This novel had an intriguing premise and some beautifully atmospheric moments, but overall it didn’t fully land for me. The characters felt a bit distant, and while the writing was strong in parts, the story didn’t quite deliver the emotional impact I was hoping for. I appreciated the slow-burn tension and eerie setting, but I found myself wanting more depth and connection. A solid read, just not a standout.

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

3 stars

Enjoyed the narration. I will definitely listen to more books from this narrator. Sadly the book overall was a miss.

I was intrigued by the plot of this one, but unfortunately I didn’t love the execution. The back and forth between POVs made the story hard to follow at times. Also, I think the label of the genre is a bit confusing. I can see people picking this book up expecting a thriller. This is actually more mystery and domestic suspense than anything else. The pacing was a bit slow and overall the story didn’t keep me fully engaged.

Still, I enjoyed this authors writing and I will try more of her books in the future. Thank you Netgalley and St Martins press for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Marguerite by the Lake
by Mary Dixie Carter
Narrated by Helen Laser

Marguerite by the Lake is a captivating novel reminiscent of Daphne du Maurier's classic, Rebecca. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of our protagonist, Phoenix, revealing a string of often unlikable characters.

At the heart of the story is Marguerite Gray, a lifestyle icon celebrated for her extravagant garden parties, upscale business endeavors, and her role as the muse behind the renowned painting by Serge Kuhnert, Marguerite by the Lake.

The plot takes a gripping turn with Marguerite's death, propelling the story into a whirlwind of intrigue. Narrator Helen Laser masterfully maintains the tension and pace throughout, drawing listeners into a web of secrets and deception. With so many mysteries to unravel, you’ll find yourself compelled to read and listen until the very end.

Special thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of the audiobook.

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I enjoyed the psychological and paranormal aspects of this book. I wish the characters had been more likable. They were all pretty superficial and selfish. I'm not sure how I feel about the end. It does provoke further thought - so that aspect I do like!

I was sure this was going to be great review as this book grabbed my attention very quickly. Awesome tension, so much backstory to uncover and then last third of the book it sorta became unhinged and meaningless. Sorta like the main character. Narration was good though.

Marguerite by the Lake is the perfect summer read, with just enough suspense and mystery to keep me flipping pages/listening and the right amount of characters to be interesting but not to struggle to keep track of. Mary Dixie Carter did such a good job describing Rosecliff that I could picture it in my mind, almost see Marguerite at the moment that changes Phoenix's life forever. Helen Laser is the perfect choice as narrator, and, as much as I wanted to know how it would end, I was sorry when it did.

A slow burn, atmospheric read. I loved how the flowers and garden created a parallel to life, between not connecting with the characters and the extremely slow burn, I found I was a little lost as I listened to this one.

There was a lot of tension in part created by the haves and the have nots. It might be better marketed as a mystery instead of a thriller or suspense novel.

Helen Laser narrated this one and she did a good job creating the atmosphere of the novel.

If you are a fan of slow burn mysteries, this one will probably work for you.

3.5⭐️

"Marguerite by the Lake" is an atmospheric and suspenseful Gothic thriller. The book started off really strong, with so much action and tension beginning in the first few pages. The plot was intriguing, unique, and unpredictable. While the story was told from the sole point of view of Phoenix, there was still some uncertainty as to what was real and what she was imagining. Although it was quite fast-paced in the beginning, it did become a bit of a slow-burn. But I really enjoyed the unpredictability of it all and not knowing whether Phoenix was a reliable narrator as she increasingly became more unhinged. Overall, an entertaining read, and I will read more from this author in the future.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Helen Laser. As always, she was fabulous and had my full attention. She did such a great job bringing the story to life and creating so much tension and suspense. Highly recommend this one on audio!

Thank you to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for the ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review!

Great imagery, well-written thriller with unlikable, unrelatable characters. Audiobook narrator was good - tone matched the emotions of the characters.

"My home is a reflection of me. I worked hard to put my stamp on this home . It’s layers and layers deep. Any future mistress of this house will find it impossible to get rid of me."

“I know something ugly about myself. And I can never unknow it.”

It's the way it sneaks up on you. You know you're listening to or reading a psychological thriller, but as the unnerving descent into paranoia madness escalates, you realize you didn't see it coming, and then there was no stopping the fiery spiral.

The above is exactly how I experienced the fast, almost frantic paced, Marguerite By The Lake, by subtle, yet unsettling, psychological thriller author Mary Dixie Carter. It's a study of losing control, bad decisions, and untethered fear.

Phoenix is the gardener for the lavish Rosecliff Estate, owned by lifestyle guru Marguerite Gray. When Phoenix saves Geoffrey, Marguerite's husband, from a falling tree, it sets up a series of events leading to an affair, long buried secrets being unearthed and a startling death.

Every time I have the privilege to listen to voice actress Helen Laser I am enthralled by her perfection. Phoenix becoming unhinged manic was a page turning performance.

Marguerite By The Lake is a famous painting of Marguerite, one that begins to haunt Phoenix. Is it guilt? She hasn't been the most honest moral person; in fact she's often unlikeable. Is she losing her mind? Or is it Marguerite making sure she remains the mistress of Rosecliff?!

*If you love Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier this story is for you.

I received free copies of this book/audiobook from the publishers via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

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.

This book was just so.... melancholy. That's really all I can think of to describe it. I just felt sad and empty the whole time listening to the audiobook. The main character was not super likable, and I had a hard time buying into her desire for the relationship she should not have been pursuing.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

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

**I received an advanced listening copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

Daphne du Maurier's "Rebecca" receives a modern-day treatment in this psychological suspense novel that takes obsession to a whole new level. And while elements of "Rebecca" appear in the novel, Carter uses enough unique elements to makes this its own novel.

Phoenix landscapes Rosecliff; told from her point of view, Phoenix chronicles the aftermath of a disastrous situation that involves Marguerite, the owner of Rosecliff. The reader is immediately dropped into chaos, and as Phoenix reveals herself and the situations surrounding decisions made, it becomes apparent that there is more than what is shown in the story. What begins as slightly chaotic becomes a slow burning novel until its very eerie conclusion.

Helen Laser as the voice narrator expertly weaves the story through Phoenix's voice, and the slight change in cadence to Phoenix's words only adds to the layers of suspense in this novel. I had to sit and listen to the last hour of the novel, without disruption, as I was so entranced with how the story would end.

Be prepared for unlikeable characters, horror-like elements, and intense scenes.

Thank you to Booksparks, Macmillan Audio, for copies of this novel. Here are my thoughts!

Marguerite is a homestyle and garden design expert. She lives in a stunning mansion with a successful husband. Phoenix has worked with Marguerite for the past few years as a gardener and she loves Marguerite’s world. A terrible accident ensues, and Marguerite dies. As investigators try to determine If the death is an accident, fingers begin pointing at Phoenix who is getting pretty comfy in her new life.

I liked this book, but I feel like I liked it for the wrong reasons. I was so engrossingly entertained by Phoenix and the other characters and how eccentric and crazy they were. I don’t know if I was supposed to feel sympathetic for Phoenix, but I didn’t. But when I read the book through a more satirical, sarcastic lens I adored it.

The cast are the epitome of privilege and the mystery that follows Marguerite’s death unravels deliciously. I didn’t know what I wanted the outcome to be, but I was surprised by the conclusion and the events that preceded it.

It was a quick read, perfect for a day at the beach or in the backyard by the garden. I won’t be surprised if this one becomes a very popular book this summer as the writing is great, the characters kooky amidst their grief and the setting is gorgeous. Definitely recommend!

Rating: 3.5 stars

Thanks to Macmillan Audio for the advance copy of Marguerite by the Lake!

Phoenix quietly tends to the garden of lifestyle mogul Marguerite Gray, while extravagance goes on around her. Marguerite is also the muse behind the famous painting, Marguerite by the Lake, painted by Serge Kuhnert. Phoenix has been working tirelessly on the landscaping of Marguerite’s Rosecliff Manor to prepare for a launch party for her new book, but on the night of the big event, a storm blows in and knocks a tree over. Phoenix, who has the skills and knowledge to know the tree should’ve been removed is quick to react and saves Marguerite’s husband from being struck.

Geoffrey is grateful and Phoenix feels seen for probably the first time in her years of service at the manor. As he expresses his gratitude the two grow closer and even though Phoenix tries to resist because of all of the trouble it could cause, she’s powerless to such an esteemed man.

As the affair hits full speed, Marguerite falls to her death from the very spot Marguerite by the Lake was inspired by. A few short months later, Geoffrey asks Phoenix to move into the manor. As Phoenix settles into her new life, she harbors some dark secrets. Secrets that Geoffrey & Marguerite’s daughter, as well as local detectives, are dying to uncover.

Absolutely perfect for fans of Rebecca and The Tell-Tale Heart, Mary Dixie Carter takes us on an atmospheric ride. I enjoyed the setting and how our characters are involved despite being from very different worlds. It was a clever way to intertwine them.

This is a quick book, at the speed I listen, it clocked in at right around 3 hours, and I felt like the pacing was just right. If you’re looking for a high octane thriller, this isn’t it. It’s a creeping mystery where we are more or less voyeurs being told a story rather than living it alongside the characters. This is something I’ve seen people complain about A LOT in the reviews, but for me it just wasn’t an issue. After all, I am listening to an audiobook, so I am literally being told a story!

I do have to say that Phoenix and Geoffrey are about as dumb as dumb can get. There is some suspension of reality, because I feel like detectives would’ve actually been all over these two. BUT for the sake of telling the story, I always suspend belief when reading mysteries & thrillers.

Overall I thought this was a fun take on the ‘new partner haunted by the past’ trope and I would definitely read more from Mary.

Phoenix is a high end gardener at Rosecliff, Marguerite and Geoffrey's picturesque home. At an event to launch Marguerite's latest book, Pheonix saves Geoffery from a falling tree. Marguerite is a popular social media influencer and entrepreneur focusing on gardening. Marguerite falls to her death shortly after tge tree incident. Phoenix was next to Marguerite when she fell. No one witnessed the accident or did they? Phoenix  and Geoffrey's affair hears up after Marguerite's death. She moves into Briarcliff soon thereafter. The death investigation focuses on Phoenix. Phoenix is haunted by the ghost / voice of Marguerite. The large painting of Marguerite appears to be watching Phoenix. This was a very fast paced story that flows incredibly smooth. Lots of atmospheric anx creeoy haunted house vibes.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ALC. The narrator, Helen Laser, was great.

Rebecca had a rendezvous with Martha Stewart on an affluent estate haunted by grief, control, and secrets, the result might look a lot like Marguerite by the Lake. This novel is steeped in atmosphere - both lush and oppressive - and I found myself entirely caught in its unsettling current.

From the first page, there’s a sense of something deeply wrong lurking just beneath the pristine surface. The writing captures that gothic unease beautifully, and the audiobook brings it to life in a way that only deepened my immersion. The narrator does an incredible job evoking the slow unraveling of the main character, Phoenix, whose descent felt painfully real and disarmingly close.

After Marguerite’s death, her presence lingers - not just in the curated perfection of the house she once ruled, but in Phoenix’s psyche. Phoenix isn’t haunted by a ghost in the traditional sense, but by the *idea* of Marguerite: her elegance, her control, her absence that somehow feels more powerful than most people’s presence. The house becomes a mausoleum to a woman who was always more image than intimacy, and Phoenix begins to erode beneath the weight of that image.

There’s a brilliant tension between aspiration and resentment. Phoenix admires and loathes Marguerite in equal measure, desperate to belong in a world that was never hers, and perhaps never truly Marguerite’s either. Her fixation becomes a kind of possession, a psychological haunting that slowly strips her identity away. Grief, envy, and obsession blur into one. In that way, the novel leans fully into its gothic roots: the beautiful but cold home, the emotionally distant marriage, and the lingering presence of a dead woman who somehow remains the center of every room.

There’s not a likeable character in sight, which - oddly enough - is one of the things I loved most about it. Everyone feels a little too brittle, a little too carefully constructed, and that emotional distance only adds to the sense of claustrophobia. You can feel Phoenix unraveling in real time, and it’s equal parts tragic and chilling.

The ending, while evocative, felt a touch too abrupt for me. There were several threads I wished had been pulled tighter or brought more fully into the light. Still, the ambiguity works in a way that mirrors the novel’s themes: we’re never quite sure what’s real, what’s imagined.

Dark, elegant, and quietly devastating, Marguerite by the Lake stays with you long after the final page. A haunting in every sense of the word.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the advance copy. All opinions are entirely my own.

Mary Dixie Carter’s Marguerite by the Lake is a haunting psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of desire, identity, and the facades we construct. Set against the backdrop of the opulent Rosecliff estate, the novel explores the intricate dynamics between its inhabitants, weaving a tale that is both suspenseful and emotionally resonant.

The narrative centers on Phoenix Sullivan, a talented gardener who becomes entwined in the lives of Marguerite Gray—a lifestyle icon known for her impeccable taste and commanding presence—and her husband, Geoffrey. As Phoenix becomes more involved with the Grays, she finds herself navigating a web of secrets and manipulations that culminate in Marguerite’s untimely death. The ensuing investigation and Phoenix’s own guilt propel the story forward, keeping readers on edge as they uncover the truth alongside the protagonist.

Carter’s prose is atmospheric and evocative, effectively capturing the eerie beauty of Rosecliff and the psychological turmoil of its characters. The novel’s pacing is deliberate, allowing for a gradual build-up of suspense that leads to a shocking climax. The audiobook narration further enhances the experience, bringing depth and nuance to the characters’ voices.

Marguerite by the Lake is a compelling exploration of the darker aspects of human relationships and the lengths individuals will go to preserve their constructed realities. It’s a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and gothic suspense.

I went back and forth between 2 and 3 stars, settling on 3 because the reasons in which this book didn't work for me are kind of on me... Infidelity in books isn't my thing and even though I did know that going into this book, I just couldn't get behind a character who felt so comfortable taking someone else's spouse and then living in their home. Major ick.

The writing is really good, though. The pacing moves well, the characters are all unique and have their own distinct presence, and the story does get pretty wild. This book takes a turn I really wasn't expecting and I think it worked well.

Helen Laser does a wonderful job narrating this story.