The Lake

Natasha Preston
54 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
YA
Published in 2021

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Book Brief

Natasha Preston

The Lake

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2021
Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Horror & Suspense

•

Mystery & Crime Fiction

•

Psychological Fiction
Setting

Camp • Contemporary

Theme
Conflict

•

Emotions/Behavior: Courage

•

Fear
Topic
Trauma & Abuse
First Publication Year

2021

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

13-18 years

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Super Short Summary

The Lake by Natasha Preston follows two teens who return to their childhood summer camp as counselors. Haunted by a dark secret from their past, they face new dangers that threaten to unearth their hidden truths. The thriller explores themes of friendship, guilt, and survival.

Mysterious

Dark

Suspenseful

Unnerving

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

3.5

43,300 ratings

49%

Loved it

31%

Mixed feelings

20%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Reviewers generally find The Lake by Natasha Preston to be a captivating thriller with a gripping plot and strong suspense. Positive highlights include the well-developed setting and engaging character dynamics. Critiques often focus on predictable plot twists and some implausible elements. Overall, it's a twisty, enjoyable read for fans of young adult thrillers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Lake?

Readers who enjoy suspenseful, young adult thrillers with a blend of mystery and drama would find Natasha Preston's The Lake captivating. Fans of Karen McManus’s One of Us Is Lying and Holly Jackson’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder will appreciate the gripping, tense narrative and layered secrets that unfold in this page-turner.

3.5

43,300 ratings

49%

Loved it

31%

Mixed feelings

20%

Not a fan

Character List

The protagonist and narrator, Esme is a cautious and practical camp counselor who struggles with internalized fear and anxiety while striving to protect her campers. Her leadership is often praised, but she lives in the shadow of a past incident with her best friend, Kayla.

Esme's lifelong best friend, Kayla contrasts Esme with her bubbly and dramatic personality. She often avoids reflecting on guilt and is eager to leave the past behind, wanting to enjoy her time at camp without being burdened by previous events.

Initially a charming and mysterious character, Olly shares a mutual attraction with Esme and gradually becomes more involved in the camp's mysterious happenings. He provides support to Esme despite their history intertwined with the past camp incident.

The story's antagonist, Lillian is a mysterious figure connected to the unsettling incidents at camp. Her presence looms as a dark reminder of the past encounter with Esme and Kayla.

A counselor-in-training with a seemingly shy nature, Rebekah is eager to connect with Esme, creating suspicion about her intentions. Her character evolves as more connections between her and the camp events are uncovered.

The lead counselor, Andy is characterized by his strict demeanor and attention to camp procedures, although his failure to recognize and act on the seriousness of the camp's incidents has significant consequences.

Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Horror & Suspense

•

Mystery & Crime Fiction

•

Psychological Fiction
Setting

Camp • Contemporary

Theme
Conflict

•

Emotions/Behavior: Courage

•

Fear
Topic
Trauma & Abuse
First Publication Year

2021

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

13-18 years

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