Jaime Jo Wright’s The Souls of Lost Lake is a hauntingly atmospheric novel that weaves together the threads of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural. Set against the eerie backdrop of Wisconsin's Northwoods, the book explores the depths of human fear and the resilience of the human spirit. Wright masterfully crafts a dual timeline narrative that intertwines the lives of two women, Wren Blythe and Ava Coons, separated by nearly a century but connected by a chilling legend and a shared determination to uncover the truth.

The novel opens with Wren Blythe, a young woman who has found solace in the serene yet mysterious woods of Wisconsin, where she assists her father in running a youth camp. Wren's life takes a dramatic turn when a local girl goes missing, sparking a frantic search and reviving the sinister legend of Ava Coons, a supposed murderess who vanished into the forest decades earlier. Wren's discovery of the Coonses’ cabin ruins sets her on a path to unravel a mystery that has long haunted the community.

In a parallel narrative set in 1930, we meet Ava Coons, a woman shrouded in mystery and suspicion. Ava's life has been defined by the day she emerged from the woods as a bloodied thirteen-year-old, unable to recall the fate of her family. The townspeople of Tempter’s Creek have never let her forget the shadow of guilt that hangs over her, and when new murders occur, the whispers of Ava's supposed malevolence grow louder. Wright's portrayal of Ava is both empathetic and compelling, as she navigates a world that refuses to let her escape her past.

One of the novel's most striking themes is the exploration of memory and identity. Both Wren and Ava grapple with the question of how much their pasts define them. For Ava, the loss of memory is both a curse and a shield, protecting her from the full horror of her family's fate but also leaving her vulnerable to the town's accusations. Wren, on the other hand, is driven by a need to understand the past to protect the present, highlighting the tension between forgetting and remembering.

Wright's skillful character development is evident in her nuanced portrayal of both protagonists. Wren is a relatable and determined heroine, whose courage and compassion drive the narrative forward. Her interactions with the other characters, particularly her father and the enigmatic Jude, add depth to her character and underscore her growth throughout the story. Ava, meanwhile, is a tragic figure whose strength lies in her resilience and her refusal to be defined by the town's judgment. Wright's ability to evoke empathy for Ava, despite the cloud of suspicion surrounding her, is a testament to her skill as a storyteller.

The novel's setting plays a crucial role in creating an atmosphere of suspense and unease. The Northwoods of Wisconsin, with its dense forests and secluded cabins, serves as both a refuge and a prison for the characters. Wright's vivid descriptions of the landscape immerse the reader in a world where the line between reality and legend blurs, enhancing the novel's sense of mystery and foreboding.

Wright also delves into the theme of community and isolation. Both Wren and Ava are outsiders in their respective communities, and their stories highlight the ways in which fear and suspicion can isolate individuals. The novel raises important questions about the nature of evil and the human tendency to scapegoat those who are different. Through Wren and Ava's journeys, Wright challenges readers to consider the impact of judgment and the possibility of redemption.

In comparison to other works in the genre, The Souls of Lost Lake stands out for its intricate plotting and emotional depth. Fans of authors like Simone St. James and Jennifer McMahon will appreciate Wright's ability to blend historical fiction with elements of the supernatural, creating a story that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. Wright's novel is a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the darkest corners of the human experience and to offer hope in the face of despair.

Overall, The Souls of Lost Lake is a captivating and atmospheric read that will appeal to fans of mystery and suspense. Jaime Jo Wright has crafted a tale that is both chilling and heartwarming, with characters that linger in the reader's mind long after the final page is turned. The novel's exploration of memory, identity, and the power of community makes it a compelling addition to the genre, and a must-read for those who enjoy stories that challenge and inspire.