63 pages • 2 hours read •
Lady in the Lake
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Book Brief
340
Novel • Fiction
Baltimore, Maryland • 1960s
2019
William Morrow
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Lady in the Lake follows Maddie Schwartz, an unsatisfied Baltimore housewife who leaves her husband and pursues a career in journalism. Her investigation into the disappearances of Tessie Fine and Cleo Sherwood uncovers dark secrets and leads to dangerous confrontations. Themes of racism, sexual abuse, and murder are present.
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Gritty
Dark
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Laura Lippman's Lady in the Lake is a compelling mix of crime thriller and social commentary, praised for its rich, atmospheric setting and multifaceted characters. However, some readers feel the narrative's pace can be uneven. Overall, it's a thought-provoking novel that deftly explores themes of race and gender in 1960s Baltimore.
Who Should Read Lady in the Lake?
Fans of gripping, character-driven mysteries like Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl or Paula Hawkins's The Girl on the Train will relish Laura Lippman's Lady in the Lake. Ideal for readers who appreciate intricate plots, strong female protagonists, and an evocative 1960s Baltimore setting.
Eunetta "Cleo" Sherwood
Eunetta "Cleo" Sherwood
A young woman from Baltimore known for her beauty and independence who mysteriously disappears, with her story providing crucial perspective and insight into the unfolding events of the novel.
Lady in the Lake by Laura Lippman was inspired by two real-life Baltimore murder cases from the 1960s, which gives the novel an authentic historical backdrop.
Laura Lippman includes cameos and references to characters from her other works, creating a connected universe set in Baltimore.
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The book has been adapted into a limited series by Apple TV+, starring Natalie Portman and Lupita Nyong'o, highlighting its transition from literature to screen.
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340
Novel • Fiction
Baltimore, Maryland • 1960s
2019
William Morrow
Adult
18+ years
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