A haunting literary mystery filled with secrets, folklore, and the power of storytelling — from the award-winning author of The Lake of Dead Languages.
 
In The Seduction of Water, Carol Goodman weaves a mesmerizing blend of mystery, myth, and emotional truth. Set in the misty Catskill Mountains and the literary circles of New York, this novel explores the deep connection between storytelling and self-discovery.
 
When Iris Greenfeder, a creative writing teacher and struggling novelist, decides to write about her late mother — a glamorous fantasy author whose life ended mysteriously — she returns to the Catskills hotel where she grew up. What begins as a writing retreat soon turns into a journey of discovery as Iris uncovers hidden truths about her mother’s life, a haunting folktale, and the secret legacy that binds them.
 
As Iris delves into her mother’s unfinished fairy tale, she begins to realize that the past — and the stories we tell — hold the key to who we are. Goodman’s prose is rich and atmospheric, drawing readers into a world where myth and memory intertwine, and where redemption may be found through art, truth, and love.
 
Winner of the Hammett Prize, The Seduction of Water is both a page-turning literary mystery and a beautifully layered story about mothers, daughters, and the tales that define us.
 
💖 Why You’ll Love It
A rich, gothic-tinged mystery set in the Catskills.
Blends folklore, family secrets, and literary suspense.
Complex female characters and elegant prose.
Carol Goodman’s signature mix of intellect and intrigue.
Perfect for fans of mysteries that feel both modern and timeless.
 
🌟 Perfect For
Fans of Kate Morton, Donna Tartt, and Diane Setterfield.
Readers who enjoy atmospheric mysteries with literary flair.
Book clubs exploring family, memory, and storytelling.
Anyone who loves gothic-inspired modern fiction.
 
❤️ Fans Also Liked
If you enjoyed The Seduction of Water, you might also like:
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield — gothic mystery and literary secrets.
The Drowning Tree by Carol Goodman — art, myth, and buried truths.
The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton — generational mystery and hidden stories.