It’s hard to judge a book by the opening chapter but this is one of two samples I’ve read today, and the other filled me with excitement to find out what happened next, while this one fell short.
There are a lot of characters introduced all at the same time and you get a feel for each characters personality but I wasn’t able to get attached to any of them or hooked to want to see where their story will go.
I enjoyed the authors previous book so I may pick this up for that reason but the sample itself was only so-so for me.

I knew nothing about the Batavia until I began to read this. A quick Internet search told me some facts about this East India Company shipwreck and the events that followed. I am interested to see where the author takes this tale of murder and mystery on the high seas, will definitely want to read the full novel.

Difficult to review as this was only a sampler. But what a compelling sampler! I want to read it NOW!

Oh my goodness. That little snippet was nowhere near enough. I want more of Arent, I need to know why Sammy was arrested and I want to see how far Sara is willing to push her husband during a time where the husband's rule is law.

This promises to be just as twisty as Seven Deaths was. October, get here faster.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for the free advance e-book sampler of this title. My interest is well and truly whetted, as I loved The Seven and Half Deaths Of Evelyn Hardcastle and was really looking forward to his next novel Stuart Turton has gone for a different time period, and it’s a mystery again, so out of my comfort zone, but I cannot wait to read this book! I had a really strong sense of the characters and the intrigue from the first few pages of this book, so will devour it when it is released!

Wow, if this sampler is anything to go by, The Devil and the Dark Water is going to be every bit as good as Start Turton’s previous book (which I adored!). I can’t wait to read the rest of what I’m sure is going to be a riveting read.

Thank you to the publisher for giving me the chance to have a sneak peek at this book. So good!

A teasing introduction to a book that promises to be every bit as intriguing as the Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle. Looking forward to seeing the whole book!

This reads so well I can not wait to read the full book! Shame we only have two chapters at this point but I understand

I received the first chapter of this from the publishers in exchange for my honest thoughts.
I have to say, if this book is anywhere near as good as Seven Deaths was I'll be very happy, and the first chapter has definitely ramped up the hype for me. this sounds like it's going to be amazing and I'm very much looking forward to it.
A mystery at sea? Sign me the heck up!
Pre rating of 4/5 stars, subject to change once I've read the whole thing!

A tantalising insight into what looks to be a totally gripping and satisfying novel. The initial couple of chapters show depth of character and a stirring plot- can’t wait to read the full novel,

I really loved Turton's first book, Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, so I jumped at the opportunity to read this sampler of his next book, especially as my husband and I have been following Turton on Twitter and asking when it would be coming out. It's a shame we've only got the first 2 chapters at the moment because I am really intrigued. If he's given this as much thought as Evelyn Hardcastle, this is going to be mesmerising.

I'm really intrigued by Sara Wessel; she's already showing herself to be really bold and willing to go against her husband's wishes. I'm also intrigued by the backstory of Sammy Pipps. What's he done and how's he gotten his reputation? This sounds like it's going to be (dark) magical and mysterious and I can't wait to read the rest.

One of my most anticipated books of the year!
Having read this sample I am even more curious and cannot wait for The Devil and Dark Water to be published
Left me in the edge of my seat from the first page and I just can’t wait to have access to the full book

Many thanks to Netgalley/Stuart Turton/Bloomsbury Publishing for a digital sampler of this title. This short extract drew me in immediately and left me wanting more. The opening scene is quite shocking and surreal - there is obviously a great tale to be told.

The devil and the dark water sampler was a great read. The story got my attention straight away and has left me wanting more. I think this will be a good book to read.

I have previously read The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton and it, not only for the story and how his mind works, but how his writing brought it all together. So I am beyond excited for this one!!!. I had a mixture of nerves and excitement when I went into reading this, as I was afraid that it couldn't live up to my own hype. However, just from this short sample, I got to remember, even just for a little bit, why I fell in love with Turton's writing. It pulls you into the story so quickly and so smoothly. Even without doing this little challenge this would have been on my "need to get" list, but now having been teased, I need this book even more. There are few authors, very few, who can grasp you from the start, keep you hooked and whom you can instantly tell who they are. Counting down the days!!

This is my anticipated read of 2020. I thoroughly enjoyed Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle. It was full of intrigue, mystery and intricately plotted. It was absolutely stunning. So when I hear Stu Turton is releasing another book, I eagerly want to get my hands on a copy. This is only a sample but I have to say I feel Stu Turton has done it again. Beautifully written verse and narrative. The story left me gripped from the start. There is magic, mystery all with a historical background to it. We have an array of characters introduced and I am on the edge of my seat to read the whole novel..

I was really eager to read this after loving The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle. It has the same level of intrigue and mystery, and features a big and varied cast of characters which makes for an interesting read. I like the historical fiction aspect of the book, and I think it really handles the setting and time really well.

I can't wait till this is released in October. As someone who absolutely loved the Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle I've been eagerly awaiting a second book from Turton and this sampler makes me even more excited about it. It feels similar in style to Seven Deaths with a list of key characters at the start and a leap straight into the action. The characters met in those pages are intriguing and I'm looking forward to getting to know them better. Turton's writing is just wonderful and even in those first few pages he somehow manages to create an ominous atmosphere and a sense of mystery. I have high hopes for this story.

OH I am already intrigued from this sampler and want to know more.. I am suddenly transported back to the United East India company - the wealthiest trading company in existence... Who was the mystery leper who had no tongue, yet could speak, a deformed leg but could climb. Will Sara tell her husband about the strange occurances.
I feel like I'm ready to set sail - even though I know it's going to be a terrible mistake getting on that boat..
Stuart Turton - I believe you many have done it again.

The description for the book certainly got my interest enough to want to download the sampler. Having quickly read the opening pages I will certainly be interested to see where the author takes the story. The book has quickly been added to my pre order list and I look forward to being able to read it when published