Minnie's Fiction Addiction

👀 First impressions:
The Lake is set at Creaglie Castle, a secluded luxury retreat on a remote Scottish loch. Guests arrive expecting indulgence, discretion and a touch of gothic charm, complete with rumours of ghosts and sweeping views. When a violent storm cuts the castle off from the mainland, the isolation turns deadly. What follows is a tense closed circle mystery where secrets surface, trust evaporates and it becomes clear that not everyone will survive the stay.

✅ What I Liked:
The setting does a huge amount of work here. The remote loch, the looming castle and the relentless storm create a claustrophobic atmosphere that feels purpose built for suspense. Catherine Cooper is particularly strong at establishing mood, leaning into the eeriness of isolation and the performative luxury of the retreat. The gradual unravelling of past connections between the guests keeps the tension ticking along, and the central mystery is engaging enough to encourage steady reading. It is easy to imagine this story unfolding on screen, which speaks to the clarity of the setup.

❎ What I didn’t Like:
The large cast means some characters feel more like archetypes than fully realised people, which limits emotional investment. While the twists are competently executed, they often feel familiar rather than shocking. The pacing can also be uneven, with moments where backstory takes precedence over forward momentum, slightly blunting the tension created by the storm and isolation.

📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
If you enjoy locked location thrillers with glamorous settings and a steady build of suspicion, this is a solid choice. Fans of storm cut off mysteries and secrets among the wealthy will find plenty to enjoy. It works particularly well as a moody weekend read where atmosphere matters as much as surprise.

💭 Final Thoughts:
The Lake delivers a chilling setting and a reliable mystery without pushing the genre into new territory. While it did not fully surprise me, it succeeds as an atmospheric thriller that keeps its secrets just long enough. A polished and readable novel that will appeal to fans of modern closed circle suspense.

🛍️ Where to buy
To buy your own copy click HERE and HERE

Final Rating ★★★ – An atmospheric storm bound thriller with classic locked door tension