Good story

What made the experience of listening to The Lake House the most enjoyable?

Well written, well read

Any additional comments?

Weak ending - too many coincidences to tie up loose ends but still enjoyable

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Keeps you guessing

Loved this book hard to turn it off! Kept me guessing until the last and I loved the ending, superb!

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loved it!

The mystery was twisted, interesting and exciting. So thrilled with the ending. Thoroughly good read.

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More Story Than I Thought

Thoroughly enjoyed this. Thought it was ending too soon but then very happy to see another 10 chapters.
Recommended

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Wonderful

Fabulous story and engaging narrator that drew me in and wouldn't let go until the very end.

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Compelling

I love the story, characters and twists. I tried to nut out the plot as I went and had some limited success. The intricacies of the story were, by far, greater than my imagination. Looking at the story from different perspectives and times is wonderful. The characters become well rounded as we glimpse the story from their view.
A wonderful novel.

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The best kind of twist is the one you don’t see coming

I recommend this book to virtually everyone. Brilliantly executed by both author and narrator and kept me spellbound until the end.

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Intriguing storytelling, excellent narration, highly recommend

So difficult to interweave generational and situational storylines well but Kate has achieved this very successfully I think. Narrated very well so an enthralling listen. Likable characters. Didn't want to put the book down and sad it's over really. Very enjoyable weekend distraction.

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Less predictable than other Mortons

What did you like most about The Lake House?

The world and atmosphere of Cornwall - it was well-described and charming.

What other book might you compare The Lake House to, and why?

Kate Morton's other books, and similar historical-mystery novels by people like Kimberley Freeman, Lauren Willig, Beatriz Williams, etc.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Caroline Lee is a decent, calm narrator, but goodness, her accents are terrible. There were certain British characters in this story where the accent as performed by Caroline was Jamaican -- which threw me off a bit.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Once the story got going, it was definitely the type of book I wanted to finish quickly -- wanting to know the story!

Any additional comments?

This was (luckily) less predictable than Morton's other books (e.g. The Distant Hours, The House at Riverton) and therefore more enjoyable. The ending was, as other reviewers have commented, much too neat, but then, I'm pretty sure we all listen to these books for a pleasant story, and not for blunt realism -- so this particular ending is most forgivable. The characters in this were also more interesting than usual and felt like they had more substance. A pleasurable listen all round.

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What a lovely surprise

If you could sum up The Lake House in three words, what would they be?

Keeps you guessing.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Too long to listen in one sitting, but it kept me coming back.

Any additional comments?

I don't normally read this genre. One look at the cover with no blood spatter and I know its probably going to be too gentle for my taste. However, Audible Australia asked me would I like to review the audio and Allen & Unwin Australia had sent me the book, so I thought the Reading Gods must want me to stretch myself a little.

I will admit for the first half dozen chapters I thought there was no way I would finish it. However, because I'd chosen to 'listen' to the Audible, it was on my phone and I could listen in my car, I had a choice between same old music or this. So I thought I'd persevere. I'm so glad I did.

Kate Morton is one of Australia's most successful writers. Now I know why. Her historical detail is spot on and immersive. Although, my sister-in-law didn't enjoy this book because she found it over-detailed. I, on the other hand, especially because of the wonderful Audible narration, enjoyed my immersive visit every day to the early 1930s, then to seventy years later. Every day I looked forward to listening.

The story jumps back and forth from the Edevane family's country house, Loeanneth, in the 1930's to present day, where the mystery of the Lake House drags in Sadie Sparrow who has been sent on an enforced break from her job with the Metropolitan Police. During this break in Cornwall staying with her grandfather, she stumbles on an old abandoned house and learns of the mysterious disappearance of a boy seventy years before.

The tale weaves in and out of the various lives impacted by the disappearance and we visit with some of the participants in present day. I found myself thinking every now and then 'Ah, now I know who was responsible, how the child went missing.' Only to find I was wrong.

I highly recommend the immersive experience of an Audible. It's so convenient to listen while your cooking, doing chores, or driving. I find these special deals on Amazon for audibles really impressive. For this book, if you buy the ebook for $11.99, you can add the audible for $4.49. Or you sign up for a monthly audible cost of $14.99 for a book a month. That's in the USA. Not sure in the other countries what the cost is, but do check it out. I've found the Australian deals are comparable. It's a great deal for readers.

So back to the book review . . . I really, really enjoyed this book. The narrator is very good. Trust me, they are not all great. The story has twists and turns, and even if you don't read this genre, I suggest you try it out. I'm now a convert. The Lake House is a wonderful place to visit. Highly recommended, especially on Audible.

I was given a free audible copy by Audible Australia and a free paperback from Allen & Unwin Australia in exchange for an honest review.

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