**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.

Mary Dixie Carter’s Marguerite by the Lake is a haunting psychological thriller that delves into themes of obsession, identity, and the lingering presence of the past. Set against the backdrop of the opulent Rosecliff estate, the novel follows Phoenix Sullivan, a young gardener who becomes entangled in the lives of her employers, Marguerite and Geoffrey Gray.  

Marguerite Gray, a lifestyle icon renowned for her garden parties and the muse behind the famous painting Marguerite by the Lake, exerts a powerful influence over those around her. When Phoenix saves Geoffrey from a falling tree during a storm, she is drawn deeper into the Grays’ world, leading to an affair that culminates in Marguerite’s mysterious death. As Phoenix moves into Rosecliff, she is haunted by secrets and the inescapable shadow of Marguerite.  

2.5 stars, rounded up

I had both the digital and audio copies of this book, and enjoyed following along with the digital copy while listening to the audio version. This review encompasses both.

I knew I wanted to listen to this book because anything narrated by Helen Laser goes on my TBR immediately! Helen never fails to bring the drama and this book is no exception. In this story, our main character Phoenix is haunted by a secret, and she is ANXIOUS. You can feel the stress coming off of her in the way Helen voices her inner monologues and her interactions with others. And the ending! The rage was real!

I would have liked more background on the characters. We hardly know anything about Phoenix and why she made the decisions she did, or about Geoffrey and his motivations. This is less of a mystery and more of a psychological suspense without much substance to move the plot forward. There are some dramatic moments and interesting symbolism through natural elements, but I wanted more character development, more understanding of the characters' actions, and more action to the plot.

I went in to this book with zero expectations. I was hooked in the beginning when the narrator, Phoenix, killed her boss, Marguerite, then started sleeping, then subsequently moving in with her husband. As the story progressed it seemed as if Phoenix was going crazy. But the story just, ended. With no proper ending.

Helen Laser was an amazing narrator, but this novel did not wow me unfortunately. All of the characters were unlikeable and the supernatural elements seemed out of place and forced.

I was excited to read Marguerite by the Lake but sadly I struggled to finish it. I didn’t understand why Phoenix & Geoffrey were together and I needed that to be engaged with the overall plot. Additionally, backstory into the characters might have helped. I hoped the ending would save the book but it was quite abrupt and I was happy to have finished the book.

I enjoyed Mary Dixie Carter writing style. I l love the setting and how she described the location and plants. Helen Laser did an excellent job with the narration.

Thank you to NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for letting me read this ARC.

Do you like to yell at fictional characters making bad decisions? Get your voice warmed up for Marguerite at the Lake by Mary Dixie Carter.

"Marguerite is famous for being the muse for the painting - Marguerite by the Lake - using the family estate, Rosecliff, as the setting. Her family comes from money and she stays involved in all of the society events.
Phoenix has been the gardener at Rosecliff for many years. She becomes involved in an affair with Marguerite's husband, Geoffrey. There's a terrible accident - but Phoenix told Marguerite that the cliff edge was dangerous. She even tried to pull her back. Now Phoenix has another secret to keep.
Why is the detective still asking questions?"

This is a story watching a character unravel. Phoenix knows what she wants but there are consequences. Geoffrey is unlikable and a little spineless. And there are multiple hints of other secrets in Phoenix's past. At times there is a clash of classes. And lots of bad decisions.

Good performance from Helen Laser on the audio. She gets you on the edge between liking Phoenix and wanting to get as far from her as possible.

Wild ending to this one. Good second book from Carter.

This is good. It is really good. I loved the narration. I loved listening ot this while pulling weeds and gardening my own yard. I did not like the protagonist but that is kind of the point by the end.
That ending!
UGH it was so good.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

I am not sure why but this book did not work for me. However, as I always say when I don't like a book, just because I did not like the book, it doesn't mean that someone else won't like it. It also doesn't necessarily mean that I may not like another book by the same author. Or even that I may not like the book if I try it again in the future.

this book by Mary Dixie Carter is a slow-burning, suspense-filled novel that intertwines ambition, jealousy, and dark secrets. Set against the opulent backdrop of a glamorous garden designer’s world, the story follows Phoenix, a young gardener who becomes entangled in the complicated lives of the Gray family after a dangerous accident. Phoenix’s affair with Geoffrey Gray and her role in Marguerite's mysterious death lead her down a path filled with tension and moral dilemmas. As the story unfolds, Phoenix must confront the consequences of her actions and the dark secrets that threaten to unravel everything. With its atmospheric writing and haunting exploration of power, obsession, and guilt, the novel keeps readers on edge until the very end.

3 1/2 stars rounded up

**Audiobook Review: *Marguerite by the Lake***

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy of *Marguerite by the Lake*. Helen Laser’s narration is excellent, with distinct voices and accents that effectively differentiate the characters, making it easy to follow the story. I was quite intrigued with this book after seeing the synopsis and might I add that cover art is stunning.

This is my second book by Mary Dixie Carter. While I enjoyed it, I found the pacing slower than expected. The main character, Phoenix, isn’t particularly likeable, but Carter does a great job of developing her, allowing readers to understand her thoughts and motivations.

The plot, involving an affair and the suspicious death of Marguerite, a lifestyle influencer, is intriguing. However, I was a bit confused by the ending and may need to grab a physical copy and re-read that last chapter or two to see if I might have missed some details listening.

Overall, *Marguerite by the Lake* is a well-crafted audiobook with strong character development. I recommend it for those who enjoy a thoughtful mystery, even if the pacing might not suit everyone.

thank you SMP and MacMillan audio for review copies. My review is complicated, this promises a plot of interest, a murder, themes on bad rich people, the behind the scenes writing world... and the audiobook is well acted and thoughtfully executed. However, I couldn't quite get into this one, the pacing dragged for me from the start and I never found my footing in terms of finding a character to connect with, to at least cheer on, and the plot didn't draw me in.

Audiobook: this is a thoughtfully produced, and authentically acted, audiobook. Marguerite by the Lake, despite the strong performance by Helen Laser (a favorite of mine), misses the mark.

🎧 Book Review 🎧 Marguerite Gray is the epitome of style and grace, building an empire around her beautifully manicured gardens at Rosecliff. But even after she meets her unfortunate demise off the cliffs of this home, her presence lives on everywhere - even down to her iconic painting that hangs in the living room. Marguerite’s longtime gardener, Phoenix, is not only the last to see her alive, she also has been having an affair with her husband Geoffrey. As Phoenix moves into Rosecliff eclipsing Marguerite’s life, she is haunted by the spirit of her larger than life prescience that still very much feels alive on the grounds of the manor. Mary Dixie Carter creates an atmospheric read narrated by Helen Laser, creating a perfectly chilling ambience that leaves just the right amount of unease that builds as the plot develops.

MARGUERITE BY THE LAKE was a really good story! I liked how the book started off with a fast pace. I also enjoyed the gardening aspect and how it intertwined with the family. It had some paranormal aspects as well, but nothing crazy or completely unbelievable. It was definitely different from the author's first book and I can say I think her books just keep getting better. I hope she writes some more!

Many thanks to NetGalley Macmillan Audio and St. Martin's Press for my gifted copies.

This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.