The Lost Victim by Robert Bryndza

When schoolgirl Janey Macklin disappeared from the seedy side of London in 1988, her case went cold, with no body and no witnesses. Now, thirty years later, private detective Kate Marshall has been approached by a true crime podcast producer with an intriguing question they need her help answering: What if Janey was killed by Peter Conway, the notorious Nine Elms Cannibal? The contract would be the most lucrative of Kate’s career, but it comes with a price of its own, dredging up a sordid, complicated past that she would sooner forget . . . one that the paparazzi are determined to keep in the headlines. As Kate and her partner, Tristan, scour King’s Cross for clues, no two leads seem to point in the same direction. The last person to see Janey alive has already been tried, convicted, and then acquitted of her murder, Peter Conway is in poor health and fading fast, and the line between their clients and their suspects is blurring with each new revelation about the case. With little to work from, can Tristan and Kate wade through clandestine phone calls, decades-old secrets, and deteriorating DNA evidence to solve Janey’s murder, or will she remain one of London’s countless missing persons, forever lost to time? A brilliantly gripping thriller from the global multi-million-copy bestselling author, The Lost Victim will have you hooked from the first page and holding your breath all the way to the heart-stopping ending. Can be read as a standalone. What readers are saying about The Lost Victim: ‘With so many red herrings, you would need to be Columbo to have any hope of solving this one! Grippingly brilliant and highly addictive!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sarah H, Netgalley Reviewer ‘The best yet in this sterling series. Truly, such a wonderful example of this incredibly talented author’s work!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Louise G, Netgalley Reviewer ‘I do love a Kate Marshall thriller and this one is an absolute belter. The clues are perfectly placed, and the story perfectly paced. Another totally absorbing case with characters I love to while away the hours with. I cannot wait for more!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Jen Med’s Book Reviews ‘Gripping, suspenseful, and twisty. Proves yet again that you simply can not go wrong with a Robert Bryndza book! He is one author I never need to read the synopsis - I just grab it!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Kelly Y, Netgalley Reviewer ‘Robert Bryndza produces great novel after great novel I was hooked from the start, the plot unfolds at pace and I was captivated with each turn of the page!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Claire W, Netgalley Reviewer ‘Wow, wow, WOW! The Lost Victim exceeded all my expectations and is a very, VERY good read, and one of my top reads so far this year, full of suspense, thrills and atmosphere!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Anne M, Netgalley Reviewer ‘This story will have readers on the edge of their seats as the story unravels and takes you to places you wouldn't expect. An ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC thriller!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ryan F Netgalley Reviewer ‘What is it about this author's writing that can keep a reader's eyes glued to every page? Maybe it's the bright, capable, intelligent, strong female mc? Maybe it's the well-developed cast of supporting characters? The well plotted, fast paced storyline? Or how he can manage to create a sense of the reader 'belonging' in the picture through well written descriptive text? Maybe, it's because of the suspense - from the beginning until the end, the story twists, turns, zigs and zags. Or maybe, it's just all the above?! Either way, all I know, is that I loved every tense, nail biting moment!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Angela H, Netgalley Reviewer ‘Another amazing Robert read, never disappointed only that its finished, love Kate Marshall as much as I love Erika Foster, took me less than 24 hours because once I pick up one of Roberts books, I can't put it down!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sammy J, Netgalley Reviewer ‘This was such an enjoyable book. No matter what series (or standalones) Bryndza writes, he always delivers an amazing novel!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Kevin H, Netgalley Reviewer ‘I love Robert Bryndza books and know when I start one there will be very little work done. This was no exception I couldn’t put it down. He portrays the menace of the serial killers in a way that gives the reader a chilly shudder. Excellent.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Anni S, Netgalley Reviewer

Another Great Read

Reading has been a bit hit or miss for me lately, but when I need a guaranteed dose of joy, I turn to Robert Bryndza. His latest Kate Marshall installment, The Lost Victim, did not disappoint. From the first word to the last page, I was completely captivated.

As a devoted fan of Bryndza, initially through the Erica Foster series, I eagerly followed him to the Kate Marshall series. Each book in this series is immensely enjoyable, and The Lost Victim is no exception. The story is absorbing, filled with suspense, and the characters are as engaging as ever. Kate and her partner, Tristan, are well-developed, and the supporting characters add depth to the narrative.

The Lost Victim sees Kate and Tristan running a holiday park when they are approached by a team of true crime podcasters. They ask Kate to investigate the cold case of Janey Macklin, a London teenager who went missing in the late 80s. Although a man was initially convicted of her murder, he was later acquitted, leaving Janey’s case unsolved. The podcasters believe there might be a link between Janey and the infamous Nine Elms Cannibal, a case that ended Kate's police career and made her infamous.

For fans of the series, the Nine Elms Cannibal needs no introduction. If you're new to Kate Marshall, starting at the beginning of the series will provide valuable context. However, Bryndza ensures that The Lost Victim can be enjoyed as a standalone mystery. He provides enough background to understand the characters' history, but knowing the full backstory enriches the experience, especially with the twists and tribulations along the way.

The opening chapter sets a tense tone that keeps you on edge. Even without immediately connecting it to Kate’s past, the narrative draws you in. The story’s 80s setting, with its distinct risks and naiveté, adds a layer of nostalgia and tension. I was fully invested in Janey’s story and the investigation, making it hard to put the book down.

Bryndza masterfully uses misdirection and misinformation. Despite the decades since Janey’s disappearance, Kate and Tristan’s determination shines as they navigate through old witnesses and records. Their ability to get under people's skin proves crucial in solving the case. The investigation touches on personal and emotional elements, especially for Janey’s family and Kate herself, adding depth to the narrative.

I had my suspicions about certain characters, but Bryndza’s pacing and clue placement kept the story’s revelations perfectly timed. The narrative is tense yet balanced, with characters that are both frustrating and endearing. The ending, though contemporary and authentic, is inevitable and satisfying.

In summary, The Lost Victim is another absorbing case in the Kate Marshall series, filled with characters I love to spend time with. I highly recommend this book and eagerly await the next installment.