Marguerite Gray is a celebrity in the world of unique business ventures. Her life is captured in a Serge Kuhnert painting, Marguerite by the Lake, which hangs in her Rosecliff home, which she shares with her husband, Geoffrey.
The grounds surrounding her home are landscaped by Phoenix, a young woman who works diligently to ensure that the area surrounding the home is in keeping with Marguerite’s well-known style.
When a fierce storm erupts during the launch party for Marguerite's latest book, Phoenix, saves Geoffrey from a falling tree. The overly grateful Geoffrey’s sudden attention to Phoenix sends warning signals to Marguerite. Phoenix feels herself being pulled towards a close relationship with him, which she welcomes even though she could lose her job.
Then tragedy occurs. Marguerite falls to her death at the edge of the lake where she once posed for her painting. Phoenix holds the secret behind Marguerite’s fall, but despite her guilt, she moves into the manor with Geoffrey, and their affair begins. When Detective Hanna and Marguerite’s look-alike daughter arrive on the scene, they become suspicious of Phoenix and begin to suspect the truth behind her involvement in Marguerite’s death. Phoenix is then forced to take action, and she does something that any gardener would do to cover up the truth.

Mary Dixie Carter’s “Marguerite by the Lake” didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The initial description piqued my interest, but the book felt a bit disjointed and confusing. The characters felt underdeveloped, and the plot was a bit hazy.

Mary Dixie Carter’s *Marguerite by the Lake* is an exciting psychological thriller that pulls you into a world filled with wealth, obsession, and deep secrets. Set at the stunning estate of Rosecliff, the story dives into themes of power, desire, and what it really costs to chase your dreams, all wrapped up in a suspenseful vibe.

The main character, Phoenix, is a gardener who pours her heart into making Marguerite Gray’s brand look amazing. Marguerite, who’s a lifestyle superstar, seems to have it all together. But things take a dark turn when Phoenix gets involved with Marguerite and her husband, Geoffrey. After Marguerite mysteriously falls to her death from a spot made famous in a painting, everyone is left wondering if it was just an accident, a crime of passion, or something even worse.

Carter does a fantastic job creating tension, examining the gap between the rich and those who work for them. Phoenix’s struggle for acceptance makes her feel real and relatable. As secrets pile up, the story keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat. You’ve got Marguerite’s daughter adding a creepy twist, and Detective Hanna is on the case, making sure Phoenix can’t just waltz back into Marguerite’s world without facing the music.

With sharp writing and a close look at the lure of wealth, *Marguerite by the Lake* is a stylish yet chilling read that fans of *The Talented Mr. Ripley* and *The Paris Library* will definitely enjoy.

Marguerite by the Lake
By Mary Dixie Carter

What the point of this book is baffles me. It could have started out as a thriller…or maybe it's supposed to be a horror novel. Unfortunately, it never seems to come together as anything definable. There are too many ambiguous plot lines. Is Phoenix some kind of serial killer? Or is she only being used by everyone in one way or another? Is Curtis, her brother, in her camp or playing both ends against the middle? Is Geoffrey truly in love with Phoenix – or simply a monster? And what about Marguerite/Taylor – mother and daughter – or two women controlled by some kind of supernatural force?

There was not one character which provoked my sympathy. There were too many sidebars left unresolved. In short I did not like this book.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Unfortunately, I wasn't a huge fan of the storyline. The writing style was enjoyable and definitely made up for the unlikable characters by being able to paint a picture of them in your head that was like watching a movie. Because the writing style was so detailed, I wanted to love this book so much! I would recommend still giving it a try, what I might like, you might love!

Phoenix is a gardener on the estate of the famous Marguerite and her husband Geoffrey. During a party for Marguerites newest book, a storm blows up and her husband is almost killed. Phoenix helps save him and a relationship ensues. Marguerite is later found dead and no one knows how it happened. Phoenix ends up moving in with Geoffrey to the dismay of his daughter.

This novel was interesting but not well paced or plotted. It is part horror, suspense and thriller. It seemed to meander all over and never really came together.

This was a book that I knew I had to finish, even as I was bothered when the main character, Phoenix made bad choice after bad choice. There are a lot of complexities in this read and quite a bit of suspense. The plot involves Phoenix, who hides from an event where she seemingly did nothing wrong, but failure to reveal that tests her and her guilt. I would recommend reading this to the end, due to an interesting plot twist. Even though it was impossible to like Phoenix and really, the other main characters, I think I will remember this book for some time.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARc.

Accidents happen but what happens when Hanna's bad luck just keeps coming back? Hanna's employer is wildly unpleasant--think of the most unpleasant influencer--but Hanna loves the gardening and her job. Unfortunately, Marguerite's death sends Hanna down a dangerous path--one from which she may never recover.

Phoenix works as a gardener on the Rosecliff estate. Marguerite Gray is well known for her magnificent gardens, though Phoenix and her team handle the planning and execution.
When a storm threatens to ruin a party for Marguerite’s newest book launch, only Phoenix identifies and acts to prevent a potential catastrophe. She saves Geoffrey’s life(Marguerite’s husband) and soon feels a magnetic attraction to him. Then a terrible accident allows Phoenix to pursue a relationship with Geoffrey.
All is not sunshine and roses, though. Someone was with Marguerite when she had her ‘accident’ and someone else knows that there is more to the story than has been explained. Is Phoenix actually living the life she craved or will she be consumed by Marguerite’s shadow?
A very different read than The Photographer(which I loved), but one that I enjoyed. What’s that saying? Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it. A story that kept me turning the pages trying to decide if any of the living could have a happy ending.

Marguerite by the Lake
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5/5)

A big thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Marguerite by the Lake! This atmospheric novel, set to release on May 20, 2025, was my first read by Mary Dixie Carter, and I truly enjoyed her writing style.

While the book is categorized as a thriller, I’d say it leans more toward a slow-burning mystery—one that kept me wondering what wasn’t being said. The tone was slightly ominous, and when I wasn’t reading, I found myself eager to return and uncover more. There’s a lot of detail and backstory woven in, which I personally enjoyed, and I could vividly picture the setting as if I were watching a movie.

Marguerite’s character had a bit of that Martha Stewart-esque perfectionism, particularly with her brand and gardening. The dynamic between Phoenix and Geoffrey, however, felt a little off to me—it developed so quickly that it almost didn’t feel believable. And then there was the ending… without giving away spoilers, it left me thinking, That’s it?! I wanted more resolution, more details, and I felt a bit frustrated by how it wrapped up. If this had been a movie, my husband and I would have looked at each other at the end and said, Seriously, what the fuck?!*

That said, I do think the ending leaves a lot open to interpretation—maybe that was intentional, forcing the reader to draw their own conclusions. While I personally wanted more closure, others might appreciate the ambiguity. Despite my mixed feelings, Carter’s writing is immersive and compelling. The rich atmosphere and slow-building tension made for an engaging read, even if the ending left me wanting more. I’ve sat with this review for a few days, unsure how to rate it, but overall, I’d give it 3.5 stars. It’s worth reading for the writing and mystery, but be prepared for an ending that may depend on your own perspective.

I wanted to Love this book based off the blurb, but it really didn’t meet my expectations. The story was kind of all over the place, the characters were just confusing. I’d also say this definitely isn’t a thriller.

Thank you, St. Martin's Press for the copy of Marguerite by the Lake by Mary Dixie Carter. The description made the book sound intriguing, and it was great at first. As soon as the affair started I felt like I had missed something because the characters and the ‘relationship’ hadn’t been developed at all. Phoenix’s actions are strange and make no sense, and she is a strange MC. If you love a big, shocking reveal, you will probably love this book, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the oddness of the story in general for me. 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.

I don't know where to begin. This was such a good read. Just spooky and terrifying enough. I read it in 2 days and was drawn in to the spiraling madness of Phoenix. Initially I was really enjoying all the bits about roses and other gardening topics. The book quickly turned sinister and had many layers of intrigue.

Thank you Netgalley and St Martins Press for the ARC of this book.

Marguerite Gray is a lifestyle icon known for her garden parties, high-end business ventures, and being the muse behind the famous Serge Kuhnert painting, Marguerite by the Lake. Her presence is overpowering, her taste, legendary. For the last few years, Phoenix has been the gardener on the famed Rosecliff grounds, home of the Gray family: Marguerite and her husband Geoffrey. Phoenix came from humble beginnings, and now she works hard to craft the landscape that underpins Marguerite’s brand.

When a storm threatens the launch party for Marguerite’s latest book, it’s Phoenix who spots the danger to the guests and rushes to Geoffrey’s side to save him from a falling tree. Geoffrey is grateful—perhaps too grateful. Marguerite is . . . jealous. Phoenix senses the danger of being drawn deeper into their lives but can’t resist the attention, becoming embroiled in an affair that could destroy her career.

But soon after the affair begins Marguerite falls to her death, from the same high point at Rosecliff where she posed for Marguerite by the Lake. Now Phoenix has another secret, one that haunts her even as Geoffrey invites her to move into the manor with him. A secret that Detective Hanna and Marguerite’s daughter—her spitting image—are circling closer and closer to. Phoenix tries to put it all behind her and find her rightful place at Rosecliff. But as every gardener knows, nothing stays buried forever.

To be honest, I was expecting more of a suspense/thriller book from the description, The boo, was well written, but just not for my taste. 3.5 out of 5 ⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC.
This is a terrific book, I enjoyed the heck out of it.
Phoenix has been taking care of Marguerite's gardens for quite a few years. Marguerite is a lifestyle icon who is famous, popular and wealthy and Phoenix is a bit intimidated by her. After saving Marguerite's husband's life, she becomes obsessed with him and ends up being his lover.
When Marguerite dies from a fall, her famous portrait haunts Phoenix and she becomes irrational, believing the portrait is haunting her. She's become quite unhinged and is unravelling. Following her to the end of the book was riveting: be careful what you wish for!

Imagine coveting Martha Stewart’s life, home, garden, social media, talent AND husband, and being able to just step into that lifestyle after Martha suddenly dies. That becomes somewhat true for Phoenix, a thirty-something landscape architect who was the gardening talent behind the famous Marguerite Gray’s Instagram photos.

Phoenix Sullivan is just another employee around the Gray’s fabulous Rosecliff estate until she pushes Marguerite’s unhappy husband Geoffrey out of the way when a giant spruce fell during the storm that spoiled a party for Marguerite’s new book. Both Grays suddenly notice Phoenix: Geoffrey is apparently taken with her and craves a relationship; Marguerite becomes cold and seemingly suspicious.

Marguerite is also well-known for a painting done of her in her youth — “Marguerite by the Lake.” I was definitely reminded of “Christina’s World” by Andrew Wyeth (a portrait that hides the secret that Christina is actually paralyzed and crawling towards the farmhouse). This painting portrays Marguerite on a cliff overlooking the lake below — and, sure enough, Marguerite is found dead, having fallen from her frozen-in-time perch.

The book’s POV is Phoenix’s, who finds herself in a “Rebecca” type situation after Marguerite’s suspicious death and Geoffrey’s quick invitation to have Phoenix move into Rosecliff. Phoenix is always trying to avoid that ominous portrait as well as the gossipy staff. She quickly becomes Mrs. deWinter with far less respect. The middle part of the book, although it’s all about mounting dread, does drag and it gets increasingly harder to sympathize with our girl gardener. Phoenix feels haunted and is suspicious of everyone from the Gray’s adult daughter, a housekeeper, the neighbor across the lake, and eventually Geoffrey. I was engrossed until the end, but I’m undecided about the ending. Unfortunately, this morphed into a story where I disliked every character. 3.5 stars


Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO Geoffrey’s pale blue eyes and Marguerite’s large brown eyes are oft mentioned, but no green eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): YES Honestly, this book with a plot involving gardening needs a gardener or horticulturalist to proofread it. There is some knowledgeable stuff (like blue hydrangeas need acidic soil and watering deeply for winter), but there are other misses:
Even though Martha Stewart suggested it once, there is no published scientific research that shows that epsom salts benefit roses. Epsom salts do not contain any of the three major components of most fertilizers—nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium—and therefore would not be a complete fertilizer for roses. It’s an old wives’ tale like coffee grounds.
PJM rhododendrons prefer partial shade over full sun.
Phoenix cuts her finger while pruning roses — who prunes roses without heavy leather gauntlet gloves?
Japanese maples along a sunny driveway? Bad idea for trees that burn easily in the sun.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press/ Minotaur and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!

It has been such a good season for thrillers. The latest I’ve read was Marguerite by the Lake by Mary Dixie Carter. I really enjoyed it.

this was a really really really good book!!!!!!!!! I was not expecting it to be as good as it was, I am still thinking about this book and feel that I will be thinking about it for quite a while!! It had so many deep moments, the twists and turns catch you off guard, and it is just a great story!


Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

3 stars--I liked the book. This is a character-driven literary novel, not a suspense novel (though crime is involved). There are overtones of DuMaurier's Rebecca here, though the narrator is no Mrs. DeWinter!

It's like there's a sinister aura in the background of the book--a slightly gothic, off-kilter feeling that I enjoyed. I'm being vague to avoid spoilers, but nothing is "right" in this book: not the people nor the setting. Subtly chilling.

I received this review copy from the publisher on NetGalley. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review; I appreciate it!

Marguerite by the Lake by Mary Dixie Carter is a must-read book for 2025! From the very first pages it's clear that the author is an expert storyteller. Intelligently written and intriguing plot line. Kept me guessing and up all night. Loved it!