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Summary and Reviews of The Lake of Dead Languages by Carol Goodman

The Lake of Dead Languages by Carol Goodman

The Lake of Dead Languages

by Carol Goodman
  • Critics' Consensus (4):
  • Readers' Rating (16):
  • First Published:
  • Jan 1, 2002, 390 pages
  • Paperback:
  • Jan 2003, 413 pages
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About This Book

Book Summary

An eloquent thriller, an intricate balance of suspense and fine storytelling that proves Carol Goodman is a rare new talent with a brilliant future.

In the evocative tradition of Donna Tartt's first novel, The Secret History, comes this accomplished debut of youthful innocence drowned by dark sins. Twenty years ago, Jane Hudson left the Heart Lake School for Girls in the Adirondacks after a terrible tragedy. Now she has returned to the placid, isolated shores of the lakeside school as a Latin teacher, recently separated and hoping to make a fresh start with her young daughter. But ominous messages from the past dredge up forgotten memories that will become a living nightmare.

Since freshmen year, Jane and her two roommates, Lucy Toller and Deirdre Hall, were inseparable--studying the classics, performing school girl rituals on the lake, and sneaking out after curfew to meet Lucy's charismatic brother Matt. However, the last winter before graduation, everything changed. For in that sheltered, ice-encrusted wonderland, three lives were taken, all victims of senseless suicide. Only Jane was left to carry the burden of a mystery that has stayed hidden for more than two decades in the dark depths of Heart Lake.

Now pages from Jane's missing journal, written during that tragic time, have reappeared, revealing shocking, long-buried secrets. And suddenly, young, troubled girls are beginning to die again . . . as piece by piece the shattering truth slowly floats to the surface.

At once compelling, sensuous, and intelligent, The Lake of Dead Languages is an eloquent thriller, an intricate balance of suspense and fine storytelling that proves Carol Goodman is a rare new talent with a brilliant future.

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Reviews

Media Reviews

Booklist - Brad Hooper
This ultimately pleasing debut novel suffers from some plot clumsiness, including a reliance on coincidence and a few situational implausibilities. These drawbacks are forgiven and forgotten as the story builds into a thrilling, diverting read.

Library Journal - Karen Traynor
Writing teacher Goodman has crafted a page-turner of a mystery that will keep readers enthralled to the end. Recommended for public libraries with followings for authors like Martha Grimes.

Publishers Weekly
Goodman debuts strongly with this intricately plotted and captivating tale of buried secrets.

Kirkus Reviews
Trash, despite the highfalutin Latin and classic references-and not very sexy trash at that.

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Read-Alikes

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