Marguerite Gray is known for her exquisite taste in decorating, gardening, and lifestyle. She has a large social media presence, a gardening TV show, and a slate of published books. She’s even been immortalized in a painting, Marguerite by the Lake. Yet, there are cracks in her life, and when a young gardener sees her chance to take Marguerite’s place, she seizes the opportunity in MARGUERITE BY THE LAKE.

At the launch party for Marguerite’s new book, a storm blows in and Phoenix realizes the guests are in danger of a falling spruce tree. As she clears the area, she ultimately saves Marguerite’s husband, Geoffrey. Afterward, Geoffrey becomes enamored with Phoenix and quietly invites her into his life. Although the two believe they are being discreet, Marguerite has her suspicions. When Marguerite falls from the cliffs on the estate, it is initially ruled an accident, but as the detectives interview the family members and staff, questions begin emerging. As Phoenix insidiously takes over Marguerite’s life, she must contend with Marguerite’s daughter, a duplicitous Geoffrey, and Marguerite’s ominous presence. How guilty is Phoenix?  And will her guilt strangle her like weeds in her garden full of lies?

MARGUERITE BY THE LAKE is an atmospheric brief interlude into a garden designer’s life and the lengths she will go to claim what she wants. Phoenix is a complex and dangerous character, whose backstory is never fully revealed. Readers may like her in the beginning, but change their minds towards the end. The writing is solid and the Rosecliff Estate is a character itself, described in beautiful detail from its gardens to its staff, and the magic it weaves. Unfortunately, the characters do not act as expected - the husband is weak and the daughter is much too accommodating. Furthermore, the novel feels disjointed at times with unfinished backstories, missed opportunities, ineffective investigations, and a less-than-profound ending. The missing cell phone, blue fibers, the financial issues, the watcher across the lake, Phoenix’s past – all clues left unexplained. This novel had great potential but fell a little short in its delivery.