3.85 AVERAGE


I've started this book without knowing it was the 4th of a series, but I really liked and enjoyed it as well. I'll read the others, too

Review originally published at: https://www.lomeraniel.com/audiobookreviews/book-review-the-lady-of-the-lake-by-karen-musser-nortman/

The six friends decide to go this time to a campground close to where Donna spent her youth, but things get worse than they expected, when Donna’s stepfather appears dead in the middle of the lake and she is a person of interest in a murder investigation.

I had a great time with this cozy mystery, in which we meet many picturesque characters in the middle of a police investigation. What I liked from this book was that we get to know Donna better, and why she is like she is, snappy at times, and sometimes difficult to be around. Frannie lost a bit of protagonism in this book, but I think it made for a more interesting story, as it added variety and we got to see more of this group of friends.

I am not sure if it was because I listen to a lot of cozy mysteries, but I guessed from halfway through the book who the murderer was, with all the implications. This did not make the book less enjoyable though.

Michelle Babb delivered excellent character interpretations, as always, transmitting Donna’s anguish, Frannie’s puzzlement, and an array of emotions. Stories become vivid when they are narrated by Babb, she is one of my favorite narrators!

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

audiobookconfessions's review

4.0

Poor Frannie just can’t catch a break and have a nice enjoyable camping trip. The local story of the lady in the lake was fun to listen to and to see who still believes in it as the story went on. Also trying to see how this could have something to do with a murder that they just stumbled upon was interesting. I like this book and can only hope Frannie gets a more enjoyable trip next time (but not really because what would be the fun in that).

3.75 Stars

I got this for free from Fussy Librarian, a site that gives you book recommendations and free e-books based on your preferences. I didn't notice it was part of a series. It was good enough for a stand-alone story, not reading the previous ones doesn't mean you missed any pertinent information. Overall the story was okay. Maybe just not my thing. I liked it well enough. It just wrapped up really fast.

3.5 stars
Despite all the murders that keep occurring, this series usually makes me want to go camping. However, this book probably had the least amount of "the fun of camping" or "day in the life of camping" scenes. There was a faire, which made the scene slight different and I did like mixing it up, but also missed more descriptions of the camping area, nature, etc. I was pretty intrigued by the murder and definitely surprised by the culprit and the ending, but each suspect seemed to have a very shallow reasoning for motive. This was a quick and fun book to read and I loved enjoyed how Frannie and her friends nosed their way into the answers.
adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Fantastic audiobook with an amazing new narrator.  I have truly been enjoying this series.  

I really love these books. Michelle Babb is an excellent narrator and brings life to the characters. This book is a bit different to previous stories but introduces some well rounded and thought out characters.

3.5 stars
Despite all the murders that keep occurring, this series usually makes me want to go camping. However, this book probably had the least amount of "the fun of camping" or "day in the life of camping" scenes. There was a faire, which made the scene slight different and I did like mixing it up, but also missed more descriptions of the camping area, nature, etc. I was pretty intrigued by the murder and definitely surprised by the culprit and the ending, but each suspect seemed to have a very shallow reasoning for motive. This was a quick and fun book to read and I loved enjoyed how Frannie and her friends nosed their way into the answers.

readingwithbuddy's review

4.0

This was another Frannie Shoemaker story narrated by Michelle Babb, who I could listen to reading anything. This time it is more of a memory lane story rather than contemporary which for me didn't work as well as the other campground mysteries. Still good just not great.

I love the camping descriptions and the time spent on describing the scenery and middle american life.

I was given a free copy but the review is my own.

Donna Nowak took a breath and grinned.

Frannie and company are spending the weekend at Old Dam State Park at the recommendation of Donna. Donna spent some time in the area in a foster home near there. She loved the area although the foster home left a lot to be desired. The Lady of the Lake is a local ghost story that Frannie is interested in exploring. A local fair provides good entertainment with a Fifties/Sixties dance. Donna is frightened when she runs into her former foster father. The next day, Frannie and Jane Ann find him floating in the lake. Of course, Donna is the prime suspect.

I really enjoy camping with Frannie and the gang. These books are as close as I will come to camping now so I'm glad they are fun. I love the interaction between Frannie, Larry, Jane Ann and Mickey. Donna and Rob are the younger campers of the group as Rob is still working.

The introduction of a romantic mystery writer was a nice touch. The barefoot goddess worshipper was just enough quirkiness to make you smile. I have heard of Sisters on the Fly and enjoyed their inclusion in the story.

Frannie can't help but start investigating with Jane Ann's help. You would thing that her retired police officer husband would have a little more influence over her. Although, I suppose these would not be as fun to read.

I like reading the camping tips in each of the books. I may try a couple of the recipes. (In my own kitchen, not out in the wild.)

I look forward to the next book.