A Lethal Lake Effect

Victoria Square Mystery #9

by Lorraine Bartlett

Things go awry for Katie Bonner when her former mother-in-law, Margo, throws a housewarming party at her lakeside rental and one of her guests ends up dead in the water. Maxwell Preston was a devoted husband--and a not-so-great dad. He was a beloved pharmacist who didn’t take care of his ramshackle property, which is destined to be a hot commodity on Victoria Square when his heir puts it up for sale. But most of all, Preston was a stranger to the others who attended the party.

Meanwhile, Nona Fiske takes charge of Victoria Square big summer extravaganza—a disaster in the making as what little power she’s seized has gone straight to her head. The Davenport sisters have their own agenda, and they’ve not only been poking around to find out more about the dead man, but what other mischief has been going on around the Square.

So, who killed Maxwell Preston and why? That’s what Katie wants to know—and she’s willing to risk everything to find out.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2024

About the author

The immensely popular Booktown Mystery series is what put Lorraine Bartlett’s pen name Lorna Barrett on the New York Times Bestseller list, but it’s her talent -- whether writing as Lorna, or L.L. Bartlett, or Lorraine Bartlett -- that keeps her in her readers' hearts. This multi-published, Agatha-nominated author pens the exciting Jeff Resnick Mysteries as well as the acclaimed Victoria Square Mystery series, and now the Tales of Telenia fantasy saga, and has many short stories and novellas to her name(s). Check out the descriptions and links to all her works, and sign up for her emailed newsletter here: http://www.lorrainebartlett.com

She lives in Rochester, NY, with her husband and two cats.

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

During a housewarming party for Katie’s MIL, Margo, Katie find the body of one of the guest. The body belong to the beloved pharmacist, Maxwell Preston, though he was not well know by the other guests. Maxwell owned the run down town on the square which would be a hot commodity for his heir or others in town. Meanwhile Nona Fiske is stirring up things among the business owners and Katie. Can Katie solve the mystery and deal with this issues brought on my Nona?

Katie is a smart business person but in her personal life she needs to be more confident. Sometimes she plays things to safe or lets others influence her decisions. I would like to see her confidence grow in her personal life. The mystery is well-plotted with plenty of surprises. I am very happy with the outcome of the investigation.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, I have not been influenced by anyone.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas's Thoughts

In this ninth Village Square Mystery, Katie Bonner's friend and former mother-in-law, Margo has moved into a rental by the lake while she waits for her new place to be completed. She is celebrating with a housewarming party inviting a few friends and local merchants. There was one guest Katie didn't know, Maxwell Preston. He owns a derelict building on the square and Margo hopes to convince him to sell the building to her. But before she can put her plan in motion Katie finds his dead body in the lake. She couldn't save him but she knows someone at the party killed him, she just needs to figure out who.

Katie is also dealing with Nona Fiske, owner of The Quiet Quilter. She has a great idea for a summer event involving all the merchants. Katie lets her take her plan and run with it but the woman has no clue how much work is entailed.

So with an event headed for disaster and a murderer on the loose Katie has her hands full. Can she catch the killer? Save the summer extravaganza? And get her life in order?

______

Katie is an excellent protagonist but she is dealing with a lot in addition to her sleuthing. She is a partner in Tealicious with her ex-mother-in-law and she starts every morning helping Chef Brad Andrews prepare the food to be served. Then she heads over to Artisan's Alley to manage that and assist in any problem that arises. All while avoiding running into her ex, Andy. She had a tough time in this story. She is not happy and comes up with a way to change one thing but it falls through. Life isn't easy and at times people struggle. I appreciate the way the author lets Katie continue to develop as this series continues.  It makes her a believable character that keeps readers invested. Ms. Bartlett has surrounded her with a diverse cast of characters that continue to grow realistically as well, although there are a couple I would be glad to see go away.

The Square / McKinlay Mill is a unique and perfect setting for a cozy mystery series. There is always something happening. The new Victoria Square Annex is going to be a fabulous addition.

The murder mystery had a lot of moving parts. Katie makes a lot of trips around the Square, visiting shopkeepers, asking questions, and pondering the clues and what she has learned to try to ascertain who killed Maxwell Preston and why. Who had a motive? Who had the opportunity? Just when she starts to put things together something in her personal life pops up to misdirect her attention. She does get herself back on track and totally surprised me with a theory that she got her friend and former homicide detective Ray to help her investigate. I enjoyed myself following along every step of the way. I did have the right person in my sights as the murderer and I loved the exciting showdown.

A Lethal Lake Effect is a well-plotted and written addition to this series. Engaging characters, an interesting setting, and a marvelous mystery kept me entertained from beginning to end. I was intrigued by a few things that happened in the Epilogue. I hope things really work out for Katie. She deserves some happiness.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.

[Linda Vermillion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

I am not sure how many books there are in this series but something seems to have changed in her personality that I don't like. She was never a depressed whiny person and she was this whole book. I am tired of her losing out on everything she seems to want. I am tired of the Davenport girls being nasty brats and Ray letting them walk all over hmm about Katie. I can't really say what good things I liked because it takes away the surprise for people who haven't read it get. Please stop having e everyone trundle up and down the stairs. Not everyone is slow and noisy using stairs. Maybe they can trudge and not trundle every time.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yay!! Katie finally said all the things that needed to be said!

[Sapphyria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Lethal Lake Effect is the ninth book in the Victoria Square Mysteries. I'm excited to back in Victoria Square. Margo, Katie's mother-in-law hosts a housewarming party for her new lakeside home. The party goes very well and the reclusive Maxwell Preston even attends. Things take a drastic turn when Katie, while cleaning up after the party ends, finds a body floating in the lake. Distraught at being unable to save him, Katie turns to trying to figure out what happened. When the news breaks that Maxwell's death is a homicide, Katie and Margo are unsettled knowing someone at the party had to have been the killer. But why? Maxwell was a stranger to everyone.

I love Katie's character. She's been overwhelmed through several books but it goes to the extreme in A Lethal Lake Effect. She is very invested in her town, her business adventures, and the people she loves. In most cases, Katie is a very strong character. She has proven she can manage businesses, be chair of the Merchant Association, and aid in murder investigations. She is also not flawless. Katie has so many irons in the fire, and situations that crop up, that Katie is a mess. She's able to mostly hide it but there are moments in the book that she succumbs to her anguish. Her imperfections make her human and relatable. I enjoy all of the secondary characters and the way the author portrays them. Each person is vital to Katie's successes, whether professionally or personally.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie Bonner is at a party at her former mother-in-law's apartment when she goes outside to find cups and glasses and sees someone floating in the lake. She jumps in the lake to "rescue" Maxwell Preston who is already dead. Preston apparently invited himself to the party and no one saw what he was up to. When foul play is discovered it is a tough pill to swallow because many people remembered as a kind helpful pharmacist. But Preston had secrets and Katie begins to look for them.

Meanwhile Nona Fiske is trying to take over the Victoria Square Summer Event and is aggravating everyone who might be involved. Katie must step in to quiet things down and help the event move forward. She also must keep control of Nona before she destroys the Square.

[Jennifer Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope this isn't the last in the series, but I wouldn't be mad if it was because it had a good ending. Katie seems like she's going through a lot in this book. Not sure what to do with her life and what businesses she wants to keep going. I feel like the murder took a backseat to that. She still tried to figure out the killer, but also tried to solve her own issues more. Highly recommend this series!

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another series and this time Katie is having problems again with Nona. At least her and Margo are now really close. But Katie is showing weakness in this book....having too much on her mind.
Surprised that Andy wants her back after what he did to her....the nerve. And it's getting old now with the Davenport girls disliking Katie.

[Rita Pierrottie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Another good book by Miss Bartlett. There are some unexpected twists and turns. It wasn't until the very end of the book that I thought I might know who did it. This community is one that I would love to live in. It seems as though Katie might be embarking on a new path.

[Pamela Priest · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always wonderful to return to Victoria Square and Katie and her friends. A cozy whodunit with a lot of activities and action make this a page-turner that made me feel good. I really enjoy reading Lorraine Bartlett's books, and I would encourage you to read all of her books, too.

[ShirleyRN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best one yet in the series!!

I am beyond thrilled about Ray & Katie's decisions, as well as the love she & Margo have formed. Lots of closure as well as new doors opening. Just loved it!!!

[Brenda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book needed some additional editing. There were parts that contradicted other parts within this book and past books (peppermint vs. butterscotch?). Katie was way too whiny in this book and I couldn't handle too much of her.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking down a.nasty neighbor

I always love.reading these books. Its my little escape and I feel like the characters are old.friends. Katie is such a sweet soul.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great story in this series

His was another great story in this series! I love the town and the characters. Really enjoyed this latest book!

[Curryanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

great series and cozy mysteries

I love these characters they becoming alive and dear to you. The plot is solid and interesting. They keep you guessing

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story lines and characters are great, except for a couple awkwardly worded places. The ending was awesome!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love returning to Victoria Square to find out what Katie and the other merchants have been doing. I feel like I am visiting old friends and get to be part of their lives for a little while.
Katie Bonner has discovered another body. Seems to be her forte.
Who is responsible for the death? Can Katie find answers while not putting herself in danger?
Another whodunit with plenty of action to keep you turning the pages to find out the truth with Katie.
Another wonderful addition to the Victoria Square series written by Lorraine Bartlett.

I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.