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Salthouse Place
From debut author Jamie Sogn comes a twisty thriller about the allure of the past and the danger of the truth as a young woman dives headlong into a cult in a desperate search for answers.
In the far reaches of the Pacific Northwest, three best friends spend a day at the lake…but only two come home.
Ten years later, Delia Albio is tormented by the mystery of what happened to fifteen-year-old Zee on the lake that day. When she receives an email from Cara, the remaining friend in the trio, she can’t resist the pull of the “life-changing” news in the message. Delia, hopeful for answers, travels home to see her old friend.
But Cara is gone by the time she gets there, setting off another mystery. When Delia hears about the women’s empowerment group that Cara joined, she sets out for the group’s retreat property on the Oregon coast to find her. Delia feels this could be her chance to reconnect with Cara and reckon with that fateful day at the lake.
Instead, Delia uncovers a possessive group with a dark agenda. As their leadership closes in, Delia hurtles ever closer to the truth—if only she can survive a cult that will protect its secrets at any cost.
In the far reaches of the Pacific Northwest, three best friends spend a day at the lake…but only two come home.
Ten years later, Delia Albio is tormented by the mystery of what happened to fifteen-year-old Zee on the lake that day. When she receives an email from Cara, the remaining friend in the trio, she can’t resist the pull of the “life-changing” news in the message. Delia, hopeful for answers, travels home to see her old friend.
But Cara is gone by the time she gets there, setting off another mystery. When Delia hears about the women’s empowerment group that Cara joined, she sets out for the group’s retreat property on the Oregon coast to find her. Delia feels this could be her chance to reconnect with Cara and reckon with that fateful day at the lake.
Instead, Delia uncovers a possessive group with a dark agenda. As their leadership closes in, Delia hurtles ever closer to the truth—if only she can survive a cult that will protect its secrets at any cost.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2023
3908 people are currently reading
11426 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 545 reviews
September 30, 2023
2.75⭐️ I think for an author's debut it was just fine. The storytelling was well done but I didn't care for the characters.
The book opens with 3 teen friends hanging out by a lake and as the day progresses, one of them goes missing. Now 10 years later, Delia one of the survivors who hasn't been in contact with the other remaining friend, Cara receives a puzzling email saying she has some important information to share.
Only for Delia to come back to their small town for a visit to find Cara missing too. Cue in the amateur detective investigation mission and putting her whole life on hold so she can save another missing friend. This investigation leads her to a cult and with that danger and more unanswered questions.
Thanks to netgalley, the author and publisher for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review 🎉
The book opens with 3 teen friends hanging out by a lake and as the day progresses, one of them goes missing. Now 10 years later, Delia one of the survivors who hasn't been in contact with the other remaining friend, Cara receives a puzzling email saying she has some important information to share.
Only for Delia to come back to their small town for a visit to find Cara missing too. Cue in the amateur detective investigation mission and putting her whole life on hold so she can save another missing friend. This investigation leads her to a cult and with that danger and more unanswered questions.
Thanks to netgalley, the author and publisher for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review 🎉
January 2, 2024
Lordamercy, I told myself no more Amazon’s First Reads and I unknowingly downloaded this overwrought, lengthy tale of a bizarre cult.
Delia, has 2 close friends growing up, Zee and Cara. Delia is still suffering from a childhood trauma involving Zee. Then 10 years later, she gets a message from Cara, who she has not seen in years, about resolving the Zee mystery and then Cara, suddenly disappears.
Ok, so far so good.
So she DROPS EVERYTHING TO GO FIND CARA! WTH? She goes back home to find clues….involving searching for Cara in a cult she has joined.
It goes off the rails from there.
Loosely based on NXIVM, this cult has just a cluster f#%k of weirdos. As you might guess!
So much repetition, so many changes in the character’s back stories, so many errors!! Was there an editor?
On top of all that there is a gruesome scene with a deer. Hideous!!
Why did I even continue? I truly wanted to find out the resolution of the main character and the cult. There was a twist.. contrived as it was:/
Don’t read it, friends!
Delia, has 2 close friends growing up, Zee and Cara. Delia is still suffering from a childhood trauma involving Zee. Then 10 years later, she gets a message from Cara, who she has not seen in years, about resolving the Zee mystery and then Cara, suddenly disappears.
Ok, so far so good.
So she DROPS EVERYTHING TO GO FIND CARA! WTH? She goes back home to find clues….involving searching for Cara in a cult she has joined.
It goes off the rails from there.
Loosely based on NXIVM, this cult has just a cluster f#%k of weirdos. As you might guess!
So much repetition, so many changes in the character’s back stories, so many errors!! Was there an editor?
On top of all that there is a gruesome scene with a deer. Hideous!!
Why did I even continue? I truly wanted to find out the resolution of the main character and the cult. There was a twist.. contrived as it was:/
Don’t read it, friends!
August 7, 2023
ARC through Amazon Prime
I really did want to like this, but it’s just too messy and scattered. Leaving aside the premise essentially cribbed from the real-life NXIVM cult, the plot is wandering and riddled with inconsistencies. A character pages another on a pager they’d never been told about. A character moves to a small town in the 5th grade, then later muses about her life when her parents decided to move the family to said small town…before she was born. A character wonders why she recognizes the smell of a tea when, days earlier, she was drugged with the same tea - not that she had amnesia of the event, just really clunky writing for an unearned ‘twist.’
Characters’ motivations change from page to page, allegiances switch at the snap of a finger. And my god, the word “smirk” is used a zillion times, even in situations where smirk is certainly not what a character in that situation would do. I typed *eyeroll* in my Kindle notes at least a half-dozen times. Overall, a frustrating and underwhelming read.
I really did want to like this, but it’s just too messy and scattered. Leaving aside the premise essentially cribbed from the real-life NXIVM cult, the plot is wandering and riddled with inconsistencies. A character pages another on a pager they’d never been told about. A character moves to a small town in the 5th grade, then later muses about her life when her parents decided to move the family to said small town…before she was born. A character wonders why she recognizes the smell of a tea when, days earlier, she was drugged with the same tea - not that she had amnesia of the event, just really clunky writing for an unearned ‘twist.’
Characters’ motivations change from page to page, allegiances switch at the snap of a finger. And my god, the word “smirk” is used a zillion times, even in situations where smirk is certainly not what a character in that situation would do. I typed *eyeroll* in my Kindle notes at least a half-dozen times. Overall, a frustrating and underwhelming read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2023
Wishing I could give this a 4.5/5. Perfectly twisty thriller! Written in my favorite thriller style where around each corner there’s new information that keeps you thinking you’ve outsmarted the writer and figured it out only to be truly surprised in the end. I couldn’t seem to put this book down and finished in under 24 hours. Few minor things made me bump down the rating but this was a killer book debut and I sense a lot of promise from Mrs. Sogn in the future!
August 9, 2023
It's not often I find myself seriously MAD that I spent time reading a book - but this one did it for me.
It was a great read for the first, say...70% of the novel. The first twist hits, which I honestly thought was great - of the book ended there, added no other twists....things would have been fine.
But they kept going. And going. I forgot what the main point of the book was at one point, then remembered that the book...oh yeah, started with the MCs friend going missing (we forget about this for a majority of the book, then it's randomly brought back and wrapped up in a completely evil, unsatisfying way).
Basically - other than the MC and a random bartender, every character in this book is legitimately evil and psychotic, and apparently police or real-world assistance does not exist in this universe. So many things happen that just...can't and wouldnt in this day and age, and it turned into a frenzied Wattpad read by the time I closed the book.
The MC literally devolves in this book. She started with trauma problems but had a good head on her shoulder....one mention of her former best friend, Cara, and she is suddenly a legit idiot who ignores a million red flags.
This book just left me mad and sad. Pretty much every character was horrible and backstabbed the MC in some way, yet...she just doesn't care? And still keeps helping people?
Sigh. Thank you for.the Amazon first read, but, I wish I chose something else.
It was a great read for the first, say...70% of the novel. The first twist hits, which I honestly thought was great - of the book ended there, added no other twists....things would have been fine.
But they kept going. And going. I forgot what the main point of the book was at one point, then remembered that the book...oh yeah, started with the MCs friend going missing (we forget about this for a majority of the book, then it's randomly brought back and wrapped up in a completely evil, unsatisfying way).
Basically - other than the MC and a random bartender, every character in this book is legitimately evil and psychotic, and apparently police or real-world assistance does not exist in this universe. So many things happen that just...can't and wouldnt in this day and age, and it turned into a frenzied Wattpad read by the time I closed the book.
The MC literally devolves in this book. She started with trauma problems but had a good head on her shoulder....one mention of her former best friend, Cara, and she is suddenly a legit idiot who ignores a million red flags.
This book just left me mad and sad. Pretty much every character was horrible and backstabbed the MC in some way, yet...she just doesn't care? And still keeps helping people?
Sigh. Thank you for.the Amazon first read, but, I wish I chose something else.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2024
Salthouse Place, by Jamie Lee Sogn, is the story of three friends, separated by tragedy, with two of the trio becoming involved in a cult. This is a debut work and really portends well for this author. The cult part feels just a bit predictable, but I guess that's what cults really are after all. There is more to look forward to from this author.
July 5, 2023
A masterful tale of lost and toxic friendships, Salthouse Place is full of twists you won’t see coming and will have you racing to the end in one more explosive, heart-pounding revelation. A must read for anyone who loves thrillers. Add it to your list today!
August 14, 2023
It was a good idea, but had a lot of weird continuity errors and not enough flash backs to give any explanation why the characters were who they were. Cults are fascinating but I think this one fell a bit flat.
August 10, 2023
If you’re looking for a book about a cult, look no further! This one is dark and twisty and an overall good read. 4/5⭐️
September 18, 2023
I am a sucker for Bookstagram...
When I see everyone posting something I have yet to experience myself, my FOMO sets in and I become determined to get my hands on a copy as well.
Salthouse Place, is worth every bit of the hype and more.
Jamie Lee Sogn, is coming in HOT with her debut novel. The amount of detail that went into the book, shows. The writing style is fluid and will have you on the edge of your seat the entire time.
I haven't read many books on cults so it was a nice treat to try something new and I loved every minute of it. This book right here is "all consuming" so make sure to cancel your plans before you dive on in, there is no way you will put this one down once you pick it up.
This might just be one of my new favorite books.
Don't believe me? Check out this teaser :
Longlisted for The Center for Fiction First Novel Prize.
From debut author Jamie Sogn comes a twisty thriller about the allure of the past and the danger of the truth as a young woman dives headlong into a cult in a desperate search for answers.
In the far reaches of the Pacific Northwest, three best friends spend a day at the lake…but only two come home.
Ten years later, Delia Albio is tormented by the mystery of what happened to fifteen-year-old Zee on the lake that day. When she receives an email from Cara, the remaining friend in the trio, she can’t resist the pull of the “life-changing” news in the message. Delia, hopeful for answers, travels home to see her old friend.
But Cara is gone by the time she gets there, setting off another mystery. When Delia hears about the women’s empowerment group that Cara joined, she sets out for the group’s retreat property on the Oregon coast to find her. Delia feels this could be her chance to reconnect with Cara and reckon with that fateful day at the lake.
Instead, Delia uncovers a possessive group with a dark agenda. As their leadership closes in, Delia hurtles ever closer to the truth—if only she can survive a cult that will protect its secrets at any cost.
When I see everyone posting something I have yet to experience myself, my FOMO sets in and I become determined to get my hands on a copy as well.
Salthouse Place, is worth every bit of the hype and more.
Jamie Lee Sogn, is coming in HOT with her debut novel. The amount of detail that went into the book, shows. The writing style is fluid and will have you on the edge of your seat the entire time.
I haven't read many books on cults so it was a nice treat to try something new and I loved every minute of it. This book right here is "all consuming" so make sure to cancel your plans before you dive on in, there is no way you will put this one down once you pick it up.
This might just be one of my new favorite books.
Don't believe me? Check out this teaser :
Longlisted for The Center for Fiction First Novel Prize.
From debut author Jamie Sogn comes a twisty thriller about the allure of the past and the danger of the truth as a young woman dives headlong into a cult in a desperate search for answers.
In the far reaches of the Pacific Northwest, three best friends spend a day at the lake…but only two come home.
Ten years later, Delia Albio is tormented by the mystery of what happened to fifteen-year-old Zee on the lake that day. When she receives an email from Cara, the remaining friend in the trio, she can’t resist the pull of the “life-changing” news in the message. Delia, hopeful for answers, travels home to see her old friend.
But Cara is gone by the time she gets there, setting off another mystery. When Delia hears about the women’s empowerment group that Cara joined, she sets out for the group’s retreat property on the Oregon coast to find her. Delia feels this could be her chance to reconnect with Cara and reckon with that fateful day at the lake.
Instead, Delia uncovers a possessive group with a dark agenda. As their leadership closes in, Delia hurtles ever closer to the truth—if only she can survive a cult that will protect its secrets at any cost.
August 6, 2023
Free Amazon First Read for August that was not very good. The first half was slow and full of what turned out to be irrelevant characters and story lines because the second half veered off wildly into everything-but-the-kitchen-sink “shocking” plot twists that were underdeveloped and rather silly.
August 21, 2023
I feel like this book started out ok but then just got really strange by the end with all the cult things and people killing each other. I also felt it was a stretch to have Tom be involved in the cult. Why would he of watched Delia to go looking for Cara if he knew what was going on the entire time?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2023
This was a good read. Kind of in the middle for me hence the 3 stars. I thought the character development was good. The entire book told in first person POV of the FMC Delia who has hidden herself away years after the disappearance of her friend Zee. She was part of a trio of best friends Delia, Zee and Cara. Once Zee was gone Cara went on with her life and Delia hid away in her own.
Years later Cara is missing. Delia can’t help but try to find her and following her leads to a cult like women’s empowerment group. This is kind of where the plot lost me as the book goes into (too much?) depth about the group named Artemis. I felt it too much like the true story of the cult NXIVM which made me bored bc I’ve heard this story before.
Not doing any spoilers here, but the book ramps up again when Delia finds herself in danger. I was really looking for a new story- the plot definition was intriguing. But unfortunately it was predictable.
I’m not saying it’s not a good read, but for me the thrill factor was missing.
Years later Cara is missing. Delia can’t help but try to find her and following her leads to a cult like women’s empowerment group. This is kind of where the plot lost me as the book goes into (too much?) depth about the group named Artemis. I felt it too much like the true story of the cult NXIVM which made me bored bc I’ve heard this story before.
Not doing any spoilers here, but the book ramps up again when Delia finds herself in danger. I was really looking for a new story- the plot definition was intriguing. But unfortunately it was predictable.
I’m not saying it’s not a good read, but for me the thrill factor was missing.
August 11, 2023
Enjoyed the first 20 pages. Kept going because it was a train wreck
September 3, 2023
This is the most stupid, unfulfilling book I've read.
October 10, 2023
Loved this one! I am one of those people who has watched every single documentary on cults and groupthink - but ends up still completely unable to understand how people get caught up. Salt House Place and Jamie Lee Sogn changed that! The characters and situations were so well executed that I found myself drawn into the ideals of the group, and completely sympathetic to those who were unwittingly brought into an organization they had no way to fully understand. Excellent, edge-of-your-seat thriller! Recommend.
August 15, 2023
Pretty good. Kept my attention and was a pretty quick read. I’ve never been in a cult, but I don’t believe it would be that easy to 1.) get sucked in after 2 weeks or 2.) so easily drop it after being sucked in. Also, how did Delia NOT notice Tom in the picture of Cara with the Wares? She studied it and took a picture of it with her phone to further study it, but didn’t notice Tom until she saw the same photo in his home? Highly Doubtful. I wish we could’ve known more about Sage’s childhood. I think that would be a wonderful second novel for the author, but I don’t know if she could pull it off.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2023
2023 reads, #73. My 22nd Amazon Prime Reads thriller, and the 22nd one in a row I've disliked. Normally here I would tell you exactly why, but I just don't have the heart or the energy for it today, so let me instead simply warn you to skip this. Oh, Amazon's in-house publishing imprints, when will you finally publish a book that's actually good?
August 10, 2023
This book started off so strong and with so much potential and then got absolutely unhinged (and unrealistic)… but did it keep me fully engaged the entire time? Yes. It was a “I can’t look away from this train wreck” kind of vibe that I’m not mad about.
September 22, 2023
There's SO MUCH potential here - girl goes searching for her (long lost) friend at NXIVM-like culty women's group then falls under their spell herself. Sign me up for people falling into cults. But that is not what happened here. Everything happened too. fast.
August 12, 2023
addicting read
Read it in 2 days! Couldn’t put it down and an easy summer read. Suspenseful and thrilling and heartwarming about the bond of female friendships.
Read it in 2 days! Couldn’t put it down and an easy summer read. Suspenseful and thrilling and heartwarming about the bond of female friendships.
August 15, 2023
This book is so boring! The author provides a clue to the mystery about every 20 minutes. I stopped reading less than halfway through. In addition, the author’s writing needs a serious copy editing!
November 16, 2023
***A big thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC copy of this book.***
Once upon a time, in the distant past, three inseparable young girls named Delia, Zee, and Cara forged a deep bond of friendship. However, the idyllic connection shattered after a fateful lakeside day in the Pacific Northwest, leaving only two of the teenagers to return home unharmed.
The tragic incident took a heavy toll on Delia, exacerbating preexisting issues and causing her to withdraw into herself. Meanwhile, Cara seemingly moved forward effortlessly, leaving Delia behind. Years later, Cara reaches out unexpectedly, reigniting contact with Delia. Yet, soon after this reconnection, Cara goes missing.
Despite their previous estrangement, Delia, haunted by the unresolved mystery of Zee's disappearance, becomes determined to find her second lost friend. Identifying an Oregon-based women's organization as a potential lead due to Cara's involvement, Delia embarks on a journey that takes an unexpected turn.
The reality Delia uncovers diverges significantly from her expectations, revealing sinister aspects within the group. As her investigation deepens, it becomes evident that the organization has a cult-like nature. Delia finds herself in a perilous situation, becoming the target instead of the pursuer.
The book presents an intriguing premise and, despite a few inconsistencies, effectively delivers a compelling story. Twists abound, and the revelation of the cult-like nature of Cara's involvement adds an engrossing layer to the narrative. It is a recommended read for those curious about cults and their dynamics.
The reviewer expresses initial discomfort with the subject matter, admitting to an unexpected fascination with cults despite their unsettling nature. The author, Jamie Lee Sogn, successfully captures the reader's attention with "Salthouse Place," providing a wild and captivating ride. The inclusion of female friendship and a gripping mystery enhances the overall appeal, making it a binge-worthy and entertaining choice.
The reviewer suggests that the novel is suitable for readers who enjoy exploring themes such as cult culture, female friendship, complicated relationships, teen behavior, the Pacific Northwest setting, mystery and suspense, as well as secrets, lies, and manipulation. Despite a slightly prolonged and ambitious ending, the thriller is commended for its twisty and fast-paced narrative. The author's debut is deemed impressive, leaving the reviewer eager to explore more of Jamie Lee Sogn's work in the future.
Once upon a time, in the distant past, three inseparable young girls named Delia, Zee, and Cara forged a deep bond of friendship. However, the idyllic connection shattered after a fateful lakeside day in the Pacific Northwest, leaving only two of the teenagers to return home unharmed.
The tragic incident took a heavy toll on Delia, exacerbating preexisting issues and causing her to withdraw into herself. Meanwhile, Cara seemingly moved forward effortlessly, leaving Delia behind. Years later, Cara reaches out unexpectedly, reigniting contact with Delia. Yet, soon after this reconnection, Cara goes missing.
Despite their previous estrangement, Delia, haunted by the unresolved mystery of Zee's disappearance, becomes determined to find her second lost friend. Identifying an Oregon-based women's organization as a potential lead due to Cara's involvement, Delia embarks on a journey that takes an unexpected turn.
The reality Delia uncovers diverges significantly from her expectations, revealing sinister aspects within the group. As her investigation deepens, it becomes evident that the organization has a cult-like nature. Delia finds herself in a perilous situation, becoming the target instead of the pursuer.
The book presents an intriguing premise and, despite a few inconsistencies, effectively delivers a compelling story. Twists abound, and the revelation of the cult-like nature of Cara's involvement adds an engrossing layer to the narrative. It is a recommended read for those curious about cults and their dynamics.
The reviewer expresses initial discomfort with the subject matter, admitting to an unexpected fascination with cults despite their unsettling nature. The author, Jamie Lee Sogn, successfully captures the reader's attention with "Salthouse Place," providing a wild and captivating ride. The inclusion of female friendship and a gripping mystery enhances the overall appeal, making it a binge-worthy and entertaining choice.
The reviewer suggests that the novel is suitable for readers who enjoy exploring themes such as cult culture, female friendship, complicated relationships, teen behavior, the Pacific Northwest setting, mystery and suspense, as well as secrets, lies, and manipulation. Despite a slightly prolonged and ambitious ending, the thriller is commended for its twisty and fast-paced narrative. The author's debut is deemed impressive, leaving the reviewer eager to explore more of Jamie Lee Sogn's work in the future.
August 30, 2023
Wanted to love this.. just didn’t work for me. I’ll post more thoughts soon.
March 30, 2025
2.5 got dull in places, not my favorite.
September 14, 2023
I was drawn to this book because of the cult aspect but it just didn't really work for me.
Read
September 8, 2023I always love a good cult story and this book, by a debut author, was definitely a good one! Three fifteen year old best friends spend the day at the lake but only two come out of the water. The body of the third girl was never found. Cara and Delia carry on with their lives while always wondering what happened to Zee that day. After no contact for years Cara reaches out to Delia and then she disappears. In Delia’s quest to find Cara she gets involved with the cult Cara was a member of. There were some great twists and turns that kept me guessing. This was an interesting story and the creepiness of the cult was very disconcerting. Overall a great debut novel!
August 16, 2023
The story started well and grabbed my interest but then became a bit slow and tedious. The ending identifying the true antagonist just didn't make sense to me. Overall, I found it a disappointing read.
August 9, 2023
Wow. It isn't often I randomly give my husband updates, like "well this book just took a huge turn at X%" but he got two tonight as the book was wrapping up.
I am so glad I picked this for my free Kindle book of the month!
I am so glad I picked this for my free Kindle book of the month!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 545 reviews