Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest novel by Mary Dixie Carter, with the audiobook beautifully narrated by Helen Laser. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Marguerite Gray is a lifestyle icon known for her gardens as well being the muse behind the famous Serge Kuhnert painting, Marguerite by the Lake. She lives with her husband, Geoffrey, on the famed Rosecliff grounds. Phoenix is the gardener on the estate and works hard to craft the landscape that is so important to Marguerite’s brand. The night of the launch party for Marguerite’s latest book, Phoenix spots a falling tree and saves Geoffrey, and an affair soon begins. Then Marguerite falls to her death from the same point where she posed for the famous painting.

Helen Laser did a great job narrating this intriguing story of obsession, jealousy, mental illness, with a touch of the supernatural. After Phoenix gets the life she thinks she wants and deserves, it’s still not enough for her – a good reminder to be careful what you wish for. There were a lot of relationship drama here and you could cut the tension with a knife. I liked the gardening aspect to the story and that ending was perfect, though it did leave some threads to the reader’s imagination.

Phoenix is a gardener. After high school, she started working for a local gardener, and she found that she liked it. Even better, she was good at it. And after several years, she was good enough to lead the team on the famous Rosecliff grounds.

Marguerite Gray is a gardening influencer whose family goes back to the Astors. Although she was cut off from the family fortune, she still has a gorgeous house and a large social media following with her videos and content. She’s also famously in a world class painting by Serge Kuhnert, Marguerite by the Lake, which they occasionally loan out to museums.

Marguerite holds a big party in her garden for the launch of her latest book. Phoenix has never read any of Marguerite’s gardening books, but she was invited to the party. And it’s lucky that she was, because the rain storm pounding the tent loosened a large tree that was near the cliff’s edge. And it was Phoenix who noticed it starting to fall.

Phoenix jumped into motion, interrupting Marguerite’s speech, but getting everyone out of the tent to safety. And when Marguerite’s husband Geoffrey goes toward the tree instead of away, it’s Phoenix who again jumps in and pushes him out of the way. He ends up on the ground with Phoenix on top of him, but they are out of the way of the falling tree that could have killed them, that could have killed many of the guests.

That moment after the tree came down put ideas into Phoenix’s head about Geoffrey, and when he bandaged her hand after she dropped her clippers, it turned into a kiss. And that turned into more. And when Marguerite stands too close to the edge of the cliff to take a photo of the sunset, Phoenix notices and tries to convince her to move away from the cliff. It’s where the tree had been, and they hadn’t yet stabilized the area yet. Marguerite refuses to move, and Phoenix tries to grab her arm. But instead Marguerite pulls back, losing her footing and falling over the edge. Phoenix panics and leaves.

In the months that follow, Phoenix grows closer to Geoffrey. And when they need some help with Marguerite’s gardening videos, Phoenix steps up with content they can post. She even helps put together her latest book, sorting through hundreds of photos to finish the chapters for all of Marguerite’s fans. Phoenix even moves into the house, taking over Marguerite’s place almost entirely. But that famous painting is still over the fireplace, and Phoenix can’t help but feel her speaking to her through that painting.

The police investigate Marguerite’s death, asking questions of her family and anyone who was in the area that night. Phoenix asks her brother to lie about what time she went home, but she can feel the detective circling her. And Marguerite’s daughter, just out of law school, resents Phoenix for moving in on her mother’s life the way she has and also has a lot of questions about what happened the night Marguerite died. Phoenix stops sleeping and starts losing weight, but she’s determined to hold her ground as long as she can. But as the ground gets shakier, so does her hold on reality.

Marguerite by the Lake is the second novel from Mary Dixie Carter. It’s a haunting story of guilt and ego, and the problems that come from coming too close to the edge of hubris. It’s dark and suspenseful, weaving a story of two women who come from vastly different backgrounds but who both struggle to remain relevant. It’s artistic and atmospheric, a creepy tale of madness looking for a literary take on modern horror. I am a fan of Carter’s writing, and I enjoyed this book a lot. I thought it told a powerful story of the dark side of human nature, and while I didn’t love the ending, I did think it was appropriate for these characters. It’s not the justice I would have chosen, but it was justice all the same. Overall, very satisfying and a fascinating read.

Egalleys for Marguerite by the Lake were provided by Minotaur Books through NetGalley, with many thanks, but the opinions are mine.

She created the backdrop for another woman' s brand....

...so doesn't she deserve that woman's life?

Marguerite Gray entered the public consciousness as the subject of a painting, one called simply "Marguerite by the Lake". She parlayed that bit of celebrity into a home and garden design brand (I can't help but think of Martha Stewart), and that brand is exemplified by her beautiful estate Rosecliff. The grounds of that estate, however, are the work of a gifted but unknown landscape artist named Phoenix who looks upon her employer's life with some measure of envy. During a book launch party at Rosecliff a storm pops up, and it is Phoenix who realizes the danger that the guests may soon be in and who saves Marguerite's husband, Geoffrey, from a falling tree. That event acts as a catalyst in the relationship between Phoenix, Marguerite and Geoffrey, and leads to a love triangle between the three. Marguerite and Phoenix get into an argument over the situation (Marguerite is not pleased at sharing her husband) and it could cost Phoenix her career but soon thereafter Marguerite falls to her death from the very cliff where she had posed for the painting that began her rise to fame. Phoenix moves into Rosecliff at Geoffrey's invitation but finds that this is not a storybook happily-ever-after scenario...her own secrets and the suspicions that others have of her may disrupt her new life before it can truly begin.
This is in many ways an homage to great gothic novels like Rebecca....full of buried secrets, powerful emotions, a vulnerable protagonist, and a lavish and tense atmosphere that keeps readers in suspense till the end. If you love a well-written, atmospheric gothic tale than I suspect you will love Marguerite by the Lake. For those who find gothics to be overwrought or too clichéd, however, this might not be as enjoyable a read. I found myself somewhere in the middle, enjoying the atmospheric setting and the twists and turns of the plot, but found myself wishing the characters were a bit more developed The mesmerizing cover and the teasers had me looking forward to reading this with great anticipation, but while it was a good read it wasn't a great one (3.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 4)....just one reader's opinion, though, and based on other reviews I've seen there is quite a range of reactions. Readers of (of course) Daphne du Maurier, Kate Morton and Marina Kemp will likely find this an excellent choice. My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for allowing me access to this haunting modern twist on the gothic genre in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed this book and I did read it in one day. I thought the characters and the storyline was well written. I would definitely recommend this book.

Phoenix is a landscaper for wealthy clients. Marguerite who owns the Rose Cliff asks Phoenix to attend the book launch for her husband Geoffrey. when Phoenix notices a big pine tree swaying in the wind. she gets everyone to leave the tent and saves Geoffrey. things get heated 🌶️ and an affair starts. when Marguerite stands near the cliff, Phoenix tries to get her to away but Marguerite falls. an investigation ensues.

ummm...I'm not quite sure what I just read. I'm left with so many questions and what the hecks. this was a twisty thriller that had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I'm still thinking about this one.

A huge thank you to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing me the opportunity to read this text! It was an interesting read with hint that smacked of older, more classic literature, and I respected that. It was for sure one that kept me on the edge of my seat as the characters navigated the tumultuous plot.

Thank you Minotaur Books for my #gifted copy of Marguerite by the Lake and thank you Macmillan Audio for my #gifted listening copy! #MacAudio2025 #MargueriteByTheLake #minotaurbooks

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐁𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐞
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐱𝐢𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐫
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Marguerite by The Lake is tense and atmospheric and so chaotic. The best way to describe this one is by comparing it to Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca. Marguerite Gray is a lifestyle icon known for her beautiful garden parties and is married to Geoffrey. Phoenix, who came from humble beginnings, has been working for the family for years as the gardener, and up keeping Marguerite’s brand. When a storm threatens the launch party for Marguerite’s latest book, it’s Phoenix who recognizes the danger and rushes to save Geoffrey from a falling tree. Geoffrey is a little too grateful that Phoenix saved him, and the two begin an affair with one another. It’s not long after the affair begins that Marguerite falls to her own death and Geoffrey invites Phoenix to move in with him. But Phoenix has her own secret that she tries to put behind her. The problem is, nothing stays buried for long.

I really struggled with this one. While I thought the premise was interesting, the book started off really fast and then was just too slow for me. I also did not connect with the characters. I would definitely read a book by this author in the future, but this one was just not for me.

🪴Atmospheric
🪴Daphne du Maurier's "Rebecca" Vibes
🪴Slow Burn
🪴Unlikeable Characters

🎧Narrated by Helen Laser, I will say I kept with this book because she was the one narrating it. I will listen to anything she narrates and felt like she really did a great job with this atmospheric novel. While I struggled with the overall plot, her performance was stellar, as usual!

Posted on Goodreads on May 20, 2025: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/144922955?ref=nav_profile_l
**Posted on Instagram - Full Review- on or around May 20, 2025: http://www.instagram.com/nobookmark_noproblem
**Posted on Amazon on May 20, 2025
**-will post on designated date

Marguerite by the Lake was a wonderful read immediately drew me in from first to last page. So well written so interesting.# NetGalley # st.martins.

Premises of the story sounded good. But this fell so flat for me. The story seemed to drag on. The characters were not enjoyable, especially the Phoenix. Story was all over the place and didn't mesh well going from one point to the next. The ending was meh as I feel it didn't really go anywhere.

Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, and Mary Dixie Carter for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Publication date for Marguerite by the Lake is May 20, 2025.

Thank you Netgalley and Minotaur Books for the chance to read Marguerite by the lake by Mary Dixie Carter. This is a new author for me, and I thought it would be a interesting read, but I found the story dragged and I just couldn't get into it. The style of writing made me think of old gothic novels written by Daphne du Maurier, so wasn't my cup of tea.

I didn’t like this book. I don’t normally start off a review this way, but the story just didn’t make sense to me. Marguerite by the Lake starts off okay and I get the romance between Phoenix and Geoffrey. I just don’t understand everything that happens afterward. There was no need for any of it. It doesn’t make sense why no one called the cops. Even the thoughts in Phoenix’s head don’t jibe with why she didn’t call the cops. Then the mental health spiral was just sad because it didn’t have to happen.

Read the book and tell me what you think - maybe you’ll see it from a different vantage point.

Thank you to Minotaur books via Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really wanted to like this book and for the most part I did. The suspense in the beginning and throughout is what kept me engaged and wanting to finish the book. It fell short in some ways the character development seemed unfinished and spotty in areas. The main character Phoenix slowly becomes more unhinged as the book goes on, I loved the development of seeing her imposter syndrome, but then I feel like her story becomes unfinished and the book just ends.

Overall if you love psychological thrillers then you will love this book.

Liked it

This was a fast-paced thriller that I finished in a single day. The action was non-stop, and overall, I really enjoyed the ride. It’s a bit tricky to write a review without spoiling too much, so I’ll break it down:

What I Liked:
<b>Phoenix as a capable, complex protagonist.</b> She starts off grounded and gets swept up in a whirlwind affair. Her inner conflict and emotional turmoil made her feel real and relatable.

<b>Phoenix' descent into madness.</b> Phoenix’ obsession with her part in Marguerite’s death and the unanswered questions surrounding it (Was she seen? Did someone say something? Will the forensics catch up to her?) slowly unravel her. Each chapter, she spirals a bit more, and the tension builds page by page.

<b>The unreliability of every character.</b> Everyone seemed to be hiding something. It kept me guessing who (if anyone) I could trust—especially Phoenix, as her grip on reality loosened.

<b>The haunting elements.</b> The way Marguerite’s “ghost” lingered through the painting and the house was eerie and effective.

What Fell Flat:
<b>The ending.</b> After all the buildup, the resolution felt anticlimactic. I wanted more impact or clarity after everything Phoenix had gone through.

<b>Geoffrey’s whole character.</b> His motivations remained murky. Was he genuinely interested in Phoenix? Manipulating her? His purpose never felt fully realized.

<b>Taylor’s arc.</b> She began as a strong, determined character who seemed set on uncovering her mother’s death, but she lost momentum and let Phoenix off the hook too easily.

<b>Detective Rachel.</b> Her character felt wooden and underused. She had so much potential to add tension and complexity but barely made an impression.

<b>Phoenix’ past.</b> It was teased throughout the story, but the eventual reveal was vague and unsatisfying. I wanted more substance and clarity.

Final Thoughts:
If you're looking for a twisty thriller with lush scenery, a narrator slipping into madness, and a quick, entertaining pace, this one’s worth a read.

Thank you to Mary Dixie Carter, NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Minotaur Books for the ARC!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Marguerite by the Lake" by Mary Dixie Carter is an absolute page-turner! This quick read had me hooked from start to finish, with its gripping tale of a love triangle that spirals into dark, unexpected territory. The tension builds masterfully, and the twists kept me on the edge of my seat. Carter’s writing style is sharp and engaging, perfectly capturing the complexities of desire, jealousy, and betrayal. If you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller with emotional depth and a chilling conclusion, this is the book for you!

If you are a fan of the Tell Tell Heart you are going to be enchanted by this story. This book is impossible to put down. Phoenix’s character is intense in all the right ways and her paranoia drive the story and add a lovely dark twist where one never quite knows what her true intentions are. This book will keep you guessing till the very end.
Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this fantastic book.

I thought this was a pretty entertaining read, but at times seemed to drag, the main character seemed naive to the point where you start to question her basic intelligence, and the ending was a little underwhelming.

The story is told from the perspective of a middle age woman named Phoenix, who is a gardener for a large estate, Rosecliff, owned by a Martha Stewart type socialite named Marguerite, and starts an affair with her employer's husband, Geoffrey.

Phoenix and Marguerite have an argument, and in the scuffle, Marguerite slips off the edge of a cliff to her death. Phoenix then tries to slide into Marguerite's role and home like Camilla, trying to replace Princess Diana.

Haunted by a painting called Marguerite by the Lake in which Marguerite was the muse and her brand was built around, Phoenix becomes paranoid and suffers from imposter syndrome, especially when the loyal staff of Rosecliff and Marguerite's daughter Taylor treat her with disdain and accusatory looks.

There may have been a witness to Marguerite's fall, and an ongoing investigation into Marguerite's death makes Phoenix increasingly unhinged. As the story unfolds, you start to see the mental decline and pressure of keeping secrets start to take their toll on Phoenix.

This is a good read for someone who likes psychological haunting and Gothic thriller books.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for this arc. I just could not get into this book, I think part of the problem was I didn’t like any of the characters.

Marguerite by the Lake offers up an intriguing plot that could have been really great. Unfortunately, in my opinion, it felt flat. The storyline built up, and up, and up, and then sort of.... fizzled out. I'm a big lover of alternating timelines, but sometimes it felt like the author didn't finish a thought before jumping back to the other timeline.

It was an intriguing plot and the characters were definitely well fleshed out, but it all around just fell flat for me. The characters weren't hard to like per say, but they did leave a lot to be desired. I expected more out of this book from the description, but I would still recommend it to someone just getting into the drama.

Big thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the e-arc!

Ahhh, Phoenix annoyed me! I feel like she drove herself crazy with her haphazard and reckless decisions. It's difficult to feel sorry for a character like this, in my opinion. Probably should have DNF'd, but kept pushing through hoping this one would get better; sadly, it didn't for me.

I requested to read and review this book for free from Minotaur Books an Imprint of Random House Publishing Company. This book has drama, suspense, mystery and in a way romance. I thought I had this story line figured out. I thought I knew who did it but I was wrong. The characters in this book want so much but want to do so little. Their secrets are wow. Phoenix is an interesting character first described as a down on your luck trying to make the best out of any suitation or is it something else. Taylor, Curtis and Serge all play a part with the truth, secrets and what they want or need. Geoffrey has an unusual way to look at marriage. But how much truth is to his words and who is he really? This book is for a mature audience and can be read anywhere.