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A review by booksamongstfriends
The Lake of Lost Girls by Katherine Greene
3.0
Did I enjoy this read? Definitely. At the same time, it’s one of those books where, upon reflection, nothing about it feels particularly groundbreaking. That said, there were aspects that stood out. For instance, the podcast elements— which can be hit or miss— worked well for me. The reader and the podcast are given a simultaneous access to information for that created a synchronized flow of discovery and sleuthing. I preferred this, as I didn’t have to wait for the podcast scenes to unearth new information or solve the case. Though this made the ending frustrating, it also better aligned with the use of the podcast throughout the book. The podcast’s limitations meant the reader held more knowledge than the hosts, which added an interesting layer of engagement in the end.
However, there are repetitive elements in the story. The male characters, for example, are universally untrustworthy. While this is undoubtedly intentional to cast doubt and illustrate the many ways predatory behavior impacts young girls and the ripple effects of one’s actions—it felt somewhat predictable. While told in dual timeline and various perspectives, it doesn’t do enough to mask the killer. Once the reader is introduced to the killer is become pretty easy to wonder and further deduce their motive. Though some may find it shocking, others— including myself— might think it’s shockingly obvious.
Despite some flaws I found, the book’s focus on the secrets and lives of young women on college campuses—and the harm they endure—is poignant. The story primarily follows the perspectives of four women, with the narrative centered on Lindsey, the last missing girl’s younger sister, as she seeks answers twenty-four years later. The other perspectives, especially Jessica’s, explore the connections between the girls, how they were preyed upon, and the ripple effects of one person’s actions on an entire community.
As I mentioned the podcast’s ending fits perfectly with how the author structured the narrative, though it was also irritating. It felt as though the story was attempting to justify one action while minimizing the gravity of what the killer did. Even so, the book is worth reading deciding how you feel by its end.
However, there are repetitive elements in the story. The male characters, for example, are universally untrustworthy. While this is undoubtedly intentional to cast doubt and illustrate the many ways predatory behavior impacts young girls and the ripple effects of one’s actions—it felt somewhat predictable. While told in dual timeline and various perspectives, it doesn’t do enough to mask the killer. Once the reader is introduced to the killer is become pretty easy to wonder and further deduce their motive. Though some may find it shocking, others— including myself— might think it’s shockingly obvious.
Despite some flaws I found, the book’s focus on the secrets and lives of young women on college campuses—and the harm they endure—is poignant. The story primarily follows the perspectives of four women, with the narrative centered on Lindsey, the last missing girl’s younger sister, as she seeks answers twenty-four years later. The other perspectives, especially Jessica’s, explore the connections between the girls, how they were preyed upon, and the ripple effects of one person’s actions on an entire community.
As I mentioned the podcast’s ending fits perfectly with how the author structured the narrative, though it was also irritating. It felt as though the story was attempting to justify one action while minimizing the gravity of what the killer did. Even so, the book is worth reading deciding how you feel by its end.