I love anything that Darcy Coates writes so I am highly biased. I loved the world building in this story and I could feel like I was there . I am impressed with how great this book was because horror is hard to make detailed without it being a huge book like SK

Darcy Coates has quickly become my favorite supernatural writer. I love her books, and this may be my new favorite. Well written, creepy and atmospheric and no gore. Great characters and some twists I didn't see coming! Thank you so much!

Another fantastic read by Ms. Darcy Coates.

Sam is a painter and has a gallery opening coming up very soon. She has not been able to paint anything of
consequence for months. Her uncle suggests to her that she may enjoy the quiet solitude of his cabin on Harob Lake. Maybe this is exactly what she needs to get her life back on track. Maybe the creative juices will flow.

Unfortunately, Sam is not alone. She sees a man standing at the edge of the dock looking into the lake. Who is this man? No one else is supposed to be here. Even her uncle had to get special permission to build on Harob Lake. Then, she finds out about the missing hikers. Does he have something to do with them?

And when night falls, more fun begins. Sam wakes most mornings to find that she has painted in her sleep. The paintings are so unnerving that Sam takes them off the easel and turns them toward the wall. The paintings are of a man with steel grey eyes that she has never seen before, yet there is something familiar about him. Why can she not remember painting any of them. What are they trying to tell her?

I like the way Ms. Coates writes. She spins a tale with just enough fear inducing intrigue that she doesn't need all the mayhem. The character of Sam was well plotted, in my opinion. The whole book focuses on her. Her thoughts. Her actions. Her survival. And do not forget the supernatural twist. You don't always need the blood, guts, and gore to have a good time (the short stories at the end are fantastic bonus. Loved every minute of it.)

Thanks to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and Darcy Coates for an ARC in return for an honest review..

A fun, short, creepy read. As other reviewers have mentioned, it's not a novel, but a novella with some short stories at the end. I didn't mind this, as I think Darcy Coates' writing seems to work better in the shorter form. There's some brilliant spooky imagery here – particularly in the short story 'Mannequin', but unfortunately the stories just sort of tail off without really going anywhere. Still, I enjoyed this, and would read more short fiction from the author.

Sadly this is other one won't be able to read review either since it never made its way to my kindle .

Thank you Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Dead Lake by Darcy Coates. This edition included 4 short stories which were as good as the novella. Dead Lake was a good solid ghost story, something to read while camping or at the cottage (only if you have something with you!!!)
Sam is having artist's block ahead of a major gallery exhibition. A week's at the Harob Lake cabin away from everyone should help: no neighbours, no phone, no distractions. But she discovers she is not alone on the first night...someone is standing on the dock, the dock she was told NOT use as it was dangerous. Then Sam, starts to dream about a grey-eyed man, and when morning comes there is a fresh painting of the grey-eyed man! I enjoyed reading Dead Lake, and for the most part it was scary, but a bit predictible.

If you love the horror genre and stories that can give you the chills, this one might be for you!

I was surprised to see that I was finishing Sam's story at about 50% of the way through the book. The main story is more of a novella, taking up the first half of the book, and then the second half is a collection of short stories. I wasn't aware of this going into the book, so it was a surprise when the book wrapped up so quickly!

The writing really pulled me into the middle of the stories almost immediately. The pacing was what I'd expect from a thriller/suspense story. The characters in these stories are constantly putting themselves into situations and making decisions that seem counter to keeping safe, which I found frustrating as a reader. I don't typically read in the horror genre, so overall, these stories weren't for me, but they did keep me entertained and were an easy read!

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Seems like I’m trying to compensate for this waste of a summer by trying to find somewhat summery/vacationy reads. So this technically qualifies, after all a dead lake is still a lake. Although for Sam the artist this visit to her uncle’s remote cabin by the lake turns out to be neither fun nor relaxing. In fact, it might turn out deadly. She is, after all, trapped in the middle of nowhere, her phone has no signal and her car won’t start. Oh and there might be a serial killer lurking out there. Seems that Thoreauvian dream of peace in the woods only works when there’s no one around to turn it into a nightmare…which is pretty much generally the way of the world. So this is one of those battle for survival stories. And pretty fun for what it is. Sam isn’t the smartest at times and it’s impossible to tell the weather, she’s never warm (jackets and logs on the fire are needed constantly), but does go canoeing in just her bathing suit. But aside from that, yeah, pretty fun. But reader beware, though this book looks like a standalone thriller, Sam’s story takes up only 50% of the book, the rest are short stories and those are actually a lot more fun. Whether there are spins on traditional genre scenarios or original creepy ideas…they are quite effective. All the stories in this collection are supernaturally flavored to various degrees, they definitely are in the realm of horrific, but in a subtle way. There’s no overt violence, gore of guts, most of the scares are of psychological variety. I did enjoy that very much. The collection reads easily and quickly, entertains thoroughly and for me it provided a very nice introduction to a new author. An author whose name I’ve noticed around, but never really checked out before. What was learned…Darcy Coates is a female, Australian, very, very prolific, fairly popular being a USA Today bestselling author and all and is actually a pretty good storyteller, especially if you prefer your scares to be of a milder, calmer, quieter variety. Sure, it’s pop fiction more so than literary fiction, but it’s well done for what it is. Nice collection for genre fans. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.

Dead Lake is a creepy page turner by Darcy Coates. This was my second time reading Dead Lake and I enjoyed it just as much.

Perfect mix of suspense, thrills and mystery. My only downside is the ending feels a little rushed but it doesn't detract from the fun for me.

I love the addition of short stories at the end and was thrilled to see Mannequin added as it is one of my all time favorite shorts. This book is a fantastic way to introduce yourself to Darcy Coates. If you are a fan of suspense you are sure to enjoy!

Thanks to Net Galley and Poisoned Pen Press for my ARC to read and review.

Struggling artist Sam has been offered an opportunity of a lifetime—a showing of her artwork at a prestigious gallery that could either make or break her career. But as with all things in life, when one path takes you to the realm of possibilities, a roadblock pops up, and in Sam’s case, it is caring for her terminally ill mother. After her passing, Sam is left with a broken heart and lack of creativity to fulfill the gallery request. With two weeks till her show, Sam is offered the use of her uncle’s remote cabin in the woods by Harob Lake. With painting supplies in hand, Sam ventures into the woods in hopes that the tranquil atmosphere will rejuvenate her spirit. But as the days pass, Sam begins sensing she is not alone. When her paintings begin taking on a dark and deadly pattern, Sam is terrified that perhaps there is more to the stories of the disappearing hikers…perhaps there is someone hunting the woods around Harob Lake…or perhaps it is something…

Dead Lake is a super quick horror story that could easily become your new scary campfire tale! Really enjoyed and will be on the lookout for more creepy reads from this author!

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **

Thankyou to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press and the author, Darcy Coates, for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy of Dead Lake in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Firstly, I have to admit, I really enjoy reading this author so I was really happy to receive this review copy .
Secondly, I honestly believe Ms Coates never fails to deliver a creepy, imaginative storyline. She certainly delivers what is promised in the premise of Dead Lake.
The storyline was well thought out and written. The imagery was highly descriptive and deliciously creepy.
Such a good, quick read.
Well worth a read.

As a fan of Darcy Coates, I was excited to be approved for this book. The main story, Dead Lake, is good and, as usual, Ms. Coates does a wonderful job at creating a spooky story. The 4 included short stories were good as well.