A newlywed new to town and alone after her husband suddenly decamps to a country on the other side of the world for a job becomes embroiled in a murder-mystery after happening upon a toddler while walking in the desert near her home.

An offbeat mystery whodunit set alongside Soap Lake, a real life body of water in the desert of Washington state, one of the most unique lakes on the planet containing deep layers undisturbed for millennia inhabited by special microorganisms scientists believe might hold information about extraterrestrials among other things—the setting is fascinating! As one might expect, this fictionalized small town is inhabited by quirky characters and strange history, there’s also spooky mythology, and layers of mystery. Though I’ve never watched Twin Peaks I think it’s probably a good comp to the vibe of this book based upon what I understand and that offbeat, suspenseful vibe is definitely the feature here.

I didn't love Midnight in Soap Lake, it's more plot forward than I typically prefer, but I found plenty to like for an overall enjoyable read. The hot, desert setting is perfect for summer and I like that Matthew Sullivan is offering something unique to the mystery-suspense genre.

I hybrid read this, partially in print, partially on audio and it's good in both formats. This isn't the first audiobook I've read narrated by Kristen Sieh, she does a great job of matching the tone of this story, important when the vibe is so central to the magic.

Abigail has moved to Soap Lake, Washington, for her husband’s research of the town lake which supposedly has healing properties. After he leaves to Poland for a research trip, she finds herself alone, in a town surrounded by sand and haunted by its own urban legends.

When a young boy runs through the desert into Abigail’s arms, she becomes involved with the town and its mysteries, one of which is the death of the little boy's mother, Esme. Abigail finds herself becoming invested in learning about Esme's life. And what does the mysterious, eerie figure called Treetop have to do with it all?

I listened to the audiobook. The narrator matched the tone of the novel but I wasn't a fan of some of the voices used for the characters. Otherwise I think the audiobook made the book a better reading experience than the physical book would have. This is partly because the book is quite long. I wasn't a fan of the writing style. At first I enjoyed it because the author does a good job of setting the scenes, but then I eventually found everything overly detailed. It just became a lot to take in and slowed the pace down.

It takes a long time for anything to begin happening. It was past the halfway point and I still felt like I was being eased into the story. Overall the story is still a little confusing even at the end. I didn't care for any of the characters and I feel like I was supposed to. I can't say what I think about Esme's character without spoilers but there are things that are brought up concerning her and never properly discussed.

3.5 stars

Liked it, wanted more.

One of the biggest things for me was how strong and intriguing the novel was for the whole first half, or even the first 3 quarters. Ultimately, I was a little disappointed with how it ended. It was so intriguing seeing how everything layered together and trying to figure out where everything was going to land and how it all fit together. It was an enjoyable read. It was twisty and had me guessing. It had a good amount of disconcerting vibes throughout it, I just wanted something more from it at the end. I won't write about any spoilers, but I think if this book seems interesting, pick it up! It pulled me in enough that I had the audiobook and the actual book, and would alternate between the two. (The narration is great for the audio.)

Thank you so much to HTP and The Hive for the gifted copy of this novel! --Long live the world's largest lava lamp....stand. :)

Midnight in Soap Lake by Matthew J Sullivan
.
In a town by a lake with mysterious properties, two women’s lifes intersect in a dangerous way. Abigail has moved here with her husband, who wants to research the lake. When she finds a young boy in the desert she wants to learn more about his mother, Esme.
.
This book was a mysterious little present wrapped in multiple layers.
We follow both Abigail and Esme’s POVs and they were both interesting. What happened fo Esme? Who is TreeTop and is he really dangerous? And why is this lake so interesting to people?
I became more and more intrigued by the story the more I listened. There were some suspenseful moments where I was really worried.
.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I love finding new bizarre little stories, if you do as well then check out this one. I listened to the audio and it was very good.

An interesting small town mystery with lots of twists and turns. It didn’t keep my interest as I hoped it would since it seemed a bit far fetched with a character made out to be a figment of people’s imagination and a special lake with mythical properties.

Abigail and her husband move to Soap Lake, WA for his research career. The town of Soap Lake is home to many quirky characters and the town holds its secrets close. Abigail soon becomes a part of the town’s mysterious narrative and discovers how dangerous its secrets can be to those who try to uncover them.

The setting initially drew me into the story and I found this to be an intriguing listen. I was invested in the characters and was eager to put together the pieces of their pasts. At the end of the book, though, I felt as if many of my questions were left unanswered. This appeared to be an intentional move by the author, but I was hoping for more resolution.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Audio, and Hanover Square Press for advanced copies of this title (both audio and ebook).

This was a really interesting one! I started off unsure as the beginning was a little slow and I couldn't get a sense of what kind of story this was going to be because I didn't read the synopsis. It definitely gave sketchy small town vibes with an 80s feel to it despite the two timelines being fairly current.

I became so much more invested as I got deeper into the murder mystery of what happened to Esme, and how a weird lake and creepy town mascot were involved. I was wrapped up in Abigail's journey as she unburied town secrets, and following the past and present timelines until they ultimately came together.

I may have been a little skeptical at the start, but I definitely became immersed in the story. The ending has my heart aching, but it was a very enjoyable read. Get your copy to discover TreeTop and the magical lake!

The plot follows two women whose lives intersect and offers multiple points of view and timeline crossovers through alternate chapters. Abigail has moved to Soap Lake in support of her husband. She is left alone when he is away traveling for work, and out of boredom, she begins to explore, leading her to find a mysterious young boy running through the desert. She is intrigued enough to investigate the history and secrets of this unusual town. Esme is a Soap Lake local who is interested in the legend of Treetop. She intends to leave the town, but events lead to her return. The book contains elements of mystery, conspiracy, legends, and a paranormal aspect. It is not within the usual genre but provides lots of intrigue.

This is a suspenseful story in a remote lake town. The thing is, you don't know who you can trust-who is a good guy and who isn't! Add in a mythical scary man called Tree Top who scares the townspeople and you've got yourself a mystery! If murder and mayhem and a bit of science is your thing, give this book a try!

Loved the audiobook of Midnight in Soap Lake. I will be recommending to my family still living in Washington. It’s alway nice to read a book and know the areas that the author writes about. Will be reading the authors other books.

This is one of those audiobooks that slips under your skin and lingers long after you’ve finished thanks to a creepy plot and strong narrator. Set in the hauntingly odd town of Soap Lake, Washington, this story unfolds like a quiet storm—slow at first, but filled with tension and eerie magic that builds with each chapter.

The audiobook centers on Abigail, who moves to town for her husband’s research but is left behind when he leaves for a trip abroad. Alone and surrounded by urban legends, strange neighbors, and a mysterious lake with supposed healing powers, Abigail’s story quickly becomes entwined with a young boy whose mother died under tragic and suspicious circumstances. What follows is a slow-burning mystery told from multiple perspectives—each one adding a crucial piece to a very unsettling puzzle.

What really stood out to me is how this book balances mystery with emotional depth. The narrative explores grief, addiction, racism, and the damage that festers in forgotten towns. The town itself feels like a character—creepy, alive, and heavy with secrets. The author doesn’t rush the story; instead, he lets it breathe, giving you space to feel each moment. And that final chapter? It definitely pulled at the heartstrings.

There is mention of child distress and injury, so tread gently if that’s a trigger. But if you enjoy layered mysteries with heart, found families, and a touch of urban legend horror, this one is worth the slow simmer.

As someone who lives just a few hours from Soap Lake, I’m now itching to visit. If I do, I’ll think of these unforgettable characters and the stories they whispered through the mist.

3.5 stars - overall I liked this book. I liked the different POVs and timelines intersecting. I was scared of Treetop!! Initially I was drawn to the cover because I was curious what this would be about, but putting treetop on the cover would sell as horror!! There was a lot of scientific jargon about the lake that I didn’t really understand.

This was definitely a unique read — part small-town thriller, part… maybe paranormal mystery? It felt like it couldn’t quite decide what it wanted to be, which made the overall tone a little hard to pin down.

That said, I listened to the audiobook, and it was really well done. The multi-character cast and dual timeline were easy to follow, and the narrators helped bring clarity and texture to the story.

The premise had me intrigued, and there were a few solid twists along the way, but I kept wishing it would fully commit — either lean into the supernatural or double down on the thriller. Instead, it hovered in the in-between.

What Worked:
🎧 Great audiobook production with a clear, engaging cast
🌫 Eerie small-town vibes
🔀 Easy-to-follow dual timelines and character perspectives

What Didn’t Fully Hit:
👻 Paranormal elements felt underdeveloped
⚖️ Genre confusion made the pacing and tone feel uneven
🤷‍♀️ Didn’t leave a strong emotional impact

Final Thoughts:
A solid, strange little mystery that kept me curious — just not fully memorable for me. Might work better for readers who enjoy a softer, genre-blended story with a touch of the uncanny.

This story had an interesting concept from the jump! A strange soapy lake, small town drama, and local legends; what more could you want? I found this to be an interesting read, but found myself lost at times with the narration. Kristen Sieh has a pleasant voice for narration, but perhaps one more narrator or distinct voice would've helped the flow of the story. There are so many perspectives in this book, back and forth in time as well as the different folks living in the town, that I think could have benefitted from my previous statement.

Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this one in exchange for an honest review!

Unfortunately, this book was not for me. I felt like it had too much going on and it was hard for me to follow.

I do think the narrator did a good job and I enjoyed the audiobook. I just couldn’t get into the story as much.

I hope others love this one.

I want to thank @mickmatthew1 @htpbooks @htphive and @harlequinbooks for the #gifted book and audiobook.

This thriller is a gripping page-turner that captivated me from the very first chapter.

Set against the eerie backdrop of Soap Lake, Washington—a town steeped in dark urban legends—Abigail's life takes a frightening turn when she discovers a young boy covered in blood, shortly after his mother, Esme, is savagely murdered. As Abigail delves into the tragedy and investigates a series of mysterious deaths, she unwittingly draws the attention of dangerous forces and begins to unravel a complex web of conspiracies. She discovers there are deep secrets about the lake and the water that intertwine her with Esme. This chilling narrative reveals that even the smallest of towns can harbor unsettling secrets.

The story unfolds through the intertwined perspectives of Esme and Abigail, offering deep insights into their lives. As Esme’s past is uncovered, we learn about her reasons for leaving the town after high school, adding layers of intrigue that connect her to Abigail. With a blend of a sinister local legend, science fiction elements, and the nuanced dynamics of small-town life, the suspense in this novel is nothing short of extraordinary. Each twist and turn keeps readers on the edge of their seats, while the richly drawn characters breathe life into the narrative. The science of the lake and the potential possibilities provide the secrets of this small town.

The narrator’s outstanding performance brings the characters vividly to life, enhancing the already palpable eerie atmosphere of the town.

With its chilling ambiance, intricate mysteries, and unforgettable setting, this book is an essential read for anyone who enjoys unsettling thrillers and urban legends. Don’t miss out—mark your calendars for its release on April 15, 2025.

Midnight in Soap Lake is the story of a troubled, desert, small town in Washington that is famous for the lake with strange properties/magical healing powers. Told through intertwined timelines, this story has a complex multilayered plot, with an eerie mysterious atmospheric feel, and some interesting, eccentric characters who all have secretive pasts. It has a good blend of elements of mystery, sci-fi, family drama, true crime, paranormal, urban legend/folklore and conspiracy theory.

I definitely enjoyed this even more than I originally thought I would. The author did a great job giving a vivid description of the town and lake and developing a balance of well rounded characters. The plot was mysterious, suspenseful, and intriguing and kept me hooked the entire story. However, the ending was abrupt and I felt like a few things weren’t ever wrapped up, leaving it to your interpretation/imagination or maybe leaving it open for a sequel.

This was my first audiobook narrated by Kristen Sieh. Her tone and voice were perfect for this mix of genres, differentiating the multiple eccentric characters, and setting the eerie, mysterious, atmospheric vibes. She definitely helped bring the story and characters to life and delivered a flawless performance from start to finish.

Thank you @htpbooks, @htp_hive, @harlequinaudio, @hanoversquare, and @netgalley for the #gifted ARC & ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

3.5 stars

This book was so intriguing! It's chalk full of mysteries, creepy urban legends, science fiction elements, and general small town everyone-is-in-your-business. It got a little science-heavy at times, which honestly went right over my head and I glossed over, but otherwise I couldn't get enough. Full of quirky characters and written in dual POV and multiple timelines, I was captivated.

All that being said, I was left completely confused by the ending. It's left very open ended with nothing really resolved and that doesn't work for me. I'm very much a wrap it all up in a bow kind of gal, I don't like being left with questions in a mystery/thriller so that lowered the rating.

Kristen Sieh was a fantastic narrator for this book!

Thank you Harlequin Audio and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the gifted audiobook and book.

Midnight in Soap Lake by Matthew J Sullivan fell flat for me, unfortunately. The first couple chapters were intriguing, grabbed my attention, and made me want to continue reading. But quickly thereafter the pacing changed, and I found myself thinking about everything around me rather than the story before me. I never connected to the characters or believed the events. I kept wondering where it was all going, and whether it mattered.

Thank you @netgalley for my #gifted book.

I really enjoyed this murder mystery set in a real small town in Washington. I have never been to Soap Lake but I have heard about it. It is in a somewhat remote area of the state, but it really sounds like a lovely place to visit.

Kristen Sieh does an excellent job narrating this murder mystery. She is able to capture both narrators voices and make them sound like different individuals. She also does a nice job with the emotions of each characters. She certainly brought this story to life and made it a wonderful listening experience.

The story is told by two women in two different time periods. The first is Abigail, who is the woman who finds the body in the present. I really liked Abigail and really appreciated her strength and her growth as a person in this story. The other part of the story is told from Esme’s point of view and starts back when she was a young girl and comes up to the present and to her death. It was very interesting seeing her grow up and the significance of the events in her life and how they shaped her. She not only had a rough life growing up in a small town, but she had many tragedies in her short life.

The author does a great job of capturing small town life and I loved all of the quirky people that populate this story. There were lots of suspects in this story and lots of people that both woman befriend. I loved the recovering addict that Abigail becomes friends with, I think her name is Sophie, who was also struggling with finding her place in the world. Esme brother was also a character that stood out to me as well done and someone I really felt for.

When most people think of Washington state they think that it is all green and rainy and pretty much looks like Seattle. That is only a very small part of the state. Once you get past the mountains into Eastern Washington you are in high desert territory where it it hot and dry in the summer and cold and dry in the winter. Not the most hospitable place to grow apples, but somehow they do. The author did an excellent job of conveying what it is like to live and work in this part of the world. I could feel the dry heat and how tired and irritable it made everyone. This setting also played into the story as the real life Soap Lake was an important part of the murder and the mystery surrounding it. I learned alot about Soap Lake and what makes it so special, but all of this information was sprinkled throughout the story so it was never boring.

There is a bit of creepiness built into this story in the form of the local legend of Treetop. He is a sort of boogeyman that parents use to scare their kids and is sort of the town’s mascot. His presence in the story felt supernatural at the start of the story, but the real life story behind this legend is scarier than anyone realizes. I really liked how the author wove this aspect of the mystery together.

The writing was wonderfully descriptive, the characters and dialogue well done. The pacing was pretty steady throughout and only got a little bogged down in the middle. The ending and the big reveal of what was really going on was a bit mind boggling and was even more convoluted than I had imagined.

A well done small town mystery with a dash of creepiness that I highly recommend.