UK Publication Date: 5 May 2016. 400 pages.
If you are looking for a gripping suspenseful read that is perfect for the side of the pool this summer then look no further than The Swimming Pool.
As the school holidays are about to begin teacher Natalie notices that the local Lido in Elm Hill has finally been renovated and opened to the public again. A gorgeous Art Deco building it draws her along out of curiosity despite the fact that her thirteen year old daughter suffers from acute aqua phobia.
At the Lido Natalie runs into Lara Channing, a local ex actress who has championed the restoration of the pool. She is gorgeous and charming and lives in an amazing house near the Lido. Natalie’s budding friendship with Lara makes her look at her own life and flat with new eyes. Previously content she starts to question her life with maths teacher Ed and their dark little flat.
You do need to pay quite a lot of attention as the plot jumps around all the time – from the start of the summer to the end of the summer with odd forays back to Natalie’s childhood and Molly’s early years. There were times that it felt overly complicated and that it was a device to keep you guessing at the real direction of the plot. Despite this the story does draw you in and you aren’t entirely sure what is going on until the last few chapters. I’m already wishing that I was lazing by an azure coloured pool and hoping that the sun comes out soon!
Supplied by Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
