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dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
"The Lost House" is a haunting story of murder and mystery, truth and assumptions, and one woman's desire to find the truth.
I found this book to be incredibly slow. I love a solid slow burn, atmospheric read but "The Lost House" saved the very best for the last 25% and I felt like it was too late to really make this a great novel. I loved the location in the book; isolated and wintery, snow cover Iceland. I was able to feel the way the weather impacted the story. For me, it was the writing style of Larsen that was hard for me to get loss in. I felt as if is much of the book is runaway thoughts from the main character.
I will say that I didn't see the twist coming and truly did enjoy the end of the book. It was full of emotion and closure, making "The Lost House" a worthy read.
I found this book to be incredibly slow. I love a solid slow burn, atmospheric read but "The Lost House" saved the very best for the last 25% and I felt like it was too late to really make this a great novel. I loved the location in the book; isolated and wintery, snow cover Iceland. I was able to feel the way the weather impacted the story. For me, it was the writing style of Larsen that was hard for me to get loss in. I felt as if is much of the book is runaway thoughts from the main character.
I will say that I didn't see the twist coming and truly did enjoy the end of the book. It was full of emotion and closure, making "The Lost House" a worthy read.
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Thank you to @macmillan.audio #MacAudio2024 and the @melissalarsenauthor for the #gifted audiobook.
Prepare yourself for a suspenseful journey that might not have your heart racing, but certainly keeps you hooked from start to finish.
Agnes sets out from California to Iceland on a mission to clear her grandfather's name, who was wrongfully accused of murder four decades prior. Partnering with Nora, a perceptive and dedicated podcaster, Agnes's quest is layered with intrigue. Her blend of vulnerability and strength makes her determination to uncover the truth captivating. As Agnes digs deeper, the connections between her grandfather’s case and the baffling disappearance of a college student intertwine in unexpected ways, unfolding astonishing revelations at every turn.
The narrator brilliantly breathes life into each character, effectively capturing the distinct accents of the Icelandic characters.
If you’re a lover of thrilling mysteries, be sure to mark January 14 on your calendar when this captivating title hits the shelves!
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
How far would you go to prove someone you love is innocent? Well Agnes!! Across the ocean!!!
Anges! Will prove against everything that her grandpa didn't kill her grandma 40 years ago! This book was amazing!! I didn't want it to end!
Her dad was wrong everyone was wrong! He had only one person on his side her! And she proved it!
I loved this book! It was nails bitting! Had me sitting on the edge of my sitting the last few chapters was omg! When someone else goes missing 40 years later. Do they have a copy cat on their hands! Will day save her before it's to late! Go grab the book and find out!!! You will not be disappointed!!
Anges! Will prove against everything that her grandpa didn't kill her grandma 40 years ago! This book was amazing!! I didn't want it to end!
Her dad was wrong everyone was wrong! He had only one person on his side her! And she proved it!
I loved this book! It was nails bitting! Had me sitting on the edge of my sitting the last few chapters was omg! When someone else goes missing 40 years later. Do they have a copy cat on their hands! Will day save her before it's to late! Go grab the book and find out!!! You will not be disappointed!!
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Mystery Thriller
"The Lost House" takes place in the frigid and icy landscape of Iceland. It’s about Agnes, a young woman with a troubled past. She returns to her family’s old home to investigate a brutal murder that happened in her family.
The brutal murder of Agnes's grandma and baby daughter was discovered in the snow forty years ago. The grandpa of Agnes, who escaped to the United States, was perpetually the object of suspicion and the case was never solved. Having been brought up by her grandfather, Agnes has always held the belief that he is innocent.
By agreeing to assist true crime podcaster Nora in her investigation, Agnes perceives a chance to exonerate her grandfather. Their collaborative investigation into the case uncovers long-forgotten truths and presents them with peril at every step.
Let’s start with the positive stuff. The book has a really crazy, spooky vibe. The harsh Icelandic landscape adds a terrifying element, heightening the suspense. On top of that, the storyline is fantastic. Your interest is captivated and held by the mystery surrounding the unsolved murder and the missing girl from the area.
The book has some strengths, but its slow pace and repetitive nature detracted from the overall reading experience. There were moments when I felt impatient and wished the story would progress more quickly. Despite these issues, it is a decent read for those who enjoy atmospheric mysteries and are willing to be patient as the plot unfolds.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the ARC of this book.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
slow-paced
This book was an interesting read - between the family history, the cultural differences, and the assumptions of people who don't know Agnes or her grandfather, there were a lot of emotions, relationships, and investigations that continually changed how I viewed the characters. I was ultimately a little surprised by the ending, although I did figure out pieces of it before getting there. I did appreciate the building of the characters, as well as the fact that I got very "sucked in" to this book and it felt like I was watching it happen as I read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Graphic: Addiction, Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Death of parent
Moderate: Confinement, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Kidnapping, Grief, Suicide attempt, Murder, Injury/Injury detail