Quick Take

Some places seem too beautiful to be touched by horror. Summit Lake, nestled in North Carolina s Blue Ridge Mountains, is that kind of place. But two weeks ago, Becca Eckersley, a first-year law student and daughter of a powerful attorney, was brutally murdered there. Now the town is reeling with grief, and the police are baffled. At first, investigative reporter Kelsey Castle thinks of the assignment as a fluff piece. But the savagery of the crime, and the efforts to keep it quiet, hint at something far more sinister than a random attack by a stranger. As Kelsey digs deeper, despite danger and warnings, she feels a growing connection to the dead girl. And the more she learns about Becca's friendships, her love life and her secrets the more convinced she becomes that walking in Becca's footsteps could lead her out of her own dark past.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Summit Lake

Introduction

"Summit Lake" by Charlie Donlea is a thrilling mystery novel set in the picturesque town of Summit Lake in North Carolina. The story revolves around the brutal murder of Becca Eckersley, a first-year law student, and the investigative reporter Kelsey Castle's quest to uncover the truth behind her death. With its blend of past and present narratives, the book keeps readers engaged and invested in the characters' lives.

About Charlie Donlea

Charlie Donlea, the author of "Summit Lake," is a USA Today and #1 International bestselling author known for his thrilling and suspenseful novels. His writing career began with "Summit Lake," which was followed by books such as "The Girl Who Was Taken," "Don't Believe It," "Some Choose Darkness," "The Suicide House," "Twenty Years Later," and "Those Empty Eyes." Donlea's books have been translated into twenty languages across nearly forty countries. He resides in Chicago with his wife and two children, and his experiences fishing in remote areas of Canada inspired the setting for his debut novel.

Analysis of Views

Engaging narrative: Readers praise the book for its engaging narrative that alternates between Becca's past and Kelsey's present, keeping them hooked until the end. The multiple points of view add depth to the story and create a sense of mystery.
Well-developed characters: The characters in the book, particularly Becca and Kelsey, are well-developed and relatable. Readers feel connected to them and become invested in their journeys, even though some find certain aspects of their actions unbelievable.
Atmospheric setting: The setting of Summit Lake, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is described vividly, creating an atmospheric backdrop that enhances the overall reading experience. The author's descriptions transport readers to this picturesque town, making it easy to visualize the scenes.
Suspenseful plot: The book's plot is suspenseful, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the end. Readers appreciate the author's ability to keep them engaged and surprised by revealing new information throughout the story.
Red herrings and misdirections: Some readers find the book's twists and misdirections effective in maintaining suspense, while others feel they are overused or misplaced. The author's attempts to throw red herrings may not always succeed in keeping readers on their toes.

Reasons for Recommendation

Engaging narrative: Readers recommend "Summit Lake" for its engaging narrative that keeps them hooked from start to finish. The alternating timelines and multiple points of view add depth to the story, making it an enjoyable read.
Well-developed characters: The characters in the book, particularly Becca and Kelsey, are well-developed and relatable, which makes readers invested in their journeys. Their personal struggles and relationships add depth to the story and make them memorable.
Atmospheric setting: The setting of Summit Lake, with its picturesque surroundings, adds atmosphere to the book, making it an immersive reading experience. The descriptions transport readers to this idyllic town and create a sense of suspense that complements the plot.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Overuse of twists: Some readers find that the book relies too heavily on twists and misdirections, which can become predictable or overwhelming. The constant red herrings may not always keep readers engaged or surprise them effectively.
Unbelievable aspects: A few readers find certain aspects of the story unbelievable, such as the ease with which Kelsey obtains classified documents or the lack of police involvement in solving the murder. These elements may detract from the overall credibility of the story for some readers.

Conclusion

"Summit Lake" by Charlie Donlea is a thrilling mystery novel that captivates readers with its engaging narrative, well-developed characters, and atmospheric setting. While some readers appreciate the book's suspenseful plot and relatable characters, others find certain aspects unbelievable or overly reliant on twists and misdirections. Overall, those who enjoy mysteries and suspenseful thrillers may find "Summit Lake" a worthwhile read, providing an immersive reading experience set against the backdrop of a picturesque North Carolina town.