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Blue Lake
Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2022
When greed, the law, and secrets collide someone is going to get hurt.
Two lonely people meet in the workplace and become close. Jason Erickson is a state judge hearing environmental cases who's getting unwelcome political pressure. Tara Highsmith is an environmental journalist covering some of Jason's cases, though she's soon to be exiled to the Science and Health beat. As their relationship develops, Jason and Tara discover shared passions for the Wisconsin wilderness, their book club, and each other. But Tara is married.
Meanwhile, Jason grows increasingly concerned about a strange conversation with an attorney. Was it an attempt at a bribe? Jason finds himself embroiled in several high-stakes ethical dilemmas involving powerful political figures, groundwater polluters, a corrupt developer, and his feelings for Tara. As he fights to stay true to his personal and professional principles, the list of Jason's enemies swells. Before long, shots are fired.
Full of intrigue, passion, and suspense, Blue Lake sets the stage for a thrilling mystery set against the rich beauty of black spruces, white pines, and austere Upper Midwest lakes. This is a compelling and richly layered story about nature and our place within it that lands with rare emotional depth.
When greed, the law, and secrets collide someone is going to get hurt.
Two lonely people meet in the workplace and become close. Jason Erickson is a state judge hearing environmental cases who's getting unwelcome political pressure. Tara Highsmith is an environmental journalist covering some of Jason's cases, though she's soon to be exiled to the Science and Health beat. As their relationship develops, Jason and Tara discover shared passions for the Wisconsin wilderness, their book club, and each other. But Tara is married.
Meanwhile, Jason grows increasingly concerned about a strange conversation with an attorney. Was it an attempt at a bribe? Jason finds himself embroiled in several high-stakes ethical dilemmas involving powerful political figures, groundwater polluters, a corrupt developer, and his feelings for Tara. As he fights to stay true to his personal and professional principles, the list of Jason's enemies swells. Before long, shots are fired.
Full of intrigue, passion, and suspense, Blue Lake sets the stage for a thrilling mystery set against the rich beauty of black spruces, white pines, and austere Upper Midwest lakes. This is a compelling and richly layered story about nature and our place within it that lands with rare emotional depth.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2022
28 people are currently reading
1164 people want to read
About the author
Jeffrey D. Boldt
3 books25 followersJeffrey D. Boldt is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and its School of Law. He received his MFA in Fiction from Augsburg University in Minneapolis in 2019. His short fiction, poetry and essays have appeared in HuffPost, BuzzFeed, and numerous literary journals. His first novel, Blue Lake, was Named to Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2022 and was a Wisconsin Public Radio Book Club selection. The sequel, Big Lake Troubles, was an Editor's Pick Starred Review in Kirkus Reviews in January, 2025.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 6, 2022
Very good debut novel. This story includes focus on our environmental issues, global warming and politics with some mystery in it. The courtroom scenes were especially interesting.
August 30, 2022
A book club recommendation. As I’m from Wisconsin I loved all the references to places here. There is nothing better than a legal thriller thrown in with some romance and environmental issues. Loved it!
January 14, 2023
This was a compelling read. I was pulled along by the intrigue and found myself touched, surprised, amused and shocked along the way.
I am biased as I am from Wisconsin and had so much fun finding various landmarks from the area entwined in the story.
This environmental legal thriller and tender romance is a love letter to the environment, Wisconsin and to love.
I highly recommend it and am waiting for the next book by the author.
I am biased as I am from Wisconsin and had so much fun finding various landmarks from the area entwined in the story.
This environmental legal thriller and tender romance is a love letter to the environment, Wisconsin and to love.
I highly recommend it and am waiting for the next book by the author.
June 8, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Starred Review of Blue Lake. “An impressive, wonderfully detailed legal thriller showing the best and worst of humanity.” Contains some spoilers. https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...
August 21, 2022
3.5
For a first time novelist, strong story! I enjoyed the realism embued by Jeffrey's familiarity with both the setting and the occuption of the main character. Certainly a rec for lovers of Wisconsin Ecology!
For a first time novelist, strong story! I enjoyed the realism embued by Jeffrey's familiarity with both the setting and the occuption of the main character. Certainly a rec for lovers of Wisconsin Ecology!
March 7, 2025
It was fine. A bit heavy on the Wisconsin references... Yes I'm glad you're enjoying your Colectivo coffee and your American Players Theatre production, but calm down. XD Maybe it's only weird because I never read fiction books set in Wisconsin, or maybe it's weird because I finally understand every single reference and am not used to that happening. Or maybe Boldt could just give it a rest.
Dialogue is a bit stilted. All the driving around and different cases confused me, and I didn't get a good sense of place or vision of Blue Lake, because he kept talking about so many lakes.
Also, Grace's confusion at Dr. Walter asking her out.... "Strange dude, seemingly so absorbed in his work and yet asking her out that same night." Can you imagine? A man doing his job AND ALSO asking someone out IN THE SAME DAY?? That is way too many activities for one day. Cool it, Dr. Walter!!!
If that's how Boldt thinks days work, I'm not sure how he managed to write this book and also, like, stay alive. But anyways. 🤷
Dialogue is a bit stilted. All the driving around and different cases confused me, and I didn't get a good sense of place or vision of Blue Lake, because he kept talking about so many lakes.
Also, Grace's confusion at Dr. Walter asking her out.... "Strange dude, seemingly so absorbed in his work and yet asking her out that same night." Can you imagine? A man doing his job AND ALSO asking someone out IN THE SAME DAY?? That is way too many activities for one day. Cool it, Dr. Walter!!!
If that's how Boldt thinks days work, I'm not sure how he managed to write this book and also, like, stay alive. But anyways. 🤷
November 30, 2022
Blue Lake tells the story of Judge Jason Erickson, as he hears a series of high profile environmental impact cases in the state of Wisconsin. Wealthy entrepreneurs are trying to expand their profits at the expense of the health of the common citizen. Jason catches political pressure from the Walker administration to give the wealthy what they want. Does he give in? Or does he tell Walker and co. to take a long walk off a short pier?
Read the book.
Blue Lake also tells the story of Tara Highsmith, a local journalist who covers environmental topics for a Green Bay paper. Tara and Jason are attracted to one another- but there are ethical issues, and she happens to be married. Do they get together? Or do they listen to the ethics and stay apart?
Read the book.
I live and work in Madison, WI. My wife was born and raised here. The author clearly knows and loves the state. I really enjoyed the real-life details he packs into this novel, especially the visit to APT at Spring Green. The American Players Theater is a very special place for me and my wife- we've gone there for our anniversary for the past two years. It really is a magical place.
I also enjoyed the author's criticism of Scott Walker's tenure. I don't work for the state- but I know people who do, and Walker's time in power was awful. I do have direct experience of the effects of gerrymandering and other hijinks Walker and the state GOP imposed.
This is an enjoyable novel.
My one criticism is that it's more of a romance novel than a mystery. I don't like romance. That said, the author avoids the graphic descriptions of sexuality that plague other works in the genre. If you like romance, though, this is the novel for you.
Read the book.
Blue Lake also tells the story of Tara Highsmith, a local journalist who covers environmental topics for a Green Bay paper. Tara and Jason are attracted to one another- but there are ethical issues, and she happens to be married. Do they get together? Or do they listen to the ethics and stay apart?
Read the book.
I live and work in Madison, WI. My wife was born and raised here. The author clearly knows and loves the state. I really enjoyed the real-life details he packs into this novel, especially the visit to APT at Spring Green. The American Players Theater is a very special place for me and my wife- we've gone there for our anniversary for the past two years. It really is a magical place.
I also enjoyed the author's criticism of Scott Walker's tenure. I don't work for the state- but I know people who do, and Walker's time in power was awful. I do have direct experience of the effects of gerrymandering and other hijinks Walker and the state GOP imposed.
This is an enjoyable novel.
My one criticism is that it's more of a romance novel than a mystery. I don't like romance. That said, the author avoids the graphic descriptions of sexuality that plague other works in the genre. If you like romance, though, this is the novel for you.
March 9, 2022
An intriguing story that kept this reader engaged. This is a legal drama with an environmental emphasis that combines mystery and a bit of romance. The characters are beautifully portrayed, and the steadily building mystery keeps one turning the page. Highly recommend.
October 28, 2022
This was such a roller coaster of a story. There were many characters all doing their own thing but as it went on, they intermixed more and more. I had to keep reading just to see how it would end and man, that was some ending. Such a fun read.
January 17, 2023
A wonderful novel. Suspenseful, well written, strong sense of place, interesting literary references. I enjoyed the maturity of the love story and journey through grief - light touch, nothing heavy handed but if you know, you know. A must read!
September 19, 2023
I bought this book because of the title and cover. I discovered a complex environmental story set in Wisconsin. I have been to many of the places mentioned and remember the state dealing with some of these issues. Lots of intrigue and relatable characters.
March 23, 2022
Well-written, thoughtful, engaging read. Flew through this one. Highly recommend.
April 9, 2022
Part romance, part thriller, and a stirring dose of environmental awareness, this novel is an engaging read, especially if you hold a love for the beauty of the upper Midwest.
May 19, 2022
Love the credibility and the local references.
June 8, 2022
Mystery centered in Wisconsin and an environmental law judge. Very enjoyable!
June 29, 2022
Liked the setting, the lakes of Wisonsin and theme, environmental justice.
March 9, 2024
Early on when I read the phrase blue smell of the pines I caught my breath. What beautiful beautiful combination of words and image. And then to my utter delight, it appeared again and again and compounded in the ending of the book.
I don’t typically read novels or thrillers—but this was a worthwhile read. I very much liked the judge character. He had my vote for healthy politics and a good sense of environmental ethics – and a gentle nature. That’s what was so fine about this book. Believable and gentle characters. A love story. A buffoon and villans. And the villains didn’t scare me too much, just kept the suspense just right.
The concerns about farms and big agriculture in the story echo David Rhodes’ writing from his now long-ago book Driftless. Blue Lake is a thriller with a big heart. A sweet read.
I don’t typically read novels or thrillers—but this was a worthwhile read. I very much liked the judge character. He had my vote for healthy politics and a good sense of environmental ethics – and a gentle nature. That’s what was so fine about this book. Believable and gentle characters. A love story. A buffoon and villans. And the villains didn’t scare me too much, just kept the suspense just right.
The concerns about farms and big agriculture in the story echo David Rhodes’ writing from his now long-ago book Driftless. Blue Lake is a thriller with a big heart. A sweet read.
June 13, 2025
Hi Jeffrey,
I just finished Blue Lake, and wow. what a ride through political intrigue, personal conflict, and that hauntingly beautiful Midwest backdrop. I can absolutely see why Kirkus listed it among their Best Books of 2022.
You’ve woven such a powerful narrative. part legal thriller, part environmental meditation, and fully human at its core. Jason’s moral tightrope walk, combined with Tara’s journalistic spark, had me completely hooked. That balance between plot-driven suspense and emotional realism is rare.
I imagine your work has resonated with many thoughtful readers, especially those who appreciate when literary fiction isn't afraid to tackle real issues. and make them personal.
Either way, thank you for this timely, layered, and deeply felt story. It deserves to keep making waves.
I just finished Blue Lake, and wow. what a ride through political intrigue, personal conflict, and that hauntingly beautiful Midwest backdrop. I can absolutely see why Kirkus listed it among their Best Books of 2022.
You’ve woven such a powerful narrative. part legal thriller, part environmental meditation, and fully human at its core. Jason’s moral tightrope walk, combined with Tara’s journalistic spark, had me completely hooked. That balance between plot-driven suspense and emotional realism is rare.
I imagine your work has resonated with many thoughtful readers, especially those who appreciate when literary fiction isn't afraid to tackle real issues. and make them personal.
Either way, thank you for this timely, layered, and deeply felt story. It deserves to keep making waves.
October 22, 2022
An enjoyable read.
A little bit of love story between judge Jason Erickson and Tara Highsmith. She covers some of the trials he hears. As their feelings transform into something else Judge Erickson is part of some conversations that appear threatening. The judge is shot but who fired them and why.
The chapters have fun names and the story is told from multiple perspectives.
I enjoyed the current events rolled into the story and the book captivated me while reading it but it wasn’t one that grabbed me and made me not want to put it down.
I’m excited to see what comes next for the author. This is his first novel and I feel like he has a lot of potential.
Thank you Goodreads for the copy! This is my honest review.
A little bit of love story between judge Jason Erickson and Tara Highsmith. She covers some of the trials he hears. As their feelings transform into something else Judge Erickson is part of some conversations that appear threatening. The judge is shot but who fired them and why.
The chapters have fun names and the story is told from multiple perspectives.
I enjoyed the current events rolled into the story and the book captivated me while reading it but it wasn’t one that grabbed me and made me not want to put it down.
I’m excited to see what comes next for the author. This is his first novel and I feel like he has a lot of potential.
Thank you Goodreads for the copy! This is my honest review.
June 1, 2024
Blue Lake is a both a nuanced, sympathetic portrait of a middle-aged bureaucrat wrestling with personal and ethical dilemmas and a fascinating, well-informed sketch of the essential but little understood work performed by administrative law judges. The principal characters are plausible and, apart from the villains, endearing. The legal issues underlying the story are presented clearly and with a light touch. The writing is skilled, fast-paced and engaging. Wisconsin readers will enjoy the added pleasure of recognizing many of the venues.
August 31, 2022
The hallmark of a good book for me is when I'm reluctant to turn the last page. Blue Lake was such a book. The characters are fully human, well drawn and sympathetic. The plot moved swiftly with various twists and turns, plus who doesn't appreciate a love story buried within a mystery.
Read this book, you won't regret it.
Read this book, you won't regret it.
April 10, 2022
This was a fun read! Especially for a legal thriller, there were deeper themes that really stuck with me, including from the environmental and romantic layers of the story. This book crosses multiple genres, and has something to offer for many different kinds of readers!
June 5, 2022
If you care about the environment and are drawn to fascinating stories about complex characters, this book is for you. Though fiction, it reminded me of how I felt living in Wisconsin during the Walker years. This is an emotional and intriguing tale. Bravo, Mr Boldt!
July 5, 2022
An interesting read tho the writing wasn’t the best. I enjoyed reading about areas around Wisconsin, where I live, as interest points in the story.
April 20, 2023
Environmental law mystery set in Wisconsin about bribery and political pressure over groundwater pollution case.
January 14, 2024
Wanted to finish it more for the Wisconsin references than the story. It was ok, overall.
June 6, 2024
This is a great mystery, and it is so fun to read as the setting is familiar!
I very much enjoyed this book.
I very much enjoyed this book.
June 14, 2024
As a lover of Wisconsin and its environment, this book was so moving. I enjoyed exploring Jason's career along with his and Tara's (and Grace's) view on nature throughout the book. A must read!
December 12, 2024
read to the end!
Almost stopped reading to finish another book for book club I’m in, but once I picked it back up for the finishing 2/3rds, it was hard to put down! Good read!
Almost stopped reading to finish another book for book club I’m in, but once I picked it back up for the finishing 2/3rds, it was hard to put down! Good read!
Read
February 4, 2025Didn't finish ... didn't like the book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews