Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing this title in exchange for an honest review!

This could have been good…

“The lake of lost girls” by the writing duo under the penname of Katherine Greene is a murder mystery with the thriller part scratched out. The premise is this: in 1998-1999, four girls go missing at their North Carolina university. Their families never got any answers but, 24 years later, remains are found at a local lake and the cases are reopened, garnering public interest thanks to a true crime podcast. We get a dual POV: of Jessica Fadley, during the months leading up to her disappearance, and of her sister Lindsey in the present, trying to find out the truth about her sister by teaming up with a charming but shady reporter.

I recently binge-watched “Only murders in the building”, so I was particularly interested in the podcast element. Unfortunately, this served absolutely no other purpose than decoration. Short transcripts of the beginning of the episodes were used as interludes between chapters, along with stuff like social media posts, but we actually didn’t get any information from it, it didn’t factor at all in the investigation, and the hosts were obnoxious - on purpose, but again, I didn’t think it added anything to the story, so it was just annoying.

Even putting that aside, the book was lackluster on the whole. The ending was both predictable and out of nowhere, if that makes sense. Predictable in that you could easily suspect it halfway through; out of nowhere in that it just wasn’t consistent with the characterization we’re given. And I mean, obviously, you don’t want to show your hand too early in a murder mystery; the killer reveal has to shock you. But it also has to make sense, and I can’t say that I bought it.

I enjoyed the authors' first work, “The woods are waiting” (2023) better than this one, but I felt like the issues I had with it were also present here in ways that were harder to overlook. There was a slightly cartoonish veneer - in the character motivations, in the themes, in the actions, in the messages, that made it not feel realistic enough or just wasn’t done deftly. In addition to that, there was a repetition of statements that felt unnecessary - I don’t need to have everything spelled out and reiterated!

This was a pretty fast read and not a terrible one if you enjoy murder mysteries and want to be entertained for a while. I enjoyed Lindsey and her perspective as a sister who didn’t get to be her own person because she was marked by this tragedy for so long. But I thought that it could have used more work. The theme of older men abusing their power to prey on younger women had potential, but I felt like it was undermined by the resolution. I get what the authors were trying to do, but it needed a lot more buildup for it to work, imo.

Very well written. The author(s) tied up all the loose ends very nicely without it feeling rushed. I had no questions and the end and it truly shocked me. 5 stars.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

6.5/10
Before I begin I want to say a huge thank you to Netgalley for letting me read and review this book early!
It’s 1998, and Jessica Fadley is your typical college student, until she goes missing. 25 years later, her sister Lindsey is still looking for answers. This book kept me on edge the whole time I was reading it, and I didn’t see the twist at the end coming at all. You’ll be suspicious of everyone and everything from the moment you pick this book up. However, I found some of the writing and dialogue to be a bit clunky. The end of the novel also felt pretty rushed, I wanted more than I was given in the wrap up. This book touches on heavy topics and complex family dynamics. Greene also discusses the double edged sword that is true crime podcasts. I would recommend this book to fans of true crime, suspense, or any other type of thriller.
The Lake of Lost Girls by Katherine Greene comes out on November 5th, 2024

I have mixed emotions on The Lake of Lost Girls. I think overall, the premise was there. I really enjoyed the mystery and thought Katherine Greene wrapping it in grief as well was a smart move. I also really enjoyed the split narrative; using both sister's point of view was a great way to give insight into the characters.

But, unfortunately, I felt like the writing itself brought the level of the novel down. I love simplistic, straight-forward writing but it didn't feel intentional. It just felt like there wasn't enough time developing the language and giving it a closer read through to see if it felt clunky or even natural—especially some of the dialogue.

There were also aspects that were brought into the mystery that never felt fully...resolved. I don't need everything to have a neat bow on it, but if there are certain things that are mentioned, I feel like there should be at least a bit more resolution.

Overall, I did still enjoy it and it kept me engaged. But it's not the strongest novel I've read.

i usually love the mixed media format in thrillers, but for some reason it didn’t work here. it didn’t really grab my attention and made me just want to skip it and go ahead to the next chapter. i did like that the book felt thrilling and made you want to know what happened because i feel a lot of thrillers these days fall short and more on the dull and boring side, however it still didn’t really click with me unfortunately.

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Twenty-four years ago, four female students at a small North Carolina college go missing. A cursory investigation by the police yielded no clues to their whereabouts. Present day, Lindsey, the younger sister of one of the missing girls, is still searching for answers when a new podcast reveals some tantalizing clues that generates new interest in the missing girls. The Lake Of Lost Girls started off on a high note, but then quickly nosedives and never recovers. There’s just too many plot holes, implausible scenarios, and overused plot devices to overlook, and the story just falls flat, with an all-too-predictable ending. Unfortunately, this one just never finds its footing and was a disappointment. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Did I completely devour this book in one day and stay up way too late to finish? Why, yes. Yes, I did. Reminiscent of the TV show The Sinner and the movie Abandon, Katherine Greene does a remarkable job of sprinkling just enough bread crumbs to keep you engaged and guessing while also leaving you absolutely shocked when the big reveal finally comes.

I enjoyed the premise of integrating a True Crime podcast along with primary sources as a way of making the world of Lindsey and Jessica tangible to readers. This truly felt as though it could be a story ripped from the headlines and sensationalized just like it would be in real life. The characters are flawed yet relatable which leaves you understanding their actions and motives as if they could be your friends and family. There are several moments where you are left to wonder what you would do if found in these situations.

If you are a fan of suspense and psychological thrillers, I highly recommend The Lake of Lost Girls.

I thought character development was lacking in this book. It also fell as little flat for me with the twists and turned the author was going for. I did enjoy the multi media aspects, which broke up the reading nicely.

Katherine Greene’s The Lake of Lost Girls is a gripping mystery thriller that deftly weaves together alternating timelines and multiple perspectives to tell a haunting tale of sisterhood, trauma, and the dark allure of true crime. The novel centers around the disappearance of Jessica Fadley, a once-promising student at Southern State University in 1998, and her sister Lindsey’s desperate search for answers twenty-four years later. The discovery of bodies at Doll’s Eye Lake and the rise of a true crime podcast, Ten Seconds to Vanish, propel Lindsey into a dangerous investigation, unraveling long-buried secrets and lies.

Greene’s storytelling is unique, using podcast transcripts, news clippings, and social media posts to create an immersive narrative that blurs the lines between fiction and reality. This multimedia approach adds depth to the plot, drawing readers into the unsettling world of true crime and its impact on those left behind. The novel excels in building suspense, with the tension steadily rising as the past and present timelines converge.

Overall, The Lake of Lost Girls is a compelling mystery that offers a fresh take on the true crime genre. Its intricate plot, coupled with the immersive narrative style, makes it a standout read, even if it doesn’t fully deliver on its thematic promises. For those looking for a fast-paced, suspenseful thriller, this book is a solid choice.

I love a novel that uses epistolary bits, and this one has podcast episodes interspersed with the back-and-forth narrative of the two sisters. While the thriller takes a while to get to any real momentum, it was an enjoyable ride.

The lake of lost girls fell short in my opinion. The story is told through two alternating timelines one in the present told by Lindsey fadley , the missing girl's younger sister and one in the past by the missing girl herself, Jessica fadley.

The two voices felt almost same without any distinction. When I was listening to TTS so I was confused lot many times when the narrative shifted, so I had to read it. The writing is not great, it doesn't keep you engaged. All the male characters are toxic and all female characters are naive and fall prey to the toxic behaviour of men. It was really frustrating that not a single character especially female ones used their brains and stood up against the unfairness.

The girls who went missing, all had such a clear connection like they studied in the same uni, hell they knew each other that it felt too unreal. If girls look same that makes it "MO", even if same age then why not location was not considered and why it was clearly neglected unless for the story to drag to the present.

The podcast part didn't add to the story except more frustration. Lindsey Fadley is 30 years old but from her behaviour and conversation, no way she felt like a mature adult but rather a teenager of 13/14. That was the biggest flaw in the story according to me. Another flaw that let the book down for me was the twist, it was unexpected and did not land as there was no indication to the killer's dissent into insanity if you ask me.

Thank you Netgalley and crooked lane books for ARC in exchange of an honest review.
Star rating 2.5 stars

The Lake of Los Girls starts with the dropping of a new true crime podcast focused on the disappearance of Jessica Fadley and promises to tie in the cases of a few other missing girls. Shortly after, a body is discovered at the bottom of a lake close to where she had grown up, and where her family still lived.

The episodes of the pod are interspersed with the narration in the present day from Lindsey Fadley, Jessica’s younger sister, and Jess herself from back in 1999 when she was last seen in front of her family’s home by Lindsey.

What was presented as chilling true crime type story was surprisingly lackluster. Perhaps it was because I guessed one of the twists, but this did not come across as suspenseful or exciting. Since there is a deluge of never ending new podcasts premiering, there have also been a couple of novels that use podcasts as part of the plot—you’re likely better off searching out one of those. Unless you prefer your crime stories to be just adequate.

I received this free advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and feedback.

If you are truly passionate about True Crime, then this is the book for you. It is an entertaining and thought-provoking read!

The clever integration of podcasts, articles, and snippets from social media adds a unique and intriguing layer to the story. The book grips the reader’s attention from the first page with its fast-paced narrative and ever-changing perspectives.

Despite my ability to piece together some elements of the storyline before the pivotal moment and conclusion, introducing a disturbing twist ensured that I remained fully invested and could not tear myself away.

This is highly recommended to fans of this genre.

Katherine Greene's The Lake of Lost Girls is a masterfully crafted suspense novel that will captivate fans of the true crime genre and those who revel in atmospheric thrillers

Greene’s use of suspenseful podcast clips throughout the novel is a clever device that adds an extra layer of tension, making the reader feel as though they are part of the investigation. This technique not only keeps the story moving at a brisk pace but also reflects the cultural fascination with true crime that has surged in recent years. The novel’s commentary on this phenomenon is sharp and thought-provoking, questioning the ethics and impact of turning real-life tragedies into entertainment.

At its core, The Lake of Lost Girls is a story about sisterhood—about the lengths one will go to for family and the devastating consequences of secrets kept too long. Lindsey’s determination to uncover the truth is both heartbreaking and inspiring, as she navigates a landscape of lies, betrayal, and sorrow. Greene’s exploration of these themes adds emotional depth to the novel, making it more than just a thriller; it’s a poignant examination of human connection and the dark side of the truth

I think that this would have been better as an audio book for me with the podcast portions of the book. I still found it a great read that kept me wanting to turn the pages late at night. Easy to keep up with.

The story is set over two time lines. The first timeline is present day, where Lindsey is trying to figure out what happened to her missing sister Jess, and the second is the late 90s, leading up to the moment Jess disappeared. There are also transcripts from a true crime podcast scattered throughout the story.

Unfortunately there was a lot that just didn’t work for me. The writing was not very good and there was a tendency to info dump. In the first chapter we get a full description of the hotel Lindsey works in, despite it having no relevance.

Lindsey reads as much younger than a 30-year-old woman and was also very little to distinguish between her voice and that of her sisters.

The podcast also felt really out of place, and did nothing to advance the story. I think it was meant to be a commentary on true crime and how it can affect the families of the victims, but it didn’t lean heavily enough in to that message. All it really did was repeat information we had already learnt in the pages leading up to it.

The ineptitude of the original investigation also made no sense, and seemed like nothing more than a plot device that allowed the story to be told 25+ years apart.

The worst thing, at least for me, was that nothing in this book was a surprise. The set up of every plot twist was handled so poorly that it was impossible not to know what was going to happen.

Mixed-media and dual-timelines are two things I usually really enjoy so I was really looking forward to this one. Sadly it just didn’t land the way I was hoping it would.

"The Lake of Lost Girls" is a suspenseful thriller that intricately weaves together past and present timelines. The plot revolves around the mysterious disappearances of college students at Southern State University in North Carolina. The story primarily follows Lindsey, whose sister Jessica was one of the missing girls twenty-four years prior. The narrative toggles between Jessica's life leading up to her disappearance in 1998 and Lindsey's present-day quest to uncover the truth.

"The Lake of Lost Girls" is a must-read for fans of atmospheric thrillers and true crime. With its well-crafted characters, compelling plot, and engaging writing style, it offers a haunting exploration of loss, secrets, and the quest for truth. Katherine Greene's novel is a testament to their talent for creating immersive and suspenseful stories that linger with readers long after the last page is turned.

Thank you, Crooked Lane Books, for the e-galley of The Lake of Lost Girls {partner}

Genre: Mystery
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date:  11.5.2024
Pages: 320
Star Rating: ☆☆☆

“I think it’s too easy to cast suspicion on a faceless villain. No one wants to blame the very real evil that may be right there in front of you. Oftentimes, the truth is something you don’t want to admit to yourself.”

I’m always drawn to an entertaining true crime story - I can’t read the real true crime stories, but I’m such a sucker for a fictionalized story. What I enjoyed the most about The Lake of Lost Girls is that all the “suspects” really could’ve done it. They all offered something that made me genuinely doubt their innocence. It wasn’t until the last 20% that it all clicked into place, and I figured it out. 

My biggest hiccup with the book is that I typically love a mystery that includes the mixed media formatting, but for some reason, it all seemed like an afterthought to the book. The photos, transcripts, podcasts, etc didn’t add anything to the unraveling of the mystery itself. I started skimming the podcast transcripts because they never gave me anything substantial to grasp. The mixed media format in books can be done well, but it takes careful planning. 

Truthfully, I would’ve rated the book much higher had the author's writing style not taken on a repetitive, almost juvenile nature. The main character did not seem like an adult but more like a young girl trying to solve a murder. 

Read if you enjoy:
✌🏼 Dual timeline
📈 Escalating suspense 
😅 Chapter cliffhangers

Overall, it was an enjoyable read, but not necessarily something I would recommend to my true mystery/thriller book lovers. It would be the perfect book to dip your toe in if you’re more comfortable with the cozy mystery genre.

Wow, buckle up before you read The Lake of Lost Girls because you're in for a bumpy ride! I happily requested an ARC of The Lake of Lost Girls after reading the description. I love a good murder cold case with a podcast plotline. Katherine Greene's writing style truly made this book. I loved the sassy, sharp witted Lindsey and the full-development of characters. This was truly one of my favorites for this year, and I cannot wait to see what Katherine Greene comes up with next!

What a breathtaking thriller! Initially, I thought I had figured out who did it, but as the story revealed more details, everything I believed was turned upside down, leaving us in complete suspense until the very end, which left me speechless.

The story follows a group of young students, including Jess, who disappear during their freshman year. The investigations are poorly conducted, leading to a cold case that remains unsolved for 24 years. That is, until two podcast hosts decide to rally amateur sleuths to help advance the investigation.

I loved the rising tension, the narration alternating between Jess's perspective in the past and her younger sister's in the present, which contributed to an escalating sense of suspense that became almost palpable, giving me goosebumps.

Thanks to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books and Katherine Greene for a chance to read this book for free. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.