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krispe22 's review for:
Whispers of the Lake
by Shanora Williams
funny
hopeful
slow-paced
When investigative reporter Rose's estranged best friend, Eve, mysteriously vanishes from a lake cottage rental, Rose reluctantly heads to the secretive small town to uncover the truth.
The novel unfolds through two distinct voices: Rose's first-person narration and Eve's diary entries. Rose is incredibly likable, with a sharp sense of humor that shines through even as she navigates a separation from her husband and a significant rift with her best friend. Despite these personal challenges, she's able to joke with colleagues and is open to new relationships.
Eve's story comes to light through her diary entries. As a lifestyle influencer, Eve's backstory is rooted in a difficult upbringing; she and her younger sister, Zoe, often found solace at Rose's house. This shared history makes the incident that drives a wedge between Eve and Rose all the more impactful.
Even though Rose is furious with Eve, her journalistic instincts kick in, propelling her to the very cottage where Eve disappeared. There, Rose encounters a colorful cast of small-town locals, some openly racist, others quick to judge Eve for her promiscuity. As Rose digs deeper, she finds the locals are covering for each other, and her search for the truth quickly turns dangerous.
The ending delivered a twist I absolutely did not see coming!
My one hang-up with the novel was Eve's characterization. As a lifestyle influencer, I expected more personality and a deeper dive into her life beyond her sadness and troubled past. It felt a bit incongruous for someone so seemingly downcast to be an influencer – though perhaps that's a commentary on the curated, often fake, lives we see online.
Overall, I had so much fun reading this novel. My thanks to Penguin Random House and Netgalley for this advanced reader copy!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism