A dark and twisty read that fell a little flat for me. But I will definitely give this author another go.

Salthouse Place by Jamie Lee Sogn is a gripping mystery set in a coastal town full of dark secrets. The story follows a young woman who returns to her hometown, only to confront haunting memories and unravel unsettling truths about her past and the people she thought she knew. Sogn’s writing is atmospheric and suspenseful, pulling readers into the eerie charm of Salthouse Place.

Ideal for fans of psychological thrillers, small-town mysteries, and readers who enjoy stories with complex female leads and atmospheric settings.

This book had a great idea behind it!
I love the idea of a missing girl combined with cults. But after a decent start, it just fell flat.

There were a lot of errors in the writing as far as continuity.
The characters and the plotline went off the rails.
There was so much potential which is why I think I was disappointed overall.

It was an easy and fast read.

I love cult stories! This book was dark and the plot twists were twisting. The characters and their toxic female friendships made for a suspenseful story. A great debut!

Salthouse Place" is a gripping mystery that combines a compelling plot with deep emotional undercurrents. Jamie Lee Sogon’s ability to create an evocative setting and intricate character dynamics makes this novel a standout in the mystery/thriller genre. It is recommended for readers who enjoy atmospheric mysteries with a strong emphasis on character development and intricate plotting.

Fun summer read!

I'll start by admitting I love reading anything about cults, so Sogn had me from 'hello'. If you're familiar with the debacle that was NXIVM, you'll hear significant echoes here, but I couldn't put it down because all the 'but what if THIS had happened' moments are played with in this fictional take. Sogn is a beautiful writer and I felt in good hands with her narrative. I do wish I had gotten more backstory on certain characters earlier in the book, but I understand why I didn't, because we learn information in real-time with our MC, Delia.

Looking forward to Sogn's next!

I liked this slow-burn thriller very much. One word which describes the topics of this book would be "toxic". Because most of the relationships are toxic. Almost all characters are morally grey. Only Delia, the "smart innocent" girl was so innocent/ naive that I could scream sometimes. How could she not see the obvious truth? Also, the brain-washing part of the Artemis cult was somehow not convincing for me. What was so great about this cult and its techniques that all the women felt drawn to its leader Everett? The story somehow changed abruptly when Delia finds Cara. Then one revelation follows another and plot twists happen again and again. It was somehow a bit confusing also seeing the same patterns being repeated and repeated. It seems as there is only one type of man in this story. What I really liked were the in-between cozy scenes at Delias's home in Portsgrove, where she eats filipino food with her mom. I also loved to see how the complicated mother-daughter-relationship developed in the course of the story. Further, Delia needs to unfold layer of layer of former memories. She needs to dig deep to reveal the ugly truth.

I will look forward to Jamie Lee Sogn's next book. A clear recommendation for all thriller readers especially those who are interested in stories about a cult.

Three best friends - Delia, Cara, and Zee - went out on the lake ten years ago, but Zee went missing and was never found. In present day, Cara reaches out to Delia to try to bridge the gap from years of disconnect. But when Delia tries to find Cara, she is now missing too. Delia refuses to lose another friend and will stop at nothing to find her. Tracing Cara's last steps leads her down a dangerous path into a cult where she can trust no one.

I really liked this one. It bordered on too confusing to follow all the twists and turns, but didn't tip over. If you watched Pretty Little Liars when it was on tv, this is the perfect book for you. It reminded me so much of PLL but the grown up version. I devoured the whole book in a day.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC of Salthouse Place.

Salthouse Place has the kind of writing I love, bordering on literary and creating a vivid sense of the people and places. A tale of toxic friendship and grief, with a cult center and an intriguing mystery, this was a fast read for me.

There's a good addictive quality to it and a lot of exploration of female empowerment both in the good and bad sense, plus a mystery that unravels at pitch perfect pace until resolution comes.

Overall a great read.

Despite an intriguing premise reminiscent of the real-life NXIVM cult, Jamie Lee Sogn's "Salthouse Place" falls short of expectations, with a meandering plot that lacks clear direction, and feels messy and disjointed.

One glaring issue was the lack of attention to detail with numerous inconsistencies throughout, such as a character inexplicably using a pager they were never introduced to. Additionally, timelines were muddled, with characters recalling events that contradict their established backgrounds. The author's attempt at creating suspense falls flat due to clumsy writing rather than clever plot twists. Character development was inconsistent, with motivations shifting erratically and alliances changing abruptly. Repetitive phrasing, such as the overuse of the word "smirk" became distracting, often feeling out of place in the context of the narrative.

While the premise of this plot held promise, the execution felt frustrating and ultimately unsatisfying overall. This novel could have benefitted from tighter editing and clearer direction.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. This was a very tense and suspenseful read. The story was a bit predictable but still well done. The characters were good and kept me engaged with the story. Looking forward to more from this author.

I really enjoyed this book. It was different than anything else I've read recently. I couldn't put it down! I will keep an eye out for this author's future work!

Delia, Cara and Zee are best friends spending a day at the lake. But only two come out of the water. Zee is never found. Cara and Delia carry in with their lives with no contact with each other. When Cara reaches out to Delia, she disappears too. In Delia's quest to find Cara, Delia gets involved with the cult Cara was a member of.

As a debut novel, it was just fine but I wanted something more - maybe a little more of thrill. The plot was interesting but the twists were predictable. While I find anything related to a cult fascinating, this one fell a bit flat for me.

What a great first novel from this author - I am very excited to see more from her!

I really enjoyed this book. The author managed to create a real feeling of tension and an uncomfortable air as I read, making it a real page turner. Exploring cults and female friendships, the pacing was a little slow at first but soon picked up.

I knocked off a star as did feel the author may have tried to squeeze a few too many ideas in - she did manage to pull everything together at the end though. I felt that this meant some themes didn't get explored as fully as they could have been and there were a few inconsistencies. However, this did not ruin my reading experience at all and I still really enjoyed it.

Anybody who enjoys an eerie psychological thriller will enjoy it too - can't wait to see what this author comes out with next!

Intriguing and suspenseful, ‘The Lake’s Secrets’ takes readers on a gripping journey as Delia seeks answers to a decade-old mystery. The Pacific Northwest setting adds an atmospheric touch, and the exploration of friendship, secrets, and the allure of empowerment keeps you hooked. The unexpected twists and turns make this a page-turner, weaving a tale of suspense that lingers long after the final chapter. A must-read for those who love a blend of mystery and psychological tension.”

“Salthouse Place” by Jamie Lee Sogn is a heart-pounding thriller that will keep you up all night! The story follows Delia, who visits her friend Cara at a self-sufficient community, only to unravel a sinister plot.

The author masterfully crafts an eerie atmosphere, transporting you to the isolated world of Salthouse Place. The writing style is engaging, making it easy to visualize the characters and their surroundings. You’ll feel like you’re right there with Delia, uncovering the truth alongside her.

Delia’s relatable nature makes her easy to root for, and her determination to uncover the truth about Cara’s involvement with the community will have you cheering her on. The pacing is expertly balanced, with tension building steadily and unexpected twists that will leave you breathless.

The author’s ability to create an unsettling atmosphere is impressive, making this book a compelling page-turner. You’ll be on the edge of your seat, eager to find out what happens next.

“Salthouse Place” is a gripping thriller that exceeded my expectations. If you’re a fan of suspenseful stories with intriguing characters and a chilling atmosphere, this book is a must-read. Jamie Lee Sogn’s writing style is captivating, making it easy to become fully immersed in the world of Salthouse Place. Trust me, you won’t regret picking this one up!

Sorry but animal violence is a hard no for me. Love the idea but I’m out on that. Blah blah blah I have nothing else to say.

***A big thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC copy of this book.***

Once upon a time, in the distant past, three inseparable young girls named Delia, Zee, and Cara forged a deep bond of friendship. However, the idyllic connection shattered after a fateful lakeside day in the Pacific Northwest, leaving only two of the teenagers to return home unharmed.

The tragic incident took a heavy toll on Delia, exacerbating preexisting issues and causing her to withdraw into herself. Meanwhile, Cara seemingly moved forward effortlessly, leaving Delia behind. Years later, Cara reaches out unexpectedly, reigniting contact with Delia. Yet, soon after this reconnection, Cara goes missing.

Despite their previous estrangement, Delia, haunted by the unresolved mystery of Zee's disappearance, becomes determined to find her second lost friend. Identifying an Oregon-based women's organization as a potential lead due to Cara's involvement, Delia embarks on a journey that takes an unexpected turn.

The reality Delia uncovers diverges significantly from her expectations, revealing sinister aspects within the group. As her investigation deepens, it becomes evident that the organization has a cult-like nature. Delia finds herself in a perilous situation, becoming the target instead of the pursuer.

The book presents an intriguing premise and, despite a few inconsistencies, effectively delivers a compelling story. Twists abound, and the revelation of the cult-like nature of Cara's involvement adds an engrossing layer to the narrative. It is a recommended read for those curious about cults and their dynamics.

The reviewer expresses initial discomfort with the subject matter, admitting to an unexpected fascination with cults despite their unsettling nature. The author, Jamie Lee Sogn, successfully captures the reader's attention with "Salthouse Place," providing a wild and captivating ride. The inclusion of female friendship and a gripping mystery enhances the overall appeal, making it a binge-worthy and entertaining choice.

The reviewer suggests that the novel is suitable for readers who enjoy exploring themes such as cult culture, female friendship, complicated relationships, teen behavior, the Pacific Northwest setting, mystery and suspense, as well as secrets, lies, and manipulation. Despite a slightly prolonged and ambitious ending, the thriller is commended for its twisty and fast-paced narrative. The author's debut is deemed impressive, leaving the reviewer eager to explore more of Jamie Lee Sogn's work in the future.

🌊𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀 🌊

‘A Salthouse Place’ by Jamie Lee Sogn

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
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“It was an accident. It was a sacrifice. It was necessary.”

What a fantastic read! I absolutely devoured this novel - a classic psychological thriller which delighted me! I was lucky enough to have a dreary day to read this on, and in doing so, I think I’ve found the PERFECT rainy day novel. A completely achievable size with strong characters, and punchy dialogue, I would highly recommend this to any thriller lovers.

The switching timeframe and abundance of dialogue make me think that this would make the PERFECT full-cast audiobook. It would be perfect for a road trip too!

While being a ‘cult’ centred novel, or at least having a large chunk of the story centred around a cult, I was pleasantly surprised to find some humour and lightness throughout. I credit this mostly to the wonderfully written characters that were just perfectly formulated to furnish the story.

I found myself feeling similar emotions as elicited by the Netflix series ‘Painkiller’ and I’d describe this book like ‘Foul is Fair’ by Hannah Capin and ‘Bunny’ by Mona Awad grew up and had a (slightly less violence and gory) child. In summary - INCREDIBLE.

I really wanted to enjoy this book as the description really appealed but unfortunately the story line became so confused and convoluted that it lost it's way.
I couldn't decide if the focus was the death of a friend, a cult, manipulation of young girls or something else. I struggled to finish but hate to be defeated.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy but just not for me