afox98's review against another edition
4.0
This is a dark series, but they're still enjoyable. Lacey is in a bad spot at the start of this book, but gets involved in a case about murdered boys due to the interest of her neighbor Barney. Good character development and a large number of suspects with a non-obvious twist.
wanderaven's review against another edition
3.0
I've enjoyed reading Bolton since her first book, back in the dark days of her books only being published in the UK, and before e-books. This time, I downloaded the book the day came out. I can't wait until we can digitally order those books that are still only published in the UK from amazon.co.uk, fingers crossed.
It feels like, for the last three books, I've felt skittish about Lacey Flint. She so dark and troubled and disturbing to those around her, all of which I'm partial to, but, unfortunately, without much backstory to justify these descriptions of her. One of the partial explanations for her darkness was re-visited in this book, but unfortunately it's been so long since the introduction of that element in in earlier book, and I've read so many books in-between, I couldn't remember the details, which was frustrating. Bolton refers to these parts of the book obliquely, which was even more frustrating, until I realized that it must be to help protect any readers who haven't read the earlier book. Just ended up irritating me, like despite having paid for the book and devoted my reading time to it, I just wasn't special enough to be given this relatively vital information.
Even more frustrating was that Lacey was once again suspected of being the serial killer. First time (in the last book)? Different, and somewhat understandable, though odd because there didn't seem to be any trust whatsoever between herself and her colleagues. This time around, the quick jump to suspecting Lacey again felt tiresome, rehashed, and so inexplicable. Lacey wouldn't still be involved in this story if her name hadn't been cleared in the last - shouldn't her superiors/colleagues feel pretty idiotic for suspecting her again? And if they truly had justification for doing so, perhaps Lacey shouldn't be involved in these cases in any way? In addition, I never felt that, unlike a few elements the last time this happened, that there were any clues or behaviors to warrant such suspicions, other, perhaps, than that many suspected the killer could be a woman. Does this justify, "Well, then, it must be Lacey!"
These (rather looming) concerns aside, I enjoyed the story and did set aside other things to finish it, so Bolton still engaged me. I will definitely read her again, and almost certainly the next Flint novel, but I might not be rushing out to buy it the day it drops, which disappoints my younger Bolton-earnest self.
It feels like, for the last three books, I've felt skittish about Lacey Flint. She so dark and troubled and disturbing to those around her, all of which I'm partial to, but, unfortunately, without much backstory to justify these descriptions of her. One of the partial explanations for her darkness was re-visited in this book, but unfortunately it's been so long since the introduction of that element in in earlier book, and I've read so many books in-between, I couldn't remember the details, which was frustrating. Bolton refers to these parts of the book obliquely, which was even more frustrating, until I realized that it must be to help protect any readers who haven't read the earlier book. Just ended up irritating me, like despite having paid for the book and devoted my reading time to it, I just wasn't special enough to be given this relatively vital information.
Even more frustrating was that Lacey was once again suspected of being the serial killer. First time (in the last book)? Different, and somewhat understandable, though odd because there didn't seem to be any trust whatsoever between herself and her colleagues. This time around, the quick jump to suspecting Lacey again felt tiresome, rehashed, and so inexplicable. Lacey wouldn't still be involved in this story if her name hadn't been cleared in the last - shouldn't her superiors/colleagues feel pretty idiotic for suspecting her again? And if they truly had justification for doing so, perhaps Lacey shouldn't be involved in these cases in any way? In addition, I never felt that, unlike a few elements the last time this happened, that there were any clues or behaviors to warrant such suspicions, other, perhaps, than that many suspected the killer could be a woman. Does this justify, "Well, then, it must be Lacey!"
These (rather looming) concerns aside, I enjoyed the story and did set aside other things to finish it, so Bolton still engaged me. I will definitely read her again, and almost certainly the next Flint novel, but I might not be rushing out to buy it the day it drops, which disappoints my younger Bolton-earnest self.
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
Like This, For Ever
4 Stars
With no clues to follow or suspects to interrogate, London Detectives Dana Tulloch and Marc Joesbury are at a loss after the disappearances and murders of several young boys. Things soon become even more complicated when Lacey Flint, on leave following the events of her last case, becomes involved in the investigation due to the strange behavior exhibited by the child living next door. Could the cold blooded killer be someone the police least expect?
Series note: This is book #3 in the Lacey Flint series and it is necessary to read the first two books for the backstory on Lacey and Joesbury’s relationship as well as the events contributing to Lacey’s current characterization. Unlike books #1 and #2, this installment is 3rd rather than 1st person narration.
S. J. Bolton is very skilled at creating characters who evoke the full gamut of human emotions. In this book, Lacey’s tough-as-nails persona is put to the test as she struggles to cope with the trauma of her experiences in Cambridge. Nevertheless, her emotional fragility and oftentimes reckless behavior only make her all the more compelling.
In addition, Lacey is also coming to terms with her evolving relationship with Marc Joesbury. The two are involved in a captivating game of tug-of-war, striving to get closer as they simultaneously push each other away.
As with the previous books, the mystery is dark and disturbing especially considering the identities of the victims. While the ultimate explanation is as unsettling as the crimes, it is also one of the more creative in this genre.
My one small caveat concerns the development of Dana Tulloch’s character.
All in all, an excellent addition to a thrilling series and I look forward to the next one.
4 Stars
With no clues to follow or suspects to interrogate, London Detectives Dana Tulloch and Marc Joesbury are at a loss after the disappearances and murders of several young boys. Things soon become even more complicated when Lacey Flint, on leave following the events of her last case, becomes involved in the investigation due to the strange behavior exhibited by the child living next door. Could the cold blooded killer be someone the police least expect?
Series note: This is book #3 in the Lacey Flint series and it is necessary to read the first two books for the backstory on Lacey and Joesbury’s relationship as well as the events contributing to Lacey’s current characterization. Unlike books #1 and #2, this installment is 3rd rather than 1st person narration.
S. J. Bolton is very skilled at creating characters who evoke the full gamut of human emotions. In this book, Lacey’s tough-as-nails persona is put to the test as she struggles to cope with the trauma of her experiences in Cambridge. Nevertheless, her emotional fragility and oftentimes reckless behavior only make her all the more compelling.
In addition, Lacey is also coming to terms with her evolving relationship with Marc Joesbury. The two are involved in a captivating game of tug-of-war, striving to get closer as they simultaneously push each other away.
As with the previous books, the mystery is dark and disturbing especially considering the identities of the victims. While the ultimate explanation is as unsettling as the crimes, it is also one of the more creative in this genre.
My one small caveat concerns the development of Dana Tulloch’s character.
Spoiler
As someone who has always been an advocate for Lacey, her sudden animosity is out of place and her apparent jealousy at Marc and Lacey’s developing romance is also inconsistent.All in all, an excellent addition to a thrilling series and I look forward to the next one.
bibliolis's review against another edition
2.0
The whodunnit part was ok, but the "ooh look at me! I'm so beautiful and damaged!" shit was really getting old.
2.5 stars.
2.5 stars.
shoelessmama's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I really liked the literary allusions that were used and this was a stronger mystery than the last novel- keeping me guessing until the end. My one quibble was Lacey's lack of involvement in the case for the bulk of the novel. I really liked the character of Barney and understand that this was an important part of Lacey's journey and growth to go through what she was here... it just wasn't as satisfying to read without her being as present until the end.
kbranfield's review against another edition
5.0
Lost is another complex and riveting murder mystery in S.J. Bolton’s Lacey Flint series. This fast paced and chilling novel keeps readers glued to the pages as fellow detectives Dana Tulloch and Mark Joesbury race to catch a killer targeting young boys before he or she kidnaps and kills another innocent victim. Please click HERE to read my review in its entirety.
bet27's review against another edition
4.0
I can't get enough of Lacey Flint. Once again, Bolton digs her into a complex mess and it takes everything for her to crawl out and solve the case of the devastating child murders happening around her. I appreciate how Bolton brings characters back from previous books and gives them more page time, which deepens and stretches the London of Lacey Flint in a satisfying way. Clever, heart-wrenching, and raw. Modern mystery in top form.
yorugua1891's review against another edition
4.0
Bolton truly knows how to keep us entertained
This is one of those authors that have the ability to keep us turning pages non-stop late into the night. That being said, her novels in this series have not been without faults, and this is no exception, but when it's time to get stock, the final verdict is always positive. In this case, we are presented a story in which the always unstable Lacey Flint is sidelined from the police force as a result of the events in the last book. However, her personal situation and familiarity with a kid that lives next door, led her to get mixed up in a case involving the murdering of nine and ten-year-old boy.
As has usually been the case with the book in this series, the crimes always have some disturbing characteristics. When you add on top of that Lacey's mental problems and her relationship with Joesbury, things get interesting pretty fast. The author clearly has the goal to keep us guessing and engaging us 100%, and in that process, she has no problem with throwing red-herrings left and right. It's all about entertaining, if she has to sacrifice other portions of the experience, she does so gladly. That being said, the problems are not as glaringly obvious as in the previous installment in the series.
I truly enjoyed how Bolton deviated from the sappy romance scenes we got in the last book and focused more on the complex relationship between Lacey and Joesbury. Also, throwing Joesbury's son into the mix was a very good idea. In this book, she did a good job with several other characters too, most notably, Lacey's neighbor, Barney. This boy is very special, he has some truly remarkable observation skills, has OCD, is searching for her mother who he last saw when he was four, and fits the target group of the killer. The character has depth and we come to care about him after a few pages.
We also get to see more about the prisoner Lacey visits and who we met in the first book in the series (won't say who she is in case you have not read that yet). The conversations between the two are remarkable and allow us to see a different side of Lacey. Talking about different sides though, I did feel like the author had a misstep in the way in which she presented the character of Dana in this book. Her actions seem completely out of character and this made her not a believable part of the story.
All in all this is a novel worth reading. It has some flaws, but it is so mesmerizing that you will probably forgive those just like I did. Of course, if you have not read the previous two books in the series, I recommend you go back and read those first, starting with "Now You See Me".
I received a free review copy of this book.
This is one of those authors that have the ability to keep us turning pages non-stop late into the night. That being said, her novels in this series have not been without faults, and this is no exception, but when it's time to get stock, the final verdict is always positive. In this case, we are presented a story in which the always unstable Lacey Flint is sidelined from the police force as a result of the events in the last book. However, her personal situation and familiarity with a kid that lives next door, led her to get mixed up in a case involving the murdering of nine and ten-year-old boy.
As has usually been the case with the book in this series, the crimes always have some disturbing characteristics. When you add on top of that Lacey's mental problems and her relationship with Joesbury, things get interesting pretty fast. The author clearly has the goal to keep us guessing and engaging us 100%, and in that process, she has no problem with throwing red-herrings left and right. It's all about entertaining, if she has to sacrifice other portions of the experience, she does so gladly. That being said, the problems are not as glaringly obvious as in the previous installment in the series.
I truly enjoyed how Bolton deviated from the sappy romance scenes we got in the last book and focused more on the complex relationship between Lacey and Joesbury. Also, throwing Joesbury's son into the mix was a very good idea. In this book, she did a good job with several other characters too, most notably, Lacey's neighbor, Barney. This boy is very special, he has some truly remarkable observation skills, has OCD, is searching for her mother who he last saw when he was four, and fits the target group of the killer. The character has depth and we come to care about him after a few pages.
We also get to see more about the prisoner Lacey visits and who we met in the first book in the series (won't say who she is in case you have not read that yet). The conversations between the two are remarkable and allow us to see a different side of Lacey. Talking about different sides though, I did feel like the author had a misstep in the way in which she presented the character of Dana in this book. Her actions seem completely out of character and this made her not a believable part of the story.
All in all this is a novel worth reading. It has some flaws, but it is so mesmerizing that you will probably forgive those just like I did. Of course, if you have not read the previous two books in the series, I recommend you go back and read those first, starting with "Now You See Me".
I received a free review copy of this book.
bookzombiee19's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
lisaeirene's review against another edition
Annoyed that this is the same book as the other, just a different name.