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What in the climate change? More seriously, the latest novel by Ms. McConaghy presents a thriller set on a remote island centered around a scientific research expedition. Also on the island is the caretaker and his family. Nearing the end of the research expedition, a woman washes ashore, and her arrival has the potential to upset the careful balance that the Salt family has established among the island's animal inhabitants, the research, and the secrets they are hiding.

Rowan has come to Shearwater Island seeking what she has lost. Unfortunately, her ship is wrecked. For the first few weeks, Rowan is taken care of by the children of the island’s caretaker, Dominic Salt. As she seeks answers, readers are clued in that she is hiding just as much as the Salt family. There seems to be a significant mystery unraveling, and Dominic and his children hope to keep it under wraps. Additionally, there is a problem with the island, which is gradually disappearing; ocean life washes ashore, and seeds need to be carefully stored and preserved as part of the scientific expedition.

There was a lot happening in this book, and it felt like two entirely different plots converging at various points. The focus on climate change and its effects felt extremely forced. Unfortunately, the buildup to the secrets that Dominic and Rowan were hiding was so focused on that when the reveal finally occurred, it was a huge letdown. The mystery or thrill just wasn’t there. The ending felt incredibly rushed as if everything needed to wrap up neatly, but it was simply too convenient.

The audiobook featured several narrators, which can often benefit the listening experience, but I would have preferred just one narrator. Overall, the novel was just okay in terms of thrill and mystery for me. I may not be the right demographic for it to resonate well. Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to this novel in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, shaped by my background and experiences.