The Cry Of The Lake by Charlie Tyler
A gruesome discovery unravels a dark trail of murder and madness.
A six-year-old girl sneaks out of bed to capture a mermaid but instead discovers a dead body. Terrified and unable to make sense of what she sees, she locks the vision deep inside her mind.
Ten years later, Lily is introduced to the charismatic Flo and they become best friends. But Lily is guilt-ridden – she is hiding a terrible secret which has the power to destroy both their lives.When Flo’s father is accused of killing a schoolgirl, the horrors of Lily’s past come bubbling to the surface. Lily knows that, whatever the consequences, she has to make things right. She must go back to the events of her childhood and face what happened at the boat house all those years ago.
Can Lily and Flo discover what is hiding in the murky waters of the lake before the killer strikes again?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Charlie has been writing for years but it was taking a creative writing course in 2018 which gave her the gentle kick she needed to finish her debut novel.Charlie is very much a morning person and likes nothing more than committing a fictional murder before her first coffee of the day. She studied Theology at Worcester College, Oxford and now lives in a Leicestershire village with her husband, three teenagers and golden retriever.
Twitter @CharlieTyler17
Review
From the first line I was hooked! ‘Death smells of macaroons’. I am obsessed with them and crime fiction so there you go! Love at first line.
Considering that this is Charlie’s debut novel it is freakishly good. Opening with a murder, knowing who the murderer is straight away, is a great plot ploy as you are instantly wanting to understand the reasons behind it. Why is Grace murdering people when she comes across as a Stepford wife? Why doesn’t Lily talk? Plus why are they murdering a school girl? I loved the multiple POV as it allowed the reader to get right into the personalities of our main characters and I was captivated.
The twists and turns in the plot were relentless and I mean that in a good way! It was always surprising you with events and what happens to the characters. I feel as if I can’t say too much as I really don’t want to spoil the interlocking storylines! I fell the character of Flo though, so much so I think her and Annie should have their own series. I liked both their spunky natures and wanting to help others.
The reveal at the end was really well thought out! I have read some reviews where they mentioned the plot was confusing…..er were they reading the same book. I thought it made perfect sense. Yes, there are some physiological theory but it was easy to follow. It was very satisfying how all the strands came together for one final showdown. However, I think great authors are those who humanise their ‘baddie’ and shows empathy for circumstances that might have shaped their actions. This was certainly the case here as I felt sorry for that person.
In short I really enjoyed ‘The Cry of the Lake’ and encourage you to give it a try!
Please be aware that there may be some triggers for readers - sexual abuse etc.
