The Lake

A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is struggling with the burden of a secret or exploring the complex boundaries of loyalty and peer pressure. This high-stakes thriller follows two girls returning to a summer camp where, years prior, they committed an act they have kept hidden from the world. As they face anonymous threats, the story delves into the psychological toll of guilt and the fear of past mistakes coming to light. While it is an entertaining page-turner for fans of mystery, it also serves as a starting point for discussing the weight of the past and the importance of accountability. Parents should be aware that it contains elements of suspense and moral ambiguity suitable for mature middle schoolers and high schoolers.