‘The Lake Of Dead Languages’ by Carol Goodman describes a year in the life of American school teacher, Jane Hudson, who has returned to the school she attended as a girl. Eerily the tragic series of events that took place when Jane was studying there seems to be repeating itself. This book is essentially a Mystery/Thriller but includes many character-driven sub-plots.

The writing in this novel is excellent. Ms. Goodman creates an extremely evocative setting and even the minor characters have problems with which the reader is able to empathise. These character-driven aspects of the novel were the most enjoyable and Ms. Goodman really creates an emotional link between the reader and her characters. The novel also successfully touches on the themes of adolescence, the past and the affects of tragedy.

The mystery aspect of the novel is the least successful and I occasionally got the feeling I had guessed something in advance of its big reveal. This may have been intended as poetic irony but left me unsurprised by certain twists. If you want to read a book you will find truly thrilling and unpredictable ‘The Lake Of Dead Languages’ may not be the best choice. But, if you’re willing to sacrifice some of that unpredictability for compelling characters and a beautifully described setting I would not hesitate to recommend this novel.

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I really loved Kevin Zeggers in this movie. I agree with people who’ve been saying the second half is better than the first half.