Josh Malerman has made quite a splash in the horror genre with BIRD BOX and its sequel, MALORIE. His latest effort, A HOUSE AT THE BOTTOM OF A LAKE, is a quick read --- almost qualifying as a novella --- that originally released in the UK in 2016.

“It’s the best first date I’ve ever heard of.” This declaration opens the book and refers to the first time out between 17-year-old budding sweethearts James and Amelia. James mentions that most first dates include a dinner and a movie, but he has something completely different in mind. He borrows his uncle’s prized canoe, and they head to one of the local lakes. James works at his family’s hardware store, while Amelia works at a small grocery store. It’s understandable that they would want to escape these mindless and unchallenging jobs to experience something a bit more adventurous.

"...a magical tale, rife with imagery that you will think about long after putting the book down. For me, the ending fondly recalled Rod Serling’s 'The Twilight Zone,' and I am sure it will surprise most readers."

James and Amelia travel gently over two attached lakes. The canoe gets a bit scraped but makes it through a slim tunnel to a mysterious third lake that does not bear any resemblance to the other two, which are frequently used by locals and tourists alike. It is murkier and swampier, yet at one point they swear that they see something beneath the surface. It’s a house, fully intact, that has just settled into the muddy bottom of the lake, daring them not to explore it.

James jumps in, knowing that he has no diving equipment and limited time to stay underwater. He enters the house and has a quick glance around. As he breaks the surface, his first words to Amelia are “It’s furnished!” Yes, this fully furnished house complete with a library seems to have been undisturbed for who knows how long. James is able to borrow some scuba gear from his cousin, allowing him and Amelia to be in the house for an extended period of time. It becomes an obsession for them. They cannot wait to leave their tired jobs to get to that third lake and the submerged house that they refuse to tell anyone else about.

The two lovebirds inspect the house’s second story and, unbelievably, the basement. In fact, they become so romantically drawn to this “lake house” that they make plans to lose their virginity inside it, wearing just their scuba masks and tanks. Like most romantic encounters that happen in your youth, you tend to remember the good stuff and block out the bad or unknown parts. They feel some presence in the house and believe they must introduce themselves to whoever the owner is. These scenes are full of anxiety and tension, providing the book’s true horror.

The two continue going back until they get a heck of a scare when all the lights come on full blast. Rather than take a moment to try to figure out where the electricity is coming from, they decide to stay away from the lake for a few days. When they attempt to have a “normal” date, it is quite lackluster, and they cannot think of much to say to each other. Just when you think they may be ending their summer romance with a breakup, something happens that finishes the story with a bang.

A HOUSE AT THE BOTTOM OF A LAKE is a magical tale, rife with imagery that you will think about long after putting the book down. For me, the ending fondly recalled Rod Serling’s “The Twilight Zone,” and I am sure it will surprise most readers. Josh Malerman is simply one solid storyteller!