City of the Lost is a suspenseful thriller (a genre I don't read a lot of) about two women who go off the grid to escape secrets in their past. Casey is a cop with a dark secret and her friend Diana is trying to escape from an abusive marriage- but when Casey's past returns and Diana's ex-husband shows up, they take an extreme measure to get away. Diana hears about a town in the far north of Canada where people can get away- for a price. Naturally it's hard to get in, but they manage to do so and that's when things get interesting.
Turns out the town needs a detective to solve several murders that have occurred- there's a lot of stuff going on in this town and the sheriff has his hands full. Him and Casey get off to a rough start and this story is at least as much about their relationship as it is about the murders. This is a straight up thriller mystery with a strong romance element- I wasn't expecting the romance to be such a part of the book, but it mostly works. I did get a bit annoyed towards the end as it threatened to take over the story- but readers who enjoy romance probably will have no problem with that. Even though it's handled well it seems a bit trope- ish.
The story itself started out a bit slow and I thought it took off at about the twenty percent mark. Once they got to Rockton (the town) the story picked up and became quite compelling. There were hints that a scifi element might be introduced but that didn't really happen, and I was a little disappointed in that. Characterization is strong and I enjoyed all the interplay in the town- the web of relationships, the secrets and lies you would find in a place like that. It's perhaps a little implausible that a place like that could remain undetected, but it's way out in the middle of nowhere and the author does a good job of setting it up.
This story would have worked a lot more for me if there were a paranormal or scifi element- that's why I don't usually read straight thrillers. I'm always looking for that out there element. In spite of that this was a good read with a flawed and broken character (several, actually) and if you like strong characterization mixed with secrets this would be a good pick.
I'm glad this one picked up for you. I like paranormal aspects in my thrillers as well, but I also like straight up thrillers so I would try this one. I will say because it's Kelley Armstrong I would have expected a paranormal aspect so thank goodness I saw this first before I read it and was disappointed lol! Excellent review!!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you generally enjoyed this one! Armstrong is one of my favorite authors. Based on her other series, I wouldn't be surprised if a Scifi or paranormal element of some sort eventually pops up in this series.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this one yet but it's sitting on my TBR pile.
I don't read a lot of suspense thrillers either - though I've enjoyed the ones I've read! I haven't read a ton of Armstrong books, but I really like her Age of Legends trilogy. SO good!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely week, Greg. =)
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
I didn't realize Kelley Armstrong also wrote thrillers. And I get what you mean with the extra element of paranormal added. I prefer that as well.
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to try this author for a long time. This one sounds really good.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love Armstrong's supernatural series, but her thrillers like this are always hit and miss for me.
ReplyDeleteI got this from the library but have to return it this weekend. Someone else reserved it so I can't renew it. I will definitely put myself back on the list for it because I LOVE Armstrong's writing.
ReplyDeleteI never read a book based on romance alone. I don't mind if it's well done but I don't like when it takes over the plot. I could see being annoyed by it here just like you were. I do quite like Kelley Armstrong though so I'd be willing to give this one a shot! I didn't know she'd come out with a straight up thriller, I've only read her paranormal books so far. She writes SO MANY books there, I can't keep up LOL! Glad you enjoyed this one for the most part Greg :)
ReplyDeleteI like romances, so it didn't bother me it was a big part and I thought it was handled very well. Also usually Armstrong includes romance in her books so I guess I've come to expect that. It was fun to see them go from not liking each other to becoming friends to more. And the characterization was great, I really enjoyed finding out more about the characters as the story progressed.
ReplyDeleteI don't read thrillers a lot either, so I was pleasantly surprised I enjoyed this one as much as I did. And yes the start was a bit slow, and it picked up when they got into town. Great review!