But the ending is such a surprise it absolutely saved the entire book. ( )

I just finished this and Wow. Just... wow. No idea how to review this without spoiling the plot, but this is the second Jane Harper book I've read and both have been excellent, compelling reads. Unlike The Dry, it's not detective fiction, but I think the story is better for it. She has a way of creating believable, nuanced characters that I can empathize with, although none are fully likeable. Her ability to immerse the reader in the setting had me feeling hot and thirsty, feeling the grit of the Outback on my skin and in my clothes. She skillfully dropped hints and clues into the story so that the big reveal was not a surprise or a cheat, but I wasn't entirely sure of it until the very end. And that end is hopeful, but not HEA either.

Hardcover, borrowed from my public library. So very glad I came across it on the New Fiction shelf by accident.

I read this for The 24 Festive Tasks 2019, for Door 3 Melbourne Cup Day,Read a book about horses, with a horse or with roses on the cover, about gardening, or set in Australia, or written by an Australian author. This book is set in Australia, written by an Australian author, and it does have horses that serve a definite purpose in the story. ( )

Story was a bit slow. The Australian outback is definately a character in this book. ( )

This book was a devastating journey through a fucked up family. Jane Harper gets better with every book she writes. ( )

I've found Jane Harper's books to be hit or miss for me. I enjoyed The Survivors and The Dry, but disliked Force of Nature. So when I picked up The Lost Man, I wasn't sure what kind of reading experience to expect. I was so delighted to find that this book is my favorite of everything she's written.

The characters leap off the page - including the Australian Outback, which is a central character on its own. The mood is tense and atmospheric, and Harper does an incredible job of divulging juicy bits of backstory at just the right time to ratchet up the tension a few more notches. I particularly enjoyed her characterization of the dead brother, Cameron, and how our understanding of him changes along with the revelations about him. I also loved Nathan's character arc. His growth was lovely to witness; I was rooting for him all the way.

This was such a great read, overall. I can't wait for Harper's next offering. ( )