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Dead in the Water
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Expected 20 Jan 26Win a free kindle copy of this book!
6 days and 01:51:59
100 copies available
U.S. only
A chilling tale about life flashing before your eyes—including terrifying scenes you don’t remember.
When Damon survives a near-drowning, his life flashes before his eyes. Every memory is crystal clear—except one. A dead boy. A face he can’t place. A moment he doesn’t remember living. At first he tells himself it’s a trick of the mind. But everything else he saw was real. So why not this?
With his waking life stalked by the disturbing scene, confusion quickly turns to obsession. Desperate for answers, Damon digs into his fractured past, and becomes convinced that the only way to remember…is to die again. And again. And again. When he meets a perfect stranger who’s all too willing to help, the stage is set for his dice with death.
But if this is what it takes to uncover the truth, maybe some memories are better left buried…
When Damon survives a near-drowning, his life flashes before his eyes. Every memory is crystal clear—except one. A dead boy. A face he can’t place. A moment he doesn’t remember living. At first he tells himself it’s a trick of the mind. But everything else he saw was real. So why not this?
With his waking life stalked by the disturbing scene, confusion quickly turns to obsession. Desperate for answers, Damon digs into his fractured past, and becomes convinced that the only way to remember…is to die again. And again. And again. When he meets a perfect stranger who’s all too willing to help, the stage is set for his dice with death.
But if this is what it takes to uncover the truth, maybe some memories are better left buried…
400 pages, Paperback
Expected publication January 20, 2026
57 people are currently reading
31021 people want to read
About the author
John Marrs
29 books26.9k followersJohn Marrs is an internationally bestselling author of psychological thrillers and speculative fiction. Before becoming a full‑time writer, he spent more than two decades as a freelance journalist interviewing celebrities for national publications.
He self‑published his early novels while commuting to work, building a passionate readership through social media that helped attract Amazon Publishing and Penguin Random House.
His breakout book, The One, became a No. 1 Netflix series, has sold over a million copies, and is published in 35 languages. His other bestselling titles include The Good Samaritan, What Lies Between Us, The Passengers, The Marriage Act, and The Stranger in Her House.
John continues to explore the darker sides of human nature across both genres. His next thriller, Dead In The Water, publishes in January 2026.
You can subscribe to his newsletter at JohnMarrsAuthor.com.
He self‑published his early novels while commuting to work, building a passionate readership through social media that helped attract Amazon Publishing and Penguin Random House.
His breakout book, The One, became a No. 1 Netflix series, has sold over a million copies, and is published in 35 languages. His other bestselling titles include The Good Samaritan, What Lies Between Us, The Passengers, The Marriage Act, and The Stranger in Her House.
John continues to explore the darker sides of human nature across both genres. His next thriller, Dead In The Water, publishes in January 2026.
You can subscribe to his newsletter at JohnMarrsAuthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews
December 22, 2025
Honestly, I’m a long-time John Marrs fan, and every time I pick up one of his books I know I’m in for something bold, inventive, and deliciously unsettling. His sci-fi thrillers (The One, The Passengers, What Lies Between Us) blew my mind with their intelligence and razor-sharp twists, so I was curious — and a little nervous — to see him switch gears into something more grounded: a psychological thriller with a heavy dose of dark mystery. Did it work for me? The answer is yes — in a deeply disturbing, claustrophobic, and brilliantly unnerving way that left me thinking about it long after I put it down.
From the very first chapters, Marrs sets a tone that suffocates and unsettles. There are Flatliners-style resuscitation scenes that had me holding my breath and a ghostly “I-see-dead-people” thread that chilled me to the bone. At times, the story felt so dark that I had to put the book down, only to pick it right back up again because I had to know what would happen next. Marrs has always been good at finding those thin cracks between life, death, morality, and obsession — and here he pushes his characters (and readers) to the brink.
While I correctly guessed several of the twists and turns (veteran Marrs readers learn to look for the trapdoors he lays), one massive reveal in the final quarter completely floored me. It was one of those “jaw-drop, did that really just happen?” moments that reminded me exactly why Marrs is such a master of suspense. And then came the biggest shock of all: the reappearance of Laura from The Good Samaritan. To me, Laura is still one of his most terrifying, unforgettable creations, and her connection to Damon’s story is seamlessly woven in — easily the most disturbing and jaw-dropping part of the book. It gave me goosebumps and also made me want to reread The Good Samaritan immediately just to revisit her origin story.
The story itself is as grim and relentless as it sounds. Damon, a 28-year-old supermarket worker and recent divorcé, is dared by his ex-wife/best friend Melissa to step outside his comfort zone. He chooses an ill-fated swim in the icy waters of Brighton Beach, where rip currents nearly claim his life. In those drowning moments, his life flashes before his eyes — but when he comes back, he doesn’t come back alone. He begins seeing visions of a ghostly red-haired boy who haunts him everywhere he goes.
Meanwhile, Melissa is building a new life: discovering her sexuality, moving in with her partner, and even asking Damon to donate sperm so she can start a family. But Damon is unraveling fast. Obsessed with discovering who the boy is, he spirals into increasingly terrifying experiments, begging Melissa to help him die and return — a plea she refuses. Desperate, Damon turns to the one person who should never be trusted: Laura, the so-called “Good Samaritan,” who recognizes his desperation instantly and is more than willing to drag him even deeper into the abyss. From there, the story plunges into uncharted territory about obsession, ghosts (both literal and figurative), and the razor-thin veil between the living and the dead.
What worked best for me was the sheer atmosphere Marrs creates. The haunting tone, the suffocating sense of inevitability, the constant question of whether Damon is truly haunted or just mentally unraveling — it’s classic psychological thriller territory, but injected with Marrs’ signature darkness. I also loved the thematic questions the book raises: Do we really want closure, or is ignorance sometimes bliss? How far would we go to confront our past mistakes, and what if doing so risks our very future?
Yes, some of the twists are predictable, especially the beats connected to Damon’s past, and yes, the book often feels more disturbing than entertaining — but that’s exactly the point. Marrs doesn’t coddle his readers; he drags us through the nightmare and forces us to face its consequences. And while I admit I still prefer his dazzling sci-fi thrillers (my personal sweet spot with him), this genre shift worked better than I expected. It proves Marrs isn’t just a one-lane author — he can scare, shock, and entertain across genres.
Overall: This is a chilling, twisted, and unforgettable thriller, packed with enough scares, moral dilemmas, and jaw-dropping shocks to keep any dark thriller fan hooked. It’s not an easy book — it’s disturbing, nerve-wracking, and often suffocating — but it’s also one of those stories that stays in your head, whispering long after you finish. Fans of The Good Samaritan in particular will be thrilled (and horrified) to see Laura resurface in all her terrifying glory.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars) — for its bold risks, suffocating atmosphere, and Laura’s chilling return.
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for sharing this intense, nightmarish thriller by one of my all-time favorite authors in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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From the very first chapters, Marrs sets a tone that suffocates and unsettles. There are Flatliners-style resuscitation scenes that had me holding my breath and a ghostly “I-see-dead-people” thread that chilled me to the bone. At times, the story felt so dark that I had to put the book down, only to pick it right back up again because I had to know what would happen next. Marrs has always been good at finding those thin cracks between life, death, morality, and obsession — and here he pushes his characters (and readers) to the brink.
While I correctly guessed several of the twists and turns (veteran Marrs readers learn to look for the trapdoors he lays), one massive reveal in the final quarter completely floored me. It was one of those “jaw-drop, did that really just happen?” moments that reminded me exactly why Marrs is such a master of suspense. And then came the biggest shock of all: the reappearance of Laura from The Good Samaritan. To me, Laura is still one of his most terrifying, unforgettable creations, and her connection to Damon’s story is seamlessly woven in — easily the most disturbing and jaw-dropping part of the book. It gave me goosebumps and also made me want to reread The Good Samaritan immediately just to revisit her origin story.
The story itself is as grim and relentless as it sounds. Damon, a 28-year-old supermarket worker and recent divorcé, is dared by his ex-wife/best friend Melissa to step outside his comfort zone. He chooses an ill-fated swim in the icy waters of Brighton Beach, where rip currents nearly claim his life. In those drowning moments, his life flashes before his eyes — but when he comes back, he doesn’t come back alone. He begins seeing visions of a ghostly red-haired boy who haunts him everywhere he goes.
Meanwhile, Melissa is building a new life: discovering her sexuality, moving in with her partner, and even asking Damon to donate sperm so she can start a family. But Damon is unraveling fast. Obsessed with discovering who the boy is, he spirals into increasingly terrifying experiments, begging Melissa to help him die and return — a plea she refuses. Desperate, Damon turns to the one person who should never be trusted: Laura, the so-called “Good Samaritan,” who recognizes his desperation instantly and is more than willing to drag him even deeper into the abyss. From there, the story plunges into uncharted territory about obsession, ghosts (both literal and figurative), and the razor-thin veil between the living and the dead.
What worked best for me was the sheer atmosphere Marrs creates. The haunting tone, the suffocating sense of inevitability, the constant question of whether Damon is truly haunted or just mentally unraveling — it’s classic psychological thriller territory, but injected with Marrs’ signature darkness. I also loved the thematic questions the book raises: Do we really want closure, or is ignorance sometimes bliss? How far would we go to confront our past mistakes, and what if doing so risks our very future?
Yes, some of the twists are predictable, especially the beats connected to Damon’s past, and yes, the book often feels more disturbing than entertaining — but that’s exactly the point. Marrs doesn’t coddle his readers; he drags us through the nightmare and forces us to face its consequences. And while I admit I still prefer his dazzling sci-fi thrillers (my personal sweet spot with him), this genre shift worked better than I expected. It proves Marrs isn’t just a one-lane author — he can scare, shock, and entertain across genres.
Overall: This is a chilling, twisted, and unforgettable thriller, packed with enough scares, moral dilemmas, and jaw-dropping shocks to keep any dark thriller fan hooked. It’s not an easy book — it’s disturbing, nerve-wracking, and often suffocating — but it’s also one of those stories that stays in your head, whispering long after you finish. Fans of The Good Samaritan in particular will be thrilled (and horrified) to see Laura resurface in all her terrifying glory.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars) — for its bold risks, suffocating atmosphere, and Laura’s chilling return.
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for sharing this intense, nightmarish thriller by one of my all-time favorite authors in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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Read
January 4, 2026Life flashing before your eyes is no JOKE
My fave is back!!!!!!!
And boy oh boy did he return with a banger.
There is sooooo much I want to say but it would most likely ruin the whole book.
All I will say is when I realized a cheeky lil nugget was introduced into this book I just about lost it!
Anyone who knows me knows what my favourite John Marrs book and that’s all I’m saying.
So back to the story is started of a bit slow but the whole atmosphere was ominous and intriguing and of course I was still very much locked in.
There are characters you are supposed to hate but will question your sanity when all is revealed and you still find yourself having a little soft spot for them!
This book is dark in true Marrs fashion, the psychological torment is there and there a few supernatural elements too.
Oh and the ENDING!!!!!!!!????..... WOWZA!
4.5 ⭐
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
pre read
First Read of 2026!
And you know i just had to start with my fave!!
Ready to dive in.... get it 😏
💙🤍💙💛
My fave is back!!!!!!!
And boy oh boy did he return with a banger.
There is sooooo much I want to say but it would most likely ruin the whole book.
All I will say is when I realized a cheeky lil nugget was introduced into this book I just about lost it!
Anyone who knows me knows what my favourite John Marrs book and that’s all I’m saying.
So back to the story is started of a bit slow but the whole atmosphere was ominous and intriguing and of course I was still very much locked in.
There are characters you are supposed to hate but will question your sanity when all is revealed and you still find yourself having a little soft spot for them!
This book is dark in true Marrs fashion, the psychological torment is there and there a few supernatural elements too.
Oh and the ENDING!!!!!!!!????..... WOWZA!
4.5 ⭐
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
pre read
First Read of 2026!
And you know i just had to start with my fave!!
Ready to dive in.... get it 😏
💙🤍💙💛
January 9, 2026
HOLY CHAPTER 39 😵😵😵😵
John Marrs is back to his deepest darkest roots my friends. This story is DARK AF! Dark dark! As in black as his soul! I truly believe every time I read another one of his novels, my soul gets a little bit darker too.
First and foremost, I started reading John Marrs in 2021. My first love and experience was The Good Samaritan. I instantly had to read everything he put to paper. Then, a few years back he joined Psychological Thriller Readers on FB. He personally reached out to me and thank me for all of my support. Just that little thank you meant the world to me! After that, he became a legend to the group. Everyone was holding a breath they didn’t realize they were holding. IYKYK
Damon survives a near-drowning. While his life flashes before his eyes, he sees a dead boy. He has no idea who this boy is. He becomes obsessed with almost dying that he wants to keep dying (and be brought back to life) so he can figure out why this is happening?
Who killed the boy and are there others?
I screamed when it got to the part where a loved-to-hate character is back! YES! Yes! YES! That moment has arrived and John Marrs fans will be extremely thrilled at the outcome.
I need to let you guys know that you will not have the same reading experience if you haven’t read The Good Samaritan. You just won’t. There are supernatural elements to this story as well.
Trigger warnings galore. Thankfully, no animals are harmed in this story. TW: Child death, suicide, infertility
5 SOULLESS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date 1/13/26
John Marrs is back to his deepest darkest roots my friends. This story is DARK AF! Dark dark! As in black as his soul! I truly believe every time I read another one of his novels, my soul gets a little bit darker too.
First and foremost, I started reading John Marrs in 2021. My first love and experience was The Good Samaritan. I instantly had to read everything he put to paper. Then, a few years back he joined Psychological Thriller Readers on FB. He personally reached out to me and thank me for all of my support. Just that little thank you meant the world to me! After that, he became a legend to the group. Everyone was holding a breath they didn’t realize they were holding. IYKYK
Damon survives a near-drowning. While his life flashes before his eyes, he sees a dead boy. He has no idea who this boy is. He becomes obsessed with almost dying that he wants to keep dying (and be brought back to life) so he can figure out why this is happening?
Who killed the boy and are there others?
I screamed when it got to the part where a loved-to-hate character is back! YES! Yes! YES! That moment has arrived and John Marrs fans will be extremely thrilled at the outcome.
I need to let you guys know that you will not have the same reading experience if you haven’t read The Good Samaritan. You just won’t. There are supernatural elements to this story as well.
Trigger warnings galore. Thankfully, no animals are harmed in this story. TW: Child death, suicide, infertility
5 SOULLESS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date 1/13/26
August 12, 2025
JOHN MARRS. Your mind amazes me!!!!!
Pre Review -I AM SAT
Pre Review -I AM SAT
January 13, 2026
Before I even get started, please know that you HAVE to read The Good Samaritan before diving into Dead in the Water. Providing a critical piece of the puzzle to the entire jaw-dropping premise, you’ll be missing out on so much if you don’t read it first. Besides, it was a freaking fantastic read that I can’t stop recommending. Anywho, now that I’ve covered that bit of advice, here’s my review for the utterly brilliant “sequel,” which utterly blew me away…
The epitome of dark thriller perfection, Dead in the Water was an edge-of-your-seat read in every sense of the word. With a massive number of “HOLY S***?!” twists, an original plot line, and a returning character who you’ll love to hate all over again, John Marrs had me in the palm of his hand from the first riveting chapter until the shocking finale. You see, there wasn’t a minute of downtime as this unsettling story unraveled before me with a somewhat Flatliners-esque feel. Yup. This flawed, broken protagonist decided to reclaim his memories by dying over and over—and over again. But that wasn’t even the best part of the story. No, that was the first gasp-inducing shocker of a twist, and it’s one you’re going to want to discover yourself. Just know that the short, punchy chapters, deliciously unhinged behavior, and cliffhangers galore only added to the series of whiplash-inducing twists that I utterly adored.
All said and done, I was beyond impressed by this doozy of a psychological thriller. I mean, not only were there plenty of the eye-popping, mind-blowing, plot-shifting revelations that Marrs is so often know for, but there were also supernatural vibes and serious themes that will have this book living rent-free in my head for a very long time. Don’t get me wrong, it was also delightfully dark and twisted. Driven by a relentless pace, an eerie Sixth Sense-like atmosphere, and a sense of plausibility despite the unhinged-ness of the tale, I could not put this book down and read it in one single sitting. That’s right. Be sure your chores are complete and your children are in bed. If you don’t, you might just ignore them all while you finish this read. After all, it had everything you could want including repressed memories, a handful of compelling POVs, and an ending you’ll quite simply never get over. Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
When Damon survives a near-drowning, his life flashes before his eyes. Every memory is crystal clear―except one. A dead boy. A face he can’t place. A moment he doesn’t remember living. At first he tells himself it’s a trick of the mind. But everything else he saw was real. So why not this?
With his waking life stalked by the disturbing scene, confusion quickly turns to obsession. Desperate for answers, Damon digs into his fractured past, and becomes convinced that the only way to remember…is to die again. And again. And again. When he meets a perfect stranger who’s all too willing to help, the stage is set for his dice with death.
But if this is what it takes to uncover the truth, maybe some memories are better left buried…
Thank you John Marrs and Thomas and Mercer for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 20, 2026
Content warning: drowning, suicide, drowning, violence, suicidal ideation, fatal hit-and-run accident, mention of: child abuse, depression, abortion
The epitome of dark thriller perfection, Dead in the Water was an edge-of-your-seat read in every sense of the word. With a massive number of “HOLY S***?!” twists, an original plot line, and a returning character who you’ll love to hate all over again, John Marrs had me in the palm of his hand from the first riveting chapter until the shocking finale. You see, there wasn’t a minute of downtime as this unsettling story unraveled before me with a somewhat Flatliners-esque feel. Yup. This flawed, broken protagonist decided to reclaim his memories by dying over and over—and over again. But that wasn’t even the best part of the story. No, that was the first gasp-inducing shocker of a twist, and it’s one you’re going to want to discover yourself. Just know that the short, punchy chapters, deliciously unhinged behavior, and cliffhangers galore only added to the series of whiplash-inducing twists that I utterly adored.
All said and done, I was beyond impressed by this doozy of a psychological thriller. I mean, not only were there plenty of the eye-popping, mind-blowing, plot-shifting revelations that Marrs is so often know for, but there were also supernatural vibes and serious themes that will have this book living rent-free in my head for a very long time. Don’t get me wrong, it was also delightfully dark and twisted. Driven by a relentless pace, an eerie Sixth Sense-like atmosphere, and a sense of plausibility despite the unhinged-ness of the tale, I could not put this book down and read it in one single sitting. That’s right. Be sure your chores are complete and your children are in bed. If you don’t, you might just ignore them all while you finish this read. After all, it had everything you could want including repressed memories, a handful of compelling POVs, and an ending you’ll quite simply never get over. Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
When Damon survives a near-drowning, his life flashes before his eyes. Every memory is crystal clear―except one. A dead boy. A face he can’t place. A moment he doesn’t remember living. At first he tells himself it’s a trick of the mind. But everything else he saw was real. So why not this?
With his waking life stalked by the disturbing scene, confusion quickly turns to obsession. Desperate for answers, Damon digs into his fractured past, and becomes convinced that the only way to remember…is to die again. And again. And again. When he meets a perfect stranger who’s all too willing to help, the stage is set for his dice with death.
But if this is what it takes to uncover the truth, maybe some memories are better left buried…
Thank you John Marrs and Thomas and Mercer for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 20, 2026
Content warning: drowning, suicide, drowning, violence, suicidal ideation, fatal hit-and-run accident, mention of: child abuse, depression, abortion
November 4, 2025
John Marrs is an auto-read author for me when it comes to his speculative Black Mirror-esque types of books, but I don't dive enough into his thrillers and after devouring his 2026 thriller, DEAD IN THE WATER, I realize that I am extremely late to the game!
Damon survives a near-drowning and sees his life flash before his eyes, except for one horrifying memory he can’t explain. Haunted by the image of a dead boy he doesn’t remember, he becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth. To fill in the missing pieces, he’s willing to flirt with death again and again…even if some memories are better left buried.
DEAD IN THE WATER is the epitome of a psychological thriller masterpiece! This book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. While I have only read a few of his thrillers in the past, this has cemented me into fully investing time to read more of his backlog. This book has all the elements of a legitimate perfect thriller that I expect nowadays. I loved Damon and the journey he takes on us, with moments that I somewhat expected and many that I did not see at all! Go in without reading anything about this book and you will be blown away like I was. I was actually walking the streets of NYC with my book open, flipping the pages and hoping that I don't get hit by a taxi. No joke. I read this book in two sittings. DEAD IN THE WATER will be one of the best book releases for 2026.
Damon survives a near-drowning and sees his life flash before his eyes, except for one horrifying memory he can’t explain. Haunted by the image of a dead boy he doesn’t remember, he becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth. To fill in the missing pieces, he’s willing to flirt with death again and again…even if some memories are better left buried.
DEAD IN THE WATER is the epitome of a psychological thriller masterpiece! This book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. While I have only read a few of his thrillers in the past, this has cemented me into fully investing time to read more of his backlog. This book has all the elements of a legitimate perfect thriller that I expect nowadays. I loved Damon and the journey he takes on us, with moments that I somewhat expected and many that I did not see at all! Go in without reading anything about this book and you will be blown away like I was. I was actually walking the streets of NYC with my book open, flipping the pages and hoping that I don't get hit by a taxi. No joke. I read this book in two sittings. DEAD IN THE WATER will be one of the best book releases for 2026.
July 20, 2025
Review to come
August 28, 2025
4.5⭐️rounded up
I’m a huge John Marrs fan, and every time I pick up one of his books I know I’m in for sharp twists, a unique plot, clever writing, and plenty of unexpected surprises and this one definitely delivered! This book had me gasping out loud especially chapter 20, it’s absolutely worth it. I loved how dark, unsettling, and addictive the story was, and the ending was wrapped up in a way only John Marrs can deliver. He never disappoints.
The story follows Damon, who survives a near-drowning but is haunted by a memory he doesn’t recognize: the face of a dead boy. Convinced the past holds the answers, Damon becomes obsessed with recovering this missing memory by reliving it through death. Again. And again. And again.
I’m a huge John Marrs fan, and every time I pick up one of his books I know I’m in for sharp twists, a unique plot, clever writing, and plenty of unexpected surprises and this one definitely delivered! This book had me gasping out loud especially chapter 20, it’s absolutely worth it. I loved how dark, unsettling, and addictive the story was, and the ending was wrapped up in a way only John Marrs can deliver. He never disappoints.
The story follows Damon, who survives a near-drowning but is haunted by a memory he doesn’t recognize: the face of a dead boy. Convinced the past holds the answers, Damon becomes obsessed with recovering this missing memory by reliving it through death. Again. And again. And again.
December 26, 2025
Entertaining audiobook! This one is twisty, dark, diabolical, with elements that felt more predictable. If you can handle the dark side of human nature, add it to your list!
August 23, 2025
First of all, massive thank you to John Marrs & NetGalley and everyone who put this masterpiece in my hands early because WOW. I’ve read every single one of John’s books, and I swear, this one made me lose my entire mind.
This book?? Absolutely insane. Twists flying at me left and right, jaw on the floor, me gasping like I’ve never read a thriller before in my LIFE. I was screaming. I was yelling “WAIT WHAT?!” at the end of every chapter. Unhinged behavior, and I regret nothing.
I’m not giving hints or spoilers because you deserve to go in blind and let the chaos consume you. Just know that once you start, you’re not putting this book down. Not for sleep, not for food, not for ANYTHING. This is one of the most binge worthy books I have read in a long time.
If you’ve read John’s other books, you already KNOW. But this one? This one is next level. Some serious IYKYK moments that I can not WAIT to scream about with everyone in January when it is officially released!
Thriller fans… cancel your plans. This book is IT.
And to John... Sir, I am here to tell you that yes! This book was, in fact, worth the wait! You have outdone yourself 👏🏻 The way your mind works just amazes me. These plots are always so unique, and I am so happy I stumbled upon your work! Even though my name won't appear in a future book, it's okay, I forgive you 😂
This book?? Absolutely insane. Twists flying at me left and right, jaw on the floor, me gasping like I’ve never read a thriller before in my LIFE. I was screaming. I was yelling “WAIT WHAT?!” at the end of every chapter. Unhinged behavior, and I regret nothing.
I’m not giving hints or spoilers because you deserve to go in blind and let the chaos consume you. Just know that once you start, you’re not putting this book down. Not for sleep, not for food, not for ANYTHING. This is one of the most binge worthy books I have read in a long time.
If you’ve read John’s other books, you already KNOW. But this one? This one is next level. Some serious IYKYK moments that I can not WAIT to scream about with everyone in January when it is officially released!
Thriller fans… cancel your plans. This book is IT.
And to John... Sir, I am here to tell you that yes! This book was, in fact, worth the wait! You have outdone yourself 👏🏻 The way your mind works just amazes me. These plots are always so unique, and I am so happy I stumbled upon your work! Even though my name won't appear in a future book, it's okay, I forgive you 😂
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A new John Marrs book is always a cause to drop everything and read.. or listen in this case. I knew I was in for a wild ride, being a long time fan of this authors dark and at times insane twists, but this book was something else. While it had all the trademarks of his books it was still very different. I have to say that I read The Good Samaritan so long ago that I didn’t put those pieces together but now that I think about it I see it.
Damon dies. He drowns. He sees his life flash before his eyes so vividly. But there is a boy he doesn’t recognise, who is this boy and why is he in Damon’s final thoughts. He is brought back to life by his ex-wife and just can’t deal with that happened, or what he saw. He becomes obsessed with finding out about the boy, and digging into his past. He will wish that he didn’t. He feels that the only way to remember is to die again, and finds a stranger to help him.
Woah! Talk about dark and disturbing! this was an uneasy listen but it didn’t stop me from devouring the whole thing in a day. The narrators were indeed as always, really bringing this haunting and unsettling story to life and death. I will not forget this book in a hurry, it may even give me strange dreams tonight.
Bravo John Marrs, another triumph. Thank you, Brilliance Audio for allowing me to listen to this early. Out on January 20th, it is a must read or listen.
Damon dies. He drowns. He sees his life flash before his eyes so vividly. But there is a boy he doesn’t recognise, who is this boy and why is he in Damon’s final thoughts. He is brought back to life by his ex-wife and just can’t deal with that happened, or what he saw. He becomes obsessed with finding out about the boy, and digging into his past. He will wish that he didn’t. He feels that the only way to remember is to die again, and finds a stranger to help him.
Woah! Talk about dark and disturbing! this was an uneasy listen but it didn’t stop me from devouring the whole thing in a day. The narrators were indeed as always, really bringing this haunting and unsettling story to life and death. I will not forget this book in a hurry, it may even give me strange dreams tonight.
Bravo John Marrs, another triumph. Thank you, Brilliance Audio for allowing me to listen to this early. Out on January 20th, it is a must read or listen.
December 10, 2025
Another page turner by this author!! Oh, where to begin. It is truly messed up. Some of it you see coming, but there are some great twists as well. Definitely pick it up and give it a read!!
Thank you to Net Galley and Thomas and Mercer for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Net Galley and Thomas and Mercer for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 9, 2025
john marrs is back babyyyyy! this one is less about the twists (although it does have some good ones) and more about diving into the mind of someone who suffers from psychological trauma. quick chapters make it a super quick and bingeable read in standard marrs fashion, i found this one much more unputdownable than his previous few books. I don’t wanna say much more with spoiling but fans of things like the silent patient that focus more on psychological suspense than twisty thriller will enjoy this.
September 11, 2025
I think I finished this?
Oh, wait. I did. I remember now. There's this little bit at the end that was supposed to be kind of shocking.
Wasn't.
I know that a lot of people like this author and it's very possible that this one was just a misstep.
I found it very slow and very obvious. I mean...the only real surprise was that his ex was stupid enough to put up with all of this.
This was not for me. I hope it works for you.
* ARC via Publisher
Oh, wait. I did. I remember now. There's this little bit at the end that was supposed to be kind of shocking.
Wasn't.
I know that a lot of people like this author and it's very possible that this one was just a misstep.
I found it very slow and very obvious. I mean...the only real surprise was that his ex was stupid enough to put up with all of this.
This was not for me. I hope it works for you.
* ARC via Publisher
December 30, 2025
OMFG John marrs. This book. Right away I was invested. It was fascinating to have Damon getting these flashbacks that he couldn’t decipher. Damon’s slow ride to madness was addicting. The last 30% of the book, I didn’t move. I couldn’t have stopped reading if you paid me. I guessed the big twist right away and was a little bummed but there were SO MANY MORE. Every time I thought he was done, John just floored me again. I was torn between 4-5 stars. It was brilliantly written but just so heartbreaking. And contained my only trigger. I recommend checking triggers first if you have them.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If you're diving into a story by John Marrs, brace yourself for a thrilling ride! Let's say my jaw dropped, and I felt a bit of darkness creep in after finishing this book.
Damon survives a near-drowning, which triggers vivid memories of his life, but one memory—a dead boy's face—remains unclear. As he becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind this memory, he delves into his past and believes he needs to experience death again to remember. With the help of a stranger, he explores dangerous methods, leading him to question whether some memories are better left forgotten.
The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, including those of Damon, Melissa, Helena, Laura, and Sally, with an unconventional timeline that keeps things intriguing. It’s been a while since I struggled to connect with a main character, but Damon was tough for me to warm up to, which I believe was intentional given his eventual transformation. He comes across as quite unhinged, and that’s just my take on it.
Melissa, on the other hand, finds herself in an impossible situation, and I really sympathize with her. It’s just that I feel Damon's actions are inflicting trauma on her as he spirals into mental instability. I won't delve too deeply into the plot, as I don’t want to spoil anything, but the character development is spot-on with a storyline that is sinister, relentless, and genuinely creepy. I found myself so engrossed that I hardly saw the twists coming, and the ending completely blindsided me. Each page turned tightened the chill running down my spine!
This read is perfect for anyone who enjoys the chilling and unforgettable style of John Marrs. The diverse cast of characters from various backgrounds leads to surprising situations and unpredictable outcomes. Honestly, I was holding my breath most of the time, never quite able to guess what would happen next! The clever and meticulously crafted timeline of events keeps you on your toes. I recently came across a video on Instagram where John Marrs urged readers not to reveal any crucial details, so I won’t spoil it for you either. Trust me, you’ll need to pick up this book to uncover the mystery and the unexpected ending. I might be a bit in the dark myself, as I need to catch up on a book to make sense of the secret mentioned! Confusing? Yes, but that’s all the more reason to grab this book and find out! Happy reading!
Thank you, Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Damon survives a near-drowning, which triggers vivid memories of his life, but one memory—a dead boy's face—remains unclear. As he becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind this memory, he delves into his past and believes he needs to experience death again to remember. With the help of a stranger, he explores dangerous methods, leading him to question whether some memories are better left forgotten.
The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, including those of Damon, Melissa, Helena, Laura, and Sally, with an unconventional timeline that keeps things intriguing. It’s been a while since I struggled to connect with a main character, but Damon was tough for me to warm up to, which I believe was intentional given his eventual transformation. He comes across as quite unhinged, and that’s just my take on it.
Melissa, on the other hand, finds herself in an impossible situation, and I really sympathize with her. It’s just that I feel Damon's actions are inflicting trauma on her as he spirals into mental instability. I won't delve too deeply into the plot, as I don’t want to spoil anything, but the character development is spot-on with a storyline that is sinister, relentless, and genuinely creepy. I found myself so engrossed that I hardly saw the twists coming, and the ending completely blindsided me. Each page turned tightened the chill running down my spine!
This read is perfect for anyone who enjoys the chilling and unforgettable style of John Marrs. The diverse cast of characters from various backgrounds leads to surprising situations and unpredictable outcomes. Honestly, I was holding my breath most of the time, never quite able to guess what would happen next! The clever and meticulously crafted timeline of events keeps you on your toes. I recently came across a video on Instagram where John Marrs urged readers not to reveal any crucial details, so I won’t spoil it for you either. Trust me, you’ll need to pick up this book to uncover the mystery and the unexpected ending. I might be a bit in the dark myself, as I need to catch up on a book to make sense of the secret mentioned! Confusing? Yes, but that’s all the more reason to grab this book and find out! Happy reading!
Thank you, Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 22, 2025
Firstly, I'd like to thank Net Galley and Publishers and, of course, John Marrs for allowing me an ARC copy of this in return for an honest review
Now, this book was absolutely crazy from start to finish, there was so many twists! Some i admit I did see coming and some I didn't!
This was tense and fast paced through out, only getting crazier the more you dive into it. There was definitely a lot of shock factor to it as well!
And that ending?! Sweet justice??
I can’t say much more for fear of spoiling this book. But if you're a fan of John Marrs or even just fast-paced thrillers, you must buy this when it comes out in January 2026!
Now, this book was absolutely crazy from start to finish, there was so many twists! Some i admit I did see coming and some I didn't!
This was tense and fast paced through out, only getting crazier the more you dive into it. There was definitely a lot of shock factor to it as well!
And that ending?! Sweet justice??
I can’t say much more for fear of spoiling this book. But if you're a fan of John Marrs or even just fast-paced thrillers, you must buy this when it comes out in January 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rating: 4.25
**Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ALC of this title for review**
Dead in the Water is easily one of the most unique thrillers I have had the pleasure of consuming, and I definitely feel as though John Marrs is at the top of his game with this one. Just when I think he cannot possibly descende further into the darkness...he proves me wrong.
The ultimate premise follows Damon, who, after drowning and being dead for several minutes, encounters one of those moments you can only imagine: his life flashes before his eyes. And while the memories shown to him are ones he actively remembers, there is a memory of a young boy, dead, covered in blood, that he can't place. And worst of all, after he was resuscitated and brought back to life, the boy was brought back too. Damon now hallucinates this boy and sees him on a regular basis.
Damon soon becomes obsessed with finding out who this boy was and what Damon's connection was to him. Desperate for more answers, he believes the only way to achieve them is to once again experience death, and so, over the course of several weeks and sometimes with the help of his ex-wife, he dies and is brought back to life.
Unfortunately, what surfaces are long-buried memories that reveal horrific secrets from Damon's past...ones he was forced to forget. And now he will soon learn that sometimes there secrets that really should stay buried...
Holy Cow, y'all. Holy cow. I truly have never read a thriller like this. I must caution you that this novel was intensely dark, and there are unmistakable trigger warnings, including the word "abortion." Child death/murder. Murder, suicide/suicidal ideation, etc.
I am not entirely sure what I was expecting going into this book, but John Marrs far exceeded my expectations and gave me a deliciously twisty, bold, inventive story that definitely does not stay within the confines of the synopsis we are given. There were a lot of surprises in this story that I was certainly not expecting, and I had a great time with it.
I do feel the need to tell you that this book has a connection to one of Marr's earlier releases, The Good Samaritan. While you definitely do not need to have read that book to enjoy Dead in the Water (I speak as someone who has never read The Good Samaritan), it is quite obvious that we are missing some context with the crossover character, and I have read some reviews that say you won't have the same experience with Dead in the Water if you have not read The Good Samaritan. This is just something I wanted to point out in case that might be of a concern.
**Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ALC of this title for review**
I have only recently started diving into John Marrs's psychological thrillers after having been a fan of his more speculative sci-fi/thriller genre blends, and I can easily say that he writes some of the most compelling, dark, and twisted stories I have ever read (and that's saying something as someone who has been reading thrillers for 20+ years).
Dead in the Water is easily one of the most unique thrillers I have had the pleasure of consuming, and I definitely feel as though John Marrs is at the top of his game with this one. Just when I think he cannot possibly descende further into the darkness...he proves me wrong.
The ultimate premise follows Damon, who, after drowning and being dead for several minutes, encounters one of those moments you can only imagine: his life flashes before his eyes. And while the memories shown to him are ones he actively remembers, there is a memory of a young boy, dead, covered in blood, that he can't place. And worst of all, after he was resuscitated and brought back to life, the boy was brought back too. Damon now hallucinates this boy and sees him on a regular basis.
Damon soon becomes obsessed with finding out who this boy was and what Damon's connection was to him. Desperate for more answers, he believes the only way to achieve them is to once again experience death, and so, over the course of several weeks and sometimes with the help of his ex-wife, he dies and is brought back to life.
Unfortunately, what surfaces are long-buried memories that reveal horrific secrets from Damon's past...ones he was forced to forget. And now he will soon learn that sometimes there secrets that really should stay buried...
Holy Cow, y'all. Holy cow. I truly have never read a thriller like this. I must caution you that this novel was intensely dark, and there are unmistakable trigger warnings, including the word "abortion." Child death/murder. Murder, suicide/suicidal ideation, etc.
I am not entirely sure what I was expecting going into this book, but John Marrs far exceeded my expectations and gave me a deliciously twisty, bold, inventive story that definitely does not stay within the confines of the synopsis we are given. There were a lot of surprises in this story that I was certainly not expecting, and I had a great time with it.
I do feel the need to tell you that this book has a connection to one of Marr's earlier releases, The Good Samaritan. While you definitely do not need to have read that book to enjoy Dead in the Water (I speak as someone who has never read The Good Samaritan), it is quite obvious that we are missing some context with the crossover character, and I have read some reviews that say you won't have the same experience with Dead in the Water if you have not read The Good Samaritan. This is just something I wanted to point out in case that might be of a concern.
October 30, 2025
I was extremely lucky in getting to receive an ARC of this book.
I don't know how Mr Marrs comes up with these stories but this book was so good! It felt darker then some of his prior books (which are also all pretty dark).
It also has a bit of a paranormal aspect to it, that I didn't find in his other books that I loved.
I genuinely had no idea where this story was going to end up, and was shook. If you are a fan of his previous books as well, you will appreciate the little surprises he has in this book!
Loved it.
I don't know how Mr Marrs comes up with these stories but this book was so good! It felt darker then some of his prior books (which are also all pretty dark).
It also has a bit of a paranormal aspect to it, that I didn't find in his other books that I loved.
I genuinely had no idea where this story was going to end up, and was shook. If you are a fan of his previous books as well, you will appreciate the little surprises he has in this book!
Loved it.
November 23, 2025
4.5!
Psych thriller that, in true Marrs fashion, is super fast paced with short chapters and manyyyy twists. Loved it!
Psych thriller that, in true Marrs fashion, is super fast paced with short chapters and manyyyy twists. Loved it!
August 24, 2025
John Marrs is an absolute favorite of mine. I will read anything he writes. The ending of this book made the whole book for me. I thought I knew what was happening but there were so many great twists and turns. I will say that most of the book did not feel like a usual page turner for me the way his books usually are. Could just be a “me” thing, but I loved the end. So overall, another fabulous book from John Marrs.
Thank you to NetGalley for this arc!
Thank you to NetGalley for this arc!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the eARC.
3.25 🌟 rounded down
I love John Marrs' books, and this one felt very true to his usual thriller style - fast-paced, intriguing, and twisty. I was really interested in the storyline and what had happened to Damon, even if I found some of the answers to be pretty predictable. I was torn between 3.5 (rounding to 4) and 3.25 (rounding to 3) for this one, until the very end. Ultimately, the epilogue felt unnecessary and took it too far over the top for me.
Recommended for fans of fast-paced, twisty thrillers.
3.25 🌟 rounded down
I love John Marrs' books, and this one felt very true to his usual thriller style - fast-paced, intriguing, and twisty. I was really interested in the storyline and what had happened to Damon, even if I found some of the answers to be pretty predictable. I was torn between 3.5 (rounding to 4) and 3.25 (rounding to 3) for this one, until the very end. Ultimately, the epilogue felt unnecessary and took it too far over the top for me.
Recommended for fans of fast-paced, twisty thrillers.
December 10, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ 𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗞
After surviving a near-drowning, Damon experiences life-flashes of memories - except one: a dead boy he can’t place. Obsessed, he’ll do anything to unlock the memories.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This is a story about the inability to move on and letting nothing get in the way of finding the truth.
In comparison to Marrs other thrillers, there’s an unreal, slightly surreal vibe - it’s not “real” but it’s also not “supernatural”. It’s an eerie in-between.
This is not a sequel but there’s an easter egg treat that John Marrs fans will love (big brain tingles) but if you don’t catch it, it won’t effect the reading experience at all.
The pace is fast, chapters are short and there’s a bunch of twists and reveals. It’s multiple POV, so even though this is Damon’s story, I was able to connect to others. That said, I love Damon - and if you like tortured souls, you’ll love him too!
This was such an easy, addictive read and although I didn’t find the twists mind blowing, the ending was a delight!
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
For fans of dark, unhinged, twisty thrillers, this should go to the top of your 2026 TBR.
Thank you John Marrs and NetGalley for this #gifted ARC.
🎧 Narrated by Will Watt
📖 Publishes 01•20•26 | 400 pages | 10h
After surviving a near-drowning, Damon experiences life-flashes of memories - except one: a dead boy he can’t place. Obsessed, he’ll do anything to unlock the memories.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This is a story about the inability to move on and letting nothing get in the way of finding the truth.
In comparison to Marrs other thrillers, there’s an unreal, slightly surreal vibe - it’s not “real” but it’s also not “supernatural”. It’s an eerie in-between.
This is not a sequel but there’s an easter egg treat that John Marrs fans will love (big brain tingles) but if you don’t catch it, it won’t effect the reading experience at all.
The pace is fast, chapters are short and there’s a bunch of twists and reveals. It’s multiple POV, so even though this is Damon’s story, I was able to connect to others. That said, I love Damon - and if you like tortured souls, you’ll love him too!
This was such an easy, addictive read and although I didn’t find the twists mind blowing, the ending was a delight!
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
For fans of dark, unhinged, twisty thrillers, this should go to the top of your 2026 TBR.
Thank you John Marrs and NetGalley for this #gifted ARC.
🎧 Narrated by Will Watt
📖 Publishes 01•20•26 | 400 pages | 10h
August 2, 2025
When John messaged me to ask if I wanted to read his newest book of course I jumped at the chance and read it immediately. As soon as I’d finished I messaged him and said ‘Bloody hell John, that was amazing, what a book!!’
I loved the plot, it was so original. I’ve never read anything like it before, so it kept my attention throughout. There were multiple points of view in the story, which I love in a thriller. I find that this really helps us to get into the psyche of each character.
Speaking of characters, there were plenty who all added different elements to the story. When one character in particular was mentioned I nearly dropped my kindle in shock!! 🙌🙌🙌 The involvement of this character was inspired…..and no I’m not telling you anything about this character!
Of course it was impeccably written, it is brilliantly executed and fast paced with many twists and turns. That ending………I’m still not over it!! Bravo John, Bravo 🙌🙌
I’m saying no more, I hope you’ve got the point that it’s amazing and that you need to read it as soon as you can 🤩
A massive, massive thanks to John for the early copy of his book, I’m forever grateful 🫶
I loved the plot, it was so original. I’ve never read anything like it before, so it kept my attention throughout. There were multiple points of view in the story, which I love in a thriller. I find that this really helps us to get into the psyche of each character.
Speaking of characters, there were plenty who all added different elements to the story. When one character in particular was mentioned I nearly dropped my kindle in shock!! 🙌🙌🙌 The involvement of this character was inspired…..and no I’m not telling you anything about this character!
Of course it was impeccably written, it is brilliantly executed and fast paced with many twists and turns. That ending………I’m still not over it!! Bravo John, Bravo 🙌🙌
I’m saying no more, I hope you’ve got the point that it’s amazing and that you need to read it as soon as you can 🤩
A massive, massive thanks to John for the early copy of his book, I’m forever grateful 🫶
December 12, 2025
When Damon survives a near-drowning, memories come back to him. He wonders if they are from his past or simply tricks of the mind. A dead boy and a face he can't recall. Desperate to get answers, he delves into his past and becomes convinced the only he way he can remember things is to die again, and again. He meets a stranger, who is willing to help and uncover the truth.
This was completely wild and unhinged and so so twisted😱The numerous unexpected twists and turns left me speechless, they were just so unexpected.
Another fabulous novel by the author. 4.5✨
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for this gifted review copy.
This was completely wild and unhinged and so so twisted😱The numerous unexpected twists and turns left me speechless, they were just so unexpected.
Another fabulous novel by the author. 4.5✨
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for this gifted review copy.
December 11, 2025
4.5/5
Thank you @amazonpublishing @johnmarrs.author #partner for the gifted copy of this ebook!
John Marrs has done it again! He’s crafted one of those “what the heck is going on?!” stories and I LIVE for it. I NEED his books like I need air because someone has to creep into my dark soul and surprise and shock me! Have you ever felt your blood sugar drop, grabbed a Coke, and suddenly you’re buzzing with energy, ready to sprint a few miles? That’s exactly the rush this book gave me.
I was supposed to buddy read and pace myself…but John Marrs pulled a John Marrs and I John Marrs’d this book. I could NOT put it down. At the start, I felt like it was giving me more horror vibes than his usual thrillers…but then…but then…he did his thing. Whiplash city, y’all.
I found myself trying to figure out what in the world was happening with some of the terrifying behavior because man...some of this just left me feeling claustrophobic and gasping for air. But in true to John Marrs fashion he left me jaw dropped on the floor with the most INSANE psychological terror....aaaaaand I LOVED every chaotic, twisted, dark, terrifying minute of it. (HIGH FIVE JOHN)
This book is completely addicting, unpredictable and made me want to grab my snorkel (IYKYK). I wouldn’t have it any other way. Thank you, John, for your dark and warped mind. Please never stop.
Thank you @amazonpublishing @johnmarrs.author #partner for the gifted copy of this ebook!
John Marrs has done it again! He’s crafted one of those “what the heck is going on?!” stories and I LIVE for it. I NEED his books like I need air because someone has to creep into my dark soul and surprise and shock me! Have you ever felt your blood sugar drop, grabbed a Coke, and suddenly you’re buzzing with energy, ready to sprint a few miles? That’s exactly the rush this book gave me.
I was supposed to buddy read and pace myself…but John Marrs pulled a John Marrs and I John Marrs’d this book. I could NOT put it down. At the start, I felt like it was giving me more horror vibes than his usual thrillers…but then…but then…he did his thing. Whiplash city, y’all.
I found myself trying to figure out what in the world was happening with some of the terrifying behavior because man...some of this just left me feeling claustrophobic and gasping for air. But in true to John Marrs fashion he left me jaw dropped on the floor with the most INSANE psychological terror....aaaaaand I LOVED every chaotic, twisted, dark, terrifying minute of it. (HIGH FIVE JOHN)
This book is completely addicting, unpredictable and made me want to grab my snorkel (IYKYK). I wouldn’t have it any other way. Thank you, John, for your dark and warped mind. Please never stop.
December 2, 2025
When John Marrs releases a new book I will read it, no further details needed!
Dead in the water is his latest book, due to be released January 2026, I was lucky enough to receive a digital arc and this book did not disappoint.
Dead in the water follows Damon after experiencing a near death drowning at sea. During this experience he sees flashbacks from his life, including the face of a dead boy, of which he has no memory. Damon is haunted by this vision and becomes obsessed with finding out the truth. The only logical way to do this, in his mind,is to keep having near death experiences in the hope it unlocks more memories.
This book started a little slowly for me, but once I got into it I couldn't put it down... helped as always by the fast paced, short chapters that are a staple in any John Marrs book. This was a well written psychological thriller with good twists and turns along the way, I did guess a couple of the reveals but there were still plenty that kept me guessing!
Overall this was a very good read and I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys a psychological thriller. I enjoyed the references to other John Marrs books and the appearance of a previous character.
Thank you again to netgalley, amazon publishing and John Marrs for the digital arc 🥰
Dead in the water is his latest book, due to be released January 2026, I was lucky enough to receive a digital arc and this book did not disappoint.
Dead in the water follows Damon after experiencing a near death drowning at sea. During this experience he sees flashbacks from his life, including the face of a dead boy, of which he has no memory. Damon is haunted by this vision and becomes obsessed with finding out the truth. The only logical way to do this, in his mind,is to keep having near death experiences in the hope it unlocks more memories.
This book started a little slowly for me, but once I got into it I couldn't put it down... helped as always by the fast paced, short chapters that are a staple in any John Marrs book. This was a well written psychological thriller with good twists and turns along the way, I did guess a couple of the reveals but there were still plenty that kept me guessing!
Overall this was a very good read and I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys a psychological thriller. I enjoyed the references to other John Marrs books and the appearance of a previous character.
Thank you again to netgalley, amazon publishing and John Marrs for the digital arc 🥰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2025
Absolutely phenomenal. Dead in the Water by John Marrs easily made my Top Ten Reads of the Year and might be one of my favorites he’s ever written. From the first page, I was hooked. The concept is wild, the pacing is nonstop, and the twists had my jaw on the floor more than once.
Marrs is a master of the unexpected, and this book proves it. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, he hits you with another twist that changes everything.
The premise alone screams movie adaptation. I could see every scene playing out in my head like a psychological thriller on the big screen. It’s haunting, cinematic, and deeply unsettling in the best way.
If you love dark, twisty stories that mess with your mind long after you finish, Dead in the Water is a must-read. John Marrs never disappoints. 🖤
Marrs is a master of the unexpected, and this book proves it. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, he hits you with another twist that changes everything.
The premise alone screams movie adaptation. I could see every scene playing out in my head like a psychological thriller on the big screen. It’s haunting, cinematic, and deeply unsettling in the best way.
If you love dark, twisty stories that mess with your mind long after you finish, Dead in the Water is a must-read. John Marrs never disappoints. 🖤
August 26, 2025
Oh John Marrs, you have got to be kidding me! This book was chaos in the best way. It kept me second guessing every page. Trust me, it’s one of those thrillers where the less you know going in, the better. Go in blind! The twists creep up on you slowly…then leave you reeling. Just when you think you’ve found your footing, BAM! The truth hits, and it’s an absolute doozy. I couldn’t flip the pages fast enough, and now I’m sitting here questioning everything. If you want a thriller that’s messy, wild, and impossible to put down, this is it!
January 13, 2026
Such a fast paced, psychological thriller! I was drawn in right away. I loved the Flatliners aspect, ‘dying’ intentionally & being brought back to life, multiple times, to find answers from the other side. This is SO twisty & jaw dropping! So much isn’t what it seems. Just when I thought I had it figured out another shocking revelation had me saying WTF?!
I think this might be my new favorite book of his!!
The audiobook narration was done well. I enjoyed the multiple narrators, it amplified the whole experience.
I think this might be my new favorite book of his!!
The audiobook narration was done well. I enjoyed the multiple narrators, it amplified the whole experience.
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