The Girl in the Lake

Holmes, Margaret & Poe #3

by James Patterson

The girl in the lake was never supposed to be found.

When her body surfaces in the frozen waters of Cayuga Lake, a note left on the body turns Brendan Holmes from private investigator to prime suspect.

With his name on the line and a deadly adversary closing in, Holmes and his partners – Margaret Marple and Auguste Poe – are forced back into a game they thought they’d escaped.

And this time, the rules have stop solving crimes… or be forced to commit them.

PRAISE FOR JAMES PATTERSON

‘Nobody does it better' JEFFERY DEAVER

'No one gets this big without amazing natural storytelling talent - which is what Jim has, in spades' LEE CHILD

'Patterson boils a scene down to the single, telling detail, the element that defines a character or moves a plot along. It's what fires off the movie projector in the reader's mind' MICHAEL CONNELLY

'James Patterson is The Boss' IAN RANKIN

‘One of the greatest storytellers of our time’ DAILY MAIL

'A writer with an unusual skill at thriller plotting.' GUARDIAN

Genres: Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Thriller, Crime, Adult Fiction

344 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 6, 2026

About the author

Official US Site
Official UK Site

James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, Michael Crichton, and Viola Davis, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great installment in the Holmes, Marple & Poe saga! This one finds the team in complete chaos as they continue to deal with Oliver Paul. They’re no longer the well-oiled machine they once were, with each of them struggling with their own personal issues. And, of course, Paul continues to wreak havoc on all of their lives.

I’ll admit, Holmes was a little unlikeable in this installment, which made some of her choices a bit frustrating. Still, the story was a roller coaster ride right up until the end!

I really do think these books need to be read as a series, though. This one especially doesn’t work well as a standalone, as there’s a lot of character and plot development carried over from the previous books.

Overall, another solid thriller with plenty of twists, tension, and chaos!

Thank you to Net Galley and Little, Brown and Company for gifting me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A body is pulled from a frozen river with a note pointing the finger at Holmes, what a way to hook the trader in!!

We are back with my favourite trio of sleuths, Marple, Poe and Holmes.. After the explosive .events of book 2, they are holed up in a secluded cabin in the woods in New York. They are still on the hunt for their nemesis Oliver Paul, and he certainly has it in for them all. He has his demands, now they must pay, or suffer the consequences.

I love these books. These 3 and the ones around them are so fun to read about. Helene is now heavily pregnant with twins, Margaret is learning about French cooking and the boys are attending AA meetings and therapy. The last thing they need is a psychotic killer on their tail.

The stakes are higher than than they have ever been, they must outsmart Paul before more lives are lost. It is intense and dangerous and I was there for it all.

I loved that we got to know each of our characters a little better in this book, they are so much more than private detectives with famous names. It is humorous and smart and these characters are just delightful. I powered though this book, with its short chapters and engaging story. And that ending… OMG!! Talk about leaving us hanging!

Published on October 6th, get it on your wish lists now. Thank you much to Little. Brown And Company for the early access to this book by one of my all time favourite authors. Easy 5 stars.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterclass in multiple plotlines that keep you invested in the story! It’s so layered with the mystery, and each character’s personal growth that it the feel immersive like your favorite shows. There’s so much drama, action, and the stakes are high! And don’t get me started on that very last line! OMG, when is the next book coming out? I’m invested in the lives of Holmes, Marple, and Poe.

How I feel about each character after reading The Girl In The Lake:

Holmes stressed me out, I wanted to shake some sense into him so many times, but I still love him and I’m rooting for him to get it together.

Marple I didn’t know it was possible to love her even more, but I do!

Poe is so much more complex than expected and I think he needs a hug ASAP.

Needless to say, I highly recommend this series.

Thank you for the advance copy, Little, Brown and Company, and the James Patterson team.

[Barbara · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

Margaret Marple, Auguste Poe, and Brendan Holmes take us on another wild ride!

There are new threats, demands, and promises from Oliver Paul, the foe who destroyed their headquarters in the city. They’ve taken refuge in a remote lodge in upstate New York and, along with dealing with Oliver Paul and a girl found frozen in the lake, there’s a lot going on in each of their personal lives. Margaret is dealing with heartbreak over Brendan and taking on a demanding cooking class, Auguste is dealing with his alcohol addiction and the impending birth of twins with his partner, Helene Grey, former NYPD detective, and Brendan is dealing with his heroin addiction. Assistant Virginia and her mastiff Baskerville are along for the ride.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Judy Odom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holmes, Marple and Poe are back in their most challenging and dangerous case yet.

The story is gripping from beginning to end and it will have you crossing your fingers, holding your breath and hoping for the best.

The locale has moved as the trio with all their drama have relocated to upstate New York in an old lodge.

When a body is pulled from a frozen lake with a note attached that points the finger at Holmes, the trio know that their nemesis Paul is back.

The drama takes a back seat as Poe and Holmes race against the clock to catch this diabolical killer who seems to be one step ahead of them.

Margaret is doing her own thing but dont fret she still has her finger in the pie.

The pages turn quickly , the chatpers are short and punchy that will have you saying just one more chapter.

Be warned, once you start reading, you wont be able to stop .

I should have walked my dog first - apologies to her.

Once again James Patterson and Brian Stitts are a formidable team and I cant wait to see what is next in story for Holmes, Margaret & Poe.

Thanks to NetGalley and Little Brown and Company for the absoulute privilege of reading and reviewing this heart pounding read.

[LindaPf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in Patterson's series of a detective trio, all who have the misfortune (?) of famous sleuthing surnames. But Brendan Holmes, Margaret Marple, and Auguste Poe, are no longer a cohesive detective agency in Manhattan. They are currently in the quaint Finger Lakes region of New York State, still hiding from the last installment’s serial killer, recovering from crippling addictions (Holmes/heroin, Poe/alcohol, Marple/heartbreak), and inserting themselves (at least the men) into the investigation of a young woman’s body being pulled from a frozen lake. It seems their nemesis, Oliver Paul, might have located them (and their insatiable curiosity puts them right at the scene): inside the dead woman’s wallet is a note that says “If I’m dead, arrest Brendan Holmes.”

The story also includes two other regulars who have fled NYC:
Helene Grey, former NYPD detective, Poe’s partner and heavily pregnant with twins; and Virginia, the agency’s young car-crazy assistant, blessed with a sixth sense and her mastiff Baskerville.

Eventually tracking down the villain, Oliver Paul has a “deal” for the trio — get his wife out of prison or many more will die in some spectacular fashion.

Patterson and Sitts follow Patterson’s time tested formula of short chapters that end in verbal cliffhangers and an always engaging plot. The Holmes, Margaret, Poe series has not been an overwhelming favorite of mine. The principals are definitely flawed, and while we’re definitely rooting for them to solve the murder, resolve their serial killer problem, and overcome all their messy emotional issues, you really need the previous books for a thorough background. But, the action keeps upping the stakes and our author duo is into the most up-to-date tech (like the evil use of Apple Watches). It’s fairly obvious this won’t be the end of this series. 4 stars.

Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Luc Gestard has piercing green eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO It’s winter.

Thank you to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our intrepid trio are back in the third book in the Holmes, Margaret & Poe series, and this time they’re staying in a secluded cabin in upstate New York while continuing their search for their nemesis, Oliver Paul\. Paul is determined to force their hand and get his wife released from prison, no matter what—and no matter the cost. He is willing to continue on a mass killing spree to get what he wants.
I enjoyed getting to know the characters a little better in this book\. The characters are more developed, and all the regulars are back. I especially liked seeing Margaret take French cooking lessons, which added a nice personal touch to her character. However, I’m not sure I liked the direction Holmes’ character took in this book. I found myself feeling that Margaret deserves better than Holmes. Hopefully, in the next book, Holmes will get his act together and become the person Margaret deserves—or perhaps they’ll go their separate ways.

Overall, this wasn’t a bad book, but it wasn’t my favorite of the series. For me, this one gets three 1/2 stars. Thank you again to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in return for my honest opinion.

[N.Y. Dunlap · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Girl in the Lake from Patterson and Pitts places us straight into the action-packed, high-stakes world of Holmes, Poe, and Marple. These three detectives are up against a psychopath Oliver Paul, who starts one step ahead of them while pinning a murder on Holmes in brilliant way—with the girl in the lake. A girl Holmes has never met. The authors do a great job pushing the story from all the characters without making them sound alike. I didn’t like the way Holmes treated Marple this round, and although Poe’s past with Anne was intriguing he needed to be there for a very, very pregnant Detective Grey. Nice way to weave in Marples love of cooking with how she assesses suspects. On the other hand, I could’ve used less Virginia—her POV didn’t seem to move the story forward and I didn’t care for the subtle paranormal element that was added because of it. Other than that, there were bullets, bombs and all the action needed in this detective led thriller. Can’t wait for the team’s next encounter with Oliver. What a chilling last line.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Girl in the Lake by James Patterson and Brian Sitts is the third book in the Holmes, Poe & Marple series. After their home and office are bombed, the trio relocates to a remote lodge in upstate New York, hoping to stay under the radar. That plan doesn’t last long when a young woman is found dead in a frozen lake with a note accusing Holmes of her murder.

There is plenty of action, twists, and suspense as Holmes, Poe, and Marple try to figure out who is behind the murder while once again dealing with the psychopath Oliver Paul. I enjoyed the mystery and the fast pace, although I felt the story wasn't quite as exciting as the previous book.

My biggest issue was the overemphasis on the Holmes, Poe, and Marple names. At times, it felt like the famous names were being used more than they actually added to the characters or the story. Still, it was an entertaining mystery with enough twists to keep me turning the pages. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what happens with this trio—and Oliver Paul—next.

I would like to thank #Netgalley and #Little Brown and Company for the digital ARC of this book.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

– Another great story from Patterson and Sitts. I really enjoy the Holmes, Margaret & Poe series and each one gets better. Patterson and Sitts have a well- developed story and characters. What makes it interesting is that the characters have many of the same flaws as their name sakes (drinking, drugs, and much more). You watch them struggle with these faults as well as showing their strengths in solving crimes. Brendan Holmes, Margaret Marple and Auguste Poe are living in a remote lodge in New York because their headquarters had been bombed. But while they are living in this remote lodge a woman has been found in the lake which puts them back into the action especially when Holmes is accused of the murder. They realized that a diabolical killer is trying to get their attention. You have tons of action, suspense and murders to be solved.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Little, Brown and Company for providing me with an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous Poe, Holmes & Marple tale.
When a body is pulled from a frozen lake, near where the group is housed since their NY abode/office was bombed, with a note attached, blaming Holmes for her death, the adventure starts.
Knowing their nemesis, Paul, a serial killer of young mothers who once already escaped their clutches is behind it, doesn't make the hunt any easier. But does make it more personal, for each of them.
Typical Patterson style with quick chapters, great intrigue and the riveting and utterly captivating, back and forth between the main characters. The suspense is non stop and the trio moves through the pages trying yo find the killer and stop any more deaths.
Feisty repertoire, interesting story line and you gave a novel that does not disappoint.
Great read.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Girl in the Lake” is the fantastic third book of James Patterson and Brian Sitts “Holmes, Marple and Poe” series, and it may be their most challenging and dangerous case yet! I was gripped from the very first page and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.

I especially loved learning more of the backstory of each of our three main characters as they search for their nemesis; a diabolical killer who always seems to be one step ahead of them. The suspense, twists, and terrific chemistry between Holmes, Marple, and Poe made this such a fun read.
Patterson and Sitts are an awesome team, and I can’t wait to see what comes next for our trio! Highly recommend!

Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patterson and Sitts have done it again. Following the destruction of their city home, the group is living in a cabin in upstate New York.

A body is discovered by 2 teens while ice fishing. The victim has a note in her pocket saying Holmes is responsible for her death.

Their nemesis, Oliver Paul, is back to wreak havoc in their lives for the release of his wife from prison.

Holmes and Poe are in AA for their addictions, Margaret is taking French cooking classes, Helene is awaiting the birth of twins with Poe and Victoria is her finding her own talents.

I couldn’t read this fast enough. Love the characters and how they’ve developed throughout the series. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy.

[Connie Y. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Girl in the Lake by James Patterson and Brian Sitts. Of course I liked the mystery at the heart of the story, but what I really enjoyed was getting to know the characters better. I especially enjoyed Marple's cooking class. The details were fascinating and made me hungry! I have read the other two books in the series, but some time ago, so I had a little difficulty remembering everything that came before. I think this book would be impossible as a stand alone, but excellent if you've read the series, especially if you read them in quick succession or have a better memory than I do!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[M'lou Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

While it seemed to take a few minutes to renew acquaintance with all the characters, once the identities of each were established again with their individual quirks, the pace of the story picked up and the ball was rolling. Forward momentum from that point on was fast-paced and consistent, and I found no breaks in continuity. As in the initial book, there continue to be just a few hints dropped to peak reader interest regarding characters’ past histories, teasing a curiosity for more. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to another in the series, as the ending is well set up for more.

I received an advance copy from Netgalley for review.

[Shelly Turula · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series and I was thankful to receive an ARC from the publisher. This picks up with Poe, Marple and Holmes at a secluded lodge in NY, still continuing their battle with Oliver Paul. While I liked this book, it felt very jumbled with the storylines compared to the first two books in the series. 4 stars for me as I absolutely loved the ending and look forward to the next book in the series. Thanks to NetGalley and Little Brown and Company for the ARC. All opinions are my own. Expected publication 06 Oct 2026

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

DRC from Edelweiss and Little, Brown and Company / Hachette Book Group
Homes, Marple, and Poe are back again, still fighting Oliver Paul. After their office and home was bombed by Paul, they relocated to upper New York. Trying to remain anonymous in the small town worked until the body was found in the frozen lake with a note accusing homes of her murder. A series of adventures and death follow as Oliver Paul makes it known he wants his wife released from prison. Can the trio stop the psychopath before he kills again?
The third and the series- you don’t have to read in order, but it will make this one more enjoyable.

[Cory Beyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley James Patterson and Little, Brown and Company for this ARC. The continued story of Holmes, Marple & Poe. The last book ended with their office torn to shreds and they have camped out in a cabin in upstate New York. An old foe has re-appeared and framed Holmes with murder. Always a fun read with these characters! Love this series! #TheGirlintheLake #HolmesMarpleandPoe #JamesPatterson #BrianSitts #LittleBrownandCompany #Oct2026

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series. After having their home bombed in the last book, the trio has relocated to upstate New York in a rundown woodsy lodge, along with Helene and Virginia and Baskerville. Holmes is trying to stay off drugs, Maragret is taking French cooking lessons, and Poe awaits the birth of his twins with Helene. There is lots of action, but it doesn't seem quite as exciting as the last book. Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for providing an ARC.

[Likestotravel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Holmes, Margaret and Poe series is lots of fun to read! Always action-packed, entertaining, and fast moving, these stories have tension, intrigue, and mystery. The Girl in the Lake also has two females pursuing different passions, adding interest in diverse areas (chef-style cooking and monster truck racing). Love that the story ended with the door wide open for the next installment!

Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown & Company for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is, Wow! That ending was spectacular! While I enjoyed the whole story—even Marple’s little side project which didn’t make sense until it did—the ending really took the cake. The race, then the race home. It was perfect!

I wasn’t sure how this would go down, considering how their place blew up and they were out in the middle of the woods. But it all worked out seamlessly, and I can definitely say I enjoyed the entire ride.

Fantastic read, cannot wait for more!

[Suellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

#ARC Compliments of #LittleBrownAndCompany and #NetGalley publishing October 6, 2026

4 Stars • A very good mystery with enough twists to keep me happily turning pages. My one problem? Holmes, Margaret & Poe could have been any three detectives. I never felt the famous literary names added much to who they were or how they solved the case. At times it felt more like a clever marketing hook than an essential part of the story. Still, the mystery itself absolutely worked for me.

[Eric Cousineau · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

Another wonderful installment in this series. The detective trio are no longer the well-oiled machine they once were, with each of them struggling with their own personal issues. In spite of this, they come together to bring the story to a successful conclusion.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little Brown and Company who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Barbara Lack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! There’s a lot happening in this book. Margaret and Holmes are on the outs. Grey is very pregnant with twins. Meanwhile, the trio is trying to capture a terrorist who has it out for them. There’s a lot of cunning and manipulation going on. This is a true page turner. I was turning the pages as fast as I could.

[Booze Boobs Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit from Patterson in this series. The characters are all great and I love seeing their relationships and dynamics change from book to book. Thrilling and mysterious but also sweet in its own way. I loved seeing a new side of Margaret and a Holmes and I hope for even more from them in the future. And based on this ending I can’t wait to see what happens next…

[Heather Flaherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to #NetGalley and #LittleBrownAndCompany for the book #TheGirlInTheLake by #JamesPatterson and #BrianSitts. So much love for this book and series. Holmes, Margaret and Poe are at it again in this third book of the series. After a body surfaces from the ice with a note attached, the trio jumps back into the danger. Can they stop the impending disasters before it’s too late?

[Vanessa Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book#3 in the Holmes, Margaret and Poe series. Old Foes come back to haunt the trio causing more havoc. This book is hard to put down once you start it! Can’t wait to see what the trio are up to next.

[M. J. Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not a Patterson fan, but I love this series!

[Jane Perron · Rating 4 out of 5]

New book in the Holmes, Margaret and Poe series. I enjoy the banter between them and like to follow their adventures.

[Sharon]

Purchased in epub format from Barnes and Noble for my Nook.