The story kept me on the edge of my seat and I had the urge to read it in almost one sitting. It kept me guessing and suspicious of everyone. The writing is good and the characters are well-built, can I say that I like the cover too? I will look into other books written by this author in the future.

I loved this book! The characters were all suspicious and I had no idea who the actual guilty one was. Biting my nails throughout the whole read! However I wish the ending was more solid and didn’t leave me with a few lingering questions. One of the best books I’ve read this year so far! Thank you Netgalley for your approval of this Arc!

The Orphanage By The Lake by Daniel G. Miller

challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense fast-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0

What a brilliant book. From start to end I was on the edge of my seat. I devoured this book in less than 24 hours and I felt like I could read more.

That predictable in areas there were a couple of twists I didn’t see coming. The first book I have read by Miller but definitely won’t be the last.

You can expect a riveting, dark mystery when you pick up this book and a few moments that will make you say out loud “I knew it!” Or “what on earth?”

A big thank you to NetGalley and Houndstooth books for the advanced copy in return for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Houndstooth Books for an eARC copy of The Orphanage By The Lake by Daniel G. Miller.


While the plot (and the cover) drew me towards reading The Orphanage By The Lake, Hazel Cho was...honestly there is a reason why she is a struggling private investigator. There is clearly lack of experience and lack of drive to go back to school or work for a police department to help strengthen the skills needed to be successful in her line of work. Not to mention her roommate is in training for the police force, so it's hard to understand why she won't allow him to help her (but he is often playing video games anyway, so is he actually training at all?) Especially if she knew that things were getting dangerous and even more so after her initial client came after her in her own office. It felt like research for Hazel Cho as a character and who she was wasn't invested in by the author, which was disappointing. I also agree that it's odd that a white male is writing a Korean-female character and on top of that, it's very on the verge of way too many bad things are happening to her that does not seem plausible in the time frame given for her case.

It's certainly a quick mystery read, again the premise of the plot was good, but this certainly could have used a lot more editing and revisions. I'd also say more research as there is no way that Sonia was going to Manhattan for "weekends" when it is a 3 1/2 to 4 hour drive from NYC to Lake George and the Orphanage certainly wasn't in the town of Lake George so that also got me. It honestly wasn't for me, but may be for someone else.

Would absolutely recommend this book!

I have to say, I do a lot of ARC reviews and this one by far was my favorite read!! I can't wait to read the next book in the series and follow author Daniel G. Miller for more!

I fell in love with the characters and was invested in the story. To follow along with the PI trying to figure out "Where is Mia" was a fun and thrilling ride. The ending is was I predicted but still really good and well written. I was pleasantly surprised to have all my questions and thoughts answered and wrapped up neatly at the end of the book even though it is part of a series.

Thank you Netgalley, Houndstooth Books and Daniel G. Miller for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC of "The Orphanage By The Lake." The opinions shared in this review are entirely my own.

This review was also posted as an Amazon review.

Really enjoyed this updated Sherlock and Holmes story. The characters were well described and for those with triggers, need to know this story has one before you give a bad review. Really great writing and will read more of Hazel Cho series.

4.5/5: Huge thank you to NetGalley, Houndstooth Books and Daniel G. Miller for the opportunity to read the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely LOVED this book! It only took a couple chapters to suck me in and I finished it in a day and a half.

Hazel is a struggling private investigator who is hired by a rich woman to find her goddaughter who has gone missing from an orphanage. She’s only given 10 days to find Mia and get a large payment in return.

Classic whodunnit that keeps you guessing until the very end! Definitely a must read if you’re a fan of psychological thrillers and I look forward to what this author releases next!

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

This was a good book with suspense and twists. I enjoyed reading it!

Very good book!
Kept me thinking about it when I wasn't reading it.
Around the 70% mark I fell out of interest briefly as I had already figured out the ending and I still had a bit to go, so how could it still be interesting?
Almost immediately after having that thought, I quickly realized I was totally wrong and the last 30% had so many twists and turns that had it been a road would have given anyone car sickness.

The whole book had been going so many ways that I was a little concerned, but in the end, Daniel Miller stuck the landing.
I look forward to reading more of Holly's adventures.


CW: Racism, off page rape, on page rape, off page pedophile, child endangerment, kidnapping

Hazel is down on her luck, her PI business is just allowing her to scrape when the mysterious and wealthy Madeline enlists Hazel to help her find a missing child at a exclusive boarding school run by a foreboding headmaster. Hazel jumps at the chance to find out what happened to the missing kid and a cushy pay-day and eagerly accepts but no big pay day ever comes easy.

The Orphanage By The Lake throws you straight into the story, all of the characters are well rounded and Hazel was by far my favorite. Miller succeeded in breathing life into the orphanage to life itself which leads to another, almost, living character. This novel is fast paced, twisty, and down right spooky at times. I devoured this book in a day and a half, I really enjoyed it. My only negative, although a minor one, was that sometimes Hazel made some really silly decisions. She flat out refused help from her roomate (in the police academy) when she very much should have and also she took a lot of people at face value instead of doing her own research. I felt this could have been because she was so blatantly stubborn.

Thank you Netgalley and Houndstooth Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley & Houndstooth Books for an eARC ♥️

This psychological thriller follows Hazel, a private investigator on the brink of closure, as she takes on a case that gets increasingly creepy and intense.

I mean, can you imagine getting a mysterious offer from a wealthy socialite to investigate a missing orphan at an abandoned orphanage? Yeah, it sounds like a setup for a horror movie, but Hazel's got her own reasons for taking the case. And let me tell you, the orphanage itself is like a character, with an eerie vibe that'll give you chills.

And Hazel? She's a complex and relatable protagonist who's got her own demons to deal with. She's not just a detective, she's a woman with a past that's still haunting her. As she digs deeper into the mystery, you'll be right there with her, trying to figure out what's going on.

Miller's writing is top-notch, with twists and turns that'll keep you guessing till the very end. I mean, I thought I had it figured out, but nope! He expertly weaves together themes of trauma, identity, and the human psyche. It's a page-turner, for sure!🔥

When you reach for this book, you can expect a reverting mystery that weaves a tale of suspense, secrets and the haunting past of an orphanage. I am new to this author, but the blurb had me intrigued the minute I read it.
The story follows Hazel, a thirty-year-old private investigator on the brink of financial ruin, who is presented with a seemingly straightforward case that quickly unravels into a web of deception and darkness.
The novel kicks off with the enigmatic Madeline Hemsley approaching Hazel with an irresistible offer – to find a missing orphan girl from The Orphanage by the Lake. What begins as a routine investigation takes a sinister turn as Hazel delves deeper into the case. The author builds the suspense, peppering the narrative with unexplained blood stains, cryptic symbols and ominous figures that shadow Hazel’s every move. The author creates a palpable sense of tension and mystery, making this a gripping read. The setting in this book becomes a character, shrouded in secrets and surrounded by an eerie atmosphere. As Hazel peels back the layers of the orphanage’s history, she uncovers terrifying secrets that go beyond the disappearance of the orphan girl.
The character development into this novel is commendable, particularly with Hazel and Madeline. Hazel’s determination to solve the case and salvage her failing business adds depth to her character. Madeline, on the other hand, emerges as a complex ad multifaceted personality, harbouring her own secrets. The dynamic between these two women adds an intriguing layer to the narrative and at times will leave you smiling. The story has good pacing, keeping you curious as Hazel races against time to uncover the truth. The plot twists and turns, leading to a griping climax that delivers on the promises set up throughout the story. The author’s writing is crisp and evocative, creating a vivid picture of the chilling events unfolding in this book.
The Orphanage by the Lake is a compelling and atmospheric read. If you enjoy a mystery, you will find yourself engrossed in Hazel’s quest to unravel the secrets hidden within the walls of The Orphanage by the Lake.

Hazel works as a private investigator and is in desperate need of a big break in her career. After being assaulted by an aggressive customer Hazel realises she wants more than chasing cheating partners and insurance frauds but at this moment in time it all seems impossible.

That same day with no time to recover from her aggressive customer Madeline walks into Hazels office without an appointment and demands Hazels services to look for her missing God daughter. Madeline is prepared to pay Hazel a lot of money to find Mia, a misusing child from an orphanage, how ever with her price comes a catch. Hazel has a strict time limit and Madeline wants updates every 48 hours.

Getting straight on it Hazel starts looking into Mia’s missing persons case, she is shocked to see the local police station have little if any interest at all in finding Mia and as Hazel asks more questions of the orphanage staff it soon becomes clear that everyone is very reluctant to answer her questions or help her in anyway.

Determined to get some answers Hazel keeps investigating and what she discovers is truly shocking and horrifying, but it’s not just the orphanage being difficult for her as Hazel looks into Madeline it becomes clear right from the start that she hasn’t been straight with her making Hazels job more difficult from the start.

With threats made to her and the impossibility of her job I admired Hazels character, her sheer determination to find Mia whatever the cost, that was one determined woman, especially given how many people are expecting her to fail at her career. With twist and turns round every corner this boon had me hooked right from the start and I can honestly say I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with such an untrustworthy amount of characters.

This was my first book by Daniel G. miller and I’m looking forward to seeing what else he has written. With the ending of this book the way it is I’d love for there to be a second book but I guess we shall have to wait and see.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advance copy of this book in exchange for this review.

This was an amazing book. I highly recommend it to everyone. Great characters and a great plot. I will be looking for more books by this author. The book is superbly written. Lots of twists, turns and shocking turns of events. Quickly becoming a go to author for me!!!! If you love to read a book and be shocked by the ending then check out this author for sure. You will love this book and this author

Atmospheric mystery/thriller, interesting ending with characters that draw your in. Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy.

Wow this book was awesome and the cover of this book is fantastic!

Was a great story and great plot! When u thought I had it figured out I didn't! The writing kept you engaged and wanting to know what happened! Will read more by this author.

Thank you NetGalley for letting me read and review

There's nothing inherently bad about this book, but it turned out to be a little predictable. I can see the attempt at adding twists here and there, but you could unfortunately see them coming. It didn't make this not enjoyable, but when you're reading a thriller, you at least want some twists to be a surprise.

I did like the main character, Hazel. She's gutsy and determined, stubborn and even more stubborn. But I found a few things odd. There are times when she thinks somebody needs more investigation, but that's immediately forgotten and then it's surprising when something comes to light about that same person. That happened a few times. For a PI character, she takes people at their word a lot rather than investigate. And lastly, her roommate is studying to be in law enforcement. Why wouldn't she accept his offer of help with the investigation? Maybe the latter plays into her stubborn streak, but it still felt a little odd.

This is one of those times when the concept it great but it needed a bit of TLC in editing maybe. I felt it didn't go deeply enough into the characters to be a psychological thriller, as was promised on the cover. I thought the writing was good, and the characters come through clearly (characters are probably the strongest part of this book). I thought the dialogue was mostly well done and suited the characters. I even liked we had doubt injected into the book about some characters. But with a little editing, that doubt could have been made stronger by potentially making the twists less predictable.

The cover is amazing. The concept is great. The structure of the story is well done. The characters are well written, and the main character is engaging. A lot to like about his book. For me the predictability was the biggest letdown.

Thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book for an honest review. All comments are my own.

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This story kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end and had me suspicious of everyone. The main character Hazel is strong and unrelenting. Her own past experiences drive her motivation to help others which only makes her that much stronger. The storyline moves quickly and highly entertaining, making this a quick read.

There were multiple twists throughout, some that I saw coming, and several that still took my by surprise. I was left with some lingering questions at the end of the book, which I don’t love. But I still really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it!

Thank you NetGalley and Houndstooth Books for the opportunity to read and review this book!

This was intriguing from the start with a mostly solid protagonist and plot. A private investigator is hired to find a missing girl from an orphanage. It was pretty fast-paced and an easy read with an ending meant to leave the reader speechless. The only thing that bothered me was how the protagonist was depicted in certain situations. She is an asian female with a past, very smart, and is able to defend herself when need be. However, she is average looking as stated countless times, and when an extremely handsome man gives her a little attention, her smarts and sensibility go completely out the window to the point that she just puts her job aside. A woman depicted as so strong minded as her is not that weak just because a handsome man shows interest, especially to the point of abandoning her work more than once for him. Rant aside, other than that one flaw, this was a good read with an insane ending and a protagonist with great potential for a series. Three and a half stars.

Thank you, Netgalley and Houndstooth Books, for this ARC.

Hazel Cho is a struggling private investigator in Manhattan. Her main source of clients being cheating partners. Until socialite Madeleine Hemsley walks into her office asking for her help to find her goddaughter, Mia. Mia went missing from St Agnes’ orphanage a few months ago and still hasn’t been found, the police have lost interest and other PIs have failed.

I thought the premise sounded interesting but found the book difficult to get into, something about the writing just didn’t gel with me. The main character is too much of a caricature, cliched (I rolled my eyes at the line “I am still a girl, this is a woman”, seriously?!) and makes questionable choices.
I think the author wants a Tesla, it all goes a little bit Alan Partridge when Hazel receives the car. We get it, it’s a Tesla. No need to go on.