Love Lost

by Mary Minnock

Since their bitter separation ten years earlier, Mag and Dennis have hardly spoken to each other. But when their beloved daughter, Ciara, is killed in a car accident and the police seem to dismiss it as youthful recklessness, they come together to try to understand the suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.
When they find out more than they bargained for, it makes them question what they really knew about their daughter and also what happened to their own relationship.

341 pages, Paperback

Published September 30, 2024

Reviews

[Magda Mazur · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly wonderful book : poetical descriptions of nature that intertwine with the events described in the story, a compelling comparison of past vs present, and a powerful perspective for learning more about Ireland’s past. The psychological depth, showing how women and men experience difficult events differently, is especially strong. Perfectly written, this is a book I couldn’t put down, I found myself reading in five hour stretches straight. I can’t wait to read Homesick next.

[Sean F Mahon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It’s Mary Minnock’s second outing into self publishing and she has delivered yet another top notch family drama that pulls you in from the get go.

Set against the backdrop of a murder investigation, this story clips along at a page turning pace. The meat of the story lies with the two protagonists, Mags and Dennis, as they attempt to solve a possible homicide while navigating the difficulties of their broken marriage.

Minnock’s clear and direct writing style serves to support the story without ever overpowering the narrative. Her particular gift is in accessing the psychology of her characters, so much so that you are left feeling like you truly know these people.

I’d highly recommend this book to those who enjoy a bit of murder mystery that leans heavy in the direction of the characters and their stories and not just the WHODUNNIT.
Very well done.

[Pauline Braisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I've read by Mary Minnock and I loved it even more than the first one. The plot relates to the death of a young woman and her parents' efforts to prove that it was not an accident. It's a well written book with some unexpected twists and turns and I found it hard to put down because I was engrossed by the story. It's definitely worth a read.

[Caroline Croezen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the debut novel 'Homesick' by Mary Minnock so I was delighted to be sent a copy of her latest novel, Love Lost.
Mag and Dennis are separated for ten years when their beloved daughter Ciara is killed in a car crash in suspicious circumstances.
The book sweeps from past to present, from Mag and Dennis's first meeting, their early life together and the reason behind their split to the present day where they come together for the first time in a decade to try figure out what happened to their daughter.
The book obviously has a really sad theme but there's grit, determination and hope in it too which really lifts the mood.
I love Mary's style of writing, some sentences had me smiling, some had tears pricking my eyes. I love the character development and her descriptions which are neither flowery or embellished.
This was a book I looked forward to reading any chance I got. Finished it in two days. Five stars for sure.

[Charlotte Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parents struggling with grief search for answers about their daughter's death in this heartfelt tale.

At the start of Love Lost we see that Ciara is very much loved by her separated parents Mag and Dennis. When she dies suddenly in a car crash the pair are left devastated and searching for answers. The circumstances around her death don’t fit with their view of who Ciara was and after 10 years of separation, Mag and Dennis may also have to confront their own past relationship.
Love Lost is a well-structured story, we see the love that Mag and Dennis have for Ciara before the accident and how this impacts their reactions while simultaneously getting the story of Mags and Dennis’ relationship. The story of two people who were once close brought back together again is gentle and heartfelt. I say gentle as there’s no tension written into their search into what happened, just a keen sense of loss and a desperation for answers. The parallel storyline looking at the couple’s history helps provide even more insight into these characters, the highs of their relationship as well as the struggles they’ve faced in the past. A sad story about grief and loss but one that I think has been written with love and has resulted in an earnest and absorbing read.

[Mohammed Ruhel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Lost is a wonderful book to read I read it in two-days could not put it down. I myself don't read many novel until this book. Amazing author Mary Minnock and very talented in telling stories. I enjoyed the way the writers description of places, smell and feelings it gets your imagination going and sets the scene in your mind. A bit of sauciness didn't expect that coming. The build up of the characters and who they are, from present day and taken back to their past life full of memories. Ordinary life of a couple with passion and love and building a life together. The flip side PTSD after pregnancy and mental health, separation (divorce) and how people deal with it in different ways. The loss of there daughter whom they loved dearly. A nice plot twist and sort of a happy ending.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love lost is a beautifully written, heartbreaking story which has us completely engulfed in the characters’ emotions from start to finish.
You can feel Dennis and Mags’ excruciating pain at the death of their daughter Ciara.
You can feel their determination and resilience on their quest to uncover the truth.
We can also feel the love they had for each other as they are inevitably forced to spend time together after year apart.
The glimmer of hope at the end is heartwarming.
Love lost demonstrates beautifully that where there is love, there is always hope.

[Joan Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the mother of an only child, this book hit hard! I loved it - despite the tears shed while reading it. The characters were so relatable - warts and all! Im already looking forward to her next book. 👏

[Anne Leary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having loved Mary Minnock’s debut novel Homesick, I was keen to read Love Lost, though I admit I hesitated at first. The back cover description centres on the devastating loss of a couple’s only daughter in a car accident, and it felt like a heavy subject to take on. In the end, I’m very glad I did, because Minnock handles this heartbreaking story with great sensitivity and restraint, never slipping into sentimentality. While this accident drives the plot, the novel is just as much about the parents themselves and the long, complicated history they share.

We meet Ciara, their daughter, only in the opening chapter, yet she makes a huge impression. She’s lively, bubbly and full of personality, with a particularly close relationship with her dad, and a touching hope that her separated parents might find their way back together again. That brief glimpse makes her loss all the more poignant. As doubts begin to surface about whether Ciara’s death was truly accidental, her parents begin to investigate, gradually realising they didn’t know everything about her life.
Through flashbacks spanning decades, Minnock explores love, relationships and loss with honesty and compassion. These back stories touch on difficult choices, including the impact of giving a baby up for adoption, alongside the challenges of mental health, emotional distance, and the pressures that can strain a relationship over time.
Love Lost tackles some very difficult themes, yet it is handled with such care and empathy that it never feels overwhelming. Mary Minnock’s writing is tender and insightful, and I found myself thinking about the characters long after finishing the book. I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys thoughtful, emotionally rich fiction.

[Aoife O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first three chapters had me captivated. Not a spoiler alert, as you find out early on about the tragic loss of the 22 year old university student Ciara, by way of a car accident in a rural Wicklow setting and the subsequent impact of that accident on her devastated parents…but all is not as it seems.
Her parents, no longer together but both struggling to comprehend her loss and the circumstances of her death, her father who cannot accept that she wasn’t wearing her seat belt & cannot let it go or rest. Her broken hearted mother who despite & in-spite of her previous struggles, knows that something is a miss but isn’t sure about opening up to Dennis, the policeman (Garda) in charge of the accident investigation, constrained by protocol whilst trying to keep both Dennis & Mag from running a-mock.The back story of both parents Dennis & Mag and the impact that this has on the story. Their questioning of the person they believed their daughter to be. Ciara’s private story and life…unknown to her parents with not one but three very different guys, who were all very important to her in very different ways and not as you initially think.
It’s a page turner…
A fabulous read that intertwines the present with the past in a way that a new friendship might evolve as you slowly piece the zig saw of Ciara’s life together. Love, Lost, Grief, Secrets, Societal norms (old & new), Family and all that might mean, Time, Place, Connections…but at the end…some form of closure.
So looking forward to the next book by Mary Minnock.
Hope to read more about the surviving characters.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tremendous story which is both mysterious and nostalgic. This book follows the growth of multiple characters and delves deep into a traditional Ireland that had harsh consequences and little resources for women in need. I am a particular fan of Mary’s work as her characters and stories create a feeling of authenticity. Mary explores her characters’ flaws and weaknesses (without idolising or putting anyone on a pedestal) in a way that makes her books so relatable and so realistic. A brilliant story, admirable characters, and a must-read!

[Michele Cluskey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well paced and thoughtfully structured, Mary Minnock’s second novel captivates from the first page to the last. This is another satisfying read from an emerging author with a distinct voice. The story delicately explores the evolving relationship between friends and lovers, Mag and Dennis, spanning several decades. The narrative deepens with an element of mystery and suspense following the tragic death of their beloved daughter in a car accident. This heartbreaking loss ultimately draws Mag and Dennis back together after years apart, illustrating that love once lost is never truly forgotten.

[Elisabeth PETITJEAN · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!
I loved the characters!
I loved the plot!

The writing flows beautifully—you never want to stop reading and keep turning the pages to find out what happens next.
Every emotion felt by the two main characters, Mag and Dennis, reaches us directly.
I especially loved the passages that recount their shared past; they gradually help us understand how they ended up where they are.
I also enjoyed being transported to Ireland—to Dublin, Trinity College, and the Terenure neighborhood.

When is the next book coming out?

[Mathilde Viret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Lost is a beautifully told story about family, grief, falling in and out of love… and the mystery of Ciara’s death had me gripped. I came to care so much about the characters who we get to know so well. I especially had such a soft spot for Mag, who’s been through so much. Loved this book !

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be sent a copy & I loved this just as much as Mary's debut Homesick (go check it out). Yes, there is grief, but there's SO much more, so dont let that put you off. I raged, cried, laughed & sympathised with each character. The 70s & 80s really were a different time in ireland.

[OLGA A J LYONS]

Really enjoyed this book.

A separated couple devastated by
the death of their beloved daughter are brought on the journey of solving a crime and looking back on their lives . It was a well written book that had me hooked from the first chapter.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book - hadn't read this author before but will again - tender story of love in real life with all its complexity, challenges & loving - well paced mystery & page turner with lots of humanity - looking forward to next one

[Agnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. It's definitely worth reading.

[Noreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Lost is beautifully written. This story packs a punch with multiple layers and twists that makes it a compelling read.

[Tricia Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read, I’ve heard it said that Mary is a great storyteller and I couldn’t put it better. Well done on another great book and looking forward to your next one.

[Kracekumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent portrayal of loss of loved daughter through well executed story telling with a lot under current Dublin culture spanning 30 years! I promise once pick up, hard to put it down.

[Lynne Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of a very ordinary couple who lose their only child in a car accident but this isn’t a depressing read at all. The story is written with tenderness and care and skillfully shows how the parents cope with their grief while trying to find the answers they need about their daughter’s death. The dual timeline gives the back story to their failed marriage and helps us understand what went wrong. There’s a bit of mystery as to what caused their daughter Ciara’s car accident and a lovely twist at the end which leaves us with hope that Dennis and Mag will survive this trauma and eventually move forward from their grief. A great read.