The Lake Of Dead Languages

Mar 29, 2026 6:20 PM

Author:Carol Goodman

Jane Hudson never thought she would return to Heart Lake. Her years there as a scholarship girl ended in a fatal and mysterious double tragedy.

Now she is back, struggling to adjust to her new life teaching Latin and as a single mother. But the events that haunted her memories for so many years begin to recur in front of her eyes. It seems she alone can see what is happening, and only she will be able to prevent a second catastrophe...

Surrounded by the lake that gives the school its name, steeped in history and overflowing with the emotions of teenage girls, Heart Lake guards its past - but cannot keep it hidden.

Reviews

Fulfilling... Miss Jean Brodie meets Donna Tartt... A good read, promising much for the future.

—— Daily Express

Goodman's New England gothic sets up a chilling atmosphere and a gruesome scenario very nicely indeed.

—— The Guardian

a very slinky little spine-chiller whose occasional forays into complete madness don't do too much harm.

—— Evening Standard

A gripping, well-written psychological thriller, rich in atmospheric detail.

—— Family Circle

A highly charged novel of suspense that will have you riveted to your chair.

—— Woman & Home

Embrace your inner Goth with this atmospheric shiver fest.

—— Elle

Thrilling stuff

—— B

Rich prose and a twisting plot make for a gripping read.

—— Sainsbury's Magazine

Like Donna Tartt’s "The Secret History" or a good film noir . . . Jane’s low-key narration has just the right tone to keep readers hooked

—— People magazine

The strength of 'The Lake of Dead Languages' is a silken prose that lures the reader into Goodman’s . . . story of murder, suicide . . . revenge, and madness

—— The Washington Post Book World

Part suspense, part coming-of-age, and all-enthralling . . . A book that needs the roar of a fire to ward off its psychic chill

—— The Denver Post

Previous Article：Porterhouse Blue Next Article：Feeding Frenzy

Comments

Welcome to zzdbook comments! Please keep conversations courteous and on-topic. To fosterproductive and respectful conversations, you may see comments from our Community Managers.