What i liked: There was a sense of unease through much of the story. Which built good tension. I was wondering what is happening here?! The whole time. I enjoyed the romance elements intertwined within the story.

But I was hoping for more. The premise had me excited. I expected a bit more excitement. But to be honest, i was quite bored throughout. There were little snippets here and there that had me intrigued or thinking ok it’s picking up. Only for it to fizzle out. I was also a bit confused trying to follow the characters and who was who. So many characters we didn’t even meet who were brought up and trying to track and remember who they were was a bit difficult. Especially because they were essential to the developments made.
I was also dissatisfied with the ending. There wasn’t much of one... it just ended abruptly. And left you with a few questions. That just bugs me. I can’t say it’s a slow burn. But the last 100 pages or so was better. Overall, i just felt like it was not enough for me. I wanted more.

LOVED! Amber Cowie returns from her smashing debut Rapid Falls and followup Raven Lane, with her best yet —LOSS LAKE.

There is a monster. Is the monster in the lake, or is it within us? Often it is right in front of us.

Superbly written, LOSS LAKE is evocative, dark, deep, chilling, gripping, emotional, and atmospheric— a spellbinding thought-provoking blend of a riveting suspenseful mystery, with elements of mystical, psychological, and literary thriller fiction rolled into one with a Hitchcockian twist!

Forty-year-old Mallory Dent (former nurse) travels 1300 miles north on a new journey and a new chapter in her life. She is leaving all the grief and people behind and moving to a new small town of McNamara. A beautiful remote lakefront home. She senses the lake is awaiting her as much as she has been anticipating her new life.

A recent widow from Vancouver, her husband Graham, recently died with a lingering illness. She had contacted the real estate agency and purchased the small ranch house without seeing it and told herself it was a gift to be reckless for change. It was time she leaves her home and its memories.

However, once she arrived in this small, close-knit rural town with its hardware, real estate, grocery, pub, and families—a place where everyone knows your business. Everyone seemed to be connected or related.

The house is older and built in the mid-60s, and soon after she arrives, she discovers some shocking news. Sergeant Joel Benson (hunk) arrived on her doorstep to inform her someone had drowned. Also, she soon discovers he was killed in her house (shot)—a fact she did not recall her real estate agent informing her. Here she is trying to leave her grief and past and now this.

She quickly meets up with several colorful ladies and neighbors. Some friendly, some not. Many of these people seemed angry and did not welcome new people very quickly.

However, the lake has its monsters. Mallory soon learned there were horrors and deaths. Legends of a monster in the lake.

The lakefront was picturesque and surrounded by forest, and this Sergeant Joel Benson seemed intriguing and sexy. She is attracted to him for some reason.

His sister Kylie befriends her, and Mallory wants to know more about this town. She continues to hear the talk of the monster in the lake. Seemed these deaths took place in October and started with the flood in 1974. The lake takes those who are evil.

She is not sure she feels safe being here after being a spoiled urbanite and maybe was too hasty to move here. This was supposed to be a place to heal, not to be fearful. Slowly Mallory realizes things are not right, and everyone seems to be related to one another with something to hide. From the strange requests of hunting on her land to the snow globes and talk of monsters.

If someone were killed in her house, could someone be after her too? She soon learns it was the brother who was killed. After all these years, they have not found the killer? She begins her own investigation.

Now another accident/murder/suicide? However, what is scarier is she knows this person and is the last to see them. She must learn more about the deaths, this town, its history, and the people. However, she puts herself in danger by getting too close. Someone is stalking around her house, and she no longer feels safe. She may uncover more than she wants.

But the question is, who are the monsters? Often the monsters can be right in front us of. Often they are within fighting the battle between good and evil. Out of the characters, you will meet, you must decide who is the killer and why and who is part of the cover-up? The truth is easy to miss when its right in front of us.

In Cowie's skillful hands, this story of obsession, murder, grief, and the search for truth is both a compassionate character study and a compelling psychological mystery thriller. What I enjoy about Amber's novels that set her apart: her books make you think. That is why I love reading. People may read the same books and have a different takeaway.

I have read many reviews stating they did not like the abrupt ending. I cannot think of any other way to end and thought it was perfection. Is she setting it up for a possible sequel (let's hope) or a future book, or is she leaving you to draw your own conclusion?

I love her settings (I am a nature gal at heart). There is always a hidden meaning with her books, and often the skilled author allows the savvy reader to seek and find the answer or draw a conclusion. A metaphor, symbol, a teaser —she always keeps you guessing.

Her well-developed characters have something to hide. Good stories do not give up their secrets early on. She may not tell you everything, but slowly their demons and inner turmoil are unraveled. The author smoothly mixes red herrings and sprinkles clues. Readers who like a good psychological puzzle will be rewarded.

There are themes of grief, guilt, greed, and loyalty. Something or someone may be weighing them down. The outdoor elements and settings draw you in. Water can be beautiful, but dangerous. The same with people. Good vs. evil. LOSS LAKE would make for an excellent series for the small or widescreen!

Monsters: But are they part of myth, legend, or monsters within us? Are they real?

Some characters are seeking absolution, retribution, resolution, and some escaping or hiding their past. Some want to start over, but their past haunts them. Some things can weigh the soul. Some try and protect themselves or others. Our actions or those of others cause consequences.

LOSS LAKE is vivid, symbolic, and full of dark family secrets in this small rural town—the perfect eerie setting for Halloween!

In my opinion, her writing moves to a different higher level. Both plot and character-driven, Cowie delivers an addictive, totally unputdownable thriller with an explosive killer jaw-dropping ending. Trust NO one! I highly recommend it if you like sophisticated literary mystery thrillers.

I cannot wait to see what is next from Amber! Stay tuned for Nov 10th pub day with an unforgettable Elevator Ride with the Author Interview to discover more about the story behind the story and this exciting author.
In the meantime, I highly recommend (read my reviews) Rapid Falls, Raven Lane, and check out her fabulous essays, short stories, articles, and blogs on her website. Check out my Q&A with her debut Rapid Falls!

A special thank you to #Lake Union, the author, and #NetGalley for the honor of an advanced reading copy.

#JDCMustReadBooks

Pretty good book and lots of twist and turns.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Loss Lake

This is the first time I have read anything by Amber Cowie so I wasn´t sure what to expect. The storyline is intriguing, with interesting characters, going at a steady pace. I certainly wasn´t expecting the book to end the way it did. Overall a good read.

My thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book honestly.

Screw You (In The Best Possible Ways), Amber Cowie! Interesting story, solid mystery that begins to slowly drag you in. Mystery heats up in the back half, and then... that ending. The reason for the title of the review. Great book, and clearly shows Cowie's growth as a storyteller and writer on now her 3rd effort. But that ending... well, read the damn book and see what you think. You may well have exactly the same reaction I did. 😉

Following the death of her husband, Graham, Mallory moves to the small town of Loss Lake, where all of the residents inis that they "all look after each other." But Loss Lake is mysterious, and supposedly home to a creature that judges men's souls and destroys those that unworthy. but as Mallory begins to uncover the mysteries of Loss Lake, the residents begin to uncover Mallory's own secrets - which are more connected to the town than they suspect. LOSS LAKE was intriguing, but ultimately feel short for me . The pacing fail to build the necessary tension to make the ultimate reveal exciting. I got through it, but it was not a riveting read.

Mallory a recent widow packs up and moves to a remote town. The day she arrives a woman’s body is found floating in Loss Lake.
The small town life has everyone talking. Surprisingly their is a belief of a monster in the Lake.
Sergeant Joel Benson is compassionate to Mallory, losing his own brother in the house she now lives in, he knows how hard it is when you are grieving.
But everything is not as it seems in the small town. With winter closing in on her Mallory starts to feel trapped.
Will Mallory discover the secrets of the town? Will she be able to face her past and come to terms with her husbands death?

This story had a lot of twists and turns and just when you think you have it figured out you realize you don’t .
Thank you Netgalley for my complimentary copy. Thoughts and opinions are my own

The story of loss and new beginnings grabbed my attention immediately. As the mysteries began to be revealed, the anticipation kept rising until the surprise twist at the end.

Mallory has traveled to a lake. Her husband has died and she's moving. I liked the down home feel . I really liked Mallory. I liked the dialogue.

I enjoyed this one by fellow Canadian author Amver Cowie. What starts out as a run of the mill thriller turns into so much more than you could bargain for. A mix of thriller and women’s fiction with a sprinkle of supernatural this was an interesting read! Full review to come closer to pub date.

Hey, give it up to Lake Union Publishing! If there is a crap book that no one else wants, then L.U.P. will.deliver!
I not gonna pussyfoot around, but isn't that Amazon Publishing?

This was a good book. Ms. Cowie had me gripped tightly. Was it mysterious? No. Scary? No. What I really appreciated was the small town vibe, and most especially the "scenic route!"
I loved almost all of this book. But holy cow patty balls! See look at me trying not to cuss and all!
When the cusses and bad language flew! Hoo wee! My nice words.have none for this point of the book. One that I could better tell.you about it I hadn't been told to tune it down!

I'm sorry to say this book was not a winner for me. The combination of grief-fueled introspection with a mystery sounds intriguing, but the story can't seem to find its way. The romance angle felt trite and bogged down the plot, and I'm not a big fan of stories involving the supernatural or horror elements. The pacing is somewhat slow until the ending, which arrives abruptly and isn't necessarily satisfying. I did enjoy the atmosphere and the main character and would willingly read more by this author.

Mallory Dent, a recent widow, packs up everything and moves to a small town called McNamara. She finds out that the previous owner of the house was murdered in it. Part of her property is Loss Lake, a lake that was created under interesting circumstances. Soon after she moves in, she finds out that the day she come to McNamara, somebody died in Loss Lake under mysterious circumstances.

As she gets to know the interesting people of McNamara, she learns that many townsfolk believe that there is a monster in Loss Lake.

Mallory starts seeing the Sheriff, and soon strange things start happening to her. Mallory realizes she is in danger and must dig into the history of McNamara to figure out who is after her, before it's too late.

Very interesting story, although the ending was not very satisfying.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book.

#LossLake #NetGalley
Thanks NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Amber Cowie for a copy to review.
Wow! That book got me saying " wait, what?!" when I scrolled down a page to continue and discovered I am about to read Acknowledgements!!
A fantastic thriller read that will keep you on edge till the very last page, and maybe more where you'll keep wondering what was Loss Lake's judgment.
A 40 years old widow escapes her old life, her old home where her husband died after suffering a terminal illness to a new clean start in Lake Loss. She thought a new beginning was the best way to process her grief and guilt.
I was a bit confused with the relations clarified at Part three of the book though it didn't lessen my approval of the book.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review Loss Lake.
While the story was set up to be a success; new widow, new house, dead body and everyone in the small town has secrets, including Mallory... unfortunately it fell flat for me. Characters were over described to the point of being unnecessary. The ending was confusing and disappointing.

Thank You NetGalley/Publisher and Author for this ARC.
This review is entirely my own.
Loss Lake drew me in from the very beginning. I loved the intriguing story this author told.
The depth this book took was amazing,
I really enjoyed this read!

After Raven Lane I knew Amber Cowie would be a must-read author for me and Loss Lake only further proves this. Cowie constructs a chilling narrative with complex characters and a lush location that keeps you guessing until the very end.

3 for neutral, unfortunately this book just did not grab me enough to finish. If I am able to later on, will make sure to update my review.

The plot: Two months a widow, Mallory Dent has made the impulsive decision to pack up and move on. In remote McNamara, nestled in the northern mountains, she can escape her grief, guilt, and pain. But the day Mallory arrives, death follows her, lapping just outside her door. A woman’s body is found floating in Loss Lake—and it’s not the first death on these shores. Locals talk about a monster in the depths with an almost disturbing reverence.

Sergeant Joel Benson understands Mallory’s unease. Years ago, his own brother was killed in the home Mallory now owns. But that was just a tragic accident. Wasn’t it? The more Mallory investigates, the more fearful she becomes. Maybe there are monsters in McNamara. Maybe some have followed her there.

As a winter storm bears down, the refuge Mallory sought has become a trap. It’s time to face her past, the secrets behind the town’s friendly faces, and a reckoning that will shatter the eerie, icy calm of Loss Lake.

The review: I thought this book had a lot of promise. It started off strong and then mid-way through became a little too incredulous for me. It reminded me of a Netflix miniseries that starts off promising and you think it’s going to be a thriller, then midway it becomes sorta conspiracy/supernatural/horror and it just lost me.

2.5 stars

Fantastic read. It was a fantastic read from the off. It was fast paced. I was literally on the edge of my chair. My heart raced while reading it. Great plot. Enough to keep you interested