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The Lake: The most gripping, twisty and dark suspense thriller that you will read in 2021
The truth lies just beneath the surface…
Kate's world falls apart when her teenage son drowns in the waters by his school. She’s convinced it wasn’t just a tragic accident, but no one will listen.
Then, six years later, Kate unearths Michael’s lost diary and realises she may finally be able uncover what really happened that night.
But as she delves deeper, she begins to realise that she didn’t really know her son – or the people in his life – at all. And that, sometimes, secrets are better left submerged…
Kate's world falls apart when her teenage son drowns in the waters by his school. She’s convinced it wasn’t just a tragic accident, but no one will listen.
Then, six years later, Kate unearths Michael’s lost diary and realises she may finally be able uncover what really happened that night.
But as she delves deeper, she begins to realise that she didn’t really know her son – or the people in his life – at all. And that, sometimes, secrets are better left submerged…
400 pages, Paperback
First published March 18, 2021
65 people are currently reading
446 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
March 28, 2021
Kate's world falls apart when her teenage son drowns in the waters by his school. She’s convinced it wasn’t just a tragic accident, but no one will listen.
Now, six years later, Kate unearths Michael’s lost diary and realises she may finally be able uncover what really happened that night.
But as she delves deeper, she begins to realise that she didn’t really know her son – or the people in his life – at all. And that, sometimes, secrets are better left submerged…
An interesting premise with an equally good plot!
The plot flows smoothly and it' has a dark theme to it, that keeps you hooked on. AIso, it's filled with twists and turns. I kept guessing and changing my suspect right till the end, but even then I couldn't figure it out before Kate.
In terms of the main character, Kate, there were times when I genuinely felt bad for her, because losing a child is obviously difficult and plus, she didn't have the right support system to help her grieve. But there were instances in the book, when I lost connection with her and found some of her actions questionable.
But overall, a good read.
Thank You NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC!
Now, six years later, Kate unearths Michael’s lost diary and realises she may finally be able uncover what really happened that night.
But as she delves deeper, she begins to realise that she didn’t really know her son – or the people in his life – at all. And that, sometimes, secrets are better left submerged…
An interesting premise with an equally good plot!
The plot flows smoothly and it' has a dark theme to it, that keeps you hooked on. AIso, it's filled with twists and turns. I kept guessing and changing my suspect right till the end, but even then I couldn't figure it out before Kate.
In terms of the main character, Kate, there were times when I genuinely felt bad for her, because losing a child is obviously difficult and plus, she didn't have the right support system to help her grieve. But there were instances in the book, when I lost connection with her and found some of her actions questionable.
But overall, a good read.
Thank You NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC!
March 10, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Kate's world fell apart when her teenage son drowns in the waters near the school. She's convinced it wasn't just a tragic accident, but no one will listen. Six years later, Kate unearths Michael's last diary and realises she might finally be able to uncover what really happened that night. But as she delves deeper, she soon begins to realise that she didn't really know her son at all.
This is a slow burn thriller and i don't think it would work as well at any other pace. KateOs world fell apart the day her son drowned. Kate tries to uncover the truth after finding her son's diary. The book takes us on an emotional journey as a mother is determined to find out the truth behind why her don drowned that day. It's quite heartbreaking to read at times. With not a lot ofvidence, witnesses seem to appear out of nowhere. I did feel the story dragged out in places. But the truth is revealed in the end.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #AvonBooksUK and the author #LouiseSharland for my ARC #TheLake in exchange for an honest rwview.
Kate's world fell apart when her teenage son drowns in the waters near the school. She's convinced it wasn't just a tragic accident, but no one will listen. Six years later, Kate unearths Michael's last diary and realises she might finally be able to uncover what really happened that night. But as she delves deeper, she soon begins to realise that she didn't really know her son at all.
This is a slow burn thriller and i don't think it would work as well at any other pace. KateOs world fell apart the day her son drowned. Kate tries to uncover the truth after finding her son's diary. The book takes us on an emotional journey as a mother is determined to find out the truth behind why her don drowned that day. It's quite heartbreaking to read at times. With not a lot ofvidence, witnesses seem to appear out of nowhere. I did feel the story dragged out in places. But the truth is revealed in the end.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #AvonBooksUK and the author #LouiseSharland for my ARC #TheLake in exchange for an honest rwview.
March 1, 2021
This was a great book to read, it had all the twists and turns in it which kept me guessing right until the end. I was convinced it was one character then, I change my mind and decided it was someone else but, I didn’t guess who it was until the end. This is the type of book I love. I nearly read it in one sitting but just manage it. I loved the tension in this it added to the theme of the story. Great!!! My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
March 14, 2021
Six years after her teenage son’s death, a mother still can’t settle her doubts about the Coroner’s Investigation and open finding. When Kate’s own mother suffers a stroke, their strained relationship causes more pressure until the discovery of further hidden secrets. Kate sets out to finally discover what happened that night her son died, but it brings further grief and her family’s concern she is having another breakdown. A most pleasant read with good characters and enjoyable repast. A leisurely paced venture with a three-star rating. With thanks to NetGalley and the author for a preview copy for review purposes. All opinions expressed herein are freely given and totally mine.
February 6, 2023
I didn’t enjoy this story as much as I hoped. Firstly, I guessed some of the ending before I had reached the half-way point. Secondly, I thought the last quarter of the story really dragged and took too long for the final revelations.
Haunted by the death of her son six years previous, Kate discovers Michael’s diary, hidden at her mother’s house. Kate is revisiting the past as she sorts through her mother’s wardrobe, who is currently in hospital. Therefore, discovering that her son had a diary that she knew nothing about, Kate’s quest for the truth strongly resurfaces. She has always suspected that there was more to her son’s death, beyond drowning, particularly as he was such a competent swimmer. Yet, Kate seems to be on her own in her new investigations: her sister warns her to leave the past behind and Kate can’t even trust her husband with these new discoveries.
I thought there were a lot of elements in this plot that could have been expanded. For example, Sharland frequently alludes to Kate’s past and the strained upbringing she had with her mother. Kate’s family belonged to some sort of cult and the chilling portrayal that readers are actually provided with could have been developed. I would have been keen to see some developed flashbacks to see just how isolating Kate’s upbringing was, along with what lead her to the type of relationship she has with her mother in present day.
Furthermore, it is clear that Kate has suffered in the six years since Michael’s death. Again, I thought the plot would have been intensified if readers were given a glimpse of the aftermath of Kate’s loss. I think it would have helped me understand her character, particularly her frustration towards the lack of definite answers in the police investigation. It would have made the past even more relevant, rather it feeling more like a “before” and “after” event.
When the story moves to Scotland, I was hoping for some explosive action. However, the slow pace of the rest of the story continues and I grew bored by the poetry summer school. Although I could understand why Sharland takes such a long time to reach the conclusion, I thought some of the details lessened the overall impact of the story. It did not help that I thought the revelations were increasingly obvious, so the story finished with less impact than I was anticipating.
I liked the first half of the story and the beginnings of Kate’s investigations. The dead-ends that she reaches were palpably frustrating and I was spooked by her marriage to Adam. I sympathised with the anguish she continues to experience and could understand the high emotions as she returns to Michael’s school friends. Yet, I always thought that something was missing from this narrative, meaning it didn’t become the page-turner that I was hoping for with this mystery.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Haunted by the death of her son six years previous, Kate discovers Michael’s diary, hidden at her mother’s house. Kate is revisiting the past as she sorts through her mother’s wardrobe, who is currently in hospital. Therefore, discovering that her son had a diary that she knew nothing about, Kate’s quest for the truth strongly resurfaces. She has always suspected that there was more to her son’s death, beyond drowning, particularly as he was such a competent swimmer. Yet, Kate seems to be on her own in her new investigations: her sister warns her to leave the past behind and Kate can’t even trust her husband with these new discoveries.
I thought there were a lot of elements in this plot that could have been expanded. For example, Sharland frequently alludes to Kate’s past and the strained upbringing she had with her mother. Kate’s family belonged to some sort of cult and the chilling portrayal that readers are actually provided with could have been developed. I would have been keen to see some developed flashbacks to see just how isolating Kate’s upbringing was, along with what lead her to the type of relationship she has with her mother in present day.
Furthermore, it is clear that Kate has suffered in the six years since Michael’s death. Again, I thought the plot would have been intensified if readers were given a glimpse of the aftermath of Kate’s loss. I think it would have helped me understand her character, particularly her frustration towards the lack of definite answers in the police investigation. It would have made the past even more relevant, rather it feeling more like a “before” and “after” event.
When the story moves to Scotland, I was hoping for some explosive action. However, the slow pace of the rest of the story continues and I grew bored by the poetry summer school. Although I could understand why Sharland takes such a long time to reach the conclusion, I thought some of the details lessened the overall impact of the story. It did not help that I thought the revelations were increasingly obvious, so the story finished with less impact than I was anticipating.
I liked the first half of the story and the beginnings of Kate’s investigations. The dead-ends that she reaches were palpably frustrating and I was spooked by her marriage to Adam. I sympathised with the anguish she continues to experience and could understand the high emotions as she returns to Michael’s school friends. Yet, I always thought that something was missing from this narrative, meaning it didn’t become the page-turner that I was hoping for with this mystery.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 8, 2021
For my full review and thoughts on the story, characters and ending completely spoiler free please visit my blog here
Thank you to Netgalley for providing this free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I requested this book as the cover and blurb really appealed to me. It promised to be a thrilling, addictive page-turner and although it was good, it could have been better.
I found the characters to be interesting and engaging and I read the whole book in less than a day. There were no points in the book were I was bored but neither were there any where I was really thrilled or absorbed. It was a good read but not a book I would ever be likely to pick up for a reread.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing this free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I requested this book as the cover and blurb really appealed to me. It promised to be a thrilling, addictive page-turner and although it was good, it could have been better.
I found the characters to be interesting and engaging and I read the whole book in less than a day. There were no points in the book were I was bored but neither were there any where I was really thrilled or absorbed. It was a good read but not a book I would ever be likely to pick up for a reread.
March 21, 2021
Six years prior Kate's son Michael drowned at a lake whilst away at boarding school. As he was drunk and had taken some tablets it appears to be a freak accident or even suicide but that ruling has always been left open. But Kate is convinced her competitive swimmer son wouldn't of drowned and wouldn't have gone for a swim alone intoxicated she has always suspected he was killed. So when she returns to her mothers home and finds a diary that belonged to Michael she finds herself investigating further, 6 years may had passed but she is still certain there's more to the story. But her search for the might reveal secrets that put others and herself at risk.
I really enjoyed the lake it has to be said. As a debut novel by Louise Sharland, it's a great introduction into the world of the mystery genre. I wouldn't categorise this as a psychological thriller by any means but it definately holds some psychological elements.
I loved how this book illustrated the different types of abuse relationships can hold with a focus to financial, mental and power. Kate's relationships with hdr husband is written so well when demonstrating how toxic a relationship can be little things like she has to ring him at a certain time everyday, there seems to be no logical reason for this. Although the book is meant to be about her search for the truth regarding her son the relationship with her husband unravels before us. I found myself screaming at the book just leave him leave him now. Yet I know that Its easier said than done as let's be honest if it was that easy domestic violence wouldn't be a thing. Before things escalate with her husband it is so clear that she is trapped and has been for years. I found myself questioning what his role was in Michael's death, just like (I believe) the author had wanted me to.
Kate's relationship with her family esp her mother and sister Grace is an interesting one. I felt as a reader I got mixed vibes on how she feels about her mother. I also had so many unanswered questions I needed and still nerd her mother to answer.
Yet her relationship with sister Grace is so multilayered but is clearly underpinned with complete love.. yet it Is clear Kate hold resentment towards Grace for having a good husband job and daughter (however naughty). It plays out really well and really realistically aswell which isn't always something I look or even want in s book, however it felt like a nice addition.
The book is almost divided into two sections Cornwall and Scotland. I enjoyed the latter part of the book mote than the first half it has to be said. I felt more connected to the character and her growth throughout the story. The first half almost feels like it's setting the scene for the last half of the book with an almost, but not quite, obvious comical ending.
This is where the book for me drops from 4 stars to 3, the ending. Oh gosh I hated it!!! All that build up and this was the ending we got. Well it just fixed the nail in the 3 star coffin so to speak.
Would I recommend the lake?
Yes and no. To fellow die hard psychological thriller lovers out there keep on your shelves and wait for a day you fancy an easy read. Prose wise the writing is very descriptive and not at all over complicated if you are new to this genre highly recommend this book. It's such a good book with great concepts and is so easy to read!!! .
The ending of this book is predictable and a let down. But up until then I was enjoying the mystery around "what happened and why,," and actually felt some of the cross cutting theme's were played our subtlety and extremely well. For this reason I would have score the novel 4 stars but then it ended and I felt robbed of the 8 hours I committed to this book, so unfortunately I score it 3 stars 🌟
Thank you to netgalley, Avon books and Louise Sharland for the digital ARC in exchange for my fair and honest opinions
I really enjoyed the lake it has to be said. As a debut novel by Louise Sharland, it's a great introduction into the world of the mystery genre. I wouldn't categorise this as a psychological thriller by any means but it definately holds some psychological elements.
I loved how this book illustrated the different types of abuse relationships can hold with a focus to financial, mental and power. Kate's relationships with hdr husband is written so well when demonstrating how toxic a relationship can be little things like she has to ring him at a certain time everyday, there seems to be no logical reason for this. Although the book is meant to be about her search for the truth regarding her son the relationship with her husband unravels before us. I found myself screaming at the book just leave him leave him now. Yet I know that Its easier said than done as let's be honest if it was that easy domestic violence wouldn't be a thing. Before things escalate with her husband it is so clear that she is trapped and has been for years. I found myself questioning what his role was in Michael's death, just like (I believe) the author had wanted me to.
Kate's relationship with her family esp her mother and sister Grace is an interesting one. I felt as a reader I got mixed vibes on how she feels about her mother. I also had so many unanswered questions I needed and still nerd her mother to answer.
Yet her relationship with sister Grace is so multilayered but is clearly underpinned with complete love.. yet it Is clear Kate hold resentment towards Grace for having a good husband job and daughter (however naughty). It plays out really well and really realistically aswell which isn't always something I look or even want in s book, however it felt like a nice addition.
The book is almost divided into two sections Cornwall and Scotland. I enjoyed the latter part of the book mote than the first half it has to be said. I felt more connected to the character and her growth throughout the story. The first half almost feels like it's setting the scene for the last half of the book with an almost, but not quite, obvious comical ending.
This is where the book for me drops from 4 stars to 3, the ending. Oh gosh I hated it!!! All that build up and this was the ending we got. Well it just fixed the nail in the 3 star coffin so to speak.
Would I recommend the lake?
Yes and no. To fellow die hard psychological thriller lovers out there keep on your shelves and wait for a day you fancy an easy read. Prose wise the writing is very descriptive and not at all over complicated if you are new to this genre highly recommend this book. It's such a good book with great concepts and is so easy to read!!! .
The ending of this book is predictable and a let down. But up until then I was enjoying the mystery around "what happened and why,," and actually felt some of the cross cutting theme's were played our subtlety and extremely well. For this reason I would have score the novel 4 stars but then it ended and I felt robbed of the 8 hours I committed to this book, so unfortunately I score it 3 stars 🌟
Thank you to netgalley, Avon books and Louise Sharland for the digital ARC in exchange for my fair and honest opinions
January 13, 2021
This was an interesting read that kept me glued to my Kindle. It centers on Kate, whose 15 year old son drowned 6 years ago- it was ruled an accident but Kate can't get past the fact that Michael was a star swimmer and believes there has to be more to the story, despite the fact that her family and friends are pushing her to move on with her life.
I felt sorry for Kate and thought it was terrible that she didn't have much support from those around her. The story was unique in that a big chunk of the 2nd half of the book is spent on the retreat she attends to do her investigation and it almost reads like a different story; this was done in a good way, though- Kate took all the things she had learned in the first part of the book and used them to figure out what happened in the 2nd part, and enough time was spent to build out the characters around her at the retreat and to finally give her a support system.
There were a few things that caused me to have to suspend my disbelief, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book. I did feel like the storyline around Kate's mother's stroke didn't add much to the story and probably didn't need to be there at all, but I suppose it could help the reader better understand her family dynamics.
The ending of the book was somewhat abrupt, but it did tie everything that happened up to that point together, and provided a little surprise twist beyond the main event that I didn't see coming.
Overall, I liked the book and raced through it to find out what happened. I'd give it 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4, and would recommend it to those who enjoy mysteries. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I felt sorry for Kate and thought it was terrible that she didn't have much support from those around her. The story was unique in that a big chunk of the 2nd half of the book is spent on the retreat she attends to do her investigation and it almost reads like a different story; this was done in a good way, though- Kate took all the things she had learned in the first part of the book and used them to figure out what happened in the 2nd part, and enough time was spent to build out the characters around her at the retreat and to finally give her a support system.
There were a few things that caused me to have to suspend my disbelief, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book. I did feel like the storyline around Kate's mother's stroke didn't add much to the story and probably didn't need to be there at all, but I suppose it could help the reader better understand her family dynamics.
The ending of the book was somewhat abrupt, but it did tie everything that happened up to that point together, and provided a little surprise twist beyond the main event that I didn't see coming.
Overall, I liked the book and raced through it to find out what happened. I'd give it 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4, and would recommend it to those who enjoy mysteries. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2021
The Lake is the captivating yet heartbreaking tale of a mother who loses her son to a tragedy but believes that foul play was somehow involved and will go to the ends of the earth to prove it. But is she right? A&E nurse Kate Hardy is a grieving mother who is still struggling to come to terms with the death of her teenage son, Michael David Penrose, six years ago. He was only fifteen when was found drowned, despite being a strong and competitive swimmer, at Argal Lake in 2015. Despite her husband, and Michael's stepfather, Adam, a doctor and a controlling manipulator, her mum and her sister having tried their best to be there for her it's problematic as none of them will listen to her pleas about his death and the possibility that someone else was involved and has, up until, now gotten off scot free. The police ruled it to be a tragic accident, but Kate believes it was something much more sinister than that and is hellbent on finding out the truth. Kate had been visiting the lake to lay flowers and sit on Michael's memorial bench and was seated by the lake watching a young boy paddle board yet when he falls and starts struggling to keep his head above the water her feet are planted like two concrete blocks and she's unable to move to help him; I guess in some ways this is about her regret that she was not there to help her son when he needed, her but she is already struggling to hold it together given it's the anniversary of his death. She also has a phobia of water that she didn't have before the drowning. Luckily, the boy’s mother is close by and jumps into action. Kate tends to the boy when he's out of the water by doing CPR and forcing air into his waterlogged lungs. She has been used to the looks of judgement she had received from people after questioning the police's version of events leading up to Michael’s death; it was normal to her now.
Those who surround her much to her chagrin often treat her as though she's crazy and question everything from her judgement to her mental state. So far Kate hasn't pursued her own investigation into her son, those around him and the circumstances surrounding the incident, but she feels like she's at the stage where this is essential for her health and wellbeing. Even if no one will have her back, she will carry this out alone if she has to. It's the least her son deserves and she can't quite believe that her family and friends are all okay with just accepting the police’s haphazard determination even if they also have qualms about the tragedy themselves; was it laziness or did they simply not care? When Kate finds Michael’s diary at her mother’s house it gives her the break she was looking for. There seems to be a lot about her son’s life she didn't know and figures it was a secret he had that may have gotten him killed. There are also countless references to ’Diving Fish’, whoever that may be. With a renewed sense of perspective, she vows not to stop until she uncovers the truth. This is a captivating and compulsive mystery packed with heart, emotion and the unbreakable bond between mother and son. Kate is a character who is likeable and relatable and her dogged determination even in the face of her family not showing her any support made her a hero and a strong woman in my eyes. The villain of the story is revealed about halfway through the book and then the rest is dedicated to the search for enough evidence to prove wrongdoing in a court of law. Full of emotion, compassion and a quiet resilience, Kate is a formidable protagonist in a gritty, palpably tense and thoroughly compelling tale. Highly recommended.
Those who surround her much to her chagrin often treat her as though she's crazy and question everything from her judgement to her mental state. So far Kate hasn't pursued her own investigation into her son, those around him and the circumstances surrounding the incident, but she feels like she's at the stage where this is essential for her health and wellbeing. Even if no one will have her back, she will carry this out alone if she has to. It's the least her son deserves and she can't quite believe that her family and friends are all okay with just accepting the police’s haphazard determination even if they also have qualms about the tragedy themselves; was it laziness or did they simply not care? When Kate finds Michael’s diary at her mother’s house it gives her the break she was looking for. There seems to be a lot about her son’s life she didn't know and figures it was a secret he had that may have gotten him killed. There are also countless references to ’Diving Fish’, whoever that may be. With a renewed sense of perspective, she vows not to stop until she uncovers the truth. This is a captivating and compulsive mystery packed with heart, emotion and the unbreakable bond between mother and son. Kate is a character who is likeable and relatable and her dogged determination even in the face of her family not showing her any support made her a hero and a strong woman in my eyes. The villain of the story is revealed about halfway through the book and then the rest is dedicated to the search for enough evidence to prove wrongdoing in a court of law. Full of emotion, compassion and a quiet resilience, Kate is a formidable protagonist in a gritty, palpably tense and thoroughly compelling tale. Highly recommended.
February 25, 2021
Thankyou to Avon Books for providing me with a copy of The Lake, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Kate’s life has been an unending journey of misery since her 15 year old son, Michael, drowned. While she is convinced his death wasn’t an accident, everyone around her, including her husband, wants her to just move on. When Kates mother is hospitalized from a stroke, she heads to her house to look after her cat and be closer to her mum. She didn’t expect to find Michael’s diary in her mother’s house. And she didn’t expect it to reveal even more questions about not only his death, but a life Kate knew nothing about. Determined to solve the mystery of the night Michael died, she’ll stop at nothing to get to the truth.
The Lake was a gripping read, with several characters I wanted to reach through the pages and strangle. Being a mother myself, stories about harm befalling children are always an emotional read and this one was no exception. A fast paced thriller, covering many intense subjects, such as abusive relationships, grief, family issues and more, The Lake provided enough drama and twists to keep me entertained the whole way through. While some of the plot points were a little predictable, on the whole, I found the story an engaging and easy read.
I’d recommend this one to anyone who enjoys domestic thrillers!
Kate’s life has been an unending journey of misery since her 15 year old son, Michael, drowned. While she is convinced his death wasn’t an accident, everyone around her, including her husband, wants her to just move on. When Kates mother is hospitalized from a stroke, she heads to her house to look after her cat and be closer to her mum. She didn’t expect to find Michael’s diary in her mother’s house. And she didn’t expect it to reveal even more questions about not only his death, but a life Kate knew nothing about. Determined to solve the mystery of the night Michael died, she’ll stop at nothing to get to the truth.
The Lake was a gripping read, with several characters I wanted to reach through the pages and strangle. Being a mother myself, stories about harm befalling children are always an emotional read and this one was no exception. A fast paced thriller, covering many intense subjects, such as abusive relationships, grief, family issues and more, The Lake provided enough drama and twists to keep me entertained the whole way through. While some of the plot points were a little predictable, on the whole, I found the story an engaging and easy read.
I’d recommend this one to anyone who enjoys domestic thrillers!
March 5, 2021
The lake was at its heart about a mother trying to do right by her son. I figured out who was responsible for her sons drowning fairly quickly but the story of Kates journey kept me invested in the book.
February 27, 2024
Well written, and the first 3/4 of the book became very addicting and I was SO hooked! More of a slow burning drama than a fast paced thriller. There were some interesting themes such as doping in sports, aftermath of stroke, sexual grooming and emotional abusive relationships.
Sadly it wasn’t as full of shocking twists as I’d usually like/expected. It was more so a big revelation towards the end which wasn’t really a surprise, and very predicable.
Sadly it wasn’t as full of shocking twists as I’d usually like/expected. It was more so a big revelation towards the end which wasn’t really a surprise, and very predicable.
April 30, 2022
Slow start, compelling middle, with a very disappointing ending. The last quarter just tanked! It was headed towards high marks as I was not going to stop reading till I had finished it. Number One criterion. But then, but then….what should’ve been a really good book became quite mediocre.
February 16, 2021
Was a good book..not great. Took me a bit to get into it. Was hard to hold my interest in parts. Did finish it and ended up liking it.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
May 31, 2021
Six years post Michael’s drowning, his mother Kate found a clue in a diary hidden in her mother’s closet. That started the ball rolling, and she wanted nothing more than to get to her truth, against everyone’s wishes. After all, she would always be Michael’s mother.
My first book by author Louise Sharland, I was completely sucked into the plot. I loved how Kate came out of her slumber to find out what really happened to her son that night by the lake. An atmosphere of suspense was well created with a few suspects.
But then around 70%, the story changed directions and meandered. To me, it felt it lost focus, not that the direction taken was not interesting enough but needed a gradual molding. There was something dichotomous about it. I read through the book but didn’t feel the same high as I did in the initial 2/3rd. Maybe it was just me
Overall, it was entertaining enough for a Saturday.
3.5 stars
My first book by author Louise Sharland, I was completely sucked into the plot. I loved how Kate came out of her slumber to find out what really happened to her son that night by the lake. An atmosphere of suspense was well created with a few suspects.
But then around 70%, the story changed directions and meandered. To me, it felt it lost focus, not that the direction taken was not interesting enough but needed a gradual molding. There was something dichotomous about it. I read through the book but didn’t feel the same high as I did in the initial 2/3rd. Maybe it was just me
Overall, it was entertaining enough for a Saturday.
3.5 stars
March 17, 2022
I really struggled with this book . It just didn’t hold my attention as the storyline was so slow. I found the fact that the mother of the victim ended up doing detective work to find out what had happened a little bit unbelievable so just couldn’t relate to the storyline at all.
The female narrator was ok but I kept drifting off and not sure whether this was because the storyline was not holding my attention
Thank you to Avon Books and Harper Collins Audio for the arc/digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
The female narrator was ok but I kept drifting off and not sure whether this was because the storyline was not holding my attention
Thank you to Avon Books and Harper Collins Audio for the arc/digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
April 2, 2021
*Thank you to the Publisher, Louise Sharland and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Previously published on https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/th...
The Lake is the heartbreaking story of a mother whose son dies in a drowning accident, but is convinced that his death is no accident. Kate Hardy, former accident and emergency nurse, will not stop until she finds the truth.
Six years ago, 15-year-old Michael drowned at a lake while away at boarding school. It appears to be an accident, as he was under the influence of drugs and alcohol when he drowned. However, Kate knows her competitive swimmer son didn’t drown, and there must be someone else involved, as he didn’t drink or do drugs. Nor would he go for a swim so late at night by himself. When tragedy strikes again and Kate’s estranged mother has a stroke, she returns to her mother’s home where she finds Michael’s old diary and cell phone. Intrigued, she reads the diary cover-to-cover and finds out secrets about her son she never would have guessed. Though her sister and husband agree she must move on, she is determined to find out the truth.
One of the interesting things about The Lake is how it defines relationships. Kate has had mostly abusive relationships in her life, stemming from her upbringing in the Brethren, a religious cult. They excommunicated her entire family when Kate was pregnant at 15 with Michael. The relationship that Kate has with her husband is a perfect example of abuse, as he is controlling and manipulative, requiring Kate to call him at a certain time every day and tries desperately to stop her from looking further into Michael’s death. As the marriage unravels and he becomes more and more upset that she is not listening to him regarding her son, we find ourselves questioning if he was involved in Michael’s death.
Kate’s relationship with her mother is also interesting: a religious zealot who has blamed Kate for 20 years for their release from the Brethren. Even during a hospital visit, her mother’s anger and hate is palpable.
The Lake really takes off in the second half of the book. Kate starts to believe in herself and the search for what really happened with Michael becomes more and more intense. As the reader becomes more connected to Kate, we root for her. She often makes choices that are out of character for her, and it can become confusing. There is also an entire set of characters added in the last quarter of the book, but it all comes together. The ending of The Lake is the pinnacle of satisfaction; a phenomenal debut for Louise Sharland.
Previously published on https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/th...
The Lake is the heartbreaking story of a mother whose son dies in a drowning accident, but is convinced that his death is no accident. Kate Hardy, former accident and emergency nurse, will not stop until she finds the truth.
Six years ago, 15-year-old Michael drowned at a lake while away at boarding school. It appears to be an accident, as he was under the influence of drugs and alcohol when he drowned. However, Kate knows her competitive swimmer son didn’t drown, and there must be someone else involved, as he didn’t drink or do drugs. Nor would he go for a swim so late at night by himself. When tragedy strikes again and Kate’s estranged mother has a stroke, she returns to her mother’s home where she finds Michael’s old diary and cell phone. Intrigued, she reads the diary cover-to-cover and finds out secrets about her son she never would have guessed. Though her sister and husband agree she must move on, she is determined to find out the truth.
One of the interesting things about The Lake is how it defines relationships. Kate has had mostly abusive relationships in her life, stemming from her upbringing in the Brethren, a religious cult. They excommunicated her entire family when Kate was pregnant at 15 with Michael. The relationship that Kate has with her husband is a perfect example of abuse, as he is controlling and manipulative, requiring Kate to call him at a certain time every day and tries desperately to stop her from looking further into Michael’s death. As the marriage unravels and he becomes more and more upset that she is not listening to him regarding her son, we find ourselves questioning if he was involved in Michael’s death.
Kate’s relationship with her mother is also interesting: a religious zealot who has blamed Kate for 20 years for their release from the Brethren. Even during a hospital visit, her mother’s anger and hate is palpable.
The Lake really takes off in the second half of the book. Kate starts to believe in herself and the search for what really happened with Michael becomes more and more intense. As the reader becomes more connected to Kate, we root for her. She often makes choices that are out of character for her, and it can become confusing. There is also an entire set of characters added in the last quarter of the book, but it all comes together. The ending of The Lake is the pinnacle of satisfaction; a phenomenal debut for Louise Sharland.
March 18, 2021
I don’t think I’ve ever read a full book in one sitting until I started reading The Lake! I couldn’t put it down and I was absolutely hooked from page one!
Once Kate finds Michael’s diary that’s when everything starts to unravel. We follow Kate on this hunt to find out the truth which she faces alone as everyone closest to her continues to doubt her and worry for her mental health. I really connected to Kate, she was such a strong character with this overwhelming love for her son and I adored that.
I did feel like the story had two parts. The first half is Kate trying to find answers which lead her to numerous different people who were involved in Michael’s life. We also learn more about Kate’s childhood and the psychological abuse she suffers from her husband who I disliked immensely! The second half (which I will try to avoid any spoilers) sees no more mention of her family or husband and feels like a story within itself as she finally starts to learn the truth about what happened to Michael and begins her ‘mission’ to get justice for him.
You will have your suspicions as soon as Michael’s diary entries are detailed but I didn’t think it was obvious and there were many times I changed my mind over what I thought might have happened to him. Throughout the second half of the book it will become clear as to what happened to him yet this didn’t take away any suspense, in fact it created more as you desperately wanted Kate to prove what she had found.
Overall this was a gripping thriller that was a complete page turner and a book you won’t be able to put down!
Once Kate finds Michael’s diary that’s when everything starts to unravel. We follow Kate on this hunt to find out the truth which she faces alone as everyone closest to her continues to doubt her and worry for her mental health. I really connected to Kate, she was such a strong character with this overwhelming love for her son and I adored that.
I did feel like the story had two parts. The first half is Kate trying to find answers which lead her to numerous different people who were involved in Michael’s life. We also learn more about Kate’s childhood and the psychological abuse she suffers from her husband who I disliked immensely! The second half (which I will try to avoid any spoilers) sees no more mention of her family or husband and feels like a story within itself as she finally starts to learn the truth about what happened to Michael and begins her ‘mission’ to get justice for him.
You will have your suspicions as soon as Michael’s diary entries are detailed but I didn’t think it was obvious and there were many times I changed my mind over what I thought might have happened to him. Throughout the second half of the book it will become clear as to what happened to him yet this didn’t take away any suspense, in fact it created more as you desperately wanted Kate to prove what she had found.
Overall this was a gripping thriller that was a complete page turner and a book you won’t be able to put down!
March 21, 2021
The truth lies just beneath the surface…
The Lake is a story about Kate, who is desperately searching for the truth about her son Michael's death six years ago when he was fifteen years old, Michael drowned in the lake by his boarding school, Kate doesn't believe that it was an accident because Michael was a strong swimmer, who took part in many competitions, but nobody will listen to her. When Kate's mother has a stroke, she goes to stay at the family home to look after her mom's cat, while she's there she discovers Michael's laptop and a diary, and what the diary reveals makes Kate even more determined that her sons death was certainly no accident and sets out to uncover the truth.
This is a tense read, covering subjects such as grief, grooming and sexual abuse of minors, which the author wrote with integrity and compassion. I loved the relationship Kate had with her sister Grace and their mom's neighbour, Doris, but didn't take to Kate's husband, Adam at all, he was very controlling and demanding. It's an intriguing plot, which kept me hooked and apart from a rather abrupt ending, was an enjoyable read.
I'd like to thank Avon Books and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Goodreads and Amazon.
The Lake is a story about Kate, who is desperately searching for the truth about her son Michael's death six years ago when he was fifteen years old, Michael drowned in the lake by his boarding school, Kate doesn't believe that it was an accident because Michael was a strong swimmer, who took part in many competitions, but nobody will listen to her. When Kate's mother has a stroke, she goes to stay at the family home to look after her mom's cat, while she's there she discovers Michael's laptop and a diary, and what the diary reveals makes Kate even more determined that her sons death was certainly no accident and sets out to uncover the truth.
This is a tense read, covering subjects such as grief, grooming and sexual abuse of minors, which the author wrote with integrity and compassion. I loved the relationship Kate had with her sister Grace and their mom's neighbour, Doris, but didn't take to Kate's husband, Adam at all, he was very controlling and demanding. It's an intriguing plot, which kept me hooked and apart from a rather abrupt ending, was an enjoyable read.
I'd like to thank Avon Books and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Goodreads and Amazon.
March 12, 2021
This book hooked me from the very first page and I didn't want to put it down. I loved the author's voice and Kate's character was so real I almost felt as if I was watching a movie. Everything was brought to life in vivid detail and I followed Kate through every scene with bated breath as she searched for the answers to what really happened to her son Michael on the night he died. Impressive storytelling, emotionally rich, characters that felt so real, and a plot that never faltered. The story is told from a single point of view, Kate's, and I think this really helped to pull me further into the story. The supporting characters were well written too although the emotional connection to Kate was brilliantly done and I felt her pain, struggles, and sheer determination to get the answers she so desperately needed. This book was truly amazing and I finished it in record time. I look forward to reading a lot more from Louise Sharland.
December 22, 2020
The blurb for The Lake promised an addictive page-turner and while I did finish reading it in a day, I am still as ambivalent about it as I was while reading it.
Kate Hardy, a grieving mother has been living in limbo ever since the drowning of her 15yr old son, six years ago. Though she suspects foul play considering that Micheal was a good swimmer, no-one is willing to believe her. And with a haphazard investigation, the lukewarm support of her family and her controlling husband, Kate has been unable to move on. Things quickly take a turn when she discovers Micheal's diary and figures that her son was hiding a huge secret, probably one that got him killed. Armed with a renewed sense of purpose, Kate begins her own investigation into her son's death. The villain is revealed midway through the story; the rest of the plot is about bringing the person to justice.
The story premise had great potential as the author has touched upon sensitive issues such as loss of a child, emotional abuse and underage abuse. While the first half of the book maintained a steady pace, the latter half drags by. The story itself was intriguing; my curiosity to find out what happens next kept me reading till the end. But the writing style was not to my taste. For eg: Though not an expert, I would suppose that a diary entry would be written in the past tense not in the present or present continuous tense. Also the repetitive use of certain lines (How many times have I said this? Why does everyone keep asking me this?) quickly got old. Not to forget the very convenient, coincidental way Kate found out the location of the antagonist.
The character of Caleb seemed like a forced addition to the plot, provided only to give Kate a happy-ever-after. The story was off to a great start but slowly peters out. The anguish of a mother is portrayed well as well as the insecurities of an emotional abuse victim. Overall, I would say the book was average.
A big thank you to Avon Books and Netgalley for approving my request for a digital copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Kate Hardy, a grieving mother has been living in limbo ever since the drowning of her 15yr old son, six years ago. Though she suspects foul play considering that Micheal was a good swimmer, no-one is willing to believe her. And with a haphazard investigation, the lukewarm support of her family and her controlling husband, Kate has been unable to move on. Things quickly take a turn when she discovers Micheal's diary and figures that her son was hiding a huge secret, probably one that got him killed. Armed with a renewed sense of purpose, Kate begins her own investigation into her son's death. The villain is revealed midway through the story; the rest of the plot is about bringing the person to justice.
The story premise had great potential as the author has touched upon sensitive issues such as loss of a child, emotional abuse and underage abuse. While the first half of the book maintained a steady pace, the latter half drags by. The story itself was intriguing; my curiosity to find out what happens next kept me reading till the end. But the writing style was not to my taste. For eg: Though not an expert, I would suppose that a diary entry would be written in the past tense not in the present or present continuous tense. Also the repetitive use of certain lines (How many times have I said this? Why does everyone keep asking me this?) quickly got old. Not to forget the very convenient, coincidental way Kate found out the location of the antagonist.
The character of Caleb seemed like a forced addition to the plot, provided only to give Kate a happy-ever-after. The story was off to a great start but slowly peters out. The anguish of a mother is portrayed well as well as the insecurities of an emotional abuse victim. Overall, I would say the book was average.
A big thank you to Avon Books and Netgalley for approving my request for a digital copy of this book in return for an honest review.
April 16, 2021
This debut novel centres around Kate, whose son, Michael, died 6 years ago in a drowning accident. I found the book a little slow to get going, but when it did I was totally engrossed in the mystery of what did actually happen to Michael. The book is well written and certainly pulls an emotional punch. It deals with some sensitive subjects such as underage grooming, loss of a child and abusive relationships, but the author handles it well.
Kate is a likeable and relatable character and I felt sorry for her, and the lack of support she received from her family. I also found her background with the Plymouth Brethren fascinating.
I also really enjoyed the narration by Hattie Ladbury (with a cameo from Vinny Moli) and felt her voice was perfect for Kate.
Kate is a likeable and relatable character and I felt sorry for her, and the lack of support she received from her family. I also found her background with the Plymouth Brethren fascinating.
I also really enjoyed the narration by Hattie Ladbury (with a cameo from Vinny Moli) and felt her voice was perfect for Kate.
January 7, 2023
For me this was a book of 2 halves. The first half focus’ on Kate, the main character, as she tries to balance her awful husband, her mums stroke and the newly discovered diary of her son. Her son passed away in a drowning accident 6 years prior, Kate has always been suspicious of his as Michael was a strong swimmer. Reading the diary Kate discovers that he was seeing a woman only known as Diving Fish.
The second half is the much better half in my opinion. Once she has her suspicions who Diving Fish is Kate makes it her mission to try and prove it was her. This is where the story really picks up for me and I feel the majority of the book could have happened at this location, with only a few chapters giving a back story.
There were a few unlikable characters, namely Adam her husband, and even Kate herself at some points. But overall I was routing for Kate near the end, hoping that she gets her answers.
Thank you Netgalley and Avon books for a copy of the book in return for an honest review
The second half is the much better half in my opinion. Once she has her suspicions who Diving Fish is Kate makes it her mission to try and prove it was her. This is where the story really picks up for me and I feel the majority of the book could have happened at this location, with only a few chapters giving a back story.
There were a few unlikable characters, namely Adam her husband, and even Kate herself at some points. But overall I was routing for Kate near the end, hoping that she gets her answers.
Thank you Netgalley and Avon books for a copy of the book in return for an honest review
March 19, 2021
The Lake - Louise Sharland
Kate is looking for answers in all the wrong places until she gets what she's looking for.
Desra (Susan) is a mouthy one and in the end gets her comeuppance! Poor Kate, to grieve and to then be spoken to and have her son spoken about in that way 😮... another tragic accident.
Kate is looking for answers in all the wrong places until she gets what she's looking for.
Desra (Susan) is a mouthy one and in the end gets her comeuppance! Poor Kate, to grieve and to then be spoken to and have her son spoken about in that way 😮... another tragic accident.
February 24, 2021
Six years ago, Kate lost her son Michael in a tragic drowning accident. Her husband wants her to move on and concentrate on her future, but when Kate finds her son’s diary, her suspicions rise about what really happened to Michael all those years ago.
I really loved the sound of this novel based on the blurb, and it did not take me very long to read. I enjoyed Kate’s interactions with her sister and her neighbour, as well as learning about a very different childhood to my own.
However, I really struggled to warm to the main protagonist. She makes some questionable choices and behaves in ways I could not really relate to. I think the plot is missing something and seems a little undeveloped which I found quite jarring.
I was hoping for a lot more tension and a build-up of atmosphere. I think this is a much lighter thriller than I was expecting.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy in return for an honest review.
I really loved the sound of this novel based on the blurb, and it did not take me very long to read. I enjoyed Kate’s interactions with her sister and her neighbour, as well as learning about a very different childhood to my own.
However, I really struggled to warm to the main protagonist. She makes some questionable choices and behaves in ways I could not really relate to. I think the plot is missing something and seems a little undeveloped which I found quite jarring.
I was hoping for a lot more tension and a build-up of atmosphere. I think this is a much lighter thriller than I was expecting.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy in return for an honest review.
April 8, 2021
Suspenseful
February 22, 2021
Six years ago, protagonist Kate Hardy’s 15 year old son drowned from a tragic ‘accident’. Kate has always suspected that the police’s judgement that her swimmer son’s death was a accident could not be the truth. Surrounded by people questioning her judgement and mental state, Kate has not pursued this inkling she has. That is until she finds her dead son’s diary. A sinister diary filled with hidden poems and a suspicious ‘Diving Fish’.
This mystery takes you all over the UK from Cornwall to an Upper-Class Private school in the north of Scotland. This book covers such intense and varied issues: addiction, religious fundamentalism, child grooming, domestic abuse, teenage pregnancy, and mental health. Including a same- sex couple was great as well. They are not key characters but important to the book and offered humour and female friendship. Brilliant LGBTQ representation in a casual way. However, the addition of a love interest towards the end of the book (I will not add spoilers), seemed to be just thrown in, as is the regular theme for female protagonists. Women do not always need to have a happily ever after with a man. This story line didn’t really add anything to the book.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I couldn’t wait to pick it up on an evening and fly through the pages. Gripping and it felt like there was constant twist and turns (maybe sometimes to a fault). There is so much going on, and I would have loved the author to delve into the topics with more detail as I just loved the characters and the story lines.
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Thank you to NetGallery and Avon Books for giving me access to a digital copy of The Lake in exchange for an honest review.
This mystery takes you all over the UK from Cornwall to an Upper-Class Private school in the north of Scotland. This book covers such intense and varied issues: addiction, religious fundamentalism, child grooming, domestic abuse, teenage pregnancy, and mental health. Including a same- sex couple was great as well. They are not key characters but important to the book and offered humour and female friendship. Brilliant LGBTQ representation in a casual way. However, the addition of a love interest towards the end of the book (I will not add spoilers), seemed to be just thrown in, as is the regular theme for female protagonists. Women do not always need to have a happily ever after with a man. This story line didn’t really add anything to the book.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I couldn’t wait to pick it up on an evening and fly through the pages. Gripping and it felt like there was constant twist and turns (maybe sometimes to a fault). There is so much going on, and I would have loved the author to delve into the topics with more detail as I just loved the characters and the story lines.
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Thank you to NetGallery and Avon Books for giving me access to a digital copy of The Lake in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2021
The Lake follows a mother who is grieving the passing of her 15-year-old son Michael who drowned six ago. When she accidentally discovers his diary, she begins to suspect there was much more to his death than a mere drowning — and that someone else may have been with him at the lake that night.
What follows is an intense, fast-paced thriller as she slowly uncovers Michael’s past and gets closer to discovering the truth of what really happened. The mother’s pain was heartbreaking as she unearthed her son’s past, desperately searching for closure and justice, resulting in quite an unsettling narrative. The emotional depth of Kate’s search draws us deeply into her spirit, to the point that her pain is our pain, her joy (as little as there is of it) is our joy. So in this way, I felt that The Lake hits at an intensely visceral level. Anyone who has known the pain of losing a loved one will no doubt see themselves in this story. I knew this subject matter would be a gut puncher- but was woefully ill-prepared for how much.
There is depth to this story, which delves into some pretty dark themes of grief, loneliness, religious extremism, mental and emotional abuse, teenage pregnancy, and inappropriate sexual relationships. While I found this indeed to be a compelling story, I typically like my thrillers with more twists and turns, which I thought were lacking here, rendering the story a tad predictable and underwhelming. But apart from that, I really enjoyed this whirlwind of a novel. I found it emotive, heartbreaking, and utterly engrossing, and aches with past and present bruises. But a few surprises and red herrings would have been nice.
A huge thank you to Netgalley for providing a review copy.
What follows is an intense, fast-paced thriller as she slowly uncovers Michael’s past and gets closer to discovering the truth of what really happened. The mother’s pain was heartbreaking as she unearthed her son’s past, desperately searching for closure and justice, resulting in quite an unsettling narrative. The emotional depth of Kate’s search draws us deeply into her spirit, to the point that her pain is our pain, her joy (as little as there is of it) is our joy. So in this way, I felt that The Lake hits at an intensely visceral level. Anyone who has known the pain of losing a loved one will no doubt see themselves in this story. I knew this subject matter would be a gut puncher- but was woefully ill-prepared for how much.
There is depth to this story, which delves into some pretty dark themes of grief, loneliness, religious extremism, mental and emotional abuse, teenage pregnancy, and inappropriate sexual relationships. While I found this indeed to be a compelling story, I typically like my thrillers with more twists and turns, which I thought were lacking here, rendering the story a tad predictable and underwhelming. But apart from that, I really enjoyed this whirlwind of a novel. I found it emotive, heartbreaking, and utterly engrossing, and aches with past and present bruises. But a few surprises and red herrings would have been nice.
A huge thank you to Netgalley for providing a review copy.
March 22, 2021
The lake by Louise Sharland 📚
Thank you Netgalley, Louise Sharland and Avon Books for providing the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
PUBLICATION DATE: 18th March, 2021
"The Lake" was a fast paced thriller which was at times predictable. The book started off really promising and I could personally feel the sadness and pain of the character. But as the story progressed, I found it quite repetitive and one dimensional. After a point, the ending and the culprit became quite obvious and it was just a waiting game. I had hoped for a different twist in the end to make it more interesting.
The narration was in first person and was singular. The writing style was articulate. The language was lucid. The tone of the book was of revenge and anguish. The theme of the book was to get a justice. I think if there were multiple POV's, it would have given more structure to the book. It could have been shorter as well instead of meandering in the middle phase of the book.
The story was about a mother, Kate who lost her 15 year old son Michael, 6 years ago to a drowning accident. She has been convinced that there is more to it. But no one wa s interested in her thoughts. Her husband, Adam never liked her son and was more interested in forgetting about him. Her mom suddenly fell ill and she was forced to go back to get childhood home. There she found Michael's old diary and phone. It showed that Michael was in a secret relationship with a person called " Diving Fish". She was supposed to meet him at the Lake on the day he died. Who was this girl? Was she involved in his death? Read to find out.
If you like slow burn thrillers, read this one.
-Afreen
Thank you Netgalley, Louise Sharland and Avon Books for providing the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
PUBLICATION DATE: 18th March, 2021
"The Lake" was a fast paced thriller which was at times predictable. The book started off really promising and I could personally feel the sadness and pain of the character. But as the story progressed, I found it quite repetitive and one dimensional. After a point, the ending and the culprit became quite obvious and it was just a waiting game. I had hoped for a different twist in the end to make it more interesting.
The narration was in first person and was singular. The writing style was articulate. The language was lucid. The tone of the book was of revenge and anguish. The theme of the book was to get a justice. I think if there were multiple POV's, it would have given more structure to the book. It could have been shorter as well instead of meandering in the middle phase of the book.
The story was about a mother, Kate who lost her 15 year old son Michael, 6 years ago to a drowning accident. She has been convinced that there is more to it. But no one wa s interested in her thoughts. Her husband, Adam never liked her son and was more interested in forgetting about him. Her mom suddenly fell ill and she was forced to go back to get childhood home. There she found Michael's old diary and phone. It showed that Michael was in a secret relationship with a person called " Diving Fish". She was supposed to meet him at the Lake on the day he died. Who was this girl? Was she involved in his death? Read to find out.
If you like slow burn thrillers, read this one.
-Afreen
June 8, 2021
1.5 stars because I can't quite say 'it was ok'.
The beginning was interesting, the family dynamics were developing and the story was building well and held my attention. Then we start a second, totally different book with a whole new cast of characters forced upon us. What was the purpose of the build up and development of the previous relationships? Why bother introducing the birth-father at all? What happened to the sister, her daughter, the husband? And don't even get me started on the coincidence that the big plot shift relies on... it pretty much died for me there. There were lots of great themes: the brethren, doping in sports, domestic abuse, the aftermath of a stroke, sexual grooming. A good book will weave several themes together into the plot, but here they seemed piecemeal and unnatural.
The beginning was interesting, the family dynamics were developing and the story was building well and held my attention. Then we start a second, totally different book with a whole new cast of characters forced upon us. What was the purpose of the build up and development of the previous relationships? Why bother introducing the birth-father at all? What happened to the sister, her daughter, the husband? And don't even get me started on the coincidence that the big plot shift relies on... it pretty much died for me there. There were lots of great themes: the brethren, doping in sports, domestic abuse, the aftermath of a stroke, sexual grooming. A good book will weave several themes together into the plot, but here they seemed piecemeal and unnatural.
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