The Lost Boys

Decker/Lazarus Novels, Book 11

By: Faye Kellerman

Narrated by: Mitchell Greenberg

Length: 11 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

Faye Kellerman returns with an atmospheric, face-paced mystery set in bucolic Upstate New York, full of unexpected twists and turns that build to a shocking and surprising end - the latest thrilling entry in her New York Times best-selling Decker/Lazarus series.

When Bertram Telemann, a developmentally disabled man, goes missing from a local diner near Greenbury, the entire community of the small Upstate New York town volunteers to search the surrounding woods in hopes of finding him. High-functioning and independent, Bertram had been on a field trip with the staff and fellow residents of the Loving Care Home when he vanished. When no trace of the man is found, the disappearance quickly becomes an official missing-persons case and is assigned to Detectives Peter Decker and Tyler McAdams, his partner. As their investigation deepens, the seasoned Decker becomes convinced that Bertram hadn't lost his way but had left with someone he knew. Soon, Decker discovers that Elsie Schulung, a recently fired nurse who had worked at the home, seemed to be especially interested in Bertram. But answers proves elusive when Elsie disappears and human blood is found in her kitchen. But the complications are only beginning. 

While combing the woods, searchers discover the remains of one of three young men who had vanished during a camping trip. And for Decker, personal problems are adding pressure as well. After a 10-year absence, the biological mother of Decker's and Rina's foster son, Gabriel, has suddenly appeared in New York, children in tow, wreaking emotional havoc on the young man.

Juggling the personal and professional, a hot case and a cold case, Decker and McAdams race to find answers, sifting through cabinets of old files, a plethora of clues and evidence, and discouraging dead ends. As ongoing searches for Bertram and the campers' missing remains continue, the frustrated detectives begin to wonder if the woods will ever give up its dark secrets...and if these intertwining cases will be solved. 

©2020 Faye Kellerman (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers

Which book are you writing?

The entire book was riveting, well told, with superb narrative development. Unlike the title, The Lost Boys, the first part of the book dealt with an entirely different topic: the lost boy. While the juxtaposition of that novel, interleaved with The Missing Boys was clever, only one of the two stories concluded. Then another side story about Gabe's mother rushed to a crescendo and it, too, was unresolved. Yes, it was all clever. But even the story of The Lost Boys ended as conjecture. Please do not begin and tell three stories without ending any. I'm sure it makes for a great sequel but you are a better author than that.

Interesting BUT Lackluster Naration

Always enjoyed a Peter Decker mystery, and this was no exception, except for the poor/lackluster Narration. I would have enjoyed the story more if I wasn’t constantly trying to figure out who was talking. The only positive note ( and why I gave the narration 2 Stars instead of 1) I can give the narrator is he was easy to understand (I.e. enunciated his words and spoke with enough volume to be understood).
The only reason I listened to to the entire book was because the story line was captivating. I would probably have enjoyed this book more if I had read it myself. At least then I’d have no problem hearing the correct character’s voice.

Good Story BUT....

I’ve enjoyed this series but I strongly dislike cliffhangers & the inherent pandering for future sales. I thought this author was better than this.

Incomplete

Storyline pretty good although somewhat slow going. Nevertheless, kept me interested to the end. Disappointed in ending. Other reviewers say “cliffhanger” but I say frustratingly incomplete.

No ending

First of all although the narrator was easy to understand I felt like he was reading to children. His inflections were like he was reading Little Red Riding Hood to 4 year olds. Also, he couldn’t have been slower.

The story itself was good but there was no end. It left me hanging on so many levels. Is there going to be a sequel? I used to enjoy her books, this one was a disappointment.

Avoid if you don't enjoy cliffhangers.

I am not a fan of cliffhangers and this definitely ends that way. It feels like half of a book. I do love this series and will probably get the next book but I am extremely disappointed. It feels like a tactic to sell 2 books.

Mixed feelings on the return of Peter and Roma

Huge fan of this series and once again a great return to some of my favorite characters but mixed feelings on the cliff hanger ending. This book left me with so many questions, most importantly whether or not there would be another book in the series as the author sets up for its ending (quick Facebook check let me know there is a follow up on the works). Narration was excellent and the story is excellent although as I said there are loose ends to the side storylines that left me frustrated when the last word faded.

Narrator

Change back to old narrator makes all the difference! Good story. Groundwork laid for more. Hope they come soon.

Left us hanging!!

Great story as usual. Faye Kellerman needs to write the next book soon!! Great cliff hangers at the end.

Faye Kellerman never disappoints

I’ve read every Faye Kellerman book and feel as though Rena & Peter are old friends. While Peter’s investigations are the focus of this book many time Rena is prominently featured. Their children often times are involved in the story line (biological, step and foster). In this book Gabe (their foster son) gets entangled with his biological family and drama ensues. I highly recommend Faye Kellerman’s books, but do yourself a favor and start at the beginning of the series and binge read all the way through until you get to The Lost Boys. I can’t wait to see what will come Rena and Peter’s way in the next book.