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National award-winning author Penny Goetjen writes murder mystery and suspense novels where the settings play as prominent a role as the engaging characters. A self-proclaimed eccentric known for writing late into the night, transfixed by the allure of flickering candlelight, Ms. Goetjen embraces the writing process, unaware what will confront her at the next turn. She rides the journey with her characters, often as surprised as her readers to see how the story unfolds. Fascinated with the paranormal, she usually weaves a subtle, unexpected twist into her stories. When her husband is asked how he feels about his wife writing murder mysteries, he answers with a wink, "I sleep with one eye open."
Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers' Favorite
The Woman Underwater is a gripping suspense novel. Penny Goetjen will draw you in with a mystery and keep you there as more tragedy unfolds. Victoria raised her sons after her husband mysteriously disappeared almost seven years before. She hoped for his return, keeping one foot in her old life while she allowed the world to move on around her. Her long-term boyfriend, Vince, wished to marry her after her husband was legally declared dead, but Victoria held back. She became entangled with the father of one of her son’s school friends while she cared for her aging, clairvoyant mother. Events transpire that lead to an emergency room visit and a set of unsettling feelings that Victoria doesn’t know if she wants to explore.
The suspense unfolded evenly, and I was fascinated by Victoria’s mother. I liked the almost supernatural quality her mother possessed and her charismatic way of dealing with the men in her daughter’s life. The mystery was easily solved, but the book was still interesting. Victoria is in her forties, and I enjoy reading books where middle-aged characters are viewed as beautiful people who aren’t limited by their age. I have seen some of Penny Goetjen’s posts during an author takeover, and I was impressed by the description of her novels. The Woman Underwater is a good example of her professional writing, word choice, and storytelling skills. I recommend the book to readers who enjoy mystery and suspense.
