15 Lakeside Thriller Books You Won’t Be Able to Put Down

Looking for your next can’t-put-it-down read? These lakeside thriller books are full of twists, drama, and secrets you’ll love unraveling.
Lakeside thriller books to read scaled

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So, here’s a little secret about me: I have a major fear of water. 

Like, I’ll happily admire a lake from the safety of dry land, thank you very much. 

But when it comes to reading lakeside thrillers? Total obsession. 

There’s just something so irresistible about these stories. 

I love how they take this peaceful, picturesque setting and twist it into something full of secrets and suspense. 

It’s like every ripple in the water hides a clue, and the isolation of being near a lake makes the tension even more delicious. 

And regardless of my fear, lakeside thrillers have me hooked every single time, so here’s a list of my favorite lakeside thriller books. 

1. Lady in the Lake by Laura Lippman

Lady in the Lake

Set in 1960s Baltimore, this story follows Maddie Schwartz, a middle-aged housewife who decides to shake up her life and chase her dream of becoming a journalist. 

When she stumbles upon the story of Cleo Sherwood, a young Black woman whose death has been ignored, Maddie makes it her mission to uncover the truth. 

With Maddie’s determination and Cleo’s ghost watching from the sidelines, this novel dives into ambition, secrets, and the hidden lives of those we think we know.

This one has a vintage noir vibe, but it’s also full of heart and some hard truths. 

2. The Last Party by Clare Mackintosh

The Last Party

When wealthy Rhys Lloyd throws a big New Year’s Eve bash at his lakeside mansion, the night ends with his body floating in the lake. 

Detective Ffion Morgan has to solve the case in a tight-knit Welsh village where everyone has secrets – including herself.

I love a good small-town, big secrets mystery, and this one absolutely kept me guessing until the last page. Who doesn’t enjoy a party turned deadly?

3. The Lightkeeper’s Daughter by Jean E. Pendziwol

The Lightkeepers Daughter

Elizabeth’s eyesight might be failing, but her memories are vivid. 

When her father’s old journals resurface, she teams up with Morgan, a troubled teen, to uncover secrets from her family’s past on a remote island by Lake Superior. 

What unfolds is a touching story of friendship, family, and how the past connects us. 

4. All These Beautiful Strangers by Elizabeth Klehfoth

All These Beautiful Strangers

Charlie Calloway’s life is tangled in the disappearance of her mother years ago, a secret society at her elite boarding school, and a dangerous scavenger hunt. 

As her past and present collide, Charlie must uncover the truth to save herself.

This book gives off major Gossip Girl meets thriller vibes. 

If you love dark academia with a twist, this sounds like a winner.

5. The Lake Escape by Jamie Day

The Lake Escape

At Vermont’s Lake Timmeny, three childhood friends reunite for a summer getaway, only for a new disappearance to unearth decades of buried secrets and lies.

This one’s on my most-anticipated 2025 summer thrillers list, and it’s easy to see why. 

With its mix of friendship, family drama, and eerie lake lore, it feels like the perfect summer read – though maybe not for actual lakeside relaxation.

6. A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly

A Northern Light

Mattie Gokey, a 16-year-old with big dreams, stumbles on a bundle of letters tied to a drowning. 

Set in 1906, this historical mystery blends romance, ambition, and tragedy into a deeply moving story.

I love how this book is rooted in history and Mattie’s determination makes her such an inspiring character.

7. The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager

The Last Time I Lied

Emma returns to Camp Nightingale to confront her past after her cabinmates disappeared years ago. 

As old secrets resurface and history repeats itself, Emma must solve the mystery before it’s too late.

Camp settings always creep me out in the best way, and this one had me hooked from start to finish.

8. Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger

Iron Lake

Cork O’Connor, a former cop, investigates the murder of a judge and the disappearance of a boy in a small town brimming with secrets and corruption.

This is a gritty, atmospheric thriller and Cork’s struggles make him so relatable.

9. Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman

Something in the Water scaled

Erin and Mark are newlyweds enjoying their dream honeymoon when they discover something life-changing underwater. 

What starts as a romantic getaway turns into a nightmare filled with dangerous choices and devastating consequences.

This one had me at tropical island honeymoon turned dark and I enjoyed every bit of it.

10. Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine

Stillhouse Lake

Gina, now Gwen, rebuilds her life after discovering her husband was a serial killer. 

But when a body is found in the lake near her new home, her family’s peace is shattered, and Gwen must fight to protect her kids.

This book is the definition of edge-of-your-seat suspense. Gwen’s strength made me root for her so hard.

11. Daughters of the Lake by Wendy Webb

Daughters of the Lake

After her divorce, Kate returns home to Lake Superior and finds the body of a woman she’s only seen in her dreams. 

As she uncovers a century-old tragedy, the lake reveals its secrets.

This one is a beautifully haunting tale that combines folklore with mystery and it’s giving me cozy, gothic vibes and is absolutely perfect for a rainy day.

12. A Sin Such as This by Ellen Hopkins

A Sin Such as This scaled

Tara Lattimore’s new marriage quickly gets complicated with family drama, manipulative stepkids, and her husband’s ex-girlfriend turning up dead. 

With everyone a suspect, Tara must untangle a web of betrayal and secrets while confronting her own sins. 

13. When We Fall by Aoife Clifford

When we fall scaled

In a small coastal town, Alex Tillerson discovers a string of deaths tied together by eerie black feathers. 

As she searches for answers, she unearths chilling truths about the town’s past – and her own family.

This mystery is so atmospheric and intense, so it is perfect for fans of slow-burn suspense with a big emotional payoff.

14. Murder on Lake Garda by Tom Hindle

Murder on Lake Garda

A glamorous wedding on a private island turns deadly when a scream interrupts the ceremony. 

With everyone trapped until the police arrive, secrets and rivalries boil over as guests scramble to uncover the killer.

A wedding mystery on a stunning lake? Yes, please! This one is a mix of Knives Out and summer suspense – so fun!

15. The Secrets of Lake Road by Karen Katchur

The Secrets of Lake Road

Jo’s lakeside community hides secrets she hoped would stay buried, but when a little girl goes missing and old bones resurface, her daughter Caroline takes it upon herself to uncover the truth. 

This one beautifully balances family drama with gripping suspense. 

It’s heart-wrenching and unforgettable.


I hope you enjoy reading these stories as much as I did – just don’t forget to come up for air!

Need more bookish inspiration? 

Don’t miss my related posts below for even more thrilling recommendations. 

And now it’s your turn – what’s your favorite lakeside thriller? Or do you have a go-to thriller that’s set somewhere totally unexpected? 

Let’s chat in the comments; I can’t wait to hear from you!

Preye

Hi! I'm Preye ("pre" as in "prepare" and "ye" as in "Kanye"), and I am a lifelong book lover who enjoys talking about books and sharing bits and pieces of all the fascinating things I come across. I love books so much that I decided to become a developmental editor, and right now, I work with authors to help them tell their stories better. On this blog, I share everything from book recommendations to book reviews and writing tips, so feel free to stop by anytime you like!

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