Daniel G. Miller’s debut crime thriller, The Orphanage by the Lake, introduces readers to Hazel Cho, a struggling Korean-American private investigator whose career and bank account are on life support. When a mysterious socialite offers her a case to find a missing orphan girl—with a substantial paycheck attached—Hazel dives headfirst into an investigation that quickly spirals into something far more sinister than a simple runaway case. What begins as a standard missing person investigation evolves into a harrowing journey through corruption, betrayal, and human trafficking that will keep readers breathlessly turning pages until the shocking conclusion.
The Orphanage by the Lake marks the beginning of Miller’s Hazel Cho series, with the second installment, The Red Letter, set for release in 2025. While this is Miller’s debut in the Hazel Cho series, he’s previously authored the well-received Tree of Knowledge series, including The Tree of Knowledge, Of Good & Evil, and The Tree of Life. However, this new series represents a marked departure into more grounded thriller territory, with a female protagonist navigating a world filled with predators both obvious and hidden.
A Plot That Doesn’t Pull Punches
The story centers on Hazel Cho, a thirty-year-old private investigator whose business is months away from folding. When the wealthy and enigmatic Madeline Hemsley walks into her office offering a substantial reward to find her missing goddaughter, Mia, Hazel sees an opportunity to save her failing business.
Mia has disappeared from Saint Agnes Children’s Home—colloquially known as “The Orphanage by the Lake”—and the further Hazel investigates, the more she realizes that this is no ordinary missing person case. The orphanage’s headmaster, Thomas Mackenzie, blocks her at every turn. The choir teacher, Gregory Goolsbee, seems to know more than he’s letting on. And a mysterious “Dionysus Theater” appears connected to Mia’s disappearance, as well as to numerous other girls who have vanished from Saint Agnes over the decades.
Complicating matters further is the handsome and charming Andrew DuPont, who sweeps Hazel off her feet just as the investigation heats up. But in a world where nothing is as it seems, even romance comes with deadly consequences.
Miller crafts a plot that moves at breakneck speed while methodically building tension. The story’s final act delivers a genuinely shocking twist that recontextualizes everything that came before, followed by a climactic sequence that’s both terrifying and cathartic.
Complex Characters with Compelling Motivations
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its compelling cast, particularly its protagonist. Hazel Cho emerges as a refreshingly authentic character in a genre often populated by hard-boiled stereotypes or unrealistically perfect detectives. She’s financially struggling, professionally uncertain, and personally flawed, yet ultimately resourceful and resilient. Her Korean-American identity informs her perspective without defining her character, offering subtle cultural touches that enrich the narrative.
Particularly effective is Miller’s exploration of Hazel’s past trauma and how it shapes her approach to danger. When faced with threats, she experiences realistic fear rather than superhuman courage, making her eventual triumphs all the more meaningful.
The supporting cast is similarly well-developed:
- Kenny Shum, Hazel’s roommate, provides both comic relief and unexpected heroism
- Madeline Hemsley exudes complexity as the demanding client harboring devastating secrets
- Thomas Mackenzie presents as a formidable antagonist before revealing unexpected depths
- Sonia Barreto offers a masterclass in deception, presenting a warm maternal figure that masks something far darker
Even the villains receive nuanced treatment, with Miller exploring the mechanisms of justification that allow people to commit horrific acts while still seeing themselves as righteous.
Dark Themes Handled with Sensitivity
Miller doesn’t shy away from difficult subject matter. Child trafficking, sexual exploitation, and corruption are central to the plot. However, the author handles these themes with appropriate gravity rather than exploitation, focusing on the psychological impact rather than graphic details.
The book offers subtle social commentary on several fronts:
- The vulnerability of children without family support systems
- The ease with which wealth and privilege can shield predatory behavior
- The failure of institutions (police, child services) meant to protect society’s most vulnerable
- The psychology of victim-blaming and self-justification among perpetrators
These themes are woven naturally into the narrative without becoming preachy, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions.
Writing Style and Pacing
Miller’s prose is straightforward, conversational, and effective. Told from Hazel’s first-person perspective, the narrative voice carries a natural blend of self-deprecating humor, professional observation, and emotional honesty. The dialogue rings true for each character, with distinct speech patterns that help differentiate the large cast.
The pacing deserves special mention. Miller structures the novel in short, propulsive chapters that end with mini-cliffhangers, creating a “just one more chapter” effect that’s difficult to resist. The book balances investigation scenes with character development and genuinely tense action sequences, never letting any single element dominate for too long.
Areas for Improvement
While The Orphanage by the Lake is an impressive debut, there are aspects that could be strengthened:
- Predictable romantic subplot: The handsome, too-perfect love interest turning out to be villainous is a twist many readers will see coming long before the reveal.
- Convenience factors: Some key breaks in the case come through lucky coincidence rather than Hazel’s detective work, which occasionally undermines her agency as a protagonist.
- Police procedure stretches credibility: The ease with which corrupt officers operate and the speed of the police response in the climax require some suspension of disbelief.
- Limited setting development: While the orphanage itself is effectively atmospheric, the broader Lake George setting feels somewhat underdeveloped.
Comparisons and Influences
Fans of Lisa Gardner, Tana French, and Karin Slaughter will find much to appreciate in Miller’s work. The book also bears comparison to Gillian Flynn’s damaged protagonists and S.A. Cosby’s exploration of systemic corruption.
Miller carves out his own niche, however, through Hazel’s distinct voice and the deft balancing of procedural elements with psychological depth. The incorporation of Hazel’s Korean-American heritage adds a fresh perspective to the genre without becoming a tokenistic element.
Series Potential
As the first in the Hazel Cho series, The Orphanage by the Lake effectively establishes a world and characters that readers will want to revisit. The upcoming sequel, The Red Letter, promises to explore the fallout from this case while introducing new mysteries.
The ending leaves Hazel in an interesting position professionally and personally, with her new partnership with Kenny offering intriguing dynamics for future installments. Miller has established a solid foundation that offers numerous directions for the series to develop.
Final Verdict
The Orphanage by the Lake delivers exactly what readers want from crime fiction: a compelling mystery, a likable protagonist, genuinely chilling villains, and satisfying resolution. Daniel G. Miller demonstrates considerable skill in crafting tension and creating characters that elicit genuine emotional investment.
Despite some first-novel imperfections, the book’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. The novel tackles dark subject matter with appropriate gravity while still providing the entertainment value expected from the genre.
For readers seeking a fresh voice in crime fiction with a protagonist worth rooting for, The Orphanage by the Lake represents a promising series starter that delivers both thrills and substance. Miller has established himself as an author to watch, and Hazel Cho as a character whose future adventures warrant following.
In Hazel Cho, Daniel G. Miller has created a detective whose future cases I’m genuinely eager to follow, beginning with The Red Letter in 2025. Like its protagonist, this novel may not be perfect, but it’s authentic, compelling, and ultimately victorious against considerable odds.
