2026 ARC Reviews

Item: The Last Time We Drowned
Rating: 4.0
Author: SpoilThePlot

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The Last Time We Drowned

Saratoga Schaefer

Mystery, Psychological Thriller • Jun 2, 2026

Broke and reeling from a devastating betrayal, Charlie Engels seizes a lifeline when her bookstagram earns her a spot on the Empress—an elite influencer yacht moored off the Florida Keys. Thrown into a ready-made sisterhood of deeply flawed internet stars, Charlie tries to outrun her past, only to keep catching glimpses of the supposedly departed influencer she was hired to replace.
When a massive hurricane cuts all communication and strands the crew with their billionaire boss, the glamorous retreat becomes a claustrophobic, floating prison. Once the first body drops, paranoia fractures the group, forcing Charlie to unmask a killer before she goes down with the ship.

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4 / 5

The Last Time We Drowned is a solid mystery and suspense novel that leans away from the typical high-octane thriller. The writing style is engaging, with medium-length chapters that match the steady pace of the story. While one element did feel a bit repetitive, the overall construction of the plot is strong.
My main struggle was with the protagonist, Charlie. It was difficult to sympathize with her throughout the chaos because she felt so meek, which made her hard to relate to as a lead. However, the mystery itself is compelling enough to keep you hooked. There aren't any massive, world-shifting twists, but the ending is satisfying and wraps everything up well.
One of the highlights was finally discovering the significance of the title—it’s a clever tie-in, but you’ll have to read it yourself to find out why. If you enjoy mysteries with a trapped atmosphere, this is definitely worth picking up.
#NetGalley #TheLastTimeWeDrowned

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What is an ARC?

An ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) is a pre-publication version of a book provided by publishers so reviewers can share early feedback. Our spoiler-free reviews help you decide which upcoming titles to add to your pre-order list!

Advance copies reviewed on SpoilThePlot are securely sourced through industry partners, including NetGalley and Inside Story.