From the Bookshelf of Nothing But Reading Challenges…

The Lost Man

Jane Harper

Start date: January 1, 2022

Finish date: January 31, 2022

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What Members Thought

Mar 17, 2019 Anne OK rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2019-reads

Full review posted on 5/9/19.

SPOILER-FREE – a book blurb that offers plenty of temptation and a story best read without preconceptions.

One of the best books I’ve had the pleasure of reading. You know that feeling you get when you’ve discovered an author you love and immediately want to read their entire backlist of books? That’s exactly how I felt after reading new-to-me author Jane Harper’s stunning standalone, THE LOST MAN.

Sometimes we’re tricked by false truths – things we believe to be true Full review posted on 5/9/19.

SPOILER-FREE – a book blurb that offers plenty of temptation and a story best read without preconceptions.

One of the best books I’ve had the pleasure of reading. You know that feeling you get when you’ve discovered an author you love and immediately want to read their entire backlist of books? That’s exactly how I felt after reading new-to-me author Jane Harper’s stunning standalone, THE LOST MAN.

Sometimes we’re tricked by false truths – things we believe to be true but really aren’t. The entire Bright family is teetering on the edge, walking a fine line between love and hate. And at the center is the baffling death of Cam, the middle brother, that reopens old wounds and uncovers a history of shocking and long-buried secrets and lies between family members that might hold the key to solving this case.

A slow burning but spellbinding family drama with a backdrop under the scorching sun in the far reaches of the lonely Australian Outback. Along with a strong and diverse cast of characters, Harper nails the setting with an atmospheric mood that becomes another hypnotic character on its own in the overall scheme.

The youngest brother, Lee a/k/a Bub, is ready to pull up stakes and take a hike. He and Cam have had their share of confrontations over the family ranch and its management.

Nathan is the oldest brother and a bit of a tough nut to crack. It didn’t take long before he tugged on my heartstrings, and I was cheering for his happiness. After many years of an isolated lifestyle, he deserves to find his way back into the fold. An unhappy marriage, a messy divorce and being cut-off from his son are just the tip of the iceberg of problems he has faced. Nathan Bright is multi-faceted and certainly an interesting and intriguing character — one who deserved better than he got. My feelings toward him changed with each sunrise. In the end, he became one of my favorite anti-heroes.

Harper’s writing is first-rate. She’s a clever and masterful wordsmith. Her latest release provides layers of despair, fear, suspense, disappointment, grief and apprehension — and yes, hope and love as well. Readers will find themselves turned upside down and unsettled throughout the story as this author touches on so many feelings. You’re assured of an adrenaline high and a book that is impossible to put down. I was instantly pulled into the disturbing and mysterious storyline and remained totally captivated from start to finish.

Secrets and lies eventually come out, and the heartbreaking — but hopeful — wrap-up brings a shocking revelation and true meaning to the words “expect the unexpected.” If a writer is ingenious enough to surprise us at the end of the story, it makes for a truly outstanding and deeply satisfying reading experience – and Harper succeeds in doing so.

Guess you’ll need to read the book and find out for yourself the answer to the questions of whodunit/whydunit and if the Bright family can upright themselves and move on together. ...more

9 likes · Like · see review

Dec 07, 2019 Kirsten rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle

This is an atmospheric and claustrophobic mystery. It's interesting that a mystery set in the wide open spaces of the Australian outback can feel so claustrophobic.

I really enjoyed this book and it's sense of the Australian outback.

The characters are very compelling and honest. I will definitely read another book by this author. ...more

8 likes · Like · see review

May 20, 2019 Paula Hess rated it really liked it

Another great read from Ms. Harper. A who done it that takes place in the outback of Queensland Australia. You can feel the heat and the dustin this page turner.

1 like · Like · see review

Jan 15, 2024 Avigail rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: borrowed, ebook, challenges, audiobook, youtube-rec, kindle, everand, 2024, own

I heard so many good things about the writing of this Aussie author. Maybe The Lost Man is not the book I should have started with Jane Harper’s writing. The Lost Man is more of a family domestic mystery. The truth is that I didn't connect with any of the characters.
Yes, I understand that Australia has a complex life because of the weather and the loneliness, and you need to rely upon families and friends.
I was conflicted with this novel because on one hand... the story is so beautifully writ ...more

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Sep 25, 2020 Shala rated it really liked it

Jane Harper is a master at making you feel like you are a part of the story. The descriptions of the setting were so vivid, that I've decided I don't there I ever want to go to Australia, at least not the outback in December. Great story. ...more

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