This was such an entertaining short story collection.
I really enjoyed the writing style. I found myself hooked, turning the pages.

Unusual for me to read a short story collection but I really enjoyed these and the fact they were all connected to fishing,somethimg I have no interest in made it all the more surprising
Great writing and good stories

I loved this compilation of short stories all somehow related to fishing, in many forms! The first one was entertaining and compelling and each one just got better. I didn't understand the title of the book until I began the third tale and realized how clever it was for anyone who enjoys the short story format!

I think I need to just come to terms that short story collections aren’t for me. I wanted to love this, but I just could not get into it. A few of the stories hooked me, a few bored me, and a few just didn’t make sense. The writing was good, but I needed more.

I really enjoyed the first story and would have loved a full book on that or for fewer stories that were a little longer. I struggled with the pacing because the stories each felt quite rushed towards the end and I’m something who likes a bit more depth and emotion during the climax of a story, maybe it’s just me who doesn’t really suit short stories. This made it a bit of a slog to get through because I’d get into a story then it would end abruptly.

I think generally it’s well written and the stories are all interesting in their own way, so would be well suited to you if you like a collection of short stories

Pool Fishing by Barbara DeMarco-Barrett is a collection of stories that explore the challenging lives of women in California by delving into the intricacies of human connection, the complexities of relationships, loss, and the subtle nuances of daily existence.

The book is exceptionally well-crafted, and while some stories captivated me more than others, each offers a unique perspective drawing in moments of tenderness, tension, and surprising insights.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. I enjoyed this book and it kept me coming back for more. I loved the setting of Palm Springs and Old Hollywood with the twisty mystery. The characters grabbed you and felt so real.

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

I really enjoyed Pool Fishing. It was a great collection of short stories, not too long and not too short. I would love to listen to these stories again on audible.

Collection of short stories some are better than others that leave you wanting more but overall the collection is an enjoyable and nice quick read.

I didn’t know what to expect going in! A collection of mini stories but really kept me intrigued- would I go out of my way for it, not really but did I enjoy the change of pace- absolutely

this book and this stories within felt important, felt prfound, felt like little imprints on your heart. they were deep but fun, they were light yet full of darker shading. this was such a interconnected group of stories that charm and compel you to read them.
the way Barbara writes her characters is really something. i really enjoyed her writing and she totally bought me in to each tale. the consistency in books like this is key. and she nailed that.

Pool Fishing is a haunting, beautifully written collection of short stories that lingers long after you finish reading. Barbara DeMarco-Barrett masterfully creates a vivid sense of place, whether it's the gritty edges of coastal California or the eerily open spaces of the desert. The settings aren’t just backdrops—they shape the characters and their actions.

Each story explores characters living on society’s fringes—women navigating complicated relationships, trauma, and deep longing. Many of the stories center on motel rooms, pools, and desert landscapes, which adds a sense of isolation and quiet tension. The characters’ choices aren’t always wise, but they feel deeply human.

I was particularly drawn to The Water Holds You Still—an unsettling, slow-burn story with unexpected twists—and Blue Martini, which captures the complicated push and pull of control and freedom. DeMarco-Barrett’s writing is atmospheric, dark, and deeply psychological, with a touch of the surreal in stories like 51 Winfield.

If you enjoy character-driven stories with a noir edge and strong female leads, Pool Fishing is worth reading. It’s unsettling in the best way—thought-provoking, layered, and completely absorbing.

The thread tying these smart noir stories together are the images of flawed young women, some unlucky and fed up, some naughty and bored. Set in the shadows of some of Southern California’s more affluent communities, “Pool Fishing” by Barbara DeMarco Barrett is a fun collection of short tales about the unthinkable choices people make when pushed to their limits. These stories showcase DeMarco’s gift for creating compelling characters and a vivid sense of place.
My favorites: “The Water Holds You Still”, a story that explores the dangers of a backyard pool. “Rowboat”, a peek into one woman’s quest for revenge on her book club’s mean girl. And “Sandman” shows the power of frightened suburban parents over a predator.
A delightful and sometimes creepy page turner.

I really enjoyed reading the different stories. Well written and makes you think. Highly recommend. The stories reflect on different characters and what is going on in their lives. I will be re reading this.

I was drawn to the women-driven stories, which are interlinked by theme and the Californian location. Love the connection through bodies of water and women behaving on instinct above all else. My favourite stories in this collection are Doors, Sea Change, and Pink Aviary. The stories are well written, but some lack a certain depth. To me, a lot of the stories felt unfinished or just not cohesive with themselves. I wanted to love this book because, in theory, it's so interesting and well written, just not executed as well. I might be too picky, but some of these story directions or endings disappointed me. I would love to re-read this if some of the stories were updated/edited.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love the stories of the different women. Each of the stories were unique and entertaining, yet it felt as if they flowed together. Barbara DeMarco-Barrett has a unique way of making it feel as if you are in the book. The characters seemed old time Hollywood and recent at the same time. I will be looking forward to more from this author.
Thank you Barbara DeMarco-Barrett and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

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.