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The Lake
Still waters hide dark secrets … A remote Scottish lake
The guests arriving at Carnoustie Castle are expecting discreet luxury, panoramic views, and perhaps a glimpse of one of its infamous ghosts.
No means of escape
When a violent storm severs all contact with the mainland, it’s not the spirits they need to fear…
Trust no one
As the past resurfaces and trust vanishes, it's clear that not everyone will be leaving Carnoustie Castle alive.
Will The Lake give up its secrets, before somebody else dies?
The guests arriving at Carnoustie Castle are expecting discreet luxury, panoramic views, and perhaps a glimpse of one of its infamous ghosts.
No means of escape
When a violent storm severs all contact with the mainland, it’s not the spirits they need to fear…
Trust no one
As the past resurfaces and trust vanishes, it's clear that not everyone will be leaving Carnoustie Castle alive.
Will The Lake give up its secrets, before somebody else dies?
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2025
83 people are currently reading
442 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Cooper
13 books279 followersI am a freelance journalist living in the South of France with my husband and two teenage children. We moved from London in 2009 so that the children could grow up bilingual and we could all ski more, and to enjoy a more relaxed pace of life.
I learned to ski on a school trip when I was 14 and have loved it ever since.
I'm an avid thriller reader and have been since I discovered Agatha Christie as a child.
The Chalet is my first published full-length novel, though I have also written several (unpublished) thrillers for teens and a (what used to be called) chick lit novel set in TV production.
Other than skiing and reading I love travel, theme parks (the pic on this page was taken on a rollercoaster in Spain) and I spend far too much time on social media. Some of my other favourite things include Alan Partridge, sparkly flip flops and salt and vinegar crisps.
I learned to ski on a school trip when I was 14 and have loved it ever since.
I'm an avid thriller reader and have been since I discovered Agatha Christie as a child.
The Chalet is my first published full-length novel, though I have also written several (unpublished) thrillers for teens and a (what used to be called) chick lit novel set in TV production.
Other than skiing and reading I love travel, theme parks (the pic on this page was taken on a rollercoaster in Spain) and I spend far too much time on social media. Some of my other favourite things include Alan Partridge, sparkly flip flops and salt and vinegar crisps.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
March 16, 2026
This is a ghostly tale with some killer twists! It’s been a while since I have read a book from Cooper, so I was excited to see what this story had on offer, especially due to the haunting cover. Perfect for Halloween, this book has chills, murders and plenty of mystery surrounding an old castle on a Scottish lake.
The first part of the story establishes the present timeline with special guests arriving for the launch of Carnoustie Castle’s new venture: offering the heritage site an ‘access all areas’ pass where you can live like a laird, be waited on hand and foot and, most importantly? Get a taste of the ghosts that are rumoured to haunt the castle, dating back centuries. However, no sooner than the guests have been fed on their opening night, there is a death, strange noises and unexplainable behaviours. What is really going on? Completely spooked and isolated thanks to the raging storm outside (as you would expect), the guests huddle together in the library through the night, not trusting anyone in their company.
This opening part of the story is really pacey but there were some drawbacks to it. Whilst the chapters are short and punchy, I struggled to keep track of the different guests as the narrative viewpoint switched between characters. Particularly concerning the female guests, a couple of them felt quite similar in personality and this became a bit frustrating as the story developed. Perhaps it was because I was reading the book too quickly (likely!), but you definitely need to be on the ball in the opening chapters.
However, just as the story is getting going, Cooper abruptly shifts back in time and we learn more about life at Carnoustie Castle, the current laird and his first wife. This was disorientating as I was yearning to know what happened next to the characters in the library, especially as they were like sitting ducks, anticipating the next disaster taking place. Yet, this is just the background to the main development of the plot and, whilst this perhaps was the least thrilling aspect, it added to the impact of the plot twists in the later stages of the novel.
For me, this middle section (quite a large chunk of the story,) significantly impacted the tension of the book and I started to grow a bit bored with the narrative. When the present day is left on a cliff-hanger, I thought the writer needed to do more to keep my attention. That being said, as the timeframe moved closer to the opening night, it definitely picked up again and I loved seeing how Cooper brought these strands together.
There is a ghostly theme running throughout the story – no surprise considering this is how the castle is trying to keep financially stable. However, I especially loved the historical tales of the ghosts through the centuries. They were atmospheric and raised questions for the reader, chiefly because each snippet ends with the question of whether this is proof of a ghost or just a logical occurence. The doubts raised meant I could not take the present day ghost hunting seriously and Cooper uses this in readers to make the ending even more impactful.
Undoubtedly, the closing part of the story is clever and brilliantly unexpected. Full of twists, I found I was gasping in disbelief and literally turning back pages, checking I had read something right. If it wasn’t for the lull in the middle of the book, I think I would have read this in one sitting. However, it is definitely worth persevering through Laird Alistair’s marriage because this sets readers up for the revelations in the ghostly castle.
With thanks to Harper Collins and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The first part of the story establishes the present timeline with special guests arriving for the launch of Carnoustie Castle’s new venture: offering the heritage site an ‘access all areas’ pass where you can live like a laird, be waited on hand and foot and, most importantly? Get a taste of the ghosts that are rumoured to haunt the castle, dating back centuries. However, no sooner than the guests have been fed on their opening night, there is a death, strange noises and unexplainable behaviours. What is really going on? Completely spooked and isolated thanks to the raging storm outside (as you would expect), the guests huddle together in the library through the night, not trusting anyone in their company.
This opening part of the story is really pacey but there were some drawbacks to it. Whilst the chapters are short and punchy, I struggled to keep track of the different guests as the narrative viewpoint switched between characters. Particularly concerning the female guests, a couple of them felt quite similar in personality and this became a bit frustrating as the story developed. Perhaps it was because I was reading the book too quickly (likely!), but you definitely need to be on the ball in the opening chapters.
However, just as the story is getting going, Cooper abruptly shifts back in time and we learn more about life at Carnoustie Castle, the current laird and his first wife. This was disorientating as I was yearning to know what happened next to the characters in the library, especially as they were like sitting ducks, anticipating the next disaster taking place. Yet, this is just the background to the main development of the plot and, whilst this perhaps was the least thrilling aspect, it added to the impact of the plot twists in the later stages of the novel.
For me, this middle section (quite a large chunk of the story,) significantly impacted the tension of the book and I started to grow a bit bored with the narrative. When the present day is left on a cliff-hanger, I thought the writer needed to do more to keep my attention. That being said, as the timeframe moved closer to the opening night, it definitely picked up again and I loved seeing how Cooper brought these strands together.
There is a ghostly theme running throughout the story – no surprise considering this is how the castle is trying to keep financially stable. However, I especially loved the historical tales of the ghosts through the centuries. They were atmospheric and raised questions for the reader, chiefly because each snippet ends with the question of whether this is proof of a ghost or just a logical occurence. The doubts raised meant I could not take the present day ghost hunting seriously and Cooper uses this in readers to make the ending even more impactful.
Undoubtedly, the closing part of the story is clever and brilliantly unexpected. Full of twists, I found I was gasping in disbelief and literally turning back pages, checking I had read something right. If it wasn’t for the lull in the middle of the book, I think I would have read this in one sitting. However, it is definitely worth persevering through Laird Alistair’s marriage because this sets readers up for the revelations in the ghostly castle.
With thanks to Harper Collins and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2025
4.75 stars
I'm always drawn to a story where people (normally including quite a few characters you'll love to hate) are stranded on an island by a storm and then one by one they're picked off. But this had the added ghostly twist and some great back and forth in terms of the timeline and POVs.
There are a number of characters to get to grips with initially, but once I did, I was completely immersed in the story.
I also loved Silas' chapters detailing some of the possible hauntings. They were done well.
I liked how atmospheric it felt and that I had no idea where it would go next.
And without giving any spoilers, I quite liked that it didn't end the way I expected it to.
Normally it's all resolved and those who were responsible are found out. But that didn't happen here.
And the final few chapters and lines from Tabitha's perspective ended it nicely.
It was tragic at times, yet the present day kept me on the edge of my seat. In fact, I read this within 24 hours and would have happily read it in one sitting, had I had the time.
I've read quite a few of Catherine Cooper's books in the past and I always have a great time with them. I'll definitely be picking up whatever she releases next.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I'm always drawn to a story where people (normally including quite a few characters you'll love to hate) are stranded on an island by a storm and then one by one they're picked off. But this had the added ghostly twist and some great back and forth in terms of the timeline and POVs.
There are a number of characters to get to grips with initially, but once I did, I was completely immersed in the story.
I also loved Silas' chapters detailing some of the possible hauntings. They were done well.
I liked how atmospheric it felt and that I had no idea where it would go next.
And without giving any spoilers, I quite liked that it didn't end the way I expected it to.
Normally it's all resolved and those who were responsible are found out. But that didn't happen here.
And the final few chapters and lines from Tabitha's perspective ended it nicely.
It was tragic at times, yet the present day kept me on the edge of my seat. In fact, I read this within 24 hours and would have happily read it in one sitting, had I had the time.
I've read quite a few of Catherine Cooper's books in the past and I always have a great time with them. I'll definitely be picking up whatever she releases next.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2025
This was a really fun and engrossing read, I flew through it!
Up front, there are some elements to the storyline that feel a little messy - there’s a lot going on, and the storyline at times seems tangential and inconsistent. However, once I got used to this style, I found myself relaxing and really enjoying the ride.
Cooper has an energetic and generous writing style that really sucks you in. There are twists and turns, jumps through time and POV making this a fast paced and addicting read. The story is packed with intrigue - an isolated and historical setting, villains, ghosts and mystics, hidden identities, late night hijinks, love and loss. It pulled me well out of my reading slump, and was just what I needed.
I’d strongly recommend for anyone looking for a fast-paced and engrossing mystery.
Thank you to the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.
Up front, there are some elements to the storyline that feel a little messy - there’s a lot going on, and the storyline at times seems tangential and inconsistent. However, once I got used to this style, I found myself relaxing and really enjoying the ride.
Cooper has an energetic and generous writing style that really sucks you in. There are twists and turns, jumps through time and POV making this a fast paced and addicting read. The story is packed with intrigue - an isolated and historical setting, villains, ghosts and mystics, hidden identities, late night hijinks, love and loss. It pulled me well out of my reading slump, and was just what I needed.
I’d strongly recommend for anyone looking for a fast-paced and engrossing mystery.
Thank you to the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.
September 12, 2025
Wow!! This was amazing!! So many twists I felt on edge! The story telling was through the years so weaved brilliantly it just flowed perfectly.
I really enjoyed it the characters were interesting, the back story was captivating such an unique story I couldn’t put down I read it in just 2 sittings
I was gripped from the started! Was a fantastic read
I really enjoyed it the characters were interesting, the back story was captivating such an unique story I couldn’t put down I read it in just 2 sittings
I was gripped from the started! Was a fantastic read
November 12, 2025
This was a good book to read around Halloween with the creepy castle in the middle of a lake in Scotland with all its ghosts and the Laird of Creaglie and all of its history.
The castle is opened up for the first time to the public to a select group for a ghostly event event but the weather has brought a bad storm, so not all the guests and staff have made it and there's no way for those who have attended to leave.
However after the first death, its not the ghosts they need to be wary of.
There's lots of backstory to the Laird Alistair's history and other members of the past and lots of secrets and twists so
I very much enjoyed the Lake By Catherine Cooper
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction /HarperCollins for the opportunity to read an advance copy,
The castle is opened up for the first time to the public to a select group for a ghostly event event but the weather has brought a bad storm, so not all the guests and staff have made it and there's no way for those who have attended to leave.
However after the first death, its not the ghosts they need to be wary of.
There's lots of backstory to the Laird Alistair's history and other members of the past and lots of secrets and twists so
I very much enjoyed the Lake By Catherine Cooper
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction /HarperCollins for the opportunity to read an advance copy,
November 5, 2025
This is a great mystery thriller.
The Creaglie family are very wealthy and Alistair enjoys impressing people with the castle he lives in.
His son Joshua is tasked with bringing in more money, as the castle takes a lot to keep up the maintenance.
He arranges for a few select people to spend a couple of days there and uses the castle’s hauntings as the reason for the event.
When someone is found dead, it sends shockwaves through the group but they can’t leave the castle as the weather is too bad to get them off the island.
We have chapters from Alistair’s past wives and get to learn how several people in the book are all linked.
I really enjoyed this book as it had a few twists and surprises throughout.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK for the opportunity to read this book.
The Creaglie family are very wealthy and Alistair enjoys impressing people with the castle he lives in.
His son Joshua is tasked with bringing in more money, as the castle takes a lot to keep up the maintenance.
He arranges for a few select people to spend a couple of days there and uses the castle’s hauntings as the reason for the event.
When someone is found dead, it sends shockwaves through the group but they can’t leave the castle as the weather is too bad to get them off the island.
We have chapters from Alistair’s past wives and get to learn how several people in the book are all linked.
I really enjoyed this book as it had a few twists and surprises throughout.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK for the opportunity to read this book.
September 11, 2025
I have read all of Catherine Coopers books so have been waiting impatiently to start this one. Wow what can I say it did not disappoint and had me gripped from the first page.
Creaglie Castle in Scotland is beautifully situated next to a remote Scottish lake, although unfortunately when the weather turns there is no way of getting to and from the castle. When the Creaglie family decide to hold a ghost hunting weekend for the public to start to bring in some income things begin to fall apart very quickly.
The characters are well described and I could imagine everyone in the castle with the storm outside. The setting of the castle was just brilliant and really added to the eeriness.
I enjoyed how the chapters were told from different characters perspectives and I also liked how the book took us back in time.
A fantastic read which kept me guessing all the way through the book and brilliantly tied up everything at the end.
Thanks to NetGalley, Catherine Cooper and Harper Collins UK, Harper Fiction for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Creaglie Castle in Scotland is beautifully situated next to a remote Scottish lake, although unfortunately when the weather turns there is no way of getting to and from the castle. When the Creaglie family decide to hold a ghost hunting weekend for the public to start to bring in some income things begin to fall apart very quickly.
The characters are well described and I could imagine everyone in the castle with the storm outside. The setting of the castle was just brilliant and really added to the eeriness.
I enjoyed how the chapters were told from different characters perspectives and I also liked how the book took us back in time.
A fantastic read which kept me guessing all the way through the book and brilliantly tied up everything at the end.
Thanks to NetGalley, Catherine Cooper and Harper Collins UK, Harper Fiction for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
November 11, 2025
The Lake invites readers into the chilling grandeur of a newly restored castle hotel, where luxury and lingering spirits intertwine. As Creaglie Castle prepares for the grand opening of its opulent spa and hotel facilities, a select group of guests are given an exclusive preview — one that quickly descends into a weekend of mystery, fear, and fatal consequences.
What begins as an indulgent stay soon turns sinister. A guided tour is interrupted by unsettling supernatural events, and a séance ends abruptly in chaos and high emotion. When three members of the party meet untimely deaths, it becomes clear that the true danger may lie not with the castle’s ghosts, but with those still very much alive.
Chronological jumps within the narrative give the reader an insight into past and present character perspectives revealing buried secrets, tangled relationships, and long-nurtured plans for revenge.
Cooper is a master of atmospheric suspense. As a reader, you are wrapped in the claustrophobia of the isolated setting and the unease of the characters.
A fantastic book and a reminder that the past is never truly buried, and that the living can be far more dangerous than the dead.
What begins as an indulgent stay soon turns sinister. A guided tour is interrupted by unsettling supernatural events, and a séance ends abruptly in chaos and high emotion. When three members of the party meet untimely deaths, it becomes clear that the true danger may lie not with the castle’s ghosts, but with those still very much alive.
Chronological jumps within the narrative give the reader an insight into past and present character perspectives revealing buried secrets, tangled relationships, and long-nurtured plans for revenge.
Cooper is a master of atmospheric suspense. As a reader, you are wrapped in the claustrophobia of the isolated setting and the unease of the characters.
A fantastic book and a reminder that the past is never truly buried, and that the living can be far more dangerous than the dead.
November 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I love a CC book! Not just because of the colour coordinated covers.
This one is a slow burn and a gripping thriller that had me questioning a lot of characters. I enjoyed the different parts and the back and forth in time.
The only reason why it's not 5 stars is the amount of characters. I admit I got confused and who was who and when all the big reveals started happening, it threw me completely and had to flick back and check some details!
Other than that, a truly enjoyable and creeping thriller with a great setting in the Scottish Highlands at an old castle in the middle of a lake. What's not to love!
I love a CC book! Not just because of the colour coordinated covers.
This one is a slow burn and a gripping thriller that had me questioning a lot of characters. I enjoyed the different parts and the back and forth in time.
The only reason why it's not 5 stars is the amount of characters. I admit I got confused and who was who and when all the big reveals started happening, it threw me completely and had to flick back and check some details!
Other than that, a truly enjoyable and creeping thriller with a great setting in the Scottish Highlands at an old castle in the middle of a lake. What's not to love!
February 3, 2026
This was A LOT of fun! It felt like a classic Agatha Christie murder mystery with a set of characters in a remote location, secluded by strange weather. And then the body count begins to pile up...
I loved the setting and how the story was formatted with the various points of view (not all alive) and going back in time. It was a really great listen and I thoroughly enjoyed it. A fast-paced and engaging thriller that is sure to surprise you.
I loved the setting and how the story was formatted with the various points of view (not all alive) and going back in time. It was a really great listen and I thoroughly enjoyed it. A fast-paced and engaging thriller that is sure to surprise you.
February 18, 2026
This was a book I was supposed to save for my plane journey tomorrow but I thought I’d start a few chapters off.. ending up finishing the entire thing!🫢I assumed this was just going to be your classic thriller book. But boy was I wrong. It’s filled with so much emotion and tragedy. I was held in a chokehold for the most of it. I was NOT expecting the ending. I want to re read it now I know the plot!
November 2, 2025
A group of guests arrive at Creaglie Castle, expecting a luxury, ghost hunting experience. However a violent storm erupts, disconnecting them with the outside world, and it becomes clear that not everyone will be leaving in one piece.
Ever since The Chalet, I have read and enjoyed all of this author’s books. This one felt slightly different to her other books, with more of a supernatural angle. The story started strongly and I found myself interested in the setting and where it would go. I don’t usually love ghost thrillers, however it was intriguing here and I enjoyed the concept of a ghost tour in an isolated setting. This helped keep up the creepiness and suspense.
Although this started strongly, I found that the pacing slowed around the midpoint and I wasn’t as invested in the storyline, although the ending picked up again. I found that some parts and character’s thoughts were a bit repetitive. I also found that the reader is introduced to a large number of characters, which at times made it a bit confusing, especially when going back and forwards in different timeframes.
Even though I had a few issues with this one, I still found it a solid thriller and it’s worth picking up if you enjoy atmospheric, locked room mysteries with a touch of the supernatural. I will certainly continue to read books by this author. 3.5 stars rounded down. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
Ever since The Chalet, I have read and enjoyed all of this author’s books. This one felt slightly different to her other books, with more of a supernatural angle. The story started strongly and I found myself interested in the setting and where it would go. I don’t usually love ghost thrillers, however it was intriguing here and I enjoyed the concept of a ghost tour in an isolated setting. This helped keep up the creepiness and suspense.
Although this started strongly, I found that the pacing slowed around the midpoint and I wasn’t as invested in the storyline, although the ending picked up again. I found that some parts and character’s thoughts were a bit repetitive. I also found that the reader is introduced to a large number of characters, which at times made it a bit confusing, especially when going back and forwards in different timeframes.
Even though I had a few issues with this one, I still found it a solid thriller and it’s worth picking up if you enjoy atmospheric, locked room mysteries with a touch of the supernatural. I will certainly continue to read books by this author. 3.5 stars rounded down. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
December 30, 2025
3.5* a different kind of thriller for Catherine Cooper and I enjoyed it. This was definitely a more paranormal/supernatural thriller and I liked the isolated setting. dropped down a little as there were multiple perspectives so it was a little messy at times but I enjoyed some of the twists, secrets and mysteries on offer.
February 25, 2026
Great pace and excellent threads woven throughout the story, however it was the biggest let down ending I've read in a long time. It was like a beautiful tapestry being finished off with a bit of tissue paper glued on to the end. Disappointed
December 10, 2025
Audiobook 🎧 good cast but I wanted more ghosts 😂
January 23, 2026
I listened to the audio version of this novel and narrators were wonderful!
It was such a good story! Lots of twists! One big shocker for me in a revelation a little later in the book.
A remote, creepy castle in the middle of a lake. Inclement weather. No cell or landline service. Accidents or perhaps murders?
Great character development!
Certainly a ghost story, but so much more.
All around awesome!!
Loved it!!
It was such a good story! Lots of twists! One big shocker for me in a revelation a little later in the book.
A remote, creepy castle in the middle of a lake. Inclement weather. No cell or landline service. Accidents or perhaps murders?
Great character development!
Certainly a ghost story, but so much more.
All around awesome!!
Loved it!!
January 15, 2026
A good thriller/mystery that's great to enjoy with a nice glass of gin! thoroughly enjoyed this and loved the plot and the little tidbits of family history from Silus's knowledge .
November 17, 2025
Why was this not called The Castle?!
November 20, 2025
Creaglie Castle is a remote castle in the Scottish Highlands, only accessible by boat and has been in the Creaglie family for generations, the current owner being septuagenarian Laird Alistair and his much younger third wife Lady Tabitha, also residing there is his son from his second marriage, Joshua and many ghosts, if you believe everything you hear. The castle requires a lot of upkeep and now that Joshua has taken over the day to day running of it he decides to open it up to the public by hosting 'ghost weekends' where paying guests can live like royalty for a couple of days and see if they can encounter any ethereal beings. The first ten guests have arrived and are looking forward to a luxurious stay and learning about the castle when a storm hits, cutting them off from the mainland, and they soon learn it's not the ghosts they need to be scared of, but those that are very much still alive and nobody can be trusted...
The Lake is the new thriller by this author, told across two timelines, in nine parts and told from the perspectives of various characters, this thriller is set in the ghostly Creaglie Castle, but this isn't about the ghosts and the history of the castle, there's a back story which tells of the Laird's previous wives and their deaths, but nothing is quite as it seems and there are certain guests that want answers and, when tragedy strikes one stormy night, this is when the story really opens up with some unexpected twists and turns that keep you guessing and a somewhat comical ending. An intriguing and enjoyable read with some interesting characters from a new to me author.
I'd like to thank HarperCollins UK and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Amazon and Goodreads.
The Lake is the new thriller by this author, told across two timelines, in nine parts and told from the perspectives of various characters, this thriller is set in the ghostly Creaglie Castle, but this isn't about the ghosts and the history of the castle, there's a back story which tells of the Laird's previous wives and their deaths, but nothing is quite as it seems and there are certain guests that want answers and, when tragedy strikes one stormy night, this is when the story really opens up with some unexpected twists and turns that keep you guessing and a somewhat comical ending. An intriguing and enjoyable read with some interesting characters from a new to me author.
I'd like to thank HarperCollins UK and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Amazon and Goodreads.
January 1, 2026
Atmospheric, claustrophobically creepy, addictive, compulsive and brilliant are just some of the adjectives that spring to mind about The Lake.
It's definitely another triumph for Catherine Cooper and this is a book I read over the course of an evening.
It is also a book that I was so engrossed in that I jumped when someone wanted to talk to me,, at which point I noticed the weather outside was matching the book, and then I jumped again when something near me went bang.
Turns out books filled with ghosts and raging storms, will make this reader extra jumpy and unsettled.... not sure I want to go to sleep, as I suspect this book could infiltrate my dreams too.
Creaglie Castle is steeped in history and also a large number of unfortunate deaths, and thus tends to be considered rather haunted.
Amongst the view points we get the most intriguing ones of all, some of the stories of the women who were married to the current Laird, Alistair. To say I was not a fan of this Laird would be an understatement.
And during the launch weekend of a new ghost hunting enterprise, there are multiple deaths while the castle is totally cut off, and I certainly hadn't figured out who was going around murdering others.
A completely addictive read, and I'm already curious as to what delights the author will have for us in her next book!
Thank you to HarperCollins and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
It's definitely another triumph for Catherine Cooper and this is a book I read over the course of an evening.
It is also a book that I was so engrossed in that I jumped when someone wanted to talk to me,, at which point I noticed the weather outside was matching the book, and then I jumped again when something near me went bang.
Turns out books filled with ghosts and raging storms, will make this reader extra jumpy and unsettled.... not sure I want to go to sleep, as I suspect this book could infiltrate my dreams too.
Creaglie Castle is steeped in history and also a large number of unfortunate deaths, and thus tends to be considered rather haunted.
Amongst the view points we get the most intriguing ones of all, some of the stories of the women who were married to the current Laird, Alistair. To say I was not a fan of this Laird would be an understatement.
And during the launch weekend of a new ghost hunting enterprise, there are multiple deaths while the castle is totally cut off, and I certainly hadn't figured out who was going around murdering others.
A completely addictive read, and I'm already curious as to what delights the author will have for us in her next book!
Thank you to HarperCollins and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
February 7, 2026
Catherine Cooper’s The Lake is a mystery/thriller that is centred around an evening of orchestrated ghost hunting, that is until the host of the party dies. There is a big audience for books like these, and I’m sure it will cater to those mystery novel enthusiasts. It doesn't take itself too seriously, has several engaging backstories, includes characters that complement each other, but fails to tie it all together. The first third reads jumpily, switching perspective continuously and then, when the murders start unfolding, it goes through a bold tonal shift that leads to a lengthy and dramatic singular backstory of an unhappy marriage. Instead of adding depth, it reads like a completely separate, and admittedly, more interesting book.
The story at its centre is unapologetic and explores those uncomfortable places that stories should; even delving into the psyche of a mother who doesn’t love her baby, and making us, the audience, successfully understand why. Throughout, The Lake attempts to have fun with its tropes, but then also expects the reader to wholeheartedly feel emotional beats that don't land. Ultimately, the book falls victim to a complicated structure which doesn’t deliver, whilst perhaps a more simplistic approach would have served the overarching tale a lot better.
The story at its centre is unapologetic and explores those uncomfortable places that stories should; even delving into the psyche of a mother who doesn’t love her baby, and making us, the audience, successfully understand why. Throughout, The Lake attempts to have fun with its tropes, but then also expects the reader to wholeheartedly feel emotional beats that don't land. Ultimately, the book falls victim to a complicated structure which doesn’t deliver, whilst perhaps a more simplistic approach would have served the overarching tale a lot better.
November 6, 2025
Centuries old Creaglie Castle sits high on a Scottish mountain. It’s accessible only by a treacherous, rough ride up a dark, bumpy mountain road and a lake crossing. It’s both luxurious and creepy. What better place to host a “haunted weekend” event? Promises of ghost tours, unworldly experiences and a séance combine with opulent accommodations, gourmet meals and spa treatments to make this a one of a kind event. That it will be, for sure. Only a small group of guests has arrived before a wild storm closes access to the castle. They are welcomed by Alistair, Laird of Creaglie, his son Joshua and Tabitha, his 40 years younger wife. Silas, a professional ghost hunter, is joined by travel writer Ben, a widow seeking to communicate with her dead husband, and several young women. As the storm howls outside, the deaths begin.
Catherine Cooper does not disappoint!. Multiple narrators, different timelines and a delicious plot blending history, ghost stories, emotional abuse, adultery, and murder make The Lake impossible to put down. Put this one at the top of your TBR pile! 5 Stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK and Catherine Cooper for this ARC.
Catherine Cooper does not disappoint!. Multiple narrators, different timelines and a delicious plot blending history, ghost stories, emotional abuse, adultery, and murder make The Lake impossible to put down. Put this one at the top of your TBR pile! 5 Stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK and Catherine Cooper for this ARC.
September 18, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for an advanced copy in exchange for a review.
You can’t go wrong with a Catherine Cooper thriller, and The Lake is the perfect spooky season read I was hoping for!
The first guests are arriving at the remote Creagly Castle in Scotland for a unique stay, blending history, Laird-like opulence and a bit of ghost hunting!
But when a storm cuts them off from the outside world, unexplained noises are heard in the creepy nursery, and someone dies… the guests begin to wonder if there might be some truth in the stories!
I loved how the book was told from the perspectives of several guests, and also went back in time to introduce the first 2 wives of Alistair, the Laird of Creagly Castle, as well as including Silas the ghost hunter’s voiceovers about the various ghosts thought to haunt the castle, and how they died over the centuries!
A really fun, twisty and spooky read!
You can’t go wrong with a Catherine Cooper thriller, and The Lake is the perfect spooky season read I was hoping for!
The first guests are arriving at the remote Creagly Castle in Scotland for a unique stay, blending history, Laird-like opulence and a bit of ghost hunting!
But when a storm cuts them off from the outside world, unexplained noises are heard in the creepy nursery, and someone dies… the guests begin to wonder if there might be some truth in the stories!
I loved how the book was told from the perspectives of several guests, and also went back in time to introduce the first 2 wives of Alistair, the Laird of Creagly Castle, as well as including Silas the ghost hunter’s voiceovers about the various ghosts thought to haunt the castle, and how they died over the centuries!
A really fun, twisty and spooky read!
December 28, 2025
Take a haunted Scottish castle, isolated on a lake, toss in a raging storm, no phone service, and an assorted group of characters who have gathered for a weekend ghost hunt, and you’ve got the makings of an excellent story. I was sucked in from the first page and more than a little creeped out by the eerie, atmospheric happenings of the first few chapters. Soon after, one of the characters meets an untimely end. Is it an accident or murder?
The story then breaks for glimpses into the past, including the recent past.
Like a spider coaxing a fly into its web, the reader is drawn into the history of Creaglie Castle and the unfortunate people who populated it. I was especially fond of the vignettes sprinkled throughout, from a character who is a professional ghost hunter.
After that, it’s back to the present, where the storylines mesh in surprising and twisty ways. The ending plays our brilliantly, even if it goes down a bit hard (hence 4 stars instead of 5).
The story then breaks for glimpses into the past, including the recent past.
Like a spider coaxing a fly into its web, the reader is drawn into the history of Creaglie Castle and the unfortunate people who populated it. I was especially fond of the vignettes sprinkled throughout, from a character who is a professional ghost hunter.
After that, it’s back to the present, where the storylines mesh in surprising and twisty ways. The ending plays our brilliantly, even if it goes down a bit hard (hence 4 stars instead of 5).
October 24, 2025
Wow. This is a masterpiece, clever and entertaining in all the right places! If you are looking for an utterly gripping read, Catherine Cooper has your covered!
This novel is set in a remote castle in the Scottish highlands, accessible only by boat through a lake. When the castle needs funds to survive, Joshua, heir to the castle, has the idea of inviting paying guests to exclusive ghost hunting retreats to raise funds. The novel starts with the first of these - a weekend that ends with more than one suspicious death. Through multiple timelines and through various perspectives we learn of motives for murder, fascinating lives and supernatural happenings!
All in all a GREAT novel, highly recommended, and one that leaves me sad to have finished it!!
My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.
This novel is set in a remote castle in the Scottish highlands, accessible only by boat through a lake. When the castle needs funds to survive, Joshua, heir to the castle, has the idea of inviting paying guests to exclusive ghost hunting retreats to raise funds. The novel starts with the first of these - a weekend that ends with more than one suspicious death. Through multiple timelines and through various perspectives we learn of motives for murder, fascinating lives and supernatural happenings!
All in all a GREAT novel, highly recommended, and one that leaves me sad to have finished it!!
My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.
November 2, 2025
Step into the beautiful Scottish Highlands for a ghost-hunting retreat at the newly opened Creaglie Castle.
This atmospheric thriller immediately establishes a tense and unsettling mood. There is a storm outside and the castle, in the middle of a loch, is shut off from the outside world. What's not to love?
Told through shifting timelines and multiple perspectives, the narrative expertly brings past and present together.
As the tension builds, a series of gruesome murders begins, ensuring you are constantly trying to work out how it will all unfold. The characters and atmosphere are expertly illustrated, and the pace so fast that I found myself turning the pages into the wee small hours.
The ending, with its fantastic supernatural edge is tied up as neatly as a bottle of Amaretto wrapped in a bow.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my own opinion.
This atmospheric thriller immediately establishes a tense and unsettling mood. There is a storm outside and the castle, in the middle of a loch, is shut off from the outside world. What's not to love?
Told through shifting timelines and multiple perspectives, the narrative expertly brings past and present together.
As the tension builds, a series of gruesome murders begins, ensuring you are constantly trying to work out how it will all unfold. The characters and atmosphere are expertly illustrated, and the pace so fast that I found myself turning the pages into the wee small hours.
The ending, with its fantastic supernatural edge is tied up as neatly as a bottle of Amaretto wrapped in a bow.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my own opinion.
November 6, 2025
Creaglie castle in Scotland has a very mixed history.
Ghosts as are said to roam it's halls and now the past is clashing with the present.
Joshua, the son of the current Laird of Creaglie, Alistair is determined to put on a spectacular show for their first ghost hunting weekend.
The guests have arrived, everything is set for a time of fun and spooky shenanigans.
What they get is a LOT more frightening.
As a storm rages outside and a seance is held long buried family secrets start to rise to the surface.
Then the "accidents" and deaths start to happen.
Who will survive the ghost weekend and will the surrounding lake tell all?
A brilliantly written duel timeline between the past and present, effortlessly weaving the Creaglie family history into one whole story.
A great read and another thrilling novel from Catherine Cooper.
Read her books before and they are always a fun and twisty tale.
Ghosts as are said to roam it's halls and now the past is clashing with the present.
Joshua, the son of the current Laird of Creaglie, Alistair is determined to put on a spectacular show for their first ghost hunting weekend.
The guests have arrived, everything is set for a time of fun and spooky shenanigans.
What they get is a LOT more frightening.
As a storm rages outside and a seance is held long buried family secrets start to rise to the surface.
Then the "accidents" and deaths start to happen.
Who will survive the ghost weekend and will the surrounding lake tell all?
A brilliantly written duel timeline between the past and present, effortlessly weaving the Creaglie family history into one whole story.
A great read and another thrilling novel from Catherine Cooper.
Read her books before and they are always a fun and twisty tale.
September 20, 2025
Atmospheric, twisty, and glamorous. A group of strangers gather at a luxurious Scottish castle, only to find themselves trapped by a storm—and by their secrets. Cooper does a great job building tension, with the eerie setting almost becoming a character itself.
The mystery is fun and the twists land, though with such a large cast some characters feel underdeveloped. The “isolated guests + storm” setup isn’t brand-new, but Cooper adds her own stylish edge.
If you enjoyed The Chalet or The Cruise, this one delivers the same blend of suspense, glamour, and psychological drama.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, Catherine Cooper and HarperCollins📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚
The mystery is fun and the twists land, though with such a large cast some characters feel underdeveloped. The “isolated guests + storm” setup isn’t brand-new, but Cooper adds her own stylish edge.
If you enjoyed The Chalet or The Cruise, this one delivers the same blend of suspense, glamour, and psychological drama.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, Catherine Cooper and HarperCollins📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚
September 29, 2025
Review of ‘The Lake’ by Catherine Cooper, due to be published on 6 November 2025 by Harper Collins UK, Harper Fiction.
A haunted castle in the middle of a lake, set up a remote mountain in Scotland. The Creaglie family opening up the family home to paying guests for ghost hunting to help pay for the upkeep. The draw - it’s the most haunted place in Europe - or so the Laird’s son claims.
A story told from multiple points of view, over multiple timelines - tragedy, secrets and murder unfold in this twisty, psychological thriller that had me gripped from page one.
The ghostly goings on were suitably claustrophobic, a real edge of your seat read which makes you feel uncomfortable for the guests at the castle. A recommended spooky season read.
A haunted castle in the middle of a lake, set up a remote mountain in Scotland. The Creaglie family opening up the family home to paying guests for ghost hunting to help pay for the upkeep. The draw - it’s the most haunted place in Europe - or so the Laird’s son claims.
A story told from multiple points of view, over multiple timelines - tragedy, secrets and murder unfold in this twisty, psychological thriller that had me gripped from page one.
The ghostly goings on were suitably claustrophobic, a real edge of your seat read which makes you feel uncomfortable for the guests at the castle. A recommended spooky season read.
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