The Night Lagoon is a very slow burn that takes a long time to get to the heart of the story. While the early descriptions of the Belizean jungle are vivid, they do begin to feel indulgent. The heavy focus on atmosphere comes at the expense of pace and plot. Ultimately, it leans too much on style over substance and for me I struggled to keep going. However once you do get to a story it does start to gather a bit of pace.

Good debut novel.

Set in the jungle a perfect ideal some would say. But the jungle holds secrets, both from years ago and more recent ones. Story about a family that had been bought up with secrets from their father. The academic life he led that took him away from home for long spells of time and the repercussions that it led to.

Who can be trusted to be telling the truth?

Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this book.

Located in a lush natural habitat at a lodge owned by the protagonist Laelia's father, this story examines the occasional complexity of family dynamics and deeply buried secrets, as well as the darker side of romantic relationships. Nothing in life comes free, and this story is a reminder of that!

The mysterious and mythic jungle setting in Belize is used to great effect, with these surroundings almost acting as an additional character in the story.

Immersive and atmospheric, this novel will appeal to many readers, especially those who like stories set in in exotic location.

The Night Lagoon is an immersive experience of a novel, the setting comes to wonderful life around you and the story is both intriguing and emotionally resonant.

It is a very human story and a very intuitive one, it's kind of a psychological thriller and family drama mash up, written really well and heightened by the nature inherent in the telling

I loved it. Would definitely recommend.