The Lake of Dead Languages

I read 'The Lake of Dead Languages' back in 2005 when it was first published. It was the first book of Carol Goodman's that I had ever read and this one book was so gripping that it has cemented itself as the #1 most recommended book that you should read by me. 

The Lake of Dead Languages is set in the Adirondacks in an idyllic private school setting however; this is not a YA book. This a Gothic coming of age tale with just the right amount of psychological twists to keep you turning the pages, needing to know "WHAT HAPPENED?!!". The prose! The prose is so silky, so smooth it goes down like the finest chocolate. Carol Goodman's prose slips in so sweetly that you won't know you've been grabbed by the throat until you're up at 2 am with all the light on, wondering what that noise is outside. That's how good she is!! 

It's been 15 years since this book made it's debut and it's still one of my most treasured stories. I've recommended  'The Lake of Dead Languages' to so many people over the years that I've lost count and now I'm recommending it to you all. 

 Jane Hudson fled the Heart Lake School for Girls in the Adirondacks after a terrible tragedy. The week before her graduation, in that sheltered wonderland, three lives were taken, all victims of suicide, or so they appeared.  Only Jane was left to carry the burden of a mystery that has stayed hidden in the depths of Heart Lake for more than two decades. Now Jane has returned to the school as a Latin teacher, recently separated and hoping to make a fresh start with her young daughter. But ominous messages from the past dredge up forgotten memories. And young, troubled girls are beginning to die again–as piece by piece the shattering truth slowly floats to the surface.

So much of this Gothic tale takes place in the grips of a cold New England winter making this the best book to help you stay cool during the month of August.