How did these books get onto my Kindle? Did I download them as freebies, did someone recommend them, did I mistake them for another book I was trying to get, did I buy them? I don't know. So, I am trying to clear my Kindle and reading all those books that I can't explain. I might serve myself better by just deleting the ones I can't explain.

This was not a bad book. It had what was supposed to be a surprise ending, but I hate to say it was cliche and therefore no surprise. Gay characters' forbidden loves might once have shocked or surprised. It is probably something any reader would consider at this point in time. I didn't find it difficult to think one step ahead of the author on this one. At least it was short. ( )

I was surprised by this short piece of work, I didn't think it would end the way would, and I enjoyed the various twist's and turns.

Maggie James had me feeling for the characters, Matt the son who was embarrassed by his mothers hoarding, Evie who had a problem throwing things away, soft spoken Joe who just wanted to care for his wife and son. People joke around and say they are hoarders but Evie was truly a hoarder. She kept all kinds of things in her house for the last 30 something years. I liked how Matt was able to see a different side of his parents while going through boxes of books, papers, and other things he discovered.

This was a quick read that I read during my lunch break, the pace was fast, and the plot kept me turning the page. ( )

Matthew Stanyer is worried as he reports to the police that his parents have gone missing. When their bodies are discovered it is left to him to sort through more than 30 years of hoarding. What secrets are revealed.
A short novella, but an interesting read ( )

Psychological Suspense Novella, James’ Blackwater Lake is as haunting as it is mysterious. Matthew Stanyer’s parents are missing. Worse yet, they come up dead. And that is just the beginning of this beautifully crafted novella. Secrets, reveals—better left buried?—the plot weaves to a surprising end.
Review can also be read on Le Coeur de l'Artiste: http://www.djadamson.com/le-coeur-de-lartiste
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Matthew Stanyer's childhood was not a happy one due to his mother's compulsive hoarding. Now as an adult he's still reluctant to return to the house but his mother's dementia is getting worse. After not hearing from his father for several days after he said he'd call, Matthew goes to their house and finds a note from his father saying he and his wife can't go on this way. The police find their bodies near Blackwater Lake and their deaths are ruled a murder-suicide. Now Matthew has the daunting task of going through the mountains of his mother's hoard. He's taken back to their past - one neither parent ever spoke of - and discovers what may have started his mother's hoarding and why his father chose Blackwater Lake to end their lives.

A quick read with some twists and turns. ( )