What do you think?
Rate this book
Tricky's Tales #1
Dead Lake
Sometimes it pays to be tricky
Damn and blast! That rancid piece of excrement, Carter, has had her ransacked out of Clancy!
Tricky returns to her cottage to find it turned upside down. An action that means she’s got three days to leave the district or face punishment. Randolf Carter, head of the district, is spreading lies and suspicion about her kind, making life difficult. But it wasn’t just an ordinary ransacking – they were searching for something.
Using her gifts, Tricky traces the energy left by the men and spies another creature’s energy among it: a jackdaw. Swift and wily, it’s pinched her precious gemstone, a piece of black obsidian. But at whose bidding? Communicating with birds is a rare ability and she knows all who possess it.
Tricky wants her stone back, but coming up against people like Carter won’t be easy, especially when he’s got one of her kind in his employ. But she’ll handle it, oh yes she will. She'll just have to be careful and a little bit tricky. Good thing she is then, isn’t it?
Adept at working with energy and time as well as communicating with trees, Tricky is lured into something bigger than ownership of a gemstone, and finds out that sometimes it pays to be a little bit tricky.
A dark paranormal fantasy, Dead Lake is the first in the series of Tricky's Tales.
Damn and blast! That rancid piece of excrement, Carter, has had her ransacked out of Clancy!
Tricky returns to her cottage to find it turned upside down. An action that means she’s got three days to leave the district or face punishment. Randolf Carter, head of the district, is spreading lies and suspicion about her kind, making life difficult. But it wasn’t just an ordinary ransacking – they were searching for something.
Using her gifts, Tricky traces the energy left by the men and spies another creature’s energy among it: a jackdaw. Swift and wily, it’s pinched her precious gemstone, a piece of black obsidian. But at whose bidding? Communicating with birds is a rare ability and she knows all who possess it.
Tricky wants her stone back, but coming up against people like Carter won’t be easy, especially when he’s got one of her kind in his employ. But she’ll handle it, oh yes she will. She'll just have to be careful and a little bit tricky. Good thing she is then, isn’t it?
Adept at working with energy and time as well as communicating with trees, Tricky is lured into something bigger than ownership of a gemstone, and finds out that sometimes it pays to be a little bit tricky.
A dark paranormal fantasy, Dead Lake is the first in the series of Tricky's Tales.
203 pages, Paperback
First published December 26, 2021
About the author
Miranda Kate
18 books79 followersBook loving, writer, who likes to read several books at a time because she's a bit crazy like that.
Go-to authors are Stephen King, James Herbert, Terry Pratchett, Raymond Feist and Clive Barker, with Asimov, Arthur C Clarke, Robert A Heinlein and lots of others in between.
It's not so much about loving particular genres, as much as finding stories and characters to engage and resonate with - but I will always head for Horror, Thrillers, and Science Fiction, before any others (my guilty pleasure is Self-Help.)
I write dark stuff, sci-fi stuff, surreal stuff, psychological stuff and a mixture of all four.
I also write as M K Boers
I have a newsletter, which you can sign up for here.
I'm on Facebook
Go-to authors are Stephen King, James Herbert, Terry Pratchett, Raymond Feist and Clive Barker, with Asimov, Arthur C Clarke, Robert A Heinlein and lots of others in between.
It's not so much about loving particular genres, as much as finding stories and characters to engage and resonate with - but I will always head for Horror, Thrillers, and Science Fiction, before any others (my guilty pleasure is Self-Help.)
I write dark stuff, sci-fi stuff, surreal stuff, psychological stuff and a mixture of all four.
I also write as M K Boers
I have a newsletter, which you can sign up for here.
I'm on Facebook
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 22, 2022
I enjoyed this book. Its not my usual genre but I'm trying to read new genres.
It was really well written and surprisingly relatable. For example feeling energy from the trees, I'm not saying I feel energy as in obvious energy like these characters do but I always feel calmer when I'm out in nature and it's like a natural energy. Trees are so important to our world.
I enjoyed the magical energies and the dynamics between the characters. It was a really interesting book.
It's the first of 3 books in a series so I will be sure to read the next two.
It was really well written and surprisingly relatable. For example feeling energy from the trees, I'm not saying I feel energy as in obvious energy like these characters do but I always feel calmer when I'm out in nature and it's like a natural energy. Trees are so important to our world.
I enjoyed the magical energies and the dynamics between the characters. It was a really interesting book.
It's the first of 3 books in a series so I will be sure to read the next two.
July 20, 2026
A stolen obsidian, a witch forced from her home and a trail leading to corruption, betrayal and plenty of secrets… Dead Lake turned out to be quite a different read for me.
Fantasy isn’t a genre I pick up very often, but I liked that this focused just as much on the mystery as it did the magic. I constantly wanted to know what Tricky would uncover next, and her connection to nature, energy and birds gave the story its own feel without making it complicated.
The pacing kept things moving at a steady pace, and there was always something new pushing the story forwards. I wouldn’t have minded a little more world-building in places, but overall I thought it was a strong introduction to the series
Fantasy isn’t a genre I pick up very often, but I liked that this focused just as much on the mystery as it did the magic. I constantly wanted to know what Tricky would uncover next, and her connection to nature, energy and birds gave the story its own feel without making it complicated.
The pacing kept things moving at a steady pace, and there was always something new pushing the story forwards. I wouldn’t have minded a little more world-building in places, but overall I thought it was a strong introduction to the series
July 26, 2026
Review of advanced reader copy
This was such a fun, unputdownable read!!
I absolutely love the characters! I found myself so invested in what was happening & how things would pan out for the FMC. Tricky has become one of my favorite characters to read about & I can’t wait to see what she has up her sleeve next!
This is such a different book from what I normally read, but it sounded so intriguing I just had to read it & I’m so glad I did! There are some paranormal, fantasy & witchy vibes in a post-apocalyptic world that in the process of rebuilding many years later.
This is my first book by the author & I’m definitely purely going to be reading more of her books.
Thank you so much to zooloo book tours for letting me read this advanced reader copy!
This was such a fun, unputdownable read!!
I absolutely love the characters! I found myself so invested in what was happening & how things would pan out for the FMC. Tricky has become one of my favorite characters to read about & I can’t wait to see what she has up her sleeve next!
This is such a different book from what I normally read, but it sounded so intriguing I just had to read it & I’m so glad I did! There are some paranormal, fantasy & witchy vibes in a post-apocalyptic world that in the process of rebuilding many years later.
This is my first book by the author & I’m definitely purely going to be reading more of her books.
Thank you so much to zooloo book tours for letting me read this advanced reader copy!
December 16, 2021
Dead lake by Miranda Kate.
Damn and blast! That rancid piece of excrement, Carter, has had her ransacked out of Clancy!
Tricky returns to her cottage to find it turned upside down. An action that means she’s got three days to leave the district or face punishment. Randolf Carter, head of the district, is spreading lies and suspicion about her kind, making life difficult. But it wasn’t just an ordinary ransacking – they were searching for something.
I did enjoy this book. Loved the story and most of the characters. I hope there is more to come. 4*.
Damn and blast! That rancid piece of excrement, Carter, has had her ransacked out of Clancy!
Tricky returns to her cottage to find it turned upside down. An action that means she’s got three days to leave the district or face punishment. Randolf Carter, head of the district, is spreading lies and suspicion about her kind, making life difficult. But it wasn’t just an ordinary ransacking – they were searching for something.
I did enjoy this book. Loved the story and most of the characters. I hope there is more to come. 4*.
August 6, 2024
This story got my attention from beginning to end. The author manages to create a world that is so realistic that there is no need to stretch the imagination it just all falls into place, even the bits that are creative are still easy to bridge, not massive leaps that sometimes happens. I love the whole story, the idea of the history repeating itself, some people being greedy for power etc, and the choices you make and consequences that can cause. All in all a good read. Might even read more in the series.
January 4, 2022
This not my first read by Miranda Kate. This is a brilliant read! It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. The world building is detailed and imaginative. This novel has strong, well developed characters and an interesting story line that keeps you turning the pages. I recommend this novel and would read more novels by this author. I received this novel through SpringOrigin andthis is my honest opinion.
September 24, 2022
Dead Lake
A very compelling read! Set in a time hundreds of years after an apocalypse,Tricky is a witch with great powers. She makes the story exciting with just enough sexual innuendo to keep you wondering what will happen next! You’ll be waiting for Book 2 before you finish this! I don’t want the story to end!
A very compelling read! Set in a time hundreds of years after an apocalypse,Tricky is a witch with great powers. She makes the story exciting with just enough sexual innuendo to keep you wondering what will happen next! You’ll be waiting for Book 2 before you finish this! I don’t want the story to end!
December 26, 2021
This is a really enjoyable story! A good mix of dystopian & fantasy, really good world building, a very good well thought out plot & group of characters. All this combined made an excellent read! I do recommend this story & other work by this writer!
November 1, 2022
I like Tricky and the world building is excellent. Not too much time spent on detailing everything, just enough for the place to come alive. Tricky has a friend, a lover and many secrets which make things happen. I really couldn't put it down.
December 8, 2025
First thing to mention here is the protagonist. Tricky is just such a fun character to follow around. Her use of magic is original and compelling and the situations she finds herself in compelling and well plotted.
Keen to see where this goes in the following two episodes!
Keen to see where this goes in the following two episodes!
July 22, 2026
Dead Lake by Miranda Kate
🌟🌟🌟
A well written story, based on witches and fantasy
Not my usual genre, but i did enjoy it
The characters and the setting were unique
Tricky the Witch who has to find the stone to save the country
There are 2 other books in the series
🌟🌟🌟
A well written story, based on witches and fantasy
Not my usual genre, but i did enjoy it
The characters and the setting were unique
Tricky the Witch who has to find the stone to save the country
There are 2 other books in the series
December 9, 2021
3 1/2 stars
Took a moment for me to get into this book. I felt left behind somehow. Not sure if it is not the first time Tricky has been mentioned in a book and it took a bit of time to see the story coming together. Once I did I really enjoyed the tale. Tricky is a very unique and interesting character and I wish I knew more of what went on before. Good group of supporting characters as well. Looking forward to seeing where they are headed and what is to become of her/them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Took a moment for me to get into this book. I felt left behind somehow. Not sure if it is not the first time Tricky has been mentioned in a book and it took a bit of time to see the story coming together. Once I did I really enjoyed the tale. Tricky is a very unique and interesting character and I wish I knew more of what went on before. Good group of supporting characters as well. Looking forward to seeing where they are headed and what is to become of her/them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
February 2, 2022
A really enjoyable read by this author
Well written engaging characters and a plot line that will definitely have me coming back for more!
Excellent
Well written engaging characters and a plot line that will definitely have me coming back for more!
Excellent
October 29, 2022
A first for me reading Miranda Kate. A good compelling read. We’ll written and the first in a series of 3. Need to read the rest now.
February 18, 2023
Tricky is a perfect name
The story line is simple. What it takes to tell it is a vivid imagination. What an adventure it is!
I love all the little details that make Tricky come to life. She will forever be one of my most favorite heroines.
The story line is simple. What it takes to tell it is a vivid imagination. What an adventure it is!
I love all the little details that make Tricky come to life. She will forever be one of my most favorite heroines.
February 8, 2022
5🧹🧹🧹🧹🧹
Dead Lake by Miranda Kate
A wonderful paranormal world in which Tricky returns to find her life has been turned upside down.
The magic that happens in this enchanting world left me wanting more , more and more.
Fab characters and a storyline to keep you up at night ....for all the right reasons .
A brilliant book
Dead Lake by Miranda Kate
A wonderful paranormal world in which Tricky returns to find her life has been turned upside down.
The magic that happens in this enchanting world left me wanting more , more and more.
Fab characters and a storyline to keep you up at night ....for all the right reasons .
A brilliant book
September 15, 2024
It was really good could not put it down.
May 3, 2022
An amazing first book from a new author to me. Tricky’s cottage is ransacked and that’s not good for her. Loved the flow of the story and the connection to the trees.
December 11, 2021
Wow this is the first book I’ve read by this author and what a corker!
I love the idea of using your energies and I love even more the idea of a different world from the one we live in. The idea of going back to bartering, no computers, cars, trains etc. as they’ve been wiped out, sounds marvellous.
The characters are fascinating and I am sure there is going to be so much more revealed as the series progresses. I do quite like a bad boy and therefore Lucian is one for me. Randolf Carter had to be a baddy, he is called Randolf and the only other I know is Randolf Flagg!
This tale is by no means over, so read the first book and whet your appetite as I feel it may be a bumpy and fun ride.
I am very impatient already waiting for the next instalment.
Btw, I don’t think this deserved only three and a half stars. I would like to see that reviewer write a book as good!
I love the idea of using your energies and I love even more the idea of a different world from the one we live in. The idea of going back to bartering, no computers, cars, trains etc. as they’ve been wiped out, sounds marvellous.
The characters are fascinating and I am sure there is going to be so much more revealed as the series progresses. I do quite like a bad boy and therefore Lucian is one for me. Randolf Carter had to be a baddy, he is called Randolf and the only other I know is Randolf Flagg!
This tale is by no means over, so read the first book and whet your appetite as I feel it may be a bumpy and fun ride.
I am very impatient already waiting for the next instalment.
Btw, I don’t think this deserved only three and a half stars. I would like to see that reviewer write a book as good!
April 22, 2024
Dead Lake explores the magical world of witches and how they harness their psychic powers and direct their energy to attain a goal or complete a task. In Tricky's particular case, she utilizes stones, gems, leaves or trees for that purpose.
Dead Lake has the potential to be a viable paranormal thriller and has its own merits but in my own humble opinion, it needed a solid backstory for some characters-some more details about their background and source of motivation which would give them depth. This is essential for framing the story development and establishing the "hows" and "whys" of the narrative's setting.
I would have preferred a good backstory of how Tricky's mother obtained the obsidian and its implications, a good explanation of how the "shift" happened and the process of how Patricia Hayek became Tricky. The lead players are engaging and promising but they were not portrayed
as three dimensional characters.
Dead Lake has the potential to be a viable paranormal thriller and has its own merits but in my own humble opinion, it needed a solid backstory for some characters-some more details about their background and source of motivation which would give them depth. This is essential for framing the story development and establishing the "hows" and "whys" of the narrative's setting.
I would have preferred a good backstory of how Tricky's mother obtained the obsidian and its implications, a good explanation of how the "shift" happened and the process of how Patricia Hayek became Tricky. The lead players are engaging and promising but they were not portrayed
as three dimensional characters.
January 11, 2022
An enchanting paranormal fantasy
Tricky is sassy, intriguing, and brazen, and when she’s ransacked out of her home and out of her town, she won’t take it sitting down. She realises one of her precious belongings is missing and she’ll do everything to hunt it down and get it back, no matter who gets in her way.
Dead Lake, which I was privileged to read as an advance copy, see’s its protagonist move through its flora and fauna with natural ease and at a pace that kept me riveted. There’s energy and a feisty spirit to the author’s writing that makes you want to run through the mossy pines with Tricky and be part of her story as she fights to clear her name. She fits perfectly into this magical world, which let me escape and slip into a great read.
You’ll be bewitched and beguiled by Tricky and left wanting to spend more time with her. An elemental fantasy with bite and attitude, and I can’t wait for more.
Tricky is sassy, intriguing, and brazen, and when she’s ransacked out of her home and out of her town, she won’t take it sitting down. She realises one of her precious belongings is missing and she’ll do everything to hunt it down and get it back, no matter who gets in her way.
Dead Lake, which I was privileged to read as an advance copy, see’s its protagonist move through its flora and fauna with natural ease and at a pace that kept me riveted. There’s energy and a feisty spirit to the author’s writing that makes you want to run through the mossy pines with Tricky and be part of her story as she fights to clear her name. She fits perfectly into this magical world, which let me escape and slip into a great read.
You’ll be bewitched and beguiled by Tricky and left wanting to spend more time with her. An elemental fantasy with bite and attitude, and I can’t wait for more.
July 23, 2026
Thank you so much to Zooloo's Book Tours for the ARC!
This book has all your medieval witchcraft notes, but set in a distant future in what appears to be a semi-post-apocalyptic society with technological regression. It's a cool switch-up from the norm!
My favourite character by far was Annie; I loved her classic witch energy and the way she worked with magic. I also really enjoyed the way the magic system used energy, particularly in the way the trees were involved.
This was a quick and easy read; very accessible and low fantasy for those who like magic but not too much complexity in it all!
Despite some good ideas, I did feel that overall the plot was a bit too basic and the narrative needed some polishing. Some things were far too obvious to make good plot points.
This book has all your medieval witchcraft notes, but set in a distant future in what appears to be a semi-post-apocalyptic society with technological regression. It's a cool switch-up from the norm!
My favourite character by far was Annie; I loved her classic witch energy and the way she worked with magic. I also really enjoyed the way the magic system used energy, particularly in the way the trees were involved.
This was a quick and easy read; very accessible and low fantasy for those who like magic but not too much complexity in it all!
Despite some good ideas, I did feel that overall the plot was a bit too basic and the narrative needed some polishing. Some things were far too obvious to make good plot points.
July 23, 2026
On a landmass broken by man, a corrupt network grows, and a witch vows to take it down.
~~~~~
💜 Thanks so much to ZooLoo's Book Tours and the author, Miranda Kate, for the opportunity and for the gifted digital copy to read and review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
This is the first book in a completed trilogy and takes place a few hundred years in the future in a post-apocalyptic setting. This was a fun, engaging start to a dark fantasy series. I love the paranormal elements, the magic is interesting, and so are the world and setting. Tricky is strong and driven. She's the kind of character I like to cheer on.
~~~~~
💜 Thanks so much to ZooLoo's Book Tours and the author, Miranda Kate, for the opportunity and for the gifted digital copy to read and review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
This is the first book in a completed trilogy and takes place a few hundred years in the future in a post-apocalyptic setting. This was a fun, engaging start to a dark fantasy series. I love the paranormal elements, the magic is interesting, and so are the world and setting. Tricky is strong and driven. She's the kind of character I like to cheer on.
December 22, 2021
💜🌙🌑 Amazing witch .
Tricky found herself in front of her devastated house : it had been looted, she was no longer welcome...
They had managed to get their hands on her most precious treasures...
-------------
Not at all the reading I expected !
In this novel (unlike anything I’ve read by the author), we delve into the life and powers of a resourceful witch.
A good background story, a very mysterious main character for an entertaining, sometimes complicated novel.
For fans of Fantasy/Witchcraft novels.
💜🌙🌑
Tricky found herself in front of her devastated house : it had been looted, she was no longer welcome...
They had managed to get their hands on her most precious treasures...
-------------
Not at all the reading I expected !
In this novel (unlike anything I’ve read by the author), we delve into the life and powers of a resourceful witch.
A good background story, a very mysterious main character for an entertaining, sometimes complicated novel.
For fans of Fantasy/Witchcraft novels.
💜🌙🌑
April 12, 2024
In a post apocalyptic world where humans have reverted back to a simpler way of life, Tricky is someone who sees the world differently, and with witchy powers comes a certain level of mistrust of others that has kept her safe so far.
In this first installment, old friends and foes come together to best a tricky villain, and leave us questioning what happens next?
I enjoyed the pace of this book, the intriguing twists and the weaving of old and new. Looking forward to reading the next book to see what trouble Tricky finds herself in next.
I received a free copy for an honest review
In this first installment, old friends and foes come together to best a tricky villain, and leave us questioning what happens next?
I enjoyed the pace of this book, the intriguing twists and the weaving of old and new. Looking forward to reading the next book to see what trouble Tricky finds herself in next.
I received a free copy for an honest review
July 21, 2026
I love a good supernatural novel and I have to say the Dead Lake is a really strong start to a new series. I loved the writing and characters too, the world building was well integrated and the story did keep me hooked. I am really excited to see where this series will go. I loved Tricky and her powers too. A must for dark fantasy fans.
As always thank you to ZooLoo’s Book Tours, publishers and author for the copy to review. My reviews are always given freely and my honest opinion of the book is given.
As always thank you to ZooLoo’s Book Tours, publishers and author for the copy to review. My reviews are always given freely and my honest opinion of the book is given.
November 24, 2024
I enjoyed this story. I haven’t read too much fantasy genre, but this first story has me intrigued to want to read the 2nd book in the series; Unsailable.
A post apocalyptic fantasy with strong female character and some witchy elements.
The fantasy aspect was not far fetched and blended in well to make for a relatable read.
Thanks to Voracious Readers Only and the author for the complimentary copy.
July 24, 2026
‘Dead Lake’ is a mysterious atmospheric read with a lot of suspense. This book had an engaging storyline, it was very fast paced and the spooky vibes kept me intrigued. Tricky is a focused ambitious character and I admired the way she used her powers, the author portrayed this beautifully. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series and see Tricky’s journey continue as a new age witch!
If you love paranormal fantasy reads, then add this to your TBR.
If you love paranormal fantasy reads, then add this to your TBR.
July 25, 2026
Dead Lake by Miranda Kate.
Tricky's Tales book 1.
I really did enjoy this book. I loved the cover and blurb of this book. This is a new author for me. I will definitely be keeping an eye open for new releases. I liked the writing style and the story. I did like Tricky straight away. I loved how she was. I also liked John and Annie. I really didn't like Carter at all. I wasn't sure how I felt about Lucien or Dufray. I do hope there is more to come. I do recommend this book.
Tricky's Tales book 1.
I really did enjoy this book. I loved the cover and blurb of this book. This is a new author for me. I will definitely be keeping an eye open for new releases. I liked the writing style and the story. I did like Tricky straight away. I loved how she was. I also liked John and Annie. I really didn't like Carter at all. I wasn't sure how I felt about Lucien or Dufray. I do hope there is more to come. I do recommend this book.
March 3, 2023
This lively narrative was creative and very exciting to read. I was quickly caught up in the lives of Tricky and her little community. Most of those characters, evil and otherwise, were endowed with some extremely useful powers adding almost a fairytale quality to the story. This was a very enjoyable read!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews