Blown away! This is not the book I expected! I almost didn’t choose it when I saw “Marilyn Monroe” bc I didn’t want to read a TellAll. That is definitely NOT this book. It in no way disparages the Icon, in fact it is fictional and provides us an alternative to her life. She is somewhat a side character, as the focus is on her niece in a small town in Florida, a place “Aunt Jean” came to decompress from her big life where no one ever called her Marilyn. But she still lives large in a way I’ve never thought about her before and will probably cling to this fictional Marilyn every time I hear her name in the future.

The PLOT! That’s the big character! Organized Crime comes to this small town turning everything on its head. It’s spellbinding and I couldn’t stop reading and loving every minute of this “edge of the seater”. I did not want it to end . This is a book to not miss! 10 million Stars!my-5-star-reads2 s J Kromrie922 13

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

A reimagining of what could have been.

Perhaps in some ways this beautiful tribute to a talented person who will remain forever in our hearts might be closer to the truth regarding the lovely delicate being known as Marilyn Monroe/ Norma Jean than we could ever imagine.

I especially enjoyed the female empowerment in this novel as well as the organized crime historical side-story (which was both well told and fascinating).

Great job by the author, and the first book I have read of this type, a fictional re-imagining of a nonfiction character.2 s Christina2

3.5 stars1 Deborah177

This southern thriller was easy to read and kept me engaged. I could smell the orange blossoms and feel the sweltering heat of the small town of Hockta Florida while I was reading it. I love historical fiction and this story, which takes place in the 1950's, was excellent.
The key players were Addie Anne Buckley, who wanted nothing more than to go to Hollywood and become someone her Aunt Jean, and her boyfriend Truitt Holt who wanted to stay home and keep his mother safe. Truitt ran a bolita game that ended up causing more problems than he expected, with the mob showing up and bodies piling up.
Aunt Jean, as you can guess, was none other than Marylin Monroe, who came to Hockta whenever things got bad for her in Hollywood, to visit her childhood friend who happened to be Addie Anne's mother. This summer, Addie Anne was turning 18, and Aunt Jean was gifting Addie a trip to Hollywood. Addie could not wait to get the dust from Hockta off her shoes.
There were some twists and turns keeping me reading to see how things would end up. I have not read this author before and will be looking up her other books.
Thanks to #NetGalley for the ARC, allowing me to read and review this book.1 Stella941 34

A 'what could have been' story about the beloved Marilyn Monroe and her 'niece' Addie Anne who dreams of stardom and fame.

Addie Anne lives in Florida and is days away from turning 18. The day after her birthday, she and her "Aunt Jean" will board a train bound for New York and Los Angeles. Her family has no idea that Addie has plans to never return to her small town. Aunt Jean comes to visit every few years. Her fame is a burden and her time away allows her rest and the time to just be a person.

This story includes the mob and it's hold on the community and ultimately, on Addie and "Aunt Jean". The story does touch in female empowerment, as well as a good mix of dealing with a 'bad crowd.'

Overall, it was a quick read, but honestly, didn't leave too much of an impression. I'm not going to be thinking about it a year later.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book. Rekha Rao961 47

Told from multiple perspectives, Lori Roy's Lake County offers readers a noirish glimpse into 1950s Florida. The story is rich with suspense and atmosphere, blending elements of the Tampa Mafia and a reimagined Marilyn Monroe.

As a fan of reimagined stories featuring Hollywood celebrities, I found Lake County to be captivating. While Marilyn's reimagined life adds intrigue, the true stars are Truitt and Addie. The narrative unfolds a movie, rich in emotion and character. Lori Roy's storytelling prowess shines through each page and character.

This book was an absolute page-turner for me, and I was thoroughly engrossed from start to finish. I especially loved the ending and the prologue. If you enjoy reimagined stories set in fictional towns and are a fan of old-time Hollywood stars, I highly recommend Lake County by Lori Roy.

4.5/5books-released-in-2024 netgalley-2024 John Nicolette32

Solid 2.5 Stars + for this very original story set in 1950s central Florida. It's part coming of age story as the protagonist is a girl in her late teens trying to find herself, but also part mafia thriller as the lives of those around her become inadvertently intertwined with Tampa's mafia crime boss Santo Trafficante Jr. I said, it's a unique, original story. Especially when it's revealed that the biggest female movie star of the time is respiting with her family in this small central FL town. Norma Jean, or Aunt Jean as her family calls her, adds a unique layer of storyline to the overall plot. I wasn't sure what to expect with this book but it was a solid read and a pleasant surprise. Lawrence Sordo29

Lake County has got that rare feel good factor. Different form Lori Roy’s previous books it combines an episode in an alternative life of Marilyn Monroe with a story of morality, power and long held secrets. Most of all it’s about Addie Anne a strong young woman and the mythical niece of Marilyn her role model who she knows as Aunt Jean. Annie is not quite Mattie Ross but shows similar determination and courage. There are some colorful characters Wiley the wily sheriff, Siebert Rix a Dickensian villain and gangster boss Santo Giordano. It’s quite an enjoyable read but it isn’t a great book. I expected more from an Edgar winning novelist.1 Sheri117 10

“Lake Country” by Lori Roy was a fictional story taking place in southern Florida in the 1950s. It’s an easy to read thriller about an 18 year old girl whose goal is to get to Hollywood. Her aunt promises to take her and that Aunt happens to be Marilyn Monroe. Lots of bad guys, mob characters and a few twists keep the story moving. I felt it was a bit predictable which is why the 3* rating.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. Michele34

This isn't the type of book I would normally choose to read (historical fiction, mob stories), but in my adventure to try new genres and authors, I gave it a go. I really enjoyed this book. From start to finish, it kept me wanting to keep going to see what happened next. With twists and turns, you never knew what was coming next. Definitely one to pick up!
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for this eARC.arc-reads Carole757 9

Did not enjoy reading this novel -- thought the subject sounded fun -- but the strange combination of truth and fiction woven together never quite made any kind of sense to me. Take away the Marilyn element and maybe I'd have enjoyed reading it more. The kids and adults and their odd story and unusual relationships were somewhat interesting. Glad it all tied together in the end but mostly glad I finished reading it, almost didn't. Bridgewes136 2

Lake County is a story of a small Florida town with many secrets. The main character is very able. His girlfriend wants to leave and go to Los Angeles to star in the movies. As he is riding his bike home one night he stops to help people change a flat tire. In the ensuing evening he ends up killing a mob member. The story is very good, but perhaps a bit too long. I d the book, and I would consider reading more by this author. Elaine Ballard54

Really enjoyed this book about a Marilyn Monroe from a small town and what her family could have been . The setting is a small town in Florida near Tampa. Several colorful characters and the mafia has some involvement. Light read, very entertaining. Crystal12

Majority of this book spanned over 3 or 4 days and still it felt it dragged. I was waiting for it to be over at times. A small town girl who dreamed of the shiny glamorous life, but never made it that far. Florida mafia, secrets, and aspirations to sum it up. Giaci Vitolo85

I was hooked for a while & never read a thriller this. I enjoyed it and loved that there was a happy ending. Felt things were repeated a bunch and truly never understand what exactly the bolita game was. But I do recommend it for a twist to your typical thriller Michelle Irwin248 5

Through the shine

If you take all the shine that surrounded Marilyn Monroe and look through it, you find a real person. That's what's portrayed in this book. You'll love all the excitement and danger in this story. Debbie20

A great read!

I really enjoyed reading this book. Well written, a page turner. The characters all came to life. No spoilers though, read it, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Butch & Penny Morse3

Kept my interest

I felt the book was slow at first but then i got hooked. It was a good story line and I felt I wanted it to be true. Tanya Stephens2

Kept you wanting to read more with twists and plots galore. Paula Beersdorf2

I could not put this down!

A wonderfully written story, which unfolds in a captivating way with characters you come to care for. Loved everything about it! Mary J1 review

totally enjoyed!

I’m a lover of mysteries, and this one has that and many interesting characters. Actually could never see Aunt Jean as Marilyn, but still enjoyed. Rachel O75 2

A beautifully written “what if” story. Those who love FL, Marilyn Monroe, and historical fiction will love this. Joyce Young147 Read

loved the concept of using Marilyn Monroe in a different way. Sue VL3

3.5 Ann Sumner226 1 follower

meh

I mean, parts of this were hard to accept, and if you read as I do, critically, you’ll see what I mean.
Well-written and sometimes very suspenseful, this book was Meh to me. Kari Ann3

Couldn't put it down

Found myself up until 2am reading and finished the book within two days. Great crime and suspense with a little bit of old world glamor, this was a great book! Bonnye Reed4,417 77 Currently reading

June 24 Amazon Prime First Readbook-amazon-free-or-fussy-librarian historical-southern historical-us ...more Olivia Rose78 2

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