The Secrets of Lake Road by Karen Katchur

A first novel by this author. I would give it a B+.  It was a well-plotted novel and the characters were well-developed.  The storyline was plausible.  If I have any reservations about it, I would say I would have liked a more conclusive ending.

The story's setting is a vacation spot in the Pocono Mountains where families return year after year to reconnect with old friends and enjoy a respite.  It begins with the disappearance of a seven-year old girl who is presumed to have drowned in the lake.  A massive search effort begins as participants scour the lake to locate her body. Vactioners begin to recollect other drownings that have occurred in the past.

A drowing that connects many of the characters happened sixteen years ago.The "players" in that drowing have harbored a secret for all those years.  The current drowning acts as a catalyst and the secrets that have been kept begin to be revealed.

The author has a real handle on the thoughts and actions of a twelve year old girl which goes a long way toward making this story interesting.  While the conclusion is not necessarily unchartered territory, it was something I didn't fully anticipate.

I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.

Ladybookbug!