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Objects in Lakes
Set against the haunting backdrop of Michigan’s Great Lakes, Objects in Lakes combines the propulsive suspense of Shari Lapena, the intimate psychological unraveling of Gillian Flynn, and the moody ethical uncertainty of Stacy Willingham, delivering a uniquely Midwestern twist on the domestic noir thriller.
On a warm Fourth of July night in Duck Lake, Michigan, the Wentworths’ world shattered. As fireworks lit up the sky, Richie and Olive’s four-year-old daughter was pulled from the dark waters of the lake, her death ruled an accidental drowning.
Seven years later, Olive still lives in the shadow of that night. Her grief is numbed by pills, while Richie, a celebrated oncologist, thrives in the spotlight of his career. But as another Fourth of July celebration approaches, the lake yields another body, and the chilling discovery suggests that the tragedy from years ago may not have been an accident after all.
Determined to uncover the truth, Olive digs beneath the polished surface of her picture-perfect neighborhood, where Midwestern smiles conceal dangerous secrets. Each revelation threatens to unravel not only Richie’s hard-won reputation but also the very foundation of their tight-knit community.
In a town where appearances are everything, Olive must confront the terrifying who would take the life of a child, and how far will they go to keep their sins submerged?
On a warm Fourth of July night in Duck Lake, Michigan, the Wentworths’ world shattered. As fireworks lit up the sky, Richie and Olive’s four-year-old daughter was pulled from the dark waters of the lake, her death ruled an accidental drowning.
Seven years later, Olive still lives in the shadow of that night. Her grief is numbed by pills, while Richie, a celebrated oncologist, thrives in the spotlight of his career. But as another Fourth of July celebration approaches, the lake yields another body, and the chilling discovery suggests that the tragedy from years ago may not have been an accident after all.
Determined to uncover the truth, Olive digs beneath the polished surface of her picture-perfect neighborhood, where Midwestern smiles conceal dangerous secrets. Each revelation threatens to unravel not only Richie’s hard-won reputation but also the very foundation of their tight-knit community.
In a town where appearances are everything, Olive must confront the terrifying who would take the life of a child, and how far will they go to keep their sins submerged?
288 pages, Paperback
Published June 2, 2026
About the author
Rachael Ramas
1 book50 followersRachael Ramas is an American author, producer, and Michigan native who writes gripping thrillers rooted in emotional truth and moral complexity. A member of Mystery Writers of America and International Thriller Writers, she co-owns a law firm with her husband in Boca Raton, Florida, where the legal world offers endless story inspiration. Living with a rare autoimmune disease and partial hearing loss, Ramas advocates for authentic disability representation in literature.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
June 6, 2026
This debut psychological thriller is a dark and twisty neighborhood mystery. Seven years ago, Olive’s four-year-old daughter drowned at a 4th of July party at Duck Lake in Michigan. Everyone in the neighborhood is well-off, and as the story unfolds, almost all of them have a motive. When Terrence, a former NFL player is found dead in the same lake, a series of events occur that prompt Olive to claw her way out of her over-medicated stupor and do some serious investigating about what happened to her daughter.
I liked this, but if I’m being completely honest, it’s not polished. Certain phrases and segues didn’t quite sound right, and the ending left more questions than answers. I still am uncertain about the “why” of things, and it seems like a deliberate choice by the author to leave things that way. As a result, I’m disappointed and confused. Also, to say this is a slow burn is an extreme understatement.
However, there are fantastic quotes in here regarding mental health and grieving, and I really appreciated Ramas delving into the things that most still don’t talk about. We need to talk with each other about trauma and grief in order to fully be able to heal.
3.5 stars, rounded up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Rising Action for the advanced copy in exchange for my unbiased review.
Also, now I know what a “Yooper” accent is. :-)
I liked this, but if I’m being completely honest, it’s not polished. Certain phrases and segues didn’t quite sound right, and the ending left more questions than answers. I still am uncertain about the “why” of things, and it seems like a deliberate choice by the author to leave things that way. As a result, I’m disappointed and confused. Also, to say this is a slow burn is an extreme understatement.
However, there are fantastic quotes in here regarding mental health and grieving, and I really appreciated Ramas delving into the things that most still don’t talk about. We need to talk with each other about trauma and grief in order to fully be able to heal.
3.5 stars, rounded up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Rising Action for the advanced copy in exchange for my unbiased review.
Also, now I know what a “Yooper” accent is. :-)
March 6, 2026
The synopsis for this sounded so good. It started off strong and then became too much of a slow burn for me. Things also got a bit weird towards the end. The ending came out of nowhere, was rushed and left me feeling a bit unsatisfied. The potential was there, but the execution needed some help.
July 9, 2026
3 ⭐️
If you enjoy atmospheric psychological thrillers where the setting feels just as important as the mystery itself, Objects in Lakes is worth adding to your list.
The story follows a married couple still reeling from the tragic drowning of their four-year-old daughter on the Fourth of July two years earlier. When another body is discovered in the same lake, old wounds are reopened, and they begin to question whether their daughter’s death was truly an accident—or if something more sinister has been lurking beneath the surface all along.
One of this novel’s greatest strengths is its sense of place. Rachel Ramos brings Michigan vividly to life through local landmarks, familiar businesses, regional traditions, and even the little details—like everyone calling it “pop” instead of soda. If you live in the Great Lakes region or simply love books with immersive settings, you’ll appreciate how authentic the backdrop feels.
The story is told through multiple points of view, which is usually something I enjoy in thrillers. In this case, though, the execution felt a bit uneven. Some chapters revisited the same emotional beats without moving the story forward, while other plot threads felt underdeveloped or weren’t fully explained. I originally wondered if that was a byproduct of the audiobook format, but after revisiting parts of the story, I felt the same way.
Even so, Ramos is a talented writer, and there are several moments where the emotional weight and suspense really shine. Some twists felt a little abrupt or came out of left field, but the central mystery remained engaging enough to keep me listening.
Overall, this was a solid three-star read. The atmospheric Michigan setting and intriguing premise carried the story, even if the pacing and structure didn’t always come together as smoothly as I had hoped.
Who should read this?
* Readers who enjoy psychological suspense with multiple POVs.
* Fans of small-town mysteries where grief and family secrets drive the story.
* Anyone who loves novels with a richly developed regional setting, especially if you have a soft spot for Michigan and the Great Lakes.
Thank you to Libro.fm for the gifted audiobook through their influencer program.
If you enjoy atmospheric psychological thrillers where the setting feels just as important as the mystery itself, Objects in Lakes is worth adding to your list.
The story follows a married couple still reeling from the tragic drowning of their four-year-old daughter on the Fourth of July two years earlier. When another body is discovered in the same lake, old wounds are reopened, and they begin to question whether their daughter’s death was truly an accident—or if something more sinister has been lurking beneath the surface all along.
One of this novel’s greatest strengths is its sense of place. Rachel Ramos brings Michigan vividly to life through local landmarks, familiar businesses, regional traditions, and even the little details—like everyone calling it “pop” instead of soda. If you live in the Great Lakes region or simply love books with immersive settings, you’ll appreciate how authentic the backdrop feels.
The story is told through multiple points of view, which is usually something I enjoy in thrillers. In this case, though, the execution felt a bit uneven. Some chapters revisited the same emotional beats without moving the story forward, while other plot threads felt underdeveloped or weren’t fully explained. I originally wondered if that was a byproduct of the audiobook format, but after revisiting parts of the story, I felt the same way.
Even so, Ramos is a talented writer, and there are several moments where the emotional weight and suspense really shine. Some twists felt a little abrupt or came out of left field, but the central mystery remained engaging enough to keep me listening.
Overall, this was a solid three-star read. The atmospheric Michigan setting and intriguing premise carried the story, even if the pacing and structure didn’t always come together as smoothly as I had hoped.
Who should read this?
* Readers who enjoy psychological suspense with multiple POVs.
* Fans of small-town mysteries where grief and family secrets drive the story.
* Anyone who loves novels with a richly developed regional setting, especially if you have a soft spot for Michigan and the Great Lakes.
Thank you to Libro.fm for the gifted audiobook through their influencer program.
May 10, 2026
3.75 stars
“We all navigate the same dark waters, sometimes crossing lines we shouldn’t…anyone can justify pretty much anything as long as it sits right in their own moral gray area.”
This is the second book I’ve read recently about the duality of good and evil in people. This one further asks how well we know people - especially those who we think we know well - and what secrets and betrayals they may be hiding.
This domestic suspense mystery moves between 2016 (when Olive’s four-year-old daughter drowns in the neighbourhood lake) and 2023 (when another body is found in the same lake) and is largely from the main character’s (Olive) POV, though some chapters are from her husband’s perspective.
It’s a character-driven, slow-burn read (with an unexpected reveal at the end) about grief, loss, addiction, and healing after trauma. This is a read with depth and there are quite a few weighty issues dealt with so be aware of that. The author indicated in the acknowledgment that this is a very personal story for her and that came through clearly.
Recommended for those seeking depth with their domestic suspense reads.
Thanks to the publisher for the complimentary digital copy. All opinions are my own.
“We all navigate the same dark waters, sometimes crossing lines we shouldn’t…anyone can justify pretty much anything as long as it sits right in their own moral gray area.”
This is the second book I’ve read recently about the duality of good and evil in people. This one further asks how well we know people - especially those who we think we know well - and what secrets and betrayals they may be hiding.
This domestic suspense mystery moves between 2016 (when Olive’s four-year-old daughter drowns in the neighbourhood lake) and 2023 (when another body is found in the same lake) and is largely from the main character’s (Olive) POV, though some chapters are from her husband’s perspective.
It’s a character-driven, slow-burn read (with an unexpected reveal at the end) about grief, loss, addiction, and healing after trauma. This is a read with depth and there are quite a few weighty issues dealt with so be aware of that. The author indicated in the acknowledgment that this is a very personal story for her and that came through clearly.
Recommended for those seeking depth with their domestic suspense reads.
Thanks to the publisher for the complimentary digital copy. All opinions are my own.
July 2, 2026
Wow, this book got me out of my terrible reading slump! So many Michigan references: sleeping bear dunes, Grand Rapids, ope!, going to Meijer, built Ford tough, the Detroit Lions, Traverse City. Reading about Duck Lake really had me imagining the lakes I’m lucky to call home. Coincidentally, I met the author, Rachael Ramas, and her awesome family at the author meet and greet at Schuler’s book store. Rachael was so incredibly kind, and she signed my book! If you’re looking for an addicting summer thriller with Michigan lake vibes, Objects in Lakes should be your next read!
June 18, 2026
I’ve been saving this one to read at my lake cabin since I knew the vibes would be at an all time high 🙌
🌊 This was a fast-paced psychological suspense novel set on a Midwestern lake!
I love thrillers about a group of neighbors because there are always so many secrets lurking beyond the surface, just waiting to be revealed.
I enjoyed how the past and present converged as the Duck Lake residents experience another tragic drowning. With the circumstances being eerily similar to the night Olive lost her daughter, she’s determined to find out if they are connected.
This story takes place on the 4th of July! You still have time to add it to your vacation TBRs 🎇🌊
🌊 This was a fast-paced psychological suspense novel set on a Midwestern lake!
I love thrillers about a group of neighbors because there are always so many secrets lurking beyond the surface, just waiting to be revealed.
I enjoyed how the past and present converged as the Duck Lake residents experience another tragic drowning. With the circumstances being eerily similar to the night Olive lost her daughter, she’s determined to find out if they are connected.
This story takes place on the 4th of July! You still have time to add it to your vacation TBRs 🎇🌊
January 13, 2026
I got an ARC for this book and I am so glad I did!
Objects In Lakes is a psychological thriller that shows the journey one goes through with experiencing extreme grief and trauma. Olive has been through some horrible experiences from childhood all the way to adulthood. From having an alcoholic father, losing her child on the Fourth of July, diving into dealing with it through over use of medications, then 7 years later another death the same way as her daughters just shakes something loose in her. Things start not making sense and she sets out on an adventure to uncover the truth. Her transformation of self healing, digging deeper to understand herself and the people around her is just amazing and honestly it was so empowering to read! She uncovers the truth finally and confronts what has been haunting her all these years. And along the way uncovering so many secrets from her seemingly perfect neighborhood! Who can she trust? What memories can she trust? Was the entire truth hidden the entire time? Who else will find their end at Duck Lake?
This was an amazing book and I am so happy that I got to experience this book! I seriously could not put it down and it will be a book that stays with me for a long time! I will never not recommend this book! It’s a psychological thriller but with so much depth and discovery within its pages!
Objects In Lakes is a psychological thriller that shows the journey one goes through with experiencing extreme grief and trauma. Olive has been through some horrible experiences from childhood all the way to adulthood. From having an alcoholic father, losing her child on the Fourth of July, diving into dealing with it through over use of medications, then 7 years later another death the same way as her daughters just shakes something loose in her. Things start not making sense and she sets out on an adventure to uncover the truth. Her transformation of self healing, digging deeper to understand herself and the people around her is just amazing and honestly it was so empowering to read! She uncovers the truth finally and confronts what has been haunting her all these years. And along the way uncovering so many secrets from her seemingly perfect neighborhood! Who can she trust? What memories can she trust? Was the entire truth hidden the entire time? Who else will find their end at Duck Lake?
This was an amazing book and I am so happy that I got to experience this book! I seriously could not put it down and it will be a book that stays with me for a long time! I will never not recommend this book! It’s a psychological thriller but with so much depth and discovery within its pages!
March 4, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the Arc of Objects in Lakes in exchange for an honest review.
We follow Olive, a mother, who is struggling to come to terms with the sudden and tragic accident which amounted to her daughter’s death. Although the more she reflects the sooner she realises what was portrayed as an accident could have had a more sinister undertone.
I was really intrigued when I read the synopsis for this novel. It reads as drama filled with secrets and mysterious where readers are left unsure who to trust. While some elements of this are present, I felt the story fell a little flat.
The cast of characters; while out the gate seems large, very quickly boils down to a few main stake characters. This is nice as it doesn’t confuse the reader but it also limits potential storylines. Initially we get tidbits of all the neighbours which sparked my interest and excited me for future reveals only for these to be either quickly revealed or these particularly neighbours side boarded and pushed to the side. The ‘secrets’ we did get, I felt were predictable and underwhelming.
Pacing in this felt extremely sluggish, I felt as though I spent a great deal of time reading a book I would normally finish in a few days. I think a main reason of this was I struggled to connect with Olive. Richie while obviously flawed and painted to be the obvious villain, was my favourite character to read. His POV were really interesting and I feel propelled the storyline in ways Olives chapters didn’t. I wanted to read more through his view as I feel that’s where the most exciting exposition was. I was also under the impression the reader was supposed to trust and like Colin. I couldn’t warm to his character at all. I found interactions between Olive and him, stilted and slightly uncomfortable. I also really disliked the retreat portion of the book and the experimental substances used to recall memories. In my opinion this came from complete left field and really took me out of the book. I thought it was far fetched and wished for a more tactful approach to information gathering like the beginning of the novel.
Finally the ending and epilogue, as mentioned I could see the ending coming early on. Richie is painted as a villain and I expected nothing less. But the ending, in contradiction to the rest of the book, felt so rushed. Which shattered the impact the ending was meant to have with the reader.
And while I love a surprise reveal in an epilogue I couldn’t help but be confused. We had barely any interaction with Landon so this shock reveal felt bittersweet.
While I love the messaging in this novel; a mother healing through grief and addiction I was disappointed in the overall execution. Some nice elements there but I sadly wouldn’t recommend.
We follow Olive, a mother, who is struggling to come to terms with the sudden and tragic accident which amounted to her daughter’s death. Although the more she reflects the sooner she realises what was portrayed as an accident could have had a more sinister undertone.
I was really intrigued when I read the synopsis for this novel. It reads as drama filled with secrets and mysterious where readers are left unsure who to trust. While some elements of this are present, I felt the story fell a little flat.
The cast of characters; while out the gate seems large, very quickly boils down to a few main stake characters. This is nice as it doesn’t confuse the reader but it also limits potential storylines. Initially we get tidbits of all the neighbours which sparked my interest and excited me for future reveals only for these to be either quickly revealed or these particularly neighbours side boarded and pushed to the side. The ‘secrets’ we did get, I felt were predictable and underwhelming.
Pacing in this felt extremely sluggish, I felt as though I spent a great deal of time reading a book I would normally finish in a few days. I think a main reason of this was I struggled to connect with Olive. Richie while obviously flawed and painted to be the obvious villain, was my favourite character to read. His POV were really interesting and I feel propelled the storyline in ways Olives chapters didn’t. I wanted to read more through his view as I feel that’s where the most exciting exposition was. I was also under the impression the reader was supposed to trust and like Colin. I couldn’t warm to his character at all. I found interactions between Olive and him, stilted and slightly uncomfortable. I also really disliked the retreat portion of the book and the experimental substances used to recall memories. In my opinion this came from complete left field and really took me out of the book. I thought it was far fetched and wished for a more tactful approach to information gathering like the beginning of the novel.
Finally the ending and epilogue, as mentioned I could see the ending coming early on. Richie is painted as a villain and I expected nothing less. But the ending, in contradiction to the rest of the book, felt so rushed. Which shattered the impact the ending was meant to have with the reader.
And while I love a surprise reveal in an epilogue I couldn’t help but be confused. We had barely any interaction with Landon so this shock reveal felt bittersweet.
While I love the messaging in this novel; a mother healing through grief and addiction I was disappointed in the overall execution. Some nice elements there but I sadly wouldn’t recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2026
I was excited for this to be a thriller set in Michigan but all of the Michigan references were so obnoxiously over the top, like no one drinks vernors on a regular basis and why do we need to specifically know the character needs to go to Meijer 🙄 otherwise the plot was really drawn out and the theme of grief felt larger than the thriller aspect of it.
July 2, 2026
I’m confused by the high ratings. This was a hot pile of garbage. Semi-spoilers ahead - Started out with an interesting premise and then introduced tons of awful, unlikable characters. There were so many red herrings, it was hard to keep track - I mean we have adultery, cancer, brain tumors, fraud, weird retreats in the woods with questionable beverages, addiction. The “twist” was an obvious there may as well have been a flashing sign beside the character’s name.
October 28, 2025
Easily one of my favorite psychological thrillers ever. When I read this book, it was like watching a movie in my head. The details, the plot, the characters, it’s all so good. I highly recommend this book to anyone!
August 28, 2026
2.5*
When Olive’s four-year-old daughter drowns in the lake during a July 4th party with their neighbours, it’s treated as a tragic accident. Years later, when a neighbour is found dead in a similar fashion, Olive starts to question her recollection of that night—and whether her daughter’s death was actually an accident.
Everyone is suspicious, and Olive’s memories aren’t quite adding up. You can tell that every neighbour is hiding something, and even within her own home, her husband Richie seems to be withholding information.
The story is told through alternating POVs between Olive and Richie, which I liked. I also really liked the premise, and the story started off intriguing, but unfortunately, the mystery itself just kind of fell flat for me.
I’m not sure if it was the pacing or something else, but by the time we got to the big revelation, I almost didn’t even care anymore? For a mystery, this one just didn’t have me on the edge of my seat the way I wanted it to.
When Olive’s four-year-old daughter drowns in the lake during a July 4th party with their neighbours, it’s treated as a tragic accident. Years later, when a neighbour is found dead in a similar fashion, Olive starts to question her recollection of that night—and whether her daughter’s death was actually an accident.
Everyone is suspicious, and Olive’s memories aren’t quite adding up. You can tell that every neighbour is hiding something, and even within her own home, her husband Richie seems to be withholding information.
The story is told through alternating POVs between Olive and Richie, which I liked. I also really liked the premise, and the story started off intriguing, but unfortunately, the mystery itself just kind of fell flat for me.
I’m not sure if it was the pacing or something else, but by the time we got to the big revelation, I almost didn’t even care anymore? For a mystery, this one just didn’t have me on the edge of my seat the way I wanted it to.
June 23, 2026
This was such a twisty read, with so much depth and heartbreak. Even though this book was out of my normal genre, I could not put it down! Also, it was so much fun to read a book set in Michigan with all of the local references.
I loved following Olive's journey and was rooting for her the entire time. The twists keep coming and there's plenty of blame/death to go around. The end was both satisfying and shocking. Highly recommend this debut thriller!
I loved following Olive's journey and was rooting for her the entire time. The twists keep coming and there's plenty of blame/death to go around. The end was both satisfying and shocking. Highly recommend this debut thriller!
July 6, 2026
A solid suspense novel with an intriguing whodunit that keeps you guessing—not just who did it, but why. Add in wealthy family drama, secrets, and lies, and it makes for a compelling mystery.
The dual narration by Rob Brinkmann and Megan Tusing was excellent and really helped bring the story to life.
There are heavier themes woven throughout, including childhood illness and death, but the story never felt overwhelmingly heavy. Overall, it gave perfect Fourth of July mystery vibes with just the right amount of emotional weight.
The dual narration by Rob Brinkmann and Megan Tusing was excellent and really helped bring the story to life.
There are heavier themes woven throughout, including childhood illness and death, but the story never felt overwhelmingly heavy. Overall, it gave perfect Fourth of July mystery vibes with just the right amount of emotional weight.
July 6, 2026
The audiobook was great and made the storytelling feel so real. So many people and personalities it made you question who really did it.
July 23, 2026
3.5⭐️. Thank you to libro.fm and the publisher for the gifted audiobook.
July 25, 2026
What was the last 40% of this book?? The retreat and the raccoons just seemed so ridiculous. It felt like this was a good story but the author had no idea how to tie it all together
August 10, 2026
3.5 stars! It was fun to read a local read. Lots of places I've been to mentioned. It got a little boring, but...Did NOT see the ending coming at all!
June 10, 2026
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (2.5/5)
Objects in Lakes started out strong and immediately grabbed my attention. The opening chapters hooked me right away, and I was excited to see where the story was going. Unfortunately, after the first 25% or so, the pacing slowed down considerably and the plot felt incredibly drawn out.
There were many sections that seemed repetitive, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged. It became one of those books that was hard to pick back up after setting it down because the story moved so slowly. While the atmosphere and mystery were interesting, I felt like the book spent too much time circling around the same ideas before finally getting to the point.
That being said, the major twist at the end was genuinely shocking and definitely caught me off guard. It was the strongest part of the book and helped redeem some of the slower sections. If you’re someone who enjoys a very slow-burn psychological thriller, you may appreciate the journey more than I did.
Overall, Objects in Lakes had a promising start and a memorable ending, but the long, drawn-out middle made it difficult for me to stay invested. The final reveal was surprising enough to earn it some extra points, but the pacing issues kept this from being a standout read for me. 2.5 out of 5 stars.
Objects in Lakes started out strong and immediately grabbed my attention. The opening chapters hooked me right away, and I was excited to see where the story was going. Unfortunately, after the first 25% or so, the pacing slowed down considerably and the plot felt incredibly drawn out.
There were many sections that seemed repetitive, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged. It became one of those books that was hard to pick back up after setting it down because the story moved so slowly. While the atmosphere and mystery were interesting, I felt like the book spent too much time circling around the same ideas before finally getting to the point.
That being said, the major twist at the end was genuinely shocking and definitely caught me off guard. It was the strongest part of the book and helped redeem some of the slower sections. If you’re someone who enjoys a very slow-burn psychological thriller, you may appreciate the journey more than I did.
Overall, Objects in Lakes had a promising start and a memorable ending, but the long, drawn-out middle made it difficult for me to stay invested. The final reveal was surprising enough to earn it some extra points, but the pacing issues kept this from being a standout read for me. 2.5 out of 5 stars.
July 17, 2026
A body in the lake on the Fourth of July. Again.
Seven years ago, Olive and Richie’s four-year-old daughter drowned during their neighborhood’s big Fourth of July party on Duck Lake, Michigan. Olive has spent every day since numb with grief and pills while her oncologist husband thrives in the spotlight. Now it’s the Fourth of July again, and another body comes out of the lake. This time it’s a neighbor, a former NFL star with demons of his own. And suddenly Olive can’t stop asking questions about the night her daughter died.
My honest take as a retired librarian who has read a LOT of these: this is a solid debut. Entertaining, well paced, twisty, with a satisfying ending. Olive is a complex lead, and the backstories in this picture perfect neighborhood kept me interested. Did it break new ground? No. There were a couple of slow spots, and Richie is your standard issue pompous doctor. But for a debut? Impressive. I’ll be watching what Ramas does next.
The dual narration by Rob Brinkman and Megan Tusing really made this one pop on audio. If you’re deciding between formats, go audio.
This one perfect for readers who love psychological thrillers, domestic suspense, and family drama. Fans of Shari Lapena and Stacy Willingham, this is one you should check out. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Simon Audio for the gifted early listen.
Seven years ago, Olive and Richie’s four-year-old daughter drowned during their neighborhood’s big Fourth of July party on Duck Lake, Michigan. Olive has spent every day since numb with grief and pills while her oncologist husband thrives in the spotlight. Now it’s the Fourth of July again, and another body comes out of the lake. This time it’s a neighbor, a former NFL star with demons of his own. And suddenly Olive can’t stop asking questions about the night her daughter died.
My honest take as a retired librarian who has read a LOT of these: this is a solid debut. Entertaining, well paced, twisty, with a satisfying ending. Olive is a complex lead, and the backstories in this picture perfect neighborhood kept me interested. Did it break new ground? No. There were a couple of slow spots, and Richie is your standard issue pompous doctor. But for a debut? Impressive. I’ll be watching what Ramas does next.
The dual narration by Rob Brinkman and Megan Tusing really made this one pop on audio. If you’re deciding between formats, go audio.
This one perfect for readers who love psychological thrillers, domestic suspense, and family drama. Fans of Shari Lapena and Stacy Willingham, this is one you should check out. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Simon Audio for the gifted early listen.
July 26, 2026
Seven years after a young girl’s drowning is ruled an accident, another body is found in the same lake, forcing Olive to confront the truth about what really happened that night.
Olive’s journey is a powerful reminder that grief can shape every part of a person’s life. Seven years after losing her daughter, her trauma continues to influence her relationships, her decisions, and her search for the truth. I appreciated that the novel didn’t rush her healing. Instead, it showed that grief isn’t something we simply “get over”—it’s something many people learn to carry.
I really enjoyed the premise and the small-town setting. While I guessed a few of the twists, there were still some surprises that kept me invested. The ending took a turn that wasn’t completely for me, but overall this was an engaging domestic thriller.
The dual narration was a highlight. Megan Tusing brought so much emotion to Olive’s perspective, while Rob Brinkmann was a solid fit for Richie’s polished, affluent demeanor. If you’re deciding between formats, I’d recommend the audiobook for the dual narration alone.
Thank you Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse, Simon Maverick, and Libro.fm for advanced copies in exchange for my honest review.
Olive’s journey is a powerful reminder that grief can shape every part of a person’s life. Seven years after losing her daughter, her trauma continues to influence her relationships, her decisions, and her search for the truth. I appreciated that the novel didn’t rush her healing. Instead, it showed that grief isn’t something we simply “get over”—it’s something many people learn to carry.
I really enjoyed the premise and the small-town setting. While I guessed a few of the twists, there were still some surprises that kept me invested. The ending took a turn that wasn’t completely for me, but overall this was an engaging domestic thriller.
The dual narration was a highlight. Megan Tusing brought so much emotion to Olive’s perspective, while Rob Brinkmann was a solid fit for Richie’s polished, affluent demeanor. If you’re deciding between formats, I’d recommend the audiobook for the dual narration alone.
Thank you Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse, Simon Maverick, and Libro.fm for advanced copies in exchange for my honest review.
August 10, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
October 22, 2025
WOW talk about a book that has you hooked from the first chapter. Pacing was flawless & every twist hit harder than the last. The characters felt real and flawed in the best way, pulling me deeper into their secrets and motives. The tension built steadily until the final reveal, which was both shocking and completely satisfying. If you love a book that makes your pulse race - Objects in Lakes is a MUST READ.
October 22, 2025
I received an advance reader copy of this book, and from the very first page, it had me hooked. It’s an intense, deeply human look at how we break and rebuild after trauma. The protagonist’s transformation hit me hard…it felt raw, real, and oddly empowering. And as someone who knows the Midwest well, the familiar Michigan references and phrases made it all feel that much closer to home. A stunning debut that’s going to stay with me for a long time.
August 7, 2026
Would recommend only if you’re trying to prepare for Michigan trivia. The name/landmark dropping was tiring. More time with regionalism detailing and not enough building a story.
March 20, 2026
This book is available on June 2nd and I’m lucky enough to get to read an ARC! A great summer book as the story opens at a 4th of July party where Richie and Olivia lose their child. The story picks up seven years later where the family is heartbroken, especially Olivia. She doesn’t really remember wha happened that night and feels guilty for letting others watch her girl. Richie appears to have moved on and is having a great career. As the reader gets into the book the secrets start to come out. Told in dual timeline, this book has me following the family, their neighbors, and everyone at the party very closely because you never know who is lying.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
You know those glossy lake towns where everyone smiles too hard, the houses look like a Pottery Barn catalog exploded, and every Fourth of July involves fireworks, boat drinks, and someone saying “we’re like family here”? Yeah. That’s exactly the kind of place where a horrifying secret would absolutely fester for years while everyone politely pretends nothing weird is happening.
Welcome to Objects in Lakes, where the vibes are idyllic but the emotional damage is industrial strength.
Seven years before the story starts, Olive Wentworth’s four year old daughter drowns during a Fourth of July party at their home on Duck Lake. Fireworks in the sky, neighbors everywhere, and suddenly the worst nightmare imaginable. The death is ruled an accident and the town collectively decides, yes, tragedy, very sad, let’s never examine this again and instead return to grilling hot dogs like emotionally repressed champions.
Except Olive does not move on. Not even a little. When we meet her years later, she is deep in grief, medicated into a fog, and barely existing in a life that clearly shattered the night her daughter died. And listen, Olive is messy. She’s not a cool thriller heroine with perfect instincts and a Pinterest board for revenge. She’s numb, fragile, sometimes erratic, and deeply haunted by what she can’t remember about that night.
Meanwhile her husband Richie is out here living a completely different movie. Richie is a successful oncologist, admired, respected, thriving. His reputation in town is basically sparkling like a dentist commercial. And the emotional gap between him and Olive is so wide you could park a yacht in it. Their marriage feels like two people quietly orbiting the same tragedy while dealing with it in wildly incompatible ways.
Then Duck Lake decides to stir the pot in the most chaotic way possible and coughs up another body right before another Fourth of July. And suddenly the past starts knocking on the door like a very persistent ghost.
What I loved about this book is how it leans into that creeping suspicion that everyone in this “perfect” neighborhood knows more than they’re saying. Olive starts questioning what really happened the night her daughter died, and the deeper she digs, the more the story everyone accepted starts to wobble. Memories feel unreliable. People feel shifty. And the town’s commitment to keeping things polite starts to feel deeply sinister.
Also, the lake itself? Absolute menace. The author writes Duck Lake like it’s quietly judging everyone. Calm, reflective, beautiful on the surface, but clearly holding onto things that were never meant to come back up. The setting does a ton of heavy lifting here, giving the story this eerie, simmering tension where you constantly feel like something ugly is lurking under the postcard aesthetic.
Olive’s journey is really the emotional spine of the book. Watching her claw her way through grief, addiction, guilt, and fractured memories is messy and painful in a way that feels very real. She’s trying to figure out not just what happened to her daughter, but whether the version of events she’s been living with for seven years is even true.
And as the layers peel back, the story starts poking at bigger things too. Reputation. Power. The way communities protect certain people because believing in them feels safer than facing the alternative. Basically, this town runs on casseroles and denial.
The suspense builds slowly, but it’s the kind of tension where you start side eyeing literally everyone. Neighbors, friends, husbands, that one person who always seems a little too calm about everything. By the time the truth starts surfacing, it lands with real emotional weight because the book has spent so much time building the psychological fallout around that original tragedy.
Objects in Lakes isn’t a flashy twist machine. It’s moodier, more psychological, and very interested in grief and memory and the lies people tell themselves to survive. But when the story finally pulls everything together, it hits with that quiet, unsettling punch that lingers after you close the book.
Four stars from me, and also a brand new distrust of serene lakeside communities.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Suspicious of Every Single “Perfect” Lake House Couple
Huge thanks to Rising Action Publishing Co and NetGalley for the ARC. Y’all really said, “Here’s some lakeside trauma and neighborhood secrets, have fun,” and honestly… I did. My trust in cheerful Fourth of July parties may never recover.
Welcome to Objects in Lakes, where the vibes are idyllic but the emotional damage is industrial strength.
Seven years before the story starts, Olive Wentworth’s four year old daughter drowns during a Fourth of July party at their home on Duck Lake. Fireworks in the sky, neighbors everywhere, and suddenly the worst nightmare imaginable. The death is ruled an accident and the town collectively decides, yes, tragedy, very sad, let’s never examine this again and instead return to grilling hot dogs like emotionally repressed champions.
Except Olive does not move on. Not even a little. When we meet her years later, she is deep in grief, medicated into a fog, and barely existing in a life that clearly shattered the night her daughter died. And listen, Olive is messy. She’s not a cool thriller heroine with perfect instincts and a Pinterest board for revenge. She’s numb, fragile, sometimes erratic, and deeply haunted by what she can’t remember about that night.
Meanwhile her husband Richie is out here living a completely different movie. Richie is a successful oncologist, admired, respected, thriving. His reputation in town is basically sparkling like a dentist commercial. And the emotional gap between him and Olive is so wide you could park a yacht in it. Their marriage feels like two people quietly orbiting the same tragedy while dealing with it in wildly incompatible ways.
Then Duck Lake decides to stir the pot in the most chaotic way possible and coughs up another body right before another Fourth of July. And suddenly the past starts knocking on the door like a very persistent ghost.
What I loved about this book is how it leans into that creeping suspicion that everyone in this “perfect” neighborhood knows more than they’re saying. Olive starts questioning what really happened the night her daughter died, and the deeper she digs, the more the story everyone accepted starts to wobble. Memories feel unreliable. People feel shifty. And the town’s commitment to keeping things polite starts to feel deeply sinister.
Also, the lake itself? Absolute menace. The author writes Duck Lake like it’s quietly judging everyone. Calm, reflective, beautiful on the surface, but clearly holding onto things that were never meant to come back up. The setting does a ton of heavy lifting here, giving the story this eerie, simmering tension where you constantly feel like something ugly is lurking under the postcard aesthetic.
Olive’s journey is really the emotional spine of the book. Watching her claw her way through grief, addiction, guilt, and fractured memories is messy and painful in a way that feels very real. She’s trying to figure out not just what happened to her daughter, but whether the version of events she’s been living with for seven years is even true.
And as the layers peel back, the story starts poking at bigger things too. Reputation. Power. The way communities protect certain people because believing in them feels safer than facing the alternative. Basically, this town runs on casseroles and denial.
The suspense builds slowly, but it’s the kind of tension where you start side eyeing literally everyone. Neighbors, friends, husbands, that one person who always seems a little too calm about everything. By the time the truth starts surfacing, it lands with real emotional weight because the book has spent so much time building the psychological fallout around that original tragedy.
Objects in Lakes isn’t a flashy twist machine. It’s moodier, more psychological, and very interested in grief and memory and the lies people tell themselves to survive. But when the story finally pulls everything together, it hits with that quiet, unsettling punch that lingers after you close the book.
Four stars from me, and also a brand new distrust of serene lakeside communities.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Suspicious of Every Single “Perfect” Lake House Couple
Huge thanks to Rising Action Publishing Co and NetGalley for the ARC. Y’all really said, “Here’s some lakeside trauma and neighborhood secrets, have fun,” and honestly… I did. My trust in cheerful Fourth of July parties may never recover.
Review of advance copy
4.5 stars!
As someone new to this author, I was immediately drawn to the cover. This approach has always been a fantastic way for me to discover new writers.
On July 4th, the Wentworth family's life is upended when their daughter drowns, ruled accidental. Seven years later, as Olive grapples with grief and addiction, a new body surfaces, hinting that her daughter's death may not have been an accident. As Olive investigates her seemingly perfect neighborhood, she uncovers dark secrets that threaten her husband Richie's career and the community's facade, forcing her to confront the lengths others will go to hide the truth...
The story unfolds through a dual timeline, allowing us to peel back the layers of the mystery with each chapter. Our main character, Olive, is grappling with fragmented memories of her past. As she embarks on a journey to uncover what truly happened, we witness the steps she takes along the way. The characters' emotional development is gradual but impactful, enabling readers to connect with their experiences and understand the depth of their grief. While the primary perspective is from Olive, we also gain insights into Richie’s point of view.
Olive's quest is both heartbreaking and gut-wrenching as she goes to great lengths to uncover hidden truths and lies surrounding her daughter’s final day. I didn’t anticipate the direction this story would take, and the ending was mind-bending, revealing just how little we know until the pieces fall into place. The twists were cleverly concealed, and I found myself in awe of the author’s writing style. Even though the pace was slow at times, I was completely captivated and needed to know what would happen next!
This dark, character-driven narrative will resonate with a wide range of readers, but it's worth noting that those who are sensitive to themes of grief, child death, and addiction might want to approach it with caution. The lake-town setting creates a deeply atmospheric vibe that pulls you in. It's moody and serves as a slow-burning thriller with domestic suspense. I can imagine this book sparking great discussions in book clubs, as there's so much to unpack!
This book is perfect for anyone who appreciates a slow and steady pace, emotionally layered thrillers with morally ambiguous characters, and well-concealed secrets within a small lake community. It allows you to explore themes of grief, motherhood, complicated marriages, and the imperfections of a seemingly idyllic neighborhood, where everyone has their secrets. I truly hope this book catches your attention because I feel the need to sit and fully absorb this masterpiece. Bravo!
Huge thank you to @thrillerbookloversthepulse for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As someone new to this author, I was immediately drawn to the cover. This approach has always been a fantastic way for me to discover new writers.
On July 4th, the Wentworth family's life is upended when their daughter drowns, ruled accidental. Seven years later, as Olive grapples with grief and addiction, a new body surfaces, hinting that her daughter's death may not have been an accident. As Olive investigates her seemingly perfect neighborhood, she uncovers dark secrets that threaten her husband Richie's career and the community's facade, forcing her to confront the lengths others will go to hide the truth...
The story unfolds through a dual timeline, allowing us to peel back the layers of the mystery with each chapter. Our main character, Olive, is grappling with fragmented memories of her past. As she embarks on a journey to uncover what truly happened, we witness the steps she takes along the way. The characters' emotional development is gradual but impactful, enabling readers to connect with their experiences and understand the depth of their grief. While the primary perspective is from Olive, we also gain insights into Richie’s point of view.
Olive's quest is both heartbreaking and gut-wrenching as she goes to great lengths to uncover hidden truths and lies surrounding her daughter’s final day. I didn’t anticipate the direction this story would take, and the ending was mind-bending, revealing just how little we know until the pieces fall into place. The twists were cleverly concealed, and I found myself in awe of the author’s writing style. Even though the pace was slow at times, I was completely captivated and needed to know what would happen next!
This dark, character-driven narrative will resonate with a wide range of readers, but it's worth noting that those who are sensitive to themes of grief, child death, and addiction might want to approach it with caution. The lake-town setting creates a deeply atmospheric vibe that pulls you in. It's moody and serves as a slow-burning thriller with domestic suspense. I can imagine this book sparking great discussions in book clubs, as there's so much to unpack!
This book is perfect for anyone who appreciates a slow and steady pace, emotionally layered thrillers with morally ambiguous characters, and well-concealed secrets within a small lake community. It allows you to explore themes of grief, motherhood, complicated marriages, and the imperfections of a seemingly idyllic neighborhood, where everyone has their secrets. I truly hope this book catches your attention because I feel the need to sit and fully absorb this masterpiece. Bravo!
Huge thank you to @thrillerbookloversthepulse for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Objects in Lakes is a haunting, atmospheric domestic suspense that lingers like mist over dark water. From the opening pages, the novel captures the quiet ache of grief and the unsettling sense that a community’s polished surface is hiding something far more dangerous beneath.
The story centres on Olive, a woman still hollowed out by the loss of her four‑year‑old daughter seven years earlier. Her grief is rendered with painful clarity—muted, medicated, and ever‑present. In contrast, her husband Richie thrives, his career flourishing even as their marriage quietly fractures. That imbalance becomes one of the book’s most compelling tensions, especially as the Fourth of July approaches and the lake gives up another body.
The setting is beautifully drawn: a seemingly idyllic Midwestern lakeside town where everyone smiles, everyone knows everyone, and everyone has something to lose. The author uses this environment to great effect, creating a sense of claustrophobia beneath the sunshine and fireworks. The lake itself becomes a character—still, watchful, and holding more than one secret.
As Olive begins to question the past, the story shifts into a gripping investigation of memory, guilt, and the lies people tell to protect themselves. Each revelation peels back another layer of the community, exposing infidelity, manipulation, and long‑buried resentments. The suspense builds steadily, and the emotional stakes feel raw and real, especially as Olive is forced to confront the possibility that her daughter’s death was not an accident.
The novel handles its difficult themes—grief, child loss, addiction, betrayal—with sensitivity. It never sensationalises the trauma at its core, instead focusing on the emotional truth of a woman trying to reclaim her life while facing the darkest possibilities of her past.
Tense, evocative, and deeply human, Objects in Lakes is a compelling exploration of what happens when the past refuses to stay submerged. A powerful read for fans of atmospheric, character‑driven suspense.
With thanks to Rachael Ramas, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The story centres on Olive, a woman still hollowed out by the loss of her four‑year‑old daughter seven years earlier. Her grief is rendered with painful clarity—muted, medicated, and ever‑present. In contrast, her husband Richie thrives, his career flourishing even as their marriage quietly fractures. That imbalance becomes one of the book’s most compelling tensions, especially as the Fourth of July approaches and the lake gives up another body.
The setting is beautifully drawn: a seemingly idyllic Midwestern lakeside town where everyone smiles, everyone knows everyone, and everyone has something to lose. The author uses this environment to great effect, creating a sense of claustrophobia beneath the sunshine and fireworks. The lake itself becomes a character—still, watchful, and holding more than one secret.
As Olive begins to question the past, the story shifts into a gripping investigation of memory, guilt, and the lies people tell to protect themselves. Each revelation peels back another layer of the community, exposing infidelity, manipulation, and long‑buried resentments. The suspense builds steadily, and the emotional stakes feel raw and real, especially as Olive is forced to confront the possibility that her daughter’s death was not an accident.
The novel handles its difficult themes—grief, child loss, addiction, betrayal—with sensitivity. It never sensationalises the trauma at its core, instead focusing on the emotional truth of a woman trying to reclaim her life while facing the darkest possibilities of her past.
Tense, evocative, and deeply human, Objects in Lakes is a compelling exploration of what happens when the past refuses to stay submerged. A powerful read for fans of atmospheric, character‑driven suspense.
With thanks to Rachael Ramas, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
May 22, 2026
🎆 F A T A L F R I D A Y review & book tour 🎆 featuring “Objects in Lakes” by Rachael Ramas!
On the Fourth of July, the lives of the Wentworth family will never be the same again. The body of their 4 year old daughter Kate was found floating in Duck Lake, Michigan while the fireworks went off in celebration.
Richie and Olive have both tried to move on from the nightmare, but in very different directions. Richie is a well known and successful oncologist who is constantly in the spotlight and receiving awards for his breakthrough research. Meanwhile, Olive is dependent on pills just to get her through each day. She had dropped out of medical school early on to be a stay at home mom all those years ago. Olive has been internally deteriorating for years and feels lost and alone.
It’s now 7 years later, and another body is found in Duck Lake as the Fourth of July celebration approaches. Two drownings in a tight knit neighbourhood cannot be a coincidence … and now Olive is more determined than ever to get to the bottom of the drownings. As well as dig into the secrets of her neighbours …
“But what Olive was starting to come to terms with was that not all people in her small community were good people. They were people with secrets. And in small towns, there are no secrets that stay buried”.
💭 Wow, what a whirlwind of raw emotions: grief, guilt, heartbreak, betrayal and suspicion! At times this book was a punch to the gut and tore my heart out as I tried to keep my head above water. The picture perfect lakeside neighbourhood is a sinister facade that is full of fake smiles, fake friendships and fragmented narratives surrounding the night of Kate’s drowning. Dark and ominous like the open water surrounding them, secrets always have their way of resurfacing later on …
Thank you kindly to @rachaelramasauthor @risingactionpublishingco @thrillerbookloversthepulse for my advanced digital copy and spot on this book tour. All opinions are my own. This book releases on June 2, 2026!
On the Fourth of July, the lives of the Wentworth family will never be the same again. The body of their 4 year old daughter Kate was found floating in Duck Lake, Michigan while the fireworks went off in celebration.
Richie and Olive have both tried to move on from the nightmare, but in very different directions. Richie is a well known and successful oncologist who is constantly in the spotlight and receiving awards for his breakthrough research. Meanwhile, Olive is dependent on pills just to get her through each day. She had dropped out of medical school early on to be a stay at home mom all those years ago. Olive has been internally deteriorating for years and feels lost and alone.
It’s now 7 years later, and another body is found in Duck Lake as the Fourth of July celebration approaches. Two drownings in a tight knit neighbourhood cannot be a coincidence … and now Olive is more determined than ever to get to the bottom of the drownings. As well as dig into the secrets of her neighbours …
“But what Olive was starting to come to terms with was that not all people in her small community were good people. They were people with secrets. And in small towns, there are no secrets that stay buried”.
💭 Wow, what a whirlwind of raw emotions: grief, guilt, heartbreak, betrayal and suspicion! At times this book was a punch to the gut and tore my heart out as I tried to keep my head above water. The picture perfect lakeside neighbourhood is a sinister facade that is full of fake smiles, fake friendships and fragmented narratives surrounding the night of Kate’s drowning. Dark and ominous like the open water surrounding them, secrets always have their way of resurfacing later on …
Thank you kindly to @rachaelramasauthor @risingactionpublishingco @thrillerbookloversthepulse for my advanced digital copy and spot on this book tour. All opinions are my own. This book releases on June 2, 2026!
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