The Lake of Dead Languages: A Novel

In the evocative tradition of Donna Tartts first novel, The Secret History, comes this accomplished debut of youthful innocence drowned by dark sins. Twenty years ago, Jane Hudson left the Heart Lake School for Girls in the Adirondacks after a terrible tragedy. Now she has returned to the placid, isolated shores of the lakeside school as a Latin teacher, recently separated and hoping to make a fresh start with her young daughter. But ominous messages from the past dredge up forgotten memories that will become a living nightmare.

Since freshmen year, Jane and her two roommates, Lucy Toller and Deirdre Hall, were inseparable-studying the classics, performing school girl rituals on the lake, and sneaking out after curfew to meet Lucys charismatic brother Matt. However, the last winter before graduation, everything changed. For in that sheltered, ice-encrusted wonderland, three lives were taken, all victims of senseless suicide. Only Jane was left to carry the burden of a mystery that has stayed hidden for more than two decades in the dark depths of Heart Lake.

Now pages from Janes missing journal, written during that tragic time, have reappeared, revealing shocking, long-buried secrets. And suddenly, young, troubled girls are beginning to die again . . . as piece by piece the shattering truth slowly floats to the surface.

At once compelling, sensuous, and intelligent, The Lake of Dead Languages is an eloquent thriller, an intricate balance of suspense and fine storytelling that proves Carol Goodman is a rare new talent with a brilliant future.

From the Hardcover edition.

Returning to the Heart Lake School for Girls as a Latin teacher to start a new life with her young daughter, Jane is haunted by past tragedy and terrifying memories when she is plagued by menacing messages, and when the pages of her missing journal resurface, darks secrets are revealed and young girls begin to die once again. A first novel. Reprint.

A lake's shattering truth slowly floats to the surface in this national bestseller--a stunning, captivating first novel of youthful innocence drowned by dark sins. A Top Ten Book Sense selection in hardcover.

Carol Goodmans work has appeared in such journals as The Greensboro Review, Literal Latté, The Midwest Quarterly, and Other Voices. After graduation from Vassar College, where she majored in Latin, she taught Latin for several years in Austin, Texas. She then received an M.F.A. in fiction from the New School University, studying under Rick Moody, Francine Prose, David Gates, Amy Hempel, and Peter Carey. Goodman currently teaches writing and works as a writer-in-residence for Teachers & Writers. She lives in Long Island.

From the Hardcover edition.