Lost River

By: J. Todd Scott

Narrated by: T. Ryder Smith

A blistering crime novel of the opioid epidemic--and its cops, villains, and victims--written by a twenty-five-year veteran of the DEA.

Angel, Kentucky: Just another one of America's forgotten places, where opportunities vanished long ago, and the opioid crisis has reached a fever pitch. When this small town is rocked by the vicious killing of an entire infamous local crime family, the bloody aftermath brings together three people already struggling with Angel's drug epidemic: Trey, a young medic-in-training with secrets to hide; Special Agent Casey Alexander, a DEA agent who won't let the local law or small-town way of doing things stand in her way; and Paul Mayfield, a former police chief who's had to watch his own young wife succumb to addiction.

Over the course of twenty-four hours, loyalties are tested, the corrupt are exposed, and the horrible truth of the largest drug operation in the region is revealed. And though Angel will never be the same again, a lucky few may still find hope.

Critic reviews

"Scott, a 25-year veteran of the DEA, writes with authority about the drug crisis. Don Winslow fans won’t want to miss this wrenching thriller."—Publishers Weekly

“This grim, gritty novel captures the feeling of hopelessness that the opioid epidemic brings… Well-told but raw as an open wound and not for the squeamish.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Scott pushes his narrative to its wild conclusion in rich, organic prose.”—Booklist

Yet another amazing book

J. Todd Scott does it again! I’m not sure how he does it but even those this didn’t follow his first stories, he got me suckered back in! This man’s imagination to be able to right such books must be through the roof. I literally can’t wait for another book. I know this came out this year but is two in one year too much to ask? Hah!

So good

I’m from the VA Appalachian Mountains and I have many relatives that have gotten hooked on these drugs but thank God I haven’t lost any of them yet. I also have relatives in the law enforcement there that have to deal with the users and sometimes even have to take kin to jail. I could so relate to this story and if you don’t know anyone in this situation you will still learn a lot by listening to this book. I will look for more from this author.

Drugs, dirty cops and the DEA!

I really enjoyed this read! The story made you feel like you were in a Justified TV series. I love the author and the narrator was great! I hope there is a second book with the same main character.

I thought the characters were very good

Good story well told. The plot unfolds gradually and rather slowly at first but revs up along the way

Lost River

This book is an ugly story, about an American tragedy and reads like historical fiction. It is beautifully written and perfectly performed. This is the second time I have listened to it. I’m looking forward to J. Todd Scott’s next book!