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3.51 AVERAGE
3.51 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Every 30 years a girl goes missing from the lake. There is never any sign of the missing girls. Julia, David and Erika and back for their annual lake visit, but things are tense. I listened to the audio for this book. I really enjoyed the narrators and the dual POV. I had so many theories and was shocked at the ending. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Gun violence, Misogyny, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, Blood, Grief, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol
Minor: Pregnancy
mysterious
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
medium-paced
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I had the opportunity to read an advance copy of The Lake Escape by Jamie Day, and it was a compelling and twist-filled read. The story centers around two murders that are 30 years apart, with the anniversary of the original crime approaching just as a new disappearance rocks the community. After a heated argument, a girlfriend goes missing—and what unfolds from there is a brilliant unraveling of secrets and lies.
Jamie Day delivers once again with a cast of complex, layered characters, each hiding something beneath the surface. Some you’ll root for, others you’ll love to hate, but all are essential to the slow-burn tension that builds throughout the book. I especially enjoyed the dual narration, which added depth and perspective as the story shifted between characters.
This was a quick, immersive read with excellent pacing and sharp writing. If you enjoy mysteries packed with secrets, emotional twists, and compelling character dynamics, The Lake Escape should be on your list.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for the review copy!
AUDIOBOOK Specific: Great production that elevated a fairly standard plot, one that didn't quite grab me, with strong narration, good pacing, and stylish approaches to defining the characters' voices.
The Lake Escape was an entertaining summer mystery that worked best for me in audio format. The multiple narrators were fantastic at differentiating a large cast of characters—three couples, four kids, and a nanny—making it easier to follow. The story started strong with a chilling premise (“Every 30 years, the lake takes another victim”) and plenty of suspenseful vibes, but by the final stretch, it became a little tangled and overly busy for my taste. None of the characters stood out as particularly likable, though in this genre, that’s not unusual. Overall, it’s a solid, atmospheric read that will keep you engaged if you’re in the mood for a twisty, summer-set thriller—just be prepared to track a lot of names!
AUDIOBOOK Specific: Great production that elevated a fairly standard plot, one that didn't quite grab me, with strong narration, good pacing, and stylish approaches to defining the characters' voices.
The Lake Escape was an entertaining summer mystery that worked best for me in audio format. The multiple narrators were fantastic at differentiating a large cast of characters—three couples, four kids, and a nanny—making it easier to follow. The story started strong with a chilling premise (“Every 30 years, the lake takes another victim”) and plenty of suspenseful vibes, but by the final stretch, it became a little tangled and overly busy for my taste. None of the characters stood out as particularly likable, though in this genre, that’s not unusual. Overall, it’s a solid, atmospheric read that will keep you engaged if you’re in the mood for a twisty, summer-set thriller—just be prepared to track a lot of names!
mysterious
medium-paced