Review: Dark Lake by Louise Gaylord

Dark Lake by Louise Gaylord

Publisher:  Little Mouse Press

Pages: 188 

Format: book 

Buy the Book: Amazon 

Goodreads:  Allie Armington's Back. Trouble's Right Behind Her.

This time she's in the Adirondacks, and it's really personal.

A long time ago Allie was summarily ordered away from her extended family's summer enclave. Her return is nothing like what she expected. Instead of the tranquil retreat she remembers, the place is a murder site. From the very beginning she's confronted with everything from cover-ups and corrupted cops to covert meth labs and cousins in distress. Allie really has her hands full.

Visiting Hotanawa was always a dream to remember. This visit turns into a nightmare she'd rather forget.

Populated with neighbors you love to hate, childhood ex-crushes you'd hate to love, and family and friends who promote more problems than solutions, Dark Lake brings us an up close look at summer life in the Adirondacks and Allie at her best.

Kritters Thoughts:  Mystery and intrigue wrapped up in a book that can be read in one thrilling day.  The reader meets Allie as she heads back to a summer home that holds many memories - both good and bad.  She hasn't been on property in 15 years due to an accident that forever changed her relationship with her extended family members.  Upon arrival she finds a murder and is flung into an investigation to get to the bottom of what has been happening while she has been away.  


As with any murder mystery or who dun its (as I like to call them) there are twists and turns, but I am always wary that the twists and turns will either be too predictable or come from nowhere.  There is a perfect little pocket where the story unfolds just right and this one did it!  With many players in the story, the author introduced them seamlessly and the flow was just right.


I loved the combination of family drama and a murder investigation, it made it a complete story.  All the pieces were there at the beginning but the reader has to read until the very last page to be able to put all the pieces in the correct spot to get the complete story.  This was a perfect book to curl up with the possibility of a snow storm on its way.   


Rating:  absolutely loved it and want a sequel


GR Cover Challenge 2012: What's Your Favorite Time - Day or Night?


Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Partner in Crime Tours.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.