Stranger In The Lake By Kimberly Belle Review | Book Obsessed Introverts
Stranger in the Lake, written by acclaimed author Kimberly Belle, is a gripping novel that explores the dark secrets that can lurk beneath the surface of even the most idyllic small towns.
In this thrilling mystery, protagonist Charlotte “Charlie” Cates finds herself drawn to the peaceful shores of Lake Crosby following a difficult divorce. However, her newfound sense of peace is short-lived, as the discovery of a dead woman’s body in the lake sets off a chain of events that will upend everything she thought she knew about her new town.
Main Themes and Ideas
One of the central themes of Stranger in the Lake is the idea that things are not always as they seem. This is evident not only in the shocking discovery of the dead woman’s body but also in the various twists and turns that the plot takes as Charlie tries to uncover the truth behind the crime.
Another theme that is explored in the novel is the idea of trust – specifically, how much trust we can place in those around us. As Charlie begins to investigate the murder, she quickly realizes that almost everyone in her new town has something to hide. This realization forces her to question who she can trust and whether anyone is truly who they claim to be.
Critical Evaluation of the Writing Style
Overall, Belle’s writing style in Stranger in the Lake is excellent. She has a gift for creating tension and suspense, and the pacing of the novel is spot-on. The characters are well-developed and believable, and the small town setting is vividly portrayed.
One area where the novel falls a bit short, however, is in its treatment of the murder victim herself. While the mystery surrounding her death drives much of the plot, the victim is not given much personality or depth, which makes it difficult for readers to feel invested in her fate.
Strengths and Weaknesses
One of the biggest strengths of Stranger in the Lake is its use of atmosphere. From the first page, readers will be drawn in by the sense of unease that Belle creates, and this unease only deepens as the novel progresses. In addition to this, the small town setting is both charming and unsettling, reinforcing the idea that darkness can lurk in even the most picturesque places.
On the other hand, one weakness of the novel is its occasional reliance on cliches. For example, the idea of a newcomer in a small town who discovers that everyone has something to hide has been explored in countless other books and movies. While Belle puts her own spin on the trope, some readers may find it a bit predictable.
Comparison to Other Works in its Genre
Stranger in the Lake can be compared to other works in the genre of mystery and thriller as it is a superb addition to the genre, with a unique spin on the classic small-town murder mystery trope. It stands up well against other works in the genre such as Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl and Paula Hawkins’ The Girl on the Train.
Conclusion
Overall, Stranger in the Lake is a well-written and engaging thriller that is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. While it may rely on some familiar tropes from the genre, it does so in a way that feels fresh and original. Fans of mystery and suspense novels should definitely add this one to their reading list.
FAQ
What is the book about?
Stranger in the Lake follows a woman named Charlie who finds herself drawn to the peaceful shores of Lake Crosby following a difficult divorce. However, her newfound sense of peace is short-lived, as the discovery of a dead woman’s body in the lake sets off a chain of events that will upend everything she thought she knew about her new town.
Who is the author of the book?
Stranger in the Lake was written by Kimberly Belle, an acclaimed author known for her work in the mystery and suspense genres. In addition to this book, she has also written other well-received titles such as Dear Wife and Three Days Missing.
What are the main themes of the book?
Some of the main themes explored in Stranger in the Lake include the idea that things are not always as they seem and the notion of trust – specifically, how much trust we can place in those around us.
Who would enjoy reading this book?
Stranger in the Lake is a great read for anyone who enjoys mystery and suspense novels. Fans of authors like Gillian Flynn and Paula Hawkins are likely to enjoy this book.
Does this book have any problematic content?
While Stranger in the Lake does deal with some dark subject matter, there is nothing overly graphic or gratuitous in the book. However, readers sensitive to depictions of violence against women may want to exercise caution.
