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The Lake of Lost Girls
Told in alternating timelines, The Lake of Lost Girls is a haunting novel that will thrill fans of All Good People Here and We Are All the Same in the Dark.
Using suspenseful podcast clips to weave a twisty tale of a missing student and her sister who is desperate for answers, The Lake of Lost Girls is perfect for fans of I Have Some Questions for You.
It's 1998, and female students are going missing at Southern State University in North Carolina. But freshman Jessica Fadley, once a bright and responsible student, is going through her own struggles. Just as her life seems to be careening dangerously out of control, she suddenly disappears.
Twenty-four years later, Jessica's sister Lindsey is desperately searching for answers and uses the momentum of a new chart-topping true crime podcast, Ten Seconds to Vanish, that focuses on the cold cases, to guide her own investigation. Soon, interest reaches fever pitch when the bodies of the long-missing women begin turning up at a local lake, which leads Lindsey down a disturbing road of discovery.
In the present, one sister seeks to untangle a complicated web of lies.
In the past, the other descends ever deeper into a darkness that will lead to her ultimate fate.
This propulsive and chilling suspense is a sharp examination of sisterhood and the culture of true crime.
Using suspenseful podcast clips to weave a twisty tale of a missing student and her sister who is desperate for answers, The Lake of Lost Girls is perfect for fans of I Have Some Questions for You.
It's 1998, and female students are going missing at Southern State University in North Carolina. But freshman Jessica Fadley, once a bright and responsible student, is going through her own struggles. Just as her life seems to be careening dangerously out of control, she suddenly disappears.
Twenty-four years later, Jessica's sister Lindsey is desperately searching for answers and uses the momentum of a new chart-topping true crime podcast, Ten Seconds to Vanish, that focuses on the cold cases, to guide her own investigation. Soon, interest reaches fever pitch when the bodies of the long-missing women begin turning up at a local lake, which leads Lindsey down a disturbing road of discovery.
In the present, one sister seeks to untangle a complicated web of lies.
In the past, the other descends ever deeper into a darkness that will lead to her ultimate fate.
This propulsive and chilling suspense is a sharp examination of sisterhood and the culture of true crime.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2024
1447 people are currently reading
97701 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Greene
3 books571 followersKatherine Greene is the pen name of bestselling authors A. Meredith Walters and Claire C. Riley. They each cut their teeth on spine-tingling thrillers and true crime and their love of dark, twisted tales with a strong female voice led them to create stories that leave you guessing. Both currently live in the United Kingdom with their families.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 6,863 reviews
November 19, 2024
THIS AUDIOBOOK!!!!!! 😍
April 30, 2025
Okay damn I did not expect that 👀 full review to come
November 29, 2024
You know that sharp gasp you make when a thriller completely blindsides you? Yeah, I had that gasp. Oh man, this world is dark and twisted, and of course, this book just had to remind me of it. From the moment I read the description, I knew I was in for some seriously uncomfortable moments—and wow, it delivered. I was squirming, in the best way.
Right from the start, the stage is set. Something tragic has gone down, but who’s responsible? We’re introduced to a whole lineup of characters, some of whom are immediately sketchy. Like, yes, you're all deeply messed up, and honestly, any of you could’ve done something awful. The book wastes no time spilling secrets early on, which left me wondering: is this going to be painfully predictable, or is the author gearing up for a mind-blowing twist? It felt like everything was a little too obvious—but not quite. There was this nagging sense that something bigger was lurking beneath the surface, and I couldn’t shake it. My anticipation kept climbing, like when someone is dishing out gossip and you know they’re saving the juiciest part for last.
The whole experience was beautifully chaotic. It really drives home how little we sometimes know about the people around us, even when we think we’ve got them figured out.
As for pacing, it was mostly solid. Sure, there were a few sections that dragged a bit, maybe could’ve been trimmed, but nothing that derailed the story for me. I love when authors can completely throw me off track, and this one did just that. It was a brilliant read, and my mind is officially bent for the week. I can’t wait for more people to pick this up—it’s one wild ride.
Right from the start, the stage is set. Something tragic has gone down, but who’s responsible? We’re introduced to a whole lineup of characters, some of whom are immediately sketchy. Like, yes, you're all deeply messed up, and honestly, any of you could’ve done something awful. The book wastes no time spilling secrets early on, which left me wondering: is this going to be painfully predictable, or is the author gearing up for a mind-blowing twist? It felt like everything was a little too obvious—but not quite. There was this nagging sense that something bigger was lurking beneath the surface, and I couldn’t shake it. My anticipation kept climbing, like when someone is dishing out gossip and you know they’re saving the juiciest part for last.
The whole experience was beautifully chaotic. It really drives home how little we sometimes know about the people around us, even when we think we’ve got them figured out.
As for pacing, it was mostly solid. Sure, there were a few sections that dragged a bit, maybe could’ve been trimmed, but nothing that derailed the story for me. I love when authors can completely throw me off track, and this one did just that. It was a brilliant read, and my mind is officially bent for the week. I can’t wait for more people to pick this up—it’s one wild ride.
November 6, 2024
2 Stars
I came for the alluring premise—a newly reopened cold-case about missing college girls from the nineties—but soon upon starting, I wanted it to be over quickly, because of the odious one-dimensional characters and their awkwardly stilted dialogue, among other things.
Firstly, I should acknowledge that I called the “mystery” of it all VERY early into the story (around chapter 4). To me, it was GLARINGLY OBVIOUS who the unhinged character was by the things they were saying/not saying, literally from their first presence on page, and because of this, the wow factor of what actually happened to the missing girls (and why) was never quite there for me.
Lack of surprise aside, I also struggled with the portrayals of practically every character in this story. I always have a very hard time reading (any kind of fiction story) when I don’t like or care for the characters involved, and that quickly became apparent in my experience here.
It was one of those stories where each sub-set of characters were exactly the same as each other, and extremely so. By that I mean: ALL the men were predatory creeps that gave major ick vibes with every word spoken, ALL the women were emotionally stunted child-adults, seeking/partaking extremely unhealthy relationships with the men in their lives, and ALL the cops investigating the case were inept buffoons who couldn’t tell a CLEARLY CONNECTED string of disappearances from the freckles on their arses.
That is to say, the author’s personal sentiments felt like they came across hard and fast, especially regarding the untrustworthy, lecherous nature of (apparently all!?) men, the failings of law enforcement at the most basic levels of competency, and even, the small-minds of small-town folk who hate outsiders, and so on. For me, it was a lot of negative archetypes and a lot of preach, and it was damn distracting—again, this struck me very early into the story (literally from the first random podcast rant onward).
Don’t get me wrong, it was an extremely easy book to read, so points for that, but the story, the characters, and even the conclusion of the mystery at hand left a lot to be desired, at least for me personally. I love thriller-suspense stories and I love whodunnit-mysteries, but this just didn’t hit for me on either count. If you don’t read much in this genre, this may have a bigger, more positive impact—perhaps it could even read as intriguing in its telling and reveals—but if you’ve got a mind for this kind of thing, I highly doubt much will shock or excite you here.
***A special thanks to the publishers (via Netgalley) for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I came for the alluring premise—a newly reopened cold-case about missing college girls from the nineties—but soon upon starting, I wanted it to be over quickly, because of the odious one-dimensional characters and their awkwardly stilted dialogue, among other things.
Firstly, I should acknowledge that I called the “mystery” of it all VERY early into the story (around chapter 4). To me, it was GLARINGLY OBVIOUS who the unhinged character was by the things they were saying/not saying, literally from their first presence on page, and because of this, the wow factor of what actually happened to the missing girls (and why) was never quite there for me.
Lack of surprise aside, I also struggled with the portrayals of practically every character in this story. I always have a very hard time reading (any kind of fiction story) when I don’t like or care for the characters involved, and that quickly became apparent in my experience here.
It was one of those stories where each sub-set of characters were exactly the same as each other, and extremely so. By that I mean: ALL the men were predatory creeps that gave major ick vibes with every word spoken, ALL the women were emotionally stunted child-adults, seeking/partaking extremely unhealthy relationships with the men in their lives, and ALL the cops investigating the case were inept buffoons who couldn’t tell a CLEARLY CONNECTED string of disappearances from the freckles on their arses.
That is to say, the author’s personal sentiments felt like they came across hard and fast, especially regarding the untrustworthy, lecherous nature of (apparently all!?) men, the failings of law enforcement at the most basic levels of competency, and even, the small-minds of small-town folk who hate outsiders, and so on. For me, it was a lot of negative archetypes and a lot of preach, and it was damn distracting—again, this struck me very early into the story (literally from the first random podcast rant onward).
Don’t get me wrong, it was an extremely easy book to read, so points for that, but the story, the characters, and even the conclusion of the mystery at hand left a lot to be desired, at least for me personally. I love thriller-suspense stories and I love whodunnit-mysteries, but this just didn’t hit for me on either count. If you don’t read much in this genre, this may have a bigger, more positive impact—perhaps it could even read as intriguing in its telling and reveals—but if you’ve got a mind for this kind of thing, I highly doubt much will shock or excite you here.
***A special thanks to the publishers (via Netgalley) for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 28, 2024
A book made for true crime aficionados, podcast premise lovers, or anyone looking for a thoroughly chilling read, The Lake of Lost Girls had me spellbound from the very first page. From the evocatively drawn small town setting to the true-to-life characters, the well-rounded feel of this thrilling tale of dark academia mixed with domestic suspense left me utterly breathless. After all, between the dual POVs and the mixed media format, I was easily sucked into the rising tension and eerie feel that managed to permeate the novel.
The characters definitely deserve some resounding applause. Keeping my eye moving between multiple suspicious personas, each took center stage at one time or another in my side-eye for sure. But Lindsey and Jess were easily my favorites. Both sending shockwaves of emotion into the plot, I was head over heels as each of their worlds imploded on either side of twenty-four years. Flawed, raw, and compelling, they were both everything you could want in a narrator—at least for this reading snob.
My only problem was with the twists. You see, I sadly managed to guess each one before it was laid at my feet. Partially down to my own insatiable appetite for all things suspense, the deftly obscured clues gave themselves away just a tad early. Had I not seen them coming, however, the hairpin turns would have been earth-shattering to be sure. Nicely woven into the plot, they all took the shock value of the premise and smoothly dialed it up to eleven.
All in all, with delicious dysfunctional family dynamics, uncomfortable yet dynamite themes, and a depth I wasn’t expecting, I was still blown away by this unputdownable novel. From the insightful narrative flow to the cliffhanger chapters, I was driven to read one more chapter more times than I can recall. And that ending! What can I say? You’re either going to love it or hate it, but I guarantee you definitely won’t forget it. Either way, I’m already eager to read whatever this dynamite writing duo comes up with next. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
It’s 1998, and female students are going missing at Southern State University in North Carolina, but freshman Jessica Fadley, once a bright and responsible student, is going through her own struggles. Just as her life seems to be careening dangerously out of control, she suddenly disappears.
Twenty-four years later, Jessica’s sister Lindsey is desperately searching for answers and uses the momentum of a new chart-topping true crime podcast that focuses on cold cases to guide her own investigation. Soon, interest reaches fever pitch when the bodies of the long-missing women begin turning up at a local lake, which leads Lindsey down a disturbing road of discovery.
In the present, one sister searches to untangle a complicated web of lies.
In the past, the other descends ever deeper into a darkness that will lead to her ultimate fate.
Thank you to Katherine Greene and Crooked Lane Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: November 5, 2024
Trigger warning: missing persons, alcohol abuse, inappropriate sexual relationship, grooming, drunk driving, mention of: infidelity
The characters definitely deserve some resounding applause. Keeping my eye moving between multiple suspicious personas, each took center stage at one time or another in my side-eye for sure. But Lindsey and Jess were easily my favorites. Both sending shockwaves of emotion into the plot, I was head over heels as each of their worlds imploded on either side of twenty-four years. Flawed, raw, and compelling, they were both everything you could want in a narrator—at least for this reading snob.
My only problem was with the twists. You see, I sadly managed to guess each one before it was laid at my feet. Partially down to my own insatiable appetite for all things suspense, the deftly obscured clues gave themselves away just a tad early. Had I not seen them coming, however, the hairpin turns would have been earth-shattering to be sure. Nicely woven into the plot, they all took the shock value of the premise and smoothly dialed it up to eleven.
All in all, with delicious dysfunctional family dynamics, uncomfortable yet dynamite themes, and a depth I wasn’t expecting, I was still blown away by this unputdownable novel. From the insightful narrative flow to the cliffhanger chapters, I was driven to read one more chapter more times than I can recall. And that ending! What can I say? You’re either going to love it or hate it, but I guarantee you definitely won’t forget it. Either way, I’m already eager to read whatever this dynamite writing duo comes up with next. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
It’s 1998, and female students are going missing at Southern State University in North Carolina, but freshman Jessica Fadley, once a bright and responsible student, is going through her own struggles. Just as her life seems to be careening dangerously out of control, she suddenly disappears.
Twenty-four years later, Jessica’s sister Lindsey is desperately searching for answers and uses the momentum of a new chart-topping true crime podcast that focuses on cold cases to guide her own investigation. Soon, interest reaches fever pitch when the bodies of the long-missing women begin turning up at a local lake, which leads Lindsey down a disturbing road of discovery.
In the present, one sister searches to untangle a complicated web of lies.
In the past, the other descends ever deeper into a darkness that will lead to her ultimate fate.
Thank you to Katherine Greene and Crooked Lane Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: November 5, 2024
Trigger warning: missing persons, alcohol abuse, inappropriate sexual relationship, grooming, drunk driving, mention of: infidelity
March 12, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
(Spoilers at the end if that's your thing, but none throughout my review.)
The Lake of Lost Girls is a mystery thriller centered around the disappearance of several coeds at a North Carolina college in 1998. Twenty-four years later, the body of a girl is found, a true crime podcast is started, and the sister of one of the missing girls is drawn into a decades old mystery that started, and ended, at Doll's Eye Lake.
While the premise and plot is strong, the writing itself is a bit... eh. I don't know if it's because I got an ARC, but the writing is a bit clunky and awkward. There was a lot of description of exactly how our main characters are feeling, and a lot of bland descriptions about hotels and towns, but none of it made me really feel connected to the characters.
I did first guess the ending at the 5% mark, then thought: there's no way I guessed it so fast... Then around 38%, I was like yep, I know exactly what happened.
I'm also not sure the author understood what a small town was like. Somehow its a tiny small town, but also has a huge fancy hotel with a Michelin star chef and a giant park outside with food stalls lining the street.
Finally - for a book that claims to be about the "examination of sisterhood and the culture of true crime" I personally feel like there was zero reflection on these topics aside from some very surface level thoughts in the beginning of the book that never really impacted the overall tone of the story. It was a lot of "women are being murdered, true crime is so gross, my sister can do no wrong because we loved each other" with zero critical thinking sprinkled in.
All in all, there's a lot of great mysteries that reflect on sisterhood, and a lot of great mysteries that tackle true crime. I do not feel like this was one of them, and can't really recommend you read this unless you're bored and just want an easy book to tackle, because admittedly, I did finish it in one sitting.
Below, you will find spoilers if you don't want to finish this but want to know the ending.
(Spoilers at the end if that's your thing, but none throughout my review.)
The Lake of Lost Girls is a mystery thriller centered around the disappearance of several coeds at a North Carolina college in 1998. Twenty-four years later, the body of a girl is found, a true crime podcast is started, and the sister of one of the missing girls is drawn into a decades old mystery that started, and ended, at Doll's Eye Lake.
While the premise and plot is strong, the writing itself is a bit... eh. I don't know if it's because I got an ARC, but the writing is a bit clunky and awkward. There was a lot of description of exactly how our main characters are feeling, and a lot of bland descriptions about hotels and towns, but none of it made me really feel connected to the characters.
I did first guess the ending at the 5% mark, then thought: there's no way I guessed it so fast... Then around 38%, I was like yep, I know exactly what happened.
I'm also not sure the author understood what a small town was like. Somehow its a tiny small town, but also has a huge fancy hotel with a Michelin star chef and a giant park outside with food stalls lining the street.
Finally - for a book that claims to be about the "examination of sisterhood and the culture of true crime" I personally feel like there was zero reflection on these topics aside from some very surface level thoughts in the beginning of the book that never really impacted the overall tone of the story. It was a lot of "women are being murdered, true crime is so gross, my sister can do no wrong because we loved each other" with zero critical thinking sprinkled in.
All in all, there's a lot of great mysteries that reflect on sisterhood, and a lot of great mysteries that tackle true crime. I do not feel like this was one of them, and can't really recommend you read this unless you're bored and just want an easy book to tackle, because admittedly, I did finish it in one sitting.
Below, you will find spoilers if you don't want to finish this but want to know the ending.
February 19, 2025
This book 🤯 I did not see the ending coming AT ALL and I love when that happens in a thriller. So good!
April 30, 2025
WOW!!! PHENOMENAL!!! Thank you NetGalley, Katherine Greene, and Crooked Lane Books for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
A scream in the dark. A secret buried beneath layers of time. This story begins in tragedy that is both chilling and laced with dread. A cold case that unravels through dual timelines and split perspectives, each voice echoing with secrets and sorrow.
One sister searches for truth in the present, carefully untangling a web of lies. The other, in the past, descends into a darkness that slowly, inevitably, seals her fate. Tension crackles on every page, as each new detail is revealed. Just when you think you've figured it out, the ground shifts and so does your suspect.
The characters are deeply flawed, fractured, and unsettlingly real. Red herrings haunt the pages, trust is a slippery thing, and the atmosphere is thick with unease. The podcast elements are brilliantly woven in, adding a modern twist to the mystery and pulling you even deeper.
And that ending is heartbreaking, shocking, and unforgettable!! A final twist that left me reeling, breathless, and broken.
This unputdownable book is so much more than a cold case mystery thriller! It's a haunting and emotional journey that lingers long after the final pages. It will chill you, move you, and leave you questioning everything! I highly recommend it and it deserves ALL the stars!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A scream in the dark. A secret buried beneath layers of time. This story begins in tragedy that is both chilling and laced with dread. A cold case that unravels through dual timelines and split perspectives, each voice echoing with secrets and sorrow.
One sister searches for truth in the present, carefully untangling a web of lies. The other, in the past, descends into a darkness that slowly, inevitably, seals her fate. Tension crackles on every page, as each new detail is revealed. Just when you think you've figured it out, the ground shifts and so does your suspect.
The characters are deeply flawed, fractured, and unsettlingly real. Red herrings haunt the pages, trust is a slippery thing, and the atmosphere is thick with unease. The podcast elements are brilliantly woven in, adding a modern twist to the mystery and pulling you even deeper.
And that ending is heartbreaking, shocking, and unforgettable!! A final twist that left me reeling, breathless, and broken.
This unputdownable book is so much more than a cold case mystery thriller! It's a haunting and emotional journey that lingers long after the final pages. It will chill you, move you, and leave you questioning everything! I highly recommend it and it deserves ALL the stars!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 22, 2024
Step into the world of Southern State University in Mt. Randall, North Carolina, circa 1998, where a sinister mystery unfolds. Female students are vanishing without a trace, and Jessica Fadley is about to become the fourth victim. But what led to her disappearance? And will her sister, Lindsey, uncover the truth twenty-four years later?
Katherine Greene's "The Lake of Lost Girls" is an absolute gem of a thriller. From the moment I started the first chapter, I was captivated by the gripping storyline. This may be my first encounter with Greene's work, but it certainly won't be my last. Her storytelling prowess is unmatched, keeping readers glued to the pages until the very end.
What sets this book apart is its unique format. With podcast episodes, flashback chapters from alternating perspectives, and even social media posts scattered throughout, the narrative feels fresh and dynamic. Each chapter seamlessly flows into the next, making it impossible to put the book down until every last mystery is unraveled.
As the story hurtles towards its climax, I found myself on the edge of my seat, getting chills with each twist and turn. Greene expertly surpassed my already high expectations, delivering a finale that left me reeling. "The Lake of Lost Girls" is a thrilling rollercoaster ride that will keep you guessing until the very end.
If you're a fan of thrillers with a unique format and unexpected twists, look no further than "The Lake of Lost Girls." Greene's masterful storytelling will leave you breathless and eager for more. This book is an absolute must-read that will linger in your thoughts long after you've turned the final page.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Katherine Greene's "The Lake of Lost Girls" is an absolute gem of a thriller. From the moment I started the first chapter, I was captivated by the gripping storyline. This may be my first encounter with Greene's work, but it certainly won't be my last. Her storytelling prowess is unmatched, keeping readers glued to the pages until the very end.
What sets this book apart is its unique format. With podcast episodes, flashback chapters from alternating perspectives, and even social media posts scattered throughout, the narrative feels fresh and dynamic. Each chapter seamlessly flows into the next, making it impossible to put the book down until every last mystery is unraveled.
As the story hurtles towards its climax, I found myself on the edge of my seat, getting chills with each twist and turn. Greene expertly surpassed my already high expectations, delivering a finale that left me reeling. "The Lake of Lost Girls" is a thrilling rollercoaster ride that will keep you guessing until the very end.
If you're a fan of thrillers with a unique format and unexpected twists, look no further than "The Lake of Lost Girls." Greene's masterful storytelling will leave you breathless and eager for more. This book is an absolute must-read that will linger in your thoughts long after you've turned the final page.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 20, 2024
The Lake of Lost Girls by Katherine Greene plunges readers into the chilling depths of a cold case mystery, promising a blend of suspense, intrigue, and the unbreakable bond of sisterhood. Yet, as the murky waters of the narrative ebb and flow, the novel struggles to keep its head above water, particularly in the execution of its plot and the development of its characters.
Set against the haunting backdrop of Southern State University in 1998, a series of student disappearances casts a long shadow over the campus. Among the vanished is Jessica Fadley, whose life’s downward spiral becomes the vortex of the story. Fast-forward two decades, and we find Jessica’s sister, Lindsey, desperately searching for answers, with a true crime podcast providing her with a new lead.
The novel’s suspense is its lifeline, with true crime podcast snippets lending a modern edge to the tale, even though their presence more irksome than insightful. The most jarring misstep is the handling of Jessica’s corpse’s whereabouts and how it remained hidden for so long.
In its essence, “The Lake of Lost Girls” is a narrative that yearns to captivate with its fresh take on the thriller genre, weaving in the allure of true crime podcast. Yet, the tapestry it weaves is frayed, the execution of key plot points needing a more meticulous hand to render a story that resonates with authenticity. For those who can navigate past the shoals of unlikable two-dimensional characters and particular plot inconsistencies, there may still be treasures to be found in the suspenseful undercurrents of Greene’s creation.
I am thankful to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the possibility to review an advanced copy of the book and express my honest impression.
Set against the haunting backdrop of Southern State University in 1998, a series of student disappearances casts a long shadow over the campus. Among the vanished is Jessica Fadley, whose life’s downward spiral becomes the vortex of the story. Fast-forward two decades, and we find Jessica’s sister, Lindsey, desperately searching for answers, with a true crime podcast providing her with a new lead.
The novel’s suspense is its lifeline, with true crime podcast snippets lending a modern edge to the tale, even though their presence more irksome than insightful. The most jarring misstep is the handling of Jessica’s corpse’s whereabouts and how it remained hidden for so long.
In its essence, “The Lake of Lost Girls” is a narrative that yearns to captivate with its fresh take on the thriller genre, weaving in the allure of true crime podcast. Yet, the tapestry it weaves is frayed, the execution of key plot points needing a more meticulous hand to render a story that resonates with authenticity. For those who can navigate past the shoals of unlikable two-dimensional characters and particular plot inconsistencies, there may still be treasures to be found in the suspenseful undercurrents of Greene’s creation.
I am thankful to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the possibility to review an advanced copy of the book and express my honest impression.
October 24, 2025
“It’s hard to escape the memory of someone who has become perfect through the very act of remembering them.”
i almost never give thrillers 5 stars, but the audiobook and the ending of this were incredible. Lindsey’s sister Jessica went missing years ago, along with some of her classmates and Lindsey has struggled with missing her older sister who she’d always looked up to. when a journalist named Ryan offers to investigate Jessica’s disappearance, she reluctantly agrees to join him. there’s a podcast element interwoven between Lindsey’s present day storyline and Jessica’s in the past. when you have grown men praying on young women, it’s easy to suspect them and i was so suspicious throughout the whole book. i just could not get enough of this story and could’ve never guessed where it ending up going, what a completely shocking, immersive and almost devastating read.. im obsessed.
i almost never give thrillers 5 stars, but the audiobook and the ending of this were incredible. Lindsey’s sister Jessica went missing years ago, along with some of her classmates and Lindsey has struggled with missing her older sister who she’d always looked up to. when a journalist named Ryan offers to investigate Jessica’s disappearance, she reluctantly agrees to join him. there’s a podcast element interwoven between Lindsey’s present day storyline and Jessica’s in the past. when you have grown men praying on young women, it’s easy to suspect them and i was so suspicious throughout the whole book. i just could not get enough of this story and could’ve never guessed where it ending up going, what a completely shocking, immersive and almost devastating read.. im obsessed.
December 17, 2024
Hi. This review is for readers who, like me, want to know if other readers felt the same way, or who are 5 minutes into the book and want to see if they figured it out:
The foreshadowing and clue-dropping in this book was some of the clunkiest I’ve ever read in my life. I literally knew who murdered Jessica in chapter 2 while my Kindle said 5%. Every single twist in the book was very clear throughout. There is no surprise here: yes, it’s the dad, and yes, Jessica killed the others, which you’ll guess a little later when you get more information. Yes, the many times Jessica takes Daisy’s ID are going to come up later. Yes, the guy who is introduced with breathless interest in the case is involved in the case. Just absolute garbage writing.
The red herrings were absolutely ridiculous. Not one but three people who all happened to be involved with all of the missing people in some way? A professor who is banging his students in the DORM ROOM, kissing them outside, but then is also described as self-preserving? Make it make sense!
The dialogue was bad. The romance was unbelievable. The main character in present day becomes attracted to a mysterious man because they talk for five minutes and he tells her she’s not her missing sister. I find it hard to believe no one in her entire life ever could have had such a conversation with her before.
This may be the worst book I’ve read in 2024.
The foreshadowing and clue-dropping in this book was some of the clunkiest I’ve ever read in my life. I literally knew who murdered Jessica in chapter 2 while my Kindle said 5%. Every single twist in the book was very clear throughout. There is no surprise here: yes, it’s the dad, and yes, Jessica killed the others, which you’ll guess a little later when you get more information. Yes, the many times Jessica takes Daisy’s ID are going to come up later. Yes, the guy who is introduced with breathless interest in the case is involved in the case. Just absolute garbage writing.
The red herrings were absolutely ridiculous. Not one but three people who all happened to be involved with all of the missing people in some way? A professor who is banging his students in the DORM ROOM, kissing them outside, but then is also described as self-preserving? Make it make sense!
The dialogue was bad. The romance was unbelievable. The main character in present day becomes attracted to a mysterious man because they talk for five minutes and he tells her she’s not her missing sister. I find it hard to believe no one in her entire life ever could have had such a conversation with her before.
This may be the worst book I’ve read in 2024.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2024
Whodunnit INDEED!!!
EVERYONE comes under suspicion: the butcher, the baker - oh, no, not the candlestick maker! - but even YOU will be wondering what you were up to on the day that Jessica Fadley disappeared.
Young Lindsey Fadley was the last person to see her sister on that fateful afternoon.
Flash forward 24 years and Lindsey is impatiently waiting for the forensic results on the bodies of several women who had been found at the bottom of the local lake. Her entire life has revolved around her sister's disappearance and her need to dispel the burden of morbid speculation which has clouded her entire life.
Lindsey is guided by a true crime podcast in her attempts to solve the mystery of her sister's disappearance. Did I suspect the actual culprit(s)? Yes, of course. As I said before, everyone comes under suspicion. As the threads in this long-dormant mystery painstakingly unravel, you would be forgiven for beginning to question whether Jessica was ever actually abducted or murdered.
Will the real Jessica Fadley please stand up?
I'm rating this one a 3.8 out of 5 (rounded up to a 4 because GR doesn't allow for fractions.) Parts of this story were loaded with visible red herrings for me and there was a tad too much repetition in the last few chapters, as if to convince the reader - like water dripping on a stone - to accept the final version of the events of that fateful afternoon. Overall great storytelling, but characterization was a tad "canned" or formulaic in some parts.
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this thriller in exchange for an honest review.
EVERYONE comes under suspicion: the butcher, the baker - oh, no, not the candlestick maker! - but even YOU will be wondering what you were up to on the day that Jessica Fadley disappeared.
Young Lindsey Fadley was the last person to see her sister on that fateful afternoon.
Flash forward 24 years and Lindsey is impatiently waiting for the forensic results on the bodies of several women who had been found at the bottom of the local lake. Her entire life has revolved around her sister's disappearance and her need to dispel the burden of morbid speculation which has clouded her entire life.
Lindsey is guided by a true crime podcast in her attempts to solve the mystery of her sister's disappearance. Did I suspect the actual culprit(s)? Yes, of course. As I said before, everyone comes under suspicion. As the threads in this long-dormant mystery painstakingly unravel, you would be forgiven for beginning to question whether Jessica was ever actually abducted or murdered.
Will the real Jessica Fadley please stand up?
I'm rating this one a 3.8 out of 5 (rounded up to a 4 because GR doesn't allow for fractions.) Parts of this story were loaded with visible red herrings for me and there was a tad too much repetition in the last few chapters, as if to convince the reader - like water dripping on a stone - to accept the final version of the events of that fateful afternoon. Overall great storytelling, but characterization was a tad "canned" or formulaic in some parts.
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this thriller in exchange for an honest review.
March 23, 2025
I received a free digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley exchange for an honest review.
For the life of me, I cannot understand how this book is rated so highly. The writing is so awkward at times and juvenile. The podcast aspect brought nothing to the story. It just seems like the thing to do now in thrillers, and in this case it didn’t work at all because it was pointless. It added nothing to the story.
I had a hunch pretty early on who the killer was, and it would’ve been a fantastic twist had the writing not been so poor. I considered DNF-ing the book a couple times due to the lackluster and stilted writing, but I wanted to find out if my instinct was correct. It was, hooray for me. But also sad for me because I spent time reading a book that is simply not good.
Full review to come, maybe.
You can find my full review here: https://allthebookblognamesaretaken.b...
For the life of me, I cannot understand how this book is rated so highly. The writing is so awkward at times and juvenile. The podcast aspect brought nothing to the story. It just seems like the thing to do now in thrillers, and in this case it didn’t work at all because it was pointless. It added nothing to the story.
I had a hunch pretty early on who the killer was, and it would’ve been a fantastic twist had the writing not been so poor. I considered DNF-ing the book a couple times due to the lackluster and stilted writing, but I wanted to find out if my instinct was correct. It was, hooray for me. But also sad for me because I spent time reading a book that is simply not good.
Full review to come, maybe.
You can find my full review here: https://allthebookblognamesaretaken.b...
May 6, 2025
3.5 Stars
Jessica, along with three other coeds from a local university in North Carolina, disappeared roughly 20 years prior. After remains are found, interest in the case skyrockets, partly due to a true crime podcast that is keeping up with the investigation. Let me just start with the podcast. I did not like how it was used, the cavalier attitude of the podcasters distracted me from the murders themselves and ruined the atmosphere for me. While I typically don’t mind podcast entries in a book, in this case, it did not work for me.
Told through alternating timelines, we follow Jess in 1999 as she’s navigating college prior to her disappearance . In present day, Jessica’s sister, Lindsey is brought front and center into the investigation when she meets a journalist looking into the women’s disappearances. I enjoyed both timelines and thought they fit together very well. The investigation itself involved several suspects each one possibly having motive to murder the girls. I liked how each one was thrown out there that you never knew who the culprit could be. While I figured out part of it, there were still some pieces that caught me off guard.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, I just had to take it down a half a star due to the podcasts not working for me.
Jessica, along with three other coeds from a local university in North Carolina, disappeared roughly 20 years prior. After remains are found, interest in the case skyrockets, partly due to a true crime podcast that is keeping up with the investigation. Let me just start with the podcast. I did not like how it was used, the cavalier attitude of the podcasters distracted me from the murders themselves and ruined the atmosphere for me. While I typically don’t mind podcast entries in a book, in this case, it did not work for me.
Told through alternating timelines, we follow Jess in 1999 as she’s navigating college prior to her disappearance . In present day, Jessica’s sister, Lindsey is brought front and center into the investigation when she meets a journalist looking into the women’s disappearances. I enjoyed both timelines and thought they fit together very well. The investigation itself involved several suspects each one possibly having motive to murder the girls. I liked how each one was thrown out there that you never knew who the culprit could be. While I figured out part of it, there were still some pieces that caught me off guard.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, I just had to take it down a half a star due to the podcasts not working for me.
November 17, 2024
Please note that I received this via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.
Saw that ending coming from a mile away. And honestly there was very little development of Lindsey or Jess. I got bored halfway through and thought the plot “the little we get” just is a whole mess with too many unresolved answers. I also am begging authors to stop introducing podcasts into these type of thrillers. It just wrecked the flow of the chapters I was reading. It didn’t help that there were also photos and other things that just made it hard to even read/see.
This book follows the mystery of the disappearance of Jessica Fadley. She disappeared in 1998 along with three other girls at her college. Fast forward 24 years later and the police have found a body in the so-called Doll’s Eye Lake which was a special location to Jessica. With Jessica’s younger sister Lindsey still living in their hometown and with their parents, she starts trying to figure out who her sister was and who could have harmed her and the other missing girls. The book jumps from Lindsey in the present day, to Jessica back in 1998, and two podcast hosts in the UK musing (poorly) on the cold case and current investigation.
Lindsey was barely developed. I can get having a character wanting to figure out what happened to their sister. But all of the reveals we get shows that Lindsey has to be the most unaware person on Earth. Her “relationship” with Ryan, a reporter has also been done to death in similar thrillers so I was just bored by it at this point. Speaking of Ryan, I got nothing people. It wasn’t necessary and if Greene had cut him and just had Lindsey amateur sleuthing alone that would have worked better.
The character of Jessica. Look, I can’t say much about out it without spoilers, but there are some “a lot is happening there” that wasn’t subtle.
The podcasts hosts came across as insipid and uncaring and I assume Greene was using this book to take on that whole media of true crime podcasts, but it just had me annoyed every time they popped up because it was wrecking the flow. Also again, super similar to a book I just read a few weeks ago.
The other characters are not very well developed. The women just seem to be these beings that have no common sense in the men just can’t help themselves with their rage and emotions.
The writing wasn’t very great. I thought a lot of the dialogue just didn’t even sound right and I thought at times Jessica being back in 1998 just had a whole tone and back-and-forth and sounded like she was from the 80s or something. I don’t know it just felt wrong the whole time. I already told you that the flow was really messed up and it was I think going back-and-forth between Jessica and Lindsey and the podcast just made the entire book drag. I was getting really really tired of things by the 50% mark. It also didn’t help that I had already had that point figured out who did what to who so I was just bored and waiting for everybody else to catch up.
The setting of the book was confusing. It’s supposed to take place in North Carolina and I for some bizarre reason kept thinking this was taking place in upstate New York. I don’t know so that’s just let you know that the setting of a small town was not really well done.
The ending was just kind of a mess and a half, and I honestly don’t believe that some of the characters would have went along with things. I do have to say this, I really just need thriller/mystery authors to just write a good book. Please quit trying to turn things into the next Gone Girl or the Girl on the Train, and just write a good book. That’s all we need as readers. Please write something that’s good that does not have plot holes and makes you want to go into a corner and scream for several hours.
Saw that ending coming from a mile away. And honestly there was very little development of Lindsey or Jess. I got bored halfway through and thought the plot “the little we get” just is a whole mess with too many unresolved answers. I also am begging authors to stop introducing podcasts into these type of thrillers. It just wrecked the flow of the chapters I was reading. It didn’t help that there were also photos and other things that just made it hard to even read/see.
This book follows the mystery of the disappearance of Jessica Fadley. She disappeared in 1998 along with three other girls at her college. Fast forward 24 years later and the police have found a body in the so-called Doll’s Eye Lake which was a special location to Jessica. With Jessica’s younger sister Lindsey still living in their hometown and with their parents, she starts trying to figure out who her sister was and who could have harmed her and the other missing girls. The book jumps from Lindsey in the present day, to Jessica back in 1998, and two podcast hosts in the UK musing (poorly) on the cold case and current investigation.
Lindsey was barely developed. I can get having a character wanting to figure out what happened to their sister. But all of the reveals we get shows that Lindsey has to be the most unaware person on Earth. Her “relationship” with Ryan, a reporter has also been done to death in similar thrillers so I was just bored by it at this point. Speaking of Ryan, I got nothing people. It wasn’t necessary and if Greene had cut him and just had Lindsey amateur sleuthing alone that would have worked better.
The character of Jessica. Look, I can’t say much about out it without spoilers, but there are some “a lot is happening there” that wasn’t subtle.
The podcasts hosts came across as insipid and uncaring and I assume Greene was using this book to take on that whole media of true crime podcasts, but it just had me annoyed every time they popped up because it was wrecking the flow. Also again, super similar to a book I just read a few weeks ago.
The other characters are not very well developed. The women just seem to be these beings that have no common sense in the men just can’t help themselves with their rage and emotions.
The writing wasn’t very great. I thought a lot of the dialogue just didn’t even sound right and I thought at times Jessica being back in 1998 just had a whole tone and back-and-forth and sounded like she was from the 80s or something. I don’t know it just felt wrong the whole time. I already told you that the flow was really messed up and it was I think going back-and-forth between Jessica and Lindsey and the podcast just made the entire book drag. I was getting really really tired of things by the 50% mark. It also didn’t help that I had already had that point figured out who did what to who so I was just bored and waiting for everybody else to catch up.
The setting of the book was confusing. It’s supposed to take place in North Carolina and I for some bizarre reason kept thinking this was taking place in upstate New York. I don’t know so that’s just let you know that the setting of a small town was not really well done.
The ending was just kind of a mess and a half, and I honestly don’t believe that some of the characters would have went along with things. I do have to say this, I really just need thriller/mystery authors to just write a good book. Please quit trying to turn things into the next Gone Girl or the Girl on the Train, and just write a good book. That’s all we need as readers. Please write something that’s good that does not have plot holes and makes you want to go into a corner and scream for several hours.
November 6, 2024
I rolled my eyes way too much while reading this book lol
Overall concept - LOVE. This is my favorite type of thriller to read (which unfortunately means I’ve read a lot of them leading to a very high bar lol)
ISSUES:
- Jessica being one of the narrators and hiding the fact that’s she’s the fucking killer the entire time. I hate it when authors do this because it makes no sense. The entire time I was like something is off about this bitch, but it doesn’t make any sense and that actually distracted from me getting into the story or caring what happened to her because I was just annoyed at her the whole time
- I’m sorry but Jessica solely blaming her dad on the fact that she is murdering these girls is kind of ridiculous. Like I need more character development or something? Because peoples parents cheat all the time and that alone doesn’t make someone a murderer
- yes there were toxic men in this but like all the women were portrayed as very weak and easily swayed by these men and that was off putting
Ok that’s all!
Overall concept - LOVE. This is my favorite type of thriller to read (which unfortunately means I’ve read a lot of them leading to a very high bar lol)
ISSUES:
- Jessica being one of the narrators and hiding the fact that’s she’s the fucking killer the entire time. I hate it when authors do this because it makes no sense. The entire time I was like something is off about this bitch, but it doesn’t make any sense and that actually distracted from me getting into the story or caring what happened to her because I was just annoyed at her the whole time
- I’m sorry but Jessica solely blaming her dad on the fact that she is murdering these girls is kind of ridiculous. Like I need more character development or something? Because peoples parents cheat all the time and that alone doesn’t make someone a murderer
- yes there were toxic men in this but like all the women were portrayed as very weak and easily swayed by these men and that was off putting
Ok that’s all!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2024
The Good
-
The Bad
- Every sentence was a cliché. And I mean every single sentence. It read like someone from middle school writing for the first time.
- None of the characters were likeable. I wasn't rooting for anyone, didn't care about any of them.
- So you're telling me every single male character sucks? The author is putting forth the idea that every man is abusive, predatory, tinged with sexual motive.
- The author hints at a sexual relationship between father and daughter but never quite gets there.. Just repeatedly states they have a "special connection" etc. Wtf??? Like either pull the plug and "go there" or explain it properly- it makes no sense for a father to be so obsessed with his daughter.
-Oh that reminds me, the book is incredibly repetitive. The readers hear over and over again that dad "ruined everything", the teacher is a creep, the roommate is suspicious. Honestly with a good edit, this book would be cut in half by excluding unneeded repetition alone.
-One part of the mystery is easily deduced in the first couple pages. The second part of the mystery is easily guessed as soon as it is hinted at. The red herrings that the author throws in do not work.
-The killer's motive is incredibly stupid; it's based on a very basic feminist notion that women hold other women responsible for men's actions.
-
The Bad
- Every sentence was a cliché. And I mean every single sentence. It read like someone from middle school writing for the first time.
- None of the characters were likeable. I wasn't rooting for anyone, didn't care about any of them.
- So you're telling me every single male character sucks? The author is putting forth the idea that every man is abusive, predatory, tinged with sexual motive.
- The author hints at a sexual relationship between father and daughter but never quite gets there.. Just repeatedly states they have a "special connection" etc. Wtf??? Like either pull the plug and "go there" or explain it properly- it makes no sense for a father to be so obsessed with his daughter.
-Oh that reminds me, the book is incredibly repetitive. The readers hear over and over again that dad "ruined everything", the teacher is a creep, the roommate is suspicious. Honestly with a good edit, this book would be cut in half by excluding unneeded repetition alone.
-One part of the mystery is easily deduced in the first couple pages. The second part of the mystery is easily guessed as soon as it is hinted at. The red herrings that the author throws in do not work.
-The killer's motive is incredibly stupid; it's based on a very basic feminist notion that women hold other women responsible for men's actions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2024
this story is the beginning of a dark and twisted journey into the disappearance, and possible murder, of a girl at uni in the late 90s and its likely link to the disappearances of three other young women, all students at Southern State University in Mt. Randall, North Carolina
^^^Actual footage of me the entire time I was reading this one. (I have since toned down the bleachiness of my hair color, however.)
If you are like me and addicted to all things true crime and the Lifetime TV caliber of stabby stabbies involving missing women, then this should be HIGHLY satisfying for you.
I’m eight gazillion reviews behind, so just trust me on this. I liked the “mixed media” snippets involving social media posts and the podcast – and the writing, pacing and ending (although it’s not a super big shocker) made me fly through this in one sitting. I’ll definitely pick up The Woods Are Waiting.
^^^Actual footage of me the entire time I was reading this one. (I have since toned down the bleachiness of my hair color, however.)
If you are like me and addicted to all things true crime and the Lifetime TV caliber of stabby stabbies involving missing women, then this should be HIGHLY satisfying for you.
I’m eight gazillion reviews behind, so just trust me on this. I liked the “mixed media” snippets involving social media posts and the podcast – and the writing, pacing and ending (although it’s not a super big shocker) made me fly through this in one sitting. I’ll definitely pick up The Woods Are Waiting.
November 4, 2024
In 1998 female college students come up missing. There was never any answers, just a few suspects. One student in particular, Jessica Fadley. Her sister and parents still struggle with the unanswered questions. What happened to Jessica?
Current time, a podcast begins to focus on the mystery as a body has been found near the lake in St. Randall twenty four years later.
Told in alternate timelines, we get a look at what exactly happened during that time in Jessica’s life. Her sister, Lindsey, starts her own personal investigation. Several men are suspects. But who really committed these heinous crimes?
I really enjoyed this one and finished it pretty fast! Twists are sprinkled throughout the book. The final twist threw me for a loop!
Huge thanks to Kathrine Greene and Crooked Lane Books for the gifted copy!
Publication date Nov 5, 2024
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Current time, a podcast begins to focus on the mystery as a body has been found near the lake in St. Randall twenty four years later.
Told in alternate timelines, we get a look at what exactly happened during that time in Jessica’s life. Her sister, Lindsey, starts her own personal investigation. Several men are suspects. But who really committed these heinous crimes?
I really enjoyed this one and finished it pretty fast! Twists are sprinkled throughout the book. The final twist threw me for a loop!
Huge thanks to Kathrine Greene and Crooked Lane Books for the gifted copy!
Publication date Nov 5, 2024
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 26, 2024
4.75⭐️ SO close to a 5 star read for me! This was twisty and whacky two of my favorite things in a thriller.
Follow along a true crime podcast and a young woman desperate for answers of what happened to her sister who went missing almost thirty years ago. Told in alternating timelines from the past to the present prepare to put your detective hat on to solve a cold case where everyone will seem like they’re guilty.
I guessed part of the twist and I feel like that’s why I’m not giving it a full 5 stars and that the ending just seemed a little rushed but other than that bravo - great thriller!! One of my favorites of the year for sure.
Follow along a true crime podcast and a young woman desperate for answers of what happened to her sister who went missing almost thirty years ago. Told in alternating timelines from the past to the present prepare to put your detective hat on to solve a cold case where everyone will seem like they’re guilty.
I guessed part of the twist and I feel like that’s why I’m not giving it a full 5 stars and that the ending just seemed a little rushed but other than that bravo - great thriller!! One of my favorites of the year for sure.
April 14, 2025
A generous 3 stars.
Such a great concept, but the development of the story was lacklustre and predictable.
The writing was repetitive and the podcast didn’t really help in this work. As I love stories with mixed media, this was disappointing.
I didn’t mind the unlikable characters, but I didn’t connect with any or cared about them.
There were so many red herrings, but I had the impression that the author lost direction.
Yes. This one wasn’t for me.
If you want to read this book I do recommend the audiobook.
E-book (Kobo): 320 pages (default), 84k words, 20 chapters
Audiobook narrated by Helen Laser, Frankie Corzo, Sara Young, Haley Taylor, David Bendena (10.3 hours)
Such a great concept, but the development of the story was lacklustre and predictable.
The writing was repetitive and the podcast didn’t really help in this work. As I love stories with mixed media, this was disappointing.
I didn’t mind the unlikable characters, but I didn’t connect with any or cared about them.
There were so many red herrings, but I had the impression that the author lost direction.
Yes. This one wasn’t for me.
If you want to read this book I do recommend the audiobook.
E-book (Kobo): 320 pages (default), 84k words, 20 chapters
Audiobook narrated by Helen Laser, Frankie Corzo, Sara Young, Haley Taylor, David Bendena (10.3 hours)
November 18, 2024
2.5⭐️
I had some high hopes for this and unfortunately it just didn't hold up. The synopsis made it sound great- a moody, dark thriller with an increasing body count, set on a secluded college campus? But really it was a bland recounting of events
Going to start here with Ryan, the reporter who comes to town and approaches Lindsay about being a 'source'. He is a walking red flag right off the bat, and yet somehow Lindsay is into him? He was so weirdly obsessive about the case that it was very obvious he knew Jess, so the big reveal that had been her boyfriend didn't land. I get that he wants to get Jess justice and find out what really happened to her but dude it's been 24 years and he's still in love with her? They dated for like four months and had a clearly toxic relationship. Also there is no WAY this man was an award winning journalist. The only reason he knew so much about Jess was because he had known her, not because of any reporting work. And he's trying to use Lindsay as a source, but is showing up at her house and yelling at her when she doesn't call him back?!
We are also periodically given the transcript for an ongoing true-crime podcast that has picked up Southern State University case. I think this was meant to show how inhumane this type of true-crime thing can be? Like the two hosts are sitting around drinking and making jokes, but these are real people and affect their families. Again, this just didn't land. It's never really mentioned in the story, other than Lindsay saying she listens to it so it felt like a useless inclusion.
Jess had this weird, almost too close relationship with her father. We're continually told how close they were, how it was always the two of them apart from the mother/wife, how much time they spent together. Major ick the entire time, I truly thought this was going down a SUPER awful road.
Putting a spoiler tag on the rest of this-
Also the fact that everyone was SO shocked that Ryan had connections to all four victims? The four girls went to the same small college, and were in the same dorm or sorority and partied together. Ryan was in the brother fraternity and partied in the same crowd. How was this at all shocking?
"Because as a woman, simply existing made you vulnerable."
I had some high hopes for this and unfortunately it just didn't hold up. The synopsis made it sound great- a moody, dark thriller with an increasing body count, set on a secluded college campus? But really it was a bland recounting of events
Going to start here with Ryan, the reporter who comes to town and approaches Lindsay about being a 'source'. He is a walking red flag right off the bat, and yet somehow Lindsay is into him? He was so weirdly obsessive about the case that it was very obvious he knew Jess, so the big reveal that had been her boyfriend didn't land. I get that he wants to get Jess justice and find out what really happened to her but dude it's been 24 years and he's still in love with her? They dated for like four months and had a clearly toxic relationship. Also there is no WAY this man was an award winning journalist. The only reason he knew so much about Jess was because he had known her, not because of any reporting work. And he's trying to use Lindsay as a source, but is showing up at her house and yelling at her when she doesn't call him back?!
We are also periodically given the transcript for an ongoing true-crime podcast that has picked up Southern State University case. I think this was meant to show how inhumane this type of true-crime thing can be? Like the two hosts are sitting around drinking and making jokes, but these are real people and affect their families. Again, this just didn't land. It's never really mentioned in the story, other than Lindsay saying she listens to it so it felt like a useless inclusion.
Jess had this weird, almost too close relationship with her father. We're continually told how close they were, how it was always the two of them apart from the mother/wife, how much time they spent together. Major ick the entire time, I truly thought this was going down a SUPER awful road.
Putting a spoiler tag on the rest of this-
Also the fact that everyone was SO shocked that Ryan had connections to all four victims? The four girls went to the same small college, and were in the same dorm or sorority and partied together. Ryan was in the brother fraternity and partied in the same crowd. How was this at all shocking?
August 26, 2024
In 1998/99, four young women disappeared from a college in a small North Carolina town. Twenty four years later, the body of one of them is discovered in a secluded lake. Which one? Lindsey is the younger sister of one of those girls; her family has never recovered from their loss. When a journalist wanting to write the story appears, he approaches Lindsey for assistance solving the mystery. As she digs down into the case, secrets are revealed and suspects identified, but does Lindsey really want to find out the truth?
Set in dual timelines and different POVs, the story is interspersed with podcast transcripts, interview notes, and newspaper articles. I have seen this technique used in other novels. It works successfully here. There is the danger of male predators as well as the effects of their behaviors on their many victims, including their families. Twists, turns, and red herrings lead the reader on a suspenseful journey in this engrossing, fast read.
Thanks to #NetGalley and @CrookedLaneBooks for the DRC.
Set in dual timelines and different POVs, the story is interspersed with podcast transcripts, interview notes, and newspaper articles. I have seen this technique used in other novels. It works successfully here. There is the danger of male predators as well as the effects of their behaviors on their many victims, including their families. Twists, turns, and red herrings lead the reader on a suspenseful journey in this engrossing, fast read.
Thanks to #NetGalley and @CrookedLaneBooks for the DRC.
November 14, 2024
I was excited when I saw this thriller included snippets of a podcast as I like that technique, especially for audiobooks. Overall I thought the narrator did a great job with the main characters, but I didn’t love the voices she made for the male characters. I did hope for more from the podcasters, but it was still fun. Lindsey’s life has been defined by the disappearance of her sister Jessica. Lindsey was only 6 when her college aged sister went missing and nothing was the same afterwards. Three other women went missing that year. Fast forward to the present and a body has been found. This has brought new attention to the cases and especially to the poor police work that was done. Lindsey meets a reporter who seems to be as dedicated to solving this case as her and she finds herself digging into the case and finding pieces of the story that happened to her sister. This thriller was fun, but I didn’t think it was super twisty. The culprit was pretty obvious early on, but I still enjoyed the ride.
January 31, 2025
This one was fun! It kept me guessing and I loved the podcast element. I didn’t guess the major twist, but I did guess one aspect of it. Quick and fun read!
September 25, 2024
This book was an exhilarating journey; I adored the mystery, the shifting timelines, the inclusion of podcast enthusiasts, and a narrative that kept you on your toes. I thoroughly enjoyed "The Woods are Waiting," but Katherine Greene surpassed herself with "The Lake of Lost Girls." If you're a crime aficionado like me, this one is a must-read.
When female students disappear from a university in North Carolina, the police and everyone else presume they've just run off. However, Jessica's family is certain that isn't what happened to their daughter, who disappeared while fetching her sister's birthday cake from the car, leaving the trunk open.
Twenty-four years on, Jessica's younger sister Lindsey is desperate for answers. When a podcast named "Ten Seconds to Vanish" spotlights her sister's disappearance, Lindsey finds herself compelled to listen, despite it feeling like a violation of her family's privacy. As bodies start to surface in a nearby lake, each discovery sends the family into a state of dread, fearing it might be their beloved Jessica. This tale will leave you suspecting everyone and pondering the depths of human malevolence.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
When female students disappear from a university in North Carolina, the police and everyone else presume they've just run off. However, Jessica's family is certain that isn't what happened to their daughter, who disappeared while fetching her sister's birthday cake from the car, leaving the trunk open.
Twenty-four years on, Jessica's younger sister Lindsey is desperate for answers. When a podcast named "Ten Seconds to Vanish" spotlights her sister's disappearance, Lindsey finds herself compelled to listen, despite it feeling like a violation of her family's privacy. As bodies start to surface in a nearby lake, each discovery sends the family into a state of dread, fearing it might be their beloved Jessica. This tale will leave you suspecting everyone and pondering the depths of human malevolence.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 8, 2025
Don’t mind me finishing this book for over a month now .. reading slump is real BUUUT it’s so good I swear 🥹💛
March 19, 2025
Guysssssss. This was WILD and I finished it one day lolol. An amazing audiobook because there’s a podcast element. I feel like these days they’re so overdone but I liked the way it was dispersed.
The twists and turns?? Y’ALL. I’m really good at predicting endings. The reason I didn’t give 5 stars is because I did predict what ultimately happened but golly gee the road to get there was insane. They had you thinking it was literally every character in different ways and I ateeeee it up. 10/10 recommend. Might come back and move it to 5 honestly
The twists and turns?? Y’ALL. I’m really good at predicting endings. The reason I didn’t give 5 stars is because I did predict what ultimately happened but golly gee the road to get there was insane. They had you thinking it was literally every character in different ways and I ateeeee it up. 10/10 recommend. Might come back and move it to 5 honestly
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