The Lost Man by Jane Harper // Blog Tour

Posted on by Ashleigh
The Lost Man by Jane Harper - Blog Tour

Goodreads | Book Depository

*Thank you to the publisher for sending me a free copy of this book in exchange for a review. This in no way affects my opinion.

Could you survive the desert-land of Australia? For one family, their livelihood depends on it. But when one brother is found dead with no apparent evidence as to how he came to be here, questions are raised as to whether the entire family can really be trusted…

I can’t say I’ve read a crime novel set in a desert before. Originally, I was hesitant, not knowing whether it would feel authentic or even be the “right” place for this kind of story. But then again, why wouldn’t it be? It’s safe to say Jane Harper won me over with it. By slow degrees, I found myself truly believing the subtle dangers of this society. With only a few people scattered here and there, the extreme heat proves an imminent threat if you leave the house for any amount of time without provisions. You have to rely on those around you, though they’re still at least a drive away. With so much vastness, the danger almost seems to speak for itself. And with this being the basis to this mystery, a subtle layer of intensity is added to the background. In other words – things could turn bad very, very quickly.

Add to that the suspicion gradually leeching through the family, and you have the atmosphere for the perfect mystery. I couldn’t help but fall into the questioning, pinpointing slight details that hinted at any kind of malice. Completely natural family arguments or misunderstandings were inflated beyond normal proportions, and the gradual unease and overwhelming grief builds throughout. It’s hard not to get caught up in it. And while I felt in the thick of it all, I suspected nothing of the true story.

One thing that did surprise me was how family-oriented this story was. It felt much less of a mystery novel and much more of a family drama, the death in the family only serving to stir up the tensions lying beneath. There was no real detective working on the case, only the brothers attempting to understand what they missed previously. And what’s more, the “big reveal” was dropped only a few pages from the end, with seemingly little build up. Granted, if the family hadn’t taken over the story then the sudden reveal may have proved more disappointing. Luckily though, the ending satisfaction came through learning of the family’s positions at that point, and seeing if the happy ending could ever be gained. Still, we all love a clever reveal right? This book might’ve had a higher rating if it just had that.

I didn’t find myself particularly attached to the characters, but the drama of their lives proved too entertaining to not be invested. it was complicated, relentless, but also had that tone of a book that made it easy, quick reading. Like her previous works, Harper’s book is addictive to read, and she’s definitely an author I’ll find myself returning to when I want a intriguing story.

Rated 3.5/5 stars

Have you read anything by Jane Harper? Let me know which is your favourite by her!

Be sure to check out the rest of the bloggers on the blog tour!

Until next time,

sign off handle saying "Ashleigh" for A Frolic Through Fiction blog

6 thoughts on “The Lost Man by Jane Harper // Blog Tour”

  1. Great review, you have me intrigued. I love the Australian outback, but there have been a number of heat related deaths this summer. It is a beautiful, but unforgiving land.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  2. Pingback: Soul Ripping Romance Tag – THE LITERARY HUNTRESS

Leave a comment