A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid

A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid was one of my last reads of 2024 and an instant favorite. This is my first book by Ava Reid; I think she writes gorgeously, this book so deeply layered in magic, power, identity, love and womanhood.

Effy Sayre has a love of fairy tales that she has held onto since she was a child. As she grows up, her love of literature and reading blossoms until she is absorbed by it. When she begins University, she reluctantly joins the architecture program because she wants to be educated and women are not allowed to join the literature college. That doesn’t stop her from delving deep into the stacks at the library and reading every chance she can get.

When the estate of her favorite author, Emrys Myrddin holds a challenge to redesign the estate, Effy submits her blueprints, not expecting to be chosen. Yet when she is given the opportunity, she jumps at it, despite any condescension from her professors or fellow students. She hopes to make a name for herself, and find a way to get out of the architecture college for good.

When she srrives at the estate, she finds another student, Preston there, doing his own research for his thesis on Emrys Myrddin. The two are quickly thrown together, despite their instant dislike to the other and realize they are going to have to band together if they want to uncover all the mystery behind the estate and the late author.

This book is stunning. Effy is a resilient, determined young woman who has been kicked down by life and other men far too often. But in face of this, Effy keeps trying. She pushes herself so that she can finally live the life she chooses for herself. With a blend of romance and intrigue, this book is an absolute marvel, and I loved it from start to finish.

Unrelated but weirdly, last night I had a dream I met the author which is not something I usually dream of, but it was such a cool dream. Ava Reid was writing under another secret pen name and was widely renown under both names! How cool would that be! Anyway, I cease my nonsenical dream spilling. A Study in Drowning is not a book you want to miss!