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Secrets Thriller #1
Secrets At Meadow Lake
A group of college friends got away with an unthinkable crime, or so they thought. Ten years after that fateful night, Riley and her friends all receive a mysterious invitation to spend the weekend at a cabin on Meadow Lake. It's obvious to all that it isn't a coincidence the gathering falls on the anniversary of the evening that changed their lives forever. Once everyone arrives, tensions run high in the midst of a snowstorm, as everyone tries to figure out who brought them together and to what end. As the snow continues to fall, the body count begins to rise. The survivors must confront their dark pasts and the secret that brought them back together if they have any chance of surviving. Will they make it out alive, or does whoever knows their secret have other plans for them?
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2023
57 people are currently reading
811 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Owens
48 books660 followersWendy Owens is a thriller writer, born in the small college town, Oxford Ohio. After attending Miami University, Wendy went onto a career in the visual arts. After several years of creating and selling her own artwork she gave her first love, writing, a try. It’s become a passion ever since.
When she’s not writing, this dog lover can be found spending time with her tech geek husband, their three amazing kids, and three pups. She loves to cook, watch movies, and play games.
If you want to follow her on social media you can visit:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WendyLOwens
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wendy-...
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
When she’s not writing, this dog lover can be found spending time with her tech geek husband, their three amazing kids, and three pups. She loves to cook, watch movies, and play games.
If you want to follow her on social media you can visit:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WendyLOwens
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wendy-...
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
May 6, 2023
This thriller gave me “And Then There Were None” vibes. A group of friends are mysteriously summoned to an isolated cabin. They are all harboring a secret they have held close for ten years. While battling a snowstorm, the group begins to dwindle. There is a killer in their midst and no one is safe. Who is responsible for this unwanted reunion? Is the killer a crazed stranger, or is someone among them a wolf in sheep’s clothing? This book was fast paced, entertaining and had me racing to the end. The final twist I never saw coming. I am looking forward to Book 2 of A Secrets Thriller. Thank you BookSirens for my ARC. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 8, 2023
Riley and her college friends get invitations to a secluded cabin on Meadow Lake on the anniversary of a tragedy they were involved in.
They begin being bumped off one by one in horrific ways.
This was a great read I hated to put down.
Thanks NetGalley and Victory Editing for this ARC that will be published April 12, 2023!
They begin being bumped off one by one in horrific ways.
This was a great read I hated to put down.
Thanks NetGalley and Victory Editing for this ARC that will be published April 12, 2023!
August 8, 2023
Before writing my review, I want to thank BookSirens and Wendy Owens for gifting me the ARC of this book! It was such a privilege! And I appreciate you trusting me with an honest review!!
Fantastic book cover and premise!! Both drew me in immediately. Definitely reminiscent of AND THEN THERE WERE NONE, one of my all time favorites! SECRETS AT MEADOW LAKE is the type of book perfect for curling up on the sofa with a cup of tea, losing yourself in the mystery to be solved.
A perfect setting provides the backdrop of this locked-room mystery — a group of college friends harboring a secret, trapped during a snow storm in the middle of nowhere. No one truly trusts anyone else. Blame flies around. The story definitely keeps you guessing who’s behind the tragedies at Meadow Lake, all the while your heart racing as the death toll rises.
Although not what I expected, which isn’t a bad thing, the book has a satisfying ending. The mystery is solved and justice is served! I still had a few questions as I turned the last page, though— questions surrounding a couple of “hows” that I wish would have been answered. But overall, an incredibly tense, suspenseful, revenge-filled and satisfying story. Will definitely be reading more from this author!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Fantastic book cover and premise!! Both drew me in immediately. Definitely reminiscent of AND THEN THERE WERE NONE, one of my all time favorites! SECRETS AT MEADOW LAKE is the type of book perfect for curling up on the sofa with a cup of tea, losing yourself in the mystery to be solved.
A perfect setting provides the backdrop of this locked-room mystery — a group of college friends harboring a secret, trapped during a snow storm in the middle of nowhere. No one truly trusts anyone else. Blame flies around. The story definitely keeps you guessing who’s behind the tragedies at Meadow Lake, all the while your heart racing as the death toll rises.
Although not what I expected, which isn’t a bad thing, the book has a satisfying ending. The mystery is solved and justice is served! I still had a few questions as I turned the last page, though— questions surrounding a couple of “hows” that I wish would have been answered. But overall, an incredibly tense, suspenseful, revenge-filled and satisfying story. Will definitely be reading more from this author!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 31, 2023
Wow! What a dark and twisted ride! Everything begins just as the blurb tells us. But once all the characters are in place things begin to happen that no one saw coming.
This is a tension filled read as every few turns of the page reveals something new. The characters are all called into question and I was never certain where the danger was coming from. I was immediately pulled into the dark, dreary atmosphere the author created. Add the evil that is occurring within the group and I found myself anxious throughout the story, never certain what was going to happen next or where it was coming from.
Single POV
Safe - not a romance
Triggers
This is a tension filled read as every few turns of the page reveals something new. The characters are all called into question and I was never certain where the danger was coming from. I was immediately pulled into the dark, dreary atmosphere the author created. Add the evil that is occurring within the group and I found myself anxious throughout the story, never certain what was going to happen next or where it was coming from.
Single POV
Safe - not a romance
Triggers
April 10, 2023
What the heck did I just read?!?! I wasn't exactly sure what to expect when I started reading this one but I could have never imagined the series of events that happened from the moment everyone arrived at the lake.
Everything started happened pretty quickly, and with each new tragedy came a whole new series of questions.
The truth soon comes out and hard decisions have to be made. I never expected it to end the way that it did but it was actually the perfect ending
Everything started happened pretty quickly, and with each new tragedy came a whole new series of questions.
The truth soon comes out and hard decisions have to be made. I never expected it to end the way that it did but it was actually the perfect ending
April 7, 2023
This was the first book I’ve read by this author. I enjoyed it a lot. I feel like it was a really quick read - almost like a novella rather than a full length novel, but with the content of the story that made sense. I feel like I should have figured out who was behind all the mysteries taking place but I was blown away with the ending! Overall, I would recommend this as a good, quick read filled with suspense, and I will look forward to reading more books by Wendy
April 3, 2023
Wendy is an amazing thriller writer, I loved this book so much I couldn’t stop reading until I finished it! Definitely gives you the who what when where and why?
April 12, 2023
Rating: 3.5/5, rounded up.
This is a fun, fast-paced isolation mystery/thriller following a woman who is invited to a reunion with college friends at a remote cabin. It is clear from the setup that the group of friends had committed some kind of atrocity together at college. Throughout the story, we are slowly fed information about this past event.
This was a much shorter book than I expected, and its compulsive pacing combined with its short length makes it a very quick and engaging read. The book doesn’t spend much time on character development and instead really focuses on the thriller aspects. That said, over the course of this short book, each of the group of friends were very distinct from the start.
I would have preferred a little more time to get to know the characters better, and to let the past mystery be more organically presented, but this was an enjoyable and engaging mystery/thriller.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoyed In My Dreams I Hold a Knife.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a fun, fast-paced isolation mystery/thriller following a woman who is invited to a reunion with college friends at a remote cabin. It is clear from the setup that the group of friends had committed some kind of atrocity together at college. Throughout the story, we are slowly fed information about this past event.
This was a much shorter book than I expected, and its compulsive pacing combined with its short length makes it a very quick and engaging read. The book doesn’t spend much time on character development and instead really focuses on the thriller aspects. That said, over the course of this short book, each of the group of friends were very distinct from the start.
I would have preferred a little more time to get to know the characters better, and to let the past mystery be more organically presented, but this was an enjoyable and engaging mystery/thriller.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoyed In My Dreams I Hold a Knife.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 12, 2023
Secrets at Meadow Lake by Wendy Owens.
A group of college friends got away with an unthinkable crime, or so they thought. Ten years after that fateful night, Riley and her friends all receive a mysterious invitation to spend the weekend at a cabin on Meadow Lake. It's obvious to all that it isn't a coincidence the gathering falls on the anniversary of the evening that changed their lives forever. Once everyone arrives, tensions run high in the midst of a snowstorm as everyone tries to figure out who brought them together and to what end. As the snow continues to fall, the body count begins to rise. The survivors must confront their dark pasts and the secret that brought them back together if they have any chance of surviving. Will they make it out alive, or does whoever knows their secret have other plans for them?
I really enjoyed this book. Twisty and gripping. 5*.
A group of college friends got away with an unthinkable crime, or so they thought. Ten years after that fateful night, Riley and her friends all receive a mysterious invitation to spend the weekend at a cabin on Meadow Lake. It's obvious to all that it isn't a coincidence the gathering falls on the anniversary of the evening that changed their lives forever. Once everyone arrives, tensions run high in the midst of a snowstorm as everyone tries to figure out who brought them together and to what end. As the snow continues to fall, the body count begins to rise. The survivors must confront their dark pasts and the secret that brought them back together if they have any chance of surviving. Will they make it out alive, or does whoever knows their secret have other plans for them?
I really enjoyed this book. Twisty and gripping. 5*.
April 9, 2023
The latest psychological thriller from Wendy L Owens and it’s a twisted tale reminiscent of the Queen of Crime herself, Agatha Christie, and I mean that as the highest praise. Ten years ago Riley and her college friends last meeting ended in death, now close to the anniversary, they all receive sinister invitations to a reunion at a secluded cabin in the woods. Is their secret out? Does some random stranger know what happened that night or is the threat closer to home? Has one of the group turned on the others? Trapped in a snowstorm and cut off from the outside world with the body count rising, they need to figure it out before its too late….
I love Wendy Owens books as a rule and Secrets At Meadow Lodge was no different. She sucked me right in from the opening pages and had me engrossed throughout, keeping this reader guessing with a plot that ramped up the suspense as my list of suspects grew shorter with each turn of the page. None of the characters were very likeable but whether that was completely down to past events shaping them or they were just that way anyway, they just seemed a random group of people to have got together in the first place. Perhaps it was a “seven stages of Kevin Bacon” type of scenario. No matter I still enjoyed this book even if I did finish it wishing the final tally had included some of the survivors.
I love Wendy Owens books as a rule and Secrets At Meadow Lodge was no different. She sucked me right in from the opening pages and had me engrossed throughout, keeping this reader guessing with a plot that ramped up the suspense as my list of suspects grew shorter with each turn of the page. None of the characters were very likeable but whether that was completely down to past events shaping them or they were just that way anyway, they just seemed a random group of people to have got together in the first place. Perhaps it was a “seven stages of Kevin Bacon” type of scenario. No matter I still enjoyed this book even if I did finish it wishing the final tally had included some of the survivors.
April 12, 2023
This book was like a breath of fresh air for me. I needed a good mystery/thriller in my life. This book gave me major Clue and I Know What You Did Last Summer vibes which I really enjoyed, but I liked that there was real depth and seriousness to the backstory and that it wasn’t just a random who-dunnit murder mystery. I prefer it when the characters have more on the line than just their survival.
I was on the edge of my seat the whole time reading this, I couldn’t put it down. I just had to find out what happened so I read this in less than 24 hours. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars was because I figured out who it was. Other than that one little thing l, I loved this book.
I was on the edge of my seat the whole time reading this, I couldn’t put it down. I just had to find out what happened so I read this in less than 24 hours. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars was because I figured out who it was. Other than that one little thing l, I loved this book.
April 5, 2023
Thank you Wendy Owens and Victory Editing #NetGalley Co-Op for the advanced ebook of Secrets at Meadow Lake! A common theme amongst thrillers right now seems to be friendly, or dare I say, unfriendly reunions. This reunion takes place at a cabin of this group of friends past. Along the way you find out what happened to the friend group and briefly how they got through their shared troubled time. However, it gets a little quieter along the way with one being silenced and then another and then another and then…(“AND NO AND THEN” iykyk).
It is a slightly slow burning thrill-mystery read and kept me thinking of different scenarios along the way! Ultimately, my general idea was correct with a few different twists to throw me off. I give this book an even 4 stars only because I had it figured out prior to my 50% reading mark.
I would rec this one if you like shorter reads you can get done in one sitting or if you have a high reading goal for the year!
It is a slightly slow burning thrill-mystery read and kept me thinking of different scenarios along the way! Ultimately, my general idea was correct with a few different twists to throw me off. I give this book an even 4 stars only because I had it figured out prior to my 50% reading mark.
I would rec this one if you like shorter reads you can get done in one sitting or if you have a high reading goal for the year!
April 10, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this ARC. It sucked me in from the very beginning, and I couldn't put it down. I was completely shocked when it was finally discovered who was behind the reunion; I definitely didn't see that coming. The only reason I didn't give it 4 stars was because I felt like I needed a little more closure.
April 10, 2023
Reconnecting by mysterious invitation, six college friends find themselves at a house on Meadow Lake during a blizzard. The tie that binds these friends together will be theirs undoing. The unraveling of current and past events will surely keep readers turning pages. Owens does a fantastic job lacing in details that make the new information relevant and elevating the plot. The ending was rushed and I would have loved a glance forward as the group makes a new decision that now alters their future. Maybe this is Owens’ way of leaving it open for a next is series…we shall see!
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2023
4*
A group of friends all invited to a lodge neither aware the others were invited, but each kept a secret for many years.
When the truth of their reunion is guessed each must decide who to trust especially when things start happening that they seem to have no control over.
A nice who done it mystery.
A group of friends all invited to a lodge neither aware the others were invited, but each kept a secret for many years.
When the truth of their reunion is guessed each must decide who to trust especially when things start happening that they seem to have no control over.
A nice who done it mystery.
November 26, 2023
Twisty, suspenseful and full of gaspy moments, this intense psychological thriller was so much fun to read!!
When 6 college former friends are cordially invited to a weekend at Meadow Lake “with your fellow Spartans to celebrate an important anniversary,” it’s an invitation they can’t refuse.
Why?
Well that’s the crux of this dark psychological thriller story.
The main characters evolved and developed flawlessly. Once they start discussing the events of a fateful night 10 years before, I quickly guessed what happened. But, that doesn’t matter because it’s what starts happening to them during the weekend that’s chilling and read worthy.
This author set the stage beautifully to guess why this weekend was put together, and by whom…
What’s the end game?
The plot development, the build up and the suspenseful thrill of discovering the whodunnit…
Each character brought something different to the table.
Each helped set the mood and tone of what they went through 10 years prior, making everyone a suspect.
Again, there were elements of the story that were predictable but they were set up and executed in such an entertaining way it was well worth reading. The ending though was explosive oh snap what the what just happened!
I didn’t give it 5 stars because the ending felt a little too rushed and there wasn’t enough closure.
When 6 college former friends are cordially invited to a weekend at Meadow Lake “with your fellow Spartans to celebrate an important anniversary,” it’s an invitation they can’t refuse.
Why?
Well that’s the crux of this dark psychological thriller story.
The main characters evolved and developed flawlessly. Once they start discussing the events of a fateful night 10 years before, I quickly guessed what happened. But, that doesn’t matter because it’s what starts happening to them during the weekend that’s chilling and read worthy.
This author set the stage beautifully to guess why this weekend was put together, and by whom…
What’s the end game?
The plot development, the build up and the suspenseful thrill of discovering the whodunnit…
Each character brought something different to the table.
Each helped set the mood and tone of what they went through 10 years prior, making everyone a suspect.
Again, there were elements of the story that were predictable but they were set up and executed in such an entertaining way it was well worth reading. The ending though was explosive oh snap what the what just happened!
I didn’t give it 5 stars because the ending felt a little too rushed and there wasn’t enough closure.
April 18, 2023
Familiar story, different perspective.
When Riley and her college group are summoned back to where it all went down, I think we all know something nefarious is afoot. Through twists and turns we learn all about how this mismatched group of people ended up together and what they did to unite them forever.
There was something familiar about this story. What was different, however, and what kept me reading, was the perspective. Rather than using an omniscient narrator, this story is all from Riley’s perspective. Riley was there in the beginning so we trust she’ll lead us down this road safely. Maybe she can even offer us some sort of explanation? Insight we wouldn’t otherwise be privy to?
I kept expecting a twist. I wanted the author to use this point of view to do the unexpected, to take us somewhere we have never been. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Once the killer is revealed, the story plays out just as one might expect and that is a little disappointing.
Overall, the plot-line is interesting, the story moves quick, and I don’t feel like my time has been wasted. I’ll read the next book to see where Riley goes next; surely the next book holds a surprising twist!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When Riley and her college group are summoned back to where it all went down, I think we all know something nefarious is afoot. Through twists and turns we learn all about how this mismatched group of people ended up together and what they did to unite them forever.
There was something familiar about this story. What was different, however, and what kept me reading, was the perspective. Rather than using an omniscient narrator, this story is all from Riley’s perspective. Riley was there in the beginning so we trust she’ll lead us down this road safely. Maybe she can even offer us some sort of explanation? Insight we wouldn’t otherwise be privy to?
I kept expecting a twist. I wanted the author to use this point of view to do the unexpected, to take us somewhere we have never been. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Once the killer is revealed, the story plays out just as one might expect and that is a little disappointing.
Overall, the plot-line is interesting, the story moves quick, and I don’t feel like my time has been wasted. I’ll read the next book to see where Riley goes next; surely the next book holds a surprising twist!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 6, 2024
I love when books hit the ground running… right away, we have controversy, crime, secrets, and alibis… right on! This was a fast-paced, twisty read that was a lot of fun to read.
Without giving anything away, I found this work to be thought-provoking while still being an entertaining read. All of our main characters lives were touched by the same crime in some way, and each had their own reaction to it. There was the instinctual desire for revenge, but in the aftermath, their lives took different paths.
When our MCs are reunited by virtue of a strange invitation that threatens to expose their secret, we are pushed to consider how an action can completely color one's world view and influence that of other people. We see how one event can create a domino effect that has the potential to change the entire trajectory of a person's life as well as impact the quality of future relationships.
All in all, this is a book that I'm glad I came across because it's more than just a simple whodunit type story. This would make a fun book club read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Without giving anything away, I found this work to be thought-provoking while still being an entertaining read. All of our main characters lives were touched by the same crime in some way, and each had their own reaction to it. There was the instinctual desire for revenge, but in the aftermath, their lives took different paths.
When our MCs are reunited by virtue of a strange invitation that threatens to expose their secret, we are pushed to consider how an action can completely color one's world view and influence that of other people. We see how one event can create a domino effect that has the potential to change the entire trajectory of a person's life as well as impact the quality of future relationships.
All in all, this is a book that I'm glad I came across because it's more than just a simple whodunit type story. This would make a fun book club read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 10, 2023
The latest psychological thriller from Wendy L Owens and it’s a twisted tale reminiscent of the Queen of Crime herself, Agatha Christie, and I mean that as the highest praise. Ten years ago Riley and her college friends last meeting ended in death, now close to the anniversary, they all receive sinister invitations to a reunion at a secluded cabin in the woods. Is their secret out? Does some random stranger know what happened that night or is the threat closer to home? Has one of the group turned on the others? Trapped in a snowstorm and cut off from the outside world with the body count rising, they need to figure it out before its too late….
I love Wendy Owens books as a rule and Secrets At Meadow Lake was no different. She sucked me right in from the opening pages and had me engrossed throughout, keeping this reader guessing with a plot that ramped up the suspense as my list of suspects grew shorter with each turn of the page. None of the characters were very likeable but whether that was completely down to past events shaping them or they were just that way anyway, they just seemed a random group of people to have got together in the first place. Perhaps it was a “seven stages of Kevin Bacon” type of scenario. No matter I still enjoyed this book even if I did finish it wishing the final tally had included some of the survivors.
I love Wendy Owens books as a rule and Secrets At Meadow Lake was no different. She sucked me right in from the opening pages and had me engrossed throughout, keeping this reader guessing with a plot that ramped up the suspense as my list of suspects grew shorter with each turn of the page. None of the characters were very likeable but whether that was completely down to past events shaping them or they were just that way anyway, they just seemed a random group of people to have got together in the first place. Perhaps it was a “seven stages of Kevin Bacon” type of scenario. No matter I still enjoyed this book even if I did finish it wishing the final tally had included some of the survivors.
June 3, 2023
When Reilly is invited back to the place her biggest secret happened, she has no idea who wants her there. She is relief however to see her ex Mason walking out of the shadows soon after her arrival and not long after that the rest of the gang shows up. Everyone who was there that night is there on the 10th anniversary and they were all invited but by who? It seems they’ve all broken to factions and each group is the suspicious of the other but when people start being murdered the suspicions grows in to all out accusations and it seem that Riley is it but is Riley it? They say everything in the dark eventually comes into the light in for Riley and her friends couldn’t be more true and it is coming to the light in a big way and an OMG scary way. This was a really good thriller and although the trope has been done before I really appreciated this authors style in the flavor to put on it I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it a solid four-star reads. I received this book from book sirens but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
April 25, 2023
I liked the premise of the story and the book was a quick read. My issue was the book seemed repetitive - often repeating the same “we did something awful” or “what happened that night.” A lot of the story was the main characters all pointing fingers at one another - which I understand would be a reasonable conversation in this situation. The story itself was solid and it was a good read. Had it just a bit more flow and a touch more mystery behind it - I probably would’ve given a 5 star. It kept my attention 95% of the time, the repetition was a little distracting. Overall it’s a good read with a solid plot.
I received this book for free through booksirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received this book for free through booksirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 8, 2023
I had fun with this book. These are my favorite kinds of "who did it"stories. A cabin in the middle of nowhere, 7 old friends with a secret they all share. This one reminded me alot of Ruth Ware, and her book In a Dark Dark Wood. I finished it in an evening simply because I couldn't put it down! It was suspenseful the entire way thru. I had to know what happened at the end! There were a few things in the story that were a bit repetitive, like the word inquire. Other than that, this was a very entertaining story, and I hope we will see more out of the girls as characters in this book. I'm hoping for a sequel that tells us more of what happened after that night! Or maybe an epilogue!
April 7, 2023
A short but easy read. When a group of middle aged, estranged college friends get an anonymous invitation to attend a reunion in a cabin out in the middle of no where during a severe snowstorm, it is obvious there will be catastrophic consequences. There was lots of suspense surrounding their "secret" from years ago and I was kept intrigued to find out what this was. I was also kept guessing throughout as to who was behind organising the reunion. Although the storyline was quite far fetched, it did keep me guessing and for a short read, it did keep me entertained. As long as you can ignore the unbelievable premise of the book, it was worth a read.
January 4, 2024
My first one star rating this year. Not much to say about this one: it reads like an assignment forced on a mediocre high school student in English class. The writing is terrible. Dialogues sound like a counting-out game.
"Really" I said. "No, really" she said. "Oh no" he added.
The adjectives are all over the place and utterly absurd in terms of psychology and character development. Adults sound like children bickering in a sandpit. Horrible.
At least it's short. Still, I want my two hours back!
"Really" I said. "No, really" she said. "Oh no" he added.
The adjectives are all over the place and utterly absurd in terms of psychology and character development. Adults sound like children bickering in a sandpit. Horrible.
At least it's short. Still, I want my two hours back!
April 1, 2023
"Secrets at Meadow Lake" by Wendy Owens is an exciting psychological thriller that follows a group of seven people who are invited to spend a weekend at a cabin on Meadow Lake. The cover and blurb grabbed my attention (The cover is beautiful!), and from the moment I started reading, I was sucked into the story.
It all begins with Riley and her former college friends receiving a mysterious invitation. Actually, it started ten years ago when a traumatic event derailed their lives, and now the past came back to haunt them. Someone is determined to unearth the past and expose their secret, and his motives are unclear. The invitation is for the exact anniversary of that event, and they all accept, fearing the consequences if they don't.
Old tensions, grievances, and frictions rise to the surface as they try to figure out who's against whom. The plot thickens as one death follows another, and they don't know whom to trust. To make matters worse, a snowstorm traps them in the cabin, there is no cell connection, and they have no means of escape. They have to recalculate their route and figure out who's responsible for their dire situation to stay alive.
I love locked-room mystery and enjoyed this tale. The story is told in the first person and present tense by Riley, and the pace is fast and furious. Wendy Owens' writing is taut and suspenseful, and she expertly builds the tension and the desolate atmosphere (just like the weather) throughout the book. This style of writing allows you to feel part of the story, witnessing what takes place together with the protagonists as the story unfolds. The interjection of the characters' flashbacks into the present scenes enriches the plot. As the story progress, the reader is left wondering who will make it out alive.
The only issue I had with the book was with some of the characters' interactions. There was too much bickering and shouting going on - and overuse of words such as "growl, boom, roar, bark, snarl" - which was tiring at times. Nonetheless, it didn't impact my enjoyment of the story. I recommend this emotionally-charged book to anyone who enjoys locked-room mysteries and looks for a good tale.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
It all begins with Riley and her former college friends receiving a mysterious invitation. Actually, it started ten years ago when a traumatic event derailed their lives, and now the past came back to haunt them. Someone is determined to unearth the past and expose their secret, and his motives are unclear. The invitation is for the exact anniversary of that event, and they all accept, fearing the consequences if they don't.
Old tensions, grievances, and frictions rise to the surface as they try to figure out who's against whom. The plot thickens as one death follows another, and they don't know whom to trust. To make matters worse, a snowstorm traps them in the cabin, there is no cell connection, and they have no means of escape. They have to recalculate their route and figure out who's responsible for their dire situation to stay alive.
I love locked-room mystery and enjoyed this tale. The story is told in the first person and present tense by Riley, and the pace is fast and furious. Wendy Owens' writing is taut and suspenseful, and she expertly builds the tension and the desolate atmosphere (just like the weather) throughout the book. This style of writing allows you to feel part of the story, witnessing what takes place together with the protagonists as the story unfolds. The interjection of the characters' flashbacks into the present scenes enriches the plot. As the story progress, the reader is left wondering who will make it out alive.
The only issue I had with the book was with some of the characters' interactions. There was too much bickering and shouting going on - and overuse of words such as "growl, boom, roar, bark, snarl" - which was tiring at times. Nonetheless, it didn't impact my enjoyment of the story. I recommend this emotionally-charged book to anyone who enjoys locked-room mysteries and looks for a good tale.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
May 6, 2023
★★★ 3.5 stars
Another thriller reminiscent of Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None"< hot off the tail of my previous read "The Wilderness Retreat" which was vaguely similar. As opposed to a bunch of strangers holed up in the wilderness, this one sees a group of friends mysteriously summoned to an isolated cabin. Cue Ms Christie.
Riley and her friends all receive a mysterious invitation to a weekend at a remote cabin on Meadow Lake. It is obvious that this is no coincidence as it also marks the tenth anniversary of the night that changed all their lives forever. Ten years ago, they got away with a crime. Or so they thought. Because now, someone knows what they did and are hell bent on the truth coming to the surface once and for all. Tensions run high as a snowstorm cuts them off and they each try to figure out who who summoned them here and what is their end game?
And then one by one, each of them begin to meet an horrific end.
But before the weekend is out, who will be left standing? And who will confront the dark past and the secret they thought would stay buried forever? Will any of them make it out alive?
This was a fairly quick read that I was surprised about but it was a fun an entertaining thriller that really gives you that sense of isolation and claustrophobia.
I would like to thank #WendyOwens, #Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of #SecretsAtMeadowLake in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Another thriller reminiscent of Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None"< hot off the tail of my previous read "The Wilderness Retreat" which was vaguely similar. As opposed to a bunch of strangers holed up in the wilderness, this one sees a group of friends mysteriously summoned to an isolated cabin. Cue Ms Christie.
Riley and her friends all receive a mysterious invitation to a weekend at a remote cabin on Meadow Lake. It is obvious that this is no coincidence as it also marks the tenth anniversary of the night that changed all their lives forever. Ten years ago, they got away with a crime. Or so they thought. Because now, someone knows what they did and are hell bent on the truth coming to the surface once and for all. Tensions run high as a snowstorm cuts them off and they each try to figure out who who summoned them here and what is their end game?
And then one by one, each of them begin to meet an horrific end.
But before the weekend is out, who will be left standing? And who will confront the dark past and the secret they thought would stay buried forever? Will any of them make it out alive?
This was a fairly quick read that I was surprised about but it was a fun an entertaining thriller that really gives you that sense of isolation and claustrophobia.
I would like to thank #WendyOwens, #Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of #SecretsAtMeadowLake in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
May 9, 2023
Seven friends share a haunted past from a deadly night 10 years ago when a crime was committed. They agreed to never speak of this night again. Now 10 years later someone has sent each them a mysterious invitation to come back to the scene of the crime at the cabin on Meadow Lake. No one knows the truth about that night except for their little group. At first it seems like a small college reunion as they catch up on each other's lives, but each one is wondering why they are here. Who sent the invitation? There is distrust lurking beneath the surface of their smiles. As the snow piles up outside and the drinking starts, the finger pointing begins. They can't leave because of the weather, and they have no phone service. Now not only is the snow piling up, but someone is mysteriously picking them off one by one and the bodies are piling up. You are left wondering how and who.
This was quite the psychological thriller. Wow. I literally sat down and read this book in less than 2 hours. I could not put it down. It was a mind twisting, creepy story which will make the hairs on your arms stand on end. I have never read anything by this author until this book. I will be reading more from her. She is a magnificent storyteller. She knows how to grab your interest from the first chapter. The degree of tension is notched up as the story progresses, and I was beginning to wonder if if anyone would make it out alive. There is definitely something wickedly sinister going on at Meadow Lake.
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was quite the psychological thriller. Wow. I literally sat down and read this book in less than 2 hours. I could not put it down. It was a mind twisting, creepy story which will make the hairs on your arms stand on end. I have never read anything by this author until this book. I will be reading more from her. She is a magnificent storyteller. She knows how to grab your interest from the first chapter. The degree of tension is notched up as the story progresses, and I was beginning to wonder if if anyone would make it out alive. There is definitely something wickedly sinister going on at Meadow Lake.
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 19, 2023
Riley has been invited to return to the cabin that years before something happened between her group of friends. Whatever happened was enough that Riley separated herself from that group and chose not to continue having a relationship with them. She returns on the 10th anniversary of that night, through a storm, and is reunited with the other people involved with that event. No one can tell who it was that invited them back and no one could explain why it was that they were asked to return. As they are stuck in a winter storm, people start dying and they realize they have to figure what’s going on.
This was my first time reading this author and it was quite a ride! This story was told from the viewpoint of Riley which makes it that much more interesting because we really only the world as how she sees it. Each of the women who were there 10 years ago were deeply affected by what happened to them and their lives and decisions since that point reflected that. It’s a messy and heartbreaking story but that’s what made this book so good! I finished it and was so emotionally in a knot because I was agreeing with how the story ended even if my moral compass was shouting that what happened wasn’t right and things shouldn’t be that way. It’s a mix of I Know What You Did Last Summer and 10 Little Indians and full of many intense and emotionally charged moments.
***** As a side note, I not sure if there are any CW but I would definitely say that sexual abuse and violence is one of the warnings that readers should be aware of.
This was my first time reading this author and it was quite a ride! This story was told from the viewpoint of Riley which makes it that much more interesting because we really only the world as how she sees it. Each of the women who were there 10 years ago were deeply affected by what happened to them and their lives and decisions since that point reflected that. It’s a messy and heartbreaking story but that’s what made this book so good! I finished it and was so emotionally in a knot because I was agreeing with how the story ended even if my moral compass was shouting that what happened wasn’t right and things shouldn’t be that way. It’s a mix of I Know What You Did Last Summer and 10 Little Indians and full of many intense and emotionally charged moments.
***** As a side note, I not sure if there are any CW but I would definitely say that sexual abuse and violence is one of the warnings that readers should be aware of.
April 28, 2023
Oh my goodness! This was such a fun, fast-paced thriller that I could not put it down at all (except at night because of the spooky vibes oops).
Riley and her old college friends get fancy invitations to catch up in a secluded cabin on Meadow Lake on the anniversary date of something tragic that happened back then. The drive leading up to the cabin is spent in anxious waiting as Riley has not been in contact since then and still feels guilty for what happened. When she arrives it starts of a bit awkward, but as normal as it might get when you see people after such a long time. Only then tragedy strikes once again and one of them dies, leaving the survivors stuck with a dead body in a snow storm. One-by-one others drop like flies leaving the remaining friends in a frenzied panic accusing each other left and right. Who is behind this? What do they want? And biggest question of all: who will survive?
It took me quite a bit until I figured out who might be behind it, and even then I wasn’t sure until it was actually said. It was done incredibly for such a little amount of pages (it almost felt like a novella). And that ending, oh my goodness. It had me holding my breath multiple times not knowing what to expect next.
The only downside to the fast pacing was that we didn’t get much time to get to know each character individually. But it didn’t feel like a dealbreaker since all characters were very distinct from the beginning.
Thank you NetGalley, Victory Editing, and the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Riley and her old college friends get fancy invitations to catch up in a secluded cabin on Meadow Lake on the anniversary date of something tragic that happened back then. The drive leading up to the cabin is spent in anxious waiting as Riley has not been in contact since then and still feels guilty for what happened. When she arrives it starts of a bit awkward, but as normal as it might get when you see people after such a long time. Only then tragedy strikes once again and one of them dies, leaving the survivors stuck with a dead body in a snow storm. One-by-one others drop like flies leaving the remaining friends in a frenzied panic accusing each other left and right. Who is behind this? What do they want? And biggest question of all: who will survive?
It took me quite a bit until I figured out who might be behind it, and even then I wasn’t sure until it was actually said. It was done incredibly for such a little amount of pages (it almost felt like a novella). And that ending, oh my goodness. It had me holding my breath multiple times not knowing what to expect next.
The only downside to the fast pacing was that we didn’t get much time to get to know each character individually. But it didn’t feel like a dealbreaker since all characters were very distinct from the beginning.
Thank you NetGalley, Victory Editing, and the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2023
⭐⭐⭐
The book “Secrets at Meadow Lake” by Wendy Owens is a thrilling tale centered around a group of college friends who believe they have successfully gotten away with a serious crime. However, a decade later, they all receive mysterious invitations to a cabin on Meadow Lake, coinciding with the anniversary of the event that changed their lives forever. As tensions rise amidst a snowstorm, the group must uncover the truth behind their reunion and confront their troubled pasts. With the body count increasing, their primary goal becomes survival while dealing with the secrets that brought them together.
Now, let me tell you what I thought about this book. I found the premise interesting and the pacing quick. However, it felt somewhat far-fetched and predictable at certain points. The narrative also suffered from repetition, although it still managed to entertain me.
My main issue is that the ending felt rushed. Like, seriously rushed. And c’mon, if things went down the way they did, you would think there’d be a ton of follow-up questions from the law enforcement, right? But hey, overall, I still liked it. Oh, and can we take a moment to appreciate the cover? It’s seriously amazing! An excellent cover always catches my eye, and this one definitely did.
So yeah, “Secrets at Meadow Lake” is a fun read, even with its flaws. If you’re up for some suspense and don’t mind a bit of predictability, give it a shot. Trust me, it’s worth checking out.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
The book “Secrets at Meadow Lake” by Wendy Owens is a thrilling tale centered around a group of college friends who believe they have successfully gotten away with a serious crime. However, a decade later, they all receive mysterious invitations to a cabin on Meadow Lake, coinciding with the anniversary of the event that changed their lives forever. As tensions rise amidst a snowstorm, the group must uncover the truth behind their reunion and confront their troubled pasts. With the body count increasing, their primary goal becomes survival while dealing with the secrets that brought them together.
Now, let me tell you what I thought about this book. I found the premise interesting and the pacing quick. However, it felt somewhat far-fetched and predictable at certain points. The narrative also suffered from repetition, although it still managed to entertain me.
My main issue is that the ending felt rushed. Like, seriously rushed. And c’mon, if things went down the way they did, you would think there’d be a ton of follow-up questions from the law enforcement, right? But hey, overall, I still liked it. Oh, and can we take a moment to appreciate the cover? It’s seriously amazing! An excellent cover always catches my eye, and this one definitely did.
So yeah, “Secrets at Meadow Lake” is a fun read, even with its flaws. If you’re up for some suspense and don’t mind a bit of predictability, give it a shot. Trust me, it’s worth checking out.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
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