Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

An Unforgettable Return: Review of The House on the Lake by Nuala Ellwood

Greetings, fellow Alternative-Readers!

If there's one thing I know for certain, it's that Nuala Ellwood knows how to craft a chilling, atmospheric thriller that lingers in your mind long after you've turned the last page. "The House on the Lake," a haunting gem from the author who brought us the unforgettable "Day of the Accident," "My Sister's Bones," and most recently, "The Perfect Life", is no exception to this rule.

Recently, I found myself revisiting the book, drawn back into its pages by the power of Ellwood's narrative, and let me tell you, readers, it is just as compelling the second time around! How safe are Lisa and her son Joe, really?

"The House on the Lake" is an elegantly woven tapestry of suspense, mystery, and a good dose of eeriness. The house, a character in itself, stands eerie and abandoned, but as we delve deeper into its chilling corridors and hidden rooms, we're enveloped by a story of secrets, heartache, and, most importantly, resilience.

Ellwood is a master of pacing and plot, leaving no stone unturned as she unravels a deeply layered and tightly plotted storyline that had me holding my breath at each twist and turn. Her characters are superbly developed, their narratives raw and authentic, pulling at your heartstrings even as they send shivers down your spine.

And the setting! The atmospheric and foreboding Lake District location only adds to the sense of impending doom, making you feel like you're trapped right alongside the characters in their secluded and seemingly haunted surroundings.

"The House on the Lake" is the kind of book that makes you question every creak in your own home and forces you to confront your deepest fears. Yet, Ellwood's delicate touch ensures that the narrative never strays into the realm of the gratuitous, and her exploration of love, loss, and survival is handled with a sensitivity that is truly admirable. Yes, there are plenty of triggers in this story.

Having read it for the second time, I can safely say that "The House on the Lake" is a timeless thriller that can easily find a place in your "revisit pile." Whether you're a seasoned fan of Nuala Ellwood or a newcomer looking for an unforgettable read, I highly recommend you step into the haunting world of "The House on the Lake."

You won't regret it. Happy reading, fellow Alternative-Readers!

I loved My Sister's Bones so was excited to read this one. It was a really gripping, tense page turner of a psychological thriller. Set mostly in Yorkshire and alternating chapters between characters in the past and present, I hugely enjoyed the plot, pace and story line. Powerful, thought provoking stuff. Nuala Ellwood is an excellent, very talented writer.

Two stories overlapping intertwining with unexpected twists and turns.
Lisa escaping with her toddler son Joe screaming in the back for his daddy. Lisa trying to calm him but nothing seems to work.
Grace as a little girl the story of her growing up with her dad in a remote cottage living as a soldier, it’s clear Grace’s dad is suffering PTSD from the Gulf war,
You step back in time then come back to the present, the house very much the main character..
Page turner with twists I didn’t expect and some parts that were apparent but then not as straight forward as you might presume.
Then kind Isobel comes into the fold with the biggest twist of all.

Overall a quick read for a quick book! This book is definitely a page turner but it did take a while to get into. Then about 3/4 through, it zooms past and almost feels like it finishes too quick!! I almost felt there should be something more as the ending was so fast but perhaps this was just me.

Another good book by the author and one I will definitely look out for again in the future! Lots of twists and turns, just felt the ending was rushed.

I received a digital arc of this from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I've read a book by this author before and loved it, but for me this wasn't quite as good as that one. I couldn't put it down and it had me hooked fairly quickly, but I think I was expecting more of a twist than the one that was revealed. I enjoyed it but I don't think I'll be raving about it a few months down the line.

A great read, highly gripping and full of twists. I couldn't stop reading. Looking forward to reading more from the author!

I consistently adore Ellwood’s books and love her characterisation specially. I can always finish her books quickly and they keep me on my toes!

A quick review for a quick read!
I enjoyed it, it’s a page turner for sure but for me, I felt like the first 3/4 took some getting into and then the last part, the reveal, went really quickly then just finished! And I was left feeling like I just needed something more.

I would definitely read other books by this author however. I liked the twists, I think it was a great plot!

⭐ Atmospheric, haunting & heartbreaking.
⭐ I needed to see how the two stories weaved together, I simply had to keep reading until I found out.
⭐ Full of twists & turns that slowly but surely build the tension up.
⭐ The cleverly plotted conclusion did not disappoint.
☆ It was definitely a slow burner and it took me a little while to get into before I got invested.

A taut psychological thriller, "The House on the Lake" focuses on Lisa and her three year old son on the run from Lisa's husband, Mark. However, the sanctuary she runs to is far from ideal, with no water or electricity, but with the benefit of being in an isolated location in the Yorkshire Dales. But is that really a good thing? As Lisa tries to rebuild her life, she struggles with the feeling that someone is watching her, but doesn't know whether it's Mark or someone else wanting to do her harm.

Well written and fast paced, this was a great weekend read for a bit of escapism.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC without obligation.

Thank you Penguin Books (UK) and Netgalley for the advanced copy and apologies for the delay in reading (work got in the way!).
This is a well paced great book that really kept me gripped. Suspense, guilt, tension, great characters and very well written. The plot is great and changes every so often.
A great book and recommend without a doubt

I enjoyed reading this book. The narration was extremely well written and the story properly laid. Loved the backstory despite being an extremely sad one.

Lisa and her three year old son Joe are on their way to a friend’s house in the middle of the Yorkshire Dales. It sits on a lake beside beautiful countryside and is the epitome of peace and quiet. Unfortunately the house is in a pretty shabby state, there’s no water or electricity and any creature comforts are absent. This said, Lisa desperately needs somewhere like Rowan Isle House to lay low so that her husband Mark won’t find them and this seems the perfect solution.

Isobel has noticed that there’s evidence of human habitation at Rowan Isle House and goes to investigate. She happens upon Lisa and Joe struggling with living in the dilapidated property and begins to earn Lisa’s trust slowly by helping at the house, getting fires lit, food cooked and keeping Joe happy and entertained. So why can’t Lisa shake the feeling that she’s being watched? Has Mark tracked her down or is it somebody else that she has to contend with?

Nuala Ellwood isn’t a writer that I’d heard of but the synopsis for this book attracted me to it. I’m so pleased that I have read it, I enjoyed it immensely. The story is well thought out, well written and addictive and the only reason that I didn’t devour it in one go was because life got in the way. An excellent read.

Big thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Books UK for providing me with a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

This is a fast paced gripping book that kept my attention throughout. This book was filled with suspense, tension and guilt. It was so well written.
The plot is excellent and the tension changes throughout the book. A great book

This is intense psychological suspense told from two perspectives and time periods. The lake house is in disrepair and mirrors the state of the characters' lives. The main protagonists are unreliable, but the story keeps their secrets, gradually revealing them.

The house is a compelling mix of creepy, and sad and the characters' stories reflect this. There are gothic elements and contemporary issues juxtaposed in an impactful way.

A memorable read if you are a fan of psychological suspense.

I received a copy of this book from Penguin Books UK via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Love Nualas work, have read all her previous books and this did not disappoint, wonderful book, loved the main character Lisa and you really get a feel for the place, great twists and turns and once again a winner!

Lisa is running from an abusive ex and takes refuge in Rowan Isle House with her little boy. It is a strange house and she is glad to meet a friendly face in a local woman. But the house and the locals have secrets and Lisa finds it hard to settle. The story is told from two perspectives and timeframes and eventually the stories come together.
It is tension filled and keeps you gripped from start to finish.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for granting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow a roller coaster of a read. Had me hooked from the first page, I could not put this down. Had a clever ending. Well written and captivating!

Not for me. Nothing happened after reading page after page very boring and I had to give up on this book.