This was one of best books I have read in awhile. it touches you on so many levels. It deals with social isolation, abandonment, resilience of the human spirit and love and loss. I was engaged the whole time and when I wasnt reading found myself thinking about characters and what would happen next. I cant wait to read another book by this author.

This was one of the most beautiful stories I have heard for a long time. It was so moving and uplifting - such a poignant story. The narrator brought the book alive if I could give her 6 stars I would. Certainly a book to recommend to those who want a lovely experience.

Amazing tale of love and sweet revenge!!! Narrator was amazing ❤️

This is now in my top 10 all time favorites. It captured my heart on so many levels...crawdads, hermit like existence, wildlife, biology, small town dynamics, love and longing, mystery, and can’t wait for the next page. Also, Cassandra Campbell is an excellent reader, my first audio with her, and I’d pick a new book, just because she’s the reader.

The author uses such beautiful words to describe the landscape of the North Carolina coast. Often I felt like I was there in the shed with Kiya. The ending was a complete surprise and I actually hated for the book to be over. Great read!

I loved this book. I have listened to a lot of audio books, and it is rare when one captures me right from the start and holds my attention all the way to the last word. This was one of those books that made me want to continue driving to hear more of the story even when I arrived at my destination. And, the characters were very artfully developed. I won't be a spoiler, but the end really surprised me.

Best book in forever. Beautifully written and narrated.

This book is over the top. I loved it and I’m sad I finished. Beautiful descriptions to the point that I could picture all the scenery, the pain and suffering, the love and disappointments..... all of it. The narrator was fantastic. I had a hard time putting it down. The end was a surprise. I recommend this audio to all walks of life! Is there a movie of this??

Loved this book. The author must have spent an enormous amount of time learning the flora and fauna of the marsh. Every sentence was so well crafted you could feel the pain of this child and hear the bird calls and the water. Just a wonderful read

This book has become one of my all time favorites. A beautiful story, beautifully narrated.

Took me half the book to slowly discover why it was on the “ Best Seller’s “ list ! Slow moving but interesting l the Narrator was terrific with all the different characters accents !!

boring.........

It was ok. Some parts were really beautiful to read about nature. The story itself, I was not impressed with.

I lived this book and got used to the narrator after awhile, although the accents just didn't quite seem to fit and felt they were made up and not authentic. But after the first few chapters it didn't matter and the story made the slight annoyance about the accents go away. All in all well worth the listen.

Hands down, the best book that I have read in years.

This book is great! I liked it from beginning to end, and can’t stop thinking about it since I finished it. The narrator was very good.

This is a wonderful story and Cassandra Campbell, as always, does it perfect justice.

This was not only a fantastic,gripping and lovely book and the narration added so much to feeling fully engrossed in this book.

Where the Crawdads Sing was one of the best reads. I loved the characters, the story line, and the person reading the story. What a great story, kept my interest through the entire book.

This was a FABULOUS read. The focus on Nature and the ways of swamp people felt authentic. I fell in love with Kia and her drive to survive. I’d read it again

Awesome book!!! One of the best stories I’ve heard in a long time!

Uneventful, very long story about nothing. I kept wait for something to happen, easy read and extremely predictable. Unsure why so highly acclaimed.

For the life of me, I don't understand how people like this book. I found it so slow and I had a tough time really caring about the characters. If you like natural history? This book is for you.

This book deserves every accolade it has received and then some. I believe this book was enhanced by the Significant talent of the narrator! I would not have enjoyed reading it in print nearly as much as hearing it performed by this skilled reader. Truly a remarkable experience.

This is definitely one of my top five books of all time! So good!

This was the best book I've read in ages. I couldn't wait to get back to it each time I had to put it down.

Once I started this book I did not want to stop listening to it. Its extremely captivating. A really great book.

This was a wonderful book, I found myself growing more and more captivated as it progressed. Highly recommend.

Such a good book. Abuse, abandonment, survival, loss, love betrayal. So many emotions written so beautifully.

It is a great book. I love the characters. They are each unique. This book will take you on a journey into a life you could never imagine. The narrator did a great job, too. She brought the culture to life.

Hands down the best book i have read in a long time. Has everything you could ever want in a book. Love. Endurance. Murder. Mystery. Suspense. Longing. And the reading of this book with the southern drawl adds so much to the already descriptive and beautiful langue in this book. Cant recommend this book enough.

I wish I enjoyed this as much as everyone else in my book club but it just wasn’t for me

This book was hot garbage and offensively boring

Awful! A book for people who normally only read magazines. Implausible, cliché-ridden garbage. Didn’t waste my time finishing it.

My favorite book I’ve come across in a long time. I was sucked into the main character’s world and became attached to her. I assumed I would spend a couple of weeks on this audiobook, and finished in days. I couldn’t put it away. The narrator is fantastic and did the story justice.

Don’t really understand the hype. The narrator was extremely annoying. I’ll remember to never listen to a book when a narrator is voicing all the characters in different accents and voices.

I loved this story...its a slow burn but it burns. A beautiful story about a not so beautiful reality.

nice read. felt slow at the beginning, but then couldnt stop playing it

One of the best books I’ve ever listen to recommend it to anybodyof all ages

I hate it when people think they know southern dialects and write characters that sound straight out of Mayberry. Also, if I can figure out the great plot twist in the first third of the book, I don't want to read the whole thing.

Sweet story but a bit empty of character development.

It is a story of sorts that can pass the time if you're bored. It's not great literature. I don't buy the story, the characters or the themes. I think it will be forgotten in a few years.

absolutely amazing fu*king book

Love the narrator. Story was just ok. Predictable. Did love the descriptions and detail of her life in the marsh.

The narrator I didn’t care for the book was too long

Beautiful prose, but the storyline is lacking and many characters, including Kya, are underdeveloped. Disappointing book. The narrator was ok but when she narrated Kya she sounded weak and almost whiny. Kya was a stronger person based on the story line but narrator made her sound meek.

I was told repeatedly that I had to listen to this book but resisted without reason. But I finally capitulated and experienced one of my favorite books of all time. How a story about abandonment and isolation could be so beautiful is beyond my understanding. The “Marsh Girl” is one of the most endearing characters ever created. This great story was enhanced by a terrific narration. A MUST LISTEN!

totally guessed the ending but I enjoyed it

A captivating and exciting listen! Highly recommend

A bit drawn out and slow, did not love even though I really wanted to.

I didn’t finish book

Everyone seems to love this book but I did not. I found it predictable and sappy. Possibly more appropriate as a YA romance novel. The reader's "NPR" voice annoyed me.

A thoroughly engaging story with believable characters of all sorts. Just like real life ... sometimes predictable but more often, not. Highly recommended.

Well I must admit this book put me in touch with my feminine side, not that there’s anything wrong with that! I guess it was written and read by ladies, and I’m thinking it was meant for ladies to read, but I did enjoy it very much. I’m a sucker for a love story. Yeah I love love.

The story was so engrossing until the forced and rushed investigation. All the beautiful prose and attention to detail was replaced by a trial that made me think the author was just borrowing a page from Harper Lee. Would have preferred a more believable continuation of the heart wrenching story

A stunning book, from the first words and down to the fabulous ending. I'll never forget Kya, or so many of the other characters. Or cruising through the marsh. Or the days 'lived' there with her as I was absorbed listening to this book. An ode to nature, a psychological exploration, a study in resilience, a murder mystery, and a celebration of a brilliantly strong woman and of love - all in one!

Beautifully written, but the story is really slow. I don't like the narrator voice, took me a while to get used too.

A poignant powerful book. I listen while I commute I have teared up for this girl, laughed and clapped for her, and cried for her. Her observant solitude is both breathtaking and heartbreaking. Such a tender soul who lived such a hard life. She is the delicate lacy spiderweb of humankind - strong enough to withstand harshness and essential survival, yet beautifully graceful in her existence. And she rises so far above those who disparage her. It’s also a social statement of a community’s penchant for ostracizing and ignoring the less fortunate among us.

Excellent book from its beginning to the final sentence I don’t want to say much more. Too many reviewers give away its content Listen to it, you will find yourself deep in the marsh

Loved this book! Relatable, tragic and romantic. Towards the end there is a section I felt dragged on more than needed (the trial). The narrator was generally okay, just her voice is sometimes robotic seeming. Overall a great listen and I will be checking out the authors other books for sure.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

Boring and long

This is a book I would read again. I fell in love with the characters and couldn’t wait to listen everyday.Great story that I wasn’t ready to end.

Never a disappointing moment; so beautiful and perfectly narrated - this story will stay with me a very long time.

I loved this book and how deftly the author taught us how we are all part of Mother Nature’s grand plan...

I really enjoyed this book. It was beautifully written and the narration made it easy to really enjoy.

Loved this book!

Best book I've 'read' in a very long time and the narration was excellent!! Beautiful story. I'll be listening to this again one day

I loved the book, it was hard to put down.

Great read. Mystery, romance, coming of age....what more could you want? Will definitely listen again. The surprise ending was a big plus! Didn't see that coming!!

Enjoyed this book alot, loved the characters!

This book was fantastic!! I was hooked after the first few minutes.

loved this book. Exceptional development of characters in this story. Great insight into the human psyche . This book will not disappoint the listener!

Was a very good book.

One of the best books I’ve read in a very long time!! This is a must read!!

I truly enjoyed listening to this book and that it had a real ending.

This is the best book I’ve read it the past 10 years. I want to read it again right now! Absolutely fabulous story and the way it unfolds is very intriguing. I could not put it down!

I loved this book. I was connected in the first chapter. Well written and narrated.

I absolutely loved everything about this book! I just finished it and I’m already planning to reread it! Great narration as well.

It kept my interest throughout

LOVE LOVE LOVE this book so much.

This was a wonderful book and I highly recommend it.

This is an amazing book! I could not stop listening! I wasn't so sure if I liked the narrator accent in the beginning, but it gets better as the book progresses! Definitely recommend!

Wonderful story of the human's spirit for perseverance. I couldn't help but fall in love with the marsh girl.

This is a fantastic book. Highly recommended.

I loved this book so much! What a page turner and I was sad when it was over.

Loved everything about it! Great narration too. What a story!

Absolutely excellent!!! Wow....what a read! This is by far one of the best books I have ever read. Everyone should enjoy this one for themselves.

Wow! I learned about the NC marsh. I was entertained. I was captivated and became completely invested in the characters. Loved this book. Narration was pretty okay. Didn't distract from the story too much. Being from the south, I tend to hate fake southern accents. But not too bad. Story and characters make up for the narration 10 fold.

One of the best books I have read in a long time. Could not put it down!!

Such a beautiful book. Loved every second of it!

Amazing depth in the characters - wonderfully enchanting. I started listening to and finished this book on a long international flight. I’m sad that it’s done and the characters are gone. The narrator is probably the beat female narrator I’ve ever heard. She was perfect for this book. I highly recommend giving this one a listen.

One of best books and best narrations have ever read

Loved this book!

Excellent book and narration!!

Loved the book.

Best book I’ve read all year!

Loved this book. Such a great read. The author builds a beautiful world and really immerses you in it.

This was one of the most beautiful yet mysterious novels I’ve ever listened to. I did not expect to relate with the main character Kya as much as I did but her will for life reminds me so much of myself! I cried, laughed and even grew curious about things in my own life multiple times during this book. 1000/10 recommend!

Didn’t enjoy it at all

Very well written, and most of the novel pulled at my heartstrings. The last quarter involving the courtroom was a bit bland. That said, I enjoyed the story so much that I immediately searched for the movie. The book is so much better than the movie.

Great book! The descriptions by the author are poetic.

Best book I ever listed to

Couldn’t put it down

i liked the narrator

Loved this book!! The narrator did a great job catching the essence of the era and geographic location with her southern accent. The storyline was engaging and filled with passion!

Beautifully written! Hard book to stop and put down! Before you know it 12 hours of listening have gone by in a jiff!

the first time I read this book was in 2020… since then I haven't read anything better❤️❤️❤️

I thought the beginning of the book was decent and captivating and then it really got cheesy and underwhelming. I felt that Kya was a trope of a magical nature girl who no one could tame and the men in her world were either all evil or all good. The other characters were similarly one-note. The narrator did the best she could but the different characters’ voices were pretty irritating.

Amazing

I loved having the audio option.

Who doesn’t love a good love story/mystery? Easy to read. Couldn’t wait to get back to it. I even gave a little gasp at the end, with a lovely little reveal at the end. Loved it.

I like a lot about this book, it has good writing. I appreciate the parallels that are made between insect/animal life and human nature. I did not like the characters. I didn't find any of them believable in the real world.

Wonderful book, felt like I was there and that she was a friend. Will definitely check out more books by this author.

Enjoyed this book!

Loved it! I wasn't sure about it at the beginning. There was a lot of back and forth between time frames, but with patience it all makes sense in the end and keeps you on the edge of your seat! The narrator did a great job changing her voice between roles!

Beautiful read

Best book of the year, what a great story teller What this child overcame, her heart and soul Amazing, we need more hero’s like her

Meh I don’t understand all of the hype. Felt like a lot of flowery language about the marsh and its animals and I got cheated out of an interesting story

Loved this book! It had me drawn in the whole time and it’s not a small book. Different emotions from sadness, laughter, love and to being frightened. This book delivers all the feels!

Loved this book!!!

A major fan of Delia Owens her ability to describe simple things draws one right into the page. Very enjoyable but I prefer her real life experiences in Africa

A very gripping book. Beautiful story and narration.

fabulous, outstanding story and a great job by Miss Campbell. It was like being there. 10 stars all around

little slow... kinda hard to follow, not bad but not the best I've ever read

Very engaging. As you are in the delta.

Absolutely Great!!

Should/will be a classic!

Enjoyed the vivid description

This one will remain a favorite!

An nicely crafted stories with interesting motives.

awesome listen!

So so good! Could not stop listening. The narrator did such a good job I enjoyed the accents and everything. The book is amazing!

Loved it!

Loved the narrator and the book

Loved this book!!! Loved the storyline and the characters!

Brilliant, an extraordinary tale beautifully told.

This was an amazing story of the way things were. It shows the growth of a young woman and the struggles she deals with to survive the life she has by utilizing the only resources she knows.

Interesting story. Some historic items don’t make very much sense even though this is a fiction. Still enjoyed and connected to Kya.

One of my very first books I’ve read since high school and absolutely loved it. Couldn’t wait for the movie even though books are better :)

A harlequin romance pretending to be otherwise. If that's what you want, then you will love it. I was pissed because I felt like I was tricked into expecting more from this disjointed pile of crap. Extra hate for the manic pixie dream girl main character. Also using poc characters as one dimensional props.... boo all the way. So much more I hated about this book but I am not going to waste any more energy on it.

Loved the book have not seen the movie. I thought it was moving and compelling. Was a little surprised by the ending.

was not food at ending

I want to give this book 5 stars so much but I felt like the ending left me hanging. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. The characters are so endearing. The narrator is fantastic.

cool

Great sad story!

I honestly could stop listening. This is one of my Fave reads of all time. A must read!!!

The book was way better than the movie!

I absolutely loved this book. I couldn’t stop listening to it.

Very entertaining indeed. I enjoyed this book immensely.

Well told story. Keeps your interest and characters are complex. Narration is a hair rough with the southern accent and trying to be younger then older but you get used to it. It got the point across since the timeline is so drastic. Great listen. Enjoyed it

Wonderful, It’s a magical moment and place!

Awesome story telling

Fabulous book! I enjoyed the book more so than the movie. I recommend!

I could stop listening! This book is fantastic and sucks you in! The narrator got better as the book went on. Honestly, right at the start, I thought it was a computer animated voice because she sounded auto-toned and kind of monotoned. But, I appreciated how drastically her voice changed for the different characters and different scenes in the story.

Loved this!!

Beautiful story. Captivating. The twist in the end is so perfect.

What a wonderful story, I highly recommend this book, very well narrated and can't wait for Owens next book! Bought it in the German language for a friend, but the description of the marsch is too beautiful in the original language and it is obvious that as a zoologist and conservationist, Owen knows what she is talking about. Emotions are so well written, a wonderful talent!

Loved this read! Would recommend it!

The narration made it seem like I was a part of the book. I felt all the emotions that Kya did and even fell in love with a fictional tate. Highly recommend

Great book

Fantastically written and narrated

Very good and beautifully crafted. You can feel the love of nature and the environment around. So descriptive and endearing. Really enjoyed

Outstanding book. Touches every element of one's soul.

When the movie came out. I knew I wanted to give the book a try first. I enjoyed listening to this story and it had a good ending. The narrator does a great job, had me talking with an accent after listening!

This was too slow paced, and I found myself frustrated by the narrator's switch between breathy and caught in the back of her throat. It's so aggravating that I'm finding my own inner cadence replicating this pattern when all I want is to be rid of it! She did well with the voices though.

Fantastic book and brilliant narrator. I could not stop listening and finished it in a weekend.

This book is so good. I was not what I was expecting but it had me hooked the whole time! Definitely recommend.

I loved this book!! I didn't want it to end! I got so involved with the characters. I was a little disappointed with the narrator.

Enjoyable and easy read.

This was an excellent book! The narrator was great, and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. The day after I purchased this book I saw that that it was also a movie on Netflix. I have been waiting to finish the book before watching the movie. Can't wait to see if it lives up to the book!

Such a captivating book. I just could not put it down.

Loved this book - So refreshing to read such a well written book - impressive. The way the storytelling unfolded, it keeps the reader interested throughout the book. Great character development and a beautiful description and understanding of characters and places - would love to read it all over again

Great book, the narrator did a wonderful job in portraying the Carolina accent the really bring the story to life!

Such a good book! Keeps the reader interested all the way through.

Such a beautiful story! Loved it and totally recommend it!

Fabulous read. Highly recommend it to everyone.

suspenseful and heartbreaking

Wonderful story

Loved the book, the narrator did a great job.... except for the "baby" talk voice during the teenage years. That was a bit annoying.

This was a cool murder mystery novel that delved into the different casts in our society and how others are viewed due to their financial status.

This is beautifully written and read. This book got me hooked on audio books. Heartbreaking story.

It was a great touching book I liked the movie as well

Captivating

A beautiful story, I couldn’t wait to listen!

Great read, or listen

Loved this book so much!! It’s my go to book! I would highly highly recommend!!

Excellent job, made me feel like I was there, seeing and feeling her heart break and happiness. Well done.

Read this with my book club. One of our favorites. A wonderful book.

Very well written and interesting to listen to, sometimes hard to follow as the author just back and forth between years

Very compelling story. The narrator really brought the characters to life with her different accents and intonations. I couldn’t “put it down”.

fully invested in the storyline, very easy to listen to and follow.

Moving, attention grabber….in just about every chapter.

I thought she did what she had to do to survive. She applied the rules of nature to her existence. I loved the book. I laughed and I cried. That’s what you’re supposed to do when you read a good book.

I enjoyed every minute of this beautiful, descriptive, well written book. It is a story about poverty, prejudice, the connection to between humans and nature, family, and love. It broke your heart and warmed it at the same time. I couldn’t stop listening and recommend it to all.

I've heard so many good things about this book, and I must say the audiobook was what really did it for me. I thought the narrator's voice for Kya in particular was great, as well as the other characters. It definitely wouldn't have been as good if I had read the story from a book. Very well done!!

I thought it was a little slow at first but it’s a great book. I even teared up at one or two parts. I definitely enjoyed it.

Great book.

Loved the story line and narrator. Keeled me wanting to come back a finish.

The first 7 hours we slow moving. I almost didn’t finish! But so glad I stuck it out. 100% worth it.

What a read! The descriptions of the marsh were superb. But it’s the culture and people where one gets pulled in. I like how the writer told two stories, one of beauty with nature and love, one of seduction and control. I enjoyed the narrator immensely with the way they spoke in southern ease. I enjoyed this audio book very much. Kudos to the author.

Outstanding story and very descriptive and detailed to the point you actually believe this is a true story. I love the twist at the end of the book, i can’t believe she did it. I also couldn’t see the connection to the red threads on his jacket because I thought she received the hat from Tate after the event, Anyway, wonderful story, I couldn’t stop listening to this and had to take the day off work to do so. I believe there is a movie too, so looking forward to watching that too

I loved this book.

The best book I have ever read. Hope I can find more books like it. Was disappointed when I saw the film. Marilyn

Love the story the emotions the period it's written in... Loved the characters.. It's written so you keep being curious.

Great book!

Great book really enjoyed it narration was excellent too

One of my favorite books. It started out a little slow but when it picked up it completely sucked me in. What a beautiful story, beautifully written and narrated. I need more like this.

A wonderful book, one of the best I have ever listened to, and the narrator is amazing.

I don't ever listen to books like this for some reason I picked it up and it was such a great story now I'm a construction worker I was literally tearing up where I was working listening to this book Thank God it was so hot out that it look like sweat LOL

I really loved this book and the narrator was easy to listen to.

Excellent book!! Absolutely loved it.

Great story and the narrator did a good job of reading the dialogue. The author made you feel her loneliness so well.

OMG- I felt every each of this book. Wonderfully written, very descriptive, makes the reader/listener use their imagination. Very vivid. Huge plot twist you just don’t see coming. I don’t know that I will see the movie in fear it will not come close to doing it justice.

It is a wonderful book. I’m so glad that I listen to it. The Narrator did an excellent job with the characters!

This is one of the best books I’ve ever read.

I started to buy this book a couple different times, read the back cover, but didn't buy it, when I finally did, because I knew 2 people that read it and liked it, I couldn't put it down after the first 2 chapters, I have to say this is one of my all-time favorites, I want to read more with this author, I recommend you read it, you'll be glad you did

This was an awesome book and I thought the narrator did an incredible job!

What a wonderful narrator!!

Great story, can’t wait to see if the movie compares!

Held my attention from 1st paragraph until the last . I have read the book and now listened to it ! Going to see the Movie! Was sad when the book was over - not because of the ending - just that it was finished !

Absolutely one of my favorite books. Not the ending I expected. The movie was not as good.

I’m not even done yet and loving every second

I thought the voices the narrator did were awful. Other than that, the book was wonderful.

Beautifully written, though slow at the start. Also I don't know why so many folks say they were surprised at the end. it made me disappointed as I wasn't so my expectations weren't met. I did not like the narration, just a personal dislike it wasn't bad, I had no problem with character changes just didn't like her voice/ accent. I'm looking forward to seeing the movie

I’m giving the narrator a 3/5 just because I really liked the flow of the reading but could NOT stand the southern accent. Miss mam, as a North Carolinian, that was one of the worst southern accents ever.

I loved this book. My only complaint is Kayas voice never changes as a child or grown adult. I cannot wait to watch the movie!

My sister told me to read it, my best friends told me to read it, the movie was coming out, so much! I am normally a big hands on kind of reading person, but I kept finding myself so tired at the end of each day, tv shows and movies having lost their allure, lost my glasses, but still wanted to read. So I got the audiobook for my long drives and then it became a thing in the evening. I don’t really leave reviews other than, what a good book, you will be better for having read it. I’d read it again.

Love love love ! The narrator did a marvelous job !

I loved this book!! I couldn't stop listening.

The book was amazing but the voices were kind of terrible…

Excellent!! Best I have heard in a very long time!

Fabulous story, well written and well read.

A true masterpiece and I’m so happy with the ending too.

Love this book. Listened twice.

I was super interested throughout. However, I feel the grand finale was almost like an afterthought. It fizzled out, for sure. To top it off, we got a poem instead of the story of what happened 'that night'.

Great read kept me interested with each chapter

One of the best books EVER!!

Great book!

really enjoyed the story.. characters, location, imagery. I felt myself there...

This was a book worth way more than 1 credit. I have had it on my wishlist for a while and finally decided to ignore the negative reviews and listen for myself and so glad I did. I could not wait to listen anytime I got a chance.

Where the Crawdads Sing has an intriguing storyline and Owen’s did a fantastic job with character development. When I wasn’t listening to the audiobook it was constantly on my mind and was anticipating the next opportunity to resume the story. I didn’t want it to end!

Loved this book. The narrator was great but a little silly with some of the different voices. Perfect summer read

very good listening my wife and I listen to this on our way to the beach and appointments.

Great book! very good narration.

I loved this book and had trouble taking myself from it. This book was wonderfully written and narrated. I have enjoyed many books that have been narrated, and I must say that Cassandra Campbell has such a soothing tone that fit this book perfectly.

Great book and narrator. Had me hooked!

I loved it and can't wait for the movie to come out!

Beautifully narrated, beautiful story. Story covered isolation, abandonment, strength of the human spirit. This book will keep you engaged til the end. Ending was totally unexpected.

I absolutely loved this book, it was more than I expected. It surpassed my expectations by far.

Couldn’t put it down, a beautiful story about survival

loving it!

Terrific!!!

Loved this book!!

Very interesting and creative story, but the auditors voice was female and when trying to portray a man, really fell short. It was very hard to picture the male characters.

outstanding story. can't wait to see the movie

I couldn't stop listening! Best book so far. The most beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time.

Great story with a nice plot twist can’t wait for the movie

Excellent!!!!

I loved this book. The story line, the characters, how the nature around is described, characters feelings and throughs - all amazing.

Absolutely loved this book!!

I love it

One of the best books! Captivating the entire time and the narrator did an amazing job capturing the voices and personalities of each character. The ending of this story left me shocked! Still thinking about it. A must read!

Beautifully described portrayal of human emotion and heartbreak and fear of love. The story will move you to reflect on how you see people.

Loved the overall story and message of the book. Especially appreciated the author’s notes at the end, giving us some insight into the author’s personal experiences. Thought some parts were a little long: drawn out but otherwise good book. Narrator’s voice needed more distinctive differences between the characters. After a while they all sounded similar.

Such a good story! Incredible sad, but a good read!

This was such an amazing book! Loved every minute of it. It had me on the edge of my seat and my heart pounding at times. My heart broke for Kya many times over. The ending was surprising but satisfying. I didn't want it to end!

Awesome book! Excellent narrator! Not crazy about the ending, but I won’t ruin it!

loved this book, and can't wait to see the movie

The narrator kind of sounds like Moira Rose from Schitt's Creek which is kind of distracting. Like instead of grits she says "grahhts". The book itself is good, but not as good as the hype!

Love love love! Great narration, story and ending

One of my favorite reads!

This book was so good. I can’t wait to see the movie.

Incredible story. Incredible narrator.

Absolutely loved this book! Can’t wait for the movie!

Haunting tale about the female inner strength and resiliency

A very moving novel. I was swept up into the atmosphere and mood. While I can't say I was fully surprised by the ending there was still a little gem of hidden information. I hope Reese loved it enough to consider producing a limited series treatment!

A beautiful, haunting story. All of my being was captured by this remarkably written tale. I want to read the book, but was also held spellbound by the narrator. I will most definitely listen to this again. Thank you, Delia Owens for writing this novel.

Best book I’ve ever read

This book was absolutely amazing!! The narrator did a fantastic job!!

Loved this book! Kaya was amazing how she managed to rise above so much adversity

loved it! The book kept me going to the very end.

Narrator did a great job. The book was full of detail and a surprising twist

Great book!

I loved the book... the narrator did a great job making the reader feel they were in NC right in that marsh w/her excellent distription & her thick southern... I was wonderful!

Great book! I loved this story and it's characters. Well written and narrated.

An incredible story - an instant classic! The author should be proud. Truly a coming of age narrative wrapped in a mystery that makes you remember your own firsts, mourn characters as if you knew them to be family, and find joy in the primal.

Loved this book. Strong female lead character and vivid writing. I got lost in it

loved this book so much .

I wasn’t ready for the story to end, I wanted more. Amazing research and the information shared real interesting. Great narration

very entertaining, i had no idea where the plot was going. fun to read!

This book touched me so deeply! And it left me shattered, not wanting to read another book for weeks... The story is so suspenseful, you don't know what will happen next and you just feel this urge, this need to listen further and never stop listening to it! Kya is a beautiful, strong and courageous women whom I've admired a lot and loved even more! I wish I could find a similar book to read!

Perfectly written. At first I was like this book does not deserve the hype. I just couldn’t get into it. It was me not the book . This book brought on so many different emotions, thought and surprise.

This book was soooooo good! Love the narrator as well, she was amazing. 5 stars for both!

Excellent book and excellent narration!

great book. narrator really makes a difference on audio bools

Great read

I loved this book

loved the story. The narrators voice was a bit grating though.

The descriptions of the marsh were beautiful. I was intrigued by the heartbreaking situation this child found herself in. However, too much of the book felt like a romance novel. Naturally the lead character was stunningly beautiful. The story arc seemed a bit silly. I wasn’t bored though.

I loved this book, the story keeps you entertained. loneliness is so sad

Haunted still by the book. The images of the marshland, its waterways, wildlife and vegetation still damp in my mind. The characters were so powerful, Kya, Tate, Jumpin, even felt a sort of pity for Chase, his privileged, entitled, limited person no match for someone as individual, damaged, rawly intelligent as Kya. Also struck that the bigotry, snobbery, cruel neglect of the townspeople towards Marsh people, specifically Kya, were swivelled by the defense to save her. I gather there is a film being made. Hope it retains the magic and does the book justice.

Absolutely loved this book. The authors words are so visual you feel like your there seeing the surroundings and feeling all the feeling same as the characters.

It was just as good as everyone said it was!

Very compelling book. I did not expect the ending. Well written and the narrator was very good.

I flew through this. I simultaneously read the physical copy and listened to the audiobook while driving, picking up where I’d left off, because I couldn’t put this book down. Compelling story, characters, insights.

Engaging, charming with a great ending!

Great book!

So far I have been enjoying the book. I'm used to reading on my own, but I just haven't had time for years and decided to give this a try.

Loved this book. Being from the south I didn’t think the narrators accent/voice was spot on, but that is a personal thing. Beautiful book. I will have to find more by Delia Owens!

Loved it!! The narrator was great!

Brilliant.

Very good book. I didn't give it five stars because it was a little dificult for me to understand which character she was telling about and at what period in their lives. But when I caught on, it was a very good read or should I say audiobook. I think if I had book in hand I would have been able to keep up with the times.

my most highly recommended book of the year.

Loved the book from the beginning to the end!!!

I had a hard time getting into the story in the beginning, but hang in there! The ending is worth the read.

This book is so well written. Great character development mixed with a wonderful setting. I loved a mixture of mystery and science. It is rare a novel does it all well. However, the narrator was PAINFUL. She has a strange affectation and draws out her words so annoyingly, which didn’t fit the southern American voice. She made the characters sound cognitively impaired. They’re southern, not stupid. My advice is to read this book yourself.

Well I didn't see that ending! This one keeps you guessing till the very end! If you like a good who done it, this books for you.

Great read

Great book from the start to the finish !

Fantastic.

I gave this review a five star rating because it is wonderfully written especially in the description of the landscape. I love the story- tender and raw, beautiful balancing the innocence of a young girl growing up on her own in a wild and beautiful landscape with the harsh prejudice of those that live in the "other" world. The only niggle i have is the way the story was read. I cant put my finger on it but it was small things like the way that Kiya was pronounced by Tate!

Excellent book. Highly recommend and so thankful the narrator does voices.

Enjoyed this book and the narrator. Easy to be empathetic towards the main character. Some parts were hard to listen to.

Excellent story!!

Sad but also very positiv. It makes you think, is something like that possible? It helped me not to feel so lonely for a while.

Excellent book! Excellent narration!

This was an incredible read...loved every aspect

Great listen

one of the best books I've read in years. the character development is so smooth.

Great story, wonderful narration. I enjoyed it immensely!

Great story. Just when I thought I knew where it was going, it would take a twist and ho in another direction. Kept me in suspense until the end. Wow!

The ending was the best part. If I was reading this book instead of listening, I don’t think I would have gotten through her on and on description of the swamp.

Loved this book and kept me captivated the entire way through.

Loved this book! Especially the end. So well written and the cadence kept me interested- the characters were colorful and authentic- this is one I will enjoy again at some point.

This book was amazing. It kept you wondering until the very end. I heard all the chatter about this book, and I usually don’t listen to what others are saying. However, I’m glad I took the chance here. It was well worth it. This was a story of a poor girl who made her own space in the world to fit her specifically. She thrives in a different way than the regular person defines success and rocked life!

I loved this book

Great story beautifully told.

This book has become one of my favorites.

This book came as a recommendation from a friend and it did not disappoint. Not only is it an incredible listen with great narrator but the story is fantastic, vividly told, filled with strong characters and written with a passion for nature and human emotion.

Amazing!! All the stars!! I cried, I cheered, I laughed and was sad when it ended. Both author and reader did great by painting scenes and images for the reader. Anyone deciding on this book, decide no more. Just do it!

This is a book I could read over and over again. I love the writing g style, the character builds, the storyline and the life lessons taught. The narrator is perfect.

This book has been on my list for a couple of years. I started it and was not drawn in immediately, so I put it down. Came back to it as an audio book and I really enjoyed it that way! Tears running down my face by the end... it touches on social isolation, the family of your choice, and the way intelligence manifests itself even when not nurtured. Just simply an engrossing slice of life!

Beautiful. Haunting. Gripping. Different. Wonderful.

Probably in my top 5 books of all time, and I ready at least 2-3 a month! Just grabbed me from the first paragraph, and held me tight. Only down side is that I've struggled to find my next "Crawdads" since the day I finished this. It's a very tough act to follow:)_

Can’t say enough good things about this book!

Loved the story

12 hours of listening seemed like a moment! What a great book! Left me wanting more...in a good way!

Loved the book. Held my interest from start to finish. Characters were all vivid and seemed real. Great read

So good! By far my favorite Delia Owens novel thus far. Cassandra Campbell did an outstanding job narrating this book!

Wonderful.

Such a fantastic book. I couldn’t put it down. It has substance and meaning alongside the story itself. The narrator sounded a bit like Moira Rose from Schitt’s Creek.

I enjoyed this book!

Excellent! Touching.

The best book!

Such a lovely novel, hats off to the story and the fantastic narrator.

Probably best book I’ve ever read (or heard I guess). Highly suggest it! Narrator did great as well.

Excellent! And this is the title that got my husband joked on audio books listening to it on a long trip. Such a unique storyline and I love the accents and setting!

Very good story. Reminded me of “To Kill a Mockingbird “

It took a handful of chapters to really get into it, but once I did it was an incredible read!

what an incredible story!

Great book. I cried a few times though.

Loved this book immensely, what a beautiful story of survival.

Very good book

Such a great story!

Captivating!

Great read exciting twists and turns very moving story!

Beautiful imagery and meditation on loneliness. My only major complaint was that I did not like the narrator's Kya. I was ok with all of the other characters, but it was a bit distracting to dislike the voice of the main person. It was too weak, vapid and juvenile of a voice in my opinion. But I am always impressed with how these narrators can find different voices for each character, and she was clearly very skilled at it.

Wonderful enjoyed this book so much, live listen to it twice

An honest tale of struggle, surrender, love and revenge. You could imagine being there. Captivating!

Loved her tales and descriptions of Kya’s marsh in North Carolina. Great book, great reading!

So good I couldn't stop listening, truly bengie worthy. Great narration too!

Love love loved it. It was refreshing and warmed my heart.

great book

The story was colorful and interesting but she never explained how Chase died...not a fan of the narrators voice, especially when she was doing some backwater accent!

I love this book! I couldn’t put it down.

Mesmerizing. That this little bundle of humanity could survive alone in this harsh environment keeps you waiting to see what catastrophic event awaits our around the bend. The author’s prose softens the rough setting enough for you to follow the innocent child as she struggles to overcome the basics of life and the cruelty of the people she encountered to succeed to an unbelievable level. The crippling cruelty of her abandonment in a town of people who knew her circumstances, but did nothing to help is unbelievable. Loved this book!

I loved it!

Perfect book for a road trip. Part mystery, part love story. I could have done with a better narrator though.

Great book! The descriptive language and imagery were both outstanding. I highly doubt it.

This is a great book! It can be a bit sad but overall light and it’s not the “typical, dumb love story.” It was a joy to read!

Gives you all the feels! Absolutely loved this book ❤️ Would recommend to anyone!

I have both read the book and listened to it. I really enjoyed both.

Lovely written book.

This book has incredible depth to it. Crying, laughing and contemplating our way of life—first truly moving audio book I’ve listened to.

such a thriller!! narrator was perfect.

This was on of the most interesting books I’ve read in a long time. It combined science, psychology, mystery, nature, social commentary, and suspense in a most enjoyable read. I never wanted to put it down. I became so emotionally attached to Kya that I was able to feel her loneliness, pain, joy, and solitude the whole way through. This may have been Delia Owens’ first novel but I hope it won’t be her last.

Wonderful story with relatable emotions of alienation, strength and perseverance. I highly recommend.

Fantastic Book, I enjoyed it immensely.

Wonderful and a must read book!!

Beautifully written with a narration that brings it to life. Highly recommend!

Hands Down on my favorite books! Love the narrative and description of everything! Can’t wait to see this in the movies :))

Best book I ever read. I was in awe. She’s my new favorite author. Want to read more of her books exceptional‼️I cried it was emotional and Wonderful. Trust me this is a Must read.

Wow!! This was so good I found myself finding excuses to go somewhere so I could listen to it in the car or I stayed up really late listening. Highly recommend.

Excellent Book, enjoyed the narrative elements greatly. I laughed and cried all while cleaning house. Quite a feat to be moved in those circumstances. 5 stars plus.

Amazing book!

Great read. Really enjoyed the book.

The end was great but I had a hard time really getting into this one

excellent staging

The slow start and the southern swamp dialects were unnerving, at first. However, it speeds up to a rollercoasting pace. The imagery of the North Carolina outskirts brings to life the unpredictable nature and resilience of the main character and the swamp. Love story. Mystery. Strong Woman. Prejudices.

It was hard to get into, so much so that I almost didn't finish, but decided not to, since I was already more morally invested in the story. After the first 100 or so pages, though, I couldn't put it down! And the ending (0.0) -- like WTF. This is the first book I've read from Reese's bookclub -- I may have another booklist to checkout... P.S. -- the way the author describes the marsh and the scenery of N. Carolina, just breath taking (and I've haven't been there).

I had been considering this book for a while and am glad I took the plunge. The story goes back and forth in time before finally converging one a crucial turning point for the main character, Kya. I thought it was done very well and it gave further depth into other characters. You won’t get bored at any time during this book. It is not slow, and progresses at a very good pace. I found a little more connection to the book as well since I live in North Carolina. Without further rambling on random compliments to the book, I have to say, one of the more satisfying endings to a book I have experienced in a while (also partly my fault for not reading a lot of fiction). On the narrator, she is actually very easy to listen to. I saw a review about her poor attempts at accents. Having family from the area, some of my older relatives actually do sound a little close to her portrayal of some of the characters’ voices, she just doesn’t have much range in pitch (if that’s right, she is a woman voicing men) so it does sound a little weird at times. Get over that, since her voice is actually very nice, and enjoy. Highly recommend.

Great story with a twist or two

I woke up this morning wishing the book hadn’t ended.

Excellent and engaging. Loved the narrator - she gave a wonderful interpretation of the characters- although still allowing the listener to create the story and the colors.

loved it! a beautiful heartfelt tale felt like i was there

My new favorite book ever! So so beautiful!

I loved this story and the main character, Kya. The narrator makes the story come alive. I enjoyed it!

Oh I just LOVED this book

Beautiful story. Definitely worth the listen and the narrator is amazing

This book was so good! Be patient in the beginning, feels a little slow at first, but it’s worth it. It really tugs at your emotions too in a deep, southern way.

Great book, started a little slow but I was sad when it was done!

loved this book .. a real snapshot of the NC coast at that time.

The author has such a way with words! The descriptions of life in the marsh were amazing and made me feel like I was right there. It kept my interest all the way through. I highly recommend this book!

Narrorator was truly amazing! Easy to follow along and listen while multitasking. This book is now one of my favorites, could not stop listening from beginning to end.

Such a great book!

Every page kept me wanting more. I did not want the story to end. Simply Amazing!!

A very special book. Gripping from start to finish with great suspense and a great twist ending.

This book was recommended to me by a much younger work friend. I was unsure if I would like it as our taste is very different, but I loved it. It has an interesting plot that evolves slowly, but beautifully, with just the right amount of momentum to keep the reader/listener interested. The writer used very picturesque language that helped me visualize every detail, but I could see some readers skimming over certain sections of this type of writing to get to what happens next. I will definitely look for other books by this author.

Not interesting. Only listened to 3 chapters.

One of the best book I have ever read.

I LOVED this book. I fell in love Kya. Following the two time lines was incredible. The ending FANTASTIC

Wonderful book! The author along with the narrator were melodic and almost like a gently rocking boat as she described Kiya and her love and passion for all things nature.

I just loved everything about the book. I turn in on when I go for my walk and enjoy. During this unsettling time with the virus it has brought such simple pleasure.

Just a wonderful book you will get lost in and never want to put down. It ends at the right place. Some books end abruptly or in some contrived way. The narrator does a wonderful job. I hate it when you have a great.book but the narrator gets in the way and puts you off the book. The accent took a little while to get used to but it makes sense. This definitely is one of my favorite books of all time. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

This book left me speechless. I’m finding it hard to come up with good enough words for a review. Incredible listen and the narrator did an awesome job!

Loved the book though the descriptive passages were sometimes excessive; did not care for the narrator, fake southern accent

Sooooooooooo gooooooooooood!!!

Great story with narration that really brought the characters to life.

I can't say anything more than Tara M.

Pleasant read... took plenty of long walks while listening and this kept my attention. Ending has a twist and was unexpected. Highly recommend