Reviews

The Lake of Dead Languages by Carol Goodman

lunarflare's review

3.0

3.5. predictable, writing fell flat in some places, and i don’t think it counted on the audience’s intelligence, but i enjoyed it it didn’t bore me once.

josipabebic's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

surcie's review

3.0

It was a fun read. Entertaining, but predictable.

sarahatfrogcreek's review

mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

hectaizani's review against another edition

4.0

I liked this book, thematically it reminded me of Donna Tartt's Secret History. I thought the premise was well done, as was the execution. The writer dragged me into her story and kept me interested. Although some parts were predictable, overall it was well written, and the elements of suspense were well done.

redentrapy's review

3.0

Great story. Vivid imagery that keeps you enraptured. The story converges past and present so well that you forget which is which and the characterization is incredible. The only complaint I have was that the plot line of the present killings was too easy to figure out. But the lies and intrigue of the past was great. This book is "the past will come back to bite you in the ass" personified. Recommend for those who like thrillers of past and present.

doritobabe's review

5.0

4.5/5 stars.

Goodman's gothic tale of murder and sex is highly predictable, well written, totally captivating, smart, well researched, and gripping.

Jane Hudson returns to her old boarding school as a Latin teacher. Having done so, however, has triggered a series of murders/deaths that are strangely reminiscent to the deaths experienced during Hudson's stay at Heart Lake, twenty years before. Goodman replays the event's of Hudson's senior year in order for the reader to understand and figure out the present day's murders. This past reveals gothic themes of "incest", betrayal, death, and secrets.

I really, really enjoyed this book (in spite of it's predictability) probably because of it's predictability. The reader is given all of the information before Jane, our protagonist, that I found myself in the throws of frustration for the latter half of this book: "WHY CAN'T SHE [Jane] FIGURE IT OUT??" (I will still never get over how unobservant she is/was.)

Once again: a random library pick. I would recommend this as a winter-time holiday read (not a beach read, really) and for those who love thrillers.

oktoberlyran's review

3.0

3.5 ✰

alice_nel_paese_dei_libri's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

4.75 ⭐ e non 5 solo perché...

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...odio gli incesti 💀

belanna2's review

reflective medium-paced

• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.25

This book was compared to the Secret History, an amazing book; the only thing they have in common are the hidden secrets and truths that come to light.  This author can write a descriptive story which is what saves this book.  But I knew who the killer was from the first chapter; it was so obvious. This would be compared to a lifetime movie in book format:  female characters supposedly so smart but in reality, make stupid decisions and are clueless. So many times through the story, the protagonist annoyed the hell out of me.  Jane, the lead, is hapless and so self-absorbed. She is in perpetual  suspended animation of her youth and detached from her adult life and choices. The story is predictable. Nevertheless, it is an okay read... seeing her having to face the truth of her past and its consequences. I think a tween would love this book.