Hemlock Island

Armstrong (Murder at Haven’s Rock) traps six people on a dangerous island in this tightly focused domestic horror tale. Laney Kilpatrick rents out her Lake Superior island getaway in the summer to cover its costs. A gift from her ex-husband, Kit, Hemlock Island and the lone mansion that stands on it have always been Laney’s sanctuaries, but they’ve become a perpetual headache during vacation season, with renters either complaining about the isolation or taking advantage of it to mess around with her property. When a series of occult incidents—including hex circles and animal sacrifices—drive off the tourists, Laney tries to pin down the culprits, who she believes must be a couple of pranksters. As incidents rapidly escalate, Laney finds herself trapped on the island with her niece, Madison; Kit and his sister, Jayla; uninvited ex-friend Sadie; and Sadie’s older brother, Garrett. Armstrong is experienced with the motifs of mystery fiction and fills in each character’s backstory with enough color and secrets to keep both Laney and the reader distracted from uncovering the real monster. The supernatural reveal, when it comes, is a bit rushed, however, and leads into a slightly unearned climax. It’s a lackluster ending, but the ride there offers plenty of thrills. (Sept.)