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There are currently 36 member reviews
for The Lost Man
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Joe S. (Port Orange, FL)
Jane Harper's best, so far.
When I read "The Dry'', Jane Harper's first book, I wondered how she could write another as good. She could, two more in fact. The "Lost Man" is her third novel and, in my opinion, her best. It is well written with a very interesting plot and set in a challenging locale. The characters are well developed and the story does not bog down. I really enjoyed it and can't wait for her next.
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Andrea B. (Phoenix, AZ)
Transporting and engrossing
As in all good mysteries, the mystery presented at this novel’s opening seems unsolvable. Due to the unfamiliar setting, it took me awhile to grasp the significance of the crime scene details. The sense of place in this novel about the Australian outback is well done and soon had me thinking about the harsh circumstances of the geology and climate and how they were integral to the story. The sparse population adds a telling element to the desolation of the setting. The characters were all well drawn and one can begin to understand their personalities as the descriptions were eeked out bit by bit. The gradual release of past incidents is timely enough to keep one’s interest. As the story builds to a climax, the urge to neglect any pressing responsibilities grows apace. The conclusion was a shock but enough information had appeared that it was not a complete surprise. This would be a good book group book as there are many family and relationship issues to discuss. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about a part of the world and a life style that I am completely unfamiliar with. I enjoyed that background and found the mystery captivating.
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Melissa R. (Green Bay, WI)
The Lost Man
I would classify this book as a "midnight" book. That is you are reading chapter after chapter because it is so good that you don't want to stop. You look up at the clock and see that it is midnight, so you say to yourself, "I'll read just one more chapter."
One of the more interesting things about this mystery is the role the setting plays in it. The story takes place in the Outback in Australia. Everything the characters do is affected by their environment which is very hot, dry, with an intense sun. Reading the Prologue will not only hook you on the story, but it will also introduce the importance of the setting in the story. I found the author's style to be very good, especially the dialogue. It was very natural. I think a book club would enjoy discussing the dilemmas that are presented here because morally there are more than one way to look at them. This is the third Jane Harper novel I have read, and I have enjoyed them all.
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Terri O. (Chapel Hill, NC)
Slow-burning, atmospheric family drama
The Lost Man is a fantastic family drama/mystery that explores the consequences of both taking action and failing to do so. In the aftermath of the seeming suicide of Cameron Bright in a desolate part of the Outback, his family must come to terms with his death and what may have prompted it. Told from the point of view of Nathan, Cameron's older brother, the story slowly unfolds as Harper interweaves past and present and reveals dark family secrets. The characters and the plot are very well developed, the sense of place is palpable, and the resolution, when it finally comes, is satisfying and believable. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys layered family dramas and slow-burning mysteries. I for one can't wait for the next Jane Harper book!
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Joan W. (Orion, MI)
Great Read
Jane Harper does it again. This story is about the Australian outback. Cameron is found dead by an old grave by his brothers. This is kind of past and present story of a tyrant father, a great mother, and the three brothers. Jane weaves her story in and out and makes you stay up at night reading her books; this is no exception. You will love it. I not only recommend this book but her others as well. They are all great reads.
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Sharon G. (Chicago, IL)
The Lost Man Review
I loved this book because it drew me in immediately to the three brothers story; Nathan, Cameron and Bub. Cameron, the middle brother, is found dead on his ranch in the remote Autralian outback by the grave of the mythical and mysterious Stockman. Cameron's death leads us into the story of the lives of Nathan, Cameron and Bub, their family and the story of the Stokman. They come to life as Jane Harper weaves the past and present together so that you have a history of the family, their weaknesses and strengths and how hard it is to live in the Outback. So, at the end you wonder which of the brothers is the Lost Man or is it the Stockman who went astray.
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Judy B. (Santa Fe, NM)
Another Australian Heart-Twisting Good Story
Three brothers, a mean father, a loving mother--put them all in a pot and cook! What do you get? A great story! This book is Jane Harper's third story that takes place in the "Outback" of Australia and it is one that keeps changing the further you read. The oldest brother is at his parents ranch with his teenage son because the middle brother has been found out in the far outback dead and his car is found a number of miles away from where he died. The youngest brother is just there! Also at the ranch is the middle brother's wife and two daughters and and the grandmother. You are told that the grandfather who is also dead was a mean son-of-a-gun to his three sons. The question is how did the middle son get to where he was found and why did he leave his car with supplies of food and water in the car and "walk" to where he was found?? Read "The Lost Son" and you will find all the answers! A fantastically good read!
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