The Lost Years

A Novel

By: Mary Higgins Clark

Narrated by: Jan Maxwell

Length: 8 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's Summary

In her long career as America's most beloved suspense writer, Mary Higgins Clark's The Lost Years is her most astonishing and dramatic work to date. At its center is a discovery that, if authenticated, may be the most revered document in human history - the holiest of the holy - and certainly the most coveted and valuable object in the world.

Dr. Richard Callahan, a world-respected biblical scholar, is astonished when Mariah Lyons shows him a letter left to her by her late father, a distinguished professor of ancient history. The letter, which contains a translation from a 2,000-year-old papyrus scroll, is accompanied by a dusty clay jar and a fragile fragment of papyrus torn from a scroll. If accurate, the translation made by Mariah's father, an Arabic scholar, shows that the scroll contains a letter in Christ's own handwriting, and more than that, concerns a pivotal moment in his life.

But the rest of the scroll has vanished, and Mariah is aware that somebody else out there wants it. With Dr. Callahan's help, Mariah is drawn into the search for the scroll, the very existence of which might change the world - and for which somebody close to her would kill to possess. Step by step, Mariah's quest takes her deeper and deeper into danger.

With all the elements that have made her a worldwide best seller, Mary Higgins Clark's The Lost Years is unpausable, a thriller that is at once a breathless mystery and a hunt for the most precious religious and archeological treasure of all time.

©2012 Mary Higgins Clark (P)2012 Simon & Schuster

Not quite what I thought it would be...

If you could sum up The Lost Years in three words, what would they be?

A good mystery.

What did you like best about this story?

The story unfolded without giving away the ending.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I find it difficult to sit long enough to listen to any book, in one sitting.

Any additional comments?

I thought that more of the story would be related to the history of the letter, where it had been and what would be happening to it.

Try it you'll like it

This is a great book in the Mary Higgins Clark tradition. Wonderfully read. I recommend it.

Mary delivers yet again!

What made the experience of listening to The Lost Years the most enjoyable?

I enjoy the pace of MHC's plots as they unfold with ease and give you very believable characters.

What did you like best about this story?

I think I found the threads of history very interesting, and the mystery was most tastefully done.

What about Jan Maxwell’s performance did you like?

This may seem odd; but though I like Jan's voice, sometimes when she switches to the main female character it's sweet as syrup... just sounds fake. That being said, bear in mind that this is the only negative critique of her performance that I could ever give.

Disappointed

What did you like best about The Lost Years? What did you like least?

I found it dull and predictable

If you’ve listened to books by Mary Higgins Clark before, how does this one compare?

I have always loved M:H:C's books before and was surprised to find myself disappointed i this one

Would you be willing to try another one of Jan Maxwell’s performances?

I found her voice shrill and irritating

Did The Lost Years inspire you to do anything?

Yes, go and lie down in a dark room

Any additional comments?

Sorry M.H.C. not up to your usual standard

Characters Not Distinctive

I absolutely love MHC, but this book was hard to enjoy because the suspects were all very similar. When the culprit is revealed my thought was, which one was that? The Jesuit guy? The rich guy? The other rich guy? I feel like I would need a character bio sheet to actually enjoy the story to its fullest.

Engaging yet conflicted characters

Intriguing yet relaxing at the same time. Interesting characters struggle between moralistic ideals & monetary indulgence.

Excellent

This was an excellent book. It held my interest to the end. Easy listening. Will keep your attention as the least expected happens.

ok

narrator stunk..she tried to speak as a male..then went right back to her female . voice. the story was good though

The lost Years: A Novel is Amazing

I never wanted this story to end! I couldn't stop listening because the story was mesmerizing and the performance was captivating! I love Elvira and Willy and can't wait until I meet them again!

Slow

Is there anything you would change about this book?

This is pretty much what you can expect from Mary Higgins Clark. I am surprised it is on the best sellers list. It was okay but I wouldn't recommend it.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Simple and nice. Bland like my description.

What three words best describe Jan Maxwell’s performance?

I thought the main character's voice was annoying but maybe it was her personality and the performance was really good.

Did The Lost Years inspire you to do anything?

No - as a rule I like Mary Higgins Clark books this one was just blah.

Not my cup of tea!

Still not managed to finish this book despite my best intentions!!! Sure I'll get round to it in a period of audible drought!!!