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Summit Lake cover art

Summit Lake

Written by: Charlie Donlea
Narrated by: Shannon McManus
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Publisher's Summary

“A gem of a mystery, fast-paced and suspenseful.” --Catherine Coulter, # 1 New York Times bestselling author

No suspects. No persons of interest. Just a girl who was alive one day and dead the next.

Some places seem too beautiful to be touched by horror. Summit Lake, nestled in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, is that kind of place. But two weeks ago, Becca Eckersley, a first-year law student and daughter of a powerful attorney, was brutally murdered there. Now the town is reeling with grief, and the police are baffled.

“An exciting debut, with all the right touches, captivating from the first page to the last.” --Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author

At first, investigative reporter Kelsey Castle thinks of the assignment as a fluff piece. But the savagery of the crime, and the efforts to keep it quiet, hint at something far more sinister than a random attack by a stranger. As Kelsey digs deeper, despite danger and warnings, she feels a growing connection to the dead girl. And the more she learns about Becca’s friendships, her love life - and her secrets - the more convinced she becomes that walking in Becca’s footsteps could lead her out of her own dark past....

“A swift, outstanding debut.” --Robert Dugoni, New York Times bestselling author

“Fans of contemporary suspense will enjoy this brisk read.” --Booklist

©2016 Charlie Donlea (P)2015 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved. Lyrics to “She Don’t Like Roses” used by permission of Christine Kane.

What listeners say about Summit Lake

Average Customer Ratings
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    3 out of 5 stars

Mixed Feelings about This One

In some ways lame — hard-to-believe behaviors and unfair plot surprises. But also a page-turner.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Interesting who done it…

Narrator is great.

Story line was enjoyable with lots of twists and turns.

Feel like it missed a point to address why the big guns were called in.

TW: rape/abuse

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  • Overall
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Excellent

Great book to listen to. Story kept you guessing and the narration was good as well.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Very enjoyable!

I enjoyed the book and was white knuckled gripping at the end then it just went flat. But other than that, a great storyline!

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Just alright

This was one of the strangest mystery novels I have ever encountered. The writing was alright, and I didn't mind the narration. The mystery itself was OK (who killed a young woman who seemingly had a bright future ahead of her), but as it unfolded and the truth was revealed, I couldn't help scoffing.

It seems like the author relied on twist after twist in order to craft the story. By the final twist, I literally paused and looked at my phone as if to ask, "did I really just hear that?" This twist was probably meant to be shocking, but I honestly would have been more surprised if this hadn't been revealed. I do appreciate a good twist, but just not when they become a crutch to prop up the story.

There was also a bit of victim blaming. If you listen/read, you'll see what I mean.

I'm glad this was a free book; if I'd used a credit for it, I'd be disappointed. I do want to give this author another chance; as I said, the writing was alright. Some of their other titles are also free right now, so hopefully, this is just a one-off poor intro and not a taste of what to expect from their other ventures.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Not my favourite Donlea book

I absolutely love Charlie Donlea. But I will be honest, this wasn't my favourite. The best part about Donlea is he always puts a plot twist in that you didn't see coming. I found the plot twist in this one lazy writing compared to others I have read. Overall, still well written and enjoyed the characters so would definitely recommend.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Well written, well performed.

I have listened to a few books by this author and will look for more. Enjoyable to relax and listen to. I listen it biking, walking, driving and around the house. some good, and unexpected twists. I would recommend this book

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

For a free book was worth the listen 🤷‍♂️

I wouldn’t listen to it again and it was a nice way to kill some time but not something I would be yelling from the roof tops about but was still a well write book with a interesting story.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great Book!

I really enjoyed this book. Just when I thought I had the story straight, I was surprised with a twist. Great story telling and very intriguing from start to finish. I highly recommend this book.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Enjoyed the book

Lots of twists and turn! I thought the story was captivating! Would recommend to listen too!

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