Many thanks to Jamie Jo Wright, NetGalley, and Bethany House Publishing for the opportunity to read this book!

The Souls of Lost Lake is the first book I have read by Jamie Jo Wright and I must say, it took me by surprise. A dual timeline that begins in the 1930s when Ava Coons at just thirteen appears from the woods covered in blood dragging an ax. Her whole family is murdered but how could a young girl commit such atrocities? Is it even possible? Well, the whole town thinks so. When there is another murder years later, suspicion falls on Ava once again. Only with the help of a young preacher and an old widow will she be able to hide from the tumultuous community. Meanwhile, in present-day a young girl has gone missing in the woods near Lost Lake, Arwen, also known as Wren has been helping with the search. In ways she can’t quite figure out, this disappearance has affected her deeply. Could this disappearance be linked to the story of Ava Coons who is said to still haunt this forest?

This book quite confused me. Here we have a ghost story, an ax serial killer, a romance, and a Christian message? Don’t get me wrong, I quite enjoyed it, but I didn’t expect this dark of a story. For those who are not religious, this book can still make an impact and those who are religious will love the message it brings. At first, I felt the dual timelines weren’t that cohesive. However, they did come together perfectly in the end.

The romantic aspects were pretty predictable but the development really enhanced the story and gave it some extra depth.

Two things bothered me. The first is the portrayal of mental health. At first, the stigma of mental health was portrayed as it would have been in the 1930s. But towards the end of the novel, it is insinuated that those with mental health issues are more likely to commit violent crimes. Those suffering from any mental health issues may feel that stigma emotionally.

The second thing I did not think would bother me at first. BUT BE PREPARED: SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

Tolkien is a huge part of Arwen’s family.–Obviously since her name is Arwen. Her brother’s name is Pippin. Unfortunately, all of those who are obsessed with Tolkien is the dark characters in this book. It is silly, I know. But it is brought up so much about the love for Tolkien and then those characters are not the good characters. This doesn’t affect my rating at all. It was just something that made me frown towards the end. I will not tolerate any Tolkien-related slander.

Overall, this will not be my last Jamie Jo Wright book! I enjoyed the messages, even though the mental health stigmas could have been handled better. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.