The Lost Ones

Detective Nikki Cassidy #3

by Dana Perry

As dawn breaks over a small gas station on the outskirts of Groveton, Ohio, the body of a teenage girl lies totally still. Long blonde hair covers her face, and a length of frayed rope hangs loosely around her neck. It’s only a matter of time before someone finds her, just like her killer intended…

When FBI agent Nikki Cassidy receives a call from Groveton’s Chief of Police, her heart pounds. A young girl just knocked on the door of Nikki’s old family home, claiming to be Nikki’s kid sister, Caitlin. But Caitlin was murdered fifteen years ago. Who is the girl and what does she want?

Nikki thinks the impersonator could finally lead her to her sister’s twisted killer. But her hope is shattered when the girl’s lifeless body is found strangled at a local service stop. If the girl knew about Caitlin, could she have known the identity of the killer? Was she murdered before she could unmask them?

Going against her boss’s orders to stay away, Nikki traces the girl’s last known steps to her best friend, Shirley. Nikki learns that the girl was last seen meeting with a stranger at the mall. Could it have been her killer?

Closer than ever to uncovering the truth, Nikki can’t give up now. But when Shirley’s body is found at another service station, a length of rope wound around her neck, her heart shatters. Another young life has been lost. Nikki vows that this will be the last.

When an intruder breaks into her old home, Nikki knows it’s the killer sending her a sign. As she walks into the familiar old house in the dead of night, will she finally get justice and catch her sister’s killer, or did she just walk into a deadly trap?

If you enjoy Lisa Regan, Robert Dugoni and Kendra Elliot, you will absolutely love this gripping and totally unputdownable crime thriller.

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook

312 pages, ebook

Published April 2, 2024

Reviews

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping, tense, shocking and hard to put down! The Lost Ones is the third book in the Detective Nikki Cassidy series by Dana Perry.

FBI agent Nikki Cassidy is called after a young woman knocked on Nikki's former childhood hold claiming to be Nikki's sister, Caitlin who was murdered fifteen years ago. What kind of sick game is someone playing? When her strangled body is found, Nikki won’t stop at anything to get to the truth. Someone is playing a very sick, dangerous, and deadly game. But why?

I could not put this book down. I was on the edge of my seat trying to solve the case right along with Nikki. Since the first book in the series, The Nowhere Girls, Nikki has been haunted by her sister's murder. Will she finally get answers in this book? I had to know!

I found this book to be fast paced, well written, and well thought out! Plus, there is tension, dread, and danger throughout the book. All the things I that I enjoy in a mystery. I am looking forward to reading what comes next for Nikki.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know binge watching exists, but is there something like binge reading too? If it does not, I just invented it and if it does, that exactly what I did with the three books in this wonderful series.

I was on top of the mountain realising I had three books I could read consecutively, but I fell in a deep valley when I realised I had to wait for the next installment. 

It took me three and a half days to finish them all and I guess this says it all. It proves how hooked I was. 

I loved the writing style, the characters, the story lines and the surprises. They have everything I like in a book. A lot of suspense, a bit of romance and twists and turns.

I can only add one more thing. I want more, a lot more. I am counting the days until we meet again, Agent Cassidy.  5 stars

Thank you

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lost Ones is the third book in the Detective Nikki Cassidy series. This one takes up a little bit after the events of the second book. Once again, Nikki is called back to her hometown when a girl shows up claiming to be her long dead sister. Of course that is not possible. Now a killer seems to be targeting her. Once again, I would not read this as a stand alone, unless you want spoilers.

I can't remember if I said this in my review of the first book, The Nowhere Girls, but I read all three books in under 10 hours. That is how much this series has captivated me. This was a great follow up to the first two books. What I love about this series is that I am constantly surprised and have a hard time figuring out the solution. I also still really love Nikki and want more of her. The book ends with a huge surprise, so I hope there is a fourth book in the works.

[Shauntelle (shauntellereads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that I was able to read the 1st three books in this series consecutively, but lots and lots of adulting was ignored! This is book 3 in the Detective Nikki Cassidy crime procedural series. I thought it would be hard to top the second book, but this one was the best book yet. I really hope we get to see more from Nikki Cassidy in the future! All of these books can be read as standalones, but I recommend reading in order. You won't regret it!

The author has a writing style that ropes you in and keeps a hold on you. He also weaves a story that has you saying to yourself "one more chapter" at the end of every chapter. Just when you think you know what's coming, BAM! You're hit with another twist that derails everything you thought you knew. This 3rd book packed so many twists and turns, and I just had to keep going to find out who the killer was. When I got towards the end, the twist was unexpected and had my mouth hanging open. I definitely want a lot more of Nikki Cassidy in the future! Anxiously waiting!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this amazing ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Kandice · Rating 3 out of 5]

This third installment in the Nikki Cassidy series was probably my favorite, but most predictable.

Each book in the series brings up more questions about Nikki's sister Caitlin’s murder and has become unreasonable that every murderer in Ohio would have some thing to do with Nikki and Caitlyn Cassidy. After 3 books we still don't know the unanswered questions about Cassidy and I'm not confident the 4th book would conclude the mystery. Though it’s easily readable and relatively well written, I’m planning on parting ways with Nikki at this point.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dana Perry for giving me an advance readers copy.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perry toyed with me for the entire book!!!
The author held a lure above my head and dangled possible clues. Every time I made a grab for it, it was abruptly yanked away.
The killer was a chameleon although my first hunch was correct, however I couldn’t be sure since Perry planted so many false clues.
And left me hanging at the end with a dismal discovery by Nikki!
This is just sheer torture to have to wait!!
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the advance read.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

After the ending of book 2, I was eager to read book 3. As I have stated before in previous reviews for this series, it has so much potential. However, my sentiments remain the same about the writing style. I do not like it. It is VERY repetitive and over descriptive in some parts and not enough description in others.

Despite the writing style, the story kept me wanting more, to the point I stated up way too late to read it. I did guess the killer about halfway through, though. It seemed kind of obvious to me.

I have learned that I have a love/hate for Nikki Cassidy. I am intrigued to see where the characters' story goes next

2.75 ⭐️


Thank you to Booktoure and NetGalley, an advanced copy of The Lost Ones.

The Lost Ones will be available April 2, 2024, along with The Nowhere Girls (Book 1) and Last One To Die (Book 2).

EDIT 4/5/24 The more I think about this book along with the series, the less I like it. I would say this book is a 2⭐️ at best

[Melissa * bookedwithmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in the Detective Nikki Cassidy series.

When a girl shows up on her family’s old home impersonating her dead sister, Nikki is forced back to her old hometown again. When she does, she finds another dead body. Nikki gets sucked in again, even though her FBI boss didn’t want her to.

Following Nikki in her attempt to find the latest killer really sucks me in every time. She’s such a likable character and it’s easy to root for her. I really hope we get more stories about Nikki.

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for my ARC of this book.

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've struggled with this series. It's a fairly easy read, but, there was just something about it that I didn't like. With the first book, the storyline was gripping enough to keep me going. By the third book though, the storyline is almost the same as the first two and didn't have that extra something that might have turned it into a really good read.
Part of the problem is that to me, it reads very much like a kid's book. I don't know how old the author is, but the female lead doesn't really read like a grown-up woman. Everything in her world is very simplistic, almost like someone who is imagining what it would be like to be an adult but hasn't really got any experience of it. Nikki seems to fall in love with someone at the drop of a hat and it's all based on how attractive they look, no chemistry or connection to who these people actually are. In every book I've found the 'romance' to be pointless and forced. The whole idea that she would equate the brief interest she had with a police man she fancied from afar (and thought that might be a murderer) on the same level as her new lover losing his wife of many years is just odd.
The mystery feels forced to me and as I say repeating what came in the first two books. There's also the ongoing story of what happened to Nikki's sister, which is interesting, but I've now reached the point that I don't care enough to ready any more books and find out what happened.
Sorry, this just wasn't for me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lost Ones, the third book in this series, moves right along and is hard to put down.

This book had me scratching my head when a girl showed up claiming to be Nikki’s sister. Is it possible? Wasn’t her sister murdered 15 years ago? But, wait. Who identified her body? I needed to keep the pages flying . . .

And things were heading toward more twists and turns in this series. I found myself pointing fingers and guessing in all directions. But I also found myself slightly concerned, like with the earlier books.

My Concerns
While there was much that I liked about this story, the earlier two books and this one began to feel similar and repetitive. I might have been happier if the three books had been edited to two.

I still found myself struggling, at times, to feel much toward the MC. I can’t put my finger on why I didn’t care for her, but I think, at times, she acted too immature for the story.

Final Thoughts
Without a doubt, I’d pick up another book by Dana Perry. There was much to like about this series and the writing.

My biggest complaints weren’t very concerning.
The character development could have been a little better and,
The books sounded slightly drawn out and similar.

However, since I’m rating all three books in this series four stars, it’s obvious that I liked them. I recommend you try this series but be ready to read longer than you intended. I’m guessing you’ll be hooked.

My thanks to Partners In Crime NetGalley and the Author for a #gifted ebook.

[Anne Szlachcic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Author's FBI Agent Nikki Cassidy series and whilst I think it can be read as a standalone reading the previous books would give the reader a better understanding of the characters and their motivations

When Nikki receives a call to tell her that a young woman has knocked on the door of her old home saying she 'wants to come home and her name is Caitlin' she doesn't know what to think , her sister was murdered fifteen years ago .!
And now Nikki's hometown has yet another murder on its hands , a young girl has been found in a gas station car park ....... who is she ?
where has she come from .?
Determined to investigate this latest murder she goes against her bosses' order ....... she knows she is getting closer to the truth of who really killed her sister and the other girls .
What she discovers throws everything she thought she knew up in the air , for someone appears to be imitating her sister - who and why ?
Has the killer set a trap for Nikki , one she won't be able to walk away from or will she finally get the answers she craves ?

This was a much more thrilling read than the previous books with an ending that throws everything up in the air - leading to a fourth and final book I hope

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

[Cheryl M-M · Rating 4 out of 5]

What fresh hell has Nikki stumbled into this time? Not only is there another killer on the loose, the past is back again, perhaps in the most egregious way yet. As yet another young girl is found murdered the death of Caitlin wanders back into the spotlight.

Caitlin is back or is it someone pretending to be Caitlin, and if so, why? Why bring a new onslaught of pain and guilt by pretending to be a murder victim - the dead risen from their damp bed of earth. Nikki sees this as a way to find the guilty party. Someone somewhere must be pulling the strings, must be pushing this hurtful and manipulative narrative. Someone who thinks everyone is expendable.

This third book in the Nikki Cassidy series gives a much better indication of why the disappearance and murder of her little sister is the main event in all three books, and clearly after the cliffhanger in this one there is more to come. Kind of makes you question everything.

Where is the author going with it though, what kind of path does he want the reader to embark upon? Equally what happens when the foundation of Nikki's character and career begins to crumble? As we wander through the series it becomes more intertwined with what appears to be a more nefarious agenda.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Lost Ones by Dana Perry (Book 3) felt too similar to Book 2 in the series and only felt like some characters were changed. The storyline was identical to Book 2, and this book was too much again on the sister being killed. I know there is a theme in this series, but move it along now and close the sister angle and dive deeper into other serial killer cases or other killings rather than continuing to focus on Caitlin's killer and that killer constantly going after Nikki.

The Caitlin case should have been wrapped up in book 2. As mentioned, Book 3 read like Book 2, with minor character changes, but it felt like the same plot and storyline. Detective Nikki Cassidy got to be too much and too headstrong and not following procedure at times; she came across as knowing all the right things and how to do things at the expense of others.

It would have been more enjoyable to focus on a different serial killer or plotline, but the same mystery revolving around her sister was just too much. I probably will not read more in this series. I would rate this a 2.75 out of 5 stars (rounded to 3).

#TheLostOnes #NetGalley @bookouture

[Caitlyn Daviau · Rating 3 out of 5]

The lost ones book three of the Nikki Cassidy series definitely picks up the pace from book two. The second book was slow paced and very much a copy of book one just with different names. This one is a bit better in terms of storyline and pacing but I honestly don’t think this series needed to be a series. The nowhere girls easily could’ve been a standalone novel or dulogy I think a series wasn’t necessary. The twist at the end i didn’t see coming at all which saved this book and this series for me I’m honestly surprised i finished this to begin with and if there were any other I don’t know if I would read them. Yes the storyline and pacing was better but it didn’t need to be almost 300 pages and in some parts it still reminded me of book one and felt repetitive and I found myself still unsure if I would finish . So do I think this series is worth the read? Maybe if you like a lot of recaps and repeating storylines or crime thriller. Would I read this author again ? Maybe but I think I definitely need some break before I read anything again. I really liked the first one I just couldn’t stand behind the other two.

[Novels Alive · Rating 5 out of 5]

FBI agent Nikki Cassidy specializes in solving cases against children. Her latest investigation takes a personal twist, leading to her most challenging case yet.

Another Dana Perry delivers the third installment of the series in The Lost Ones. Readers new to the series will find ample backstory details, so this book can easily be read as a standalone.

Nikki’s vulnerability is put on display, enhancing the human element rather than her detective skills. Not only does she carry guilt surrounding her little sister’s murder, but she also has challenges with relationships. Her growth as a character is evident in this installment.

This time, her adversary is leaving a trail of bodies, taunting Nikki along the way. Her sister’s name, Caitlin, keeps popping up, ramping up the psychological tension. Is Caitlin really alive?

Familiar characters make an appearance along with new faces. The cliffhanger hits hard but provides an effective incentive to check out the next installment.

The Lost Ones delivers another edge-of-your-seat thriller featuring a flawed main character determined to find answers. ~ Amy for Novels Alive

[Liz Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. I just finished book 2 and needed to read book 3 immediately since it left on a cliff hanger and made me gasp out loud. After detective Nikki solved another mystery that ended in her home town, she is still all over National News. This one almost goes back to book 1 and the reader learns more about Nikki's sister as someone is pretending to be her even though she's been dead for 15 years. At the end, I was questioning everything and believed there might be more to this mystery. Dana, the author, does an amazing job at making you think you know everything but then end up being completely wrong. Even though this is book 3, Dana Perry does a great job of giving enough information that the reader isn’t lost. It works great as a single story. I really enjoyed this book and finished it in 1 day. Now with another gasping cliff hanger (which I suspected), I am patiently waiting for book 4.

[Alicia Souza · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.4

I just finished another enthralling journey with The Lost Ones by Dana Perry. This fast-paced detective thriller had me hooked from the very first page.

Perry once again delivers a winner with Nikki Cassidy at the helm. This time, the FBI agent with her unique skillset finds herself embroiled in a chilling case that strikes a personal chord. The suspense builds relentlessly throughout the narrative, making it a true nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat experience.

As always, Perry keeps us guessing with her masterful storytelling. She expertly crafts a gripping cat-and-mouse chase between Nikki and a cunning killer. Just when you think you might have it figured out, a new twist throws you for a loop.

The novel ends on a heart-stopping cliffhanger, leaving me desperate to dive into the next installment. Perry has woven a complex and thrilling narrative that will stay with you long after the final page. I can't wait to see what adventures await Nikki Cassidy next!

[Claire Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 ARC Review

The Lost Ones by Dana Perry
Bookouture, 2nd April 2024

FBI agent Nikki Cassidy is shocked when Groveton's chief of police informs her that a girl claiming to be her sister Caitlin has just shown up at their old family home...as Caitlin was murdered 15 years before.
Having never brought the perpetrator to justice, Nikki hopes the impersonator may lead her to them.
But then the girl is found strangled.

Like its predecessors, the tension in this book winds tighter and tighter as the story progresses. It pulled me in and wouldn't let go until the very end. The writing is fast-paced and the many twists and turns made it exciting and full of unexpected surprises. Nikki is a marvellous character, as is the grumpy old chief. To experience the full gamut of emotions alongside Nikki made this read superb, and the shocking ending was masterful.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture and Dana Perry for providing an eARC via NetGalley; this is my unbiased review

[Louise Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.

When teenage girls are dying and notes are found next to the body addressed to FBI agent Nikki Cassidy, she is drawn into the case. The killer knows things that only her dead sister could. How is this case linked to Caitlin?

Oh this was good, so very good! I suspected the cliffhanger ending, but when it came-wow! I need book 4 asap!

The storyline to this book was very similar to the previous two. I enjoyed the exploration of Nikki’s relationship with Connor, but also the progress she makes with her mum. There are twists galore and nobody is who they say they are. The suspense was great. I’ve fallen asleep reading this the past few nights, as I refused to put it down-I needed to get to the end me. Thoroughly enjoyed it and highly
Recommend.

[Sandra M. Dethlefsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When FBI agent Nikki Cassidy receives a call that a young girl had just knocked on the door of her old family home claiming to be her kid sister Caitlin, she immediately becomes alarmed. Caitlin had been murdered 15 years ago. Who was this girl and what did she want?
Nikki thinks the impersonator may have some information about her sister's twisted killer. But her hope is shattered when the girl's lifeless body is found strangled before she has had a chance to talk to her. Was she murdered because she could identify Caitlin’s murderer?
Nikki locates the girls her best friend, Shirley, and is hopeful she can get some information from her. Before she can meet with her, she gets a call from the local police that Shirley was found dead. She had been strangled in the same manner as her friend.
Nikki suddenly becomes alarmed. Someone is tracing her steps. Late one evening Nikki is called to her old home and suddenly her life is threatened. Was she about to meet the killer?
Prepare for an all nighter with this gripping thriller.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is the best book of the series. It really hit me with a bam! Detective Nikki Cassidy has her hardest case yet. Nikki receives a phone call saying that a young girl has knocked on the door of her old family saying that she is Caitlin, but how could she be when her sister Caitlin was murdered? Nikki goes to investigate but her hope for answers is quickly destroyed when the girls lifeless body is found. This police procedural has everything that I want in a book, it's well written with so many twists that it left my head spinning. I feel like I just stepped off a four hour Ferris wheel ride. Nikki is a tough cop and I love how independent she is, her character is hard, determined and she isn't shy about sharing the truth. The plot of this one is highly entertaining as I was trying to work out who the killer is whilst being knocked over by several suprise twists.

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookoutre for this Advanced Reader’s Copy of The Lost Ones by Dana Perry due to be published April 2, 2024.
The girls just keep getting killed – more for Nikki to solve. Someone is trying to impersonate her sister, and there is also someone around town who looks a lot like Nikki. As she tries to find who is killing all these girls, will Nikki herself be in danger? Is she the one the killer really wants?
This is my third Nikki Cassidy book – they are great!
Nikki is off again to various cities to try to figure out who (again) is killing defenseless girls and women. This one is full of twists and turns as well as the return of Nikki’s current love interest.
It was a fast-paced read, and I flew through it. Can’t wait to see if there is a book 4!
#NetGalley #DanaPerry #Bookoutre #TheLostOnes

[Emilie Wardell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book and didn't see the twist coming at all! I suspected multiple characters at different times but was kept guessing the whole way through.

That being said, I feel like this book could have been shorter and there was a lot of unnecessary information in it referring to the previous two books in the series. I found it quite repetitive at times.

As with the previous books in the series, I really liked the side characters and thought they were written really well. I still can't make myself like the main character though, she is confident to the point of arrogance and can't seem to trust anyone to do the job other than her.

Overall, I have enjoyed reading this series and would be interested in reading more from this author.

[Cassidy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third book in a series, this book picks up from where Last One to Die left off. With the discovery of a young girl's body and clue hinting at a connectino to her sister's death, Cassidy is again overwhelmed by her past. The pace starts out somewhat slow, in large part due to rehashing of the back story from the previous book, however, the pace does improve as the story unfolds. Although the characters are likable and the plot has great bones – with plenty of suspense, I found the writing to be a bit unpolished. Otherwise, an enjoyable read.

FTC disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This has not affected the content of my review.

[Kellie Schull · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author, though apparently part of a series. The plot line was good, I enjoyed the story overall. However the writing style drove me nuts (listening to it via audiobook) as the author repeated some parts of the story again and again as though it needed more explanation. I heard how the sister died about 6 times. Also, some of the main characters justifications or explaining of definitions were so basic, it was like she thought the reader/listener must have been in middle school. I would read more of her books, going into it knowing the writing style may be ignored a bit.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bodies of teenage girls are found posed in gas stations. Nikki finds out from the killer that the girls have had contact with her, and this is why they are dying.
She is still seeking Caitlin's killer, and is convinced that he is the person threatening her life.

Wow, this is a fast paced thriller, twisty and heart pounding.
The series so far has been good, and there definitely will be further books in the series.
Looking forward to Nikki finally finding out what Caitlin's fate actually was.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book.

[Jenna Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started reading this book, I was unaware it was part of a series, but I honestly think it’s a perfect standalone as well (I’ll definitely be reading the other ones). This book held my attention and kept me guessing at “who did it” until the end. I found the intertwining between the FBI and local police fascinating, and felt like that dynamic really added to the power of the book as a mystery/crime novel/thriller. The characters are well developed and the relationships between them add to the reality of the story - it felt like it could really happen.

[Jenn Brouwer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is another that is very similar to the first 2. Again it was well written and fast paced. This author seems to know how to draw you in and how to create some great characters. I would love to see her write about a fully different case that does not relate to the one from her past. But overall it was still a fast paced suspenseful read. With characters and a town we are coming to know and love so I will still be rating this as a 4 star read with a warning that it is very similar to the first 2

[Amanda Mc · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book which was attention catching, good story line and a nail biting finish. I had not read any of Dana Perry's previous books but didn't feel that it impeded the book which can be read as a stand alone. Nikki was a fire cracker of a FBI agent even though she was always getting into trouble. The story line was well thought out and captivating, I had worked out who the perpetrator was but the why, how and ending eluded me until close to the end. Well written Ms Perry. Thank you NetGalley and publisher for my copy, I shall certainly keep an open for the next book

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read. There were many times i was at the edge of my seat! It was great being able to binge read all three books! The tension is constantly rising throughout the whole story! It will be interesting to see what's next for Nikki so hopefully there will be another book! The twists were really interesting! The minute you think you have it figured out something else happens and you are back to square one! It's a fast-paced story that is great for fans of Lisa Regan or Kendra Elliott! Thank you Partners in Crime Virtual Tours, Dana Perry and Bookouture for sharing this book with me!