Lost Cause

Lost Lake Locators, Book 3

By: Susan Sleeman

Narrated by: Whitney Dykhouse

Working together is a challenge…
Detective Burke Ulrich is known for his unyielding dedication to justice and his methodical approach to solving crimes. When a valuable family heirloom is stolen from a recluse’s rundown estate on mysterious Ravenhook Island, Burke is called in to investigate. Despite the theft appearing straightforward, Burke senses there is more to the case, especially given the homeowner’s mysterious histor

But catching a killer is their priority.
Enter former sheriff Abby Day, a sharp and resourceful Lost Lake Locator hired by the recluse to find the missing heirloom. Abby’s involvement immediately irritates Burke, who is wary of private investigators interfering in police work. However, as the investigation progresses, Burke and Abby uncover a complex web of deceit involving long-buried family secrets, and a string of unsolved crimes connected to the estate, ultimately uncovering a murder. Burke orders Abby off the investigation to protect her, but will she listen, or will she risk her life and a potential relationship with Burke to catch a killer?

©2025 11/03/2025 (P)2025 Susan Sleeman

The intrigue of the story, complex but easy enough to follow.

The story really draws you in and holds your attention. Well written and narrated. Give it a try.

Great twists and held my attention

Liked the Christian theme and the struggle that is common to many people and was overcome

Lots of Twists

The story has a lot of twists with good pacing. The investigation sounds credible and intelligent. I really enjoy the details about botany in this book. I am tempted to look up the lichen mentioned to see if it truly grows on graves.

The characters work through emotional pain by considering their faith. Faith in God and faith in friends are major themes in the book. The characters have to work through the disillusionment that comes from disappointments in themselves and others. It is a clean romance which is a must for me.

At times, the writing and reader are overdramatic in my opinion, though both are fairly good. It would make a good workout listen.

The romances in this series are very slow and do not advance beyond dating. It seems very odd because these characters are adults way beyond the age that most people marry and have families. For this reason, I think the romance in this book and others in the series are not compelling.

I did like one aspect, though. Instead of a ring, Abby gets a poignant gift which makes the romance unique. If I recall, the other books in the series end similarly. Otherwise, the romance was a bit of a yawn.

Relationships & characters

I loved this book but I loved all the Lost Lake Locators , because she really brings the characters to life . They feel like friends . I’m going to miss . How about a series on the other group of law enforcement officers. And investigators ? Valadoss Center ? I can’t remember the name of group in Portland .

Finding Faith in the Moments of Uncertainty

I liked the way the author infused hope in the lives of the characters struggling to find faith in the moments of uncertainty.
I liked the synergy of the LLL group. They were just ordinary people learning to live their lives and be the best version of themselves when serving others.