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Annie Graham #4
The Lake House
Elderly Martha Beckett is a prisoner in her own home, and has been ever since her older brother disappeared at just nine years old. He went to hide in the cellar and never came back. And now Martha has sworn to protect anyone else from the evils lurking just below her floorboards. But whatever it is, has woken up – and is hungry again…When she calls the police for help, Annie Graham is the first to respond. Now Annie Ashworth, she is happily married to fellow police officer Will, with a gorgeous home and a job she loves. But then she hears the news – serial killer Henry Smith has escaped from his mental hospital and is on the run. So when a severed head lands at her colleague Jake’s feet – they can only assume that Henry is back to his old tricks. Last time he nearly killed Annie, and this time she’ll bet he wants to finish the job.
So Annie now has two monsters to track down, before they kill again. And time is running out…
So Annie now has two monsters to track down, before they kill again. And time is running out…
Paperback
First published May 29, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 2, 2026
All I can say is that Annie Graham books are officially my guilty pleasure reads. Forget the reality, forget the probability, things happen to Annie Graham and others in those books that will make you question your sanity and yet Helen Phifer makes it all work.
Bring on book five.
Bring on book five.
May 12, 2019
Really good series, on to another Annie book.
January 23, 2016
Spooky time is here again! The fourth book in the Annie Graham series sees Annie under series threat from serial killer Henry Smith who is determined to finish what he started. Literally. While he watches and lays his plans, Annie faces a new danger. The cellar of the house by the lake is not a safe place to be. People have a habit of disappearing when they go down there. This time it isn't a ghost or demon threatening Annie but a scary monster. As always, Helen Phifer creates a wonderful sense of place and the back story is brilliantly written. Looking forward to book 5.
July 21, 2015
Ugh. Unfortunately I disliked this novel so much, I returned it before finishing it. The writing is just not up to par for my personal taste. I liked the author's first two books but the quality of the novels started to go downhill after those two.
March 1, 2017
I enjoyed this book made a change from the chic lit I have been reading. I was disappointed with the ending though. Without giving too much away it didn't finish the whole story so I'm hoping their will be another book to follow.
March 28, 2016
Love love love this series, hoping for more!!!
June 25, 2026
Took me a while to get through this one due to life life-ing but once I got into it, couldn’t put it down! Really enjoyed the constant different perspectives, the dark nature of it and surprisingly the more witchy-voodoo bits 🧙
Only lacking points were some elements that were referenced to but weren’t fully explained - I think this is because it’s part of a series and I haven’t read the rest so that’s no one’s fault but mine! But it took away from some of the understanding. Also still have some unanswered questions which always leaves a bad taste. Also felt like the ending was very rushed.
Overall I did enjoy it & would happily read another book by Helen Phifer.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Only lacking points were some elements that were referenced to but weren’t fully explained - I think this is because it’s part of a series and I haven’t read the rest so that’s no one’s fault but mine! But it took away from some of the understanding. Also still have some unanswered questions which always leaves a bad taste. Also felt like the ending was very rushed.
Overall I did enjoy it & would happily read another book by Helen Phifer.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 4, 2026
This is the fourth book in a series by author Helen Phifer.
After marrying officer Wil Ashworth and leaving behind a supernatural ghost, police officer Annie Ashworth (nee) Graham, wants to settle down and start a family but with serial killer Henry Smith on the loose and a brush with a supernatural creature with sharp teeth and claws, Annie has a run for the money.
I love these kinds of crime books with a supernatural vibe. I find them creepy and I can't seem to turn the page faster.
A good book to read in the dark especially on dark autumn nights.
After marrying officer Wil Ashworth and leaving behind a supernatural ghost, police officer Annie Ashworth (nee) Graham, wants to settle down and start a family but with serial killer Henry Smith on the loose and a brush with a supernatural creature with sharp teeth and claws, Annie has a run for the money.
I love these kinds of crime books with a supernatural vibe. I find them creepy and I can't seem to turn the page faster.
A good book to read in the dark especially on dark autumn nights.
December 27, 2020
I’m surprised that I liked this book so much. I still have a problem with the conversation parts, but that is what it is, and I can live with that - but I didn’t think that I would be down with some monster action.. but guess what? I was. Very well written and thrilling, and I found that it was the monster stuff that I liked the best, and it even was so freaky that it made my skin crawl. I loved it!
June 4, 2026
The lake house
2.75-3⭐️
Cosy read - found it easy to pick it up even though I’m starting with book 4 I don’t think I’d pick up the book again or the series but I did enjoy it
Very cosy and very easy very nice and friendly detectives and police world - very cosy mystery
Minus some severed heads but not too in depth grossness
Spoiler
The psychic ghost thing was a bit far fetched poppet - why is Sophie telling Annie about a brown caravan and a hedge with a hole in it
2.75-3⭐️
Cosy read - found it easy to pick it up even though I’m starting with book 4 I don’t think I’d pick up the book again or the series but I did enjoy it
Very cosy and very easy very nice and friendly detectives and police world - very cosy mystery
Minus some severed heads but not too in depth grossness
Spoiler
The psychic ghost thing was a bit far fetched poppet - why is Sophie telling Annie about a brown caravan and a hedge with a hole in it
January 12, 2018
Grrrrrrreat!!!
Yes, another good one... Love how the past, and the present mingle in this series.
2 serial killers, a few coppers, couple of ghosts and a windigo!!! I bet that has got you thinking?
I personally love this author, her books offer a little bit of everything.
Well, only thing left for it.... is to read the next instalment. TTFN 😊
Yes, another good one... Love how the past, and the present mingle in this series.
2 serial killers, a few coppers, couple of ghosts and a windigo!!! I bet that has got you thinking?
I personally love this author, her books offer a little bit of everything.
Well, only thing left for it.... is to read the next instalment. TTFN 😊
June 10, 2019
Edge of your seat
Extremely well written. I think this author gets better with each new novel. I did feel there was one important subject left to dangle with no conclusion....and I prefer the ends be tied. Perhaps the author left it open ended because she plans to bring the matter back into a future novel.
Extremely well written. I think this author gets better with each new novel. I did feel there was one important subject left to dangle with no conclusion....and I prefer the ends be tied. Perhaps the author left it open ended because she plans to bring the matter back into a future novel.
April 24, 2021
Fantastic
Once again another brilliant read .Finished this book in 2 days couldn't put it down .Books just keep on getting better and better . Absolutely page turning ending and a nice surprise at the end which I guessed .Downloading the last in the series now and I am really looking forward to reading it .
Once again another brilliant read .Finished this book in 2 days couldn't put it down .Books just keep on getting better and better . Absolutely page turning ending and a nice surprise at the end which I guessed .Downloading the last in the series now and I am really looking forward to reading it .
March 21, 2023
More supernatural chills with a murder mystery
It was an enjoyable read with all the familiar series characters and suspense blended together. However, one matter remained unresolved in the end. I suppose it could be left for the reader to decide, or perhaps the next in series will be more revealing.
It was an enjoyable read with all the familiar series characters and suspense blended together. However, one matter remained unresolved in the end. I suppose it could be left for the reader to decide, or perhaps the next in series will be more revealing.
December 28, 2024
This is the Annie Graham series book #4 and I loved it. Helen is the queen of spooky, this one had me cringing whenever somebody went down in to the cellar. What is it about cellars? Eek! I’m a big Helen Phifer fan and I recommend all of her series, they are all excellent. I really enjoyed this one, I really had a job putting it down. You can tell a good book when you read it in one sitting!
July 21, 2020
I really liked this creepy book. This is the first Annie Graham story I've read. I don't feel like I've missed anything from the earlier books. I guess the most frightening thing is there is more than one bad guy in the book.
August 30, 2020
Oh my I am so engrossed in this series can't wait to read the next one, but I must say don't think there could ever be such an unlucky cop as Annie. She does get into some scrapes but they certainly keep you engrossed and are proper page turners.
December 6, 2021
I don't know... I've loved the previous books in the series but this, for me, has been the weakest so far.
It starts so promisingly but then just gets silly. Very disappointing considering how brilliant the previous books were.
It starts so promisingly but then just gets silly. Very disappointing considering how brilliant the previous books were.
June 30, 2025
The series started out as a mystery with a couple of ghosts thrown in, which was great, but as the series goes on there seems to be more supernatural than mystery. I usually love supernatural, but this feels like it is trying to hard to be more than it is.
April 12, 2026
Love this book
Absoulty fabulous from start to finish couldn't put it down.on to the next book can't wait to read more about Annie will bump and colleagues. You will not be dissapointed. Thank you Helen phifer for keeping me entertained and loving reading again
Absoulty fabulous from start to finish couldn't put it down.on to the next book can't wait to read more about Annie will bump and colleagues. You will not be dissapointed. Thank you Helen phifer for keeping me entertained and loving reading again
May 23, 2026
Really found this book quite a freaky book and wasn’t sure if I wanted to carry on reading it as I didn’t like the monster in the cellar but I did and it was ok.I have ordered the next one to see about how
Annie’s story continues
Annie’s story continues
August 15, 2017
Just love these books. Back and forth between past and present. Great reading.
September 27, 2022
The Lakehouse
The Lakehouse is just what you expect from Helen Phifer. Suspenful tension and a very satisfying ending.
I recommend this book
The Lakehouse is just what you expect from Helen Phifer. Suspenful tension and a very satisfying ending.
I recommend this book
May 30, 2025
Brilliant
Fabulous book definitely a brilliant read , exciting to the last page , love the characters and the story line , highly recommend
Fabulous book definitely a brilliant read , exciting to the last page , love the characters and the story line , highly recommend
July 13, 2025
Another awesome book from Helen Phifer. I love this character and I am going on last book and don’t want Annie to end. Love love love these books
February 20, 2026
love Annie and her special gift.
this was grim at times but I think it was more my imagination running wild rather than the Book 🤣
this was grim at times but I think it was more my imagination running wild rather than the Book 🤣
March 20, 2026
Yet again another gripping page turner! what will happen to Annie next...??? can't wait for book 5 & 6!
May 22, 2026
I love this series. Spooky, crimey it’s perfect!
January 7, 2026
3.5⭐️
What can I say, I actually really enjoying the audiobooks of of the Annie Graham series. I am not usually one for supernatural but it somehow works with this series.
Some moments felt a little predictable, and a couple of the character could’ve been a bit deeper, but overall it’s a gripping, well-executed thriller.
What can I say, I actually really enjoying the audiobooks of of the Annie Graham series. I am not usually one for supernatural but it somehow works with this series.
Some moments felt a little predictable, and a couple of the character could’ve been a bit deeper, but overall it’s a gripping, well-executed thriller.
December 31, 2015
I have loved the series thus far, and was hoping this book would continue it in the same vein as before. I'm delighted to say it most definitely does!
Again Annie Graham, now Ashworth, has her work cut out for her with not one, but two, major plotlines. Her past comes back to haunt her when Henry Smith once again resurfaces, determined to finish what he started before. This in itself is enough to have Annie up to her eyes in trouble. But throw in a suspected paranormal creature and her job gets even more difficult.
The paranormal side of these stories is something I love. It takes a simple murder mystery story and raises it up so much more for the reader.
Both investigations may appear to have nothing whatsoever to do with each other, but what will happen when they begin to share elements? Will this work in Annie's favour, or against her?
A brilliant read, a great addition to the series, and I cannot wait to read more from the author.
Again Annie Graham, now Ashworth, has her work cut out for her with not one, but two, major plotlines. Her past comes back to haunt her when Henry Smith once again resurfaces, determined to finish what he started before. This in itself is enough to have Annie up to her eyes in trouble. But throw in a suspected paranormal creature and her job gets even more difficult.
The paranormal side of these stories is something I love. It takes a simple murder mystery story and raises it up so much more for the reader.
Both investigations may appear to have nothing whatsoever to do with each other, but what will happen when they begin to share elements? Will this work in Annie's favour, or against her?
A brilliant read, a great addition to the series, and I cannot wait to read more from the author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews