#Review - The Girl in the Lake by Lauren Oliver #Mystery #Thriller

Series: Department of Unexplained Phenomena #1 

Format: 321 pages, Kindle Edition

Release Date: June 1, 2026
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Genre: Mystery, Thriller

A young girl who claims to remember a past life draws a psychologist into a decades-old mystery in a haunting novel of suspense by New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver.

Kate Willis, consultant for the Division of Perceptual Studies at the University of Virginia, is tasked with interviewing six-year-old Henley Haskell about the girl’s alleged past-life recollections. The evaluation also marks a return for Kate to Stockbridge, Massachusetts, and to troubling recollections of her own.

Here, twenty-four years ago, Kate’s friend Becca McGuire vanished from her bunk at a now-shuttered summer camp and was never seen again—presumably drowned in Lake Sauquamet. But the mystery of her disappearance is only deepening. Because Henley’s memories of her “other life” are ones that could only belong to Becca.

For Kate, Henley’s recurring, suffocating nightmares, and her disturbing illustrations of places she has never been, seem to spell out the unbelievable. Somewhere, somehow, the truth about what really happened to Becca is locked inside this little girl. As Henley’s uncanny memories surface, so do old secrets—each one drawing Kate inexorably back to that terrible long-ago summer by the lake.

The Girl in the Lake is Lauren Oliver’s adult-thriller debut and the first book in her Dept. of Unexplained Phenomenon series: a dual-timeline mystery that sits right on the fault line between skepticism and the uncanny. The story follows 40-year-old Kate Willis, a psychologist who consults for the University of Virginia’s real-life Division of Perceptual Studies. She is sent to Stockbridge, Massachusetts, to interview six-year-old Henley Haskell, who talks about an “other life” with startling specificity. 

The case pulls Kate back to the shuttered Camp Sauquamet and Lake Sauquamet, where her best friend, Becca McGuire, vanished at fourteen and was presumed drowned. Henley’s nightmares, drawings, and private details increasingly look like Becca’s. Kate’s job is to look for suggestion, family leakage, trauma, and fraud. The novel keeps asking whether Henley is a vessel, a child absorbing a story, or something messier than either explanation. Kate is a skeptic with a messy private life—work as armor, old drinking as another kind of burial, a return home that she has postponed for decades. 

She's complicated rather than heroic, and the plot only works because she has to test her own beliefs. The “Then” chapters are Oliver’s real advantage. Her YA background shows in the camp material: the Cat Pack’s shifting alliances, the cruelty of girlhood, the Gray Lady legend, secrets used as currency. Becca is not a sainted missing girl. She is magnetic, unstable, loyal, and dangerous in the way fourteen-year-olds can be when they collect other people’s weaknesses. That makes the present-day investigation feel like unfinished adolescence rather than a cold-case procedural. 

Atmosphere does a lot of the work. The Berkshires, the abandoned camp, Fair Isle, the lake, and the local ghost story give the book a damp, closed-in Gothic mood without abandoning a clinical present. Oliver researched children who report previous-life memories, and that grounding makes Henley’s details more unsettling than a straightforward haunting would. The best version of this book is not “reincarnation is real.” 

It is a story about memory as something the mind edits in order to survive, about group guilt, and about whether a landscape can hold what people refuse to say. The supernatural is allowed to breathe; it doesn't have to win the argument. Pacing is my biggest complaint. The first half and middle lean on interviews, verification, and circling the same questions—how does Henley know this, who told her, what is Kate willing to admit? If you want a mystery that stays foggy all the way through, the landing may feel a shade too assembled. 

Themes

• Memory as construction, not archive
• Secrets as power and as poison
• Skepticism as protection
• The exact moment play turns into culpability
• Whether a ghost is a spirit or a conscience that will not stay sunk

Pick this up if you like Lisa Jewell / Megan Miranda / Jennifer McMahon territory, Yellowjackets-adjacent summer-camp rot, or thrillers that flirt with the paranormal without fully converting. Skip it if you want a lean, twist-every-chapter thriller or a hard-commit ghost novel. This is a character-driven slow burn that becomes a rescue/reckoning, then leaves a door slightly open for the series. 

 

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#Review - Broken Things by Lauren Oliver #YALIT #Thrillers #Suspense

Series: Standalone
Format: E-Galley, 416 pages
Release Date: October 2, 2018
Publisher: HarperCollins
Source: Publisher
Genre: Young Adult / Thrillers & Suspense

In this standalone teen novel, New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver weaves a tale of mystery and murder as two girls grapple with the terrors of their past and uncover the truth about their friend’s murder.

It’s been five years since Summer Marks was brutally murdered in the woods. Everyone thinks that Mia and Brynn killed their best friend, driven by their obsession with a novel called The Way into Lovelorn, a magical world that the three girls imagined themselves into until it turned twisted and sick and deadly. 

Unable to explain what really happened to Summer, Brynn and Mia have both found different, painful ways to hide from a world that hates them—a world that will never feel magical, or safe, ever again.

On the anniversary of Summer’s death, a seemingly insignificant discovery resurrects the mystery and pulls Mia and Brynn back together once again. But as past and present, fiction and reality, begin again to intertwine, Brynn and Mia must confront painful truths they tried for so long to bury—and face the long shadow of memory that has been waiting all this time.

In this engrossing, twisty novel, New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver weaves an unforgettable, mesmerizing tale of exquisite obsession, spoiled innocence, and impossible friendships.

 

Lauren Oliver's Broken Things is a twisty, edge of your seat thriller with a whodunit mystery, a long-buried truth, high emotions, bitter betrayals, and a secret danger that is still lingering out there. If you've read We Were Liars, or One of Us Is Lying, then this book is for you. Brynn McNally, Mia Ferguson, and Summer Marks formed a tight bond that they all rely on heavily, for different reasons, even if those reasons turn unhealthy. They were each in love with a book called Lovelorn that was never finished by the author.

5 years ago, Summer Marks was found murdered not far from the place where she, Brynn and Mia hung out while working on a fan fiction entitled The Way into Lovelorn. In the story, the girls pretended to be the three characters, Summer was the leader Ava, Brynn was the protector, Ashleigh, and Mia was the quiet one Audrey. The police had only three suspects, Owen Waldmann, Brynn, and Mia. They became known as the Monsters of Brickhouse Lane. 

In the aftermath, all three suffered in silence and had their lives uprooted. In the months and years that proceeded the murder, each of their lives went in strange directions. Brynn, who was outed as a lesbian, decided that she was going to escape and as the story picks up, has been in 6 different rehab facilities for alcohol and drug addiction. In truth, there's nothing wrong with Brynn. What truly scares Brynn is the real world, especially the people back in Twin Lakes who still see her as a killer. 

She doesn't know where to go since her mother and sister have pretty much ignored her, so why not stay where she is? The only person who seems to want to help her is Wade Turner, who just happens to be her cousin who has been trying to prove she's innocent. Then, Brynn receives an unexpected visit from Mia. The same Mia who broke Brynn's heart by betraying her to the cops. Summer's ghost still hangs over the town of Twin Falls, as well as Mia and Brynn's actions when it comes to how badly they allowed themselves to be treated by their so called best friend.

Mia is haunted by the words she said when the police questioned her about Summer: "ask Brynn." Claiming she was not there, Mia stayed home with her horde of a mother. When school became too tough, Mia opted for home schooling that kept her in the safety of her house all day. Making friends with YouTube celebrity Abby, who moved in two years ago and does not care about Mia’s supposed involvement with Summer’s death. But, after Mia finds a clue while cleaning out her home, she decides to call on Brynn.

When Brynn and Mia are brought back together by the fifth anniversary of Summer’s murder, despite their baggage from the murder case, they decide to work together to seek out answers as to who really was responsible for murdering Summer and leaving Mia, Brynn, and Owen to take the fall. Meanwhile, Mia and Owen have always known they were meant to be together, even as childhood best friends—but Summer’s involvement and her murder drove a wedge between the two of them. Now their unresolved feelings for each other add an additional current of tension through the story.

Brynn is attracted to other girls and struggles with this identity as she navigates relationships and bullying. In her teenage story line, however, she and another character connect in a sweet romance, in the margins of the murder mystery. This story alternates between Brynn and Mia, as well as going back in time. You also never really get to see the story from Summer's point of view, which would have been pretty interesting considering what she's portrayed as by both Brynn and Mia. I discovered an Easter Egg in the story about 30% of the way in, and it gave me the clue to guess who the real killer was. 

Overall, I felt more for Brynn, than I did Mia. Mia found a friend who didn't judge her. Brynn was pretty much outed and left behind without anyone trying to help her. I can understand Brynn more than I can Mia, and that should pretty much tell you that I've dealt with similar issues. 

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Friday #Review - Ringer by Lauren Oliver #YALit #Science Fiction

Series: Replica # 2
Format: E-Book, 528 pages
Release Date: October 3, 2017
Publisher: HarperCollins
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss
Genre: Young Adult \ Dystopian

Like its ambitious companion novel, Replica, this far-reaching novel by powerhouse bestselling author Lauren Oliver digs deep into questions of how to be a human being in a world where humanity cannot be taken for granted.

In the world outside the Haven Institute, Lyra and Caelum are finding it hard to be human—and neither of them knows where they belong or who they can trust. When Caelum leaves without warning to pursue the dream of a place he belongs, Lyra follows him, convinced that together they will hunt down a cure for the illness that’s slowly consuming her mind. But what they uncover is a shocking connection to their past—even as their future seems in danger of collapsing.

After discovering the uncomfortable truth about her connection to the Haven Institute, Gemma struggles to return to her normal life. But when she learns that her controlling and powerful father has new plans for Lyra and Caelum, Gemma and her boyfriend, Pete, leave in the middle of the night to warn them of the danger they face.When an untimely accident derails them, they are mistaken for the escaped replicas and seized by strangers hired to capture them. The Haven Institute wasn’t destroyed after all, and now Gemma is the one behind the walls.

Lyra’s and Gemma’s stories can be read separately—with either story first—or in alternating chapters, but no matter which way you turn the book, the two distinct stories combine into one breathtaking experience for both heroines and readers alike.

Lauren Oliver's Ringer is the second installment in the authors
Replica duology. For timeline sake, this story takes place 3 weeks after the end of Replica. The story is once again told by two different characters, Gemma & Lyra, in two different books. If you are like me, you read the first book, before flipping over to the second, even though both stories take place concurrently. Because of the edition I received, I started with Gemma Ives story first. Gemma has learned so much about herself in a very short period of time. 

She traveled to Florida, found out about Haven, found out a shocking truth about herself, while also helping rescue Lyra and Caelum. While Gemma is back with her parents, and her boyfriend Pete, her journey is far from over. One of the positives for Gemma is her relationship with Pete which has gone to a whole new level. So, let's get to the meat and potatoes. After Gemma discovers some disturbing news, she and Pete head out to Tennessee looking for Lyra and Caelum to warn them. Unfortunately, things go sideways, and they are captured believing that Gemma is one of their escaped Replica's. 

I have to say that this story actually flips things around from the first book. Gemma finds herself being imprisoned, and treated like a Replica. In fact, she even meets Calliope, who actually looks like her, along with others who are missing key parts of their bodies. But, there's plenty more, especially when Gemma meets Dr. Saperstein, the mad scientist behind the Replica's. This comes with many questions. One being the idea of cloning and whether or not a clone is actually human being with a soul, or just another science experiment to be used for nefarious purposes. Gemma's story crosses over with Lyra's several times, including the last chapters. 

Lyra, who was born human, but taken to Haven where she was experimented on as though she was a Replica, is now living with Caelum and her father in a Tennessee Mobile Home Park. I want to make this clear. I was so heart broken to find out how badly Lyra was treated by Haven and the doctors that she quickly became my favorite character. That hasn't changed. In fact, there is a subtle shift to make Lyra the more courageous & heroic one this time out. Caelum & Lyra are living like humans, but Caelum is a bit strange. He would rather sit and watch endless TV, than explore.

So, yes Lyra and Caelum are having some issues, and he ends up disappearing just as strange people show up looking for them. Lyra's journey begins at that point. She knows that she has to try to find Caelum. She also hopes that she can also find Dr. Saperstein who may have the cure she needs to survive. Lyra's story really explores a more personal meaning of what it means to be a human, rather than a Replica. Is life really any different now that she is free to explore the world? Or, would it have been better off had she met the same fate as those on Haven? While Gemma and Lyra's stories are separate, they do intersect several times, including the final chapters.

I honestly thought that the ending leaves much to the imagination. I dare say that I was hoping for more about Lyra and her life and death plight to find a cure, or accepting the final outcome. I'm happy that Oliver introduced Detective Reinhardt in Lyra's story. He is such a wonderful character, and I wish more LEO's were as caring, and well, human and not just robots who have zero emotions. Reinhardt's presence is in the form of his own story, which I absolutely liked. 

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#Saturday Review - Replica by Lauren Oliver (Young Adult, Science Fiction) @OliverBooks @HarperCollins

Series: Replica # 1
Format: E-Galley, 544 Pages
Release Date: October 4, 2016
Publisher: HarperCollins
Source: Edelweiss
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction

Gemma has been in and out of hospitals since she was born. 'A sickly child', her lonely life to date has revolved around her home, school and one best friend, Alice. But when she discovers her father's connection to the top secret Haven research facility, currently hitting the headlines and under siege by religious fanatics, Gemma decides to leave the sanctuary she's always known to find the institute and determine what is going on there and why her father's name seems inextricably linked to it.

Amidst the frenzy outside the institute's walls, Lyra - or number 24 as she is known as at Haven - and a fellow experimental subject known only as 72, manage to escape. Encountering a world they never knew existed outside the walls of their secluded upbringing , they meet Gemma and, as they try to understand Haven's purpose together, they uncover some earth-shattering secrets that will change the lives of both girls forever...

Lauren Oliver's Replica is the first book in a new series that features two girls who find themselves searching for answers about their own identities in a world that believes genetic engineering goes against the Creator's intentions. Replica contains two narratives in one. You can either start with Gemma's story, or you can start with Lyra's. You can, I've been told, turn the book one way, upside, and read each characters stories separately, or one right after the other. 

I started out with Lyra's story, so, let's talk about her journey to discovery first. Lyra grew up at the Haven Institute, which is located off the Florida coast. It is a place where clandestine research has been going on for years. It is a place where they create clones. Lyra is one of the Replica's that number in the hundreds. Each group of Replica's is color coded. Each group is experimented on and tested, really like lab rats. Lyra, like others, keeps getting sick. 

Then a male Replica named 72 escapes, and later the institute comes under attack. Lyra and 72 find themselves escaping Haven & Spruce Island thanks to the help of a girl named Gemma, who looks exactly like one of her fellow Replica's, and her acquaintance Jake. Lyra's journey to finding answers is fraught with danger. She, Gemma, Jake, and Pete run up against powerful people who will do anything to silence the truth from getting out to the world. 

Flipping over to Gemma's story. Gemma is 16 years old, and overweight. No judgments! She has been in and out of hospitals since she was a baby. She has had so many illnesses, that you start to ask yourself questions. Gemma's only true friend is April Ruiz. Gemma starts to question things after a brick is thrown thru a window at her house. What was her father doing that made him abandon his own company? When she begins to look into Haven, and takes off with a boy who has a curious reputation, things start to really push the envelope. Could she have spent any time at Haven? Is that why she has had so many health issues? Why does she look like one of the dead clones?  

Here are two girls, each searching for answers to questions about their very existence. Each different from the other by way of social status and how they were raised. One is afraid of leaving her comfort zone, and then goes on a journey of discovery. The other has been hidden away from society, then finds herself deeply involved in a conspiracy that has already led to people's deaths. 

Replica is structured so that you get two different

perspectives that sort of mimic each other. Gemma and Lyra's stories take place concurrently. But, the curious idea is that you can jump chapters back and forth until the characters actually do meet. If you have a hard-copy of the book if makes things so much easier. Not so much on Kindle. 

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