Objects in Lakes

by Rachael Ramas

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?

352 pages, Paperback

Expected publication June 2, 2026

About the author

Rachael 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.

Reviews

[Abby Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Christina Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to read an advanced review copy of Rachael Ramas's debut novel OBJECTS IN LAKES. It was one of the best books I've read in a long time. She transports you into every scene, making the reader feel like they are in the room with the characters. This book was an incredible psychological thriller, leaving the reader to guess who the killer is, right up to the epilogue of the book. I highly recommend!!

[Christina Naborczyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. I have read so many thrillers that I’ve found it’s easy to figure them out, but I could have never guessed how this one ended. This story was a journey full of twists and turns that I could have never seen coming. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book. I thoroughly enjoyed this read.

[Kristine Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Objects in Lakes completely pulled me in from the first page. It’s emotional and beautifully written. The suspense kept me hooked until the very end. I was lucky enough to read an advance copy. Easily a 5 star read.

[Carrie O'Maley Voliva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review forthcoming in Library Journal.