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The Lost Man


"Strong characters, riveting plot and an honest look at life in the Australian ...
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Overall, what do you think of The Lost Man? (no spoilers in this thread, please)

Created: 12/23/19

Replies: 29

Posted Dec. 23, 2019 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
davinamw

Join Date: 10/15/10

Posts: 3442

Overall, what do you think of The Lost Man? (no spoilers in this thread, please)

Overall, what do you think of "The Lost Man"? (no spoilers in this thread, please)


Posted Jan. 06, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
paulak

Join Date: 04/21/11

Posts: 264

RE: Overall, what do you think of The Lost Man? (no spoilers in this thread, please)

I have read three books by Jane Harper, enjoyed all three, but this was my favorite. I felt the theme was bigger and the characters more poignant. Harper's sense of place is wonderful, making me feel as though I have visited Australia, especially ironic given the disastrous state of events taking place there now with the bush fires. That said, having read "The Lost Man" makes me wonder why anyone would visit the outback, a harsh unforgiving climate.


Posted Jan. 06, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
TerryPark

Join Date: 09/03/19

Posts: 42

RE: Overall, what do you think of The Lost Man? (no spoilers in this thread, please)

I was drawn into the story very quickly. I have not read Jane Harper before, but I think she is a good writer. The characters and the setting were well drawn. The plot was excellent. I couldn't get ahead of the outcome, so I had trouble putting it down as I neared the conclusion.


Posted Jan. 06, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
beckyd

Join Date: 07/31/19

Posts: 92

RE: Overall, what do you think of The Lost Man? (no spoilers in this thread, please)

This is the first Jane Harper book i have read. All of the hype made it sound so exiting i couldn't wait to read it. I was not prepared for how slowly it started and kept going...If I had not been given the book to participate in this booktalk I don't know if I would have kept reading. But i kept at it and it definitely picked up speed.
I certainly was not prepared for the ending, which showcases the author's talent there. And from all of the recent TV shows coming from Australia that I've watched I feel her writing puts you right there.
So after reading this book I wanted to see if my slow warm up was to her writing style or my preferences. I read Force of Nature. I feel like that one got to the heart of the matter a little quicker. For me, with both books the plot descriptions were the hook, then I just had to deal with the pace.
Will I go out of my way to read another one of hers, not so sure...


Posted Jan. 06, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
AlwaysSunny

Join Date: 01/06/20

Posts: 27

RE: Overall, what do you think of The Lost Man? (no spoilers in this thread, please)

I am about eight chapters in, so I still have a ways to go but it's drawing me in deeper and deeper. I sense there is so much going on with this family under the surface that I'm wondering when the chips in the veneer begin to show. Again, still reading this, so I will check in later!


Posted Jan. 06, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Janet Smith

Join Date: 07/28/14

Posts: 62

RE: Overall, what do you think of The Lost Man? (no spoilers in this thread, please)

This is another great book by Jane Harper. Although it started out a little slow for me, clues regarding the death are slowly/carefully revealed. It keeps you intrigued and want to keep reading. Good read!


Posted Jan. 06, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
elyseg

Join Date: 11/13/17

Posts: 29

RE: Overall, what do you think of The Lost Man? (no spoilers in this thread, please)

I'm not a big mystery fan, so I was surprised by how much I liked this book. The writing was far better than most of that genre, which had a lot to do with my enjoyment of it. The story was intriguing and the characters interesting. Plus the setting was unfamiliar.


Posted Jan. 07, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
susiej

Join Date: 10/15/14

Posts: 363

RE: Overall, what do you think of The Lost Man? (no spoilers in this thread, please)

I have read all three of Jane Harper's novels and this one was the most difficult for me to get into, but in the end, the one I like the best. The harsh setting made the slower plot development more difficult to deal with - but Harper uses it to create an atmosphere that pulls the reader right in. The harsh temperatures, the dust, and grit initially alienated this reader, but at the same time, they created the chilling mood and backdrop for the novel's mystery. Harper always has interesting and engaging characters and this book is no exception. I found character development in this book a match for the plot development - slow but steady with sudden surprise and with that came the real movement in plot. Having the family all together in the house, at Christmas time, was another interesting feature - it provided real contrast with the outback, the vastness of the landscape, the dirt and dust and heat. Inside the family was almost on top of one another, their action viewed more closely - we got to see, feel, hear their thoughts and actions more closely - we came to know them more intimately - and the plot pacing reflected this as well. At the outset of the novel, I had much different feelings about various characters than I did at the end of the novel. How deliberately yet cleverly Harper causes this to happen is what made this book a solid win for me.


Posted Jan. 07, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
nancyl

Join Date: 04/21/14

Posts: 39

RE: Overall, what do you think of The Lost Man? (no spoilers in this thread, please)

I, too, have read all three of Jane Harper's books. I'm ready for another! It's a tie between The Dry and The Lost Man. Really didn't think that much of Force of Nature.
Loved the mystery and suspense!


Posted Jan. 07, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
viquig

Join Date: 06/25/14

Posts: 82

RE: Overall, what do you think of The Lost Man? (no spoilers in this thread, please)

Like elyseg, I am not usually a fan of mysteries. But I loved "The Lost Man"! The plot was so intriguing and the characterizations were believable to a fault. Jane Harper's descriptive writing placed me right in the center of the outback--not really a place I would choose to visit, however, truly fascinating to read about. The ending was awesome! I didn't anticipate the conclusion of the novel, however the way Harper wrote, it was a logical and believable resolution. I will definitely look for Harper's earlier novels in my bookstore.


Posted Jan. 08, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Anne C.

Join Date: 10/09/14

Posts: 58

RE: Overall, what do you think of The Lost Man? (no spoilers in this thread, please)

Absolutely wonderful! I want to read the author's other books now.


Posted Jan. 08, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Marcia S

Join Date: 02/08/16

Posts: 505

RE: Overall, what do you think of The Lost Man? (no spoilers in this thread, please)

I'm not a mystery reader but I was totally drawn into the story and wanting to know what happened. The book is well written and Harper totally pulls one into the setting of the isolation of the country. The stockman's grave was so symbolic throughout the story. I loved the way it ended, so much better than I had thought it would be. I will recommend this book to others.


Posted Jan. 08, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
renem

Join Date: 12/01/16

Posts: 292

RE: Overall, what do you think of The Lost Man? (no spoilers in this thread, please)

I have also read all three of Jane Harper's books. Like Nancyl, I didn't care for Force of Nature but really enjoyed The Dry and The Lost Man. I have said this previously in a post for The Dry and agree also with her latest work The Lost Man, that the Outback setting and its characters would make a good movie or television series.


Posted Jan. 08, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
dottys

Join Date: 09/30/17

Posts: 13

RE: Overall, what do you think of The Lost Man? (no spoilers in this thread, please)

I enjoyed it greatly. This is my 1st book by her and I look forward to reading others.


Posted Jan. 10, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
JulieAB

Join Date: 07/16/13

Posts: 117

RE: Overall, what do you think of The Lost Man? (no spoilers in this thread, please)

I really liked it. I have read all three of her books and thoroughly enjoy her writing. I hope she has another one in the works.


Posted Jan. 13, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
PiperUp

Join Date: 10/27/15

Posts: 146

RE: Overall, what do you think of The Lost Man? (no spoilers in this thread, please)

I’ve also read & enjoyed a few of this author’s books. She’s quickly becoming one of my favorites in this genre so I’m looking forward to reading more by her in the future.


Posted Jan. 14, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
AlwaysSunny

Join Date: 01/06/20

Posts: 27

RE: Overall, what do you think of The Lost Man? (no spoilers in this thread, please)

I'm in the middle of the book and am blown away by the masterful telling of this story. It reads cinematically, with flashbacks so artfully placed there is no break in the momentum or confusion. If this continues, I'll be picking up Jane Harper's other books!


Posted Jan. 14, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
johnw

Join Date: 03/11/12

Posts: 102

RE: Overall, what do you think of The Lost Man? (no spoilers in this thread, please)

I have read Jane Harper's three books - loved The Dry, snoozed through Force of Nature, loved The Lost Man. The Lost Man is my favorite. The harsh setting of the Outback made me interested in visiting this part of Australia but a little apprehensive as well. One of the many things I love about Harper's writing is her character development. She has a unique way of building layers of insight into the characters and I found the part where the family was inside during Christmas time provided a more intimate perspective on each of the characters than when in the Outback.


Posted Jan. 14, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
jennie r

Join Date: 08/06/17

Posts: 56

RE: Overall, what do you think of The Lost Man? (no spoilers in this thread, please)

I couldn't wait to find out what really happened in the story. I read it in two days, where it would normally take me at least a week to finish a book this length. I enjoyed it very much and plan to read more of this author's writing.


Posted Jan. 15, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
laurag

Join Date: 04/16/12

Posts: 31

RE: Overall, what do you think of The Lost Man? (no spoilers in this thread, please)

This book took me a while to get into. The descriptions in the beginning were brilliant and I felt like I understood the surroundings but I wasn't drawn in for a little while. Once I was though I wanted to do nothing but find out how it ends. I will definitely read her other books.


Posted Jan. 15, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
elise

Join Date: 04/22/11

Posts: 101

RE: Overall, what do you think of The Lost Man? (no spoilers in this thread, please)

I also do not read a lot of mysteries; however, I found The Lost Man really kept my interest. I really enjoyed the author's descriptions of the Australian Outback. It's such a different way of life, and so desolate. Their way of life is so different from anything I have seen or experienced. I found that very interesting.


Posted Jan. 15, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
AlwaysSunny

Join Date: 01/06/20

Posts: 27

RE: Overall, what do you think of The Lost Man? (no spoilers in this thread, please)

It also strikes me the book is paced and written almost like an Agatha Christie "whodunit." Except for the outdoor, bigger than life setting of the Outback, it reads like a closed room mystery. Really enjoying this!


Posted Jan. 15, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
A.T.

Join Date: 03/04/18

Posts: 15

RE: Overall, what do you think of The Lost Man? (no spoilers in this thread, please)

I was at first reluctant to read this, as I had no familiarity with Jane Harper and know little about Australia. I was pleasantly surprised with the writing and the way the author was able to immerse me into the Outback, as if I were part of the book! Bravo for the great storytelling and for drawing me in from the start!


Posted Jan. 15, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
celiap

Join Date: 07/27/17

Posts: 57

RE: Overall, what do you think of The Lost Man? (no spoilers in this thread, please)

I LOVED it. I have recommended it to anyone who will listen!!


Posted Jan. 15, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
nancyh

Join Date: 06/25/13

Posts: 347

RE: Overall, what do you think of The Lost Man? (no spoilers in this thread, please)

I enjoyed this book. I picked it because I read Force of Nature, as part of this discussion group, and liked it. She writes very well and gives good descriptions. I could feel the hot weather here in my Minnesota winter. She made us very aware of what living in the outback was like. I am going to have to read The Dry. It will go on my list.


Posted Jan. 16, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Missys

Join Date: 10/24/17

Posts: 46

RE: Overall, what do you think of The Lost Man? (no spoilers in this thread, please)

Let's just say, I devoured this book! I read it in less than two weeks (a record for a farm wife and busy mom of three)! I have not read Harper's other novels but, have plans to now. Her sense of place is phenomenal and I found myself lost in the beauty of the harsh outback from page one. The multiple plots kept me engrossed until the very end. I am passing this beauty to all my fellow book lovers.


Posted Jan. 20, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
janicea

Join Date: 04/20/17

Posts: 32

RE: Overall, what do you think of The Lost Man? (no spoilers in this thread, please)

I very much liked this book. The storyline was different and unique. The setting and characters were well described and I could visualize the landscape, the grave, the ranches and the town as well as the people. The characters were developed throughout the book, like the layers of an onion. This development kept the story interesting and moving forward. I read this book while the bushfires in Australia were raging and wondered if they were on or close to the location of the ranch. Overall, this was a very good book and I am looking forward to read other books written by this author.


Posted Jan. 21, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
rebeccak

Join Date: 05/26/12

Posts: 78

RE: Overall, what do you think of The Lost Man? (no spoilers in this thread, please)

I thought it was good. Not great. I'd give it 3.5 out of 5 stars. This is the third novel I've read by Jane Harper and I strongly prefer her other books. They were more along the lines of the page-turning variety, and I loved the interactions between the two detectives. This story moved much more slowly. It took me weeks to get through it because I kept getting bored and picking up different books instead. I had to force myself to keep reading it. I did end up loving how everything tied together and the secrets that were revealed, but it felt like a long, long way to get there.


Posted Jan. 23, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
kenanr

Join Date: 02/20/14

Posts: 41

RE: Overall, what do you think of The Lost Man? (no spoilers in this thread, please)

I enjoyed this novel very much as did my husband who read it while we were on vacation. For such a weighty subject I thought it moved along at really nice clip. Harper's sense of place was pitch perfect and her plot twists kept me guessing throughout. I would recommend this book enthusiastically and am now a Jane Harper fan!


Posted Jan. 23, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
kdowney25

Join Date: 01/25/16

Posts: 183

RE: Overall, what do you think of The Lost Man? (no spoilers in this thread, please)

I loved this book! I found it gripping and hard to put down. This was my first book by Harper, and I will definitely seek out the others. Loved all the plot twists!


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