Leah sets out on the perfect adventure – a week at Seneca Lake with her best friend, June, and her boyfriend, Ollie (who she hopes will soon be her fiancé). Who could ask for more? Fast-forward seven years and, curve ball, June is engaged to Ollie, and Leah died seven years ago on that trip to the lake. Intrigued much?

I instantly fell in love with Leah. She is smart, spunky and takes charge of every situation; the energy she brings into the room is intoxicating. Her kindness and loyalty is palpable from the very first moments she comes on the scene. Then we meet the quiet, calculated and far more reserved June. As best friends for thirteen years, their relationship embodies the mantra that opposites attract.

But wait, how did June end up with Ollie? The love triangle between Leah, June and Ollie at times felt disingenuous to the beautiful friendship between these two women. I just couldn’t connect the dots – which is why I can’t give Chase’s novel a perfect score.

Otherwise, I actually really enjoyed this read – it was fast paced and fun, kept me on my toes, and I genuinely liked all of the characters. Set on a gorgeous lake in summertime, I relished experiencing the week of wine tasting, swimming, and water skiing through Leah and June’s eyes. I constantly had my detective hat on trying to guess what caused Leah’s premature death. I am dying (no pun intended) to speak with someone about the ending – let me know when you finish!

Verdict: Read it! (4/5 stars)
Length: 304 pages
When: You’re in the mood for drama and suspense with some summer flair
Also read: My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing (B2C review) or Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman (B2C review)

Buy One Night at the Lake by Bethany Chase