Under Water by Rachel Callaghan Audiobook Review | Historical Mystery

“He is no one’s but mine, and I am richer for that.” – Under Water by Rachel Callaghan

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Some books slowly pull you under, and before you realize it, you’re completely immersed. Yes, I am absolutely reaching for all the water metaphors, because Under Water by Rachel Callaghan was exactly that kind of read. So rich in history, so deeply emotional.

I went into this historical fiction mystery expecting to solve the mystery of a baby, but what I found was something much more moving. I was pulled in by the mystery, but it was the hope hidden beneath all the heartbreak that made this a five-star read for me.

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Under Water by Rachel Callaghan Synopsis

When the body of an infant is discovered in a pond, long-buried secrets begin to rise to the surface. Told across dual timelines, Under Water by Rachel Callaghan follows the lives that are forever connected by one heartbreaking discovery, weaving together family secrets and impossible choices that last a lifetime.

As the truth slowly unfolds, what begins as a historical mystery becomes a deeply emotional story about love, sacrifice, survival, and the hope that can still be found after unimaginable tragedy and loss.

Under Water by Rachel Callaghan Review

I thought I had this story figured out pretty fast. The novel gives you just enough clues to lead you to believe you know where it’s going, and then one reveal completely changes how you will see everything that had come before.

I was bracing myself for a novel defined by tragedy, with loss and infidelity. Instead, Rachel Callaghan shifts the emotional center of the book from tragedy to survival. It was unexpected and added a sense of hope that made the ending far more powerful than I ever anticipated.

I also appreciated how layered all the relationships were. I assumed Aoife and Thomas were headed towards an affair, but that wasn’t the case at all. Instead, they were two hard working people, who became friends, found comfort in leaning on each other during hard times, and who (most importantly) deeply loved their spouses.

That made the story far more tragic because it wasn’t built on deception, but rather built on human vulnerability. Thomas and Aofie’s connection, and the consequences that followed, felt heartbreakingly human and truly understandable.

I was really surprised by how much my feelings toward Lettie changed throughout the story. (major spoilers ahead)

Maybe it’s the mother in me, but the moment Lettie made it clear that she intended to claim Thomas and Aoife’s baby as her own, my immediate reaction was, “HELL NO!” But as Aoife considered what the truth would mean for everyone involved, especially Sary, my feelings began to change.

Withholding the truth was such a selfless act of true motherhood for Aofie.

By choosing to keep the truth hidden, Aoife protected the people she loved the most. Aoife protected William’s memory, Thomas’s safety, and Sary’s future.

Under Water by Rachel Callaghan Audiobook Review

I was so lucky to receive this audiobook and it truly deserves all the recognition! Courtney Patterson delivers an outstanding performance. Truly. She seamlessly brings to life multiple timelines, accents, ages, and whether voicing men, women, children, or older characters, each felt so distinct and authentic.

Her narration added so much emotional depth and made it easy for me to become completely absorbed in the story.

Should I Read Under Water by Rachel Callaghan?

If you enjoy historical fiction with layered characters, family secrets, dual timelines, and, of course, mystery, I highly recommend Under Water by Rachel Callaghan.

This story truly surprised me in the best possible way and I know I will be thinking about these characters for a long time.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Grace Point Publishing for providing me with this ALC!