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Beth Adams #2
The Girls in the Lake
Peering over the side of the boat, the glare of early morning sun catches on something pale in the inky water. The boy’s curious fingertips break the surface, pulling up a tangle of long blonde hair from the reeds below…
The discovery of a young student floating face down in Lake Windermere, her naked skin almost translucent in the freezing water, looks like yet another tragic teen suicide. But the victim’s lack of clothes make Forensic Pathologist Beth Adams want to investigate further. Anything to distract her from the arrival of her abusive ex-boyfriend’s body on the mortuary table that morning.
With witnesses keeping tight-lipped and any clues washed away by the tides, it’s up to Beth to find the evidence her team needs. But then another girl is found in the lake, this time still clinging to life. She tells them she was at a party on a boat, and that she was pushed…
As more bodies surface, Beth finds tiny traces of boat paint present on each victim. It’s a critical lead that links these attacks back to a tragic accident involving a group of school children years ago.
Faced with a killer hungry for revenge, and with her own life spiralling out of control, it’s going to take every ounce of skill and determination for Beth to catch this monster before he takes another innocent life. But will Beth realise he’s been right beside her all along?
An absolutely unputdownable serial killer thriller that will have you sleeping with the lights on. Fans of Patricia Gibney, LJ Ross and Angela Marsons will have to hold on tight for this nail-biting rollercoaster ride!
The discovery of a young student floating face down in Lake Windermere, her naked skin almost translucent in the freezing water, looks like yet another tragic teen suicide. But the victim’s lack of clothes make Forensic Pathologist Beth Adams want to investigate further. Anything to distract her from the arrival of her abusive ex-boyfriend’s body on the mortuary table that morning.
With witnesses keeping tight-lipped and any clues washed away by the tides, it’s up to Beth to find the evidence her team needs. But then another girl is found in the lake, this time still clinging to life. She tells them she was at a party on a boat, and that she was pushed…
As more bodies surface, Beth finds tiny traces of boat paint present on each victim. It’s a critical lead that links these attacks back to a tragic accident involving a group of school children years ago.
Faced with a killer hungry for revenge, and with her own life spiralling out of control, it’s going to take every ounce of skill and determination for Beth to catch this monster before he takes another innocent life. But will Beth realise he’s been right beside her all along?
An absolutely unputdownable serial killer thriller that will have you sleeping with the lights on. Fans of Patricia Gibney, LJ Ross and Angela Marsons will have to hold on tight for this nail-biting rollercoaster ride!
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2019
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December 25, 2019
EXCERPT: The glow from the lamps along the quay gave just enough light to see there was something in the water; in the shadow of the boat it looked as if a clump of reeds had got tangled in the anchor chain. Leaning further over, he blinked a couple of times and focused his vision, realizing too late that they weren't reeds at all.
It was a woman, floating face down in the water, her long blonde hair fanned out around her shoulders and snagged onto the anchor chain.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: The discovery of a young student floating face down in Lake Windermere, her naked skin almost translucent in the freezing water, looks like yet another tragic teen suicide. But the victim’s lack of clothes make Forensic Pathologist Beth Adams want to investigate further. Anything to distract her from the arrival of her abusive ex-boyfriend’s body on the mortuary table that morning.
With witnesses keeping tight-lipped and any clues washed away by the tides, it’s up to Beth to find the evidence her team needs. But then another girl is found in the lake, this time still clinging to life. She tells them she was at a party on a boat, and that she was pushed…
As more bodies surface, Beth finds tiny traces of boat paint present on each victim. It’s a critical lead that links these attacks back to a tragic accident involving a group of school children years ago.
Faced with a killer hungry for revenge, and with her own life spiralling out of control, it’s going to take every ounce of skill and determination for Beth to catch this monster before he takes another innocent life. But will Beth realise he’s been right beside her all along?
MY THOUGHTS: I am afraid that I like The Girls in the Lake even less than The Girl in the Grave, and I thought that was barely an okay read. With The Girls in the Lake, I seriously contemplated dnfing it several times. By the time I finished I really didn't care who had done what to whom.
I disliked it for all the same reasons as the first book in this series. The action in this book takes place a mere month after the previous book finishes so Beth and Josh's relationship is still relatively new. But she is sneaking around following him. They are also trying to keep their relationship secret from their coworkers, so why would she contemplate taking him breakfast at work?
There's a lot of silly little errors that spoiled my enjoyment, and some not so small. Beth takes it upon herself to collect a paint sample to match against samples from under the dead girls fingernails, but does so without a warrant, in stormy weather, and despite evidence that there could be someone on board the boat to which the dinghy is tied.
The writing is mostly simplistic and flat. Beth goes outside. She gets (something) from her car. She comes inside. She sits down. You get the idea..... There is little suspense, and even less atmosphere.
Reading is a personal and subjective experience, and what appeals to one may not please another. If you enjoyed the excerpt from The Girls in the Lake by Helen Phifer, and the plot outline appeals, please do go ahead and read it. You may well love it, as many other people have.
Not a book I will be recommending, nor a series that I will be following.
😕😕
#TheGirlsInTheLake #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Phifer was born in Barrow-in-Furness, a small town. She grew up there and continued to live there as an adult with her husband and children. She says that the town can occasionally receive some not great press, but confirms that it is a nice area to live in. It is surrounded by gorgeous scenic coast line and is fairly close to the Lake District, which is another beautiful area.
Helen confesses that she has always loved reading as well as writing. When it comes to reading, she likes to pick books that make the hair on her neck go up! Helen always has had a penchant for scary stories. When she eventually could not find enough books in this genre to suit her requirements, she decided that she would boost the amount of scary story books out there by writing some of her own!
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Girls in the Lake by Helen Phifer for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
It was a woman, floating face down in the water, her long blonde hair fanned out around her shoulders and snagged onto the anchor chain.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: The discovery of a young student floating face down in Lake Windermere, her naked skin almost translucent in the freezing water, looks like yet another tragic teen suicide. But the victim’s lack of clothes make Forensic Pathologist Beth Adams want to investigate further. Anything to distract her from the arrival of her abusive ex-boyfriend’s body on the mortuary table that morning.
With witnesses keeping tight-lipped and any clues washed away by the tides, it’s up to Beth to find the evidence her team needs. But then another girl is found in the lake, this time still clinging to life. She tells them she was at a party on a boat, and that she was pushed…
As more bodies surface, Beth finds tiny traces of boat paint present on each victim. It’s a critical lead that links these attacks back to a tragic accident involving a group of school children years ago.
Faced with a killer hungry for revenge, and with her own life spiralling out of control, it’s going to take every ounce of skill and determination for Beth to catch this monster before he takes another innocent life. But will Beth realise he’s been right beside her all along?
MY THOUGHTS: I am afraid that I like The Girls in the Lake even less than The Girl in the Grave, and I thought that was barely an okay read. With The Girls in the Lake, I seriously contemplated dnfing it several times. By the time I finished I really didn't care who had done what to whom.
I disliked it for all the same reasons as the first book in this series. The action in this book takes place a mere month after the previous book finishes so Beth and Josh's relationship is still relatively new. But she is sneaking around following him. They are also trying to keep their relationship secret from their coworkers, so why would she contemplate taking him breakfast at work?
There's a lot of silly little errors that spoiled my enjoyment, and some not so small. Beth takes it upon herself to collect a paint sample to match against samples from under the dead girls fingernails, but does so without a warrant, in stormy weather, and despite evidence that there could be someone on board the boat to which the dinghy is tied.
The writing is mostly simplistic and flat. Beth goes outside. She gets (something) from her car. She comes inside. She sits down. You get the idea..... There is little suspense, and even less atmosphere.
Reading is a personal and subjective experience, and what appeals to one may not please another. If you enjoyed the excerpt from The Girls in the Lake by Helen Phifer, and the plot outline appeals, please do go ahead and read it. You may well love it, as many other people have.
Not a book I will be recommending, nor a series that I will be following.
😕😕
#TheGirlsInTheLake #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Phifer was born in Barrow-in-Furness, a small town. She grew up there and continued to live there as an adult with her husband and children. She says that the town can occasionally receive some not great press, but confirms that it is a nice area to live in. It is surrounded by gorgeous scenic coast line and is fairly close to the Lake District, which is another beautiful area.
Helen confesses that she has always loved reading as well as writing. When it comes to reading, she likes to pick books that make the hair on her neck go up! Helen always has had a penchant for scary stories. When she eventually could not find enough books in this genre to suit her requirements, she decided that she would boost the amount of scary story books out there by writing some of her own!
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Girls in the Lake by Helen Phifer for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
December 9, 2019
Young women, all beautiful, all blond, all found floating face down in Lake Windermare. Accidents? Murder?
They were all guests to what locals call the Party Boat ... a large boat owned and run by a young man with extremely wealthy parents. He offers tours... along with champagne and sometimes a few pills of one sort or another. He and his two close friends also enjoy all the benefits of beautiful women.
Pathologist Beth Adams, after investigating the first two women found in the lake, has a gut feeling that these were more than suicides. She's determined to find some kind of evidence, even if it really isn't her job.
But her live-in relationship with her boyfriend, Josh, also a law enforcement officer seems to be failing and the death of a man who tried to kill her a few years ago is killed while in prison. With so much going on, she finds she'd rather seek out a serial killer than sit at home and do nothing.
How many more girls will find Beth find at the bottom of the lake?
This is well written, a few twists and turns along the way ... and a very surprising finale. Although second in the series, this is easily a stand alone. However, I highly recommend reading the first one in order to see what Beth has endured for years and how she and Josh connected. The story premise is a good one, evenly paced from the very first page.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this police procedural. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
They were all guests to what locals call the Party Boat ... a large boat owned and run by a young man with extremely wealthy parents. He offers tours... along with champagne and sometimes a few pills of one sort or another. He and his two close friends also enjoy all the benefits of beautiful women.
Pathologist Beth Adams, after investigating the first two women found in the lake, has a gut feeling that these were more than suicides. She's determined to find some kind of evidence, even if it really isn't her job.
But her live-in relationship with her boyfriend, Josh, also a law enforcement officer seems to be failing and the death of a man who tried to kill her a few years ago is killed while in prison. With so much going on, she finds she'd rather seek out a serial killer than sit at home and do nothing.
How many more girls will find Beth find at the bottom of the lake?
This is well written, a few twists and turns along the way ... and a very surprising finale. Although second in the series, this is easily a stand alone. However, I highly recommend reading the first one in order to see what Beth has endured for years and how she and Josh connected. The story premise is a good one, evenly paced from the very first page.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this police procedural. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
December 13, 2019
The Girls in the Lake is the second book in the forensic pathologist Dr Beth Adams series, set in the stunning Lake District. It isn't necessary to have read the first instalment before you pick this up as the story is self-contained. That said, you will not be privy to the development of the recurring characters. The body of a young blonde-haired girl is discovered floating in Lake Windermere and is ruled as a tragic accidental drowning. Then a second girl is pulled alive from the lake and confirms Beth's worst fears that she had been pushed from the vessel intentionally. The girls had been partying on the boat The Tequila Sunrise and both had been quite heavily intoxicated. When more victims are discovered, it is beginning to look as though a serial killer is on the loose and Beth finds traces of the paint used to colour the boat underneath the girls' fingernails and vows to get justice for those subjected to the crime and bring closure to their families.
I enjoyed the Lake District location and the deaths are all the more sinister for being located in a serene and breathtaking part of England; the contrast makes the aspects of the story really prominent, and although I liked the first instalment I preferred this one and found it a lot more enjoyable. The writing pulls you in and is easy to follow and there are sufficient twists and turns to keep you interested with the story moving in one direction then another. It's an absorbing and highly engaging tale with a plot and cast that are believable; I picked it up with the intention of reading a mere few chapters and got lost within its pages only stopping when there was no more to read; this is the mark of a true page-turner, in my opinion. The plot is both dramatic and exciting with a logical investigation and investigators who are compassionate and truly care about discovering the truth. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
I enjoyed the Lake District location and the deaths are all the more sinister for being located in a serene and breathtaking part of England; the contrast makes the aspects of the story really prominent, and although I liked the first instalment I preferred this one and found it a lot more enjoyable. The writing pulls you in and is easy to follow and there are sufficient twists and turns to keep you interested with the story moving in one direction then another. It's an absorbing and highly engaging tale with a plot and cast that are believable; I picked it up with the intention of reading a mere few chapters and got lost within its pages only stopping when there was no more to read; this is the mark of a true page-turner, in my opinion. The plot is both dramatic and exciting with a logical investigation and investigators who are compassionate and truly care about discovering the truth. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
December 11, 2019
What a fabulous continuation in what is proving to be a wonderful series! I love Beth Adams - she is so strong even though she is broken. Now a Forensic Pathologist, though previously an A & E Doctor, she experienced a horrific attack yet still managed to get on with her life.
In this latest instalment, a young boy discovers a teenage student floating face down in freezing water at Lake Windermere and it looks to be another tragic teen suicide. But the victim’s lack of clothing makes Forensic Pathologist Beth Adams suspicious and she decides to investigate further. When a second body materialises, this time still clinging to life, she tells them she was at a party on a boat, and that she was pushed. Beth and DS Josh Walker begin to suspect that the discoveries might be linked, but with witnesses remaining tight-lipped and any clues washed away by the tides, it’s up to Beth to find the evidence her team needs.
Although The Girls in the Lake doesn't have the most intricate plot I've ever read, it is certainly a solid and compelling novel, with plenty of gritty narrative that held my attention throughout. Told from various points of view, mostly those of Beth and Josh, it was informative, fast-paced and extremely gripping.
This instalment was not all investigation, however as there was a subplot about Beth and Josh’s relationship. Helen Phifer achieved the perfect blend of an enthralling police procedural balanced with demonstrating her characters' personal relationships, without allowing this to detract from the case. I loved that other members of the team are gradually becoming an increasingly important part of the story-line within the series, and I have no doubt that the third book will continue this welcome trend.
Helen Phifer is brilliant author and I will definitely continue to follow this series. She gave me characters that I admire and that I wish to read more about. I love her writing style and it displays evidence of some excellent research. This book is certainly worth five stars and comes highly recommended.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my request, from Bookouture via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
In this latest instalment, a young boy discovers a teenage student floating face down in freezing water at Lake Windermere and it looks to be another tragic teen suicide. But the victim’s lack of clothing makes Forensic Pathologist Beth Adams suspicious and she decides to investigate further. When a second body materialises, this time still clinging to life, she tells them she was at a party on a boat, and that she was pushed. Beth and DS Josh Walker begin to suspect that the discoveries might be linked, but with witnesses remaining tight-lipped and any clues washed away by the tides, it’s up to Beth to find the evidence her team needs.
Although The Girls in the Lake doesn't have the most intricate plot I've ever read, it is certainly a solid and compelling novel, with plenty of gritty narrative that held my attention throughout. Told from various points of view, mostly those of Beth and Josh, it was informative, fast-paced and extremely gripping.
This instalment was not all investigation, however as there was a subplot about Beth and Josh’s relationship. Helen Phifer achieved the perfect blend of an enthralling police procedural balanced with demonstrating her characters' personal relationships, without allowing this to detract from the case. I loved that other members of the team are gradually becoming an increasingly important part of the story-line within the series, and I have no doubt that the third book will continue this welcome trend.
Helen Phifer is brilliant author and I will definitely continue to follow this series. She gave me characters that I admire and that I wish to read more about. I love her writing style and it displays evidence of some excellent research. This book is certainly worth five stars and comes highly recommended.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my request, from Bookouture via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
January 13, 2020
The Girls in the Lake by Helen Phifer is the second in the Forensic Pathologist Beth Adams series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
Dr. Elizabeth (Beth) Adams is a forensic pathologist. After having her ex try to kill her twice, he is now behind bars, and Beth is trying to get on with her life. She spent 7 years in fear, and enough is enough. Now in a relationship with DS Josh Walker, things are looking up. She has a friend in her lab assistant Abe, and she is learning to live without fear.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
When Ethan Scales wakes from a drunken party on his friends James's yacht, he hears something banging against the side. A few minutes later he has pulled the lifeless and naked body of a girl out of the water.
James, Ethan and their friend Marcus often cater parties on the boat, but they soon become the main suspects in the death of this woman.
When another body turns up in the water, Beth is sure that the two deaths are related.
Meanwhile, on a personal level, Beth is dealing with the death of her ex, as well as the questionable behaviour of Josh.
My Opinions:
Beth Adams is a wonderful character, and I even like her relationship with DS Josh Walker. However, I wasn't really happy with their "issues" in this one. I felt their lack of communication was a little childish, and out of character for the pair.
This book was as action-packed as the first, and was a really quick read. The plot was well thought out, and well-written. I love the references to Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta (although I don't think Beth will ever compare).
Though this is only the second in the series, it is starting well, and could have been read as a stand-alone novel. These books feel like a light entertaining read. I think I'll continue to follow Beth!
December 7, 2019
This second book in the Beth Adams series finds Dr. Adams, a Forensic Pathologist in the Lake District, living with her boyfriend, DS Josh Walker. Beth is still fixated on her abusive ex, a man who tried to kill her -- twice -- but he's safely locked in prison and now, after 7 long years, she's feeling like she can come out of her self-imposed shell thanks to Josh. This happy little world is upset, however, when the bodies of two females are pulled from Lake Windermere in the space of 24 hours. Then, at a drinks party on a fancy boat, another girl is pushed into the same lake. These events have the same 3 people in common. Is this a serial killer at work or were the drownings accidental? NO SPOILERS.
This is me -- I love science and, as a nurse, I devour all details medical. I've long had a fascination with the work of the forensic pathologist and have read extensively in the sub genre as well as watched all the tv shows. So, I am super picky. And that's where my problem began. Beth Adams is no Kay Scarpetta nor is she a pale comparison to Dr. Quincy (just to name two) and since I know a little bit about the actual JOB duties for this position, I found myself scoffing in disbelief at the things that Beth does in this book. Even so, I continued to read and discovered that I simply don't really like any of the characters. And don't get me started on the stupid issues that Beth and Josh had during the course of their investigation! The plot was a little thin and the perpetrator obvious so there were no surprises except maybe that Beth manages to live despite needing yet another rescue or two!
I guess I might be done with this series despite my eagerness to read about a pathologist and cop who are romantically involved as well as work partners assuming each would stick to his/her strength. Maybe it's different in the Lake District to how this could possibly be done in the USA, but even when taking liberties with it for the sake of the story, it should not be quite so unbelievable? I hate being disappointed but this was a very quick read with lots of emotional angst filler so I can move on. I had such high hopes but accurate scientific detail alone can't carry a series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
This is me -- I love science and, as a nurse, I devour all details medical. I've long had a fascination with the work of the forensic pathologist and have read extensively in the sub genre as well as watched all the tv shows. So, I am super picky. And that's where my problem began. Beth Adams is no Kay Scarpetta nor is she a pale comparison to Dr. Quincy (just to name two) and since I know a little bit about the actual JOB duties for this position, I found myself scoffing in disbelief at the things that Beth does in this book. Even so, I continued to read and discovered that I simply don't really like any of the characters. And don't get me started on the stupid issues that Beth and Josh had during the course of their investigation! The plot was a little thin and the perpetrator obvious so there were no surprises except maybe that Beth manages to live despite needing yet another rescue or two!
I guess I might be done with this series despite my eagerness to read about a pathologist and cop who are romantically involved as well as work partners assuming each would stick to his/her strength. Maybe it's different in the Lake District to how this could possibly be done in the USA, but even when taking liberties with it for the sake of the story, it should not be quite so unbelievable? I hate being disappointed but this was a very quick read with lots of emotional angst filler so I can move on. I had such high hopes but accurate scientific detail alone can't carry a series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
December 11, 2019
I havent read the first in this series and I`m kinda curious about it now, having read The Girls In the Lake. This works well as a standalone but there are numerous references to Beth Adams past which has really piqued my interest.
The story here is about girls being discovered drowned in a lake. Appearing to be accidental deaths, Forensic Pathologist Beth Adams looks after the bodies and their post mortems to help the police with their inquiries. While thee police dont see any reason for foul play Beth is convinced that there is something more sinister going on. When a connection is made between the dead girls and a party boat docked in the marina, the police start to take Beths concerns more seriously and wonder if they have a serial killer on their hands.
This book was immensely readable and the characters fairly well rounded, Beth is a great central character although a couple of her decisions during the investigation did seem a little unbelievable and more of a device to move the plot along.
You are kept guessing right until the end. An ending that I didnt particularly care for and didnt sit well with me at all. It just didnt tally with the beginning off the book.
Overall though a very enjoyable read. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. I would have scored this higher only for a couple of major annoyances.
Many thankss to Netgalley, Bookouture and Helen Phifer for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story here is about girls being discovered drowned in a lake. Appearing to be accidental deaths, Forensic Pathologist Beth Adams looks after the bodies and their post mortems to help the police with their inquiries. While thee police dont see any reason for foul play Beth is convinced that there is something more sinister going on. When a connection is made between the dead girls and a party boat docked in the marina, the police start to take Beths concerns more seriously and wonder if they have a serial killer on their hands.
This book was immensely readable and the characters fairly well rounded, Beth is a great central character although a couple of her decisions during the investigation did seem a little unbelievable and more of a device to move the plot along.
You are kept guessing right until the end. An ending that I didnt particularly care for and didnt sit well with me at all. It just didnt tally with the beginning off the book.
Overall though a very enjoyable read. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. I would have scored this higher only for a couple of major annoyances.
Many thankss to Netgalley, Bookouture and Helen Phifer for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2019
A brilliant and atmospheric psychological thriller! A very well written story with good characterization.
A body of a dead girl is found floating in Lake Windermere. It seems like an accidental drowning but why would she take off all her clothes to go for a swim in the freezing water?
Forensic psychologist Beth Adams is on call to do the autopsy. She had to fight a lot of demons but is finally moving on and in a relationship with DS Josh Walker.
Another body is found in eerily similar circumstances. Can these all be just unfortunate events or is there something more sinister behind it all?
This is the second book in the series and although I haven't read the 1st one it didn't feel like I missed anything. I will definitely read more from this author.
Thank you to #bookouture and #netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
A body of a dead girl is found floating in Lake Windermere. It seems like an accidental drowning but why would she take off all her clothes to go for a swim in the freezing water?
Forensic psychologist Beth Adams is on call to do the autopsy. She had to fight a lot of demons but is finally moving on and in a relationship with DS Josh Walker.
Another body is found in eerily similar circumstances. Can these all be just unfortunate events or is there something more sinister behind it all?
This is the second book in the series and although I haven't read the 1st one it didn't feel like I missed anything. I will definitely read more from this author.
Thank you to #bookouture and #netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 9, 2019
Great Characters - - Murders float up in Lake Windermere! Forensic Pathologist Beth Adams must be a Quincy to help the police solve these cases. Great characters. Who done it was solvable with the clues left on the pages. Loved that! "A copy of this book was provided by Bookouture via Netgalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion." This #2 in the series could be read as a stand alone. Enjoy this author.
January 30, 2020
The second in what is promising to be an exciting new series, THE GIRLS IN THE LAKE is an intriguing continuation set just a month after the end of the first book
"The Girl in the Grave"
. I like the easy flow of this series which doesn't bog the reader down in an overwhelming wealth of information which has us Googling for answers at the same time. And the short snappy chapters keep the story moving along at a steady yet increasing pace throughout.
Dr Beth Adams is a forensic pathologist who, after a working as an A&E doctor until her boyfriend tried to kill her seven years ago, moved to the Lakes District and retrained for her current position. Now her ex is behind bars, despite trying to kill her again from beyond his gaol cell, and Beth is attempting to move on with her life.
DS Josh Walker was first on scene and saved Beth from her murderous ex and since then they have been good friends...the only one Beth had come to trust. He was married until he came home early one morning to find his wife Jodie in bed with one of his colleagues. He packed his bags and left, never looking back.
Now Beth and Josh live together in her beautiful secluded home by Lake Windemere. Although their relationship is still new, they have found a companionship in each other that is safe and comfortable both personally and professionally. Due to the nature of their jobs, both are used to early morning calls. So when the naked body of a young woman is found floating face down in the cold waters of Lake Windemere, Beth and Josh are on the case.
Ethan Scales wakes after a drunken night on his friend James Marshall's boat, hearing something banging against the hull. He climbs to the deck and finds the lifeless and naked body of Leah Burton floating face down in the water. He jumps into the freezing depths, pulls her to safety and tries in vain to save her.
Later that same day, a young boy going fishing sees what he thought to be a discarded sleeping bag in the lake. He wades in to pull the offending article out only to discover it is the bloated face of a dead body starting lifelessly up at him. His scream can be heard around the lake.
At the post mortem, Beth peels back the outer layer of skin from the hand and places it over her own in an attempt to retrieve the fingerprints of their "Jane Doe". The body is then identified as Polish national Julia Bach last seen working for Marcus Johnson in his pub, friend of Ethan Scales and James Marshall.
James owns the boat upon which the first victim, Leah Burton, had been aboard the previous night. Julia worked for Marcus. Coincidence? Beth thinks not.
Tensions rise when the daughter of Josh's partner DC Sally Thomas attends a party aboard the same boat, The Tequila Sunrise, as an unofficial obbo is undertaken by lake wardens. Although Grace appears to be in safe hands, another young woman suddenly falls overboard. She is pulled to safety still clinging to life and reveals that she was pushed. Then against advice, the young woman refuses an ambulance in favour of going home.
Meanwhile, Beth must also deal with the death of her ex who tried to kill her seven years ago as well and Josh's recent questionable behaviour which leads her to his ex-wife Jodie's door. What exactly is he keeping from her?
While THE GIRLS IN THE LAKE doesn't have a complex or intricate plot it is certainly an exciting read with a solid narrative throughout. Told from various perspectives, mostly Beth and Josh's, it is compelling, fast paced with a wealth of information to keep you intrigued.
I really enjoy the format of this series. It is incredibly easy to follow and enjoyable to read and the recurring characters, alongside Beth and Josh, are all extremely likable. I am not a fan of procedurals that must throw in all that constant angst, overly strong female leads and alpha male crap. I want a mystery, a thriller, something to sink my teeth into and not get my blood pressure boiling because of station politics or who's better than who.
I wasn't surprised by the villain as it seemed the most logical of all that was on offer. I think the downfall of this book is that there weren't enough red herrings to throw us off the scent, making the villain extremely easy to pick out. And the ending wasn't the best as I didn't see a lot of reason why. And as a reader, it is always preferable to know the why instead of just the who and the how.
But having said that, I still really enjoyed THE GIRLS IN THE LAKE and eagerly await Beth and Josh's next case together.
I would like to thank #HelenPhifer, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheGirlsInTheLake in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Dr Beth Adams is a forensic pathologist who, after a working as an A&E doctor until her boyfriend tried to kill her seven years ago, moved to the Lakes District and retrained for her current position. Now her ex is behind bars, despite trying to kill her again from beyond his gaol cell, and Beth is attempting to move on with her life.
DS Josh Walker was first on scene and saved Beth from her murderous ex and since then they have been good friends...the only one Beth had come to trust. He was married until he came home early one morning to find his wife Jodie in bed with one of his colleagues. He packed his bags and left, never looking back.
Now Beth and Josh live together in her beautiful secluded home by Lake Windemere. Although their relationship is still new, they have found a companionship in each other that is safe and comfortable both personally and professionally. Due to the nature of their jobs, both are used to early morning calls. So when the naked body of a young woman is found floating face down in the cold waters of Lake Windemere, Beth and Josh are on the case.
Ethan Scales wakes after a drunken night on his friend James Marshall's boat, hearing something banging against the hull. He climbs to the deck and finds the lifeless and naked body of Leah Burton floating face down in the water. He jumps into the freezing depths, pulls her to safety and tries in vain to save her.
Later that same day, a young boy going fishing sees what he thought to be a discarded sleeping bag in the lake. He wades in to pull the offending article out only to discover it is the bloated face of a dead body starting lifelessly up at him. His scream can be heard around the lake.
At the post mortem, Beth peels back the outer layer of skin from the hand and places it over her own in an attempt to retrieve the fingerprints of their "Jane Doe". The body is then identified as Polish national Julia Bach last seen working for Marcus Johnson in his pub, friend of Ethan Scales and James Marshall.
James owns the boat upon which the first victim, Leah Burton, had been aboard the previous night. Julia worked for Marcus. Coincidence? Beth thinks not.
Tensions rise when the daughter of Josh's partner DC Sally Thomas attends a party aboard the same boat, The Tequila Sunrise, as an unofficial obbo is undertaken by lake wardens. Although Grace appears to be in safe hands, another young woman suddenly falls overboard. She is pulled to safety still clinging to life and reveals that she was pushed. Then against advice, the young woman refuses an ambulance in favour of going home.
Meanwhile, Beth must also deal with the death of her ex who tried to kill her seven years ago as well and Josh's recent questionable behaviour which leads her to his ex-wife Jodie's door. What exactly is he keeping from her?
While THE GIRLS IN THE LAKE doesn't have a complex or intricate plot it is certainly an exciting read with a solid narrative throughout. Told from various perspectives, mostly Beth and Josh's, it is compelling, fast paced with a wealth of information to keep you intrigued.
I really enjoy the format of this series. It is incredibly easy to follow and enjoyable to read and the recurring characters, alongside Beth and Josh, are all extremely likable. I am not a fan of procedurals that must throw in all that constant angst, overly strong female leads and alpha male crap. I want a mystery, a thriller, something to sink my teeth into and not get my blood pressure boiling because of station politics or who's better than who.
I wasn't surprised by the villain as it seemed the most logical of all that was on offer. I think the downfall of this book is that there weren't enough red herrings to throw us off the scent, making the villain extremely easy to pick out. And the ending wasn't the best as I didn't see a lot of reason why. And as a reader, it is always preferable to know the why instead of just the who and the how.
But having said that, I still really enjoyed THE GIRLS IN THE LAKE and eagerly await Beth and Josh's next case together.
I would like to thank #HelenPhifer, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheGirlsInTheLake in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
December 2, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of The Girls in the Lake, the second Lake District novel to feature forensic pathologist Dr Beth Adams.
When the body of a young student is found floating face down in Windermere everything points to a tragic drowning accident. There is nothing to say otherwise but Beth is uneasy and when she finds links to a second drowning she convinces her boyfriend DS Josh Walker to keep investigating.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Girls in the Lake which is an engrossing tale of dead bodies and suspicion. I don’t know where the time went, one minute I started to read and a few hours later I was finishing. It isn’t the most sophisticated plot you will ever read and it doesn’t have a twist in every chapter but it is a solidly built novel with every step making sense and following on from previous developments. It is told from various points of view, mostly Beth and Josh, but that doesn’t seem distracting, rather it is informative and gives the reader a wider perspective on events. I was so caught up in these events that I didn’t even try to identify the perpetrator. I just let the author tell me what to think.
It’s not all investigation, however as there is a subplot about Beth and Josh’s relationship. It’s not a big thing, just a niggle running through the novel and I think Ms Phifer got the balance exactly right, enough to show that her characters have a life outside work but not enough to distract from the investigation. I like it. I’m not so sure that I like Beth Adams. I understand that trauma in her past (see the previous novel, The Girl in the Grave) has given her some problems but I don’t see her as a team player, taking too much on herself. Oh well, it’s early days in the series and there’s plenty of time for her to grow on me, not that a mild uncertainty about her would stop me reading more.
The Girls in the Lake is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
When the body of a young student is found floating face down in Windermere everything points to a tragic drowning accident. There is nothing to say otherwise but Beth is uneasy and when she finds links to a second drowning she convinces her boyfriend DS Josh Walker to keep investigating.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Girls in the Lake which is an engrossing tale of dead bodies and suspicion. I don’t know where the time went, one minute I started to read and a few hours later I was finishing. It isn’t the most sophisticated plot you will ever read and it doesn’t have a twist in every chapter but it is a solidly built novel with every step making sense and following on from previous developments. It is told from various points of view, mostly Beth and Josh, but that doesn’t seem distracting, rather it is informative and gives the reader a wider perspective on events. I was so caught up in these events that I didn’t even try to identify the perpetrator. I just let the author tell me what to think.
It’s not all investigation, however as there is a subplot about Beth and Josh’s relationship. It’s not a big thing, just a niggle running through the novel and I think Ms Phifer got the balance exactly right, enough to show that her characters have a life outside work but not enough to distract from the investigation. I like it. I’m not so sure that I like Beth Adams. I understand that trauma in her past (see the previous novel, The Girl in the Grave) has given her some problems but I don’t see her as a team player, taking too much on herself. Oh well, it’s early days in the series and there’s plenty of time for her to grow on me, not that a mild uncertainty about her would stop me reading more.
The Girls in the Lake is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
December 9, 2019
I loved this book, all the characters were believable and the storyline held my interest all the way through. Another series to add to my ever-increasing list
Merged review:
I loved this book, all the characters were believable and the storyline held my interest all the way through. Another series to add to my every increasing list
Merged review:
I loved this book, all the characters were believable and the storyline held my interest all the way through. Another series to add to my every increasing list
December 8, 2019
Beth Adams is a forensic pathologist and she has a disturbing case in front of her. The body of a young girl is found in a lake, and it appears that it is a suicide. Beth refuses to believe that this is the case, so she begins to dig deep, looking for any clues as to why the girl would do this.
When another girl is found in the lake, however, barely alive, Beth knows her instinct was right regarding her suspicions. Beth is drawn to a particular boat, and to a couple of men that she finds suspicious. Why would a girl apparently jump naked into icy waters? She can't shake it. She finds the smallest clue and this makes it possible for her to connect both cases.
Now she feels it is up to her to find the murderer. Furthermore, Beth is reminded about a similar accident many years ago. Can she stop another girl from the same plight? Meanwhile, with her personal life spiraling out of control, Beth struggles to maintain her focus.
As I mentioned in my review of the first book in this series, The Girl in the Grave, Beth reminds me of the TV show and character Quincy. He was always going deeper and often acted as a detective of sorts and always got to the truth of the matter. Beth is just like that. It is very rewarding to read these fantastic and well-written books by Helen Phifer. I cannot wait to see what she has in store next for Beth.
Note: Although part of a series, this book could be read as a standalone.
Many tanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
When another girl is found in the lake, however, barely alive, Beth knows her instinct was right regarding her suspicions. Beth is drawn to a particular boat, and to a couple of men that she finds suspicious. Why would a girl apparently jump naked into icy waters? She can't shake it. She finds the smallest clue and this makes it possible for her to connect both cases.
Now she feels it is up to her to find the murderer. Furthermore, Beth is reminded about a similar accident many years ago. Can she stop another girl from the same plight? Meanwhile, with her personal life spiraling out of control, Beth struggles to maintain her focus.
As I mentioned in my review of the first book in this series, The Girl in the Grave, Beth reminds me of the TV show and character Quincy. He was always going deeper and often acted as a detective of sorts and always got to the truth of the matter. Beth is just like that. It is very rewarding to read these fantastic and well-written books by Helen Phifer. I cannot wait to see what she has in store next for Beth.
Note: Although part of a series, this book could be read as a standalone.
Many tanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
December 6, 2019
Forensic pathologist Dr. Beth Adams was back with the girls drowned in the lake. A girl found drowned was ruled as accidental until another was found. Two seemed to be too much of a coincidence, and when the third death occurred, the investigation sped up.
My second book by author Helen Phifer, the book was entertaining and easy to read. The pages turned faster as the suspects clammed up. This was completely different from the rest of the police procedural. It was a thriller too as it showed me a complete story not only from the cops' POV but also from the suspects.
The doc in me was fascinated with the explanation of internal drowning and pulmonary edema. Not many write about alveoli and surfactant. Kudos to the author's research. Being a perfectionist and expecting more from the story, I wished Beth didn't drink so much especially when emergencies could occur any time. But she was bold to travel a path which should have been left to the investigators.
I wanted a bit more cohesiveness from the story. Maybe I imagined myself in Beth's shoes and thought there would be more of a teamwork. What Google could discover, the cops didn't...
Overall, a fun read. A different sorta police procedural. I hoped book 3 would have the nitty gritty of forensics linking well to the main story. Bring on the CSI...
My second book by author Helen Phifer, the book was entertaining and easy to read. The pages turned faster as the suspects clammed up. This was completely different from the rest of the police procedural. It was a thriller too as it showed me a complete story not only from the cops' POV but also from the suspects.
The doc in me was fascinated with the explanation of internal drowning and pulmonary edema. Not many write about alveoli and surfactant. Kudos to the author's research. Being a perfectionist and expecting more from the story, I wished Beth didn't drink so much especially when emergencies could occur any time. But she was bold to travel a path which should have been left to the investigators.
I wanted a bit more cohesiveness from the story. Maybe I imagined myself in Beth's shoes and thought there would be more of a teamwork. What Google could discover, the cops didn't...
Overall, a fun read. A different sorta police procedural. I hoped book 3 would have the nitty gritty of forensics linking well to the main story. Bring on the CSI...
December 19, 2019
The Girls in the Lake is the second instalment in the Beth Adams series and although it could easily be read as a stand-alone I do highly recommend reading The Girl in the Grave first, not only because it’s a cracker but because it really gives you feel for Beth and what she’s been through.
Beth, a forensic pathologist and her boyfriend Josh, who works in the police get an early morning call, a body has been found in Lake Windermere. What looks like a tragic teen suicide ends up being a bit more complicated and Beth is determined to find out what is going on.
I really like Beth, it’s nice to see her in a relationship with Josh and she finally seems happy although they do have a few ups and downs and I could have screamed at the pair of them to sort it out but she’s a great character and I’m really enjoying seeing her develop in these stories.
I will admit that I did have a good idea of who was responsible from quite early on, it didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the book though. I still raced through it totally gripped and if it had been a physical book I think the pages would have been on fire with the speed. I just got so engrossed and with quite short chapters it’s easy to get totally lost in the story.
And like I said, I really like Beth but I was quite frustrated at how she put herself in danger, I won’t say what she was doing so I don’t spoil it for you though. I was sitting thinking would a forensic pathologist really do that, no I don’t think they would, but Beth would because she really cares about the victims, the people that come into her mortuary and it makes her a little bit more special.
The Girls in the Lake is a cracker of a story. The characters really come to life and it’s easy to get swept up in the story and with twists and turns I kept second guessing myself but I gave myself a pat on the back when I found out I was right.
I’m really looking forward to reading book three now, hopefully we don’t have too long to wait.
Beth, a forensic pathologist and her boyfriend Josh, who works in the police get an early morning call, a body has been found in Lake Windermere. What looks like a tragic teen suicide ends up being a bit more complicated and Beth is determined to find out what is going on.
I really like Beth, it’s nice to see her in a relationship with Josh and she finally seems happy although they do have a few ups and downs and I could have screamed at the pair of them to sort it out but she’s a great character and I’m really enjoying seeing her develop in these stories.
I will admit that I did have a good idea of who was responsible from quite early on, it didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the book though. I still raced through it totally gripped and if it had been a physical book I think the pages would have been on fire with the speed. I just got so engrossed and with quite short chapters it’s easy to get totally lost in the story.
And like I said, I really like Beth but I was quite frustrated at how she put herself in danger, I won’t say what she was doing so I don’t spoil it for you though. I was sitting thinking would a forensic pathologist really do that, no I don’t think they would, but Beth would because she really cares about the victims, the people that come into her mortuary and it makes her a little bit more special.
The Girls in the Lake is a cracker of a story. The characters really come to life and it’s easy to get swept up in the story and with twists and turns I kept second guessing myself but I gave myself a pat on the back when I found out I was right.
I’m really looking forward to reading book three now, hopefully we don’t have too long to wait.
December 1, 2019
The Girls in the Lake by Helen Phifer is the second book of a series centred on forensic pathologist Beth Adams. As with the first offering, Ms Phifer has delivered a compelling procedural, while simultaneously fleshing out the complex personal life of her brilliant, yet relatable, protagonist.
When the drowned body of a young woman is found at a nearby lake, Beth is called to the scene to provide forensic analysis. When a second body materializes, bearing stikingly similar characteristics to the first, Beth and DS Josh Walker begin to suspect that this might go beyond coincidence, and wonder if the 'accidents' are, in fact, linked.
I particularly enjoyed following, once again, the still fledgling relationship of Beth and DS Walker, and very much look forward to discovering what is next in store for them, both on the job and at home.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.
When the drowned body of a young woman is found at a nearby lake, Beth is called to the scene to provide forensic analysis. When a second body materializes, bearing stikingly similar characteristics to the first, Beth and DS Josh Walker begin to suspect that this might go beyond coincidence, and wonder if the 'accidents' are, in fact, linked.
I particularly enjoyed following, once again, the still fledgling relationship of Beth and DS Walker, and very much look forward to discovering what is next in store for them, both on the job and at home.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.
November 28, 2019
Lake Windermere is big, deep and very cold. It rarely welcomes visitors to its murky depths and anyone who disappears beneath the surface is unlikely to survive. When Forensic Pathologist Beth Adams has two bodies despatched to her within 24 hours who have drowned in a similar manner she knows she has to look more closely at what could, initially, have been classed as accidental.
This is the second in the Dr Beth Adams series and, once again, I thoroughly enjoyed it. There were a couple of things which, for me, made it a four rather than a five star review but neither had anything to do with the excellent characterisation or the descriptions of the beautiful landscape. Beth and Detective Sergeant Josh Walker are still the main protagonists; their private lives also under the spotlight as they were in their first outing but gradually other members of the team are becoming an increasingly important part of the storyline and I have no doubt book three will continue this welcome trend.
The descriptions of the Lake District as one of the UK's main tourist destinations add a realism to the story and it is obviously a place known to and enjoyed by the author. The research is obviously detailed and extensive but there is never a feeling of being blinded by science. I also love the mention of real people and places which have shaped the characters as it adds another realistic layer to all of them.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who, like me, is a fan of Helen Phifer or good British crime writing, you won't be disappointed in this excellent book.
This is the second in the Dr Beth Adams series and, once again, I thoroughly enjoyed it. There were a couple of things which, for me, made it a four rather than a five star review but neither had anything to do with the excellent characterisation or the descriptions of the beautiful landscape. Beth and Detective Sergeant Josh Walker are still the main protagonists; their private lives also under the spotlight as they were in their first outing but gradually other members of the team are becoming an increasingly important part of the storyline and I have no doubt book three will continue this welcome trend.
The descriptions of the Lake District as one of the UK's main tourist destinations add a realism to the story and it is obviously a place known to and enjoyed by the author. The research is obviously detailed and extensive but there is never a feeling of being blinded by science. I also love the mention of real people and places which have shaped the characters as it adds another realistic layer to all of them.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who, like me, is a fan of Helen Phifer or good British crime writing, you won't be disappointed in this excellent book.
December 18, 2019
Here's an author who's books just get better and better. So when the latest of Helen's came out to read and review I just had to request it. and It did not disappoint!
The Girls in the Lake by Helen Phifer was just brilliant. This is the second book in the Beth Adams series. Ethan who was asleep on the boat is woken up by a banging sound outside the boat. He goes and takes a look, only to find a naked woman with her long hair caught up in the moorings to a boat. Ethan jumps in hoping to rescue her sadly she is already dead. Beth is a Forensic Pathologist and is very good at her job is called to the scene and DS Josh Walker is already there.
Beth and DS Josh Walker are in a relationship however, they want it to be a secret from their colleagues and friends etc.
Another body is found in Lake Windermere is this body linked to the first woman found?
Will they find the killer before someone else is murdered and found in Lake Windermere?
I love all the characters within this book especially Beth and Josh, and its about time Beth got some happiness in her life.
This book is brilliant psychological thriller and can be read as a standalone book as well. Its full of twists and turns throughout that will have you hooked and gripped to the very end!
I am looking forward to Book 3 - No rush Helen!
I highly recommend The Girls in the Lake
Big Thank you to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
The Girls in the Lake by Helen Phifer was just brilliant. This is the second book in the Beth Adams series. Ethan who was asleep on the boat is woken up by a banging sound outside the boat. He goes and takes a look, only to find a naked woman with her long hair caught up in the moorings to a boat. Ethan jumps in hoping to rescue her sadly she is already dead. Beth is a Forensic Pathologist and is very good at her job is called to the scene and DS Josh Walker is already there.
Beth and DS Josh Walker are in a relationship however, they want it to be a secret from their colleagues and friends etc.
Another body is found in Lake Windermere is this body linked to the first woman found?
Will they find the killer before someone else is murdered and found in Lake Windermere?
I love all the characters within this book especially Beth and Josh, and its about time Beth got some happiness in her life.
This book is brilliant psychological thriller and can be read as a standalone book as well. Its full of twists and turns throughout that will have you hooked and gripped to the very end!
I am looking forward to Book 3 - No rush Helen!
I highly recommend The Girls in the Lake
Big Thank you to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
December 8, 2019
I love this series as it has Detectives and a forensic pathologist trying to solve the crimes.
This one is a nail biting crime thriller that had me hooked from the first few pages.
Beth and Josh are called to a crime scene where a woman’s body has been found in the lake. Beth does the post mortem and doesn’t find anything suspicious, so let’s Josh and the team know.
Soon another woman’s body is found on the shore and she has also drowned.
Beth and Josh both suspect something is not right as there are now two people dead within a week.
The investigation leads them towards three men who own a boat which seems to be linked to both deaths but can they get to the bottom of their involvement?
This book has a fantastic ending and I was on the edge of my seat hoping it would all work out.
I love the relationship between Beth and Josh and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
This one is a nail biting crime thriller that had me hooked from the first few pages.
Beth and Josh are called to a crime scene where a woman’s body has been found in the lake. Beth does the post mortem and doesn’t find anything suspicious, so let’s Josh and the team know.
Soon another woman’s body is found on the shore and she has also drowned.
Beth and Josh both suspect something is not right as there are now two people dead within a week.
The investigation leads them towards three men who own a boat which seems to be linked to both deaths but can they get to the bottom of their involvement?
This book has a fantastic ending and I was on the edge of my seat hoping it would all work out.
I love the relationship between Beth and Josh and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
December 10, 2019
The Girls in the Lake by Helen Phifer is the 2nd book in the Beth Adams series, and my first book by this author. Wow this book was a real roller coaster ride. Beth Adams is a Forensic Pathologist and when the first body of a young girl is found in the freezing lake naked, she is determined to find the truth. This story was fast paced, which kept me reading and guessing until the end. I was surprised by the ending. I look forward to reading more books by this author, and I plan on going back and reading The Girl in the Grave, the first book in this series. I highly recommend this book to all mystery lovers.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you.
December 9, 2019
I was delighted to get book two in this series, having read book one earlier this year, I wasn’t disappointed. This book can be read as a stand-alone novel, although there are mentions of a couple of things that happened in book one, which actually helps understand the characters.
This time we have women turning up dead in Lake Windermere, the first woman is naked and is caught by her hair on the moorings to the boat and Ethan who had been on the boat the night before could hear something hitting the side of it, on coming out to inspect he sees the girl and jumps in in the hope of rescuing her, but of course she is already dead, Beth Adams Forensic Pathologist is called out as is her boyfriend DS Josh Walker, the relationship is currently being kept quiet.
Ethan is shook up explaining the boat is owned by his friend James Marshall and he helps out when they have functions on the boat, he had seen the girl on the boat the night before, but he didn’t know her name. Another body turns up another female with blonde hair similar to victim number one but she has been in the water a little longer so it is difficult to identify her from how she looks because of the water.
Beth thinks it’s too much of a coincidence that two girls have turned up in the lake in a short space of time both hame some sort of blue flecks of pain under a fingernail. Beth goes to check out the boat to see if the pain came from that, but the boat is not wooden so not been painted. But that doesn’t stop her when she sees a rowing boat tied to the party boat The Tequila Sunrise, the boat the first had been found tangled to. Beth decides to try and get some paint from the rowing boat but to do that she has to climb the party boat and go across to the other side and reach over. Except things don’t go quite as planned!.
Josh doesn’t come home for a couple of nights, which initially Beth assumes he is working, but then she speaks to him on the phone and hears a woman’s voice in the background, is Josh cheating on her? She drives by his ex wife’s house and sees Josh’s car there is he back with his ex? Beth is devastated after what she has been through, she finally thought she had found the one for her.
What do James Marshall owner of the party boat, and from a wealthy family, Marcus also ,from a wealthy family, and Ethan not from a monied family have in common? Besides just being friends.
The characters in this book are great I am loving seeing Beth grow, she is relatable, Josh will do anything to help anyone, we are also getting to know other members of the team, Abe who assists Beth, D.C. Sam Thomas, DC John Paton. I am looking forward to book 3 and getting to see even more of these characters they are all so well rounded, This is a really enjoyable new police procedural series and the writing just flows perfectly, every small thing leads straight to another clue.
Very well written plot line.
I would like to thank #netgalley and #bookouture for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest, fair and unbiased opinion.
Merged review:
I was delighted to get book two in this series, having read book one earlier this year, I wasn’t disappointed. This book can be read as a stand-alone novel, although there are mentions of a couple of things that happened in book one, which actually helps understand the characters.
This time we have women turning up dead in Lake Windermere, the first woman is naked and is caught by her hair on the moorings to the boat and Ethan who had been on the boat the night before could hear something hitting the side of it, on coming out to inspect he sees the girl and jumps in in the hope of rescuing her, but of course she is already dead, Beth Adams Forensic Pathologist is called out as is her boyfriend DS Josh Walker, the relationship is currently being kept quiet.
Ethan is shook up explaining the boat is owned by his friend James Marshall and he helps out when they have functions on the boat, he had seen the girl on the boat the night before, but he didn’t know her name. Another body turns up another female with blonde hair similar to victim number one but she has been in the water a little longer so it is difficult to identify her from how she looks because of the water.
Beth thinks it’s too much of a coincidence that two girls have turned up in the lake in a short space of time both hame some sort of blue flecks of pain under a fingernail. Beth goes to check out the boat to see if the pain came from that, but the boat is not wooden so not been painted. But that doesn’t stop her when she sees a rowing boat tied to the party boat The Tequila Sunrise, the boat the first had been found tangled to. Beth decides to try and get some paint from the rowing boat but to do that she has to climb the party boat and go across to the other side and reach over. Except things don’t go quite as planned!.
Josh doesn’t come home for a couple of nights, which initially Beth assumes he is working, but then she speaks to him on the phone and hears a woman’s voice in the background, is Josh cheating on her? She drives by his ex wife’s house and sees Josh’s car there is he back with his ex? Beth is devastated after what she has been through, she finally thought she had found the one for her.
What do James Marshall owner of the party boat, and from a wealthy family, Marcus also ,from a wealthy family, and Ethan not from a monied family have in common? Besides just being friends.
The characters in this book are great I am loving seeing Beth grow, she is relatable, Josh will do anything to help anyone, we are also getting to know other members of the team, Abe who assists Beth, D.C. Sam Thomas, DC John Paton. I am looking forward to book 3 and getting to see even more of these characters they are all so well rounded, This is a really enjoyable new police procedural series and the writing just flows perfectly, every small thing leads straight to another clue.
Very well written plot line.
I would like to thank #netgalley and #bookouture for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest, fair and unbiased opinion.
This time we have women turning up dead in Lake Windermere, the first woman is naked and is caught by her hair on the moorings to the boat and Ethan who had been on the boat the night before could hear something hitting the side of it, on coming out to inspect he sees the girl and jumps in in the hope of rescuing her, but of course she is already dead, Beth Adams Forensic Pathologist is called out as is her boyfriend DS Josh Walker, the relationship is currently being kept quiet.
Ethan is shook up explaining the boat is owned by his friend James Marshall and he helps out when they have functions on the boat, he had seen the girl on the boat the night before, but he didn’t know her name. Another body turns up another female with blonde hair similar to victim number one but she has been in the water a little longer so it is difficult to identify her from how she looks because of the water.
Beth thinks it’s too much of a coincidence that two girls have turned up in the lake in a short space of time both hame some sort of blue flecks of pain under a fingernail. Beth goes to check out the boat to see if the pain came from that, but the boat is not wooden so not been painted. But that doesn’t stop her when she sees a rowing boat tied to the party boat The Tequila Sunrise, the boat the first had been found tangled to. Beth decides to try and get some paint from the rowing boat but to do that she has to climb the party boat and go across to the other side and reach over. Except things don’t go quite as planned!.
Josh doesn’t come home for a couple of nights, which initially Beth assumes he is working, but then she speaks to him on the phone and hears a woman’s voice in the background, is Josh cheating on her? She drives by his ex wife’s house and sees Josh’s car there is he back with his ex? Beth is devastated after what she has been through, she finally thought she had found the one for her.
What do James Marshall owner of the party boat, and from a wealthy family, Marcus also ,from a wealthy family, and Ethan not from a monied family have in common? Besides just being friends.
The characters in this book are great I am loving seeing Beth grow, she is relatable, Josh will do anything to help anyone, we are also getting to know other members of the team, Abe who assists Beth, D.C. Sam Thomas, DC John Paton. I am looking forward to book 3 and getting to see even more of these characters they are all so well rounded, This is a really enjoyable new police procedural series and the writing just flows perfectly, every small thing leads straight to another clue.
Very well written plot line.
I would like to thank #netgalley and #bookouture for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest, fair and unbiased opinion.
Merged review:
I was delighted to get book two in this series, having read book one earlier this year, I wasn’t disappointed. This book can be read as a stand-alone novel, although there are mentions of a couple of things that happened in book one, which actually helps understand the characters.
This time we have women turning up dead in Lake Windermere, the first woman is naked and is caught by her hair on the moorings to the boat and Ethan who had been on the boat the night before could hear something hitting the side of it, on coming out to inspect he sees the girl and jumps in in the hope of rescuing her, but of course she is already dead, Beth Adams Forensic Pathologist is called out as is her boyfriend DS Josh Walker, the relationship is currently being kept quiet.
Ethan is shook up explaining the boat is owned by his friend James Marshall and he helps out when they have functions on the boat, he had seen the girl on the boat the night before, but he didn’t know her name. Another body turns up another female with blonde hair similar to victim number one but she has been in the water a little longer so it is difficult to identify her from how she looks because of the water.
Beth thinks it’s too much of a coincidence that two girls have turned up in the lake in a short space of time both hame some sort of blue flecks of pain under a fingernail. Beth goes to check out the boat to see if the pain came from that, but the boat is not wooden so not been painted. But that doesn’t stop her when she sees a rowing boat tied to the party boat The Tequila Sunrise, the boat the first had been found tangled to. Beth decides to try and get some paint from the rowing boat but to do that she has to climb the party boat and go across to the other side and reach over. Except things don’t go quite as planned!.
Josh doesn’t come home for a couple of nights, which initially Beth assumes he is working, but then she speaks to him on the phone and hears a woman’s voice in the background, is Josh cheating on her? She drives by his ex wife’s house and sees Josh’s car there is he back with his ex? Beth is devastated after what she has been through, she finally thought she had found the one for her.
What do James Marshall owner of the party boat, and from a wealthy family, Marcus also ,from a wealthy family, and Ethan not from a monied family have in common? Besides just being friends.
The characters in this book are great I am loving seeing Beth grow, she is relatable, Josh will do anything to help anyone, we are also getting to know other members of the team, Abe who assists Beth, D.C. Sam Thomas, DC John Paton. I am looking forward to book 3 and getting to see even more of these characters they are all so well rounded, This is a really enjoyable new police procedural series and the writing just flows perfectly, every small thing leads straight to another clue.
Very well written plot line.
I would like to thank #netgalley and #bookouture for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest, fair and unbiased opinion.
March 23, 2020
The water is beautiful. The water will also pull you under into its murky depths without a care or a thought about race, gender or social standing. If you don’t grant it the respect it so deserves it will unleash its power and it isn’t a battle you are going to win. The Girls in the Lake is a steady paced police procedural which picks up a few weeks after book 1. I felt that the first half of the novel was slower paced but it took off like a rocket in the second half.
The story is centred around the main character, Dr Beth Adams, a forensic pathologist. She has had an extremely tough life, having been subjected to a traumatic abusive relationship for the past seven years. Fast forward and she has marginally moved forward happy in the knowledge that her ex is in prison but still frozen in the past and being haunted by the effects that relationship has instilled in her. She is now living with DS Josh Walker. Life is good but usually when its that good something comes along and has a habit of turning it on its end. Cue, two dead bodies turning up in lake Windemere and the onslaught of the impending investigation.
Things get even more personal with a third girl being pushed into the water from a troublesome party boat…are the three women connected or was its mere accidents?
I really liked the character of Beth. Although she often participated in the sport of self-depreciation, she was an extremely strong character. She knew her worth and knew what she needed to do to move forward and boy did she go out and do it. She is one hell of a woman! I think to a certain extent she is struggling with the possibility of suffering from PTSD and seeks solace in the bottle more than she should but again we all have our crutches to bear. She navigates the murky waters of following her gut instinct and at points I thought that she was more on the ball as a detective than the actual police were.
The girls in the lake was a haven for geeks like me. I really enjoyed reading about the science behind the pathology of Beth’s work and the other forensic anomalies that popped in her freelance investigating. Call me a weirdo but I love what killed someone and the science that backs it all up even more.
I was mildly frustrated with the avoidable spat that occurred between Beth and Josh. In any relationship, trust and communication is paramount and their issue just seemed like a non-issue. Beth seemed to go a little off the deep end without having any proof and it did feel a little at odds with the character that I had been becoming acquainted to previously. But, overall, The Girls in the Lake was an enjoyable reading experience and I would like to give the first book a go.
The story is centred around the main character, Dr Beth Adams, a forensic pathologist. She has had an extremely tough life, having been subjected to a traumatic abusive relationship for the past seven years. Fast forward and she has marginally moved forward happy in the knowledge that her ex is in prison but still frozen in the past and being haunted by the effects that relationship has instilled in her. She is now living with DS Josh Walker. Life is good but usually when its that good something comes along and has a habit of turning it on its end. Cue, two dead bodies turning up in lake Windemere and the onslaught of the impending investigation.
Things get even more personal with a third girl being pushed into the water from a troublesome party boat…are the three women connected or was its mere accidents?
I really liked the character of Beth. Although she often participated in the sport of self-depreciation, she was an extremely strong character. She knew her worth and knew what she needed to do to move forward and boy did she go out and do it. She is one hell of a woman! I think to a certain extent she is struggling with the possibility of suffering from PTSD and seeks solace in the bottle more than she should but again we all have our crutches to bear. She navigates the murky waters of following her gut instinct and at points I thought that she was more on the ball as a detective than the actual police were.
The girls in the lake was a haven for geeks like me. I really enjoyed reading about the science behind the pathology of Beth’s work and the other forensic anomalies that popped in her freelance investigating. Call me a weirdo but I love what killed someone and the science that backs it all up even more.
I was mildly frustrated with the avoidable spat that occurred between Beth and Josh. In any relationship, trust and communication is paramount and their issue just seemed like a non-issue. Beth seemed to go a little off the deep end without having any proof and it did feel a little at odds with the character that I had been becoming acquainted to previously. But, overall, The Girls in the Lake was an enjoyable reading experience and I would like to give the first book a go.
December 15, 2019
A new case for pathologist Beth Adams and her lover DS Josh Walters. Their relationship has developed significantly since the last book but now a case keeps them busy and a personal dilemma drives a wedge between them.
Two women are pulled form Lake Windermere, both apparently accidental but Beth is convinced that identical paint chips beneath their fingernails is suspicious. Josh and his team begin their investigation into the deaths but he is waylaid by his ex and her cancer diagnosis.
Beth and Josh’s relationship, both the personal and professional dynamic, is so well written and realistic. I really wanted to knock their heads together at some points in the book and was urging them to be open with each other and communicate properly!
There are references to events in the previous book but author Helen Phifer maintains a clear focus on the current case. The forensic detail was a little grisly but presented in an informative and objective way through Beth’s occupation as a pathologist.
The pace of The Girls in the Lake is speedy, with short chapters which sweep the reader along. The energy of Josh and Beth as they investigate is conveyed to the reader and the tension for their relationship as well as the case is carefully built up by the quickfire chapters and speedy plot developments.
In all honesty I felt the ending was a little abrupt and wanted more explantion of motive and the history of the character to gain a better understanding of their motivation.
However, overall the book was excellent and I can’t wait for the next installment!
Two women are pulled form Lake Windermere, both apparently accidental but Beth is convinced that identical paint chips beneath their fingernails is suspicious. Josh and his team begin their investigation into the deaths but he is waylaid by his ex and her cancer diagnosis.
Beth and Josh’s relationship, both the personal and professional dynamic, is so well written and realistic. I really wanted to knock their heads together at some points in the book and was urging them to be open with each other and communicate properly!
There are references to events in the previous book but author Helen Phifer maintains a clear focus on the current case. The forensic detail was a little grisly but presented in an informative and objective way through Beth’s occupation as a pathologist.
The pace of The Girls in the Lake is speedy, with short chapters which sweep the reader along. The energy of Josh and Beth as they investigate is conveyed to the reader and the tension for their relationship as well as the case is carefully built up by the quickfire chapters and speedy plot developments.
In all honesty I felt the ending was a little abrupt and wanted more explantion of motive and the history of the character to gain a better understanding of their motivation.
However, overall the book was excellent and I can’t wait for the next installment!
March 9, 2020
Review for 'The Girls in the lake' by Helen Phifer
Read and reviewed via NetGalley
This book is the second book in the Beth Adams series but can easily be read as a standalone. I read it without reading the previous book 'The girl in the grave' with no problem. There is mention of previous cases but anything that was relevant was covered.
I love the fact that the book is set in the Lake District as not only do I love in the UK but I have visited the Lake District and Lake Windermere so can easily picture it in my head.
I thought the book was well written and had lots of twists and turns and was not expecting the finale, which is a MUST when it comes to crime novels. Theres nothing worse when reading a crime to work out who did it before your even half way through the story!
I loved the characters and thought they their personalities were very strong. Although there is no need for me to I will be trying to read the first book in this series to read more about Beth's past and to revisit with Josh and Beth. I will also be on the look out for more books by Helen Phifer.
I would recommend this book to fans of crime, murder, suspense and thrillers.
Rated 4/5 on Goodreads and Amazon (I enjoyed it)
£1.99 to buy on. Kindle
#TheGirlsInTheLake #NetGalley
Feel free to add me on Goodreads for more reviews
Read and reviewed via NetGalley
This book is the second book in the Beth Adams series but can easily be read as a standalone. I read it without reading the previous book 'The girl in the grave' with no problem. There is mention of previous cases but anything that was relevant was covered.
I love the fact that the book is set in the Lake District as not only do I love in the UK but I have visited the Lake District and Lake Windermere so can easily picture it in my head.
I thought the book was well written and had lots of twists and turns and was not expecting the finale, which is a MUST when it comes to crime novels. Theres nothing worse when reading a crime to work out who did it before your even half way through the story!
I loved the characters and thought they their personalities were very strong. Although there is no need for me to I will be trying to read the first book in this series to read more about Beth's past and to revisit with Josh and Beth. I will also be on the look out for more books by Helen Phifer.
I would recommend this book to fans of crime, murder, suspense and thrillers.
Rated 4/5 on Goodreads and Amazon (I enjoyed it)
£1.99 to buy on. Kindle
#TheGirlsInTheLake #NetGalley
Feel free to add me on Goodreads for more reviews
December 12, 2019
My Review
Part 2 in this splendid series and I still love Beth Adams. She is strong, believes in what she does, is not the most patient and maybe a tad (ahum) headstrong but always for a good cause.
If you have read part 1 a while ago, it's not always easy to remember exactly what the book was about. No panic, the author will fill you in so you get that ping-oh-yes-I-remember-moment. For those you have not had the time to read the previous story, no worries. The information the author gives is just enough to make you run to the bookstore and buy it because your interest will be piqued.
The short chapters give the story the same speed as a TGV. Even if, for some reason, you have to stop reading, you still manage to squeeze in one more chapter, and maybe even one more, ...
The writing stylie is fluent. I was under the story's spell from the first chapter and of course I was, once again, betting on the wrong horse. 5 stars
Thank you, Helen Phifer and Bookouture.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
Part 2 in this splendid series and I still love Beth Adams. She is strong, believes in what she does, is not the most patient and maybe a tad (ahum) headstrong but always for a good cause.
If you have read part 1 a while ago, it's not always easy to remember exactly what the book was about. No panic, the author will fill you in so you get that ping-oh-yes-I-remember-moment. For those you have not had the time to read the previous story, no worries. The information the author gives is just enough to make you run to the bookstore and buy it because your interest will be piqued.
The short chapters give the story the same speed as a TGV. Even if, for some reason, you have to stop reading, you still manage to squeeze in one more chapter, and maybe even one more, ...
The writing stylie is fluent. I was under the story's spell from the first chapter and of course I was, once again, betting on the wrong horse. 5 stars
Thank you, Helen Phifer and Bookouture.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
December 9, 2019
A young girl is dragged from Lake Windemere. What would possess someone to dive into the freezing water- apart from being drunk. The investigation seems to focus on a party boat. A rich young man & his friends host parties on the boat where champagne seems to flow like water. Another girl is found in the water, but this time she is still clinging to life. Forensic pathologist Beth Adams discovers paint scraping under the nails of both girls. She is determined to help investigate before another body appears on her mortuary table.
I really enjoyed the first book in the series so I was delighted to get my hands on the next in the series. This wasn't a disappointment. It kept me guessing & changing my mind! The characters are likeable & believable & I look forward to meeting them again. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book
I really enjoyed the first book in the series so I was delighted to get my hands on the next in the series. This wasn't a disappointment. It kept me guessing & changing my mind! The characters are likeable & believable & I look forward to meeting them again. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book
November 23, 2019
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
book two in this series that finds beth at her most happiest, her job is going well as a forensic pathologist and also her new budding romance which is still at the new stage is going great guns....
but its not long before a dead body turns up...floating in the lake after a night on a boat party...
can beth and the police unravel the mystery behind this death or is there another serial killer in this little town one that could strike again at any moment....
another brilliant book by this author, who can write a murder mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat right till the last chapter...loving this series and the characters in it
book two in this series that finds beth at her most happiest, her job is going well as a forensic pathologist and also her new budding romance which is still at the new stage is going great guns....
but its not long before a dead body turns up...floating in the lake after a night on a boat party...
can beth and the police unravel the mystery behind this death or is there another serial killer in this little town one that could strike again at any moment....
another brilliant book by this author, who can write a murder mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat right till the last chapter...loving this series and the characters in it
December 9, 2019
Two dead young women and one girl rescued from the same fate, DS Josh Walker has a tough nut to crack. It’s not easy to find evidence of a crime, so maybe all this drowning women are just unfortunate accidents? Beth can’t believe that, there's is something telling her to get out and search for more clues.
I like Beth and Josh, and for a short time, I nearly fainted with the situation between Beth and Josh and Jodie. Beth needs this relationship so much after her past was a living hell. At times I wasn’t sure if the things Beth did helped or put her in danger for nothing. Highly recommended series.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture!
I like Beth and Josh, and for a short time, I nearly fainted with the situation between Beth and Josh and Jodie. Beth needs this relationship so much after her past was a living hell. At times I wasn’t sure if the things Beth did helped or put her in danger for nothing. Highly recommended series.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture!
December 8, 2019
When I found out that this second book in the Beth Adams series was out, I was very pleased indeed.
Beth gets caught up in a case where girls are getting fished out of a local lake. As a forensic pathologist, her job is to figure out how they died and to help the police with as much evidence as possible. Luckily Josh, her newly live-in partner, is a police officer so between them, they follow the leads.
However, what happens to their relationship when Josh's ex needs him? And who on earth wants all those lovely young women dead?
This was an interesting book, not quite as intense as the first one. Looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
4.5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
Beth gets caught up in a case where girls are getting fished out of a local lake. As a forensic pathologist, her job is to figure out how they died and to help the police with as much evidence as possible. Luckily Josh, her newly live-in partner, is a police officer so between them, they follow the leads.
However, what happens to their relationship when Josh's ex needs him? And who on earth wants all those lovely young women dead?
This was an interesting book, not quite as intense as the first one. Looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
4.5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
November 23, 2019
Second book of a series, I had no problem reading this book as a stand alone. For me this was a new author, and Wow I certainly will be reading more. What a well writen book, the storyline was amazing and I thought I had the guilty one pick out. Yet I was totally wrong, this is a thriller from start to finish. I would definitly recommend this book to those that enjoy suspense thrillers.
Thank you NetGally and Bookouture for allowing me to read and leave my honest opinion of this book.
Thank you NetGally and Bookouture for allowing me to read and leave my honest opinion of this book.
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