Into the Water by Paula Hawkins has received mixed reviews. Positive feedback highlights Hawkins' strong character development and the atmospheric setting, which adds to the novel's suspense. However, some reviewers found the plot convoluted and the multiple perspectives challenging to follow. The overall reception acknowledges Hawkins' skillful writing but suggests the narrative complexity may not appeal to everyone.

Readers who enjoyed The Girl on the Train or Gone Girl will likely relish Into the Water, which offers a gripping psychological thriller full of twists and dark secrets. Ideal for those who appreciate complex characters and a suspenseful, immersive narrative, this book will keep them on edge.

In Into the Water by Paula Hawkins, Nel Abbott's death brings her estranged sister Jules back to their hometown of Beckford. As Jules navigates the mystery surrounding Nel's death, she encounters various characters, including Nel's daughter Lena, grieving the recent death of her best friend Katie in similar circumstances. Detectives Townsend and Morgan investigate, revealing complex relationships, buried secrets, and historical connections to a local site known as the Drowning Pool. The story intertwines personal histories and the impact of the past on the present, culminating in revelations that reshape characters' lives.

This book includes depictions of sexual assault and suicide.

Paula Hawkins

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Into the Water reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Into the Water | SuperSummary

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Overview

Get ready to explore Into the Water and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Into the Water Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 10 

Into the Water Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 10  Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 11-20

Into the Water Part 1, Chapters 11-20 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 21-29

Into the Water Part 1, Chapters 21-29 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 30-38

Into the Water Part 2, Chapters 30-38 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 39-44

Into the Water Part 2, Chapters 39-44 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 45-51	

Into the Water Part 2, Chapters 45-51	 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 52-63

Into the Water Part 3, Chapters 52-63 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 64-71

Into the Water Part 3, Chapters 64-71 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 72-77	

Into the Water Part 3, Chapters 72-77	 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 78-86

Into the Water Part 4, Chapters 78-86 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Into the Water Character Analysis

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Themes

Into the Water Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Into the Water Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Into the Water Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Into the Water Essay Topics

Into the Water

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Into the Water?

Reading Age

Book Details