Reader Reviews
4.5
4 ratings
Matt D.
Aug 15, 2026
Yet another intense read from John Marrs. Damon survives near death experience and sees his life flash before his eyes. Everything makes sense except for a large hole that he can’t seem to figure out what is missing. He will take a journey of discovery to understand his past and what secrets hide there. Sometimes the past is better left unknown.
I read this book right after The Good Samaritan and I’m so glad I did. These books are linked and it helps understand a few things if you read them in order.
Highly recommended!
I read this book right after The Good Samaritan and I’m so glad I did. These books are linked and it helps understand a few things if you read them in order.
Highly recommended!
Carol G.
Aug 15, 2026
So good. I love this author's writing. It would have been a standout 5 star, but there was so much going on at the end and extra twists I didn't feel the story needed. It lost my interest a teeny bit, even though it was clever. A 4.5 stars (rounded up.) The audiobook narration was fantastic!
Can't wait to read more by John Marrs.
Kayla W.
Aug 15, 2026
If you are a John Marrs fan/groupie this is absolutely a must read!! So mark those calendars for January 20, 2026.
I was one of lucky ducks who got the opportunity to snag an ARC. John Marrs usually has me hating the characters and loving the story. However Dead in the Water I loved every single character and the whole story. Each are brilliantly done. Damon the main character has so much of a crazy story. He dives deep into his past when a dead boy appears after a near drowning. The book envelopes you into a self discovery of who Damon truly is. There are surprising and shocking secrets. 🤐 Keeping my word and not spilling the tea. Just take my word for it you don't want to miss out on this book.
Snag it, pre order it, and count down the days.
Thank you John Marrs, his publisher, and Netgalley for this mind blowing opportunity to read this ARC. I'm truly grateful.
I was one of lucky ducks who got the opportunity to snag an ARC. John Marrs usually has me hating the characters and loving the story. However Dead in the Water I loved every single character and the whole story. Each are brilliantly done. Damon the main character has so much of a crazy story. He dives deep into his past when a dead boy appears after a near drowning. The book envelopes you into a self discovery of who Damon truly is. There are surprising and shocking secrets. 🤐 Keeping my word and not spilling the tea. Just take my word for it you don't want to miss out on this book.
Snag it, pre order it, and count down the days.
Thank you John Marrs, his publisher, and Netgalley for this mind blowing opportunity to read this ARC. I'm truly grateful.
Liz M.
Aug 15, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Star Review
This was such a unique and unsettling concept— the idea of your life flashing before your eyes… and revealing something you don’t remember living. That alone instantly hooked me. The mystery surrounding the dead boy and Damon’s missing memory created an eerie, obsessive atmosphere that kept me curious and slightly on edge the entire time.
The psychological aspect was definitely the strongest part. Watching Damon spiral deeper into his need for answers felt disturbing in a very human way, and the repeated “dice with death” element added a dark intensity that made his desperation believable. There were moments that genuinely gave me chills.
However, the pacing felt uneven at times, and parts of the story didn’t hit with the emotional weight I was hoping for. I found myself wanting a bit more depth—especially in Damon’s character and the overall payoff of the mystery. Some reveals were intriguing, but didn’t land as powerfully as they could have.
Overall, this was an eerie, thought-provoking read with a fantastic premise and plenty of unsettling moments. While it didn’t fully deliver on its potential for me, it was still an engaging psychological ride that fans of dark, mind-bending thrillers will likely enjoy.
This was such a unique and unsettling concept— the idea of your life flashing before your eyes… and revealing something you don’t remember living. That alone instantly hooked me. The mystery surrounding the dead boy and Damon’s missing memory created an eerie, obsessive atmosphere that kept me curious and slightly on edge the entire time.
The psychological aspect was definitely the strongest part. Watching Damon spiral deeper into his need for answers felt disturbing in a very human way, and the repeated “dice with death” element added a dark intensity that made his desperation believable. There were moments that genuinely gave me chills.
However, the pacing felt uneven at times, and parts of the story didn’t hit with the emotional weight I was hoping for. I found myself wanting a bit more depth—especially in Damon’s character and the overall payoff of the mystery. Some reveals were intriguing, but didn’t land as powerfully as they could have.
Overall, this was an eerie, thought-provoking read with a fantastic premise and plenty of unsettling moments. While it didn’t fully deliver on its potential for me, it was still an engaging psychological ride that fans of dark, mind-bending thrillers will likely enjoy.