Book Review: The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger

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The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger was published on March 5, 2024 and falls into the mystery and thriller genres. I was thrilled when I learned that I received an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) from NetGalley for free in exchange for my honest review. However, I wasn't able to read and review the novel until now. This novel is reminiscent of the television show 666 Park Avenue and is definitely what I call a slow burn.   With that being said, it had twists and turns that had me guessing to the very end. Although the book is told from Rosie Lowan's perspective, there are some flashbacks to a previous owner that adds some mystery to the storyline. The transitions between the two perspectives are done exceptionally well. There are a mix of characters that are likable and unlikable. My favorite characters were Rosie and Max. Unfortunately, I didn't quite trust Rosie's husband Chad or the doorman named Abi. Lisa Unger has become one of my favorite authors, and I wish I had star
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Book Review: The Lake House by Kate Morton

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book review the lake house kate morton
When another member in my book club recommended The Lake House by Kate Morton, I immediately asked if the movie of the same name starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock was based on this book. Fortunately, they had nothing to do with each other and when opening up the Goodreads.com app on my phone to look the book up, I saw that I already had it on my to read list.

Not your typical thriller, I had some trouble getting into the book but forced myself to continue since it was a book club pick. By the time I finished, I was glad I read it. The Lake House alternates between the present day Cornwall, England and various years of the past, mainly the year 1933. 

Normally, switching between time periods within a book doesn't bother me, but it did with this one. It was frustrating because when it switched to the past, it didn't do it chronologically. For example, it would jump back to June 1933, then to August 1932, and so on.

Unfamiliar with Kate Morton, I was surprised to see she has written other novels. Many of her fans who reviewed The Lake House felt like it wasn't up to par with her previous novels and thought it followed a formula. I'm interested to read some of her other novels so I can compare for myself.
 
Other than being slow to start and jumping around the past too much, the novel was very well written. It reminded me of something P.D. James would write. Somewhat predictable, it kept me guessing for the most part. If you like historical fiction or mystery, it's a must read. I gave The Lake House four stars out of five.


Synopsis of The Lake House by Kate Morton

Cornwall, England - 1933. Sixteen year old Alice Edevane loves writing and is working on her first novel at her family's lakeside estate. The night of their midsummer's eve party, Alice's eleven month old brother, Theo, vanishes.

Present day. London Detective Sadie Sparrow is visiting her grandfather in Corwall and discovers an abandoned estate frozen in time. Wondering why the house was left to decay, Sparrow starts digging into the history of the estate, revealing secrets long forgotten.


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