Book Review: The Orphanage by the Lake by B. A. Easton
There’s something irresistibly captivating about a mystery shrouded in secrets and shadows, and that’s precisely what drew me to The Orphanage by the Lake by B. A. Easton. The combination of an idyllic yet ominous orphanage setting with a spine-chilling plot involving missing girls set my heartbeat racing from the very first page. As someone who loves sinking into a world of intrigue and emotional complexity, I couldn’t wait to unravel the layers of this tale—especially knowing that it promises to expose not just personal tragedies but societal horrors as well.
The story revolves around the enigmatic Saint Agnes Orphanage, where the disappearance of fifty girls over a span of twenty-five years looms like a dark cloud. We’re introduced to Madeline, a wealthy socialite whose tough exterior hides deep-seated pain—an aspect that resonates loud and clear. Her goddaughter, Mia, has gone missing from the orphanage, and Madeline’s desperation leads her to enlist the help of Hazel Cho, a budding private investigator struggling against her family’s vision of her future as a lawyer. This dynamic sets the stage for a thrilling chase through secrets, lies, and complicated relationships.
What I found particularly compelling was the intricate layer of character relationships that Easton crafts. Madeline and Hazel’s partnership, fueled by tension and an underlying vulnerability, adds depth to the narrative. And let’s not forget Kenny—Hazel’s best friend and secret admirer—whose loyalty adds a delightful foil to Hazel’s tumultuous journey. The introduction of charming yet dubious Andrew Dupont adds a handsome complexity to the mix, blurring lines between trust and betrayal. Each character serves as a cog in the wheel, spinning the story into unexpected directions.
Easton’s writing style flows seamlessly, perfectly encapsulating both the urgency of Hazel’s investigation and the eerie atmosphere of the orphanage. The pacing quickens as secrets unravel, but it’s the shocking revelations and moral questions that linger long after I closed the book. One moment that stuck with me was Madeline’s reflection on the nature of wrongdoing, a realization that left me contemplating the fine line between innocence and guilt in our society.
The cover of this book is a stunning visual that draws you in, and I can honestly say, it perfectly reflects the intricacies of what lies within—the beauty and horror intertwined. Halfway through, I thought I could predict where the plot was headed, but each twist led me down a path I hadn’t anticipated. Easton’s ability to challenge my deductions only fueled my excitement and kept me glued to the pages.
The Orphanage by the Lake is an exquisite blend of mystery and social commentary that I believe will resonate with fans of psychological thrillers and character-driven narratives. If you enjoy stories that make you ponder the darker facets of human nature while simultaneously delivering nail-biting suspense, then this book deserves a spot on your reading list. It certainly left me reflecting on the value of trust, the scars of the past, and the haunting question of how far we might go to protect the ones we love.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the advance copy—I’m so grateful for this enthralling read!
Discover more about The Orphanage by the Lake on GoodReads >>