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The Body at Blackwell Lake: An Amateur Sleuth Paranormal Mystery
She hates her power to detect missing things. When it leads her to a dead woman, can she smoke out a killer before she’s the next one to disappear?
Cora Gilbert wishes she weren’t a finder. Constantly overpowered by her strange ability to locate other people’s lost items, the lonely adoptee worries she’ll never have a normal life. But even she didn’t expect her gift to bring her to the site of a murdered corpse.
After the police find no clues to the culprit, Cora allows the victim’s fiancé to persuade her to help him dig up evidence. But when she discovers the handsome man is not what he seems, the sensitive tracker fears the only thing her talent will lead her to is her own unmarked grave.
Will Cora dowse her way towards answers or into the hands of a madman?
The Body at Blackwell Lake is a gritty paranormal mystery. If you enjoy unlikely heroines, small-town whodunits, and heart-stopping surprises, then you’ll love A.M. Caplan’s creepy adventure.
Cora Gilbert wishes she weren’t a finder. Constantly overpowered by her strange ability to locate other people’s lost items, the lonely adoptee worries she’ll never have a normal life. But even she didn’t expect her gift to bring her to the site of a murdered corpse.
After the police find no clues to the culprit, Cora allows the victim’s fiancé to persuade her to help him dig up evidence. But when she discovers the handsome man is not what he seems, the sensitive tracker fears the only thing her talent will lead her to is her own unmarked grave.
Will Cora dowse her way towards answers or into the hands of a madman?
The Body at Blackwell Lake is a gritty paranormal mystery. If you enjoy unlikely heroines, small-town whodunits, and heart-stopping surprises, then you’ll love A.M. Caplan’s creepy adventure.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2022
432 people are currently reading
597 people want to read
About the author
A.M. Caplan
7 books50 followersIn my high school English class I was caught with a book behind the book I was supposed to be reading. Detention gave me a chance to finish them both in peace. Eventually I read so many books that they started to come back out.
By way of most of the coasts, I reside in the major metropolis of Sayre, PA with my husband and our cat that sees dead people.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
May 4, 2022
Many might think the ability to find lost things a great gift, but Cora Gilbert believes it to be a curse. She can't have a normal life because the call of lost items is too powerful at times. Yet when she finds a murdered woman in an old cemetery, the one thing she has not found looms over her head. The killer believes she has it and will stop at nothing to get it. Can Cora gain control of her ability or will she be another body in the graveyard?
This is a wonderful paranormal mystery. It has a cozy feel as it takes place in a small town. A town with a tragic history which I love. Everything ties together nicely, and I love how the plot peels away to reveal more and more of the mystery. Cora grated on my nerves at certain times, but she grew and became stronger for it. Rocky, oh my gosh! What a good boy! I'd be a sucker giving that dog treats too. Fantastic cast of characters. I especially liked Sam and Jessica.
This is a wonderful paranormal mystery. It has a cozy feel as it takes place in a small town. A town with a tragic history which I love. Everything ties together nicely, and I love how the plot peels away to reveal more and more of the mystery. Cora grated on my nerves at certain times, but she grew and became stronger for it. Rocky, oh my gosh! What a good boy! I'd be a sucker giving that dog treats too. Fantastic cast of characters. I especially liked Sam and Jessica.
February 25, 2022
Couldn't put it down
Good book. I always have issues when characters "apologize for a rainy day" and take on guilt and responsibility for the evil things done by others, but that is my only complaint. I tend to carry their "reasoning" to the absurd... "Well, if you had not been born..." or maybe it is your ancestors fault... ! Funny how the truly evil ones always find another to blame "you made me do this". Anyway, the story is a good mystery, with people you can love or hate, or want to shake some sense into! Eay to invest in this novel and hard to let these folks go. Enjoy!
Good book. I always have issues when characters "apologize for a rainy day" and take on guilt and responsibility for the evil things done by others, but that is my only complaint. I tend to carry their "reasoning" to the absurd... "Well, if you had not been born..." or maybe it is your ancestors fault... ! Funny how the truly evil ones always find another to blame "you made me do this". Anyway, the story is a good mystery, with people you can love or hate, or want to shake some sense into! Eay to invest in this novel and hard to let these folks go. Enjoy!
December 14, 2022
A woman who is compelled to find lost things, even lost people or dead bodies, is a woman worn out but determined. Unfortunately, murder and mayhem come calling. Very interesting characters with one or two who had me unhappily squirming a bit. A murder mystery without the usual heavy police involvement in the plot. All of the above pulled at me throughout the book as I mentally yelled at the bad guy(s?) and then yelled (sometimes out loud) for the good ones. Obviously, the story had me as did the quirky and fascinating lead female, Cora. I hope a follow-up book is in progress. I now head out to investigate the trilogy Ms. Caplan wrote before this novel.
May 9, 2025
Cora and her dog Rocky have a knack for finding lost items. Cora had as much luck before she rescued her canine companion, but she doesn’t mind letting him have all the glory. Then they stumble on a fresh body in a haunted graveyard and finding lost things loses its sheen. Particularly when the murdered woman’s fiancé comes to her for help. But is there more hidden in this find than murder?
An interesting read. I found Rocky lovable despite carsickness and rolling in offal. I think I might have liked the book more if the climax weren’t so heartbreaking, but I can’t say more without giving dreaded spoilers.
An interesting read. I found Rocky lovable despite carsickness and rolling in offal. I think I might have liked the book more if the climax weren’t so heartbreaking, but I can’t say more without giving dreaded spoilers.
February 22, 2022
Awesome read
I enjoyed this book very much. It will draw you in and not let up till the last paragraph. A little over half way thru comes a very sad part and I cried. There are other places where you will laugh till you cry. This story is very well written. It just flows across the pages. Not sure if this is a series, but it would make a great one. Would love to read more about Cora, Sam, and Rocky!
I enjoyed this book very much. It will draw you in and not let up till the last paragraph. A little over half way thru comes a very sad part and I cried. There are other places where you will laugh till you cry. This story is very well written. It just flows across the pages. Not sure if this is a series, but it would make a great one. Would love to read more about Cora, Sam, and Rocky!
March 19, 2022
Cora has some issues.
Of course she does. You would too if your body went bonzo every time you got close to something that was lost. So, she finds stuff and sells it to get by.
Then she meets this guy who is pretty good looking and has a great smile. And now her life really gets crazy.
I like how the author uses Cora's quirk. Sure, there are some spots in the book that lose your interest. But between the quirk and the dog, I really enjoyed this story.
Read it.
Of course she does. You would too if your body went bonzo every time you got close to something that was lost. So, she finds stuff and sells it to get by.
Then she meets this guy who is pretty good looking and has a great smile. And now her life really gets crazy.
I like how the author uses Cora's quirk. Sure, there are some spots in the book that lose your interest. But between the quirk and the dog, I really enjoyed this story.
Read it.
May 4, 2024
I got this book because it came up in an email saying it was free and it sounded good… and it was great! It is a mystery/thriller and involves supernatural powers. It’s about a girl who realizes her power is a curse and a blessing but she doesn’t know how to control it. She finds herself in a murder mystery case (based on the title, it basically tells you this so it’s not a spoiler). Read the rest to find out why my mouth dropped a couple times after the discovery.
January 19, 2025
good story and enjoyable read
This book moves at a brisk pace and keeps the reader invested. Although I have nothing much in common with the main character, I felt empathy for her and wanted to see a good outcome for her. The plot was complicated but well structured. There were no obvious plot holes, but maybe a couple of divots. This character has enough depth to support another book or two.
This book moves at a brisk pace and keeps the reader invested. Although I have nothing much in common with the main character, I felt empathy for her and wanted to see a good outcome for her. The plot was complicated but well structured. There were no obvious plot holes, but maybe a couple of divots. This character has enough depth to support another book or two.
February 21, 2022
Lost & Found
A woman with a unique gift finds a dead body in an isolated cemetery. By so doing she attracts the attention of a diabolical killer. Her may have cost her dearly but can it also save her life.
This is a pretty goid read. I liked the dog and the rural Pennsylvania locale. The characters are interesting and the ending is satisfactory.
A woman with a unique gift finds a dead body in an isolated cemetery. By so doing she attracts the attention of a diabolical killer. Her may have cost her dearly but can it also save her life.
This is a pretty goid read. I liked the dog and the rural Pennsylvania locale. The characters are interesting and the ending is satisfactory.
June 1, 2022
First time reading this author
Obviously have not read anything of hers before but definitely plan to read more of her. Thoroughly enjoyed The Body at Blackwell Lake. Was interesting from first page and kept me interested to last page. Read in 24 hours. Had trouble putting it down. Good read!
Obviously have not read anything of hers before but definitely plan to read more of her. Thoroughly enjoyed The Body at Blackwell Lake. Was interesting from first page and kept me interested to last page. Read in 24 hours. Had trouble putting it down. Good read!
November 28, 2022
Suspense up to the End
Cora has the ability to find things missing. When she finds a body the story brings a strange action. As the story begins with romance that turns into murder and the motive takes a while to come out. Most of the characters are unique and interesting. I didn't fully understand underlying until near end. I was engrossed right to the end.
Cora has the ability to find things missing. When she finds a body the story brings a strange action. As the story begins with romance that turns into murder and the motive takes a while to come out. Most of the characters are unique and interesting. I didn't fully understand underlying until near end. I was engrossed right to the end.
September 24, 2023
I couldn't put this down
An excellent story. I just kept on reading. When I had to set this down, I thought about it until I could pick it up again.
Cora is an interesting, relatable, if not unique character I enjoyed learning about her incredible ability. Something that sounds like a blessing, yet can imagine the curse.
An excellent story. I just kept on reading. When I had to set this down, I thought about it until I could pick it up again.
Cora is an interesting, relatable, if not unique character I enjoyed learning about her incredible ability. Something that sounds like a blessing, yet can imagine the curse.
January 28, 2025
Wonderful book!
I absolutely LOVED this book! The story absolutely captivated me, from beginning to end. I'm a brain injury survivor who has a form of Wernick's aphasia; difficulty with reading comprehension, at times. In order for me to actually finish a book, it has to catch my attention early on, and keep my attention to the end. I actually finished this one!
I absolutely LOVED this book! The story absolutely captivated me, from beginning to end. I'm a brain injury survivor who has a form of Wernick's aphasia; difficulty with reading comprehension, at times. In order for me to actually finish a book, it has to catch my attention early on, and keep my attention to the end. I actually finished this one!
March 22, 2025
The Body at Blackwell Lake by A.M. Caplan started off really good and pulled me in with Cora’s unique ability. I was curious to see how her power would connect to the murder. However, the middle felt slow and dragged on a bit too much, which made me lose interest for a while. Luckily, the story picked up again towards the end with some good twists and suspense. It turned out to be a decent read.
January 14, 2022
The Body at Blackwell Lake
The suspense was not allowing me to put this book down! I liked that Cora had such an unusual gift. Her sister was an amazing character as was Rocky, Sam and the rest. Jacob was a great evil dude! Thank you
The suspense was not allowing me to put this book down! I liked that Cora had such an unusual gift. Her sister was an amazing character as was Rocky, Sam and the rest. Jacob was a great evil dude! Thank you
January 26, 2022
Very Good Book
I truly enjoyed reading this latest book by AM Caplan. The characters and plot were very well developed. The action was great. I appreciate the veiled link to a character from one of her previous books. I'll be watching for Caplan's next book.
I truly enjoyed reading this latest book by AM Caplan. The characters and plot were very well developed. The action was great. I appreciate the veiled link to a character from one of her previous books. I'll be watching for Caplan's next book.
May 16, 2022
More please.
I would definitely like to see more books featuring Cora, Rocky & Sam! Sam's sister-in-law, Jessica, is a real hoot, laugh out loud funny! Really enjoyed reading this!
I would definitely like to see more books featuring Cora, Rocky & Sam! Sam's sister-in-law, Jessica, is a real hoot, laugh out loud funny! Really enjoyed reading this!
May 29, 2022
Wow
I don't sag this often however this is a must read book for anyone who enjoys a good book. Mystery fans its an all nighter book. I couldn't put it down I finally nodded off around 6:30 am. Started at 10 pm. Its that good
I don't sag this often however this is a must read book for anyone who enjoys a good book. Mystery fans its an all nighter book. I couldn't put it down I finally nodded off around 6:30 am. Started at 10 pm. Its that good
August 8, 2022
A great read!
I really loved this book. I'm really hard to please when it comes to books. This book was very satisfying especially when it comes to mystery and a few good plot twists.
I really loved this book. I'm really hard to please when it comes to books. This book was very satisfying especially when it comes to mystery and a few good plot twists.
August 12, 2022
Very good
At first, I thought the book would be just like so many others. However, there was quite a twist and it really makes this book worth reading. I would recommend this author/book.
At first, I thought the book would be just like so many others. However, there was quite a twist and it really makes this book worth reading. I would recommend this author/book.
February 11, 2023
Intriguing
I felt into this book and felt like I was right there with them.I couldn't put it down and it is 4am and I am ready for a nap.I hope that A.M. Caplin has more books out there I will be ready after my nap!
I felt into this book and felt like I was right there with them.I couldn't put it down and it is 4am and I am ready for a nap.I hope that A.M. Caplin has more books out there I will be ready after my nap!
Want to read
April 24, 2023I received a complimentary electronic copy of this paranormal mystery from BookAdrenaline, and author A. M. Caplan. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I will read The Body at Blackwell Lake of my own volition, and my review will reflect my honest opinion of this work.
August 20, 2023
Body at Blackwell Lake
I enjoyed reading this book. It kept me turning pages late into the night to see what would happen next. I am looking forward to reading more books by A.M. Caplan.
I enjoyed reading this book. It kept me turning pages late into the night to see what would happen next. I am looking forward to reading more books by A.M. Caplan.
September 3, 2023
This book was impossible to put down. The mystery is really well done, especially starting at around halfway through the book when Cora really started to develop as a character and we find out more of her background. I really liked this and hope the author has more mysteries coming out.
September 4, 2023
Cora and Kimmy
I enjoyed this book oh my the excitement alone kept me turning pages. A murderer for a necklace. It had hair in it. Of course the rubies and diamonds and all the gold.
I enjoyed this book oh my the excitement alone kept me turning pages. A murderer for a necklace. It had hair in it. Of course the rubies and diamonds and all the gold.
March 11, 2024
I picked this up because I like the cover and thoroughly enjoyed this story. This isn't my usual genre by I'm glad I read this and plan to read more by A.M. Caplan. The characters were great and the story was a super dark thriller.
July 4, 2024
This was a really good suspenseful and empathetic read. I really enjoyed it. The characters were genuine and the plot had depth. I really liked Jessica's character though lol. She brought life and realness to the pages that you can really see in your mind. For a short role. But truly great novel!
July 23, 2024
So good. Not your typical read
Wow, what a good story. It's so different from what I normally read. I love the story, the back history, all of it. Cora and Sam are wonderful, and rocky stole the book!!!
Wow, what a good story. It's so different from what I normally read. I love the story, the back history, all of it. Cora and Sam are wonderful, and rocky stole the book!!!
September 23, 2024
Pretty Good!
It was a pretty good story, the plot was entertaining, and the characters were interesting. It did drag a bit about 2/3 of the way in, but all in all, pretty good story!
It was a pretty good story, the plot was entertaining, and the characters were interesting. It did drag a bit about 2/3 of the way in, but all in all, pretty good story!
December 9, 2025
Started out kind of slow but the second half of the book wasn’t too shabby. I want to give a gold star to one of the characters for being awesome in times of danger. If you read the book you know who I’m talking about 😊
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews