Keep the door locked…Sam is excited to spend a week at her uncle’s remote lake cabin. It’s a chance for her to focus on her art without distractions: no neighbours, no phone, and a small radio as her only contact with the outside world.But there’s something deeply unnatural lingering in the lake.The radio’s news reports talk about disappearances on a nearby hiking trail. The car won’t start. … on a nearby hiking trail. The car won’t start. And Sam starts to believe she’s being stalked when she catches glimpses of a tall, strange man standing at the end of her dock, staring intently into the swirling waters below…
“A beautiful marriage of supernatural to a terrifying scenario… if you enjoy a suspenseful, frightening horror story, then Dead Lake is most definitely for you.” -Twisted Book Junkie
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Struggling artist Sam has been offered an opportunity of a lifetime—a showing of her artwork at a prestigious gallery that could either make or break her career. But as with all things in life, when one path takes you to the realm of possibilities, a roadblock pops up, and in Sam’s case, it is caring for her terminally ill mother. After her passing, Sam is left with a broken heart and lack of creativity to fulfill the gallery request. With two weeks till her show, Sam is offered the use of her uncle’s remote cabin in the woods by Harob Lake. With painting supplies in hand, Sam ventures into the woods in hopes that the tranquil atmosphere will rejuvenate her spirit. But as the days pass, Sam begins sensing she is not alone. When her paintings begin taking on a dark and deadly pattern, Sam is terrified that perhaps there is more to the stories of the disappearing hikers…perhaps there is someone hunting the woods around Harob Lake…or perhaps it is something…
Dead Lake is a super quick horror story that could easily become your new scary campfire tale! Really enjoyed and will be on the lookout for more creepy reads from this author!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **
Suspenseful, dark, mysterious and occasionally macabre, ‘Dead Lake’ is a supernatural thriller set in and around a remote lake cabin.
The anticipation with which the story starts soon turns to foreboding which grows steadily more profound as the tale progresses.
Coates’ writing is enriched with vivid imagery that stimulates the reader’s senses and imagination, immersing them in the curiosity, and then the terror, experienced by Sam, the protagonist of the story. By the two-thirds point of the story, the fear and adrenaline is palpable and the suspense creates a strong sense of dread that is both compelling and distinctly uncomfortable.
Because of its suspense and brooding darkness, this is an excellent read that will appeal to readers of mystery, thrillers, and horror alike.
I can think of nothing more terrifying than knowing you are alone and being watched by a dangerous predator. Sam, (short for Samantha?) is in a remote area without the benefit of any kind of useful protection, and no means of escape. She must rely on her own wits and survival instincts to keep from being the next of many victims. This is considered a short story but it doesn’t need to be longer because it hits the ground running from the very start, and doesn’t let up until the very end. It kept my scalp and spine tingling throughout. Thank you Darcy!
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
This book made me a fan. I love ghost stories and this one is a page-turner. I’m a fan of Barbara Michaels and Darcy’s style is similar, but with just a tinge of Stephen King. In other words, very visual writing so it reads like a movie and scary as hell. She never insults your intelligence. Highly recommended if you love ghost stories and want to be scared! I hope Ms. Coates finds the notoriety her talent deserves.