Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Linda Norlander’s "And the Lake Will Take Them" is a gripping debut in the Sheriff Red Mysteries series, set against the stark and unforgiving backdrop of rural Minnesota. With its atmospheric setting, complex characters, and a plot that intertwines cold cases with present-day peril, this novel is a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling.

The story begins with a fierce snowstorm sweeping across the icy shores of Hammer Lake, where an isolated cabin fire leaves a high school drug dealer critically injured and a teenage girl, Missy Klein, missing. Sheriff Red Hammergren, a determined and resourceful protagonist, is thrust into a race against time to find Missy. As Red delves deeper into the case, she uncovers chilling connections to unresolved cold cases, including the murder of Missy’s father years earlier. The investigation reveals a dark web of drug trafficking, small-town secrets, and a malevolent presence lurking in the storm.

Norlander’s portrayal of Sheriff Red is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Red is a gritty, no-nonsense character whose dedication to justice is matched only by her compassion for the vulnerable. Her interactions with the townsfolk, each harboring their own secrets, add depth and authenticity to the narrative. The supporting cast is equally compelling, with characters who feel as real and layered as the snow-covered landscape they inhabit.

The setting itself is a character in the story, with Norlander’s evocative descriptions of the frozen woods and storm-bound town creating a sense of claustrophobia and urgency. The relentless snowstorm serves as both a physical and metaphorical barrier, heightening the stakes as Red battles the elements and time to uncover the truth.

The plot is intricately woven, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. Norlander skillfully balances the tension of the investigation with moments of introspection, exploring themes of loss, resilience, and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets. The pacing is brisk, yet the story never feels rushed, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the mystery.

"And the Lake Will Take Them" is a standout in the mystery genre, offering a perfect blend of suspense, character development, and atmospheric storytelling. Linda Norlander has crafted a tale that is as chilling as the Minnesota winter and as satisfying as solving a long-buried puzzle. For fans of small-town mysteries and strong female leads, this book is an absolute must-read. Sheriff Red Hammergren is a character you’ll want to follow through many more storms to come.

Linda Norlander’s “And the Lake Will Take Them” is hopefully the first book in a new series featuring Sheriff Red Hammergren. Red’s office gets a call about a cabin on fire and the caller says there’s a person inside. Upon her arrival she discovers an injured high school male student and a potentially missing girl, Missy Klein.

As Red investigates the fire and tries to locate Missy, she begins to discover what may be connections to a couple cold cases. One of the cases is relatively recent and the other one is almost two decades old. Red inherited the cold cases from the former Sheriff, who was also her husband, before he passed away. Helping her along the way are a few friends she meets regularly for poker games.

Set in Minnesota during winter, this book had an atmospheric feel to it as I was reading. The story had a nice pace to it and I appreciated the chapters were short. While it was challenging, at times, to keep track of all the characters, I enjoyed the overall storyline.

Overall, I recommend this book. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.

A well written story of a search for a missing girl, with connections to past cold cases and present drug case. The view is from the sheriff and how she manages with detective work and instincts to figure out the past and present. I really enjoyed this read, and how the ending resolved all.

There are some things in this book I really enjoy. Red, her backstory, her women friends and their wise and witty relationships, and the scene by scene writing. For me, those are offset by things I don't really enjoy about it. The prologue (which for me sets up an expectation of further chapters focusing on Not Me) and the pacing, which feels slow to me, are the two biggest. Also, the title sets up a different kind of vibe than the book delivers on. I think other readers will enjoy it much more, because Norlander is clearly a good writer. I feel like it's just not my cup of tea. It feels a bit like an endless search for one person after another. Your mileage will probably vary!

Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book. Twists and turns that kept me coming back. Love a good female lead. All the secrets she uncovers. Can’t wait to read the next book.

I loved reading this in the Winter and as my own snow storm was approaching. I will say the way this story was written was a little harder for me to enjoy but I pushed through mainly because I love a strong female lead and Sheriff Red was great.

I really enjoyed this story and am excited to see that it's the first of a series. Red is a great character. It kept me guessing and engaged in the plot. I'm looking forward to continuing the series.

This was such a good thriller. I loved Red and I love a small town mystery. It was really engaging. I couldn't put the book down!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

This was a chilling cold mystery/thriller to read.

I loved it very much, and lots of twists kept coming.

Definitely a author to discover!

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and the author for this e-arc! This was a very captivating suspense novel and I’m excited to look into more work from this author in the future.

Edge of my seat thriller that kept me guessing up until the very end! I read this in one sitting ,could not put it down!

Nature thrillers are so good and whis was no exception. You're not only fighting against a psycho but also the weather. And the weather always wins. Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a chance to read this book.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Linda Norlander’s And the Lake Will Take Them marks a promising start to a new mystery series featuring the determined and relatable Sheriff Red Hammergren. Set in a small, snowbound Minnesota town, the novel interweaves a missing teen, a life-threatening cabin fire, drug smuggling, and a brewing snowstorm that threatens to derail the entire investigation.

Plot and Atmosphere
From the first chapter, Norlander propels readers into the tension of an impending blizzard that complicates Red’s every move. While the storm closes in, Sheriff Red juggles one crisis after another: Missy, a missing teenager; another teen in critical condition following a violent attack; and the alarming discovery of drugs leaking into the community from an unexpected source. The relentless snow only amplifies the sense of urgency, creating a claustrophobic setting in which each new clue feels all the more critical.

Character Development
The strength of the novel lies in its cast, notably Sheriff Red Hammergren herself—a gritty, competent leader forced to balance small-town politics with the need to protect vulnerable citizens. Red’s dedication to her job, combined with very human doubts and a compassionate approach, makes her a believable protagonist. Missy’s backstory, involving a murdered father and a mother lost to addiction, highlights the town’s many hidden secrets, reminding readers that no one is ever quite what they seem. Even secondary characters—local officials, family friends, and possible suspects—are fleshed out and add layers to the central mystery.

Themes and Tension
Norlander successfully blends themes of grief, isolation, and trust in a place where everyone knows everyone else—or believes they do. As Red’s investigation deepens, she uncovers how the community’s surface respectability masks a disturbing network of secrets and lies. The combination of murder, drugs, and a missing teen might seem familiar to fans of the genre, but the author’s careful attention to pacing, atmosphere, and character emotions keeps the tension high.

Pacing and Style
The writing style is straightforward but effective, focusing on the details of Sheriff Red’s day-to-day challenges. Norlander delivers quick, punchy scenes that move the action along briskly. If there is a downside, it’s that the plot may feel like a standard small-town procedural at times, lacking the kind of stylistic flourishes that set truly groundbreaking mysteries apart. Yet, that same simplicity also makes the book accessible, ensuring it remains a comfortable read for anyone who enjoys classic murder mysteries.

Conclusion
And the Lake Will Take Them offers a strong, suspenseful debut to Linda Norlander’s new series. Readers looking for a small-town mystery with a stormy setting, a tenacious female lead, and enough twists to keep them turning pages will find plenty to enjoy. Sheriff Red Hammergren is a character worth rooting for—her blend of perseverance and empathy sets the tone for what could become a memorable series. If you’re in the mood for an absorbing winter read with heart and high stakes, Norlander’s novel is well worth a look.

This one was a DNF for me, I truly enjoyed the characters and the character development as well as the story line. But the writing style isn’t really my preference. I would definitely try this author again!

this was a good book. I enjoyed all of the twists and turns, and also the dark and eerie theme of this book. I liked the book overall and enjoyed the writing style of the author

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

A mysterious read! I enjoyed tagging along with Sheriff Red and her friends while they worked to untangle just what was really happening in their small town.

And The Lake Will Take Them by Linda Norlander
This was a nice surprise. I’ve never read anything by this author before so I really didn’t know what to expect. I immediately liked the main character Red Hammergren, the sheriff of a little town in Minnesota. Her life and the lives of others in her town intrigued me. I felt like I knew many of them personally.
Red is going over some cold cases in her town when a teenaged girl (Missy) goes missing. Then a teenaged boy (Jared) is found nearly dead out by an old abandoned cabin that’s engulfed in flames, he’s also a known acquaintance of Missys. There’s rumors of drugs within the school and Red lots of things to check out. Did I mention that Missys dad’s murder is one of Reds cold cases too? Lots of coincidences, too many for Red who is determined to put the puzzle together. Overall a good old mystery with great character development.

I enjoyed this one. It had just enough twists, and kept me engaged. I read it in 2 days (would have been one, but unfortunately chores don't do themselves) I'm a sucker for a book with a strong female lead as it is, but I found myself emerged in the Sheriff Red character. She came across very real to me and her being so relatable is one of the reasons I devoured this book. Highly recommend

I always love cold cases being solved in books and these cold cases didn't disappoint. The book was well paced and atmospheric, I liked Red as the Sheriff and the story was thrilling enough to keep my attention

And the Lake Will Take Them
by Linda Norlander

I read this book while I had pneumonia - and it kept me on my toes and engaged while I was coughing my had off.

It all takes place in a small town - the sheriff is the widow of the former sheriff and he was the son of the former sheriff. There is a lot of infighting - there are parts of the town that want to get rid of her - nepotism? But personally it was because they were all guilty and wanted to put in their own sheriff so that way they could control the town.

We hear about her husbands death extensively - and we go back to flashbacks - she is still grieving - and on Christmas she goes back to look at dead cases - which there are four.

Missy happens to be the current case, her father was one of the four unsolved cases - and then we have a crazy person running around (who I think was SAed and has multiple personalities).

There were so many twists and turns - and we got to learn about the local "planned parenthood" - and Red's friends there -

At the end of the story - three of the missing cases, Missy's moms death and the crazy multiple personality case gets solved.

I would defintely give this book four stars!

I was given a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.