The Lake

by Jørn Lier Horst

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

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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?

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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

Genres: Crime

353 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2025

About the author

Jorn 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.

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Judefire33 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

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? “””

[Jo-anne Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[John Mccormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Martha Brindley · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Studvet · Rating 4 out of 5]

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😁

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Barondestructo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting if not a little too slow moving.