The Orphanage by the Lake has been caring for young girls for decades. Girls who lost parents, girls who never knew parents. The headmaster feels that a stellar education, some enrichment, rules and routines will help these girls grow into productive citizens. Most do, but over the years, there have been many unexplained disappearances. Time to bring in a private detective to see if she can shed any light on the latest missing girl.
Hazel is the latest PI brought in to shed light on the situation. Hazel discovers there is something sinister happening, but who is the mastermind?
Intriguing story, with several twists and turns along the way.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I am planning on giving it a 4-star review on Goodreads. It was a fast-paced, suspenseful read that I didn't want to put down. The plot development was at a good pace, and I enjoyed the twists and turns of the narrative. Overall, I would recommend this to others and cannot wait to read the second book in the series.

Mixed feelings about this one. I enjoyed the eerie orphanage setting and could easily envision it and the atmosphere it envoked. The descriptions of the roommate's cooking made me hungry. every. time.

I struggled greatly with the characters themselves. I have never encountered a more jumpy, clueless PI. Spotting the villain (and the why) was much to easy. I still enjoyed the story but had it been any longer, I probably would have DNF'd it. Great potential but just didn't hit it.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

I love Hazel!!! What a great story! Love reading about her Korean heritage and her roommate’s cooking. She is a very believable character who is trying to find her way in the world and wonders if her profession is really right for her. Was fun trying to figure out who the bad guys were and the ending is perfect. I want more of Hazel and her roommate’s adventures!

On the shores of Lake George, New York lies St. Agnes' orphanage for girls. For the last 25 years, girls have been disappearing but no one, including the Administration, local Sheriff's department or community members have really investigated. Now along comes Hazel Cho, a Korean-American private eye who is desperately trying to pay her bills and avoid having to move back home with her parents. Hired by a wealthy Manhattan socialite who claims to be looking for her missing goddaughter, Mia, Hazel has just 10 days to find the girl in order to be paid $100,000. No results equals no pay, so Hazel is desperate to solve this case. What she doesn't realize is that this case is a lot more complicated than just finding a missing teenager and that her own life will be on the line as well.
With plenty of plot twists, characters who are not who they appear to be and suspicious activities surrounding the case, Hazel manages to shine through. She may not be a first-rate P.I. just yet, but she's certainly attracting attention! I look forward to more cases with Hazel Cho.

Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for allowing me to read and review this book.

I very much enjoyed this book. The writing was great and the characters were well developed. I hope to read more from this author in the future.

The Orphanage by the Lake is a good book. I really hope that it's the first in a series. I don't love reading first person and was turned off at first, but the likeable characters and intriguing plot kept me invested. The ending is somewhat predictable; however, it wasn't rushed like so many are lately.

A very slow moving mystery, good for a rainy or snowy day. Hazel Cho is a private investigator who follows the clues to a mystery none of us would want to find. The evils of man kind at it worst with people who think they are above the law.