Phoenix has found her place in the world as a gardener for estates. Her favorite is owned by Marguerite, a household name in aspirational living. Phoenix soaks in the attention Marguerite gives her as she shares gardening wisdom. Invited to a book party on the estate, a sudden storm fells a tree which almost hits Marguerite`s husband.

Slowly Phoenix tries to move into this world any way she can.

If you’re looking for a captivating and beautifully written story, Marguerite by the Lake by Mary Dixie Carter is a must-read! With its rich character development and a setting that feels like a character of its own, this book will pull you right in. The emotional depth and unexpected twists make it a perfect choice for anyone who loves a great mix of mystery, heart, and stunning prose. Don’t miss out – dive into this gem today!

I saw Kimberly Belle recommended this book and so I knew I had to read it. Definitely worth a read if you are into mystery or thriller books.

This was a DNF for me. The novel started well but then it just became strange and my attention wandered. The story has good bones but was lacking in some way.

This book had potential but fell a little flat for me. It centers primarily on Phoenix, who does gardening and landscaping for a wealthy client when she gets too involved in their lives. When one of them dies, Phoenix swoops in and tries to take over what she thinks she deserves. I felt like this book was more focused on mental health issues than an actual mystery.

It was very difficult to like Phoenix, as many of the things she did just didn’t make sense, and the reader wasn’t given enough of a backstory to understand her motivations. Though it was clear that she was struggling with her mental health, nothing she did endeared me to her. The overall story really wasn’t all that mysterious but still left unanswered questions at the end. I wish I could’ve gotten more background on all of these characters to help me better understand their actions. The ending was abrupt and didn’t answer some of the questions I still had. The setting was done really well and I did feel that I could immerse myself in the surroundings of the house and surrounding gardens.

Overall this one wasn’t really for me, lacking in both mystery and characterization. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have mixed feelings about this book, it starts well but by the end I thought it fell flat. In general it was written well but I just couldn’t connect with the characters. I believe the book was just not for me, however, it may be enjoyable for others.

Okay mystery/thriller readers. I just finished reading an advanced reader's copy of "Marguerite by the Lake" by Mary Dixie Carter. This one is getting a FOUR STAR review from me.

Phoenix Sullivan is a landscape architect for Rosecliff estate and works for the Gray family. Marguerite Gray is a lifestyle icon mostly known for her garden parties, gardening tips, and her role as the muse for the famous painting "Marguerite by the Lake" by artist (and friend) Serge Kuhnert. During a storm (that interrupts Marguerite's launch party), a tree almost falls on her husband, Geoffrey. With some quick thinking Phoenix jumps in the way and saves him. Geoffrey's gratitude towards Phoenix intensifies, leading to an affair between them. Marguerite becomes aware of their growing closeness and feels a pang of jealousy. Shortly after the affair begins, Marguerite tragically falls to her death from one of the cliffs on the estate. This incident leaves Phoenix burdened with a haunting secret. Despite the circumstances, Geoffrey invites Phoenix to move into the manor with him. However, Detective Hanna and Taylor (Marguerite and Geoffrey's daughter), grow increasingly suspicious of Phoenix's involvement in Marguerite's death.

I LOVED the entire plot of this story. I really enjoyed the suspense, subtle twists, and the bigger plot twists at the end, as well! However, the ending fell flat and I was truly hoping for something more. I also had SO many questions throughout the book, and I felt a few things were not fully explored: For one, I REALLY wanted to know more about the relationship between a certain character and Taylor. Also, we learn that Phoenix was in a serious car accident with her grandmother - that was not explored as much as I would have liked it to! In the end, I guess the readers are left to contemplate this: was it all in Phoenix's head? Or was there something paranormal going on here?

I definitely recommend the book to my fellow thriller and mystery readers.

This one just didn't do it for me... It was a lot more gardening and a lot less drama than I expected - and when the dramatic elements finally kicked on, they felt a bit flat and doesn't really hold my interest. The characters were a mix of fairly unlikeable personalities and just not that compelling. It was a slow-moving exercise in unlikeability and not enjoyable for me...

I became disillusioned early on in the story. The start has a great setup for a whodunit that could have gone in any number of directions. Instead, [the rest contains elements that are spoilers] the story becomes more of a confusion of misunderstanding, unnecessary deception and obsession. The story is more of a dive into mental health disorders than a whodunit. As the story proceeded, I didn't care much about the victim. And, although I liked Phoenix at the start, I liked her less with every turned page. All of the other people in Marguerite's and Phoenix's lives are suspect. As I read, I let my mind run through alternate paths - which I found entertaining despite not being the actual storyline. I did not dislike the tale; I just found myself wanting more. The story was interesting, but I don't feel that it lived up to its potential. Thanks go to Sara Beth Haring of St. Martin's Press (Minotaur Books), allowing me to read an ARC of this book. Overall, the narrative is well thought out, and the characters are multi-dimensional. The majority of the 'action' occurs in Phoenix's mind. This book will appeal to readers that enjoy intense psychological thrillers and family secrets coming to light.

The prose was beautiful, but the story fell a little flat for me. The ending was fine, but I wanted more from the minor players.

Thank you to Netgalley & the publisher for this ARC.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars. I love a good unhinged female protagonist, and Marguerite by the Lake delivers on that front. The main character’s obsessive, off-kilter perspective kept me engaged, and Mary Dixie Carter’s writing style made for a quick, compelling read. However, the story was very predictable, and I kept waiting for a shocking twist that never came. On top of that, the book left me with so many unanswered questions—especially about the minor characters. The maid, the brother, the neighbor… what did they really know and/or see? What evidence did they have? Exactly how deep was the relationship between Taylor and Phoenix’s brother (I can’t even remember his name now)? What did the brother need to talk to Phoenix about so badly? It felt like so much was left unexplored. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with unreliable narrators, this is still worth a read, but be prepared for some frustrating loose ends. Thank you to Minotaur and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Review of Uncorrected Digital Galley

Marguerite Gray’s home, Rosecliff, includes a garden as renowned as her garden parties. Marguerite, the muse behind Serge Kuhnert’s famous painting, “Marguerite by the Lake,” has become a lifestyle icon; Rosecliff's landscaping turned into a successful television gardening series.

At her garden party, a launch party for her newest book, Marguerite fails to recognize the danger from an approaching storm. But the gardener, Phoenix Sullivan, sees the danger and warns Marguerite’s husband, Geoffrey. Phoenix secretly covets the life Marguerite lives, so much so that she begins an affair with Geoffrey.

And then Marguerite falls to her death from a cliff at Rosecliff.

=========

Anchored by a strong sense of place, this unfolding story keeps readers guessing as wealth and privilege play out in this tale of mystery, obsession, power, and belonging. The characters, especially Phoenix, are truly unlikeable; throughout the intriguing tale power plays an integral part in the telling of a tale filled with secrets.

Phoenix seems to habitually make bad choices; readers will find it difficult to sympathize with her. The story, told from her point of view, keeps readers involved in the telling of the tale as sinister events keep moving toward an unexpected denouement.

Recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley
#MargueriteByTheLake #NetGalley

This is a tense and emotional story with rich prose and the hint of suspense throughout. Marguerite portrays both unique and base feelings, leading to emotional reactions. The ending will stay with you for a while!

I didn’t really enjoy this book. It felt rather uneasy.

Coveting someone else’s life never works out. Phoenix hasn’t learned that lesson yet. But she will.

NetGalley/ May 20, 2025 St. Martin’s Press

This was a very quick read, but I feel it was a little too quick and the readers are left with a lot of holes to fill. The premise was very good, but the execution was off.

The way the author introduced characters was confusing at times, and the FMC was the most deplorable thing I've ever had to tolerate (which I know was intentional, but this was over the top). Everything was very surface level - we really didn't get any meaningful dialogue or back stories.

I liked Taylor, and I think the author really had an opportunity to do something outstanding with her character.

The end was ridiculously underwhelming and silly. This one just wasn't for me.

Marguerite by the Lake is an emotional read of toxic love, wealth and privilege, and wanting someone else's life.
This is the first book of Mary Dixie Carter's that I have read and I enjoyed her writing style. The story started off with a bang. I enjoyed the story and the characters and the message in the book. I will be looking for more books by this author.
Thank you Netgalley and Minotaur books for the ARC of this wonderful book.

Enjoyable thriller. A bit long and windy for me, but I did like the premise of the story. Crazy love triangle, a mysterious death, and lots of wealth. Perfect ingredients for a story!

Very well written, suspenseful story! I truly enjoyed it. The details in the story were so good that I felt and saw everything. When I close my eyes all I can see is that picture!!
It's an interesting story with a love triangle, mystery, and vivid descriptions of a beautiful landscape. If you enjoy intriguing mysteries with a celebrity like cast of characters you will love this book.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the gifted ARC copy provided by NetGalley. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.

The beginning grasped my attention however the story kind of fell flat. I ended up not loving it as much as I wanted to.

I thought the storyline moved a bit too fast—from Phoenix sleeping with Geoffrey to Marguerite's passing. Phoenix is a bit of a psycho. She’s so attached to Geoffrey and already is very jealous, inserting herself into his life and claiming the house as hers. That felt a bit narcissistic. Geoffrey, on the other hand, is a manipulator.

One thing that bothered me was why was Phoenix ignoring her brother? The lead-up to the text messages from him was so bad. Out of nowhere, he suddenly doesn’t know where she is, as if he had been searching for her and she was hiding from him. It didn’t feel natural. Like there were no indicators. She just was avoiding him. There were a few grammar errors throughout the book, nothing too drastic. Ok, the scene when she goes back to her grandma’s house (after giving Geoffrey the ultimatum), and her brother just randomly shows up. They chat as if he hadn't been trying to get a hold of her for who knows how long. That had me so confused, like, what?

She says her brother doesn’t know where she’s living, but then he tells her she’s in a castle—so clearly, he does know. There’s no explanation for how her brother knows Taylor, either. Also her brothers situation was so unnecessary, like nothing even happened. You would think he'll use it to his advantage but then it just disappeared into thin air.

At this point, it really seems like Phoenix is just insane and delusional. Is the book hinting that she killed her grandma also? Because if so, it did a bad job of it. Then Taylor dies, and no one is investigating it—even though Phoenix was at the crime scene? This book had so many holes to fill. Maybe I'm missing the point in this story or I misinterpreted what I read.

First, I would like to thank Netgalley for the ARC of this book.

It was my first time reading anything from this author. I must say the book was just okay. It took me a while to connect with the storyline and the characters. It was a struggle but I've managed to push through.

The twist was something I've figured out midway, and the ending just fell flat to me.

I give the book 3.5 stars.