that he had a temper that could lead to violence. Her drug addict step brother, Kieran, was with them when Tom attacked a man and left him for dead on a night out. Kieran has, understandably, disliked Tom since.
Carmen cold calls strangers and asks them about Zena. She approaches the victim support officer at the police station which dealt with Zena’s death. I was surprised at how open these strangers were to Carmen’s questions. She pieces together much of what happened the evening Zena went missing. She also meets the woman who found the body washed up on the beach several days later, a neighbour at the holiday home which Tom still owns.
It all slotted together and provided a plot that twisted and turned. For me though it lacked clarity and depth. I was hunting for excuses as to how Carmen could realistically behave in one way and then another. For example:
- Would a young, professional journalist really not know how to clear the browsing history on a computer? Such a device is an important tool of their trade.
- She was suspicious enough of Tom to actively investigate his past. I find it hard to comprehend that a woman in love would consider her husband capable of murder, and remain with him if she did.
- She must have realised it was foolish to let Nick stay the night. Tom had proven himself devious in his previous marriage so would understand how affairs happen. He has also demonstrated violent jealousy, and she still suspects him culpable in Zena’s death.
- Laura appeared largely believable until the penultimate events, which struck me as at odds to what had gone before. Tom’s character was more comprehensible. It was, however, Carmen whose varied thoughts and actions I struggled to align.
In writing any negative review I feel I am being harsh on the author. No reader is going to enjoy every book they read. I have tried to explain my reaction in the hope that it will prove useful to future readers. This is not a book I can recommend.
My copy of this book was provided gratis by the publisher, Quercus.
Carmen is married to Tom. They both have a history. Prior to meeting her husband, Carmen had been with Nick for fifteen years. Shortly after they split up, due to Nick’s unfaithfulness, the struggling actor got his big break and is now living the celebrity lifestyle in LA. Tom’s background is a part of his and Carmen’s everyday life. He has regular contact with his three children from a twelve year marriage to Laura. However, it is not Laura and the children who his latest wife has difficulty dealing with but the memory of Zena, a beautiful young woman Tom had an affair with, who he left his family for, and who subsequently died in a drowning accident close to their coastal holiday home.
Carmen and Tom had told each other of their pasts when they met. Their romance led to marriage within months and they are trying for a baby. It is only when Carmen starts to learn of the circumstances surrounding Zena’s death that she becomes aware there is much Tom has not shared. He has not, for instance, told her that he was supected of causing his lover’s death.
Carmen is a freelance journalist struggling to find work so her desire to dig out the facts and her doggedness in approaching those who may have known Zena can be explained. What I struggled with was marrying this side of her character with the prevarications she displayed. I perceived too many contradictions in aspects of her behaviour.
Carmen did not wish to believe that Tom could be a murderer as it would shatter the illusions she had created of their happy life together. She was, however, aware that he had a temper that could lead to violence. Her drug addict step brother, Kieran, was with them when Tom attacked a man and left him for dead on a night out. Kieran has, understandably, disliked Tom since.
Carmen cold calls strangers and asks them about Zena. She approaches the victim support officer at the police station which dealt with Zena’s death. I was surprised at how open these strangers were to Carmen’s questions. She pieces together much of what happened the evening Zena went missing. She also meets the woman who found the body washed up on the beach several days later, a neighbour at the holiday home which Tom still owns.
It all slotted together and provided a plot that twisted and turned. For me though it lacked clarity and depth. I was hunting for excuses as to how Carmen could realistically behave in one way and then another. For example:
- Would a young, professional journalist really not know how to clear the browsing history on a computer? Such a device is an important tool of their trade.
- She was suspicious enough of Tom to actively investigate his past. I find it hard to comprehend that a woman in love would consider her husband capable of murder, and remain with him if she did.
- She must have realised it was foolish to let Nick stay the night. Tom had proven himself devious in his previous marriage so would understand how affairs happen. He has also demonstrated violent jealousy, and she still suspects him culpable in Zena’s death.
- Laura appeared largely believable until the penultimate events, which struck me as at odds to what had gone before. Tom’s character was more comprehensible. It was, however, Carmen whose varied thoughts and actions I struggled to align.
In writing any negative review I feel I am being harsh on the author. No reader is going to enjoy every book they read. I have tried to explain my reaction in the hope that it will prove useful to future readers. This is not a book I can recommend.
My copy of this book was provided gratis by the publisher, Quercus.
April 11, 2017
Very suspenseful. Another review to follow. I've a bit of catching up to do! 🙄
April 6, 2017
Элизабет Хиткот «В ловушке».
Главная героиня книги Кармен счастливо замужем за красивым и харизматичным Томом. Живут они безбедно и счастливо. Но однажды солнышко затягивают тучи, когда незнакомец доносит до Кармен сплетню, что якобы ее мужа считают виноватым в смерти его любовницы. Мужу дама не поверила, когда тот сказал, что не имеет отношения к смерти бывшей любовницы и начинает вести собственное расследование в духе «отчаянной домохозяйки».
Не везет мне с этой серией. То книга очень нравится, то абсолютная фигня. Сама задумка интересная, но исполнение крайне нудное и какое-то … абсурдное. Героиня подозревает мужа в убийстве, но при этом её абсолютно не волнует мотив. Зачем её мужу убивать бабу ради которой он ушёл от первой жены и детей? Да, по сюжету говориться, что Том мог ревновать девушку к другим, но дальше тема не развивается. Героини интересна сама личность погибшей. Она с упорством барана набивается в гости к матери погибшей, к коллегам, соседям. Мучит мужа бесконечными расспросами, аргументируя свою «откровенную помешанность» на событиях минувших дней и на прямую не имеющую к ней отношения, тем что «ЕЙ НУЖНО ЗНАТЬ». *РукаЛицо*. Все время винит мужа во лжи, а сама врет на прополую. Лазает без спроса по его вещам. Их брак тоже дичь какая та. То милуются, но тут же описывает сцена +18 где муж практически насилует Кармен. А по поводу того была смерть любовницы убийством или нет … ну очень предсказуемо. Автор практически в нос сует разгадку.
На мой вкус крайне слабы детектив, с абсолютно не адекватной героиней. Оценка 2 из 5.
Главная героиня книги Кармен счастливо замужем за красивым и харизматичным Томом. Живут они безбедно и счастливо. Но однажды солнышко затягивают тучи, когда незнакомец доносит до Кармен сплетню, что якобы ее мужа считают виноватым в смерти его любовницы. Мужу дама не поверила, когда тот сказал, что не имеет отношения к смерти бывшей любовницы и начинает вести собственное расследование в духе «отчаянной домохозяйки».
Не везет мне с этой серией. То книга очень нравится, то абсолютная фигня. Сама задумка интересная, но исполнение крайне нудное и какое-то … абсурдное. Героиня подозревает мужа в убийстве, но при этом её абсолютно не волнует мотив. Зачем её мужу убивать бабу ради которой он ушёл от первой жены и детей? Да, по сюжету говориться, что Том мог ревновать девушку к другим, но дальше тема не развивается. Героини интересна сама личность погибшей. Она с упорством барана набивается в гости к матери погибшей, к коллегам, соседям. Мучит мужа бесконечными расспросами, аргументируя свою «откровенную помешанность» на событиях минувших дней и на прямую не имеющую к ней отношения, тем что «ЕЙ НУЖНО ЗНАТЬ». *РукаЛицо*. Все время винит мужа во лжи, а сама врет на прополую. Лазает без спроса по его вещам. Их брак тоже дичь какая та. То милуются, но тут же описывает сцена +18 где муж практически насилует Кармен. А по поводу того была смерть любовницы убийством или нет … ну очень предсказуемо. Автор практически в нос сует разгадку.
На мой вкус крайне слабы детектив, с абсолютно не адекватной героиней. Оценка 2 из 5.
July 3, 2023
What makes this book so satisfying from start to finish is that the story is told from a single POV - something quite rare when it comes to thrillers. It might be the best way to tell this kind of psychological thriller, as we are right there looking over the shoulder of the protagonist through everything, knowing only ever as much as she knows, sharing closely in her confusion and self-doubt. It made for a more intense, experiential read and an ending that you truly don't see coming.
July 2, 2017
In the first chapter, a woman's body in a red bikini is discovered on the beach in England. Three years later, Carmen is married to Tom, a lawyer. While Carmen is waiting for the train, a young man mentions the death of the woman, Zena, not knowing that Zena was Tom's mistress. Carmen was recently laid off from her journalism job, so this conversation starts her thinking about Zena's death. Before they married, Tom told her the basics about the drowning but Carmen is convinced he didn't tell her all the truth. She finds an old laptop of Tom's that has some information on it and before long, her journalistic instincts kick in and she starts digging in earnest. She's convinced Tom killed Zena and covered it up.
For me, the book didn't incite many emotions. I didn't like either Carmen or her husband Tom. The first half was pretty slow, although the story picked up toward the end. It is the author's first novel and I give her credit for an OK start.
For me, the book didn't incite many emotions. I didn't like either Carmen or her husband Tom. The first half was pretty slow, although the story picked up toward the end. It is the author's first novel and I give her credit for an OK start.
February 11, 2018
The story started out strong but very quickly hit some serious bumps along the way. I became very irritated with the main character of Carmen and her constant whining and nagging. If I had been her husband I might have entertained the idea of killing her just to get her to shut up. She thinks he could have killed his former girlfriend..Zena.... but she convinces herself that she's okay with that if it is true....really??? This might appeal to fans of romantic suspense novels but I honestly didn't get too excited about it.
April 17, 2017
For most of the book, it felt like we were simply building to the end. It kinda dragged from chapter to chapter. The big "reveal" wasn't so far of a stretch since it was laid out from the beginning. The protagonist's curiosity would drive me crazy - first she had to know the truth, then she was content to wait a few chapters before she started digging again. It was a likeable read, just not a home run.
December 24, 2017
So disappointed. I felt like this would be at least a half decent B-list book but it really managed to spiral down into absurdity at the end. F -
April 18, 2018
Slow. Slow. Slow.
Characters thrash around blindly.
Not worth the effort.
Characters thrash around blindly.
Not worth the effort.
May 22, 2017
Carman is happily married to Tom but lives in the shadow of another woman, Zena, who ended his first marriage. She was discovered, drowned with a head wound, a few months before Carmen met him. Unwittingly, Carmen stumbles over evidence that might prove Tom is not telling the whole truth about the night Zena disappeared and decides to try and get to the bottom of the mystery.
This started off well, Carmen was a feisty character, Tom seemed to be the loving family man with three kids and an ex-wife in the Norfolk countryside but by the time we’d got to the middle of the book things were starting to fall over. Carmen was finding out stuff too easily and ignoring Tom toxic family life and friends, red herrings were flopping around left and right and the pace dropped right off. Worse, there were two points where the next chapter jumped ahead some time but the gap seemed to involve quite a lot of action (ie, Carmen leaving Tom, discovering something and then getting back together), which I felt cheated by - if I can get a blow-by-blow account of how she booted up an old laptop, why not show me how and why she reconciled with a man she was convinced was a killer? A decent enough read but it didn’t finish with the promise it showed.
This started off well, Carmen was a feisty character, Tom seemed to be the loving family man with three kids and an ex-wife in the Norfolk countryside but by the time we’d got to the middle of the book things were starting to fall over. Carmen was finding out stuff too easily and ignoring Tom toxic family life and friends, red herrings were flopping around left and right and the pace dropped right off. Worse, there were two points where the next chapter jumped ahead some time but the gap seemed to involve quite a lot of action (ie, Carmen leaving Tom, discovering something and then getting back together), which I felt cheated by - if I can get a blow-by-blow account of how she booted up an old laptop, why not show me how and why she reconciled with a man she was convinced was a killer? A decent enough read but it didn’t finish with the promise it showed.
July 2, 2017
Carmen is happily married to Tom, a lawyer who is divorced with three children. She is content being stepmother and 'second wife'. But she knows she will always live in the shadow of Zena, the woman who ended Tom's marriage to Laura. Zena was stunning and she drowned whilst swimming. Carmen is content until she suspects Tom killed Zena.
'Undertow' is a slow burn, Heathcote sets the scene of previous events and we gain an insight into the marriage of Tom and Carmen. The issue of what happened to Zena crops up throughout and then Heathcote almost tags it on at the end. This did mean a lot of tension was lost and there was never a big shock moment.
I did enjoy the focus on Tom and Carmen, although I thought setting this two years into their marriage a bit odd, surely some of the events would have arisen earlier. There is a heavy focus on family in 'Undertow' and how destructive they can be, this was good and it made the novel feel different to others of the same genre.
The characters are well written and both Tom and Carmen are flawed and damaged as you will see. I think there were missed opportunities with some of the characters, Tom's children are central to the plot but do not feature a great deal.
'Undertow' is a good read with a murky plot, full of secrets that are teasingly revealed. For me, this was missing some big shocks, as a result there is a lot less excitement and suspense in the plot.
'Undertow' is a slow burn, Heathcote sets the scene of previous events and we gain an insight into the marriage of Tom and Carmen. The issue of what happened to Zena crops up throughout and then Heathcote almost tags it on at the end. This did mean a lot of tension was lost and there was never a big shock moment.
I did enjoy the focus on Tom and Carmen, although I thought setting this two years into their marriage a bit odd, surely some of the events would have arisen earlier. There is a heavy focus on family in 'Undertow' and how destructive they can be, this was good and it made the novel feel different to others of the same genre.
The characters are well written and both Tom and Carmen are flawed and damaged as you will see. I think there were missed opportunities with some of the characters, Tom's children are central to the plot but do not feature a great deal.
'Undertow' is a good read with a murky plot, full of secrets that are teasingly revealed. For me, this was missing some big shocks, as a result there is a lot less excitement and suspense in the plot.
June 13, 2017
I picked up this book a few nights ago, and within pages I was completely absorbed in the story. I love a good domestic thriller, and this one kept me on my toes, and kept my mind reeling. I had so many idea's, and so many theories about what happened to Zena.
Undertow was so wonderfully written, you can't resist the pull it has on you, constantly begging you to read it. I found myself setting an alarm to wake up before my kids, so I could get some quiet reading time before they woke up.
I really enjoyed Carmen's character, and I admired the fact she was strong, and no-nonsense. And the ending, oh my gosh, I love that it didn't end like a majority of domestic thrillers do. It was such a pleasure to read and review. A HUGE thanks to Park Row Books for letting me review this fascinating book. This is a book I will recommend to everyone I meet! Guys this book is out today, I've included the purchase link to Amazon, so really go buy it, you will not regret it!
Undertow was so wonderfully written, you can't resist the pull it has on you, constantly begging you to read it. I found myself setting an alarm to wake up before my kids, so I could get some quiet reading time before they woke up.
I really enjoyed Carmen's character, and I admired the fact she was strong, and no-nonsense. And the ending, oh my gosh, I love that it didn't end like a majority of domestic thrillers do. It was such a pleasure to read and review. A HUGE thanks to Park Row Books for letting me review this fascinating book. This is a book I will recommend to everyone I meet! Guys this book is out today, I've included the purchase link to Amazon, so really go buy it, you will not regret it!
September 13, 2018
A good & entertaining read but nothing out of the ordinary & it's fairly steady tale as there's none of the pulse-racing moments I'd expect...or want...from this genre. It seemed obvious to me from very early on who the culprit was going to be but the story was intriguing enough for it not to matter. To be fair, maybe the fault lies with me rather than the book, as I've read so many of this style of psychological thrillers its getting harder & harder to be surprised by twists.
Overall a good enough read even if little predictable. I often moan about how everything is wound up so it's a point in it's favour that I felt this ending was credible. I reckon 3.5 stars is about right.
Overall a good enough read even if little predictable. I often moan about how everything is wound up so it's a point in it's favour that I felt this ending was credible. I reckon 3.5 stars is about right.
June 1, 2025
2.75 ✨️ This book was definitely a thriller and I enjoyed how the suspects kept changing towards the end of the book. However, waaay too much dialogue for my liking between the FMC and MMC in the middle. Was it creepy? Yes. Was it a stand-out book for me? No.
July 14, 2017
2 and 1/2 stars Started out good and then faded :(
September 6, 2017
Keine Spannung, kein Nervenkitzel wie versprochen. Protagonistin ist nervig und naiv.
November 5, 2016
Originally posted at: https://bookboodle.wordpress.com/2016...
I managed to get an advanced review copy of this book from the Rooftop Book Club event back in April from the publisher. My daughter came with me and she started reading it on the way home while it's taken me somewhat longer to read it. Here's what we thought:
Here's Emily's thoughts:
As part of attending the Roof Top Book Club we were given goodie bags which included four proof copies of books which are to come out later this year. So on the underground on the way back to the car I decided to start reading one of these books. I picked Undertow by Elizabeth Heathcote because it sounded the most easiest to get stuck into on the trip home. However, if this book was on a shelf I don’t think I’d pick it up, the cover nor the title drew me in.
Half way through the book I realised I didn’t actually understand what the title meant. It's been defined as
The seaward, subsurface flow or draft of water from waves breaking on a beach.
Any strong current below the surface of a body of water, moving in a direction different from that of the surface current.
This definition clearly relates to the book as links to Zena’s drowning but also can relate to breaking of Carmen and Tom’s relationship and strong waves it is going through as Carmen discovers more about Zena’s death.
I finished this book really quickly in just over 24 hours, which is quite impressive for me as I am not an avid reader like my mom. This book was easy to read and of course there is suspense and drama which intrigues you and you want to find out more as you read. However, in the blurb this book is said to be for fans of Disclaimer and Apple Tree Yard – for me Apple Tree Yard was so much better.
The whole way through this book you are meant to believe Tom killed Zena after doubt is planted in Carmen’s mind. Obviously there are other twist and turns which add to Carmen’s doubt. But the whole way through the focus is on Tom, so much so it’s unbelievable. Which as a reader you then start to suspect who else could of murdered Zena – or even if she was murdered at all . . .
My thoughts
The book starts off with a real fast paced gripping opening but then tapers off until the last few pages. It's simplistic in tone and style, which is not necessarily a bad thing as it makes it a quick read, at the end of the day you don't want to be bogged down by long technical fancy words in a suspense novel when you just want to get to the next page as quickly as possible.
Carmen, our protagonist, has far too much time on her hands and therefore too much time to think and delve deeper into her husband's past. The majority of what she does I felt was quite realistic but for me it did go a little into the too far-fetched category. Lets face it, if you go snooping through someone's emails and phone messages , expect to find something you don't necessarily want to see, and do you really want to find out?
Overall a decent enough did he or didn't he suspense novel but didn't feel groundbreaking.
I managed to get an advanced review copy of this book from the Rooftop Book Club event back in April from the publisher. My daughter came with me and she started reading it on the way home while it's taken me somewhat longer to read it. Here's what we thought:
Here's Emily's thoughts:
As part of attending the Roof Top Book Club we were given goodie bags which included four proof copies of books which are to come out later this year. So on the underground on the way back to the car I decided to start reading one of these books. I picked Undertow by Elizabeth Heathcote because it sounded the most easiest to get stuck into on the trip home. However, if this book was on a shelf I don’t think I’d pick it up, the cover nor the title drew me in.
Half way through the book I realised I didn’t actually understand what the title meant. It's been defined as
The seaward, subsurface flow or draft of water from waves breaking on a beach.
Any strong current below the surface of a body of water, moving in a direction different from that of the surface current.
This definition clearly relates to the book as links to Zena’s drowning but also can relate to breaking of Carmen and Tom’s relationship and strong waves it is going through as Carmen discovers more about Zena’s death.
I finished this book really quickly in just over 24 hours, which is quite impressive for me as I am not an avid reader like my mom. This book was easy to read and of course there is suspense and drama which intrigues you and you want to find out more as you read. However, in the blurb this book is said to be for fans of Disclaimer and Apple Tree Yard – for me Apple Tree Yard was so much better.
The whole way through this book you are meant to believe Tom killed Zena after doubt is planted in Carmen’s mind. Obviously there are other twist and turns which add to Carmen’s doubt. But the whole way through the focus is on Tom, so much so it’s unbelievable. Which as a reader you then start to suspect who else could of murdered Zena – or even if she was murdered at all . . .
My thoughts
The book starts off with a real fast paced gripping opening but then tapers off until the last few pages. It's simplistic in tone and style, which is not necessarily a bad thing as it makes it a quick read, at the end of the day you don't want to be bogged down by long technical fancy words in a suspense novel when you just want to get to the next page as quickly as possible.
Carmen, our protagonist, has far too much time on her hands and therefore too much time to think and delve deeper into her husband's past. The majority of what she does I felt was quite realistic but for me it did go a little into the too far-fetched category. Lets face it, if you go snooping through someone's emails and phone messages , expect to find something you don't necessarily want to see, and do you really want to find out?
Overall a decent enough did he or didn't he suspense novel but didn't feel groundbreaking.
August 16, 2019
Well, that was one hell of a family and what a mess of Tom’s life. It seems every character in the story has a sad childhood and separated parents. I didn’t like the part when Carmen questioning Tom. Carmen keeps repeating “How awful!” and Tom keeps saying “Does it matters?”. I wish it can be better with variations of expressions instead of repetition of words. I feel the questioning part is brutally annoying, but I understand her intention is to make things clear from her mind. Then, I realised “how awful” and “why you didn’t tell me?” keeps repeating throughout the story.
Book Review: Undertow by Elizabeth Heathcote.
Book Review: Undertow by Elizabeth Heathcote.
October 13, 2016
As much as I wanted to love Undertow it just didn't completely gel for me. There was a lack of emotional depth from the characters. They seemed rather one dimensional and didn't stir up or feel much emotion. The conversations were rather stilted and monosyllabic, which grated on me after a while. Especially when Carmen was grilling Tom about his relationship with Zena.
Sadly, it just didn't live up to the psychological thriller billing. I felt no tension reading Undertow and that is crucial for a book of this nature. The climax was anti-climatic too, I'm afraid.
It may seem harsh but there were some bright points to Undertow. The sense of place was strong. The bungalow on the coast felt very homey and cosy. It seemed like a good refuge for Carmen as she looked into Zena's death. I liked the children for the brief glimpses we had of them. Carmen's fixation with Zena felt like Daphne DuMaurier's Rebecca, which is a good model to follow.
There's a lot of promising possibility in Undertow. It's not all bad but there are some weaknesses if I'm honest.
Sadly, it just didn't live up to the psychological thriller billing. I felt no tension reading Undertow and that is crucial for a book of this nature. The climax was anti-climatic too, I'm afraid.
It may seem harsh but there were some bright points to Undertow. The sense of place was strong. The bungalow on the coast felt very homey and cosy. It seemed like a good refuge for Carmen as she looked into Zena's death. I liked the children for the brief glimpses we had of them. Carmen's fixation with Zena felt like Daphne DuMaurier's Rebecca, which is a good model to follow.
There's a lot of promising possibility in Undertow. It's not all bad but there are some weaknesses if I'm honest.
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