Title: THE ORPHANAGE BY THE LAKE
Author: Daniel G. Miller
ISBN: 978 1737 6463 65
Publisher: Houndstooth Books
Pages: 302 pages
Source: NetGalley
A MISSING GIRL
AN ORPHANAGE FULL OF SECRETS
Hazel wants a new life.
She’s thirty years old, single, and her private investigation business is months away from folding.
Her luck takes a turn when Madeline Hemsley, a mysterious socialite, pays Hazel a visit with an offer too enticing to resist. An orphan girl has disappeared from a children’s home—The Orphanage By The Lake, as the locals call it—and Madeline wants Hazel to find her.
At first glance, it appears to be a standard runaway case, but as Hazel plunges into the investigation, she finds signs of something more: unexplained blood stains, cryptic symbols, sinister figures shadowing her every move. The more she digs, the more she realizes that The Orphanage By The Lake holds terrifying secrets, and even worse…
…so does Madeline.
Official Summary
27 February 2024
When you reach for this book, you can expect a reverting mystery that weaves a tale of suspense, secrets and the haunting past of an orphanage. I am new to this author, but the blurb had me intrigued the minute I read it.
The story follows Hazel, a thirty-year-old private investigator on the brink of financial ruin, who is presented with a seemingly straightforward case that quickly unravels into a web of deception and darkness.
The novel kicks off with the enigmatic Madeline Hemsley approaching Hazel with an irresistible offer – to find a missing orphan girl from The Orphanage by the Lake. What begins as a routine investigation takes a sinister turn as Hazel delves deeper into the case. The author builds the suspense, peppering the narrative with unexplained blood stains, cryptic symbols and ominous figures that shadow Hazel’s every move. The author creates a palpable sense of tension and mystery, making this a gripping read. The setting in this book becomes a character, shrouded in secrets and surrounded by an eerie atmosphere. As Hazel peels back the layers of the orphanage’s history, she uncovers terrifying secrets that go beyond the disappearance of the orphan girl.
The character development in this novel is commendable, particularly with Hazel and Madeline. Hazel’s determination to solve the case and salvage her failing business adds depth to her character. Madeline, on the other hand, emerges as a complex ad multifaceted personality, harbouring her own secrets. The dynamic between these two women adds an intriguing layer to the narrative and at times will leave you smiling. The story has good pacing, keeping you curious as Hazel races against time to uncover the truth. The plot twists and turns, leading to a griping climax that delivers on the promises set up throughout the story. The author’s writing is crips and evocative, creating a vivid picture of the chilling events unfolding in this book.
The Orphanage by the Lake is a compelling and atmospheric read. If you enjoy a mystery, you will find yourself engrossed in Hazel’s quest to unravel the secrets hidden within the walls of The Orphanage by the Lake.
Also by Daniel G. Miller
Of Good & Evil: A Thriller
Albert has seen the future…
Does he have the power to change it? An unstoppable force is sweeping the United States. Powered by a secret ability to predict and manipulate events, Cristina Culebra and her RED Army relentlessly accumulate followers with one goal in Absolute Power. While Cristina and her movement captivate the country, the one man who knows their next move– who knows their every move–Mathematics Professor Albert Puddles, hides, grief-stricken from the loss of his one and only mentor. Hoping that Albert holds the key to solving the secrets of the RED Army, his comrades in arms, known as the “Book Club”, recruit friends and foes alike to bring him back from exile. But they may be too late, for a new enemy has risen to challenge Cristina and disrupt the Book Club’s plans, a mysterious terrorist known only as “The Cipher”. Faced with twin threats to everything he holds dear, Albert is forced to use his singular power to decode the riddles of a dead man while reckoning with the ghosts of his past.
About the Author
Author bio from the author’s site
Dan Miller is the author of the Tree of Knowledge, soon to be a three-part series. He grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota and is a fan of all things Minnesota (except the cold weather). He currently resides in Dallas, TX with his lovely fiancé Lexi. Kids are on the way!
Thank you to NetGalley for this review copy.
Thank you for visiting the blog and reading my review. I look forward to hearing what you think of this one, please leave a comment below. Until next time…Happy Reading!
