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The Lake
The lake has held its secrets for decades. But nothing stays hidden forever…
THE THRILLING INSTALMENT IN THE WISTING SERIES, FROM THE NO. 1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER
'Compelling, original and suspenseful' KATHY REICHS
--
Following a harsh winter, the dam gates at Farris Lake have been badly damaged, and as summer approaches the lake must be drained for repairs.
Under the intense summer sun, the idyllic lake transforms into a barren wasteland – until the secrets that have long been buried beneath the surface are uncovered…
On both sides of the lakebed, new evidence relating to unsolved cold cases is discovered – the remains of a young man who went missing eight years ago, and the belongings of a girl who disappeared four years later.
Detective William Wisting is certain these crimes are linked. The lake has long hidden its secrets – but can Wisting now bring the truth to light?
--
Why readers LOVE the Detective William Wisting series
'Characters, plot, execution, pacing, conclusion...all quality. And it kept me guessing all the way through' 5***** reader review
'One word for this series. BRILLIANT' 5***** reader review
'Wisting goes from strength to strength...an excellent read' 5***** reader review
'The very best of everything I love abotu the genre...I gulped it down whole in one tasty, page-turning bite' 5***** reader review
'Quality writing and superb characterisation throughout, absorbing and riveting from the first to last page' 5***** reader review
THE THRILLING INSTALMENT IN THE WISTING SERIES, FROM THE NO. 1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER
'Compelling, original and suspenseful' KATHY REICHS
--
Following a harsh winter, the dam gates at Farris Lake have been badly damaged, and as summer approaches the lake must be drained for repairs.
Under the intense summer sun, the idyllic lake transforms into a barren wasteland – until the secrets that have long been buried beneath the surface are uncovered…
On both sides of the lakebed, new evidence relating to unsolved cold cases is discovered – the remains of a young man who went missing eight years ago, and the belongings of a girl who disappeared four years later.
Detective William Wisting is certain these crimes are linked. The lake has long hidden its secrets – but can Wisting now bring the truth to light?
--
Why readers LOVE the Detective William Wisting series
'Characters, plot, execution, pacing, conclusion...all quality. And it kept me guessing all the way through' 5***** reader review
'One word for this series. BRILLIANT' 5***** reader review
'Wisting goes from strength to strength...an excellent read' 5***** reader review
'The very best of everything I love abotu the genre...I gulped it down whole in one tasty, page-turning bite' 5***** reader review
'Quality writing and superb characterisation throughout, absorbing and riveting from the first to last page' 5***** reader review
353 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 20, 2025
68 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Jørn Lier Horst
156 books1,654 followersJorn Lier Horst (born in Bamble, Telemark 1970) is a former Senior Investigating Officer at the Norwegian police force. He made his literary debut as a crime writer in 2004 and is considered one of the foremost Nordic crime writers.
His series of mystery novels starring chief inspector William Wisting provides a detailed and authentic insight into how criminal cases are investigated and how it affects those involved, whether private or professional. The books represent a simple and accurate picture of the modern Nordic societies and is characterized by political and social commentary subtext.
His series of mystery novels starring chief inspector William Wisting provides a detailed and authentic insight into how criminal cases are investigated and how it affects those involved, whether private or professional. The books represent a simple and accurate picture of the modern Nordic societies and is characterized by political and social commentary subtext.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 24, 2026
4.0 / 5.0
A slow intense book which takes time to build, but once you’re fully immersed there’s nothing stopping you from finishing the book. It’s unpredictable, it has you in a hold and it’s incredibly descriptive- the surrounding and natural scenery. It’s the first I’ve read of the Wisting series, but I can imagine it’s like Mads Mikkelson being a detective. I love the writing in this book, it’s eerie and dark but equally entertaining and bright. Its a very unique style which I have very much enjoyed reading
The plot is very simple, but it’s so interwoven that it starts to grow arms and legs and merge into one- what starts off as almost two different cases almost feels intertwined. Under the intense summer sun the lake transforms into a barren wasteland and secrets that have stayed hidden becomes uncovered. We meet detective William Wisting who discovered new evidence relating to unsolved cold cases - the remains of a young man that went missing eight years ago and the belonging of a girl who disappeared four years later. Wisting is certain these crimes are linked.
It’s a great book from start to finish, definitely will keep my eyes peeled on the series!
A slow intense book which takes time to build, but once you’re fully immersed there’s nothing stopping you from finishing the book. It’s unpredictable, it has you in a hold and it’s incredibly descriptive- the surrounding and natural scenery. It’s the first I’ve read of the Wisting series, but I can imagine it’s like Mads Mikkelson being a detective. I love the writing in this book, it’s eerie and dark but equally entertaining and bright. Its a very unique style which I have very much enjoyed reading
The plot is very simple, but it’s so interwoven that it starts to grow arms and legs and merge into one- what starts off as almost two different cases almost feels intertwined. Under the intense summer sun the lake transforms into a barren wasteland and secrets that have stayed hidden becomes uncovered. We meet detective William Wisting who discovered new evidence relating to unsolved cold cases - the remains of a young man that went missing eight years ago and the belonging of a girl who disappeared four years later. Wisting is certain these crimes are linked.
It’s a great book from start to finish, definitely will keep my eyes peeled on the series!
February 14, 2026
At the end of a hot dry summer, the water level of Lake Farris has dropped several metres and large parts of the lake bed are now baked to hard dry mud. Now the lake is revealing long held secrets. At one end, along with an old safe and other detritus, there is a rusting motorcycle with the skeleton of its rider still in the saddle. These are the remains of a young man who disappeared eight years previously.
At the other end of the lake, a man with a metal detector finds a gold initial necklace and he fears he knows whom it may have belonged to and who put it there.
William Wisting and his team of detectives begin to investigate both cases and soon start suspecting they could be linked. Their investigations put them on the path of one, possibly two sexual predators who roam around Scandinavia in a motorhome.
This is a slow moving but highly engaging police procedural which exudes an ever growing sense of menace.
At the other end of the lake, a man with a metal detector finds a gold initial necklace and he fears he knows whom it may have belonged to and who put it there.
William Wisting and his team of detectives begin to investigate both cases and soon start suspecting they could be linked. Their investigations put them on the path of one, possibly two sexual predators who roam around Scandinavia in a motorhome.
This is a slow moving but highly engaging police procedural which exudes an ever growing sense of menace.
December 10, 2025
The master of the slow burn storyline, Jorn Lier Horst treats us to another cracking instalment in the Wisting series.
This multilayered plot is uncharacteristically set in a Norwegian heatwave, however the author still manages to capture the wonderful Nordic atmosphere. A compelling read, well written and plotted sees us following the wonderful and methodical detective piece together a series of cold cases. The pace ramps up in the latter chapters as it draws to a very satisfying conclusion. Another winner in this excellent series
This multilayered plot is uncharacteristically set in a Norwegian heatwave, however the author still manages to capture the wonderful Nordic atmosphere. A compelling read, well written and plotted sees us following the wonderful and methodical detective piece together a series of cold cases. The pace ramps up in the latter chapters as it draws to a very satisfying conclusion. Another winner in this excellent series
January 20, 2026
A (very) slow burn,but a very good puzzle,with interlocking mysteries.
February 26, 2026
A new Wisting investigation is always something to look forward to. Admittedly, The Lake has been sitting around on the TBR for a few weeks, so I decided it was high time I took myself off to Larvik to see what Wisting and Nils Hammer were up to this time. 🚐
The lake of the title is Lake Farris, whose water level has dropped significantly during a very hot summer. A metal detectorist, searching along the lake bed near his summer cabin, finds a gold initial necklace that he recognises as belonging to a teenaged girl who went missing in Sweden four years previously. 🚐
In another section of the dried up lake bed, a motorcycle is found, along with its rider, a youth who went missing eight years previously. 🚐
What follows are two intense investigations by Wisting and his team, as they try to piece together what befell the young man, and whether or not the missing girl's remains are buried in the vicinity of the lake. 🚐
As with all of the Wisting books, this is a slow burn, but it's worth it. There are the inevitable twists and red herrings, not to mention the final reveal in the investigation into the missing girl. 🚐
The lake of the title is Lake Farris, whose water level has dropped significantly during a very hot summer. A metal detectorist, searching along the lake bed near his summer cabin, finds a gold initial necklace that he recognises as belonging to a teenaged girl who went missing in Sweden four years previously. 🚐
In another section of the dried up lake bed, a motorcycle is found, along with its rider, a youth who went missing eight years previously. 🚐
What follows are two intense investigations by Wisting and his team, as they try to piece together what befell the young man, and whether or not the missing girl's remains are buried in the vicinity of the lake. 🚐
As with all of the Wisting books, this is a slow burn, but it's worth it. There are the inevitable twists and red herrings, not to mention the final reveal in the investigation into the missing girl. 🚐
November 18, 2025
A masterclass in the crime thriller genre. Having watched the Wisting drama series, I knew what to expect. Wisting, a widower for several years, is a conscientious detective with a good heart. No gimmicks, just common sense and the ability to win the confidence of people he mixes with, including criminals.
There are several cold case threads in this engrossing story. An unexpectedly hot summer has brought a few finds to the dry dusty surface of what is normally a lake.
If you think cold cases are dull, the dramatic twists and gripping finale will confound you. I had a huge smile at the satisfactory ending.
Looking forward to reading more of Wisting's adventures.
There are several cold case threads in this engrossing story. An unexpectedly hot summer has brought a few finds to the dry dusty surface of what is normally a lake.
If you think cold cases are dull, the dramatic twists and gripping finale will confound you. I had a huge smile at the satisfactory ending.
Looking forward to reading more of Wisting's adventures.
November 25, 2025
As always I look forward to the new Wisting every year, and The Lake was a really excellent novel.
Full of intrigue and the wonderful William Wistings, methodical approach to Policing. I was gripped to the story from the outset and raced through the chapters to the very satisfying ending!
I cant wait to read the next installment, I adore Jorn Lier Horst and his wonderful Policeman, Wisting.
5 Stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Full of intrigue and the wonderful William Wistings, methodical approach to Policing. I was gripped to the story from the outset and raced through the chapters to the very satisfying ending!
I cant wait to read the next installment, I adore Jorn Lier Horst and his wonderful Policeman, Wisting.
5 Stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 13, 2026
Enjoyable read - lots of twists and turns and a lovely concise style of writing.
Great plot, slow start but very hard to put down once you’re into it.
Great plot, slow start but very hard to put down once you’re into it.
December 23, 2025
The Lake, Jørn Lier Horst, iBook November 2025, 14.99. Detective William Wisting. 23/12/25. 5/5.
Wisting series….what a page turner! Fabulous writing and storyline with many twists and turns …..Highly recommended. We watch the filmed series on tv and it is excellent. Nothing beats reading though!
‘’’The lake has held its secrets for decades. But nothing stays hidden forever…
Following a harsh winter, the dam gates at Farris Lake have been badly damaged, and as summer approaches the lake must be drained for repairs.
Under the intense summer sun, the idyllic lake transforms into a barren wasteland – until the secrets that have long been buried beneath the surface are uncovered…
On both sides of the lakebed, new evidence relating to unsolved cold cases is discovered – the remains of a young man who went missing eight years ago, and the belongings of a girl who disappeared four years later.
Detective William Wisting is certain these crimes are linked. The lake has long hidden its secrets – but can Wisting now bring the truth to light? “””
Wisting series….what a page turner! Fabulous writing and storyline with many twists and turns …..Highly recommended. We watch the filmed series on tv and it is excellent. Nothing beats reading though!
‘’’The lake has held its secrets for decades. But nothing stays hidden forever…
Following a harsh winter, the dam gates at Farris Lake have been badly damaged, and as summer approaches the lake must be drained for repairs.
Under the intense summer sun, the idyllic lake transforms into a barren wasteland – until the secrets that have long been buried beneath the surface are uncovered…
On both sides of the lakebed, new evidence relating to unsolved cold cases is discovered – the remains of a young man who went missing eight years ago, and the belongings of a girl who disappeared four years later.
Detective William Wisting is certain these crimes are linked. The lake has long hidden its secrets – but can Wisting now bring the truth to light? “””
December 14, 2025
Due to the long hot summer, the water level in Lake Farris has fallen to an all-time low uncovering many hidden secrets. The body of a young man is discovered, missing after raping his neighbours daughter, and so is a mysterious safe. On the other side of the lake a holidaymaker is suspicious when he finds a necklace that might have belonged to a missing Swedish teenager. Wisting finds himself trying to link or solve a series of crimes.
Wisting is probably my favourite Scandi-detective because Horst and his translator do such a good job of writing calm and measured prose about crime, avoiding sensationalism and 'heroism' and just focusing on a good story and interesting characters. This is no exception, the interlinked stories are about horrible crimes but nothing is overdramatised. Wisting is consistent in his approaches and thinking and there is enough to make the reader fill in the gaps. A masterpiece of its genre.
Wisting is probably my favourite Scandi-detective because Horst and his translator do such a good job of writing calm and measured prose about crime, avoiding sensationalism and 'heroism' and just focusing on a good story and interesting characters. This is no exception, the interlinked stories are about horrible crimes but nothing is overdramatised. Wisting is consistent in his approaches and thinking and there is enough to make the reader fill in the gaps. A masterpiece of its genre.
January 19, 2026
Might be being a bit harsh to give this three stars.
The book was a good read, and kept me turning pages.
But two things really knocked it down for me.
First, some of the language was quite clunky, which I'd guess is a translation issue.
Second, the plot threads didn't really come together neatly enough for me at the end.
The book was a good read, and kept me turning pages.
But two things really knocked it down for me.
First, some of the language was quite clunky, which I'd guess is a translation issue.
Second, the plot threads didn't really come together neatly enough for me at the end.
February 19, 2026
Justice takes its time.
I have read several of the Wisting stories and also seen a series of them dramatized. The Norwegian detective comes across as more cerebral than flamboyant l y exciting. However I like him. He is very empathic, a good thoughtful man. This tale is about a long summer heatwave which dries up a lake and amongst the rubbish revealed is a motor bike and a dead body. On the opposite shore a holiday maker with a metal detector finds a gold necklace, like the one worn by a missing teenage girl. Two different cases. And when at last the rain falls it brings the solution to both and long awaited justice. Recommended.
I have read several of the Wisting stories and also seen a series of them dramatized. The Norwegian detective comes across as more cerebral than flamboyant l y exciting. However I like him. He is very empathic, a good thoughtful man. This tale is about a long summer heatwave which dries up a lake and amongst the rubbish revealed is a motor bike and a dead body. On the opposite shore a holiday maker with a metal detector finds a gold necklace, like the one worn by a missing teenage girl. Two different cases. And when at last the rain falls it brings the solution to both and long awaited justice. Recommended.
December 10, 2025
My thanks to the Author publisher's and NetGalley for providing me with a Kindle version of this book to read and honestly review.
This excellent series continues to impress, well written or should that be translated I am never sure. Clever descriptive and intelligent storytelling superb believable characters throughout, though this is the first 'Wisting' novel where his daughter 'Line' played very little part.. Plenty of surprises and twists completely engaging from first to last page.
Completely and utterly recommended
This excellent series continues to impress, well written or should that be translated I am never sure. Clever descriptive and intelligent storytelling superb believable characters throughout, though this is the first 'Wisting' novel where his daughter 'Line' played very little part.. Plenty of surprises and twists completely engaging from first to last page.
Completely and utterly recommended
October 30, 2025
I always enjoy reading another book in the Wisting series and this is another excellent addition. The writing is so compelling, it draws you in from the start and Wisting is such an interesting character. The plotting is very well executed but I did guess the killer towards the end although never detracted me from enjoying this fast paced, suspenseful read. I can highly recommend the series to lovers of crime thrillers.
January 26, 2026
Brilliant.
As a big fan of Wisting it was great to read a book about one of his investigations. I was as hooked reading this as I was watching the TV series. I am definitely going to read more. Horst writes amazing crime thrillers.
As a big fan of Wisting it was great to read a book about one of his investigations. I was as hooked reading this as I was watching the TV series. I am definitely going to read more. Horst writes amazing crime thrillers.
November 29, 2025
A 4.5. Half a point off for having such extensive mucky aesthetics like dried-out lakes with all kinds of offensive refuse, and too much on broken-down outside toilets😁
December 5, 2025
A Good read
As always a good read and well put together with a sudden twist at the end. He knows his characters well, and so do we.
As always a good read and well put together with a sudden twist at the end. He knows his characters well, and so do we.
December 10, 2025
Interesting if not a little too slow moving.
January 15, 2026
Excellent scandi police procedural
January 26, 2026
Such a pleasurable read! Didn’t want it to finish…
February 1, 2026
Ik houd van Jorn Lier Horst boeken. Deze was wel wat minder sterk dan zijn andere boeken
February 9, 2026
The Wisting novels have all been interesting and well written. This was no different.
February 11, 2026
A novel that starts slowly but you find yourself involved in it .
Excellent characters and a good story with many red herrings .
Excellent characters and a good story with many red herrings .
February 17, 2026
First time author for me. Loved this book. Characters, plot and denouement was first class.
March 3, 2026
Good read just letting bits of info out gradually.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews