Another summer, another tragic drowning, and a lot of awful memories.

After the tragedy of the drowning years ago, the beach community never expected another tragedy.

Jo and her family were the most affected by the tragedy that happened years ago, and that tragedy still haunted Jo. Will the awful memories ever go away, and will the real facts about the drowning perhaps be revealed?

The secrets of Lake Road were deep and haunting for those who had a secret. Ms. Katchur marvelously put together a story that will remain with you simply because it could really be a true situation.

Ms. Katchur skillfully takes the reader back years before and skillfully brings readers to the present as the storyline unfolds.

The characters in THE SECRETS OF LAKE ROAD were a bit difficult to like. Jo was my least favorite. She was a terrible, heartless mother. The secret she kept tucked inside most definitely affected her. Caroline her daughter seemed sweet and wise beyond her years. The other characters worked well around these two main characters.

I enjoyed the revelations at the end. One of the revelations was obvious toward the end, but the others were a surprise.

THE SECRETS OF LAKE ROAD is a murder/mystery with a bit of romance. 5/5

This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review.

Karen Katcher has written a book about the complexity and endurance of relationships, and the unintended damage that secrets can do. Set in a small summer lake community with a long history between the residents, the characters are well developed and believable as they grapple with the challenges coming their way. Karen Katcher writes eloquently about a girl's transition from childhood, the intensity, love, and heartbreaks of relationships within families, and the devastating role that guilt can play in a person's life. The mystery at the heart of the story keeps the reader's interest, even though some of the secrets are more easily guessed than others. The Secrets of Lake Road is an excellent first novel.

A wonderful first novel. Great character development.

Beautiful description of summer lake community. Interesting characters and complex relationships. Unexpected turn of events when past secrets are finally revealed.