The good, the bad, and the ugly the lives of women in California.
The book was okay. Some of the stories held me better than others.
Honestly, I think if Barbara had written full books especially the first story, then I would have loved it even more.
I want to read more about the Pool Guy, the bad electricity, and the momma who had all the money!
That story itself is the 3 stars.

“Pool Fishing” by Barbara DeMarco-Barrett was everything I didn’t know I needed in a mystery. From the first chapter, I was hooked by the Palm Springs setting, the noir tone, and a lead character I found both relatable and refreshingly bold.

The story unfolds with a perfect mix of old-Hollywood glamour and gritty suspense. Every detail felt intentional, no fluff, just a smart and twisty mystery that kept me guessing. I loved how the clues were subtle but satisfying to piece together, and I was completely caught off guard in the best way by how it all came together.

What stood out most was how real the characters felt. You don’t just follow the story, you feel like you’re part of it. This book was impossible to put down, and it’ll definitely stick with me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC, this one’s going straight to my “must recommend” shelf!

Pool Fishing is an intriguing read. From the first short story to the last you are taken on a journey through the gritty side of Orange County from different women point of view.

I truly enjoyed diving into each short story. Although different, each story flowed into each other. It was well paced and written.

Some of the short stories are shorter than others, and I found that those stories had me wanting more. It seemed right when we were getting to the story, it was finished. That is why I rated it 4 out of 5 stars.

As with most short story collections, this one had its highs and lows, but it was probably one of the best collections I have ever read. I loveeeed the way the author writes, theres a fluidity to her language that pulls you along for the ride. My favourite story was probably the first one, but I enjoyed all of them.

Thriller lovers, watch out for the next great read. Pool Fishing by Barbara DeMarco-Barrett was a great read.

Pool fishing is an engaging collection of short stories that I read in one sitting. I enjoyed the first story the most but felt the others were underdeveloped and wished the writer delved more into each topic. I think this is a refreshing book to read during a slump or you just need a quick read.

Thank you to Kelp Books, Barbara, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this e-ARC!

Barbara Demott-Barrett's collection of short stories *Pool Fishing* has some strengths, but leaves the reader wanting more.
Demott-Barrett's prose is serviceable with some moments of genuine beauty. It's strength lies in its clarity. However, at times, her metaphors are misplaced and her style unpolished.
The stories tend toward a neo-noir genre, that romanticizes the grittier aspects of California/coastal life, including crime, drug and substance abuse, as well as abusive relationships. In and of itself, there is nothing wrong with this genre, but many of the stories are basically the same story about the same person in slightly different scenarios. There's only so much you can do when your main goal seems to be trying so hard to make smoking seem cool again. Her first story is the most interesting one, because in this story Demarco-Barrett dares to explore some themes of deeper human interest and philosophical value: dementia, aging, dealing with complex family dynamics, loss of self, etc. The choices the characters make in this story are actually intriguing.
Aside from the first and a few glimmering moments in other stories, for the most part, Demarco-Barrett shies away from diving deeply into the subject matters she approaches. She is either too timid to fully explore the implications of the issues she addresses, or is only addressing them for the *aesthetic.* I am hopeful that it is the former and that she dares to dig deeper in the future.

A collection of dark short stories Enjoyed some of the stories more than others. A very quick read. Thank you to Netgalley and Kelp Book for ARC.

I absolutely enjoyed reading this. Will definitely be recommending. Kept me really hooked I'll love to reread again

Reading “Pool Fishing” by Barbara DeMarco-Barrett was an unexpected journey into the depths of human emotion and the complexities of familial relationships. Having previously encountered DeMarco-Barrett’s work in Palm Springs Noir, I was eager to see how she would navigate the themes in this story. 

The narrative unfolds with a quiet intensity, drawing me into the protagonist’s world with subtle yet powerful prose. DeMarco-Barrett’s ability to convey profound emotions through everyday scenarios is truly remarkable. The story’s setting, presumably in a familiar Southern Californian backdrop, adds a layer of authenticity that resonated with me.

What struck me most was the story’s exploration of forgiveness and the lingering shadows of past grievances. The protagonist’s internal struggle felt palpable, and I found myself reflecting on my own experiences with reconciliation and the complexities that come with it.

DeMarco-Barrett’s writing is both evocative and restrained, allowing the reader to delve deep into the characters’ psyche without being overwhelmed. The story’s pacing is deliberate, giving each moment the space it needs to leave a lasting impact.  

In conclusion, “Pool Fishing” is a testament to DeMarco-Barrett’s skill in crafting narratives that are both intimate and universally relatable. It’s a story that lingers in the mind, prompting introspection long after the final sentence

In Pool Fishing, Barbara DeMarco-Barrett explores the lives of women on society’s fringes; emotionally, financially, or geographically; set against the gritty backdrop of coastal Orange County and the stark California desert. These dark, sensual, and atmospheric stories revolve around a converted motel and the dry heat of Palm Springs, where bodies of water often mirror the characters’ inner turmoil. Whether it’s a widow haunted by her husband’s voice through a bowling shirt or a woman entangled with a pool cleaner whose motives turn deadly, each tale is rich with tension, desire, and uneasy transformation. Strange, compelling, and deeply human, Pool Fishing is a striking collection about escape, survival, and the choices we make in the shadows. This was my first book by Barbara DeMarco-Barrett, and I look forward to reading more.

Stayed up late to Read this in a night, I really enjoyed this book. I would read more books by this author

Pool Fishing is an engaging and thoughtfully written book that offers readers a memorable experience. The story is well-paced, with a clear beginning, middle, and end, and the author does an excellent job developing the characters and setting.

The writing style is accessible yet expressive, pulling readers into the world of the story. Whether you're looking for emotional depth, intriguing plot twists, or vivid world-building, this book has something to offer. While there may be a few minor flaws—perhaps some slow sections or underdeveloped subplots—they don't significantly detract from the overall enjoyment.

Not a fan of most of the stories. I enjoyed the first one but the rest just felt unfinished. I felt like the stories were going somewhere and then they just ended.

Loved this dark, unsettling book! The storyworld, where the disenfranchised and the left-behind, the dreamers and the stoners, roam, was perfect--and you can't help but ache AND be hypnotized by the characters. Plus, of course, the prose is gorgeous. I cannot wait to read more from the this very talented author.

Pool Fishing is a wonderful collection of stories taking place in the less glamorous corners of Southern California. Characters are often dark, and stories dip in and out of noir. It's captivating and entertaining and displaying of a side of California culture not often seen by those who don't live there. This isn't Hollywood or Gidget on the beach. It's gritty and dusty and real.

I did not realize this was multiple stories. I was not quite able to get fully pulled into them and I think it's potentially because I did not have proper expectations going in (thinking it was one single story instead). The writing style was not for me.

That being said, I really liker the cover and I think this can be an enjoyable read for someone who wants multiple short stories in their reads.

Thank you for allowing me to read this eARC for free! I am leaving this honest feedback voluntarily.

Such a fun collection of wittily dark stories, the tales of profound womanhood. I found this to be such a quick and irresistible read that I simply couldn’t put down