The Lake Effect

The Lake Effect, a coming-of-age crime thriller, follows young Lexie as she navigates an adolescence of trauma and discord that fuels some disturbing choices that impact young adulthood.

Growing up in Catskill, New York, Lexie, 13, and best friend Shannon spend summers at the nearby lake daydreaming about ways to grow up faster than their parents would like. One July 4th, when they ditch their parents to meet boys, their rendezvous takes a terrifying turn. One boy tries to rape Lexie, but she makes a violent escape and returns to shore with Shannon by kayak.

The next day, upon hearing two boys had been left stranded on the far side of the lake, Lexie's mother confronts the girls about what they might know. After hearing their account, she offers cryptic advice: "If you remember anything, remember that you always have the lake to confide in."

Time passes, and when her parents' marriage crumbles, Lexie surmises that her father's myriad business trips were secretly for pleasure and the downfall of her happy home. At 16, her suppressed rage at philandering men boils over. While working at a resort, she stumbles across possible evidence of a male guest's infidelity. Her response is disturbing and diabolical.