Lost Grove: Part One:

by Charlotte Zang, Alex J. Knudsen

For fans of Twin Peaks and Stranger Things , Lost Grove is the first in a paranormal mystery duology that explores the twisted legends and mysteries in one small town.

In the eerie, enigmatic town of Lost Grove, where secrets whispered among the rustling pines are as thick as the fog rolling in from the sea, the discovery of Sarah Elizabeth Grahams' lifeless body on the windswept beach is but the first note in a haunting symphony of mysteries.

Sergeant Seth Wolfe, the town's tenacious lawman, penetrates the cryptic and labyrinthine secrets veiled beneath the town's cheerful facade. A connection to Sarah Elizabeth, one he could never have fathomed, begins to take shape, blurring the lines between his own existence and the mysteries that enshroud the town. Suspects multiply like whispers in a haunted forest, but each lead unravels, and the mysteries of the case deepen.

Meanwhile, a group of local teenagers embark on their own harrowing mission, driven by a relentless desire to answer the riddle of their friend's vanished brother and expose the sinister secrets harbored by an affluent institute nestled in the heart of Lost Grove. Further complicating matters, one teen's father left town the morning Sarah Elizabeth’s body was found. With ties to a similar case seven years prior, he has become a prime suspect in the case.

As Seth dives deeper into the abyss of darkness gripping Lost Grove, an unsettling discovery threatens to derail his investigation and shatter the illusions of safety the town has harbored for far too long. A chilling web of malevolence begins to tighten its grip, ensnaring them all in a nightmarish dance that will test the limits of their resolve.

Readers who love the eerie, unsettling mystery of Stephen King’s The Outsider and the monstrous legends of Brian McGreevy’s Hemlock Grove will enjoy this twisty, taut thriller.

Genres: Mystery, Amazon, Ebooks, Science Fiction

359 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2024

About the author

Charlotte Zang has three previously published books; Satan’s In Your Kitchen (a romantic comedy between a handsome carpenter, a charming ditz and Satan), Consuming Beauty (a diary of a young woman and a beastly man) and Blooding (a horrific story of monsters and the occult). The fantasy trilogy, Trust of the Magdrid, is complete and currently in the editing phases. She fully believes in fairy tales, magic and following your dreams.

If someone tells you there is no happily ever after, they’re lying.

Consuming Beauty has been adapted into a short film as has one of her short stories. She is a fan of science fiction and fantasy, loves all things kawaii, and collects journals she’ll never write in. She lives in Southern California with three loyal hounds, some impartial cats and her very own vampire husband. When she’s not writing she enjoys gardening, watching a good movie (or a bad one), reading all sorts of genres and cooking ridiculously scrumptious nibblies.

Reviews

[Amina (ⴰⵎⵉⵏⴰ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well well well, this was an atmospheric and captivating read where the author brilliantly blended elements of mystery, folklore and personal discovery.
Let's get to it, shall we?

The story takes place in a seemingly tranquil costal town (never trust this kind of setting) and follows the journay of its protagonists as they untangle a web of very well hidden secrets within its heart.
Ok, I'll tell you that the narrative started off slowly, but this was no problem, as I could see the way the authors weaved the events, the mystery and the vivid cinematic setting together through lots of details and descriptions. It gradually unfolds which might be a slight inconvenient to readers who prefer fast-paced plots and the resolution of the mystery might not be to the taste of earders who like clear-cut endings, as answers remain unanswered (until part two, fingers crossed).



The characters development is another standout feature. The cast is pretty large and so well detailed, I ended up feeling like I knew them personnaly. The author did a good job delving in their inner lives, their struggles and past stories which confered a realistic touch to each of them.

And yes, the grove itself felt like a character, with its quiet but haunting presence.


So, all in all, did I enjoy it? yes
Am I reading part two? absolutly, I need answers!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled with intrigue, Lost Grove’s ode/tribute to the genres will keep you guessing. I had a blast with the familiar tropes that decorate the pages—bicycles and back roads, warm coastal garb and a Ford Bronco. I could feel myself amongst the characters and their lives. Filled with atmosphere, this book inhabits its world like a well travelled leather suitcase strapped to the luggage rack of an old MG. It was a delight turn the pages of this small town mystery adorned with an ensemble of richly developed characters.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Wofford Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost Grove, Part One is a stunning debut (Zang/Knudsen co-writing together) of nail-biting suspense from two seasoned authors. After reading their solo projects and loving their work, they will forever be a drop everything and read author with me.

Stranger than Stranger Things, more bizarre than Twin Peaks, the town of Lost Grove seems normal on the surface. However, after spending only a short time in this quaint town, you will find it highly abnormal. Nothing is as it seems. 

With Lost Grove crossing over into numerous genres, it is all you would ever want in a masterfully and complex written mystery, sci-fi, paranormal, supernatural, and horror tale. So, if you are interested in any of these genres, you will be pleased to read this one.

From the extravagant scientific research facility deep among the pines to the strange character that slinks around by the cover of night, the questions surrounding the dead girl found on the beach, and the various backstories of the Lost Grove inhabitants, this book is steeped in intrigue and mystery. This tale will make your spine stiffen, your eyes open a little wider, and your eyebrows raise in alarm as some things come to light. Zang and Knudsen, you grabbed my attention.

One thing I truly admire about Zang and Knudsen's writing is how they craft their characters. Although there are many individuals throughout Lost Grove, each was intricately designed based on their nuances, traits, disabilities/handicaps, and special abilities.

Even though the mysteries and questions are stacked throughout and mount by the end of this book, there is only a short time before all are answered. And I'm thrilled to wait until The Orbraillis Institute, Lost Grove, Part Two, is released later in the year because I know and trust these two authors. They will answer everything in time and in a perfect way that will satisfy the detective in me.

Get absorbed in this book. It's a good one. They tell quite a compelling and phenomenal tale.

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving the review voluntarily.

[Kevin Buck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!
Lost Grove (part 1 in a 2 part series) starts off quickly with the body of a young woman found on the beach and escalates from there.
A wonderful cast of characters inhabit the small town in the PNW. They were all written so well and that let me vividly picture each one of them.
The story really is part Stranger Things and part Twin Peaks without copying either one of those.
Is it a thriller? A mystery? Horror? Folk lore?
Yes. Yes to them all.
As the story unfolds we discover there might be faerie folk living in the woods. Or are they just a child's imagination? Are there vampires and werewolves? Witches? Sgt. Seth Wolfe will have his investigative skills tested while reliving his own past.
I can't wait for part 2.

NOTICE: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Annie Buck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you think all the pieces of an immersive, intriguing mystery are in place, more surprises slink out of the shadows. This story speaks to me as a resident of a sleepy Pacific Northwestern town, and you can tell the authors were supremely diligent in their research and experience regarding small-town coastal life, making for a story that's authentic at its heart - but is enhanced in all the right ways with thrilling supernatural elements. Moreover, they're fantastic at character development and that is something that I personally cannot live without when it comes to a good novel.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sandra Vdplaats · Rating 5 out of 5]

My passion for reading started with Stephen King - as a teenager I devoured his books. Now I read a variety of genres, from Lovecraftian horror to cosy British crime, but my passion for reading the horror/sci-fi genre has never really gone away and continues to fascinate me, and much to my delight, my favourite film ever - and in my opinion, the very best horror/sci-fi film ever made - appears in this story.
No spoilers, but you'll find out soon enough, as the surname of one of the main characters featured in that film appears in the story, as ‘Daisy...’.

The author draws on a range of sources, with some aspects strongly reminiscent of Wyndham's novels (telepathy) , Wicca, Celtic myths and German fairy tales (‘Mossleute/ Moss/Holz people’ - Brothers Grimm); with many magical, and other strange, gruesome elements ingeniously incorporated into this highly original story.

Lost Grove consists of two parts, with the second part scheduled for autumn 2024.

The story takes place in a small farming town with a population of just under 2,000.
The townspeople are described and introduced in detail.
Seth, a local police officer, investigates the mysterious death of a young woman found dead on the beach and is reminded of the murder of a young woman twenty six years ago who died in a similar manner. Soon the small community is buzzing with rumours. We meet her friends from school, her parents and Story, - the librarian who practises Wicca as a sideline and tries to protect the people she loves from the evil forces that seem to have landed in Lost Grove.
And then there is Nettie, who believes her little brother is a changeling, and Mary, who gets the blood that she so desperately needs from Story.
With the introduction of 'Cleo', the story takes a turn and real horror abounds.
What is going on at the Obriallis Institute, and why has Sarah Elizabeth cut off all contact with her friends and her parents, but she hasn't been to university either? Was she leading a double life? What terrible truth did one of the Graff twins discover when he went to investigate and saw a gruesome truth on one of the other floors...
The story starts off very slowly. At first I was a little bothered by the amount of unnecessary detail, from the colour of the earrings to the hand-knitted purse. The author does well to avoid this in the second part. I also had the feeling that there were too many adjectives being used.
It takes quite a long time before the reader is introduced to the lurid elements of the story, but I did not find this a drawback. It is possible that the author has copied the structure of the story from the master of the genre: Stephen King. -
It's not just King that you may think of, it's Twin Peaks, it's The Darkest Minds, it's Wyndham (one of my all-time favourites in this genre), it's Grimm, it’ s Celtic myths, and all of this is magisterially woven into an entirely new and highly original story with lots of suspense, and all sorts of twists and turns.
I enjoyed it, not just the recognition, and despite the relatively long lead up to the story, I enjoyed it and wanted to keep reading to find out exactly what was going on in this apparently abandoned facility.
This is some serious competition for Stephen King and Thomas Oldeheuvelt!
I am eagerly looking forward to the second part.

5 stars, highly recommended!

[Hayley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A note is left on the Sherif’s door reporting a dead body on an eerie beach which sets in motion an investigation that links several intriguing characters to a harrowing medical facility – The Orbriallis Institute – in the small, fictional town of Lost Grove. Part One follows the beginning stages of the investigation and introduces a string of loveable characters: Sergeant Seth Wolfe, the town’s witch Story Palmer, ‘vampire’ Mary Germaine, high schoolers Noble, Anya and the Graff twins, and, of course, the deceased herself – Sarah Elizabeth Grahams. As Sarah’s death is investigated, readers are thrust into the lives of wholesome, multi-faceted and irrevocably connected characters, but are not shown so much as to end the story in one book. This is a series so expect more mystery to come in The Orbriallis Institute, Lost Grove: Part Two.

The opening scenes are so vividly described that they invite readers into a blue-grey, foggy world of utter horror, mystery and uncertainty. The unnatural, hair-raising atmosphere sets a biting tone and just enough information is given to indicate that something is not quite right which builds up the suspense. Retrospective chapters are used as flashbacks to connect the past and present events which offers a unique and thrilling touch to the storyline’s structure.

Lost Grove’s narrative jumps between individual characters’ viewpoints that put small pieces of the larger puzzle in place, slowly connecting them and their oddities to the murder investigation and/or the bewildering Orbriallis Institute. This structure allows for more detailed, complex characters. For example, Sarah Elizabeth’s storyline is so comprehensive that she becomes a main character who draws the reader in and leaves them wanting justice for her death. This made for an exciting and enjoyable journey through the investigation that other mainstream detective novels have yet to achieve. To this end, Zang and Knudsen have created a collection of outstanding characters that readers have yet to discover fully but can’t wait to follow in Part Two.

Despite a riveting storyline, some dialogue felt forced and over-written particularly in scenes involving the teenagers and between Seth and Sherif Richards. Additionally, some small but clear typos (Anya’s name was spelt “Anaya” on page 400) should have been caught in the editing process which lost this book a star.

The overall storyline sets the scene for a captivating world with endless possibilities and that gives off Stephen King horror story-like vibes. This is of particular interest to fans of horrors, thrillers, mysteries and the supernatural. If you are looking for an ending to this story, I suggest you wait for Part Two as Part One will leave you wondering if there is a link between The Orbriallis Institute and the abnormal collection of characters, what happened in Seth’s traumatic past and just who is this ‘Green Man’.

Disclaimer:
A free ARC of this book was received from Reedsy Discovery, original review available at: https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/los...

[BooksCoffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

In their first volume of a thrilling two-part series, Charlotte Zang and Alex J. Knudsen expertly weave together elements of horror, mystery, and supernatural intrigue, plumbing the depths of a small town's dark legends and hidden secrets.

The discovery of the lifeless body of Sarah Elizabeth Grahams on a desolate beach sets off a series of enigmatic mysteries in the seemingly cheerful town of Lost Grove. Sergeant Seth Wolfe delves into the dark secrets lurking beneath the surface, but as suspects multiply and leads lead nowhere, the case only deepens. Meanwhile, a group of teenage friends embarks on their own dangerous mission to uncover the truth about a missing brother and the sinister secrets guarded by an elite institute. But when one of their fathers becomes a suspect in the death, everything becomes more complicated. As Seth uncovers disturbing revelations and evil tightens its grasp, they must rely on strength and determination to survive this nightmarish ordeal.

Drawing from classic horror tropes, the authors deftly employ supernatural occurrences, inexplicable disappearances, and an intensely eerie backdrop to cultivate a pervasive sense of foreboding. Fear of the unknown seeps into every aspect of the story, as reality and the paranormal become indistinguishable, leaving readers on edge.

Alternating between present-day events in Lost Grove and tantalizing glimpses into characters' pasts through well-timed flashbacks, the book reveals a tangled web of dark secrets and hidden mysteries that haunt the town. This clever narrative technique heightens the feeling of unease, captivating readers as they uncover the intertwined destinies of the characters.

The characterization is top-notch: from the enigmatic Seth Wolfe to the resilient schoolteacher Gretchen Young and the mysterious shop owner Clemency Pruitt, each character is sketched with depth and understanding. Story Palmer, Bill Richards, Noble, and the telepathic twins Ember and Emory bring a multifaceted dimension to the narrative. Lost Grove itself emerges as a character of formidable presence, its eerie landscape and murky history casting a pall over the unfolding events.

At its core, the book grapples with themes of loss and the insidious power of secrets while exploring the ripple effects of past traumas, the consequences of delving too deeply into the unknown, and the ways in which secrets shape and define both individuals and communities. A twisty, unsettling tale that lays the foundation for an unforgettable journey into the depths of darkness.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The seemingly tranquil town is shaken to its core by the discovery of Sarah Elizabeth Graham's lifeless body on its desolate beach. This grim event sets off a series of unsettling mysteries that ripple through the town's fog-enshrouded streets. Sergeant Seth Wolfe, a steadfast lawman, finds himself entangled in the town's complex web of secrets and lies. His investigation takes a personal turn as he uncovers a startling connection to Sarah Elizabeth, blurring the boundaries between his professional duties and personal history. As suspects emerge and leads dissolve into the town's eerie atmosphere, Wolfe realizes that the mystery is far more intricate than he initially thought.

As the plot progresses, Charlotte Zang and Alex J. Knudsen's adept storytelling becomes increasingly apparent. Each chapter weaves a tapestry of suspense and mystery, making it nearly impossible to put the book down. The unexpected twist of incorporating supernatural elements into what begins as a conventional thriller is a bold and successful gamble. This aspect, in particular, adds a layer of complexity and intrigue, setting the novel apart from its contemporaries. The vividness of the settings and characters is another commendable aspect. The authors' use of descriptive language paints each scene with such clarity that it feels like watching a movie unfold in one's mind. The attention to detail, especially in the portrayal of the small-town setting and the various struggles of its inhabitants, provides a rich backdrop against which the central mystery unfolds. What truly elevates this book, however, is its exploration of themes that go beyond the typical thriller. The sensitive handling of death and the nuanced portrayal of the characters, especially the teenagers, are handled with a deft touch, adding a sense of realism and depth to the narrative. The blend of genres – from mystery and thriller to horror – is executed with a rare and exhilarating finesse.

Lost Grove: Part One is not just a compelling read; it's a journey through a maze of emotions and suspense. It is a testament to the authors' ability to craft a story that is as haunting as it is enthralling. This book is highly recommended for readers seeking a narrative that seamlessly blends mystery, thriller, and horror with a dash of the supernatural, creating a unique and memorable experience.

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ll be honest, I had a very hard time with this book and it took me forever to read. I just couldn’t connect and never got drawn into the story. The characters are all great and well developed, but I never had a connection with them or really wanted to know what happened to any of them.

This story is pitched around the idea of a murder mystery mixed with a supernatural element, but honestly the author didn’t do justice to either genre. It mainly focused on trying to solve the murder, but by the end of the book it’s still not “solved” from the character’s perspective and as far as we know the detective is still staring at his poor murder board trying to figure out what’s going on. Only because of the flashback last chapter can the reader put two and two together and come up with an answer on their own, but that’s not really how writing a crime mystery works. If you want to carry the intrigue over into another book, you always solve the original crime and then uncover a deeper issue that will be addressed in the next book.

Then there are the absolutely RANDOM supernatural elements thrown in throughout the entire book; however, none of them are truly explained and it’s very unclear as to why it matters at all. It’s like trying to paint a picture while looking through a gauzy curtain. You know something is there, but it’s not clear and you can’t really understand any of it. The authors introduce these special beings and hint at their abilities without really ever explaining any of them in full or why it matters. None of the characters with abilities know about any of the others and the town they live in is completely clueless that special people even exist. If you removed the entire supernatural element from the book, it would have made absolutely no difference at all to the storyline.

This book wasn’t so bad as to give it two stars, but I’m not sure I’m fully on board with a full three stars either.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lynette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great start to an intriguing story. This book has so many interesting themes and characters, that it's hard to even put it into one category. Murder mystery, yes. Sci-fi, yes. Paranormal, yes. And so much more! When the body of a young woman is found washed up on the beach near the small town of Lost Grove, recently returned detective Seth Wolfe, is tasked with figuring out who is responsible. It proves a particularly difficult task as aspects of the case trigger memories of past trauma. As the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that there is nothing straightforward about this case. There are places in the forest that locals won't go, children who have had bizarre changes in behavior, and those who seem to have unusual abilities. And what is going on at the Orbrialis institute? Is it really a place of healing for all sorts of mental and physical illnesses, or the source of all the town's troubles? The fact that everyone in town seems to harbor some sort of secret makes things even more complex. Every character has something unique to add to the story and are well developed, or well on their way to it. My only complaint would be that some of the character names were a bit over the top. Cheshire, Noble and Clemency to name a few. However, they weren't odd enough to deter me from finishing the book. I wanted very much to know what happened to every one of them. Things were really starting to take shape when, BOOM, cliff hanger. So, now I HAVE to get the next book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Doug DesCombaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mystery in the small titular town north of San Francisco. Big city homicide detective, Seth Wolfe, is drawn back to his home town recently, and has taken a job in the local police department. Soon thereafter, a young female's body is discovered at the beach. The book moves through intertwined stories of people that knew the unlucky young lady as the detective pursues clues. The asides that are weaved together into a coherent story were not all 100% based upon things this reader has otherwise observed in day-to-day life. Some funny lines, a mom joke, questionable parenting skills, maybe a goblin-ish thing or two, colorful descriptions of crayons, and a little mind manipulation.

Coincidentally, there is also a famous medical research facility in town called the Orbriallis Institute that happens to make its way into the story.

The book flowed great. I was deep into the scenes in the imaginary town while reading.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bobby Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost Grove’s eerie, small-town vibe hooked me from the start. I feel like I could smell the sea and hear the whispers of local gossip as I turned the pages. Such a cool, spooky little world to lose yourself in! I definitely get hints of Stranger Things, which I loved! But make no mistake, Lost Grove has its own unique quirks and unexpected turns.

Zang and Knudsen have mastered a niche genre that I honestly think I’m just starting to truly appreciate. They give the reader plenty of entertaining pieces of the puzzle to work with as they actively participate—rather than simply read. And just when I thought I had it pegged…

The evolving mystery and clever character interactions made this a page turner for a newly converted, rube supernatural thriller fan like me. I can’t wait for Part Two! Bring me back to Lost Grove, please!
I received an advance review coy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Pamela Sewell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Sirens eARC. Following his father's stroke Seth Wolfe leaves his post as a homicide detective in San Francisco to join his small hometown's force as a deputy. When the body of Sarah Graham is discovered on an isolated beach he is presented with a challenging case. The autopsy and investigation raise more questions than answers. The eerie town of Lost Grove is atmospheric populated by a number of enigmatic residents. This solidly plotted police procedural is made much more engaging by the subtle interweaving of supernatural elements. A librarian witch, a roaming vampire and what about the woman who grows younger after swimming in a hidden forest pond? Billed as Part One nothing is resolved in this entry but this reader is eagerly awaiting the next installment. I have so many questions and am completely intrigued. Definitely an entertaining read.

[Cynthia Johnson ☕️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost Grove is quite the page turner, that grips you from the first few chapters with its eerie atmosphere and captivating characters. Set in a seemingly quaint small town, the narrative quickly reveals several layers of mysteries. What sets this novel apart is its masterful use of multiple points of view, allowing readers to delve into the various townspeople as they navigate the shadows of their own secrets. With each perspective, a new layer of intrigue is unveiled, keeping you guessing throughout this book. Since this is part one, with part two to follow, the story ends with an intriguing cliff hanger. I am personally looking forward to part two and plan to add this book to my collection of favorites on my book shelf! A must-read for fans of suspenseful paranormal mysteries.

Thank you BookSirens for allowing me to read the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Greg Wadsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an engrossing, suspenseful read. I found myself completely drawn in, wondering what was around each corner. The story starts off with the discovery of a woman's body, and what follows is an intricate tapestry of interweaving story lines and unexpected twists and turns as we slowly see just how interconnected everyone is. Each character that is introduced is unique and intriguing, creating a rich world that feels much larger than the small town of Lost Grove. This is an excellent, creepy, surprising book, and I genuinely had trouble putting it down. It will stick with you long after you stop reading.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tina Lincoln · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happened to Sarah Elizabeth Graham?
It is an intricately wound story that blends many things, all leading back to one girl who is found dead, was pregnant, but no baby, into what happened in those 2 years.
Why did no one know where Sarah Elizabeth Graham was for 2 years if she was not at college as everyone in this small town of Lost Grove said?
This was a great book, opening but leaving so many questions at the end. What happened to the baby? Whose baby was it, and where is it?
So many questions! I look forward to the next chapter of this story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Cat B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting beginning with one young woman lying dead on the beach and another standing over her, fighting the urge to devour her body. Add to that, strange creatures that inhabit the woods, townspeople with "special" gifts and an institute with an ominous past, and you have one enthralling tale. It is a very long book (for an ebook) and only part one of the tale. There is alot of story here, so batten down the hatches, get in your comfy reading spot and get ready for a thrilling ride.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Snowy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely enjoyed this book. Only real issue was, it was hard to get super involved in the first 30%. It did grab me, but it was a bit of a struggle at points. The author's writing was well thought out and mysterious. The plot is definitely worth the trip. I had a few "oh poo" moments (insert proper word)in a good way. Gasping did happen - especially toward the end. I would definitely recommend this book to people who enjoy the build up in thrillers.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of horror elements, suspense, the paranormal, mystery, and much more, Lost Grove leaves no rock unturned while taking readers on an addicting dark and thrilling journey that will have them turning page after page desperate answers. If you’re a fan of Twin Peaks, and want to read something similar with a bit more of the supernatural and paranormal, then this book could be for you. Find my full review here: https://likelystory.blog/2024/10/21/r...

[merlin513 · Rating 5 out of 5]

VERY reminiscent of Twin Peaks! But, with an uncanny cant towards the supernatural and mythical. I love it!!!

Atmospheric setting, beautiful dead girl, unsolved mystery with home-town boy returned adamant to get to the bottom of the case. A pack of school kids with their own mysteries, a haunted wood bisecting the town with eerie unexplained happenings taking place. Sign me up!

Immediately moving on to the second book. Can’t wait to see how the mysteries evolve from here!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Brad Dude · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this novel starts out as a somewhat traditional detective story, it transforms rapidly into something else. A SF detective comes back to his hometown and takes a job as a police sergeant with a body on the beach to investigate but it leads to a number of strange characters that evokes vampires, cannibalism, and psycho-drama that I found captivating. Can't wait for the next volume. Good read.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like thrillers that leave you sitting on the edge of your seat and surprises you around every corner, this is the book for you. Seth trying to do his best to find out all the secrets of the town and figure out who killed Sarah, the boys trying to figure out their own mystery - it's crazy! I couldn't put this book down, read thru the night to finish it. You won't be sorry!

[Birgit Hodgson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the very first pages, a murder in a cosy little town, add in a bit of the supernatural, lots of likeable and relatable characters and you have a story that keeps you guessing right to the end of part 1, I can’t wait to read part 2, what is the Institute all about? Who is the green man? Where is Sarah’s baby? I have so many questions. A very enjoyable read.

[Anthony Mattarelliano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Characters - Great
Setting - Great
Mysteries - Great

My only complaint (and why it did not get 5 stars) is Mutiple viewpoints in the same chapter (sometimes the same paragraph), confused me a few times and is against the rules for a reason. Still, it's only a slight problem and this gave me my Twin Peaks/Stranger Things fix. Cannot wait to read part II !!!

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much going on. It has murder, detectives, witches, vampire, teenagers, hitman, mad scientist, fae people, pedophile, kidnapping, mind readers, creepy forest, time travel, and more.

I read both books (barely). I really wanted to like them but there were too many stories going on.

[Rory Moulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Atmospheric, chilling, and deeply layered. Lost Grove: Part One masterfully blends small town secrets with paranormal tension, creating a haunting mystery that lingers like coastal fog. A gripping start to a dark and twisty duology.

[Karin Tillotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah has visions, doesn't she??? She and Jane will make a great team, won't they??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.

[Jimmy G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Can't wait to grab the second and continue reading this fascinating story... Love the names given to the characters, very unique and quite beautiful.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm still on a reading high from this book. I reread several parts of this to make sure I didn't miss a thing, and I still feel like things are up in the air. The flashbacks are mere teasers of the whole story. I WANT THE WHOLE STORY!!! Like every other reader, I'll have to wait until the next book in the fall. Dang! I'm still taking it all in and lining up suspects in my mind, but I'm sure I'm way off the mark. This is a fantastic page turner of a thriller, and I can't wait for more. Very well done! I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.