Needle Lake

by Justine Champine

Two cousins on very different sides of teen girlhood spend a winter together that changes both of their lives forever.

And once, after Elna came to stay, I watched a man drown there on Christmas Eve, his body trapped beneath the ice.

Fourteen-year-old Ida was born with a hole in her heart. Forbidden from most physical activities and considered strange by her teachers and peers, she prefers spending time alone, memorizing countries and capitals on her globe and imagining the world outside the tiny logging town of Mineral, Washington.

One afternoon, in walks her cousin Elna, there to stay for a few weeks. Ida hasn’t seen Elna since they were children, and she’s immediately drawn to her older cousin, who’s everything Ida is confident, glamorous, charismatic, and daring. Elna lives in San Francisco, a city Ida has seen only as a dot on her globe. She doesn’t treat Ida like she’s a fragile kid whose heart might give out at any moment. She isn’t scared off by Ida’s quirks and fixations. Ida is enraptured.

Then, on Christmas Eve, a man dies out in the woods near Mineral, and the two cousins suddenly share a secret beyond the scope of anything Ida has dealt with before. Fear begins to mix with the reverence Ida feels toward her cousin, especially when she discovers Elna is hiding more than she ever suspected. Brimming with lush prose and careful observation, Needle Lake is an arresting portrait of girlhood and the overwhelming, sometimes dangerous intensity of adolescence.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Coming Of Age, Contemporary, Audiobook

241 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 2, 2025

About the author

Justine Champine’s short fiction has appeared in The Kenyon Review, Epoch, and The Los Angeles Review of Books. She holds an MFA from Sarah Lawrence College, and is a founding member of No Tokens Journal. Knife River is her first novel.

Reviews

[TheConnieFox · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Needle Lake” is a short fictional novel that I really enjoyed reading! This is the first time reading a book by this author and I was extremely impressed by the psychological aspects of it. This story is about all things girlhood. It delves deep into different aspects of how it is like being a girl, living in the modern world. The writing is in lyrical prose, it has a clear thesis and I found it to be thought provoking! It is fast paced and has likable characters. Be sure to read the content warnings. I highly recommend this short read! I give this book a solid 5 out of 5 stars rating!

Thank you to NetGalley, author Justine Champine and Random House | The Dial Press for this digital advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review!

This novel is expected to be published on December 2, 2025!

[CarolG · Rating 4 out of 5]

14-year-old Ida lives in the tiny logging town of Mineral, Washington. When her 17-year-old cousin Elna comes from San Francisco to stay while her mother is in rehab, Ida is entranced by her. She's everything Ida is not.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved Ida who doesn't "feel at home in the world", has no friends and many quirks. I think the story takes place in the late 90s but I pictured it as more fitting for the 60s or 70s or maybe it's just that the town of Mineral is stuck in those decades. Although undiagnosed, Ida would probably be considered autistic or neurodivergent and it's sad that she didn't get the care and understanding she needed. I liked how Ida's cousin understood her and accepted her, quirks and all, but Elna's not to be trusted. This is mostly described as a coming of age story but I didn't really see it that way. Elna has already passed that milestone and Ida is also mature beyond her years. My advice is to not read the blurb if you plan to read the book. A rather shocking ending but a heartwarming epilogue. The book is fairly short, less than 300 pages, but some of the chapters are fairly long. Also, I love that cover! I look forward to reading Knife River, also by this author and available at the library.

Thank you to Random House Publishing|The Dial Press for inviting me to read an advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: December 2, 2025

[Dona's Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐.5

Pre-Read Notes:

Complicated family dynamics is like my favorite trope. Also, the title was tasty. It suggests happiness with a spine of agony.

Final Review

(thoughts & recs) This coming of age story of a bright teenage autistic girl and her cousin, a few years older, who shows up one day and intends to stay. It was a good premise and I loved the ND girl rep. I really liked the main character and understood her, which of course I really enjoyed.

I honestly had to spend way too much time with this one to make sense of it, especially considering it's such a short book to begin with. It's light on plot and form, which is something I'm seeing a lot of in contemporary fiction right now. This one is almost purely character driven. It's a little slow, but worth going on the journey.

I'm really impressed that Champine depicts these two main characters without stigmatizing them, which is an important and difficult achievement.

I would recommend NEEDLE LAKE to fans of girls coming of age stories, short reads, sister stories, and solid ND rep.

Content Notes: drowning, death by exposure, freezing cold, family separation, addiction, taking pills, losing consciousness, verbal abuse, sibling rivalry, DV

Thank you to Justine Champine, The Dial Press, and NetGalley for an accessible digital copy of NEEDLE LAKE. All views are mine.

[Keri Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ida is fourteen and lives in a small logging town in Washington. She has heart issues so her activity is limited, bout she’s also isolated and considered weird at school - by students and teachers. She likes spending time alone, loves studying geography and memorizing names and locations of places. Her relationship with her mom has grown frostier, and this bothers her but she’s not sure what to do.

All of this is going on in Ida’s life as she begins her Christmas vacation. Suddenly her cousin Elna arrives, scheduled to stay a few weeks while in rehab. It’s been years since they’ve seen each other, and while two years isn’t always a big difference, it is here. Elna lives in San Francisco, is worldly, confident, alluring, and not a rule follower. Ida is intrigued as they spend time together.

But is Elna just daring, or is she dangerous? Her actions jeopardize the serenity and soon a crime has occurred and she convinces Ida to flee with her. On top of everything else, she’s enticed her with a family secret.

The book is filled with of interesting characters. Ida is most certainly on the spectrum, and no one knows how to help her. She is vulnerable to Elna and the sense of belonging that she offers. Elna… is definitely interesting. Overall it’s very good. I always try to alternate genres so I’m going from something more dramatic to light/hearted, mysteries, etc. I’m not sure this was a perfect fit for my mood but in spite of that I enjoyed it.

[Kasa Cotugno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and illuminating, Needle Lake is a unique coming of age story told from the point of view of Ida, a 14 year old girl on the spectrum who also has a hole in her heart that prevents her from the physical activities an active child pursues. When Elna, her 17 year old cousin, arrives in their small Washington State town unexpectedly (to her) after Ida's aunt has been ordered to rehab in San Francisco, she is both charmed and puzzled, but finds herself following along with whatever Elna proposes. A lot is packed into this relatively slender novel, worth an afternoon.

[Kristy Riley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needle Lake was a short that packed on hell of a punch. It’s a coming of age story featuring a neurodivergent girl named Ida and her glamorous cousin Elna that comes to stay one summer that sets into motion events that will change Ida’s life permanently.

I truly enjoyed the story up until a certain point. It took a turn that felt so strange and unnecessary. The ending was also so quick and unsatisfying. It felt like a ton of build up with not much pay off. The epilogue also felt rushed.

I loved Justine Champines writing style and do look forward to reading more from her. This particular story just rubbed me wrong at the end.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was a really compelling story - I think my only complaint is that it's too short!

Ida is a really interesting main character because of her unique perspective on the world. The book morphs from a coming-of-age tale to a scary thriller as Ida is pushed further out of her comfort zone. I really do think we needed a bit more story - the transition gets clunky at times and the ending is abrupt. But overall the story is captivating and I enjoyed it immensely.

Thank you to NetGalley, Justine Champine, and The Dial Press for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was like the approach of my womanhood tipped the scale of everyone’s tolerance, like the glare of an adult life emerging on my horizon had cast the truth of me in a harsh and unlovable light. And it was up to me, it seemed, to do something about it – to make myself more easily digestible, to make everybody comfortable.

4.5 stars. Needle Lake is a starkly beautiful portrait of girlhood and coming of age, relayed in lyrical prose laced with somber nostalgia. The protagonist is Ida, a neurodivergent 14-year-old who lives with her mother in the small logging community of Mineral, Washington, where they run a convenience store. Ida struggles at school, but she finds solace in the library, where she spends her lunch hour memorizing countries and capitals in preparation for her next geography competition. When Ida’s 17-year-old cousin, Elna, comes to stay with them from San Francisco, Ida’s small, simple life becomes much more complicated.

I don’t want to say much more about the plot than that, but I will say that I was surprised just how much Justine Champine packed into this short novel. Needle Lake has a deeply psychological, startlingly insightful character-driven narrative focused on two very different girls shaped by their traumas and environments. Ida is immediately endearing and sympathetic. Her vulnerability and innocence – and the loss of it – made me ache. Elna, on the other hand, isn’t quite so easy to love, despite her charisma – but Champine does make readers understand exactly why that is.

There’s a wistful, pensive sort of quality to the narrative, which explores the intricacy and intensity of teenage girlhood in ways both captivating and distressing. With rich atmosphere, complex characters, and skillful storytelling, Needle Lake is one of those novels where everything comes together to make for a rewarding and impactful reading experience. The ending was a bit abrupt for me, but otherwise, this novel is flawlessly executed. Thank you to The Dial Press for the early reading opportunity.

[Destiny || readingisyourdestiny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very strong 4 stars. Wildly unpredictable coming of age story following two cousins and all their troubles. I wouldn't read the synopsis, it gives too much away!

[Stephanie (aka WW) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*******NOW PUBLISHED! 12/25***********

This is a short book, but one which packs significant depth of characterization between its covers. Needle Lake is the story of 13-year-old Ida, growing up neurodivergent in the small town of Mineral, Washington. Ida loves spending time on her own, memorizing countries and their capitals and flags for the geography bee. She is teased mercilessly at school for her differences, which leaves her with no friends and very low self-esteem. Ida is busy in her mother’s general store one day when her 16-year-old cousin Elna, from San Francisco, appears, seemingly out of nowhere. Elna is everything Ida is not…bold, confident and daring. Her audacious behavior both shocks and thrills Ida. One day, something happens which changes everything, and Elna lets loose a secret she has been holding, sending the two girls on the road to San Francisco, where things really come to a head.

I loved the characterization of the two girls in this novel. I could identify with Ida, as growing up, I had a friend that was much more daring than I was. At quite a young age, she had me sneaking out at night to smoke and making prank phone calls with her parents’ speaker phone (a “new” thing back then). Lori was not on the level of Elna, thank goodness, but, still, I can relate. These are characters that felt alive to me and I worried for Ida as her situation reached a crisis point. As a whole, the book packs a punch that belies its somewhat short length. I don’t think the cover fits the contents very well, but that is a nit. Recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for providing me with this e-ARC in exchange for my opinions. This title publishes in December 2025.

[Ashley Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the remote logging town of Mineral Washington, 13-year-old Ida lives a quiet and carefully ordered life shaped by her congenital heart condition and her sharp, observant mind. When her older cousin Elna arrives from San Francisco, Ida is drawn to Elna's orbit, one filled with risk, rebellion, and that intoxicating pull of first true connection. As the two girls grow closer, their bond becomes both a refuge and a danger. On Christmas eve, a man is found drowned beneath the frozen surface of Needle Lake, and Ida and Elna share a secret that will change everything. Now Ida must confront the cost of loyalty, the complexity of love, and the moment childhood grows into something darker.

Needle Lake was a quick read but was one that pulled me under and didn't let go. The writing is luminous and precise, the kind that makes you slow down just to admire a sentence. Ida's voice is unforgettable. Tender, intelligent, and painfully honest and her relationship with Elna crackled with intensity. The icy and isolated setting feels alive. What begins as a delicate portrait of girlhood slowly tightens into something darker and more dangerous with a payoff that is both haunting and human. My one critique is that the ending of the book felt very rushed and I thought it was a bit abrupt. Overall, Needle Lake was an interesting coming of age story about love, loyalty, and the secrets that shape us.

Thank you to NetGalley, Justine Champine, and Random House Publishing/ The Dial Press for this eARC! Publication date was December 2nd, 2025.

[Cyndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two teenaged girl cousins are unexpectedly thrown into living together. As they get to know each other, their lives are changed forever. The character development was exceptional and the plot held my interest and was easy to follow. There were a few completely unexpected twists at the end. My only issue was that the ending was a little too abrupt. Still, a beautifully written and heartfelt story.

Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, The Dial Press and Justine Champine for my complimentary e-book ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Brenda Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

complicated family, a grasp at nature vs nurture. substance abuse. found family. engaging.

[Judy Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justine Champine makes a triumphant return with her latest novel, NEEDLE LAKE, following the success of her debut, Knife River (which I also enjoyed).

This captivating and emotionally charged coming-of-age psychological drama revolves around two teenage cousins navigating a transformative winter holiday in the enchanting Pacific Northwest.

Setting
Nestled in Mineral, Washington (three hours north of Seattle), a quaint and remote logging town, the story unfolds during the 1990s. The town's somber and atmospheric backdrop plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative's tone, immersing readers in a world steeped in mystery and introspection.

Characters
Ida: A 14-year-old girl with a neurodivergent perspective, Ida was born with a congenital heart defect. On the spectrum, sensitive and somewhat sheltered, she often faces bullying from her peers. Her refuge lies in the pages of her beloved books, the intricacies of maps, the allure of flags, and the comfort of statistics, all while daydreaming of adventures beyond her small town's borders.

Elna: At 16, Ida's cousin Elna arrives from the vibrant streets of San Francisco, bringing with her a confident and charismatic spirit. After her mother (Anne's sister), Candace, enters rehab, Elna moves in with Ida's family. Her rebellious nature and magnetic personality turn Ida's world upside down, introducing her to a whirlwind of excitement and danger.

Anne: Ida's mother, who manages the family’s convenience store, also provides temporary lodging for loggers to make ends meet. Anne’s connection with Jen, a former tenant, adds another layer to the family dynamic, and her sister, Candace.

As the winter unfolds, Elna's presence ignites a spark in Ida, who finds herself drawn to her older cousin's adventurous lifestyle. However, beneath Elna's charm lies a more sinister and manipulative side. Their youthful escapades, which begin with minor misdeeds like shoplifting and dabbling in drugs, quickly spiral into perilous and deceitful territory.

The tension escalates when Elna's actions provoke a confrontation with a logger. What begins as a minor theft turns violent, ensnaring the cousins in a web of a terrible secret.

On a fateful Christmas Eve, tragedy strikes as a man drowns in Needle Lake, trapped beneath the unforgiving ice. The cousins witness this harrowing event, and as Ida begins to uncover the depths of Elna's hidden truths, her fear of her cousin intensifies.

What dark family secrets lie beneath the surface, waiting to be revealed?

Reflections on Needle Lake...

Psychologically rich and beautifully crafted, NEEDLE LAKE is an absorbing character-driven narrative that immerses readers in a haunting, dark, moody, and atmospheric world. With its vivid metaphors and profound symbolism, this novel captures the essence of emotional storytelling.

Spellbinding and compelling, the lyrical prose draws you into the lives of two contrasting teenage girls. The plot unfolds with suspense, culminating in a shocking revelation that exposes deep-rooted family secrets. Ida's journey is one of confronting painful truths and forging her own path following her tumultuous experiences with Elna.

The lake itself, Needle Lake, holds immense personal significance for Ida. It serves as both a sanctuary from her isolating existence and the backdrop of a traumatic event that disrupts her fragile reality.

Before Elna's arrival, this secluded spot was Ida's personal refuge, a place for quiet rebellion. Due to her congenital heart defect, she is restricted from engaging in most strenuous activities, leading to feelings of isolation and misunderstanding among her peers. In this natural haven, the lake and the forest become her cherished secret, a place where she can swim freely and reflect on her thoughts.

As a neurodivergent teenager, Ida yearns for a life beyond her small logging town in Mineral, Washington. While exploring maps and dreaming of distant places, the lake transforms into a canvas for her imagination, a space where she can envision a future without judgment. The author masterfully develops both Ida's neurodivergent character and the enigmatic presence of Elna.

The interplay of darkness and light, along with shifting perceptions, is a central theme. After Elna's arrival, Needle Lake takes on a more sinister meaning, especially following the harrowing experience of witnessing a man's drowning on Christmas Eve. This traumatic event solidifies their shared secret, intertwining their fates in fear.

Once a symbol of escape for Ida, the lake's significance shifts dramatically as she uncovers the manipulative undercurrents beneath Elna's charming exterior. The lake, along with the secrets it harbors, becomes emblematic of Elna's corrupting influence and the erosion of Ida's innocence.

The troubling events compel Ida to confront unsettling family secrets and face truths about her life that she had long avoided. The climax at the lake marks the beginning of her painful yet essential journey toward personal transformation.

From the serene landscapes of Mineral, Washington, to the vibrant streets of San Francisco, Needle Lake is a captivating exploration of identity and psychological suspense, seamlessly blending elements of literary fiction, mystery, and coming-of-age storytelling.

Recommendations...

If you’re a fan of thoughtful literature that explores sensitive topics with depth and emotional authenticity, then NEEDLE LAKE is a must-read. This book is perfect for those who cherish human connections and experiences, featuring compelling characters, identity, personal growth, and storylines that seamlessly blend humor with poignant emotional depth.

It delves into family dynamics and the complexities of everyday life, echoing the styles of renowned authors like Lisa Genova, Jodi Picoult, Elizabeth Berg, Fredrik Backman, Wally Lamb, Anne Tyler, Heather Gudenkauf, Nicole Baart, Catherine Ryan Hyde, and Sally Hepworth (all favorites). If you resonate with literary fiction that challenges the heart and mind, this book is tailored for you. Ideal for book clubs and further discussions.

Many thanks to Random House, The Dial Press, and NetGalley for sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Dec 2, 2025
Dec 2025 Must-Read Books

[Myriam · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Thank you Netgalley for the copy*
3/5 ⭐️
Interesting plot, not much happening

Pros:
✅ Easy to read
✅ Interesting plot
✅ Neurodivergent representation

Cons:
❌ Too much description
❌ Pacing is off
❌ Ending is lacking
❌ Uninteresting

Conclusion: This book was okay. The description/plot seemed interesting. It was easy to get into the story, and it was an easy read. It also contained some neurodivergent representation. This book was more character-driven than plot-driven, which is not my preferred style. Sometimes, there was too much description; it could have been reduced and made the story seem less heavy. It would have also helped with the pacing issue. The pacing was all over the place. What could have saved this book was the ending, but it did not deliver. Also related to the pacing issue, the ending was rushed and didn't add much to the story. None of the consequences for the actions of the MC are shown.

Recommend? No

Edition: Ebook

[Marie Foster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Coming of age story set in a logging town. The book overall was good but I found for myself the story lagging just a bit. Initially I was sucked into the story at the beginning. Pace was a little slow for me and found myself skimming some of the story to see how it progressed and ended.


Thank you to NetGalley, author Justine Champine and Random House | The Dial Press for this digital advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book. I really enjoyed it. It’s a pretty short book but had a great story. Not a book full of action but more like a drama. Ida and Elna are cousin who have a bunch of adventures.

Thank you for the advanced copy NetGalley, Justine Champine and Random House. I appreciate it.

[Shannon (The Book Club Mom) · Rating 4 out of 5]

NEEDLE LAKE by Justine Champine is one of those slower, quiet, and thoughtful novels that I’ve come to appreciate and pine for. They just speak to my soul—especially when I pick up a novel on a whim and least expect it. I’m not exactly sure how I’d even describe this story. It’s a great blend of mystery, intrigue, psychological drama, coming-of-age, and family dynamics.

QUICK SYNOPSIS:
“𝘛𝘸𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳. 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘩 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘰𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘕𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘭𝘦 𝘓𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦.”

Champine portrayed girlhood and adolescence perfectly in these two characters. They could not be more different: the classic goody two-shoes and the rebellious risk taker. This novel made me think of my childhood a lot. I was lucky enough to grow up with multiple female cousins who were all there to guide me, and treated me like a little sister. This was truly important to me as I had just two older brothers at home.

READ THIS IF YOU ENJOY:

- PNW logging town setting
- 1990s timeline
- Family drama and dynamics
- Character-driven novels
- Slow-burning plots
- Atmospheric writing
- Neurodivergent representation
- Coming-of-age stories
- Girlhood and adolescence

If you’re looking to sneak in a few more good books before the year ends, then give this one a whirl. It’s a super quick read—just over 250 pages. It impressed me so much that I downloaded the author’s debut, KNIFE RIVER. I’m looking forward to reading more from her.

4/5 stunning stars for NEEDLE LAKE! It’s out now!

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short but exciting novel set during winter break, as two teenage cousins are reunited in a small town in Washington State. Needle Lake is all about secrets.

I thought the character studies and development, in particular, were a great strength of Needle Lake, and they felt relatable and real. I really loved the inclusion of a neurodivergent character in Ida. I appreciated seeing the world and just typical teenage experiences through her eyes. The descriptions, overall, were very on point, and I felt I could really picture this setting and environment in which our protagonists live and find themselves.

However, I did find the pacing change in the final chapter and epilogue to be more rushed than necessary. We had a lovely, slow, detailed book prior, which then suddenly switched to all the threads becoming wrapped up. It felt like a bit of a jot to me. Although I say that as a reader who doesn't necessarily need all storylines to be complete.

Overall, I would highly recommend Needle Lake to readers of coming-of-age stories, family secrets, and novels that appreciate great character studies.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House/The Dial Press for providing me with an eArc in exchange for an honest review.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Needle Lake is a tense, emotionally grounded thriller that kept me fully engaged from start to finish. One of the book’s greatest strengths is its protagonist—an autistic main character who is portrayed with care, authenticity, and depth. She felt genuinely relatable, and I found myself strongly connected to her perspective as the story unfolded.

Champine does an excellent job building atmosphere and tension; the unease is palpable throughout, and the isolation of the setting amplifies the emotional stakes. Rather than relying solely on plot twists, the novel leans into psychological tension and character experience, which made the danger feel more immediate and personal. I truly felt for the protagonist as she navigated both external threats and internal challenges.

This is a compelling, thoughtfully written thriller that stands out for its representation, emotional resonance, and sustained suspense. A gripping read that left a strong impression.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC. This is my honest review.

[Jackie Sunday · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 14-year-old girl’s life is changed when her cousin arrived in the small logging town of Mineral, Washington in 1998.

Ida lives in a house with a convenience store and a couple of rooms upstairs for boarders. She is very smart but stays to herself, working at the store to help her single mother. She enjoys swimming solo and learning all aspects of geography.

Unexpectedly, 17-year-old Elna shows up from San Francisco who is quietly disruptive and manipulative. Ida enjoys her company and doesn’t say a word when she witnesses Elna committing criminal acts.

The story is relatively short and clearly written with fully developed descriptions of the area and characters. It has some interesting points regarding health issues, relationships and importance of maps. It also shows a contrast from small towns to large cities and the differences between two types of mothers and teenagers.

The story seemed somewhat realistic as it took me back to the days when I was in high school and living in Washington State. However, the first part was slow for me. Then about half way, it was full speed ahead. I raced to find out what was going to happen next. There were some wild twists that I didn’t expect with an ending that made me glad I read this book.

My thanks to The Dial Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of December 2, 2025. The opinions I have shared are my own.

[Stacy40pages · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needle Lake by Justine Champine. Thanks to @dialpress for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Two very different cousins spend a winter together that changes their lives.

This is a short coming of age story that you’ll want to take your time with. The prose is lyrical and while short, it took me some time to read because I sat with the language. There’s neurodivergent representation which really made me love and feel for the main character. There was a lot of back story and history that is revealed and adds depth to the story.

“There were so many kinds of reminders that, every if it wasn’t said outright, the best thing I could be was mild. Sweet. Yielding. Endlessly tolerant. A fawn nestled in the grass. And so, the anger pit widened even more.”

Needle Lake comes out 12/2.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for providing a free advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I ADORED Champine's debut novel, Knife River. It was a slow, character-driven exploration of the trauma experienced by surviving family members. Just a brilliant piece of literary crime fiction.

And Needle Lake was labeled similarly as a mystery/thriller. But let me tell you, a thriller it is not. I sadly had to abandon the book at the 34% mark, by which point I was still waiting for the mystery or thriller to begin. Chapter 1 already had me worried, with its expositional tone that didn't match what I'd seen in the author's previous novel, but at least it ended in a nice hook, predicting a dangerous future. And then we stalled. By the 34% mark, the true inciting incident hadn't yet occurred. You could argue that Elna's visit was the actual inciting incident, but I'd politely disagree. The writing lacks the spark I've identified in the earlier novel, where I kept highlighting sentences that were just beautifully crafted. By contrast, Needle Lake opted for simple, straight0forward writing--which I admit works for the character's neuro-divergence, but also made the lecture less enjoyable for me. There are a lot of ways simple sentences can deliver a strong punch (just read "All Our Little Bird's Hearts" if you want an example). The early pacing, and the early predictability had me quickly fall into a reading slump, so I decided that sadly, this novel is not for me. If you approach this novel, just be warned the marketing may be a bit incorrect; expect instead a coming-of-age novel about a disabled neuro-divergent character, with some crime activity taking place some time later in the novel. To be fair to the novel: I'm fully disclosing that I only finished the first 1/3 of the book before I realized I wasn't feeling it.

[Colleen Maclennan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short read but lots happening in the lives of two cousins Ida and Elena . Elena who is older and more street wise than Ida arrives suddenly to Mineral , a small logging community where Ida lives with her mother and mom’s partner Jen. Ida is a deep thinker and is on the spectrum which makes her somewhat of an outcast in her community. Added to that she has a heart defect that causes her anxiety. With the arrival of Elena life changes for her as Ida is introduced to ideas and events occur which rock her perspective of her life and herself. A coming of age book that shows that people we think we know have a dark side to them and hold secrets.

[Zehava (Joyce) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is beautifully written and very evocative. I really liked Justine Champine’s debut novel and she tells another family story with a strong sense of place.
Ida is a 14 year old girl growing up in a tiny Washington logging town. She doesn’t fit in and has always felt different from everyone around her. Her 17 year old cousin comes to town and everything changes immediately. Watching the way Ida navigates the world and the trauma her cousin brings into her life is fascinating. This is a book where you will keep turning the pages. I definitely look forward to whatever Justine Champine writes next.
Thank you to Netgalley and The Dial Press for an advanced copy of this book.

[Adalyn Taylor]

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[Beppie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Needle Lake" by Justine Champine is one of the most unique and, at the same time, oddly disturbing coming-of-age stories I have read in quite some time. At its heart is a story of family secrets wrapped up in the relationship of two teenage girls and their mothers. However, layered into this formula (in the most interesting ways, I must say!) is the slow burn of a mystery, the potential for family instability when the adults don't *adult* well, and the confusing and oft times messy collateral damage that can occur when teenagers don't feel understood or truly seen.

To say anything more specific, I think, might reveal too much of this really well-done story. If any of my words speak to you, give this book a read. I'm fairly confident in saying that the main and secondary characters and their troubled world might just walk along with you in your thoughts for a while.

Many thanks to the author for her craft, the publisher for supporting her efforts, and NetGalley for offering me the opportunity to read it in advance of its December 2, 2025 release.

#NeedleLake
#JustineChampine
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[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Random House Publishing and NetGalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Despite my low-ish rating, I enjoyed this short fiction novel. It’s character-driven and you really get to know what’s going on inside Ida’s head. I appreciated the neurodivergent/autistic representation. I wanted to like Elna, but she came off as a bit too unhinged for me, lol.

I did have a few issues with the novel that led to my 3-star rating. While I mostly enjoyed the descriptive language, it dragged at some points and made the book’s pacing seem slow. What happened during the last chapter seemed unnecessary. The epilogue also felt extremely rushed after the slower, descriptive pace of the story, like the author couldn’t wait to end the book. Also, there was a little plot thread introduced near the end that might’ve led to Ida being more comfortable with herself, but it was never followed up on.

Overall, the novel felt unfinished. The ideas and premise were there, but the execution felt lacking and unsatisfying to me by the end. However, I did like the author’s prose and the interactions between Ida and the other characters, especially Elna.

[Skylar Cook]

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[Ahaaha4 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I chose to read Needle Lake by Justine Champine because of the description, but unfortunately I found it too slow. Everything about the description intrigued me, a neurodivergent girl, cousins bonding, and a dead body, a perfect read……but the telling of the story fell short. The story slowly dragged on and the mystery was too small a part of the story. If you like a slow character driven book you should like this book.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House/The Dial Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.