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63 pages 2 hours read

Laura Lippman

Lady in the Lake

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Lady in the Lake follows Maddie Schwartz, an unsatisfied Baltimore housewife who leaves her husband and pursues a career in journalism. Her investigation into the disappearances of Tessie Fine and Cleo Sherwood uncovers dark secrets and leads to dangerous confrontations. Themes of racism, sexual abuse, and murder are present.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Laura Lippman's Lady in the Lake is a compelling mix of crime thriller and social commentary, praised for its rich, atmospheric setting and multifaceted characters. However, some readers feel the narrative's pace can be uneven. Overall, it's a thought-provoking novel that deftly explores themes of race and gender in 1960s Baltimore.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Lady in the Lake?

Fans of gripping, character-driven mysteries like Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl or Paula Hawkins's The Girl on the Train will relish Laura Lippman's Lady in the Lake. Ideal for readers who appreciate intricate plots, strong female protagonists, and an evocative 1960s Baltimore setting.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years