Where the Crawdads Sing

A painfully beautiful first novel that is at once a murder mystery, a coming-of-age narrative and a celebration of nature . . . Owens here surveys the desolate marshlands of the North Carolina coast through the eyes of an abandoned child. And in her isolation that child makes us open our own eyes to the secret wonders-and dangers-of her private world - New York Times Book Review

An Amazon Best Book of August 2018: This novel has a mystery at its core, but it can be read on a variety of levels. There is great nature writing; there is coming of age; and there is literature. Crawdads is a story lovingly told-one that takes its time in developing its characters and setting, and in developing the story. You'll want to relax and take your time as well, and when you're done you will want to talk about it with another reader. - Chris Schluep, Amazon Book Review

Steeped in the rhythms and shadows of the coastal marshes of North Carolina's Outer Banks, this fierce and hauntingly beautiful novel centers on...Kya's heartbreaking story of learning to trust human connections, intertwine[d] with a gripping murder mystery, revealing savage truths. An astonishing debut. - People

This lush mystery is perfect for fans of Barbara Kingsolver - Bustle

A nature-infused romance with a killer twist - Refinery29

Part murder-mystery, part coming-of-age novel, its evocation of the marshland and its inhabitants is as unforgettable as Kya herself. A story of loneliness, survival and love that's as engrossing as it is moving - Daily Mail

Heart-wrenching...A fresh exploration of isolation and nature from a female perspective along with a compelling love story. - Entertainment Weekly

For a debut the prose is impressively accomplished . . . A Hollywood film seems inevitable. Yet it will be hard to match on screen the delicacy of Owens's exploration of the natural world. Kya and her magical little world are a rare achievement - The Times

I had seen this book on many pages as highly recommended and knew I had to give it a go. I loved every page! I went into this book with absolutely no background or clue what it would entail. Kya was the Marsh Girl, abandoned by everyone who’s loved her. Beaten, abused and bullied by the town who cast her out. Mother fled followed by her siblings and eventually her alcoholic father. She out played the law and social services to live alone in the marsh and fend for herself rom the age of 6. Jumpin and his wife looked out for her and fed and clothed her over the years. Her only friend was Tate who taught her read and gave her life. When he left of collage she met chase, popular quarterback who wanted the Marsh Girl. Like a true pig, he was playing her knowing he’s never take her home to his family. Kya became the marsh expert and a published author with her findings and paintings of the marsh. In a twisted turn of events she becomes a suspect in the death of Chase and the town throw her is jail once again turning their back on her. Lucky for the lonely Marsh Girl the true love always sets you free. This book moved me to tears. A perfect novel and possible my favourite of this year!