In the chilling psychological thriller “Gravewater Lake,” co-authors A.M. Strong and Sonya Sargent craft a disorienting tale of amnesia, deception, and murder that keeps readers guessing until the final page. Set against the backdrop of a remote Vermont lake house during a punishing winter storm, this novel delivers a masterclass in mounting tension and unreliable perspectives that will appeal to fans of domestic suspense and psychological thrillers.
The story follows a woman who awakens on the frozen shore of Gravewater Lake with no memory of who she is or how she got there. When a handsome stranger named Gregg takes her in, she finds herself trapped by both the snowstorm and her own fractured mind. As strange occurrences plague the house and her suspicions grow, she must determine if Gregg is her savior or her captor—all while piecing together the fragments of her identity.
Strengths That Pull You Under
Disorientation as Narrative Device
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is how effectively Strong and Sargent place readers directly into the protagonist’s disoriented state. By experiencing the story through the eyes of an amnesiac narrator, we share her confusion, paranoia, and vulnerability. The authors skillfully feed us information at a measured pace, allowing readers to form theories alongside the protagonist that are repeatedly upended as new revelations emerge.
The narrative’s structure—alternating between the present-day amnesia storyline and flashback chapters labeled “The Day She Found Out” and other time markers—creates a compelling dual timeline that slowly converges. This technique builds anticipation while gradually filling in crucial backstory elements that explain how our protagonist ended up on that frozen shore.
Setting as Character
Gravewater Lake itself emerges as a character in the story, with its isolation and wintry menace creating a claustrophobic atmosphere that heightens the psychological tension:
“The world outside Gregg’s house looks different at dawn. A creeping layer of mist has settled over the lake and weaves through the dark woodland that surrounds it. The sky is a featureless blanket of gray…”
The authors use the environment to mirror the protagonist’s psychological state—cold, stark, and blanketed in obscurity. The half-submerged graveyard that gives the lake its name provides a haunting visual metaphor for partially buried truths and the persistence of the past beneath the surface. This effective use of setting elevates what might otherwise be a standard thriller plot into something more atmospheric and immersive.
Complex Characterization
The characters in “Gravewater Lake” defy easy categorization, which keeps readers continually reassessing their allegiances and motivations. Gregg oscillates between being genuinely helpful and disturbingly secretive. The protagonist’s evolving self-awareness makes her an unusually dynamic amnesiac character, rather than simply a blank slate. Even secondary characters like Eddie and Helene reveal unexpected layers as the story progresses.
This complexity extends to the moral questions the novel raises. The authors explore how circumstances and past trauma can blur the lines between victim and perpetrator, hero and villain. By the conclusion, readers may find themselves sympathizing with characters they initially distrusted—a testament to the nuanced characterization throughout.
Where the Waters Get Murky
Overlapping Plot Threads
While the intricacy of the plot is generally a strength, there are moments when the multiple storylines—including the identity theft/publishing scandal, the robbery gone wrong, and the protagonist’s amnesia—feel somewhat disconnected. Though the authors eventually weave these threads together, the middle section occasionally suffers from narrative sprawl as new characters and complications are introduced in rapid succession.
This is particularly evident in the Eddie/Ricky subplot, which, while crucial to the overall story, sometimes distracts from the core psychological tension between the protagonist and Gregg. A tighter focus might have amplified the claustrophobic intensity that works so well in the early chapters.
Coincidence and Convenience
The central coincidence of the novel—that our protagonist would escape one dangerous situation only to stumble directly into another—requires some suspension of disbelief. While the authors provide a logical explanation for this confluence of events, readers who prefer strictly plausible thrillers might find the series of improbable circumstances that drive the plot somewhat strained.
Similarly, some narrative developments rely on convenient timing or character decisions that prioritize plot advancement over psychological realism. These moments occasionally undermine the otherwise meticulous psychological foundation the authors establish.
Writing Style and Pacing
Strong and Sargent’s prose strikes an effective balance between efficient storytelling and evocative description. The writing is accessible without being simplistic, with occasional flourishes that elevate key moments:
“Returning to bed, I lie on my side, facing the door with my hand pushed under the pillow, and close my eyes. But even as I fall into a restless half sleep, I’m still listening, because despite all proof to the contrary, I know what I saw.”
The pacing is one of the novel’s greatest assets, particularly in how it handles reveals. Rather than saving all twists for the final act, “Gravewater Lake” distributes revelations throughout the narrative, each one recalibrating the reader’s understanding of characters and events. This approach creates multiple climactic moments that sustain engagement across the entire novel.
Thematic Depth
Beyond its propulsive plot, “Gravewater Lake” explores several resonant themes:
- Identity and self-knowledge – Through the protagonist’s amnesia, the novel examines how much of our identity is tied to our memories versus our intrinsic character.
- Trust and deception – Nearly every relationship in the book contains elements of both genuine connection and manipulation.
- The past’s hold on the present – Symbolized by the submerged cemetery, the novel demonstrates how past actions continue to influence the present, no matter how deeply buried.
- The psychology of fear – The authors deftly portray how isolation and uncertainty can distort perception and judgment.
These thematic elements add substance to what might otherwise be a straightforward suspense story, rewarding readers who engage with the text on multiple levels.
Comparison to Other Works
Fans of B.A. Paris’s “Behind Closed Doors” or Shari Lapena’s “The Couple Next Door” will find similar elements of domestic suspense and psychological manipulation in “Gravewater Lake.” The amnesiac protagonist calls to mind S.J. Watson’s “Before I Go to Sleep,” though Strong and Sargent add fresh dimensions to this established thriller trope.
Like Strong and Sargent’s previous collaboration, “The Last Girl Left,” this novel demonstrates their skill at crafting complex female characters in perilous situations who must rely on their wits and resilience to survive. However, “Gravewater Lake” shows a marked evolution in their handling of dual timelines and psychological depth.
Final Assessment
“Gravewater Lake” succeeds as both a gripping page-turner and a thoughtful exploration of identity and trust. Despite some plot conveniences and occasional narrative sprawl, the novel’s strengths—particularly its disorienting perspective, atmospheric setting, and well-paced revelations—make it a standout in the psychological thriller genre.
The conclusion balances satisfaction with ambiguity in a way that respects the reader’s intelligence while providing emotional resolution to the protagonist’s journey. It’s a fitting end to a novel that consistently challenges expectations and perceptions.
For readers seeking a winter-set thriller that combines psychological suspense with narrative complexity, “Gravewater Lake” offers an immersive experience that will keep them guessing—and turning pages—long into the night.
- Recommended for: Fans of psychological suspense who appreciate unreliable narrators, atmospheric settings, and morally complex characters. If you enjoy authors like Ruth Ware, Lisa Jewell, or Tana French, “Gravewater Lake” should find a place on your reading list.
A.M. Strong and Sonya Sargent continue to establish themselves as noteworthy voices in psychological suspense with this twisty, atmospheric thriller that explores the darkness lurking beneath the surface of both Gravewater Lake and the human psyche.