This is a review of the book 'The Lake House' by James Patterson. It's really not my usual kind of book, in that it's weird and borders on science fiction so that may account for why I didn't really enjoy reading it.

**Warning - supposed to be scary**
The front cover warns 'Don't read it alone in your house' so I followed instructions and read it on the train instead whilst commuting to Leeds - something I do a couple of times a month as I'm studying for a masters alongside a full time job and being pregnant.... yes I might be mad.

**Children with wings**
Anyway, back to the book. The Lake House is one of James Patterson's best selling novels and begins with a court case for custody of a group of 'special' children. Why are they special? They have been genetically created to be a mixture of birds and people, combining all the best bits and yes, they can fly too.

**Safety in numbers**
The kids are not accepted by society and don't really fit in with their biological mums who were cruelly tricked with a scientific project. The group are best kept together so they can look after each other but it seems their future is still interwoven with their evil creator Dr Ethan Kane.

**My thoughts***
I think this reads more like a children's book, it alludes to sex but then doesn't go into it and then the language is very simple too. But then the description of the operations from the scientist are really graphic and quite gory, so really not appropriate content for children. I think it's got a weird target audience, can't talk about sex but can describe how to take the innards out of a body... eh?

**ridiculous storyline***
Other reviews have alluded to the strange nature of this book, but you really have to suspend your disbelief with this one. It is just unbelievable really and borders on the ridiculous. I know JP is a really popular author so would have to assume his other books are much better to read!

**ending - don't worry, I won't spoil it for you!**
The ending is quite weak and just didn't end things satisfactorily for me. I found the book along the lines of 'the demon headmaster' a children's book and TV programme it was so silly.

**Best bit* / worst bit*
I thought the panic around being chased around the book's name sake 'the lake house' quite tense reading and still can't work out why Frannie (the vet) sets fire to her own home, why that would save their lives in the long run I just can't tell you.

**Final word**
I really can't see how you would recommend this book to anyone unless you find the thought of a hybrid child / bird appealing. It was just plain weird and I will pass it on to someone I don't like just to have my revenge (insert evil laugh).