The Lake

1 

We re returning to camp, to new friendships, to songs and s mores around the campfire . . . and to the scene of our crime. 

I lean between the front seats to get a better look out the windshield. There it is, I say as we drive under the large camp pine lake sign. It s exactly as I remember it, the name carved into the wood. 

Glancing down, I trace one finger across identical bold lettering on the pamphlet I received earlier this year. Kayla and I both got letters asking us to consider becoming counselors-in-training. 

We re back. 

My best friend of fifteen years glances at me as the cab crawls to a stop. She pouts her glossy lips, which makes her eyebrows pull together. Does it seem, I don t know, smaller to you?  

Everything seems bigger when you re a kid, Kayla, I remind her. The last time we were here was nine years ago. 

Compared to the other camps nearby, which really aren t that near, we re the smallest. But the best. Camp Pine Lake takes girls and boys ages seven to ten. Kayla and I spent two epic summers here when we were seven and eight. 

We didn t come back when we were nine or ten. 

We didn t dare. 

But we re seventeen now. It s time. 

Kayla squeals as she opens the cab door. Yes! This summer is going to be amazing. She winks at me. We can even stay up late this time.  

We stayed up late when we were campers.  

The very second I open the other passenger door and we lose the AC, I feel like I m going to melt. At least our uniforms are shorts and T-shirts. Texas summers can be brutal. I forgot how insane the heat is. 

Yeah, but this time we re actually allowed to.  

Kind of. We have to stay in the same cabin as the kids, I remind Kayla. It feels like more of a lateral move. 

Kayla grins. Esme, we ll be in our own teeny room,

Natasha Preston is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Cellar, The Cabin, Awake, You Will Be Mine, The Lost, and, her latest, The Twin. A UK native, she discovered her love of writing when she shared a story online--and hasn't looked back. She enjoys writing romance, thrillers, gritty YA, and the occasional serial killer. Visit Natasha online at natashapreston.com and follow @AuthorNPreston on Twitter and @authornatashapreston on Instagram.

Praise for THE LAKE: 

A New York Times bestseller
A USA TODAY bestseller
A Publishers Weekly bestseller

[T]he strong buildup leads to a shockingly satisfying finale. An eerie thriller reminiscent of summer horror movies that will keep readers on edge. Kirkus

"Pays homage to classic summer camp slasher films...horror fans will likely appreciate this paranoia-fueled tale." Publishers Weekly

Praise for Natasha Preston:

"This fast-paced thriller will be a hit." SLJ, on The Twin

"A deeply disturbing tale that explores what can push someone to kill and what people will do to survive. . . . keeps tensions high to the final page." PW, on The Lost

"Preston weaves a terrifying tale. . . . A fast-paced, plot-driven page-turner." Kirkus, on The Lost

"Keeps readers on edge. . . . A great addition to the thriller shelves. Recommended for fans of Stephen King, Jennifer Barnes, and Ally Carter." SLJ, on You Will Be Mine

"Preston is skilled in building an atmosphere of paranoia and claustrophobia." PW, on You Will Be Mine

"Preston's latest mystery reads like an homage to a nostalgic Fear Street novel. . . . An enjoyable blend of mystery and horror." Booklist, on You Will Be Mine

"A fresh take on a murder mystery thriller. Rich with plot twists and suspense, readers will not want to put it down." VOYA, on You Will Be Mine

"Will keep readers intrigued." SLJ, on Awake

"Ripped-from-the-headlines." SLJ, on The Cellar