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Boys of Lake Cliff #7
Lost Ground
“There’s lots of lost souls up there. That ground’s been cursed by massacres and hangings and those sad souls will take anyone who gets lost in their woods. They use the blue light to lure
them, like moths to a flame, and we find their bodies hanging in the morning.”
Covington, Rhode Island: Quaint. Colonial. Haunted? It’s a perfect postcard of a town and a tourist’s delight but its charming residents live with a terrible curse. Something in the woods on Lost Hill has claimed dozens of lives and the townspeople believe Covington’s shameful history is to blame.
When do cold cases become too cold? Is justice only for the living? Dr. Aiden Sharp only sees facts and he only seeks the truth. He isn’t capable of imagining, in fact. But he begins to question his sanity and reality the moment he arrives in Covington. Logic is fluid and superstition carries just as much weight as the law in the small coastal town. The ideal hunting ground for a killer, if you think about it. Every clue only leads to more questions as Aiden struggles to solve an impossible case while surrounded by “crackpots.”
What better sidekick for solving an impossible crime than an impossible criminal? Mr. Lavender gets much more than he bargained for when he volunteers to escort Aiden to a quiet seaside community. He expects a case of thirty-eight hangings to be a lark but finds himself face-to-face with a danger he can’t kill. The case proves baffling, the town unsettling, and Aiden goes out of his way to test Lavender’s patience. Our favorite “reformed” assassin soon learns that life is for the living but the dead don’t always go quietly.
*This book can be enjoyed as a standalone but there is a primer at the beginning for readers who
may be new to Lake Cliff and unfamiliar with our heroes.
**This book includes topics that may be distressing to some readers. Suicide and hangings are discussed and there are descriptions of violent acts against women and children.
215 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2019
29 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
K. Sterling
102 books487 followersAuthor of the popular Nannies of New York and Boys of Lake Cliff book series, K Sterling has self-published dozens of books. K. is known for fast-paced romantic thrillers and touching gay romcoms. There might be goosebumps and some gore but there’s always true love and lots of laughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 19, 2020
4.5*
For the most part I loved this book. Aiden and Lavender on a case together. It was almost perfect. My favourite so far, for most of it.
I can’t fully explain how excited I was about this book. It just worked so well. Even knowing very early on who’d done it didn’t spoil it at all. I loved Decker and can’t wait for his book.
So what didn’t I like?
The ghosts. I mean seriously. This was always going to be a 5* read until the ghosts.
For the most part I loved this book. Aiden and Lavender on a case together. It was almost perfect. My favourite so far, for most of it.
I can’t fully explain how excited I was about this book. It just worked so well. Even knowing very early on who’d done it didn’t spoil it at all. I loved Decker and can’t wait for his book.
So what didn’t I like?
The ghosts. I mean seriously. This was always going to be a 5* read until the ghosts.
October 28, 2019
3.75 stars
My favorite duo of Aiden and Lavender are back at it again. This time they seem to have a mystery on their hands in the small town of Covington where everything isn't as it seems. They work together to solve the case that has been plaguing the town for years.
It was fun read with a bit of mystery. Lane and Sage had minimal appearance in this one but oddly enough I didn't miss them much. Although, I still love having them around too.
My favorite duo of Aiden and Lavender are back at it again. This time they seem to have a mystery on their hands in the small town of Covington where everything isn't as it seems. They work together to solve the case that has been plaguing the town for years.
It was fun read with a bit of mystery. Lane and Sage had minimal appearance in this one but oddly enough I didn't miss them much. Although, I still love having them around too.
September 20, 2020
This was not a favorite of mine. I loved Lavender and Aiden working together, but I preferred more couple time. I also didn't expect actual ghosts. And does Aiden figure out the old mystery? Maybe in later books?
I'm definitely going to read about Decker. He seems like a good all-round guy and deserves someone special.
I'm definitely going to read about Decker. He seems like a good all-round guy and deserves someone special.
December 4, 2020
4.5 Stars! This was a lot of fun and I adore some of the characters in this series. This book my two favorites (Lavender and Adrien) and sent them on an adventure together and then threw in a ghost or two as well. It was so entertaining watching Lavender and Adrien trying to deal with the possibility of a ghost and then their reactions to it. The mystery wasn't bad but I deducted a 1/2 star because the final confrontation was just silly and not all that well thought out. I just didn't believe I really liked the secondary character of the sheriff and I see he has his own Christmas book which I must go read.
October 17, 2019
Hauntings and suicides or ???
Dr. Aiden Sharp and Mr. Lavender go away to a small community in Rhode Island to find out why there have been 38 or more suicides. Aiden is autistic and the foremost forensic psychologist in the country and is married to the very handsome Chief of Police, Lane, where they live in Illinois. Mr. Lavender, who goes by Jeremy Holderson, is the world’s greatest assassin and the best friend of Lane (though he won’t admit it).
This is a wonderful mixture of humor and horror, and just a fun mystery that delighted me! I loved the characters in this small community which K. Sterling excels at bringing to life. Personally I would encourage everyone to read all the stories in the Boys of Lake Cliff because you’ll laugh and cry your way through these fantastic stories! Love you K. Sterling ❤️
Dr. Aiden Sharp and Mr. Lavender go away to a small community in Rhode Island to find out why there have been 38 or more suicides. Aiden is autistic and the foremost forensic psychologist in the country and is married to the very handsome Chief of Police, Lane, where they live in Illinois. Mr. Lavender, who goes by Jeremy Holderson, is the world’s greatest assassin and the best friend of Lane (though he won’t admit it).
This is a wonderful mixture of humor and horror, and just a fun mystery that delighted me! I loved the characters in this small community which K. Sterling excels at bringing to life. Personally I would encourage everyone to read all the stories in the Boys of Lake Cliff because you’ll laugh and cry your way through these fantastic stories! Love you K. Sterling ❤️
October 18, 2019
2.5 stars
December 6, 2020
Another terrific adventure.
As always I really enjoyed visiting the Lake Cliff guys. And with this adventure mostly about Aiden and Lavender I enjoyed it all that much more. They are both such unique characters and so vastly different that it is nice to see them getting along so well in the story.
I would like to read a bit more about the sheriff as well.
Read the book and see for yourself.
As always I really enjoyed visiting the Lake Cliff guys. And with this adventure mostly about Aiden and Lavender I enjoyed it all that much more. They are both such unique characters and so vastly different that it is nice to see them getting along so well in the story.
I would like to read a bit more about the sheriff as well.
Read the book and see for yourself.
October 21, 2019
Another hit from Ms Sterling
I loved the whole 'hangings' mystery, but I have to say that it was the haunted house mystery that really grabbed me.Who haunts it? What happened to put them there? What do they want?
The layers of the story unfold gradually. We follow Aiden and Lavender 's attempt to solve the hangings mystery, and eventually they do so. However, in the meantime there's plenty of supernatural experiences, leading them, especially Aiden, who thinks that there's more to do to solve the mystery of the old house.
This story is absolutely genius. To put Aiden and Lavender together, was brilliant. Both are the odd bods of the Lake Cliff boys, it resulted in endless smiles and an urge to just hug the pair of them. Lavender especially, shows a cute and caring side, which made me sigh.
So they come across a house that affects Aiden deeply. It may be genuinely haunted, and Aiden's fascination inadvertently sets up the next book (I hope), yay!
The suspense builds in each chapter, as we learn more about what’s going on. The ending wasn't a big surprise, but there are a mysteries left unsolved. A great book with lots of surprises, Lavender shows his soft side, Aiden hasn't changed at all and Sage and Lane love their partners to bits.
A big plus was the introduction of the sheriff. Positively swoon worthy, can't wait for his story.
I loved the whole 'hangings' mystery, but I have to say that it was the haunted house mystery that really grabbed me.Who haunts it? What happened to put them there? What do they want?
The layers of the story unfold gradually. We follow Aiden and Lavender 's attempt to solve the hangings mystery, and eventually they do so. However, in the meantime there's plenty of supernatural experiences, leading them, especially Aiden, who thinks that there's more to do to solve the mystery of the old house.
This story is absolutely genius. To put Aiden and Lavender together, was brilliant. Both are the odd bods of the Lake Cliff boys, it resulted in endless smiles and an urge to just hug the pair of them. Lavender especially, shows a cute and caring side, which made me sigh.
So they come across a house that affects Aiden deeply. It may be genuinely haunted, and Aiden's fascination inadvertently sets up the next book (I hope), yay!
The suspense builds in each chapter, as we learn more about what’s going on. The ending wasn't a big surprise, but there are a mysteries left unsolved. A great book with lots of surprises, Lavender shows his soft side, Aiden hasn't changed at all and Sage and Lane love their partners to bits.
A big plus was the introduction of the sheriff. Positively swoon worthy, can't wait for his story.
November 14, 2019
I FLOVE this series and any book with Lavender in it makes me super happy... This adventure with Aiden and Lavender had me literally guffawing in a few places because honestly, Lavender *should* be the scariest creature in the world and for him to react as he does? HILARIOUS! I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery involved in this story and the way it's unravelled. The secondary characters are definitely an interesting bunch and I'm looking forward to seeing more of a certain sexy sherrif 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 18, 2019
A Haunting We Will Go.
Fantastic! Kept me involved every step of the way. This is a great read for an October night when your listening for things that go bump in the night or see something out of the corner of your eye.
I look forward to revisiting Covington RI to see what happens with the 18th and 19th century residents of the Inn. I'm sure our Lake Cliff boys are up to the challenge!
Fantastic! Kept me involved every step of the way. This is a great read for an October night when your listening for things that go bump in the night or see something out of the corner of your eye.
I look forward to revisiting Covington RI to see what happens with the 18th and 19th century residents of the Inn. I'm sure our Lake Cliff boys are up to the challenge!
October 19, 2019
The perfect Halloween treat!
I'm so happy that we got a whole book full of Lavender and Aiden interaction. They are my favourites in the series !
They both have love and people they care about now and that's a long way from where they both started.
In this book we get hauntings, hangings and hilarious Aiden and Lavender moments.
And hello sheriff Wright!
Pleased that we will get to see more of you later!
I'm so happy that we got a whole book full of Lavender and Aiden interaction. They are my favourites in the series !
They both have love and people they care about now and that's a long way from where they both started.
In this book we get hauntings, hangings and hilarious Aiden and Lavender moments.
And hello sheriff Wright!
Pleased that we will get to see more of you later!
October 19, 2019
Seasonal fun Lake Cliff style!
K. Sterling creates a wonderful seasonal who done it as the Boys of Lake Cliff go wild in New England. The Boys of Lake Cliff are my happy place. While the story can be read alone the reader would get the most out of it if you have read the series.
I can't get enough of Aiden and Lavender. I found myself laughing out loud and falling in love with the Boys all over again. Great Rainy day or weekend read.
K. Sterling creates a wonderful seasonal who done it as the Boys of Lake Cliff go wild in New England. The Boys of Lake Cliff are my happy place. While the story can be read alone the reader would get the most out of it if you have read the series.
I can't get enough of Aiden and Lavender. I found myself laughing out loud and falling in love with the Boys all over again. Great Rainy day or weekend read.
October 18, 2019
Boys are back and funny and fascinating as ever! This was a wonderful addition to the series. In honor of Halloween, it was spooky and eerie! I loved it!! Highly rec!! ❤️🎃🎃
October 21, 2019
Spooky fun! I love this latest book in the Lake Cliff series--it's funny and takes a turn to the supernatural when Aiden and Lavender head to Rhode Island to solve a mystery.
November 24, 2020
Road Trip
Lavender accompanies Aiden on a road trip to Covington, Rhode Island when he is asked by the Sheriff to investigate a spate of ritual hangings. They soon discover that the area is steeped in superstition and witchcraft as well as tales of ghostly appearances. The two friends struggle to find out whether a serial killer is at large or the supernatural is at fault all whilst trying not to kill each other.
K. delivers another intriguing story with elements of the paranormal which leaves the reader guessing until the very end. The only thing certain is that we have not seen the end of Covington and it's terrible history. Can't wait to find out how everything turns out in the end. Lavender is as always deliciously dark and I really enjoy his interactions with Aiden add in to the mix a cute Sheriff and it's one hell of a ride.
Lavender accompanies Aiden on a road trip to Covington, Rhode Island when he is asked by the Sheriff to investigate a spate of ritual hangings. They soon discover that the area is steeped in superstition and witchcraft as well as tales of ghostly appearances. The two friends struggle to find out whether a serial killer is at large or the supernatural is at fault all whilst trying not to kill each other.
K. delivers another intriguing story with elements of the paranormal which leaves the reader guessing until the very end. The only thing certain is that we have not seen the end of Covington and it's terrible history. Can't wait to find out how everything turns out in the end. Lavender is as always deliciously dark and I really enjoy his interactions with Aiden add in to the mix a cute Sheriff and it's one hell of a ride.
July 13, 2021
The boys are back. Aiden is requested to go to Covington, Rhode Island to investigate a series of hangings that have occurred over the last 50 years. Lane is tied up with a case and cannot go with him so Lavender agrees to go. Covington turns out to be a very weird town with a lot of eccentric people with an awful history of hanging witches and Indian massacres. And, there are ghosts. Aiden does is normal investigation and figures out some things but has to go back to the scene of the crime to get the final answers. They are able to solve the case. But, Aiden has concerns about unsolved issues related to the ghosts he and Lavender encountered so we may see a return to Covington. I enjoyed this entry in the series. It was interesting because it was very Aiden and Lavender centered.
July 15, 2024
"Lost Ground" received FOUR stars.
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
* gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
* gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
* gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
* gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
April 11, 2020
For the first time with this series I had to force myself to finish. It actually took a few days because I just couldn't get into the story. The ghost stuff just felt kind of half done and I figured out who the bad guy was pretty quick. I felt like Lavender was way too subdued here too and Aiden was kind of annoying.
April 5, 2020
I love the world of Aiden!! I will always want more of Aiden and his brilliant mind and innocent soul. Lavender and Aiden make a great investigation team. We need more of Aiden and Lane!! And always Lavender as the loyal, funny, stick in the mud killer that we all love!
July 6, 2020
Excellent
This book a excellent. Many surprises and twists and turns. Great characters. Keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end.
This book a excellent. Many surprises and twists and turns. Great characters. Keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end.
April 4, 2022
Enjoyable outing with Aiden and Lavender and ghosts, this time in New England. Takes place before Merry&Wright, and it's worth reading in the correct order.
December 4, 2019
My home away from home
I love everyone from Lake Cliff. And everyone back in England at Carlton House for that matter. Much appreciation for the variety K provides in scenery and plot- it has me dropping other books to see what’s going on with the boys.
Aiden shines and represents the autistic community with a glowing, gritty presence. Lavender is one big evil marshmallow, a knight who also represents with grit and gore.
As far as the writing goes, I see constant improvement. In the beginning I frequently had to reread paragraphs because the pronoun ‘he’ was used while talking about two characters in the same thought, but now that almost never happens.
I recently found your blog, K and I really enjoyed you and your husband, (who narrates her books for anyone reading this and doesn’t know). And the outtakes were absolutely hilarious.
Thanks for the great reads!
I love everyone from Lake Cliff. And everyone back in England at Carlton House for that matter. Much appreciation for the variety K provides in scenery and plot- it has me dropping other books to see what’s going on with the boys.
Aiden shines and represents the autistic community with a glowing, gritty presence. Lavender is one big evil marshmallow, a knight who also represents with grit and gore.
As far as the writing goes, I see constant improvement. In the beginning I frequently had to reread paragraphs because the pronoun ‘he’ was used while talking about two characters in the same thought, but now that almost never happens.
I recently found your blog, K and I really enjoyed you and your husband, (who narrates her books for anyone reading this and doesn’t know). And the outtakes were absolutely hilarious.
Thanks for the great reads!
May 31, 2024
Suddenly, this is a paranormal series, WTF! The past 7 books have been set in a contemporary, if improbable, universe. Now, the entire series and those adjacent, are paranormal. You can't change genre so far into a series and expect fans to go with it without comment.
The only explanation that I can think of is that K Sterling actually believes that ghosts are real and part of our contemporary world, which is just ridiculous for an obviously intelligent person. You've been watching too many ghost hunting shows and YouTube "documentaries", Sterling.
At the very least, if you want to write a paranormal story, start with a new world and characters. Don't turn a beloved logical and rational duo into bumbling idiots. So disappointed.
The only explanation that I can think of is that K Sterling actually believes that ghosts are real and part of our contemporary world, which is just ridiculous for an obviously intelligent person. You've been watching too many ghost hunting shows and YouTube "documentaries", Sterling.
At the very least, if you want to write a paranormal story, start with a new world and characters. Don't turn a beloved logical and rational duo into bumbling idiots. So disappointed.
October 27, 2019
Another great one
I love the Lake Cliff series. They are always a must for me. Aiden and Lavender take on another killer and we meet some very interesting people along the way. Deputy Wright appears to be a very interesting character and I do hope he gets is own story and we get to visit Covington again ! If you have read this series you will enjoy this one. If you are new to this series it would be helpful to read from the start of the series, but you don't necessarily need to. Thank you again for another story from this series.
I love the Lake Cliff series. They are always a must for me. Aiden and Lavender take on another killer and we meet some very interesting people along the way. Deputy Wright appears to be a very interesting character and I do hope he gets is own story and we get to visit Covington again ! If you have read this series you will enjoy this one. If you are new to this series it would be helpful to read from the start of the series, but you don't necessarily need to. Thank you again for another story from this series.
October 22, 2019
I really enjoyed this book!
I have loved all of the previous Lake Cliff books and this was no exception. It takes place in Covington, RI, where Aidan and Lavender are investigating a series of hangings. Getting to spend time with Aidan and Lavender minus their spouses was an interesting turn and getting to feel their dynamic as almost family was fun. This book is just in time for Halloween, with a bit of a spooky feel.
I have loved all of the previous Lake Cliff books and this was no exception. It takes place in Covington, RI, where Aidan and Lavender are investigating a series of hangings. Getting to spend time with Aidan and Lavender minus their spouses was an interesting turn and getting to feel their dynamic as almost family was fun. This book is just in time for Halloween, with a bit of a spooky feel.
October 30, 2019
Scary good
Oh my god having Aiden and Lavender be alone in a book
Who knew well of course Miss Sterling
These two together are so exciting and fun ya just shake your head at them.
I couldn't put it down, I was thinking it was going this way and nope.
Something that makes Lavender jumpy makes me wanna stay away from a B and B
Love the bits of Robin, Sage and Lane to
Oh my god having Aiden and Lavender be alone in a book
Who knew well of course Miss Sterling
These two together are so exciting and fun ya just shake your head at them.
I couldn't put it down, I was thinking it was going this way and nope.
Something that makes Lavender jumpy makes me wanna stay away from a B and B
Love the bits of Robin, Sage and Lane to
January 5, 2020
Another entertaining read from a very interesting writer!
I love Aiden and Lane and Mr. Lavender & Sage are running a very close second! I love the community and world building of Lake Cliff, please keep it coming. Lost Ground, did not disappoint! I was throughly entertained! I hope you will be too!
I love Aiden and Lane and Mr. Lavender & Sage are running a very close second! I love the community and world building of Lake Cliff, please keep it coming. Lost Ground, did not disappoint! I was throughly entertained! I hope you will be too!
November 3, 2019
I love all your books sooo much
You take us readers on an adventure every time. The Lake Cliff fellas are the best and Lavender and Aiden are the dynamic duo. I can't wait to learn more about Sheriff Wright and who he ends up with. Please let us step into Lavender's mind.
You take us readers on an adventure every time. The Lake Cliff fellas are the best and Lavender and Aiden are the dynamic duo. I can't wait to learn more about Sheriff Wright and who he ends up with. Please let us step into Lavender's mind.
October 23, 2019
I love Aiden and Lavender together!
They are hilarious in there investigating. This was a great sort of light hearted story even with a serious story line.
They are hilarious in there investigating. This was a great sort of light hearted story even with a serious story line.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews