Review | A House at the Bottom of a Lake by Josh Malerman

Both seventeen. Both afraid. But both saying yes.

It sounded like the perfect first date: canoeing across a chain of lakes, sandwiches and beer in the cooler. But teenagers Amelia and James discover something below the water’s surface that changes their lives forever.

It’s got two stories.

It’s got a garden.

And the front door is open.

It’s a house at the bottom of a lake.

For the teens, there is only one rule: no questions. And yet, how could a place so spectacular come with no price tag? While the duo plays house beneath the waves, one reality remains:

Just because a house is empty, doesn’t mean nobody’s home.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

I was really excited to finally get to this one, but ended up somewhat disappointed. If I had to sum it up I would say I just found myself wanting more. I wanted it to be a bit creepier and have more explanation. The writing itself and the descriptions were very atmospheric, which I really enjoyed – but again, I was left wanting more in a lot of cases. My other issue is the ending. I’m not even sure what was being said or what it was supposed to mean at that point. I’m usually all for a book playing some mind games and having deeper meanings, but this one just fell a little flat for me and left me wanting.

Happy reading!

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