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Inspector Hilary Casgrain and the other Elk Ridge officers are scrambling. Four victims in one day is a bleak and frightening record.

The disaster starts with a horrific death at the hot springs and doesn’t end until the discovery of the other bodies.

Elk Ridge is a tourist destination. The picturesque mountain setting, late winter weather, and student spring break mean the community is bustling with visitors. One sunny afternoon, a tour bus delivers the members of a photography club to town. Not all will be returning home.

Meanwhile, a member of the department is cornered. A citizen is alleging the worst type of harassment and Hilary is torn. Defend her officer, no matter what? Or launch an investigation that threatens to destroy the trust she has worked so hard to build?

Can Hilary and her team restore the reputation of the town and confidence in her leadership before any further bloodshed?Murder At Lost Lake will sweep you back into Elk Ridge for the twists, turns and unputdownable reading that this new crime fiction series promises.

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 22, 2024

173 people are currently reading
27 people want to read

About the author

Anne Shillolo

98 books287 followers
I love writing every day and the result so far is three mystery series, and counting. I’ve been retired from teaching for a couple of years, and am totally immersed in my new career as a mystery writer. I hope you enjoy the results!
The Murder In Season trilogy features injured detective constable Claire Beckett.
The longer Poodle Versus… series is a reader favorite. It features small-town action, zany characters, and a Nasty Small Poodle who will capture your heart.
This year I plan to release several books following DC Holly Towns, starting with Goodbye Port Alma.
The Free Prequels to all my series are available on my website, AnneShillolo.com.
You can find me on Facebook as Anne Shillolo Writer.
Happy reading!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,612 reviews16 followers
March 23, 2024
An intriguing mystery!

This is for sure a wild ride if you’ll pardon the pun. While the investigation is by no means straightforward or easy the department led by Inspector Hilary Casgrain think they have a handle on what they’re investigating. Three dead bodies, a company with international as well as local interests, little physical evidence, an unexpected blackmail scheme and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Then there’s the twist. No I’m not going to ruin it you’ll have to read and wait for it but it’s a doozy!
I absolutely loved this book! I like the communal way that the station runs, I love how we are there step by step for the investigation. The characters are varied and wonderful and make the story come alive. And I love, love, loved this plot! Absolutely amazing! 5/5 stars without a doubt!
I received an ARC from this author. The opinions expressed in this review are wholly my own and reflect my true feelings on this book.
1,529 reviews32 followers
March 21, 2024
Inspector Hilary Casgrain Murder Mysteries:
Murder at Lost Lake, #3 - I absolutely love this series. Again, with immersing story lines, interesting characters and a steady pace this is a hard to put down story. A good twist concerning the murder. Read in order for the best entertainment. Source: The author, ARC. 5*

Murder at Aspen Creek - The prequel to a new series by Ms. Shillolo. Interesting, intriguing with immersing story lines and good characters. A lot going on in this quick to read story. 5*

Murder at Elk Ridge, #1 - I enjoyed reading this book as much as I enjoyed the Port Alma Murder Mysteries by this author. Always well written with good characters, good dialog and good story lines making it easy to get immersed in the drama. There are quite a few cases going on from hate crimes to serial murders as the new Inspector begins life in a smaller town. There are twists and the story is beefy. No silly dramas or ridiculous thoughts or actions but well oiled team work between the police force members, and the townspeople. 5*

Murder at Arrow Pass, #2 - I died laughing from the last three sentences of this story. The rest of the story had my attention with all the crime and the work done by the police force. Characters from the first book arrive in Elk Ridge, adding to the workload. Interesting story lines along with getting to know the ERPD characters better, and intriguing crimes made this easy to read without stops. Source: The author. 5*
Inspector Hilary Casgrain Murder Mysteries end.


Port Alma Murder Mysteries:
GOODBYE ELORA INN - An interesting, quickly read investigation with good story lines, good characters, interesting support characters and a touch of humor. A simple, relaxing way to spend an evening. Source: the author, ARC. 4*

Goodbye Port Alma - Surprised and excited to find this author. Finally after all the trash I have to wade through to find an author that cannot only write an interesting story with good characters and good story lines, but also does not use profanity, knows proper grammar and punctuation and does not feel the need to add current politics. Refreshing. Fast-paced. Ready for the next book. 5*

Goodbye Lake Street - One big mistake made: Why wasn't 911 called either while she was chasing her or after the other incident was under control? Fifteen minutes is too long to remember the chased. Otherwise, a good relaxation. I missed the three previous books but it did not affect the story, a stand alone. Good, clean read with good characters and good story lines. Easy to read and fast-paced till the last page. 4*

Goodbye Foxbridge Lane, prequel - Interesting, short introduction to the Goodbye series. Good characters and good story lines. 4*

Goodbye Sky Field, #6 - Well written with intense story lines had me immersed in the pages, taking my time to read this book. Holly did well with all the cases from one day's events and the personal attack that puts her behind the desk. The ending was a cheerful balance to the heavy topics unfolding through out the story. Probably the best book so far. 5*

Goodbye Linden Square, #7 - This series is one of my favorites. Good, intelligent characters blended with good story lines, old and new, and good dialog weave a tapestry of interest and intrigue that is hard to put once reading begins. It is difficult to write a review without it becoming a book report since these books are so interesting with characters that are not silly idiots. There is a twist that was funny and well done, and that character will be a great addition to the regular cast. 5*
Port Alma Murder Mysteries end.
Profile Image for Valeri.
35 reviews
March 22, 2024
I love this series, and the characters are so well written as individuals it’s hard not to attach to all of them. Inspector Hilary Casgrain is the main character yes, but the way she draws all of her officers into the work make it all part of a piece. There are major characters, minor characters and side characters, and even side characters get enough detail to make them more than one-dimensional. I love this series for the characters and how they handle the situations that arise: it doesn’t feel like a police procedural, it feels like a day in the life of, with the small team of officers a part of the local family.

This story is as brilliantly written as the previous, and with more plot twists too. True to life it’s not one simple situation needing resolution, but a tumult of the typical with fingers of tragedy plucking at multiple people and problems. The personal aspects of how this affects everyone is one of the best parts of this writing, and the investigative work is presented so well, exposing information that allows readers to come to their conclusions as well.

And the whole community created here makes a welcome thread that connects each book and I look forward to seeing what will happen next with the people who feel very real. I could easily be one of the people in that café overhearing some of the conversations, and I love that authenticity.

The twists and turns keep things moving on again just when we think we’ve found the truth. So well written. I’m ready for the next one! Anne Shillolo is one of my top favourite authors of all time and honestly I wish these books could be made into a tv series.

I’m so glad I got the chance to read an advance copy of this incredible book just for leaving an honest review about how much I loved it!
Profile Image for Aparna J.
433 reviews5 followers
March 23, 2024
Author Anne Shillolo has outdone herself with yet another brilliant masterpiece in Murder at Lost Lake. The depth in the leading characters of all her books and the intricate plots have left a lasting impression on me. She's awesome and I admire her excellent penmanship. Zora Flynn, DC Holly Towns and Inspector Hilary Casgrain are my favorite characters.

Murder at Lost Lake is the third book in the series. It got me completely hooked and I found it very difficult to put it down even for a moment.

Inspector Hilary Casgrain and her team get involved in a complicated case of multiple deaths in a single day. There is a witness to one of the murders, barely clinging to life. One of the deceased has been identified as Elwood Church, the owner of Church Mining. He's survived by his 15 year old grandson. Hilary suspects his death might be linked to environmental based projects. Before she and the other police officers could continue their investigation, another shock awaits them with the discovery of more bodies. Are these deaths interrelated? Will Church's grandson end up as the next victim?

As the plot unfolds, the twists and turns not only keep readers guessing but also deepen their investment in the story, ensuring that they remain glued to each page until the very end. I highly recommend it for the lovers of a good murder mystery.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. I thank Ms.Shillolo for sharing this splendid book with me.
Profile Image for Carol.
7 reviews
April 2, 2024
Another action packed crime thriller from Anne Shillolo. Murder at Lost Lake is the third of the Hilary Casgrain series. Hilary and the team are confronted with three deaths and a missing judge all on the same day. The judge needs to be found urgently before she succumbs to hypothermia. The team have to determine if the three deaths are related - one by shotgun and two from a car accident.
As if they don't have enough on their plate, one of the team is accused of assaulting a local woman. Hilary has no choice but to suspend the officer while an investigation is carried out.
Great character development and scenery descriptions. I loved reading this book and could almost feel the cold and snow. The author keeps us guessing the whole way through with a number of red herrings to add to the intrigue. I have to admit though, that I was not prepared for the twist of the final solution, which took me by surprise. Well worth reading! Keep up the good work Ms Shillolo. I can't wait for your next book.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest opinion.
2,130 reviews46 followers
April 16, 2024
Inspector Hilary Casgrain is finding her footing in Elk Ridge. I was impressed how she's turning her life around. But the Murder at Lost Lake might just change that. The murder of prominent mine owner Elwood Church followed immediately by additional deaths has everyone on edge. There are no clues and no suspects. Inspector Casgrain and her officers need to find the truth immediately, but I wasn't sure if they could. Even worse one of her team has been accused by a resident of sexual assault. Hilary knows she must start an investigation into the alleged crime. She also knows the rest of her team won't understand. I couldn't believe what's happening. However I felt that if anyone can find the truth it's Hilary. I liked all the Elk Ridge characters. They are dedicated to their profession. The Murder At Lost Lake is filled with nonstop action. The drama keeps building. There are hidden motives and deep rooted secrets. People are not who they seem to be. I couldn't put this book down. I had to know the truth. Anne Shillolo has out done herself with this mystery. I wonder what will happen next.
Profile Image for SylviaV.
691 reviews9 followers
March 23, 2024
Murder at Lost Lake: An Inspector Hilary Casgrain Murder Mystery
(An Elk Ridge Murder Mystery Book 3)

This is a crime mystery book, with the main focus on Inspector Hilary Casgrain and her team of co-workers, both civilian and police officers and their efforts to catch the bad guys. This task is made more difficult as they are all part of a small community in a region that attracts lots of visitors with a ski resort, hot springs and many other tourist attractions. Another great read. The book kept me engaged to find out how the story ends.
This is book 3 in the series and can be read as a stand-alone book. There is no need to read these books in order but each book builds on the previous book in the way the interactions between the characters are portrayed. I suggest you read these books in order. Start with the novella called Murder at Aspen Creek: An Inspector Hilary Casgrain Murder Mystery (An Elk Ridge Murder Mystery) that introduces Inspector Hilary Casgrain.
1,206 reviews
March 22, 2024
Where do I begin? This story deserves more than 5 stars! The amount of detail Anne incorporated into the story showed she conducted a massive amount of research to get the information correct. Inspector Hilary Casgrain had her hands full with three homicides, an assault charge against one of her police officers and protestors that kept her very busy! Hilary was able to keep her cool and juggle everything going on with professionalism. Highly recommend the whole series and I look forward the next investigation.

This was such a captivating story. In my opinion, it had everything one would look for in a good mystery. I was hooked from the first page till the last. The characters were well-written, showed great camaraderie, determination to solve the homicides, and fantastic dialog between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
540 reviews4 followers
March 23, 2024
Inspector Hilary from Elk Ridge and Sergeant George (Goat) Rundle have their hands full with a murder at Lost Lake Hot Springs. Wes and Susan Blackthorne are retirees who volunteers for the department and Wes’s sister Margaret is missing. When they realize that the dead man is Elwood Church who owns Church mining and he has been raising his teenage grandson with the help of Charlton his butler. But before they hardly got started they are alerted that there was a vehicle accident. Now they have two dead women from the car. When they find out Margaret is a judge could she have been the target instead of Elwood?
All hands in the department are on deck to figure out who killed Elwood and the identities of the two women. But then a woman accuses Sergeant Goat Rundle of sexual assault so he is locked up and can’t help for some time.
So many suspects to the three deaths and how are they connected.

I received this ARC from the author for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,235 reviews11 followers
March 25, 2024
This is a crazy and exciting read that you won’t want to put down till you finish it! Inspector Hilary Casgrain has her hands full all of a sudden with multiple cases all happening close together. She’s called to Lost Lake Hot Springs for the shooting death of a man that Sergeant Rundle identifies as Elwood Church, of Church Mining. While there she discovers the discarded clothing of a woman who apparently ran from the shooting! She calls for a search, finding a vulnerable older woman in severe hypothermia just in time. Then she gets the news that a few miles down the road, a car lost control and rolled down the embankment with two victims inside. Can any of these strange events be related? Inspector Hilary has her work cut out for her! The characters are portrayed so realistically that you feel like you know them, but the twists and turns will have you working to keep up! I received a free ARC of this book from the author and I write this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Charlotte Baddeley.
294 reviews14 followers
March 25, 2024
This is the third book in the Elk Ridge series starring Inspector Hilary Casgrain and her team. As usual Anne Shillolo manages to combine her wonderful descriptions of Canadian scenery with a thrilling murder mystery and reintroducing all the amazing characters from previous books in this series.

Actually this is not a murder mystery, it is several murder mysteries. We have three dead bodies in the first chapter which certainly gets this book off with a bang. Hilary certainly has her hands full this time with so many bodies and so many suspects. She also has to cope with an attempted blackmailing plot. The pressure is certainly on to solve these murders before anyone else is killed.

The background to the story is the topical subject of going green versus money and Anne Shillolo has certainly done her research on this topic. There are so many twists and turns and at no time did I have a glimmer at how this would turn out.
486 reviews6 followers
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March 21, 2024
Anne Shillolo’s books are always filled with edge of your seat excitement. When a death is reported at Lost Lake Hot Springs, Inspector Hilary Casgrain and her staff of excellent police officers are soon on the scene. Wondering who could have murdered a well-known businessman, Casgrain finds a woman who witnessed the killing almost frozen with hypothermia. Hoping the witness survives, Casgrain is soon called away from the murder scene to an accident where two more victims are found. Wondering if the two incidents are related, she and her team have a lot to investigate. This storyline is well-written, with fully developed characters, a terrific mystery with an inspector who will stop at nothing until both cases are solved. I love this author and always enjoy her books. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.
1,400 reviews16 followers
March 23, 2024
This is brilliantly written as always!! I love all things Anne Shillolo and this does not disappoint, if I could give this 100 stars I would!!! Her books pull you in from the first page, and you want to read them in one sitting. Inspector Hilary Casgrain is very through and on point with her investigations. Elwood Church (Church mining) is found dead, and Margaret Blackthorne (a Judge) is missing in the same area. Are these crimes related? They then get a call of a car accident, it is now all hands on deck. All of these crimes are connected but why? We also have a possible sexual assault, and a deadbeat dad. Ms. Shillolo always has her stories run smoothly. Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I can't wait to see what Ms. Shillolo writes next, she needs to write faster!!!
2,630 reviews45 followers
March 20, 2024
This is a really busy one with lots of moving parts and a multilayered story. You'll need a score card to keep up with all the action going on. Everytime you turn around there are new possibilities and suspects. I was definitely on the wrong trail. I heartily agree with the one killing. It was an open and shut case imo. The second killings shattered my soul. Innocent people killed for living their lives. When I got Doug's backstory I was sickened. He really was a deadbeat dad, and I wanted to see justice so bad I could taste it. Things happened so quickly when it all went down that my head was spinning with the reality of it all. To sum it up, some killings and some young love and a great storyline and characters for a suspenseful read.
581 reviews5 followers
April 17, 2024
This is a very well written series. The description used in the characters, both main and supporting, make them seem real rather than one dimensional. Although Inspector Hilary Casgrain is the main character, the way the series is written, it feels as every member of her small police force is equally important in solving the crimes. Also, it is realistic in that they are dealing with more crimes and incidents at the same time as the main one .
There were plenty of threads to this story and some unexpected twists but just enough to make the book hard to put down. I am interested to see if some of the new characters will carry over into future books. I can't wait for the next book.
I received an arc copy of this book and I am freely offering this honest review
455 reviews5 followers
March 22, 2024
Murder at Lost Lake is Hillary's most challenging case yet! What starts as a single murder quickly escalates into three murder, a missing judge and suspected danger for a teenager! The "new" Hillary is doing a good job of getting to know her constables and I am loving reading about all the constables and meeting new characters. With each book we get to know more about each constable, and the other staff at the Elk Ridge station. Reading how Hillary helps them develop their strengths is a part of what makes this series do good. Ms. Shillolo's characters are fast becoming some of my favorites, I can hardly wait to see what the crew does next.
Profile Image for Merry Chapman.
2,642 reviews25 followers
March 22, 2024
DI Hilary Casgrain and her constabulary have their work cut out for them from the beginning. How does A photographer suffering hypothermia who may know something, a murder and a car accident all in one day. With so many twists and turns we are treated to a fantastic mystery with a great lead character and lots of surprises you just didn't see coming. I read this on the edge of my seat in one sitting because once you begin, you just can't put it down. This is a really good series that I highly recommend and can't wait to see what else fall upon Hilary! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Profile Image for Janet Graham.
2,506 reviews11 followers
March 23, 2024
Multiple Deaths, Multiple Scenes, Multiple Problems
This book is part of a series that would be best read in order, but each book completes its own story. This book and the series are clean stories with no foul language, no sex, no gore, and little violence. In this episode, Inspector Hillary and her constables look at 2 crime scenes that result in multiple deaths, plus a blackmailer. It makes for a very busy week with plenty of tourists in town for Spring Break and Skiing. This is a very good story that the reader gets to know the clue just as soon as the constables do. There are interesting side stories that break the monotony. Highly recommend this series and anything by this author.
Profile Image for Denise .
839 reviews10 followers
March 25, 2024
This third installment in the Elk Ridge Murder Mystery series gives us all the elements Anne Shillolo’s readers have come to expect - relatable characters, a well crafted, intriguing mystery, methodical investigation and enough action to keep the pages turning. Hilary Casgrain leads a team that has grown as an investigative unit, gained confidence in their individual abilities and have bonded as a cohesive, supportive team. I like this series for the storylines and its police procedural investigations, but also because of its characters. In many ways, their evolution as a team and as individuals has played as significant a role in the series as the mysteries have.
160 reviews
March 27, 2024
Excellent Clean Police Procedural with Lots of Twists!
This is a wonderful series and this latest installment is another excellent mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed! Hilary manages to find a balance between her new softer approach and her “shark” approach to unravel the many layers of these cases. For those following along with the series, there is more information in this book about Hilary’s past with Goat, and I was excited to learn more. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a clean police procedural! I read an ARC of the book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
1,050 reviews10 followers
March 22, 2024
Wow - fabulous story!

I loved this book! A cover to cover read in one sitting for this fabulous story. I love Hilary and her team of police officers - the comradery, the intelligence, the approach to investigations is all so incredible. Mind boggling the situations the police deal with in a calm, cool and professional manner. The characters were real, the situations real and the outcome positive. Kudos to Anne for this fabulous story.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Leona Ennis.
114 reviews3 followers
March 23, 2024
I received this book from the author as a member of the ARC team in return for my honest review. Inspector Hilary Casgrain starts her day with four victims and numerous potential perpetrators. All cases are seemingly related and the police department is busy trying to sort things out. On top of that, there is a 15 year old heir to one of the victims who may also be in danger. This book kept my attention the entire time I was reading. With several twists and turns, the outcome was a surprise at the end of the book. I highly recommend this book and all work by this author!
26 reviews
April 3, 2024
I really enjoy this book series. All the members of the police department work together and aren’t trying to undermine each other.
In this story Inspector Hilary Casgrain and the police department have their work cutout for them. Three people are dead in one day and a fourth is in hospital. Are they all connected?
Then when it feels like they are making very little progress one of their members is accused of harassment. Hilary has a tough decision on her hands. Several twists and turns, an enjoyable read and I wanted to keep reading to see what happened.
950 reviews29 followers
March 19, 2024
Another riveting adventure from Anne in the Inspector Hilary Casgrain series. Kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. A gripping page turner with plenty of suspects, twists & turns. This series goes from strength to strength. There were so many investigations & interactions. Brilliant read. Highly recommend
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author. I am writing a voluntary honest review
858 reviews5 followers
March 22, 2024
An early morning brings Hilary Casgrain the murder of a prominent citizen, a case of hypothermia and a car accident. And that is just the start of the day.
I loved this book and this series. Hilary is such a great character, and the storyline will keep you guessing from the first to the last page. Lots of surprises. Just a fantastic book to read. I can only recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book from the author. I am leaving a voluntary and honest review.
533 reviews11 followers
April 10, 2024
What an exciting murder mystery! Who knew that three murders in one day could happen in the picturesque small ski town with a tiny police force lead by the impressive inspector Hilary? The book is more about the hectic life of Hilary and her dedicated fellow police officers, their tireless pursuit of catching the killer, and less about the mystery. I have to admit that the author threw us a curve ball and the ending is a big surprise.
Profile Image for Loretta.
386 reviews
April 26, 2024
The weather snow bound and Hillary is told that a body was found at the Hot Springs and finds that a woman was there and called 911 but ran away to hide from the killer. She was found but in poor shape. Then Hillary was notified of a car going over a cliff. With all this Hillary and her staff are keeping busy with more crimes to solve. Lots of suspense that keeps you reading!
1,018 reviews9 followers
March 20, 2024
Another very good read. It starts off with the shooting of a prominent business man pre dawn at some hot lakes, a woman who was in one of the pools rushes off & almost frozen, but, fortunately found in time. Then a car crash that kills two women. There are a lot of things going on in this book, several people come under suspicion & a very interesting ending.
60 reviews
March 23, 2024
I am enjoying this series so much. I read each as soon as I get my hands on them. This is a team that works well together, without all the conflict between themselves. I liked the characters and the suspense of the plot. I hope the series continues for a long time come.

Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
161 reviews2 followers
March 23, 2024
I love the way Shillolo paint sword pictures that make me ‘see’ the setting. Her descriptions of the mountain terrain, the hot pools, the people, bring the story to life. Hillary is a flawed woman trying to make a new path while battling old behaviour patterns; her aha moment was perfect. Complex, well written story that keeps me reading when I should be doing other things.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews

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