A House at the Bottom of A Lake by Josh Malerman

 

I gave A House at The Bottom of A Lake 3 out of 5 pages (and this was a stretch) by Josh Malerman. I received this book in e-format from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The reader is introduced to two awkward, seventeen year olds, Amelia and James who are preparing for their first date, canoeing on a lake. However, the date takes a thrilling turn when Amelia and James find another lake attached to the lake they are boating on. As they further explore the new discovery, they find a house at the bottom of the lake. Subsequent dates, lead Amelia and James to go deeper and deeper into the house, seeking to uncover the mystery surrounding the house.

I was drawn to this book based off of the description. I wanted to know what was in this house, how the house got there and why, however, this fell completely short of any explanation and I am not sure I even understand what I just read! I only rated this 3 out of 5 because of the descriptive nature of the chapters. I felt I could see what Amelia and James were seeing as they were diving in the house. I felt the goosebumps form when Josh Malerman described the eeriness of the house and what the coldness of the water. I could picture the house being explored and the creepiness of what Amelia and James were experiencing together.

That being said, I felt there really was no high point to this story. It was a fast read that fell short in giving the reader what they for- answers. Maybe that was the point. Amelia and James had no depth and felt more like supporting characters because the real character was the house but even that fell short on depth.

I wouldn’t recommend this unless someone was looking for a quick, descriptive read.