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.

I hate books that end with a cryptic ending; if you can’t tell us what it all means, then maybe the author just doesn’t know, so ended the story without actually ending it.

Of course, the teens’ one rule, no questions when faced with a mind-boggling mystery is convenient. That way, the author doesn’t have to come up with a reason, either.

Though there were parts of the book that I enjoyed, I was basically disappointed with this novella. I loved Unbury Carol, Inspection, and Bird Box. I really wish I could have said the same of this story.




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