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The Braddock & Gray Case Files #5
Dead Man's Lake
Deep within Dead Man’s Lake, a deadly secret dwells. Revealing it could save lives—or claim them.
Stories have swirled for decades about a ghost seen only in winter, while the lake lies frozen. No one knows who he is or how he came to be there—and no one has stuck around long enough to find out.
When Dez’s neighbour discloses his own frightening encounter, Dez enlists his brother Sully to seek answers. What they find instead are more questions—and evidence of a murder.
But Dead Man’s Lake guards its secrets well, and it won't part with this one easily. The brothers find themselves caught in a web of dirty dealings, greed and murder. To protect others—and themselves—from falling victim, they’ll need to find the justice the spirit seeks.
And they’re running out of time.
Stories have swirled for decades about a ghost seen only in winter, while the lake lies frozen. No one knows who he is or how he came to be there—and no one has stuck around long enough to find out.
When Dez’s neighbour discloses his own frightening encounter, Dez enlists his brother Sully to seek answers. What they find instead are more questions—and evidence of a murder.
But Dead Man’s Lake guards its secrets well, and it won't part with this one easily. The brothers find themselves caught in a web of dirty dealings, greed and murder. To protect others—and themselves—from falling victim, they’ll need to find the justice the spirit seeks.
And they’re running out of time.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2021
77 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
H.P. Bayne
34 books118 followersRaised on a farm on the Canadian Prairies, words quickly became my means of exploring the world around me and giving life to the one created in my imagination. Fascinated by ghost stories and crime fiction, I have been writing both for well over two decades, drawing on more than fifteen years in a career in a criminal justice setting. When not putting Scrivener through its paces, I enjoy reading, portrait drawing, travel and spending time with family and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 9, 2023
Dead Man’s Lake is haunted. There are a multitude of stories that swirl around. When Dez’s neighbor comes face to face with the dead man’s ghost, he fears for his safety and his you g son. He shares his story with Dez, who gets Sully involved. Who is this man? Why was her murdered at the lake? Why can he only be seen in late winter as the thaw turns everything to spring? Hopefully, Sully and Dez can figure this one out before they are pulled under the ice into the frozen depths of the lake.
The earlier series have been focused on ghosts and hauntings. Nothing wrong with that. Dead Man’s Lake blends the ghost story with a good old fashioned murder mystery. Lachlan plays more of a role in this novel and I do love his cantankerous spirit. More sleuthing is great and I liked seeing Dez in a cop fashion like he used to be. This was definitely a good murder mystery.
The earlier series have been focused on ghosts and hauntings. Nothing wrong with that. Dead Man’s Lake blends the ghost story with a good old fashioned murder mystery. Lachlan plays more of a role in this novel and I do love his cantankerous spirit. More sleuthing is great and I liked seeing Dez in a cop fashion like he used to be. This was definitely a good murder mystery.
May 1, 2021
This is the fifth book in the :Braddock & Gray Case Files Paranormal Book Series
This was another great read from this Author although this was a true who done it with many twist and turns along the way . And let's not forget plenty of action wouldn't be a B&G book without the ghostly shenanigans and it seems that our Sully has a new love interest although I don't why he needs one but yeah okay . Anywho always looking forward to the next Braddock and Gray book .
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This was another great read from this Author although this was a true who done it with many twist and turns along the way . And let's not forget plenty of action wouldn't be a B&G book without the ghostly shenanigans and it seems that our Sully has a new love interest although I don't why he needs one but yeah okay . Anywho always looking forward to the next Braddock and Gray book .
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February 1, 2022
ANOTHER NAIL BITER!!
SUSPENCE and SURPRISE until the last page! Dead Man's Lake, the Mystery surrounding it, and the vengeful Ghost which has brought fear, for DECADES to the community, becomes front and center as several story lines converge bringing another layer of Deadly Danger to our main characters. These installments of the Braddock/Gray series are definitely getting grittier and have lots of meat on the bone.. The Corrupt, in this case, will do ANYTHING for profit . The Bigger the profit, the more dastardly the deeds.. past and present collide and the ending will not disappoint!!
SUSPENCE and SURPRISE until the last page! Dead Man's Lake, the Mystery surrounding it, and the vengeful Ghost which has brought fear, for DECADES to the community, becomes front and center as several story lines converge bringing another layer of Deadly Danger to our main characters. These installments of the Braddock/Gray series are definitely getting grittier and have lots of meat on the bone.. The Corrupt, in this case, will do ANYTHING for profit . The Bigger the profit, the more dastardly the deeds.. past and present collide and the ending will not disappoint!!
March 25, 2025
Another excellent story and does Sully have eyes for a girl? Wow.
Really enjoyed the latest instalment, all about a ghost in a lake that goes back a way and links very cleverly in to a current assignment, especially as Dez is busy being bored and actually wants a ghost investigation. There is the usual danger and near misses, but fortunately nothing too drastic. There are 18 books so far so neither are in too much danger of actually staying dead. Love it. Very inventive and gripping stories that don't fail to entertain or interest.
Really enjoyed the latest instalment, all about a ghost in a lake that goes back a way and links very cleverly in to a current assignment, especially as Dez is busy being bored and actually wants a ghost investigation. There is the usual danger and near misses, but fortunately nothing too drastic. There are 18 books so far so neither are in too much danger of actually staying dead. Love it. Very inventive and gripping stories that don't fail to entertain or interest.
February 20, 2023
Not one of my favorite reads this time. Not that it was bad, it just didn't do it for me.
I still enjoy the characters but felt there was no depth in this story and felt it kind of dragged a bit. Boring stake out/complaining about it/following a guy/worrying about a strong ghost. Backdoor deals/politics/stolen money, etc.
I'll try reading the next one. Maybe it was me this time, not the book.
I still enjoy the characters but felt there was no depth in this story and felt it kind of dragged a bit. Boring stake out/complaining about it/following a guy/worrying about a strong ghost. Backdoor deals/politics/stolen money, etc.
I'll try reading the next one. Maybe it was me this time, not the book.
April 25, 2021
Another Excellent Murder Mystery, but this time author got a little to descriptively wordy. I have thoroughly enjoyed all H.P. Payne's previous books immensely and highly recommend this author. This particular ghost is not very forthcoming with information to Sully and actually scares Sully per darn bad at 1st attempt at contact.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2021
Ghost and Robberies
Sully and Dez start out with a full job. But as usual a ghost intervenes and the boring gets exiting as it scares them by getting sort of physical with Sully. Sully gets information from a pretty reporter, and the excitement starts. Another great story from H. P. Baths.
Sully and Dez start out with a full job. But as usual a ghost intervenes and the boring gets exiting as it scares them by getting sort of physical with Sully. Sully gets information from a pretty reporter, and the excitement starts. Another great story from H. P. Baths.
May 7, 2021
Another fabulous read
Dead man's Lake has a ghost, a man that was murdered. Sully and Dez find out the who's and why's of it during another investigation. Sully gets a bit of romance in his life too. I really enjoyed reading this book. I would have given more than five stars. The whole series is fab.
Dead man's Lake has a ghost, a man that was murdered. Sully and Dez find out the who's and why's of it during another investigation. Sully gets a bit of romance in his life too. I really enjoyed reading this book. I would have given more than five stars. The whole series is fab.
May 7, 2021
The continuation of a great story.
Dez and Sully are doing a boring stake-out when it brings them across a ghost which, of course, means a homicide, since those are the only ghosts Sully can see. Goodbye boring and hello to scary, confusing clues stacking up in unexpected places. This is a great continuation of the story of Dez and Sully. Looking forward to the next book.
Dez and Sully are doing a boring stake-out when it brings them across a ghost which, of course, means a homicide, since those are the only ghosts Sully can see. Goodbye boring and hello to scary, confusing clues stacking up in unexpected places. This is a great continuation of the story of Dez and Sully. Looking forward to the next book.
April 21, 2021
Another outstanding story of Sully and Dez as it was a gripping story of a ghost at Dead Man’s Lake from beginning to the end. There were twist and turns not knowing who the villain was and who to trust. A must read. A+
April 25, 2021
This series gets better with each book. The stories scare you and excites you. This one is action packed and fast paced phenomenal read. Had goose bumps and heart pounding moments throughout. Fantastic read.
May 5, 2021
Good Read
I have enjoyed this series, having read all five books. Good plot with several keep you hanging, what is happening next chapters. Easy light reading that keeps you involved.
I have enjoyed this series, having read all five books. Good plot with several keep you hanging, what is happening next chapters. Easy light reading that keeps you involved.
May 7, 2021
Absolutely love these books
Another great read that keeps you guessing this one not as creepy as the others but still keeps u its grips and i hope sully finds some happiness with sarah loved this book very much and really look forward to the next instalment
Another great read that keeps you guessing this one not as creepy as the others but still keeps u its grips and i hope sully finds some happiness with sarah loved this book very much and really look forward to the next instalment
May 11, 2021
Another exciting case for Sulky and Dez. Very exciting! Old nemeses and new keep Sully and crew on their toes. I enjoy reading about these cases and I enjoy Sully’s abilities. These are some of the most varied and well written stories! I love them!
May 13, 2021
I really looked forward to reading this book and was not disappointed. I love the constant suspense and mystery surrounding the adventures of the brothers and the paranormal element in each story. If you like good ghost stories, you will not be disappointed reading this book.
May 23, 2021
More twists and turns than a slalom course
Brilliant as per usual.
Des and Sully stumble upon a ghost by accident and there ensues the first twist. By the end of it all, anyone of suspects could've done it.
Brilliant as per usual.
Des and Sully stumble upon a ghost by accident and there ensues the first twist. By the end of it all, anyone of suspects could've done it.
April 9, 2023
Another very entertaining story in the Braddock & Gray Case Files. This reminded me a little bit of a 1930’s movie with crooks and cops. And I loved the added ghost story. I’m hooked on Sully, and have already downloaded the next book.
December 31, 2025
♾️/⭐️
Another amazing read in one of (if not) my favourite series/ spin offs ever! Definitely kept me guessing until the very end and yet again another new character introduced who I absolutely love! Highly recommend!
Another amazing read in one of (if not) my favourite series/ spin offs ever! Definitely kept me guessing until the very end and yet again another new character introduced who I absolutely love! Highly recommend!
May 2, 2021
The Ice Man
Really enjoyed the book. The usual Banter between them all, kept me chuckling....you go guys! Especially Sully, he is awesome!
Really enjoyed the book. The usual Banter between them all, kept me chuckling....you go guys! Especially Sully, he is awesome!
May 2, 2021
Another great story about Sully and Dez. This was more mystery than helping a ghost, still a good read.
November 9, 2021
Another great one
I love these books! I can't wait to read the next book. If I could rate this author more then 5 stars I would! Great read
I love these books! I can't wait to read the next book. If I could rate this author more then 5 stars I would! Great read
September 30, 2024
The Author's imagination is amazing and this book sent chills down my spine, another brilliant read that I seem to do with my heart in my mouth and my hand over it, but I'm totally addicated.
April 22, 2025
Dead Man’s Lake
I love this series of books. This one had some twists and turns. I didn’t guess the killer in this one.
I love this series of books. This one had some twists and turns. I didn’t guess the killer in this one.
April 17, 2021
Oh, this was soooo good! I have been reading Sully's adventures for, by now, twelve books, and it never gets old; there is always something new and fresh in every story.
And what we have here, then? Well, Dez' neighbour has had a very unsettling encounter with the ghost of Dead Man's Lake, so, of course, Sully and Dez decide to investigate and yeah... they find the ghost. And the ghost in this one... oh, this one is different: strong and angry, to the point that almost overcome Dez. And yet, he's not following Sully everywhere, so at least there is that :P
And soon, their simple case of a man possibly trying to fake an injury gets complicated when said man ends at the same place where they encountered the ghost, in the middle of the night, searching for.... something.
And when I say complicated, I mean it.
Because there is not only the murder of the unknown man that is now the ghost of Dead Man's Lake; there is also an old case of bank robbery, old and new bad business practices related to the possible development of Crystal Lake (the real name of the place :P) and too many suspects.
The ending... oh, it's truly unsuspected and I loved how complex (and dangerous!) the situation becomes.
And did I told you how much I love Lachlan?
A really good addition to this series :D
And what we have here, then? Well, Dez' neighbour has had a very unsettling encounter with the ghost of Dead Man's Lake, so, of course, Sully and Dez decide to investigate and yeah... they find the ghost. And the ghost in this one... oh, this one is different: strong and angry, to the point that almost overcome Dez. And yet, he's not following Sully everywhere, so at least there is that :P
And soon, their simple case of a man possibly trying to fake an injury gets complicated when said man ends at the same place where they encountered the ghost, in the middle of the night, searching for.... something.
And when I say complicated, I mean it.
Because there is not only the murder of the unknown man that is now the ghost of Dead Man's Lake; there is also an old case of bank robbery, old and new bad business practices related to the possible development of Crystal Lake (the real name of the place :P) and too many suspects.
The ending... oh, it's truly unsuspected and I loved how complex (and dangerous!) the situation becomes.
And did I told you how much I love Lachlan?
A really good addition to this series :D
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews