3.5 rounded up to 4 stars as after reading I kept thinking about the book.

Marguerite by the Lake is well written that slowly draws you in to the story of Phoenix Sullivan who is employed by Marguerite as her landscaper.

The atmosphere is eerie and the characters are strongly written though not the nicest of people you would ever want to meet.

When Phoenix and Marguerite's husband have an affair, Phoenix is not sure that Marguerite knows. The wife always knows.

Following the tragic death of Marguerite the police are investigatingand the family is supsicious but that only brings the couple closer together

The story is a tale of guilt that leads to Phoenix seeing Marguerite everywhere.

Guilt leads to madness sometimes.

Marguerite by the Lake is an interesting story with a few twists that kept the page turning.

Well worth the read.

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press /Minotaur Press for the opportunity to read and review Marguerite by the Lake.

The story follows Phoenix as she navigates the sudden death of her employer. The character is both frustrating and empathetic as she attempts to work through the emotions of guilt while evading the questioning authorities. She slowly devolves as what appears to be the ghost of Marguerite begins to haunt her. Or is she imagining the whole thing. A mysterious and suspenseful drama. Thank you St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the eARC.

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.

This one had a slow beginning for me. While the cover drew me in immediately and I enjoyed Marguerite's Martha Steweart-ish vibes, I didn't get the relationship between Phoenix and Geoffrey - it seemed way too fast with little build up. That just didn't work in my head.

What did work for me was Phoenix's rather quick descent into madness, which was described and portrayed very well, and turned me around on my appreciation for the story.

All in all, I enjoyed this. Would I read more from the author? Yes.

I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being left freely.

Well. Um. The bits about gardening were nice.

This book doesn't really have any redeeming qualities. The writing is choppy and staccato, the pacing is rushed and all over the place... There are so many plot threads that never wrap up, questions remain unanswered, and an abrupt end that is entirely unsatisfying. It didn't know what genre it wanted to be: a thriller, a horror, a mystery, general fiction? And ultimately it ended up being entirely a waste of time.

Thanks NetGalley, Minotaur and Mary Dixie Carter for letting me read Marguerite By the Lake before its release!

Marguerite by the Lake is a slow-burn, beautifully written thriller that pulls you into a world of luxury, secrets, and ambition. Marguerite Gray is unforgettable—an icon with a dark edge—and Phoenix, the gardener caught in her orbit, makes for a compelling and relatable narrator.

As the lines between loyalty, desire, and danger blur, the story unfolds with just the right mix of tension and elegance. The twists are subtle but powerful.

A moody, addictive read that’s perfect for fans of layered drama and suspense.

Marguerite by the lake

This book really has a strong start that will draw you in for a tense page turning story. I thought the characters were strong and memorable and fit this book great! It had just enough mystery to keep you guessing with a couple twists as well. The tension the story carried throughout really kept me reading on!

Thanks net galley & St. Martins press/Minotaur Books for this digital arc!

Phoenix is a gardener for the Rosecliff grounds and starts an affair with Margeurites husband. Tragedy strikes and Marguerite falls from the cliff.
This was an interesting story that I hated to end.
Thanks NetGalley and St. Martins Press for this eARC that will be published May 2025!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Marguerite by the Lake was such an interesting experience that left me both satisfied and minimally let down. This is one that I might stew on for a while and change my rating. I think the first thing I want to say is some people may feel disappointed by the lack of suspense. This is a story of guilt and a slow descent into madness. It is not a who done it but rather a who knows about it One thing that I really enjoyed, that others may not, was the landscaping architecture bit. I found the aspects of the MC"s job interesting and I just love being outside so it hit a niche for me. I loved the way the story slowly gave us more and more of the madness the MC was experiencing.

I did find the ending a bit lackluster, but also hmmmm...... I'm going to have to sit on this for a while. Like I said a moment ago, I can see my rating for this one either going up or down over time.

The characters are intense and their scenes together equally as stressful. Now, I wouldn't call it suspense, it's more just an intense atmosphere. If you know, you know. I did really appreciate who much this author went on a lim (wink if ykyk) to write something different. Growing up my Mom watched a lot of lifetime movie network and this book totally reminds me of a movie that would have been featured on it.

Overall, I am glad I read this and it is a book that will stick with me.

I can’t stop thinking about the ending to this book. This is an atmospheric, eerie, psychological thriller that kept my attention throughout. Phoenix has been the gardener for the Grays, Marguerite and Geoffrey, and their gorgeous lakeside home for several years. Marguerite is famous for being the subject of the eponymous painting, Marguerite by the Lake, and has built a popular lifestyle and gardening brand. When Phoenix saves Geoffrey from a freak accident, an affair begins. Shortly thereafter, Marguerite tragically falls from the cliff at her home, and Phoenix quickly moves in with Geoffrey. But Marguerite won’t seem to let go…

This is so reminiscent of The Portrait of Dorian Gray and a brilliant portrayal of a character’s descent into madness. It’s very well done. None of the characters are particularly likable, but it works here. My only criticism is that some parts drag a bit, but overall this was an excellent novel. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press/ Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the chance to read an advance copy of this book!

The cover is perfect. The writing is great. But I find the plot disturbing with every one of the characters extremely unlikable.

Tension. This is a page turner from beginning to end.

Taylor just returned from Yale with the news that her mother, Marguerite, fell off a cliff and died. While she was grieving, she was shocked to discover that her dad, Geoffrey, was having a passionate love affair with the gardener, Phoenix. This 34-year-old woman was now living in her childhood home.

Phoenix was a talented landscape designer. She felt it was why Marguerite had been successful with a TV series and books which featured their gorgeous property. It was filled with beautiful roses and trees along a large pristine lake. From time to time, Phoenix shared her knowledge with the care of trees – a plus for gardeners.

Phoenix felt like the home was now hers. Yet, Taylor was right on her tail. She kept thinking something wasn’t kosher. She wanted an investigation which made Phoenix nervous.

This murder mystery was cleverly written. There was a lot going on with the influence of wealth, secrets and the treatment of hired help. The story was narrated by Phoenix so readers only had her point of view. I would have loved to read Taylor’s views and maybe even Geoffrey’s. However, it was rush to get to the end and then … well, you decide.

My thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of May 20, 2025.

Could someone have seen Phoenix on the cliff when Marguerite fell?

Will the police think Phoenix pushed her?

Why didn't Phoenix just tell the truth about what happened?

Phoenix was a master gardener, and she worked for Marguerite Gray and her husband Geoffrey.

Marguerite was a famous home decorating influencer.

Phoenix was jealous of Marguerite because of her status and because she was in love with her husband.

Could she have pushed Marguerite?

Perhaps she pushed her since Phoenix and Geoffrey were having an affair.

If someone found out about the affair, would they be looking at the incident differently?

Uncertainty and a sinister tone abound in this slow moving read.

Give it a try and see if you can figure out what's going on with each character, why Phoenix does what she does.

A bizarre, eerie ending. 4/5

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Marguerite is a force of a woman: in life and in death. Her presence is felt throughout the book giving it and eery vibe. In addition, the grounds and house of Rosecliff Manor reek of sadness and evil. The protagonist, Phoenix, brings to it an air of desperation that permeates her character, darkening every room that she enters. Geoffrey seems light-hearted, but he is so distant. How can they all go on without Marguerite? It is not pretty, that's for sure. The dark atmosphere of the novel redeems the book from its poor execution of a plot. The characters save this book from being boring. All in all, not a bad book, but it will not be for everyone. ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 stars rounded to 4. Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur, for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

I'm not a big fan of psychological thrillers, but the descriptive prose drew me in from the opening scene of a garden party as a storm approached. You can't help but keep turning pages to see what's going to happen.

I dove into Marguerite By The Lake blind and I'm so glad I did. I have no idea where the story was going and I loved the ride.
I'm not sure if the author wanted me to like the main character or not, but I couldn't stand her (in the best possible way (&). Maybe because my husband's name is Geoffrey. I don't want to give any spoilers, so when you read it you'll understand.
The ending came on fast and furious and left me wanting just a little bit more.
If you like Lisa Jewel, you will like this book!

There is nothing worse than the ghost of guilt haunting you. Completely immersive and plausible. I enjoyed this book as the pacing and plotting were well done. The characters are very unlikeable for a reason. Overall a nice quick read.

Marguerite by the Lake is an intriguing book dealing with themes like high society, human relationships, ghosts, guilt, and social class. Marguerite Gray is a high-society influencer who lives on an estate called Rosecliff. The landscaping and gardens are gorgeous, and Marguerite writes books and posts about how she created these beauties herself. However, her landscaping company does most of the work, headed up by Phoenix, a young woman who is a skilled gardener and landscaper..
The book opens with a party held on the grounds of Rosecliff, celebrating the publication of a new book written by Marguerite. A storm comes up during Marguerite’s speech, and a large tree falls, nearly killing or injuring many guests. Phoenix’s announcement for everyone to evacuate the area, precludes any injuries. She also saves Geoffrey, Marguerite’s husband, from being killed.
After this debacle, Marguerite begins treating Pheonix with suspicion, and it comes to light that Phoenix and Geoffrey are starting an affair. Phoenix continues to work at Rosecliff despite Marguerite’s poor treatment. One day, Marguerite is taking photographs on the cliff and Phoenix notices that she is standing too close to the edge. An argument ensues, and Marguerite falls to her death. Who is responsible for her death? Did Phoenix push her?
Because Phoenix feels that she would be blamed, she does not report anything to the police. An investigation ensues, plunging Phoenix into more guilt and shame. She can’t stay away from Geoffrey, however, and moves in with him. In their living room hangs a painting done by a famous artist named Serge Kuhnert called Marguerite by the Lake. Phoenix feels Marguerite’s presence all over the house, but particularly in the living room.
The story was well written and fast -paced, but I did not like the characters at all. I found them selfish and unkind. I also found many of the characters unidimensional, with not much depth. I would recommend this book as I found it entertaining.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC.

Received an ARC and I enjoyed the relationships between mother/daughter, husband/wife and husband/lover. An understanding of how an accidental death of the wife takes its toll. The guilt and voices that play havoc on your mind can drive you crazy. But the twists of who is guilty will surprise you.

Holy moly, this was one wild ride! I loved this book, it was magnificently written. Phoenix’ slow decent into madness from guilt of what she has done. It was so twisty and I loved every single minute! This story wrapped itself around me and wont let me go. Definitely recommend reading this, it’s absolutely mind blowing!