Rosalind Ryan is dead, a fact that has left many in the small town of Smithson reeling. Gorgeous and enigmatic, she attracted a lot of attention in life—and even more so in death. One of the most affected is Detective Sergeant Gemma Woodstock, who is investigating the death of her former classmate and romantic rival.

Gemma already has a lot on her plate; the mother of a toddler, she’s struggling with the idea of settling down with her boyfriend, while at the same time, having an affair with a coworker. She doesn’t do well in relationships, a fact that becomes more evident as she relives a tragedy from her past—one that is connected to the murder victim.

Flashbacks to Gemma and Rosalind’s school days help to demonstrate Rosalind’s hold on other students, as well as over her family. A flawed and often combative character, Gemma is a nice contrast to the ethereal, mysterious Rosalind. As the investigation proceeds, however, it turns out that Rosalind was not as perfect as she seemed, and, in fact, has many detractors—creating a large pool of suspects for the detectives.

While the mystery itself is rather straightforward, the tangled feelings that Rosalind and her death leave behind in those who knew her are not, adding depth and pathos to this multilayered story. Less a story of murder than obsession, The Dark Lake demonstrates how holding on to the past can forever affect the future.