The Review

My husband, G, and I listened to “The Devil and the Dark Water” by Stuart Turton on our last road trip, and while I had high expectations due to its highly anticipated release, I was completely disappointed (and G may not trust me to pick an audiobook again). The book follows the story of Samuel Pipps, the world’s greatest detective, who is being transported to Amsterdam for a crime he may or may not have committed. Accompanying him is his loyal bodyguard, Arent Hayes, who is determined to prove Pipps innocent. However, as their journey unfolds on the high seas, strange and ominous events occur, leading to the suspicion that a demon may be responsible.

I loved Turton’s debut novel, “The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle” (which I realized I never shared my review of, so I will need to post it). The use of magical realism in “7 1/2 Deaths” made the novel what it was, and I was excited to see how Turton would incorporate it into “The Devil and the Dark Water.” Given the title, I expected a more Lovecraftian horror experience. Thus, as I embarked on the mysterious journey of “The Devil and the Dark Water,” I anticipated a thrilling tale of murder on the high seas, a detective duo, and a supernatural demon lurking in the shadows.

While the premise intrigued me, I soon found myself struggling to fully engage with the story. Unfortunately, the plot seemed to unfold at a sluggish pace. It took a while for the story to gain momentum, and there were moments where I lost focus and struggled to keep track of the numerous characters introduced throughout the narrative. Although I appreciate the complexity of the plot, it sometimes felt convoluted and overwhelming. “The Devil and the Dark Water” took too long to reveal its secrets, leaving me detached and uninterested in the details or the characters, especially the ship’s crew and officers.

The main reason this didn’t become a “did not read” (DNR) for me is because of Turton’s impeccable writing ability. He skillfully combines elements of historical fiction, mystery, and horror. His attention to detail is commendable, and he creates a chilling and atmospheric setting aboard the ship. Though I struggled to keep track of them initially, Turton excels at crafting complex and multi-layered characters. Each passenger and crew member on the ship has their own secrets and motivations, and their interactions provide a rich tapestry of intrigue. Arent Hayes, in particular, stands out as a compelling protagonist, torn between his duty to his friend Pipps and the unfolding mysteries around him. The relationships and dynamics between the characters are expertly woven, keeping the reader engaged throughout.

Additionally, the supernatural elements of the story add an extra layer of intrigue. The question of whether a demon is responsible for the misfortunes on the ship lingers throughout the narrative, creating an eerie and unsettling atmosphere. Turton expertly balances the line between the supernatural and the rational, keeping the reader guessing until the very end.

I also loved James Cameron Stewart’s narration, although I highly recommend not listening to the audiobook. Stewart narrated “The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle,” so I knew what to expect in terms of the novel’s tone. Their voice is great for these gothic-style novels. However, the reason I recommend reading this one instead is that it took me halfway through the novel to finally grasp who’s who and what’s what. Being able to flip through the pages and go back to understand which character is which would have been really helpful in the beginning. I also don’t really remember anything until the last 4 hours of the 17-hour-long narration.

Overall, “The Devil and the Dark Water” is a well-crafted mystery with a unique blend of genres. It showcases Turton’s talent for intricate plotting and atmospheric storytelling. However, the slow pacing, overwhelming number of characters, and lack of emotional connection prevented me from fully enjoying the book. I believe fans of Turton’s previous work, “The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle,” may appreciate his style, but this particular novel fell short of my expectations, and they too may be disappointed.

3 out of 5 Stars!

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Short Review (AKA TLDR)

In “The Devil and the Dark Water” by Stuart Turton, the highly anticipated novel following the story of detective Samuel Pipps and his loyal bodyguard Arent Hayes, I had high expectations for a thrilling tale of murder and supernatural intrigue on the high seas. However, the sluggish pace and convoluted plot hindered my engagement, making it difficult to connect with the numerous characters introduced. Despite these flaws, Turton’s impeccable writing skill, attention to detail, and the expertly crafted relationships between characters stood out. The supernatural elements added intrigue, and James Cameron Stewart’s narration was enjoyable. Ultimately, while the book showcases Turton’s talent, it fell short of expectations, potentially disappointing fans of his previous work.