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Holmes, Margaret & Poe #3
The Girl in the Lake: A Holmes, Margaret & Poe Mystery
MP3 CD Format
At a frozen lakeside crime scene, a corpse carries an accusatory "If anything happens to me, arrest Brendan Holmes."
Mysteries trail Brendan Holmes, Margaret Marple, and Auguste Poe wherever they go. At a remote lodge in upstate New York, the embattled private investigators have taken refuge from the assailant who bombed their sleek city headquarters. When the discovery of a body in the lake puts the detectives back in the headlines and under suspicion, the elusive killer issues his despicable stop solving crimes--and start committing them.
"Patterson ... will have readers checking their locks twice." -Booklist
"Patterson's latest thriller keeps readers guessing ... a fine chase." - People
At a frozen lakeside crime scene, a corpse carries an accusatory "If anything happens to me, arrest Brendan Holmes."
Mysteries trail Brendan Holmes, Margaret Marple, and Auguste Poe wherever they go. At a remote lodge in upstate New York, the embattled private investigators have taken refuge from the assailant who bombed their sleek city headquarters. When the discovery of a body in the lake puts the detectives back in the headlines and under suspicion, the elusive killer issues his despicable stop solving crimes--and start committing them.
"Patterson ... will have readers checking their locks twice." -Booklist
"Patterson's latest thriller keeps readers guessing ... a fine chase." - People
1 pages, Audio CD
First published October 6, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
November 9, 2026
Holmes Marple and Poe book 3. Whole living in an old cabin since theirs home was bombed in the city the team is going after Paul Oliver. Poe is an expected father and Margaret has discovered he love for French cooking. Pretty good fast read. Read in about a day and a half and really enjoyed it.
The ending was both sweet and ominous and definitely left it open for book 4.
The ending was both sweet and ominous and definitely left it open for book 4.
November 12, 2026
Brendan Holmes, Margaret Marple, and Auguste Poe are private detectives in New York. They seem to have no pasts. They are supposed to be experts at their job, but you just have to take their words for it, because that expertise is not evident in this book.
I liked the first book in this series, but I did not enjoy the second book, and this third book is much worse. It is not a mystery and there is little in the way of detection. There is some brief action near the end of the book. The characters are not worthy of their assumed names. Poe, Conan Doyle and Christie would be embarrassed to have written this. The characters are immersed in whiny romantic woes. Instead of mystery, you get cooking classes, obstetric exams, sexual harassment and clairvoyance (this really makes no sense in this book). I don’t think anyone edited this book. For inexplicable reasons Poe’s girlfriend is almost always referred to by her first and last names. Why? It was just annoying. The book ends with a threat which will lead to the fourth book. I will not be reading it.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
I liked the first book in this series, but I did not enjoy the second book, and this third book is much worse. It is not a mystery and there is little in the way of detection. There is some brief action near the end of the book. The characters are not worthy of their assumed names. Poe, Conan Doyle and Christie would be embarrassed to have written this. The characters are immersed in whiny romantic woes. Instead of mystery, you get cooking classes, obstetric exams, sexual harassment and clairvoyance (this really makes no sense in this book). I don’t think anyone edited this book. For inexplicable reasons Poe’s girlfriend is almost always referred to by her first and last names. Why? It was just annoying. The book ends with a threat which will lead to the fourth book. I will not be reading it.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
October 31, 2026
Private investigators Holmes, Marple, and Poe have temporarily relocated to a remote lodge in upstate New York following a bombing and fire that destroyed their home and base of operations. When a body of a young mother is discovered in the frozen waters of Cayuga Lake, Holmes and cohort are surprised to hear that there was a note implicating him in the murder. Of course it’s their old and dangerous nemesis Oliver Paul. This time he’s making threats to continue his murderous explosions unless they bring him his wife, the imprisoned and notorious Agnes Matts.
This third in the series was a bit of a downer as there wasn’t much sleuthing and little actual detecting of any kind. There were tons of side plots and diversions including Marple with her French cooking and exposure of a chef’s sexual abuse, Poe and Virginia obsessed with their muscle car and racing, Holmes with his fixation on his psychiatrist, Grey’s twin pregnancy and a lot of other uninteresting details including the oil rig description and everything about Oliver Paul and Agnes Matts. I’m tired of this continued focus on that particular villain. Can’t we move on?
Yeah it was a quick and easy mindless read, but I was hoping for more of the intelligent and brilliant deductive reasoning and impressive investigative work that the trio is meant to be doing. The whole romance thing between Marple and Holmes is a bust and there is no way that needs to continue as they should friend zone. Holmes is way too messed up for her. Anyway, that’s my thought. Let’s get back to a good solid crime and a fresh set of bad guys. I missed the suspense and tension and the clever interaction. The title is quite misleading as the girl in the lake took about 2 pages of the book and had nothing to do with the overall plot.
I was able to listen to the audio book from my local library while also following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. The narrator, Christine Lakin, did a great job as usual with the characters although this would definitely benefit from having a male voice for Holmes and Poe. She definitely mastered the variety of accents.
This third in the series was a bit of a downer as there wasn’t much sleuthing and little actual detecting of any kind. There were tons of side plots and diversions including Marple with her French cooking and exposure of a chef’s sexual abuse, Poe and Virginia obsessed with their muscle car and racing, Holmes with his fixation on his psychiatrist, Grey’s twin pregnancy and a lot of other uninteresting details including the oil rig description and everything about Oliver Paul and Agnes Matts. I’m tired of this continued focus on that particular villain. Can’t we move on?
Yeah it was a quick and easy mindless read, but I was hoping for more of the intelligent and brilliant deductive reasoning and impressive investigative work that the trio is meant to be doing. The whole romance thing between Marple and Holmes is a bust and there is no way that needs to continue as they should friend zone. Holmes is way too messed up for her. Anyway, that’s my thought. Let’s get back to a good solid crime and a fresh set of bad guys. I missed the suspense and tension and the clever interaction. The title is quite misleading as the girl in the lake took about 2 pages of the book and had nothing to do with the overall plot.
I was able to listen to the audio book from my local library while also following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. The narrator, Christine Lakin, did a great job as usual with the characters although this would definitely benefit from having a male voice for Holmes and Poe. She definitely mastered the variety of accents.
November 9, 2026
This is the 3rd book in this series and I didn't read the first two. I feel sure I missed a lot of character development. There was nothing bad about the book but I wasn't feeling the characters and usually that's more important to me than the storyline. So, at this point, I don't think I will continue with this series.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Marple, Poe and Holmes barely escaped NYC with their lives after their nemesis blew up their building and have moved to a small town near a lake in the Finger Lakes region of New York.There Auguste Poe and Brendan Holmes are working on overcoming their addictions while Margaret Marple has taken up a new hobby, cooking French cuisine. They are diverted from their pursuits when a body turns up in a nearby lake and a note points the local officials to Holmes. Of course, he is innocent but the problem is that their nemesis, Oliver Paul has returned with a vengeance and a plan to have the three sleuths free his wife from prison. With a lot of threats, some of which he actually carries out, Paul convinces the reluctant sleuths to follow his directives, albeit with a few tricks up their sleeves. The plot is intricately woven with multiple storylines and kindling my interest in the birth of twins, monster truck racing and life on an oil rig. The characters are beloved and relatable, except for the irredeemable Paul who is as scheming and underhanded as usual. The fast pace of the plot and the inclusion of my favorite characters from the series kept me engaged and enjoying the entertainment of the novel even as I tried to follow clues to discover how the three investigators would try to trap Paul and remain unscathed themselves. This is a book I highly recommend, especially for those who have been reading the series, but it can also be easily read and enjoyed as a standalone.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
November 2, 2026
THE GIRL IN THE LAKE is the third installment in the Holmes, Margaret & Poe mystery series. James Patterson and Brian Sitts have done quite a job of convincing readers that three investigators named after and behaving like their famous fictional counterparts could exist in the modern day and be effective crime fighters.
After their Brooklyn offices were bombed and destroyed in the previous novel, Brendan Holmes, Margaret Marple and Auguste Poe --- along with their colleagues Virginia and former NYPD Detective Helene Grey, who is very pregnant with twins from her relationship with Poe --- are living in a cabin off the Finger Lakes in upstate New York. Before we dive into their story, we witness two girls discover the body of a young woman beneath the ice of the lake in the village of Archer’s Branch.
Holmes and Poe are attending an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting that is being run by Sheriff Gregson until he is called away to investigate what was found in the woods. Holmes is surprisingly apprehended due to the fact that the corpse had a piece of paper on it that read: “If anything happens to me, arrest Brendan Holmes.”
All is explained when a man claiming to be Holmes’ attorney shows up at the sheriff’s office and confesses that he was hired by Oliver Paul, their arch-enemy and the individual who destroyed their offices. Paul artistically crafted this murder to implicate Holmes and get their attention. He also wanted their assistance in freeing his lover, who is being held in a high-security prison in Westchester County. Holmes and Poe are quite wary of Paul, who also happens to be orchestrating a series of deadly terrorist attacks on US soil that he will follow through on if his demands are not met.
As our trio of detectives team up with an FBI task force to take down Paul, he continues to remain elusive and blows a hole in a power station to further demonstrate his abilities and intent. The action in the novel moves quickly from upstate New York back to New York City and an eventual showdown on an oil rig outside of Houston, Texas. The suspense here is far superior to the previous two entries in the series, both of which were top-notch, and all of Patterson and Sitts’ plotting skills are on display as the tension reaches near unbearable levels.
There are subplots here that are quite interesting, especially the one featuring Marple and her penchant for cooking. This leads her to take a culinary course from an irascible French chef in the Rochester area who has a history of mistreating and abusing female employees. The end result of this story is quite satisfying, and she still finds time to insert herself into the high-octane finale.
THE GIRL IN THE LAKE is smart, witty and a lot of fun to read. The constant references and allusions to Sherlock Holmes, Jane Marple and Edgar Allan Poe remind us of the history in which these investigators are grounded. Of all the series that James Patterson has written, this one remains a personal favorite.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
After their Brooklyn offices were bombed and destroyed in the previous novel, Brendan Holmes, Margaret Marple and Auguste Poe --- along with their colleagues Virginia and former NYPD Detective Helene Grey, who is very pregnant with twins from her relationship with Poe --- are living in a cabin off the Finger Lakes in upstate New York. Before we dive into their story, we witness two girls discover the body of a young woman beneath the ice of the lake in the village of Archer’s Branch.
Holmes and Poe are attending an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting that is being run by Sheriff Gregson until he is called away to investigate what was found in the woods. Holmes is surprisingly apprehended due to the fact that the corpse had a piece of paper on it that read: “If anything happens to me, arrest Brendan Holmes.”
All is explained when a man claiming to be Holmes’ attorney shows up at the sheriff’s office and confesses that he was hired by Oliver Paul, their arch-enemy and the individual who destroyed their offices. Paul artistically crafted this murder to implicate Holmes and get their attention. He also wanted their assistance in freeing his lover, who is being held in a high-security prison in Westchester County. Holmes and Poe are quite wary of Paul, who also happens to be orchestrating a series of deadly terrorist attacks on US soil that he will follow through on if his demands are not met.
As our trio of detectives team up with an FBI task force to take down Paul, he continues to remain elusive and blows a hole in a power station to further demonstrate his abilities and intent. The action in the novel moves quickly from upstate New York back to New York City and an eventual showdown on an oil rig outside of Houston, Texas. The suspense here is far superior to the previous two entries in the series, both of which were top-notch, and all of Patterson and Sitts’ plotting skills are on display as the tension reaches near unbearable levels.
There are subplots here that are quite interesting, especially the one featuring Marple and her penchant for cooking. This leads her to take a culinary course from an irascible French chef in the Rochester area who has a history of mistreating and abusing female employees. The end result of this story is quite satisfying, and she still finds time to insert herself into the high-octane finale.
THE GIRL IN THE LAKE is smart, witty and a lot of fun to read. The constant references and allusions to Sherlock Holmes, Jane Marple and Edgar Allan Poe remind us of the history in which these investigators are grounded. Of all the series that James Patterson has written, this one remains a personal favorite.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
October 30, 2026
I love this series but this book was a disappointment. Poorly written, choppy dialogue, unrelated side plots and no real investigation.
Holmes, Marple and Poe are hiding out in a small town after their house blew up. When a body shows up and Homes is fingered as a suspect, they realize their old enemy is back and trying to kill them again.
Part of it is that there’s no suspense at all. We know who the bad guy is, we see what he’s doing, we know why he’s doing it. These guys are just trying to catch up. Even when they do catch up, it’s bungled and there’s no big reveal of a deeper plan or intellect at work. I was not impressed at all
Holmes, Marple and Poe are hiding out in a small town after their house blew up. When a body shows up and Homes is fingered as a suspect, they realize their old enemy is back and trying to kill them again.
Part of it is that there’s no suspense at all. We know who the bad guy is, we see what he’s doing, we know why he’s doing it. These guys are just trying to catch up. Even when they do catch up, it’s bungled and there’s no big reveal of a deeper plan or intellect at work. I was not impressed at all
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
"Brimming with bombs, bullets, and cold-blooded psychological warfare. This is a flawlessly executed winter nightmare that you will devour in a single sitting."
The Girl in the Lake by James Patterson & Brian Sitts takes Holmes, Marple, and Poe out of the city and straight into an icy trap! If you love fast-paced thrillers with classic detective vibes, add this to your TBR immediately. The final line will leave you absolutely chilled.
Intro
The Girl in the Lake by James Patterson and Brian Sitts reintroduces readers to the ultimate literary-inspired detective agency. Brendan Holmes, Margaret Marple, and Auguste Poe are back for a high-stakes, fast-paced thriller that shifts from their usual urban landscape to an icy, isolated refuge. Narrated with precision by Christine Lakin, this installment puts our brilliant trio right in the crosshairs of a maniacal killer.
The Hook
Imagine fleeing a bombed-out city headquarters, only for a corpse to turn up at your remote sanctuary carrying a note that reads: "If anything happens to me, arrest Brendan Holmes." Even worse? Holmes has absolutely no idea who the victim is.
Elevator Pitch
After their sleek urban office is blown to pieces, a unique private investigator agency takes refuge at a secluded lodge in upstate New York. But when a woman’s frozen body is discovered in the nearby lake, the killer frames the team and issues a twisted ultimatum: stop solving crimes and start committing them.
Setting
A remote, frozen lodge in upstate New York. The biting, sub-zero temperatures and isolated wilderness replace the team's usual concrete jungle, turning their peaceful safehouse into a claustrophobic trap.
Vibe
Glass Onion meets The Invisible Guest. It is fast-paced, icy, and deeply suspenseful, loaded with classic Patterson action beats but wrapped in a dark, atmospheric winter aesthetic.
Genre
Mystery / Crime Fiction / Psychological Thriller.
Themes
• The Burden of a Legacy: Living up to iconic personas and the heavy cost of maintaining a flawless professional reputation.
• Manipulation and Control: How a brilliant mind can be weaponized when a psychopath forces good people to do terrible things.
• Isolation vs. Collaboration: Trusting your team when external forces try to pit you against each other.
Standout Characters
• Brendan Holmes ("The Brain"): Brilliant but emotionally distant. Identified suspects via deductiona nd logic.
• Margaret Marple ("The Eyes"): She brilliantly weaves her love of cooking into sharp criminal assessments, though her relationship with Holmes is highly strained this round. Possesses powers of observation too often
• Aguste Poe ("The Muscle") Chases down every lead no matter how dangerous or dark.
• Oliver Paul: The chilling, psychopathic antagonist who stays a step ahead of the investigators, pulling their strings from the shadows.
Author Writing Standout
Patterson and Sitts masterfully balance multiple perspectives. Despite juggling distinct points of view, the authors give each investigator a highly unique voice and special skill set without making them sound repetitive or clunky.
Takeaway
Genius cannot always save you from pure, calculated malice. Sometimes, the only way to beat a mastermind at his own game is to change the rules entirely.
Title Significance
"The Girl in the Lake" serves as both the literal catalyst of the mystery and the anchor of the killer's trap. The frozen lake represents a tomb of secrets, and the discovery of the girl forces the hidden investigators back into the public eye.
Metaphor
The novel operates like a game of speed chess played on thin ice. Every move requires absolute precision, but one wrong step will cause the entire foundation to shatter beneath their feet.
Why You Should Read
Read this if you want a quick, thrilling, and addictive mystery that perfectly blends the tropes of golden-age detective fiction with contemporary, blockbuster action. It’s pure literary escapism that keeps you guessing until the final page.
My Thoughts
THE GIRL IN THE LAKE is spectacular! It starts with a literal explosion and completely refuses to let you come up for air. Patterson and Sitts brilliantly yank Holmes, Marple, and Poe out of their urban safety nets, forcing them to fight for survival in a claustrophobic, sub-zero trap and never letting up on the tension. The dynamic between Holmes, Marple, and Poe remains incredibly fun, though the interpersonal friction—especially Holmes being particularly harsh on Marple—adds a realistic layer of stress to their situation.
It’s a vicious, flawlessly paced cat-and-mouse game that pairs the clever, razor-sharp deduction of classic whodunits with the raw, high-stakes adrenaline of a great thriller movie. It is dark, deeply atmospheric, and easily one of the most exciting rides of the year.
"An absolute powerhouse of a thriller. Patterson and Sitts completely upend the detective genre, delivering a vicious, fast-paced mind game where the stakes couldn't be higher."
Verdict 5/5 Stars
"A slick, cinematic ride that perfectly pairs old-school detective nostalgia with raw, high-octane danger."
Audio Standout
I am looking forward to listening to the audiobook narrated by the fabulous Christine Lakin (a favourite), sure to convey the high-intensity scenes while capturing the cool, calculating essence of the team perfectly for a highly immersive experience.
Recs/Read Alikes:
If you loved the pacing, character dynamics, or mystery structure of The Girl in the Lake, here are other James Patterson books and series that offer a similar vibe.
• Holmes Is Missing (by James Patterson and Brian Sitts)
The direct companion sequel to this series. It dives much deeper into the personal flaws, family secrets, and individual vulnerabilities of Holmes, Marple, and Poe.
• The Midnight Club (by James Patterson)
An excellent choice if you like a tight-knit circle of investigators. It features a brilliant group of individuals tracking an elusive, wealthy crime boss, balancing cerebral puzzle-solving with high-stakes danger.
• 1st to Die (by James Patterson)
The kickoff to the Women's Murder Club series. It relies heavily on a team-up dynamic, bringing together a detective, a medical examiner, a journalist, and a district attorney to solve a string of brutal murders when the standard system fails.
Special thanks to Little Brown & Company for sharing an advance paperback copy for my honest thoughts. #JamesPattersonStreetTeam
Blog review posted @
JudithD.Collins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
#LitLitMiniAuthorChats | #AuthorElevatorSeries
#AudioElevatorSeries
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Oct 27, 2026
Oct Newsletter
Oct 2026 Must-Read Books
The Girl in the Lake by James Patterson & Brian Sitts takes Holmes, Marple, and Poe out of the city and straight into an icy trap! If you love fast-paced thrillers with classic detective vibes, add this to your TBR immediately. The final line will leave you absolutely chilled.
Intro
The Girl in the Lake by James Patterson and Brian Sitts reintroduces readers to the ultimate literary-inspired detective agency. Brendan Holmes, Margaret Marple, and Auguste Poe are back for a high-stakes, fast-paced thriller that shifts from their usual urban landscape to an icy, isolated refuge. Narrated with precision by Christine Lakin, this installment puts our brilliant trio right in the crosshairs of a maniacal killer.
The Hook
Imagine fleeing a bombed-out city headquarters, only for a corpse to turn up at your remote sanctuary carrying a note that reads: "If anything happens to me, arrest Brendan Holmes." Even worse? Holmes has absolutely no idea who the victim is.
Elevator Pitch
After their sleek urban office is blown to pieces, a unique private investigator agency takes refuge at a secluded lodge in upstate New York. But when a woman’s frozen body is discovered in the nearby lake, the killer frames the team and issues a twisted ultimatum: stop solving crimes and start committing them.
Setting
A remote, frozen lodge in upstate New York. The biting, sub-zero temperatures and isolated wilderness replace the team's usual concrete jungle, turning their peaceful safehouse into a claustrophobic trap.
Vibe
Glass Onion meets The Invisible Guest. It is fast-paced, icy, and deeply suspenseful, loaded with classic Patterson action beats but wrapped in a dark, atmospheric winter aesthetic.
Genre
Mystery / Crime Fiction / Psychological Thriller.
Themes
• The Burden of a Legacy: Living up to iconic personas and the heavy cost of maintaining a flawless professional reputation.
• Manipulation and Control: How a brilliant mind can be weaponized when a psychopath forces good people to do terrible things.
• Isolation vs. Collaboration: Trusting your team when external forces try to pit you against each other.
Standout Characters
• Brendan Holmes ("The Brain"): Brilliant but emotionally distant. Identified suspects via deductiona nd logic.
• Margaret Marple ("The Eyes"): She brilliantly weaves her love of cooking into sharp criminal assessments, though her relationship with Holmes is highly strained this round. Possesses powers of observation too often
• Aguste Poe ("The Muscle") Chases down every lead no matter how dangerous or dark.
• Oliver Paul: The chilling, psychopathic antagonist who stays a step ahead of the investigators, pulling their strings from the shadows.
Author Writing Standout
Patterson and Sitts masterfully balance multiple perspectives. Despite juggling distinct points of view, the authors give each investigator a highly unique voice and special skill set without making them sound repetitive or clunky.
Takeaway
Genius cannot always save you from pure, calculated malice. Sometimes, the only way to beat a mastermind at his own game is to change the rules entirely.
Title Significance
"The Girl in the Lake" serves as both the literal catalyst of the mystery and the anchor of the killer's trap. The frozen lake represents a tomb of secrets, and the discovery of the girl forces the hidden investigators back into the public eye.
Metaphor
The novel operates like a game of speed chess played on thin ice. Every move requires absolute precision, but one wrong step will cause the entire foundation to shatter beneath their feet.
Why You Should Read
Read this if you want a quick, thrilling, and addictive mystery that perfectly blends the tropes of golden-age detective fiction with contemporary, blockbuster action. It’s pure literary escapism that keeps you guessing until the final page.
My Thoughts
THE GIRL IN THE LAKE is spectacular! It starts with a literal explosion and completely refuses to let you come up for air. Patterson and Sitts brilliantly yank Holmes, Marple, and Poe out of their urban safety nets, forcing them to fight for survival in a claustrophobic, sub-zero trap and never letting up on the tension. The dynamic between Holmes, Marple, and Poe remains incredibly fun, though the interpersonal friction—especially Holmes being particularly harsh on Marple—adds a realistic layer of stress to their situation.
It’s a vicious, flawlessly paced cat-and-mouse game that pairs the clever, razor-sharp deduction of classic whodunits with the raw, high-stakes adrenaline of a great thriller movie. It is dark, deeply atmospheric, and easily one of the most exciting rides of the year.
"An absolute powerhouse of a thriller. Patterson and Sitts completely upend the detective genre, delivering a vicious, fast-paced mind game where the stakes couldn't be higher."
Verdict 5/5 Stars
"A slick, cinematic ride that perfectly pairs old-school detective nostalgia with raw, high-octane danger."
Audio Standout
I am looking forward to listening to the audiobook narrated by the fabulous Christine Lakin (a favourite), sure to convey the high-intensity scenes while capturing the cool, calculating essence of the team perfectly for a highly immersive experience.
Recs/Read Alikes:
If you loved the pacing, character dynamics, or mystery structure of The Girl in the Lake, here are other James Patterson books and series that offer a similar vibe.
• Holmes Is Missing (by James Patterson and Brian Sitts)
The direct companion sequel to this series. It dives much deeper into the personal flaws, family secrets, and individual vulnerabilities of Holmes, Marple, and Poe.
• The Midnight Club (by James Patterson)
An excellent choice if you like a tight-knit circle of investigators. It features a brilliant group of individuals tracking an elusive, wealthy crime boss, balancing cerebral puzzle-solving with high-stakes danger.
• 1st to Die (by James Patterson)
The kickoff to the Women's Murder Club series. It relies heavily on a team-up dynamic, bringing together a detective, a medical examiner, a journalist, and a district attorney to solve a string of brutal murders when the standard system fails.
Special thanks to Little Brown & Company for sharing an advance paperback copy for my honest thoughts. #JamesPattersonStreetTeam
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My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Oct 27, 2026
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
November 9, 2026
Another home run by Patterson and Sitts... I always enjoy their work!
November 6, 2026
surprise!
Was not expecting the twist! A real heartstopper! I actually gasped!
When is the next book COMING OUT? Very soon I hope!
Was not expecting the twist! A real heartstopper! I actually gasped!
When is the next book COMING OUT? Very soon I hope!
October 30, 2026
This was the most poorly written book of this series. The dialog was ridiculous. The storyline was awful and based on everything that happened there is no way I would hire Holmes, Marple and Poe to investigate anything. Anything that was a success was down to luck not skill. There is no way Patterson had any part of this.
The use of exclamation marks was off the charts as if everyone was shouting.
Extremely disappointed and will not be reading the next one if there is one. Cannot imagine why Patterson would want his name on this.
The use of exclamation marks was off the charts as if everyone was shouting.
Extremely disappointed and will not be reading the next one if there is one. Cannot imagine why Patterson would want his name on this.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
October 28, 2026
THE GIRL IN THE LAKE is the third mystery in the Holmes, Marple & Poe series by James Patterson and Brian Sitts. They have done quite a job of convincing readers that three investigators named after and behaving like their famous fictional counterparts could exist in the modern day and be effective crimefighters.
After their Brooklyn offices were bombed and destroyed in the previous novel, we find our threesome along with their colleagues Virginia and former NYPD Detective Helen Grey who is very pregnant with twins from her relationship with Auguste Poe, living in a cabin off the finger lakes in Western New York state. Before we dive into their story we witness an event where two young girls discover the body of a young woman beneath the ice of the lake in Archer’s Branch.
Brendan Holmes and August Pope are attending an alcoholics anonymous meeting being run by the group leader and local Sheriff Gregson until he is called away to investigate what the girls found in the woods. Holmes is surprisingly apprehended due to the fact that the body of the dead woman had a piece of paper on her that read: “If anything happens to me, arrest Brendan Holmes.”
All is explained when a man claiming to be Holmes’ attorney, Charles Milver, shows up at the Sheriff’s office where he confesses that he was hired by their arch-enemy and the man who destroyed their offices, Oliver Paul. Paul artistically crafted this murder to implicate Holmes and get their attention. He also wanted their assistance in freeing his love, Agnes Matts, who is being held in a high-security prison in Westchester County. Holmes and Poe are quite wary of anything to do with Oliver who also happens to be orchestrating a series of deadly terrorist attacks on U.S. soil which he will follow-through on if his demands are not met.
Oliver provides a sample of his threat in a video text to Holmes, further demanding their attention to his demands. As they team up with an FBI task force led by Agent Edwards to take down Oliver, the villain continues to remain elusive and blows a hole in a power station to further demonstrate his abilities and intent. The action in the novel moves quickly from upstate New York back to New York City and the eventual final showdown on an oil rig outside of Houston, Texas. The suspense in this novel is far superiour to the other entries in this series, which were top-notch, and all of Patterson and Sitts’ plotting skills are on display as the tension reaches near unbearable levels.
One clue they may be able to use is when they uncover that Holmes’ ‘attorney’ Milver was actually Jock Stapleton, a wealthy trader who runs the NYC firm Sunforce Capital. They do not have the success they planned to leverage when they confront Stapleton, but it does provide some vital information they might be able to use to outwit Oliver Paul. The action sequences are well-written and keep the story moving forward at breakneck speed.
There are subplots in the novel that are quite interesting, especially the one featuring Margaret Marple and her penchant for cooking. This leads her to take a culinary course from a famous and irascible French Chef in the Rochester area who has a history of mistreating and abusing female employees. The end result of Marple’s story is quite satisfying, and she still finds time to insert herself into the high-octane finale on the oil rig in Texas.
THE GIRL IN THE LAKE is smart, witty and a lot of fun to read. The constant references and allusions to the famous fictional characters that this trio is named for constantly remind us of the history these investigators are grounded in. Of all the recurring series that James Patterson is authoring, this remains one of my personal favorites.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
After their Brooklyn offices were bombed and destroyed in the previous novel, we find our threesome along with their colleagues Virginia and former NYPD Detective Helen Grey who is very pregnant with twins from her relationship with Auguste Poe, living in a cabin off the finger lakes in Western New York state. Before we dive into their story we witness an event where two young girls discover the body of a young woman beneath the ice of the lake in Archer’s Branch.
Brendan Holmes and August Pope are attending an alcoholics anonymous meeting being run by the group leader and local Sheriff Gregson until he is called away to investigate what the girls found in the woods. Holmes is surprisingly apprehended due to the fact that the body of the dead woman had a piece of paper on her that read: “If anything happens to me, arrest Brendan Holmes.”
All is explained when a man claiming to be Holmes’ attorney, Charles Milver, shows up at the Sheriff’s office where he confesses that he was hired by their arch-enemy and the man who destroyed their offices, Oliver Paul. Paul artistically crafted this murder to implicate Holmes and get their attention. He also wanted their assistance in freeing his love, Agnes Matts, who is being held in a high-security prison in Westchester County. Holmes and Poe are quite wary of anything to do with Oliver who also happens to be orchestrating a series of deadly terrorist attacks on U.S. soil which he will follow-through on if his demands are not met.
Oliver provides a sample of his threat in a video text to Holmes, further demanding their attention to his demands. As they team up with an FBI task force led by Agent Edwards to take down Oliver, the villain continues to remain elusive and blows a hole in a power station to further demonstrate his abilities and intent. The action in the novel moves quickly from upstate New York back to New York City and the eventual final showdown on an oil rig outside of Houston, Texas. The suspense in this novel is far superiour to the other entries in this series, which were top-notch, and all of Patterson and Sitts’ plotting skills are on display as the tension reaches near unbearable levels.
One clue they may be able to use is when they uncover that Holmes’ ‘attorney’ Milver was actually Jock Stapleton, a wealthy trader who runs the NYC firm Sunforce Capital. They do not have the success they planned to leverage when they confront Stapleton, but it does provide some vital information they might be able to use to outwit Oliver Paul. The action sequences are well-written and keep the story moving forward at breakneck speed.
There are subplots in the novel that are quite interesting, especially the one featuring Margaret Marple and her penchant for cooking. This leads her to take a culinary course from a famous and irascible French Chef in the Rochester area who has a history of mistreating and abusing female employees. The end result of Marple’s story is quite satisfying, and she still finds time to insert herself into the high-octane finale on the oil rig in Texas.
THE GIRL IN THE LAKE is smart, witty and a lot of fun to read. The constant references and allusions to the famous fictional characters that this trio is named for constantly remind us of the history these investigators are grounded in. Of all the recurring series that James Patterson is authoring, this remains one of my personal favorites.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
October 27, 2026
I received a complimentary ARC copy of The Girl In The Lake (A Holmes, Margaret & Poe Mystery#3), by James Patterson and Brian Sitts from Net Galley and Little, Brown and Company/Hachette Book Group in order to read and give an honest review.
If you have been keeping up with James Patterson and Brian Sitts’ series about a trio of private investigators who share the most iconic surnames in detective history, you know these books are always a fun and fast-paced ride. In The Girl in the Lake, the third entry in the series, Brendan Holmes, Margaret Marple, and Auguste Poe return but they are quite different in this installment, they are no longer the tight-knit team they used to be back in Manhattan which in my opinion is a shame.
Having fled to a quiet lodge in upper New York state after their Manhattan office was bombed in the previous book, the group is trying to lay low and put themselves back together. This time around they are carrying even more personal baggage too. Holmes is wrestling with maintaining his sobriety with his heroin addiction, Poe is fighting alcoholism while preparing for twins with former NYPD detective Helene Grey, and Marple is dealing with serious heartbreak while carving out a new path, a path away from Holmes. Add in their quirky young assistant Virginia and her trusty mastiff Baskerville, and you have a full house of wonderfully eccentric personalities trying to navigate non-stop chaos.
Naturally, trouble catches up with them fast. When a body pulled from a local frozen lake turns out to be missing woman Celia Rogers, the guys cannot resist getting involved. But things get complicated when a note inside the victim’s wallet reads: “If I’m dead, arrest Brendan Holmes.”
It turns out their nemesis, serial killer Oliver Paul, has tracked them right to their hideout. Paul sets a trap for Holmes to force a bizarre trade: get his wife out of prison, or watch a lot more people die unless they meet his demand and the cat and mouse game continues on a wild twisty ride.
Once again, Patterson and Sitts created an entertaining fun read, but if you’re looking for something more cerebral this might not be for you. Due to the fact so much of the plot hinges on the ongoing cat-and-mouse game with Oliver Paul and the trio’s complicated history, you really need to read the previous books in the series to get the background to appreciate where everyone is at mentally. Although it ends on a high note, the last paragraph’s cliffhanger suggests that something big is around the corner, but next time they will have so much more to lose.
If you have been keeping up with James Patterson and Brian Sitts’ series about a trio of private investigators who share the most iconic surnames in detective history, you know these books are always a fun and fast-paced ride. In The Girl in the Lake, the third entry in the series, Brendan Holmes, Margaret Marple, and Auguste Poe return but they are quite different in this installment, they are no longer the tight-knit team they used to be back in Manhattan which in my opinion is a shame.
Having fled to a quiet lodge in upper New York state after their Manhattan office was bombed in the previous book, the group is trying to lay low and put themselves back together. This time around they are carrying even more personal baggage too. Holmes is wrestling with maintaining his sobriety with his heroin addiction, Poe is fighting alcoholism while preparing for twins with former NYPD detective Helene Grey, and Marple is dealing with serious heartbreak while carving out a new path, a path away from Holmes. Add in their quirky young assistant Virginia and her trusty mastiff Baskerville, and you have a full house of wonderfully eccentric personalities trying to navigate non-stop chaos.
Naturally, trouble catches up with them fast. When a body pulled from a local frozen lake turns out to be missing woman Celia Rogers, the guys cannot resist getting involved. But things get complicated when a note inside the victim’s wallet reads: “If I’m dead, arrest Brendan Holmes.”
It turns out their nemesis, serial killer Oliver Paul, has tracked them right to their hideout. Paul sets a trap for Holmes to force a bizarre trade: get his wife out of prison, or watch a lot more people die unless they meet his demand and the cat and mouse game continues on a wild twisty ride.
Once again, Patterson and Sitts created an entertaining fun read, but if you’re looking for something more cerebral this might not be for you. Due to the fact so much of the plot hinges on the ongoing cat-and-mouse game with Oliver Paul and the trio’s complicated history, you really need to read the previous books in the series to get the background to appreciate where everyone is at mentally. Although it ends on a high note, the last paragraph’s cliffhanger suggests that something big is around the corner, but next time they will have so much more to lose.
September 23, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the third book in this series featuring Brendan Holmes, Margaret Marple, and Auguste Poe who are all rather on the weird side of eclectic so, if you haven't already met them properly in the previous two books, I'd go back and read them first. Especially as there is a bit of a series arc nemesis thing going on...
Anyway... we start with our trio of private detectives having had to flee their city HQ - after it was bombed - and are now residing in a remote lodge. They are trying to piece their lives back together whilst also continuing to hunt down their nemesis Oliver Paul. So I guess the last thing they need is for Holmes to get the finger pointed at him when a body is fished from the nearby lake. It turns out to be that of Celia Rogers who disappeared a while back, Holmes is arrested and the lawyer who comes to represents him is the man who also represents Paul and, as things transpire, it is Paul who is behind the accusation, and he wants something, and is determined not to stop an anything to get it.
Meanwhile, Marple wants to learn to cook...
And so begins exactly what you'd expect from a book in this series. Although our trio is not as cohesive as once they were, and they also have a LOT going on outwith the case(s) being investigated. Poe and Holmes still have ongoing addiction issues, with Poe also awaiting the imminent birth of his twins with former NYPD detective Helene. Holmes and Marple are still a bit fractious. There's a lot going on, and indeed a lot at stake. And a lot for assistant Virginia to try and control, ably assisted by Baskerville!
With short, punchy, cliffhangery chapters the book gets on with itself very well indeed and it is also very hard to put down. But that's no problem cos it isn't a chore to read and the characters do a great job of accompanying the narrative, assisting it's progress by injecting all their personal shenanigans and quite a lot of humour too, It really is the complete deal.
We do however need to talk about the ending. Well, actually we can't cos of spoilers, but if we could... Suffice to say I really need book four NOW!
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Anyway... we start with our trio of private detectives having had to flee their city HQ - after it was bombed - and are now residing in a remote lodge. They are trying to piece their lives back together whilst also continuing to hunt down their nemesis Oliver Paul. So I guess the last thing they need is for Holmes to get the finger pointed at him when a body is fished from the nearby lake. It turns out to be that of Celia Rogers who disappeared a while back, Holmes is arrested and the lawyer who comes to represents him is the man who also represents Paul and, as things transpire, it is Paul who is behind the accusation, and he wants something, and is determined not to stop an anything to get it.
Meanwhile, Marple wants to learn to cook...
And so begins exactly what you'd expect from a book in this series. Although our trio is not as cohesive as once they were, and they also have a LOT going on outwith the case(s) being investigated. Poe and Holmes still have ongoing addiction issues, with Poe also awaiting the imminent birth of his twins with former NYPD detective Helene. Holmes and Marple are still a bit fractious. There's a lot going on, and indeed a lot at stake. And a lot for assistant Virginia to try and control, ably assisted by Baskerville!
With short, punchy, cliffhangery chapters the book gets on with itself very well indeed and it is also very hard to put down. But that's no problem cos it isn't a chore to read and the characters do a great job of accompanying the narrative, assisting it's progress by injecting all their personal shenanigans and quite a lot of humour too, It really is the complete deal.
We do however need to talk about the ending. Well, actually we can't cos of spoilers, but if we could... Suffice to say I really need book four NOW!
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
November 2, 2026
This novel felt like several different books stitched together rather than one carefully constructed thriller. The story's beginning and end feel so disconnected that I wondered whether there was ever a clear roadmap for the plot. Add in the numerous side stories and detours, and the whole thing felt less like a deliberate mystery and more like a collection of ideas added as they occurred to the authors.
I understand why James Patterson has such a loyal fan base. His books are fast, approachable, and incredibly easy to fly through. But this novel highlights what I sometimes find frustrating about his style. Too often, it feels as if an interesting central concept is introduced, then padded with assorted bits and pieces designed to fill those trademark ultra-short chapters. The result is a book that moves quickly yet lacks depth or momentum.
What disappointed me most was the lack of focus. Instead of building tension around the central mystery, the narrative frequently wanders into subplots that never feel essential. At times, I realized you could skip entire chapters and still follow the story without missing any importance. That's never a great sign in a suspense novel, where every scene should ideally add new clues, raise the stakes, or deepen our understanding of the characters.
For future collaborations, I'd love to see Patterson and whichever co-author he's working with slow down a little and commit to greater substance. More depth in the characters, more attention to the central plot, and more confidence in letting important moments breathe would go a long way. There are glimpses of a good story here, but they're buried beneath too many distractions. In the end, The Girl in the Lake felt less like a tightly woven thriller and more like a first draft where every idea made it to the final draft.
I understand why James Patterson has such a loyal fan base. His books are fast, approachable, and incredibly easy to fly through. But this novel highlights what I sometimes find frustrating about his style. Too often, it feels as if an interesting central concept is introduced, then padded with assorted bits and pieces designed to fill those trademark ultra-short chapters. The result is a book that moves quickly yet lacks depth or momentum.
What disappointed me most was the lack of focus. Instead of building tension around the central mystery, the narrative frequently wanders into subplots that never feel essential. At times, I realized you could skip entire chapters and still follow the story without missing any importance. That's never a great sign in a suspense novel, where every scene should ideally add new clues, raise the stakes, or deepen our understanding of the characters.
For future collaborations, I'd love to see Patterson and whichever co-author he's working with slow down a little and commit to greater substance. More depth in the characters, more attention to the central plot, and more confidence in letting important moments breathe would go a long way. There are glimpses of a good story here, but they're buried beneath too many distractions. In the end, The Girl in the Lake felt less like a tightly woven thriller and more like a first draft where every idea made it to the final draft.
October 28, 2026
From his angle, Holmes could see only that there was handwriting on the card. Then the deputy aimed his flashlight beam toward the note as Gregson read it aloud, so everybody could hear. “‘If anything happens to me, arrest Brendan Holmes.’ ”
My very first mystery was a Sherlock Holmes story, The Hounds of the Baskervilles, an assignment for school. Despite not wanting to read Sherlock Holmes, this book created a great love of mysteries. Agatha Christie and, eventually Poe were introduced. So, a series based on these 3 characters existing together was right up my alley. And each book in the series has been even better than the previous! One of the things I love is that Patterson and Sitts manage to take these well known characters and put their own twist, while keeping them true to their traditional forms. I do love that Poe and Holmes are actually dealing with their addictions in healthier ways than I’ve ever seen their characters in other media do. I love the relationship and banter among the three main characters and how well they work together. Grey and Virginia are the perfect additions. In this book, I also loved seeing Marple branch out on her own and explore other aspects of her personality. She truly kicks booty and, honestly, who better for Holmes than Margaret Marple? She’s the perfect blend of his intellect and insight with actual empathy mixed in. This mystery was such a fun, action packed story and had me hooked from the first sentence. And Oliver Paul is the perfect “Moriarty” for our trio to tackle. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book.
I’d like to thank James Patterson, Brian Sitts, and Little, Brown, & Company for sending me an arc of this fun book. The content of my review was not impacted in any way by this.
My very first mystery was a Sherlock Holmes story, The Hounds of the Baskervilles, an assignment for school. Despite not wanting to read Sherlock Holmes, this book created a great love of mysteries. Agatha Christie and, eventually Poe were introduced. So, a series based on these 3 characters existing together was right up my alley. And each book in the series has been even better than the previous! One of the things I love is that Patterson and Sitts manage to take these well known characters and put their own twist, while keeping them true to their traditional forms. I do love that Poe and Holmes are actually dealing with their addictions in healthier ways than I’ve ever seen their characters in other media do. I love the relationship and banter among the three main characters and how well they work together. Grey and Virginia are the perfect additions. In this book, I also loved seeing Marple branch out on her own and explore other aspects of her personality. She truly kicks booty and, honestly, who better for Holmes than Margaret Marple? She’s the perfect blend of his intellect and insight with actual empathy mixed in. This mystery was such a fun, action packed story and had me hooked from the first sentence. And Oliver Paul is the perfect “Moriarty” for our trio to tackle. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book.
I’d like to thank James Patterson, Brian Sitts, and Little, Brown, & Company for sending me an arc of this fun book. The content of my review was not impacted in any way by this.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
October 26, 2026
This is the third book in the Holmes, Margaret & Poe series. Although this is a clever name for a detective agency (Margaret's last name is Marple), I'm hoping we find out the reasons for what I am suspecting are pseudonyms.
The team has fled NYC for upstate NY as a result of the bombing of their office/residence by Oliver Paul. Unfortunately, Paul has followed them.
The book begins with two girls ice fishing, only to fish out a body. A bag on her person contains a note: "If anything happens to me, arrest Brendan Holmes."
What follows from there is Marple taking a French cooking class, Poe awaiting the birth of his twins, and Holmes trying (and sometimes failing) to outrun his feelings. If this isn't enough for this intrepid trio, add in solving a murder mystery and receiving ongoing threats from Paul, who is intent on having his wife released from prison.
This was an enjoyable read and I liked the change of location. I certainly hope that the three detectives will find themselves pulled back together for the sake of their detective agency.
This book is on sale tomorrow and can be read as a stand-alone.
I received a gifted copy of this ARC from Little, Brown. All opinions are my own.
The team has fled NYC for upstate NY as a result of the bombing of their office/residence by Oliver Paul. Unfortunately, Paul has followed them.
The book begins with two girls ice fishing, only to fish out a body. A bag on her person contains a note: "If anything happens to me, arrest Brendan Holmes."
What follows from there is Marple taking a French cooking class, Poe awaiting the birth of his twins, and Holmes trying (and sometimes failing) to outrun his feelings. If this isn't enough for this intrepid trio, add in solving a murder mystery and receiving ongoing threats from Paul, who is intent on having his wife released from prison.
This was an enjoyable read and I liked the change of location. I certainly hope that the three detectives will find themselves pulled back together for the sake of their detective agency.
This book is on sale tomorrow and can be read as a stand-alone.
I received a gifted copy of this ARC from Little, Brown. All opinions are my own.
November 2, 2026
This is probably my favorite James Patterson series so far. (Okay, I'm a sucker for a good retelling of older stories. That said, my absolute favorite Patterson series provides a futuristic update of The Shadow of old radio show fame.)
But back to the Holmes, Marple, and Poe series (which is what they remain for me, despite what the new covers proclaim). These two authors have put a new spin on two of fiction's most notable characters and added a real classic author's name into the mix.
Yes, today's Holmes is also a heroine addict, Poe is an alcoholic, and Miss Marple possesses a brilliant mind.
Today's spin sees the two men recovering from their addictions, where during an AA meeting, they learn of a murder. Unfortunately for Brandon Holmes, the body pulled out of the lake has a note attached, one claiming him to be the perpetrator.
Now the three private detectives must work overtime to save one of their own.
This is book number three in the series, so go back and read these fantastic novels in order. (Warning: Spoilers abound in this installment.) The book also concludes with a cliffhanger that promises a fourth book.
Yay!
But back to the Holmes, Marple, and Poe series (which is what they remain for me, despite what the new covers proclaim). These two authors have put a new spin on two of fiction's most notable characters and added a real classic author's name into the mix.
Yes, today's Holmes is also a heroine addict, Poe is an alcoholic, and Miss Marple possesses a brilliant mind.
Today's spin sees the two men recovering from their addictions, where during an AA meeting, they learn of a murder. Unfortunately for Brandon Holmes, the body pulled out of the lake has a note attached, one claiming him to be the perpetrator.
Now the three private detectives must work overtime to save one of their own.
This is book number three in the series, so go back and read these fantastic novels in order. (Warning: Spoilers abound in this installment.) The book also concludes with a cliffhanger that promises a fourth book.
Yay!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
– 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.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Little, Brown and Company for providing me with an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 31, 2026
Another myster on their hands. When Holmes, Margaret and Poe leave NY city for the quiet. They think all is well for them. Poe is getting ready for his twins and understanding what his true feelings are for Helene. Margaret meanwhile is cooking up a storm for something to do and realizes she is awesome at it, takes a class. And Holmes is struggling to come to terms with his feelings for retirement and his feelings for Margaret.
However how much quiet can you truly get in a small town??
When a body is found and Holmes is framed for murder the team has to solve this murder mystery quick.
But the person behind it is someone that got away. Can they prove its Oliver before the bodies stack up and the stakes are much higher.
This was a fun twisty ride until the very end. Like you knew who was behind it, but the cat ans mouse game was great.
Looking forward to the next book after the way things ended on this book. Not everything was tied up so nicely.
However how much quiet can you truly get in a small town??
When a body is found and Holmes is framed for murder the team has to solve this murder mystery quick.
But the person behind it is someone that got away. Can they prove its Oliver before the bodies stack up and the stakes are much higher.
This was a fun twisty ride until the very end. Like you knew who was behind it, but the cat ans mouse game was great.
Looking forward to the next book after the way things ended on this book. Not everything was tied up so nicely.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
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