In the Lake of the Woods by Tim O’Brien is about John Wade, a Vietnam veteran who just lost everything: his election for the U.S. Senate, his reputation, and… his wife, who disappeared after they had retreated to a lakeside cabin in northern Minnesota. It follows the 36 hours before she vanishes, countless theories and hypothetical scenarios of the event, and testimonies from characters. Leaving you in suspense for the entire book, Tim O’Brien slowly reveals more about John’s gruesome past and the events of his wife’s disappearance creating an unforgettable story.
Opening Line: “In September, after the primary, they rented an old yellow cottage in the timber at the edge of the Lake of the Woods”
Favorite Line: “In less than thirty-six hours she would be gone”
Why I like it: The further you get in the book the more you question what you were previously convinced about which is as enjoyable and captivating as infuriating and annoying.
Read if you like: Mystery, Ambiguous Endings, Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak