The Stranger At Black Lake:A Jess Lambert Prequel Novella by Christina McDonald

In the tranquil setting of Black Lake, Jess Lambert seeks solace with her husband, Mac, craving a respite from the clamor of their former life. Their aspirations for peace, however, unravel when Jess encounters Annie Parker, a beguiling newcomer to the town. What starts as a seemingly innocuous acquaintance quickly spirals into a harrowing ordeal.

The tranquility of their new abode is shattered when Jess discovers Annie disoriented and unclothed near the lake, her demeanor hinting at a trauma too profound to articulate. The enigma deepens as Jess stumbles upon Annie's residence, a scene marred by violence, bearing testament to a merciless assault. But Annie vanishes without a trace, leaving Jess ensnared in a labyrinth of uncertainty.

Driven by a relentless curiosity and a burgeoning sense of dread, Jess delves into the shadows of Black Lake's past, unearthing chilling revelations about Annie's abode and the sinister forces that lurk within. As the layers of deception unravel, Jess grapples with the haunting question of Annie's true identity: is she a hapless victim, a malevolent perpetrator, or a complex amalgamation of both?

Yet, the pursuit of truth comes at a perilous price, blurring the boundaries between hunter and hunted. With every step closer to unraveling the mystery, Jess confronts the ominous specters of her own past, realizing that the line between justice and vengeance is perilously thin. In Black Lake, where secrets fester and shadows loom, Jess must navigate a treacherous landscape where old ghosts hold sway, and the distinction between friend and foe is obscured by the fog of deception.