The Lost Boys

A Decker/Lazarus Novel

By: Faye Kellerman

Narrated by: Mitchell Greenberg

Faye Kellerman returns with an atmospheric, face-paced mystery set in bucolic upstate New York, full of unexpected twists and turns that build to a shocking and surprising end—the latest thrilling entry in her New York Times bestseller Decker/Lazarus series.

When Bertram Telemann, a developmentally disabled man, goes missing from a local diner near Greenbury, the entire community of the small upstate New York town volunteers to search the surrounding woods in hopes of finding him. High functioning and independent, Bertram had been on a field trip with the staff and fellow residents of the Loving Care Home when he vanished.

When no trace of the man is found, the disappearance quickly becomes an official missing persons case and is assigned to detectives Peter Decker and his partner Tyler McAdams. As their investigation deepens, the seasoned Decker becomes convinced that Bertram hadn’t lost his way, but had left with someone he knew. Soon Decker discovers that Elsie Schulung, a recently fired nurse who had worked at the home, seemed to be especially interested in Bertram. But answers proves elusive when Elsie disappears and human blood is found in her kitchen.

But the complications are only beginning. While combing the woods, searchers discover the remains of one of three young men who had vanished during a camping trip. And for Decker, personal problems are adding pressure as well. After a ten-year absence, the biological mother of Decker’s and Rina’s foster son, Gabriel, has suddenly appeared in New York, children in tow, wreaking emotional havoc on the young man.

Juggling the personal and professional, a hot case and a cold case, Decker and McAdams race to find answers, sifting through cabinets of old files, a plethora of clues and evidence, and discouraging dead ends. As on-going searches for Bertram and the campers’ missing remains continue, the frustrated detectives begin to wonder if the woods will ever give up its dark secrets . . . and if these intertwining cases will be solved.

Interesting BUT Lackluster Naration

Always enjoyed a Peter Decker mystery, and this was no exception, except for the poor/lackluster Narration. I would have enjoyed the story more if I wasn’t constantly trying to figure out who was talking. The only positive note ( and why I gave the narration 2 Stars instead of 1) I can give the narrator is he was easy to understand (I.e. enunciated his words and spoke with enough volume to be understood).
The only reason I listened to to the entire book was because the story line was captivating. I would probably have enjoyed this book more if I had read it myself. At least then I’d have no problem hearing the correct character’s voice.

Very disappointed in the double cliff hanger … would never had purchased had I known

See above / we listen on long road trips. This had 3 plot lines running through the story. I was aware at time of purchase this was part of a series. Yet, I expected a stand alone story! While willing to break into evolving and developed charters I am not willing to be manipulated into buying another book to conclude TWO other established mysteries created within the context of the purchased novel. Very cheap shot. My husband said ,”How is she going to wrap this up in 15 minutes?”. Well, she didn’t !!!! The author ships the detective and his wife off to a vacation in Israel. The step son losing his mind with worry about his mother and stepsblings kidnapping …. Oh, the missing special needs person the novel OPENS with unresolved !!! Buy another book sucker if you want to get any answers. Do not waste the credit , go to the library and check it out there. I may never buy another book from this very good author again.

8th grade level story & narration

I’ve read several by Kellerman but this is really weak. Narrator sounds like they’re reading.

Good Story BUT....

I’ve enjoyed this series but I strongly dislike cliffhangers & the inherent pandering for future sales. I thought this author was better than this.

Avoid if you don't enjoy cliffhangers.

I am not a fan of cliffhangers and this definitely ends that way. It feels like half of a book. I do love this series and will probably get the next book but I am extremely disappointed. It feels like a tactic to sell 2 books.