"Immersive and haunting, 'Lakeview Manor' plunges readers into a realm of mystery and the supernatural. Eve Beckett's journey unfolds against the eerie backdrop of an isolated island, where the boundaries between reality and the paranormal blur. With shifting rooms, enigmatic figures, and a mirror twin with no memory, the narrative weaves a tapestry of intrigue that keeps readers guessing until the very end. Mysterious and atmospheric, 'Lakeview Manor' is a gripping tale that lingers long after the final page is turned."

"The House on the Lake" by Holly Hill Mangin is a gripping thriller that immerses readers in a tale of secrets, suspense, and betrayal. While the novel excels in several aspects, it also has some drawbacks that may impact readers' enjoyment.

Likes:
-Atmospheric Setting: Mangin skillfully creates a vivid and atmospheric setting with the titular house on the lake. The isolated location adds to the sense of foreboding and sets the stage for the unfolding mystery.
- Intriguing Plot: The novel's plot is filled with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. Mangin expertly weaves together multiple storylines, building tension and suspense with each revelation.
- Well-Drawn Characters: The characters in "The House on the Lake" are compelling and complex, each harboring their own secrets and motivations. Readers will find themselves invested in the fate of these characters as they navigate the treacherous waters of deception and betrayal.

Dislikes:
- Pacing Issues: Some readers may find that the pacing of the novel is uneven, with certain sections dragging while others move too quickly. Tighter pacing would help maintain momentum and keep readers engaged throughout.
- Predictability: While the novel is filled with twists and turns, some readers may find that certain plot developments are predictable or formulaic. More surprises and unexpected revelations could enhance the suspense and keep readers on their toes.
- Lack of Depth: Despite the intriguing premise, "The House on the Lake" may lack depth in its exploration of themes such as trust, betrayal, and redemption. A more nuanced exploration of these themes could elevate the novel and give it greater emotional resonance.

Overall, "The House on the Lake" is a compelling thriller that will satisfy fans of the genre with its atmospheric setting, intriguing plot, and well-drawn characters. While it may have some pacing issues and predictable moments, the novel remains an engaging read that will keep readers turning the pages until the very end.

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review*

A great thriller - I would recommend it!

The title and cover of this book suggested to me it was going to be a haunted house tale, but it's not that at all. It's hard to describe without spoiling it, but there's a sort of paranormal romance taking place but in the end the romance was just a plot device for something else entirely. Confusing eh?

It was hard to understand any of the characters, they weren't very well developed but there is a reason for that which becomes clear at the end, so unfortunately I just ended up confused for most of the book wondering why the main character happily accepted waking up in a strange house on an island with no memory of how she got there.

This book was pretty confusing for me, I think I got it but i wasn't really a fan. some characters just felt thrown away and stuff really wasn't explained well.

Eve wakes one morning in a strange house with no memory of how she got there. She vaguely remembers wanting to go on a retreat, but a house in the middle of a lake when she's terrified of water would never have been her choice. No one will give her answers, not the caretakers, the friendly and cute boatman Nick, or his mysterious brother Ari who everyone warns her away from but she's incredibly attracted to. She's encouraged to relax, reflect, release as she works through her fears and regrets and wanders around exploring the house. But things aren't exactly as they appear as rooms appear and disappear, doors lead her to unexpected places, and a ghost girl only appears to her. What is the purpose of this retreat, why did her twin also arrive here, and will she ever work up the courage to leave?
The creepy vibes throughout this book had me expecting a very different outcome. It's really best to go into the story blind to get the full experience. You'll have no idea what exactly is going on until the very end but the story and characters will stay with you long after you're done reading. I loved this a lot more than I thought I would!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wow to the ending in particular. I was expecting some kind of surprising revelation but not what I read! Such an original concept and one that will stay with me as a comfort. I’m not sure what more to write as a review as this book should be read without any spoilers and I don’t want to ruin anything for any new readers to The House on the Lake.

I received an advance copy of this book from BooksGoSocial through Netgalley, however this did not influence my unbiased honest review of the book.

This book had so much potential, but also tried to do too many things.

Eve wakes up in a creepy old house, run by two creepy people, which is on an island but she has no recollection of how she got there. Then her mirror twin, Lyn shows up also with no memory of how she got there. Both of them are remarkably blasé about this and decide to stay anyway. This is what gives the book a dream-like quality which unfortunately led me to guessing the ending before I was 30% of the way through.

In addition to the creepy old house and the mystery surrounding it, the author throws in a couple of brothers who Eve likes - and she gets involved with both. Sadly this romantic element was a bit lame and actually detracted from the story.

The story was OK, and suitably weird for a cosy autumn night reading, but it had an element of YA about it with heaving bosoms and lingering looks which was a bit overdone.

Meh. It was ok.

Thank you Net Galley & to the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a decently fun read! I won't pick it up again, but it kept me engaged throughout the entire story. I liked the main character, Eve, because she felt real. She was not overly dramatized or perfected; she was just a lady and I liked that. I thought the plot was well thought out and definitely kept me wondering what would happen next! It was a captivating experience right away and never really felt like my mind was wandering while attempting to get through plot twits. This was an enjoyable book that I will recommend to mystery lovers!

This was a bit of a slow start for me but once I got into it, I was engrossed. I loved the story and how Lisa would do anything to protect her son. I love stories told with dual timelines so this was right up my street. Would definitely recommend it.

I thoroughly enjoyed The House on the Lake! From the first page, it immediately sets the stage of mysteriousness, confusion, and a strong desire to figure out what the heck is going on. Holly has a wonderful writing style, full of vivid descriptions, good character development, and dialogue that runs the gambit from witty to poignant to incredibly deep. As someone who has read extensively and is that person at the movies who inevitably guesses the ending by the halfway point, this novel's twists and turns had me cycling between various theories until close to the end. Definitely well worth a read!!

The premise of this book and the creepy factor drew me towards this book. While I appreciated the purpose of the love triangle and felt that it enhanced the ending the whole triangle interactions were odd and took away from the story.
Full review on YouTube

Dnf after 33 %.

I just couldn't finish this book at all... Not spooky at all as I thought it would be.

"The House on the Lake" by Holly Hill Mangin is a captivating novel that combines elements of mystery, the paranormal, and a foreboding setting. With its intriguing premise and mysterious atmosphere, this book manages to hold the reader's attention.

The story revolves around Eve Beckett, who finds herself on the Isle of Esse at the enigmatic Lakeview Manor. As an individual afraid of water, her presence on an island becomes all the more puzzling. Mangin skillfully creates an atmosphere of intrigue, drawing readers into the mysteries surrounding the manor and the strange occurrences within its dark and dusty rooms. The author's descriptions and attention to detail add depth to the setting, creating a haunting and atmospheric backdrop for the story.

Eve's love for mysteries and the paranormal serves as a driving force in the narrative, as she becomes entangled in the enigma of Lakeview Manor. The introduction of her mirror twin and the presence of a mysterious woman heighten the suspense, adding layers of intrigue and uncertainty. The author's exploration of the supernatural elements, along with the shifting rooms and unexplained occurrences, adds an additional layer of tension to the story.

However, while the premise is intriguing, "The House on the Lake" falls slightly short in fully capitalizing on its potential. The pacing of the book is uneven, with certain sections dragging and others rushing through pivotal moments. This inconsistency hampers the overall reading experience, making it challenging to maintain a constant level of engagement.

Additionally, the character development could have been stronger. While Eve is a relatable protagonist with her fear of water and love for mysteries, the supporting characters lack depth and fail to leave a lasting impact. Further exploration of their backgrounds and motivations would have added more complexity to the story, enhancing the overall depth of the narrative.

I liked The House on the Lake because it's one of those books that you feel completely lost in for most of the novel. I felt so confused, which was kind of cool since it made me feel connected to the main character as she tries to figure out what's going on at this secluded lake house. The less you know, the better because the payoff is great. The writing style was just ok, the dialogue especially came off as unnatural. Overall, 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Based on the synopsis for this book I thought that I would be hooked from the start and would really enjoy it. While it was an easy read it was quite slow to start with and I found that I had predicted what would happen at the end before I was half way through the book.

Overall, I enjoyed this story of a haunted house. Personally, I was hoping for something a bit darker, but it was still a quick, spooky reader.

Readers who like creepy tales without too much darkness, or too many twists, will enjoy this one.

I recently finished reading "The House on the Lake" by Holly Hill Mangin, and I have to say, it was a captivating and atmospheric read.

This novel tells the story of a mysterious lake house and the secrets that it holds. The author's vivid descriptions brought the setting to life, and I found myself immersed in the haunting beauty of the lake and its surroundings.

The characters were well-developed and kept me guessing throughout the book. Mangin masterfully weaves together multiple timelines, unraveling a gripping tale of love, loss, and family secrets.

I particularly enjoyed the suspenseful atmosphere that permeated the entire story. It kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the truth behind the house on the lake.

If you're a fan of atmospheric thrillers with a touch of mystery, I recommend "The House on the Lake." It's a captivating and haunting read that will leave you wanting more.

''An island is the last place Eve Beckett ever thought she’d end up. Deathly afraid of water, she has no memory of arriving at the foreboding Lakeview Manor on the Isle of Esse. Her love for a good mystery, however, especially when it comes to strange houses and the paranormal, has her second-guessing her desire to leave.

But there’s something odd going on at Lakeview. Dark and dusty rooms shift location, and there’s a mysterious woman only Eve seems able to see . . .

When Eve’s mirror twin shows up, also with no memory of how she arrived on the island, and the manager of the property warns them away from his brother—one Eve has no wish to avoid—the number of mysteries surrounding Lakeview becomes too much. As she learns more about the manor and its inhabitants, the question becomes not just how, but if Eve will ever leave the island.''



I did enjoy this so much. I can honestly say that I won’t forget these characters. This is one of those books that you will keep thinking about for a long time. I’ve never read anything like it before. I particularly liked reading the author’s acknowledgements at the end and the journey she experienced while writing it. I can just imagine how attached she became with these characters.

Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.