The Lake Book Review

This is the second book I have read about a mother losing a child. It makes for an emotional read, a topic that crawls under my skin and makes it impossible to put the book down. This riveting tale had me turning the pages faster than I have ever managed before.

The Lake deals with the loss of a child, dominate relationships and abuse. This truly engrossing story left me with a need to wrap my arms around my children, never wanting to let them go again. (Not that it would be welcomed by my independent teenage girls.)

This debut novel from Louise Sharland is beautifully written. Her writing is wonderfully descriptive and emotionally intoxicating. She shares the emotions of the characters so clearly that you are left sharing the experience with them. Louise Sharland turned me into a fan with this book and I eagerly await her next novel.

When Kate’s son Michael drowns, the police investigation is inconclusive. Kate cannot accept Michael’s death as an accident or a possible suicide. Pressured by her husband to put it behind her and move on, it takes six years before Kate finds new evidence that sends her on a hunt for the truth about what happening to Michael. A truth she did not expect, but enough to give her the closure she so desperately needs to move on.

This book kept me up at night. At times things were so clear and I wanted to scream at Kate for not seeing what was right in front of her. I lost myself in this story completely and I was as eager for the truth as Kate herself. I had my suspicions, but this proved wrong which made the story even more entertaining.

The characters in this book were realistic people, they were flawed and interesting and deeply moving. Kate was wonderfully portrayed, a mother who lost her child, suffered a breakdown and was living with a dominant husband. Her insecurities and uncertainty were clear, making her an easy character to bond with. As for Adam, Kate’s husband, all I can say is: What an idiot! The man annoyed me from the moment he was introduced. My favourite had to be Doris, the neutral next-door neighbour who helped Kate see things in a new light and gave her the confidence she needed to fight for what she believed in. Doris was a genuinely loving mother-figure, while she played a small part in the book, she stood out as a strong, loving woman. I adored her!

The Lake easily made it onto my Loved list for 2021 – this book looked at dominance and abuse showing how a vulnerable woman can regain her inner strength and find peace and happiness. This book looks at several real-life issues faced by women every day in a manner that left me appreciating the life I have.

Mystery fans will love this book, but it will also appeal to fans of women’s fiction.

I enjoyed reading this book and cannot possibly recommend it highly enough. Make a note, publication day is 18 March – make sure to get yourself a copy, this is a brilliantly entertaining read.