Where the Crawdads Sing

By: Delia Owens

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

Publisher's summary

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING PHENOMENON—NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE!

More than 18 million copies sold worldwide

A Reese’s Book Club Pick

A Business Insider Defining Book of the Decade

“I can't even express how much I love this book! I didn't want this story to end!”—Reese Witherspoon

“Painfully beautiful.”—The New York Times Book Review

For years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life—until the unthinkable happens.

Where the Crawdads Sing is at once an exquisite ode to the natural world, a heartbreaking coming-of-age story, and a surprising tale of possible murder. Owens reminds us that we are forever shaped by the children we once were, and that we are all subject to the beautiful and violent secrets that nature keeps.

©2018 Delia Owens (P)2018 Penguin Audio

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Critic reviews

“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.”—The New York Times 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

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5 out of 5 stars

By Tammy Goad on 09-06-18

Took my Breath Away

All I can think is "To Kill a Mockingbird". This kept me intrigued until the very last page! If you love nature, you will love this book. If you love mystery, you will love this book. If you love romance, you will love this book.

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5 out of 5 stars

By HelloMellow on 08-20-18

So good. So, SO good.

Such a unique story. Such flowing words and colorful writing skills by the author. In a world full of TED Talks and self-help books, this novel was a much-needed escape. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

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5 out of 5 stars

By RebDi on 08-28-18

Amazing, as beautiful as nature

It’s difficult to decide where to start: the story, characters, setting, descriptions of the coastal world, and the narration combine to make this Audible experience so memorable and enjoyable. Cassandra Campbell’s narration is beautiful. I am not well acquainted with Carolina accents, but Campbell’s inflections seemed believable and allowed the reader to feel immersed in that marsh world. Her gentle Kya voice helped bring both the child and the adult to life. Somehow she managed to differentiate the speech of each character and to capture personalities perfectly. And the characters were so well-drawn that I felt as though I would recognize them if I saw them.

My favorite aspect of the book was the marsh itself, and Owens’s knowledge of the ecosystem— the birds, grasses, trees, shells, and waters. I plan to buy the hardcover to reread those many sections again. Her references to Aldo Leopold and to other foundational environmental literature seemed as natural as Kya herself. There is no overt campaign here to save the wetlands, though they are as sensitive and threatened as Kya.

The plot itself isn’t unique or original, and it’s easy to predict where things are headed. It doesn’t matter. I was unsure of the resolution till the end. However, I’m not sure I loved the ending. I think it went at least one page—maybe one chapter—too far. I won’t say more.

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