Lost In The Lake: #Review @AJWaines @nholten40

? Happy Publication Day, A.J. Waines! 

Synopsis:

She came at first for answers…now she’s back for you

Amateur viola player Rosie Chandler is the sole survivor of a crash which sends members of a string quartet plunging into a lake. Convinced the ‘accident’ was deliberate, but unable to recall what happened, she is determined to recover her lost memories and seeks out clinical psychologist, Dr Samantha Willerby.

But Rosie is hiding something…

Sam is immediately drawn to the tragic Rosie and as she helps her piece the fragments together, the police find disturbing new evidence which raises further questions. Why is Rosie so desperate to recover her worthless viola? And what happened to the violin lost in the crash, worth over £2m?

When Rosie insists they return to the lake to relive the fatal incident, the truth about Rosie finally creeps up on Sam – but by now, she’s seriously out of her depth…

The second book in the Dr Samantha Willerby series, Lost in the Lake is a nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat Psychological Thriller that will leave you glancing over your shoulder.

My Rating: 5/5

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My Review:

I would like to thank AJ Waines for an ARC of this book which I chose to read and review, offering my unbiased opinion.

AJ  Waines never disappoints me with her psychological thrillers.  Lost in the Lake ticked every box for me and I was thrilled once again to be caught off guard.

The story mainly takes place in London, although there are some references to the Lake District.  Loneliness, loss, low self esteem, desperation, obsession, fear, guilt, anger, mistrust, crossed boundaries, distorted relationships and a search for the truth can all be found within the pages of this book.

The author had me from the prologue – reeled in instantly by the #killerhook, I knew I was in for a disturbing ride.  The story is told from two people’s point of view: Sam Willerby (a Clinical Psychologist) and her patient Rosie.  Each character is in first person POV and this was well written.  It easily flowed and you knew exactly who’s point of view you were reading.  As with all of this author’s previous books, I was kept guessing all the way throughout.  I love AJ Waines’ writing style and the narrative is tight, enthralling and very believeable. Having a background in psychotherapy herself, it is clear the author knows exactly what elements would make a great thriller.

Character-wise, we meet Sam Willerby again (this is the second book of the series) and she is once again faced with a challenging case.  She is an early riser, likes a TO DO list and…wait, I could be describing myself here! Maybe she is my doppleganger in the fictional world – just much smarter, and probably thinner….boo….Ok, seriously, I love her character!  She frustrates the hell out of me as she can be just TOO nice at times and perhaps a little too trusting given her profession.  But she wants to help people, so we can forgive her these traits – as she soon smartens up when she realises she may be being manipulated. Sam can be very self-critical and easily points out her own flaws, so there is no need for the reader to jump on board.  She is relatable, and this is why I like her so much.

“Sometimes the truth doesn’t set you free”

Let’s talk about Rosie.  There is no doubt she suffered a trauma which brings her to Sam in the first place – but this gal had problems before….oh yeah, probably an understatement.  Rosie is narcissitic, needy, manipulative and damaged.  At times I really liked her character, and at other times, I really despised her.  I also felt sorry for her, until I realised I too was being drawn into her lies and delusions.  What a fabulously written character.

We are introduced to Sam’s sister, Miranda in the first book  Inside The Whispers so I was pleased to see her making an appearance again.  Miranda has a child-like quality to her which frustrates Sam – and their relationship is not an easy one.  I suspect, however, that a part of Sam wishes she could be as free-spirited as Miranda.  But she sure does not make things easy on herself and I was a little pissed off to say the least – *no spoilers* though.  But OMFG! Why Miranda….why!?

Needless to say, I could go on and include other characters who added to this story- but I have to leave some things for you to find out yourselves! I absolutely adore the psychological focus of this author’s books and turn each page in eager anticipation of the next WTAF moment I know I will be getting!  After No Longer Safe  AJ Waines has become a firm favourite author for me in terms of psych-thrillers that mess with my head.  It doesn’t matter how much I think I know – she always knocks me for six!

The question is, do I recommend Lost In The Lake?  Erm – that would be a most obvious Hell Yeah! If you are looking for an emotive, intense, catch-your-breath kind of read – look no further and click the book below….