Dead Lake
Ratings12
Average rating2.9
15
Ratings12
Average rating2.9
A week’s visit to the remote Harob Lake cabin couldn’t have come at a better time for Sam.
She’s battling artist’s block ahead of a major gallery exhibition. Staying at the lake house is her final, desperate attempt to paint the collection that could save her floundering career. It seems perfect: no neighbors, no phone, no distractions.
But the dream retreat disintegrates into a nightmare when Sam sees a stranger by the lake.
A tall, mysterious man stands on the edge of her dock, staring intently into the swirling waters below. He starts to follow her. He disables her car. He destroys her only way to communicate with the outside world. And something about the man seems… unnatural.
Soon Sam suspects he’s responsible for the series of disappearances from a nearby hiking trail.
Completely stranded, Sam realizes she’s become the prey in the hunter’s deadliest game…
Reviews with the most likes.
Coates is an excellent atmospheric writer and as I have loved a different novel of hers, I will continue picking up her works - but the story/plot progression for this novella didn't hit the mark for me.
I debated hard about giving this book 2 or 3 stars. On one hand the protagonist made me want to bash my own head in. She did ALL OF THE THINGS one shouldn't do when out on a remote AF cabin. It was insanely frustrating. But the story was shockingly short so there's that.
This is my second Darcy Coates book and I don't know if it's her thing but she's really good at building an atmosphere and background. Her descriptions are fantastic. BUT the story is over quickly. It's not a short story but it's not a full length novel either. It's weird.
There was a very M. Night Shyamalan-y twist at the end. I certainly didn't see it coming but even that was like WTF.
So what I'm saying is...I don't fully know how to feel about this book. LOL
The idea and the description was well, however it felt too rushed and missing some pieces to really make an impact and create the right atmosphere for my preferred reading experience when enjoying this kind of genre. I believe it would make a visually pleasing movie without jumpscares just building up suspense with the plot and natures scenery.
