A fake lake monster? Intriguing.
A real one? Deadly.
Nicole M. Wolverton’s The Misfortune of Lake Monsters delivers a thrilling tale that expertly blends elements of horror, romance, and coming-of-age drama. Wolverton has crafted a compelling story that grips the reader from start to finish.
The book centers on Lemon, a teenager in a small town who fakes cryptid sightings, only to come face-to-face with a real monster.
Lemon’s family has been perpetuating the myth of Old Lucy, a cryptid in Devil’s Elbow Lake, to attract tourists for years. However, Lemon’s life takes a terrifying turn when she witnesses a real monster emerge from the lake and kill her dog. As deaths and earthquakes plague the town, Lemon, along with her friends Troy and Darrin, sets out to stop the creature, risking her family’s legacy in the process.
I don’t necessarily read a lot of horror, but I couldn’t turn down a small town with a real monster. Wolverton captured the essence of a small town—with its cliques and gossip and drama—perfectly and interwove it with the pressure of family duty.
The first quarter of the book features Lemon going through the motions of her life, including her first run as “Old Lucy” to keep the excitement of the monster going and bolster tourism in town. But when the first sighting of the real monster hits, it does so with a splash (literally) and it’s a rollercoaster from there.
The characters are what will keep you reading. Lemon’s internal struggle with her family’s deception and her desire to pursue veterinary school adds depth to her character. The dynamic between Lemon and her friends, Troy and Darrin, is so authentic and genuine, it had me believing Wolverton actually knew these characters in real life. Their loyalty and determination in the face of danger, combined with their humorous and heartfelt interactions, create a strong emotional core for the story. The romantic tension between Lemon and Troy adds another layer of interest, while Darrin’s comedic relief balances the darker moments.
Wolverton’s writing is vivid and immersive, bringing Devil’s Elbow to life with its rustic charm and eerie atmosphere. The book explores themes of loss, love, and the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The tension between personal aspirations and familial obligations is viscerally portrayed through Lemon’s character. There were times where I felt like I was the one responsible for the family business because I was so connected to her struggle. The monstrous threat serves as a metaphor for the challenges and fears that accompany growing up, making the story resonate on a deeper level.
The Misfortune of Lake Monsters is a standout in the YA horror genre. Wolverton’s ability to create tension and develop her characters makes for a compelling read. The emotional depth of the story, combined with its thrilling plot, kept me engaged throughout. With its mix of suspense, humour, and heartfelt moments, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.
The Misfortune of Lake Monsters is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.
Will you be picking up The Misfortune of Lake Monsters? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
When legends bite back…
Lemon Ziegler wants to escape rural Devil’s Elbow, Pennsylvania to attend college―but that’s impossible now that she’s expected to impersonate the town’s lake monster for the rest of her life. Her family has been secretly keeping the tradition of Old Lucy, the famed (and very fake) monster of Lake Lokakoma, alive for generations, all to keep the tourists coming. Without Lemon, the town dies, and she can’t disappoint her grandparents . . . or tell her best friends about any of it. That includes Troy Ramirez, who has been covertly in love with Lemon for years, afraid to ruin their friendship by confessing his feelings.
When a very real, and very hungry monster is discovered in the lake, secrets must fall by the wayside. Determined to stop the monster, Lemon and her best friends are the only thing standing between Devil’s Elbow and the monster out for blood.
