The Lost Victim

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.