Lost Cause

Lost Lake Locators #3

by Susan Sleeman

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 Lost 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 history. But when he can’t prove it or find the heirloom, his supervisor tells him to move on.

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?

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 3, 2025

About the author

SUSAN SLEEMAN is the bestselling author of over sixty romantic suspense and mystery novels with more than two million books sold. She writes romantic suspense novels that are clean with inspiring messages of faith. Readers love her series for the well-drawn characters and edge-of-your-seat action. She graduated from the FBI and local police citizen academies, so her research is spot-on and her characters are real.

In addition to writing, Susan also hosts The Suspense Zone. She has lived in nine states but now calls Oregon home. Her husband is a retired church music director, and they have two beautiful daughters, two special sons-in-law, and four amazing grandsons

Reviews

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great third installment in the Lost Lake Locaters series. When a valuable artifact goes missing, the owner calls in the LLL as well as the police. Abby from LLL and Burke, a detective, had worked together on a previous investigation and clashed with each other when Abby was a sheriff. Now the two of them have to work together investigating the theft, but this time, Burke has jurisdiction. Although the two of them are attracted to each other, they each have personal struggles.
Lost Cause was an interesting story with twists and turns, secrets, and danger. I enjoyed how Abby, a believer, showed patience to Victor, the owner and an unbeliever, who became reclusive and hasn't stepped outside his mansion after his wife went missing years ago. Terrific read with suspense, romance, and faith elements.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can hardly fathom the life Victor was living hidden away in his own mansion on an island with minimal contact with the outside world for over thirty years other than a part-time housekeeper and a part-time business manager. He had allowed his property to get in an awful condition because he never went outside to take inventory of the place and did not want workmen on his property. After discovering a valuable artifact was missing from its secret hiding place, he called in the Lost Lake Locators to find the artifact, and he also reported the theft to the police. LLL really needs this job because of their shaky financial condition, but the police have the authority to block them from coming on the property, which is essential in order for them to search for clues. The whole situation was like an onion with so many layers to peel away before they could hope to get to the truth. Abby and Burke worked on one other case together when she was a sheriff where they fought their attraction and clashed over details such as jurisdiction and protocols. Now, they are at it again. As the police detective, Burke has jurisdiction, but Abby is representing her company, LLL, that was contacted to find the artifact. Abby and Burke were both Christians but they both had their own personal struggles which could sabotage both a working relationship as well as a romantic relationship. I loved the way that Abby sought to help Victor overcome his fears and concerns. The elderly gentleman was a non-believer, but she accepted that challenge in stride and worked to lead him toward belief which she was certain would help him with so many of his other issues. The story really took some wild turns with a lot of unexpected details coming to light. I received an advance copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[Marylin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever I pick up a book written by Susan Sleeman, I know it will be full of action, suspense, drama, and bits of romance. In this new book, there is all that and more.
This time, the author throws a few twists and turns along the way, and I came away shaking my head!
Wow! At one point, I even stopped reading and had to tell my husband all about it!
This is the third book in the Lost Lake Locators series, and we get to know more about Abby Day. She’s a strong woman who knows how to get the information she needs, but she also has a tender side.
In this story, there’s a castle/mansion, a missing treasure, and so many strange, interesting moments. Some are even a bit mind-blowing.
Susan Sleeman is a mastermind at bringing just the right amount of suspense to all her books. You don’t know how it’s all going to end up until the very end!
This is what makes a fantastic author!
The reader gets so tangled up in the story that they don’t want to put it down. I know I didn’t even want to sleep because I just had to read one more chapter!
If you love action, suspense, and intrigue, I highly recommend you pick up this book and start reading!
However, I need to warn you that once you start reading, you won’t be able to stop!
Like I said, I stayed up way too late to finish this book. WOW!
I was given this book by the publisher, which did not influence my review in any way; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this latest addition to this clean, Christian romance series, we are back in Oregon with the Lost Lake Locators. A group dedicated to finding lost individuals or items missing. This time the story belongs to team member Abby Day and detective Burke Ulrich.
Detective Burke is very detailed oriented and by the book man who has been betrayed in more ways than one . The effects of that betrayal almost cost him his job. Abby Day, a former sheriff, is very resourceful and also dedicated to her job.
This time, in addition to the police report, Lost Lake Locators is hired to find a missing artifact/heirloom belonging to an elderly man that lives in a secluded island.
Imagine their surprise when Abby and Burke find themselves working together . A year ago , while she was still a sheriff, they didn’t always see eye to eye in a case , causing friction between them.
But a truce is formed and as they work together they find themselves not only cooperating with each other, but also appreciating the other’s suggestions and help.
What seemed like a clear cut search unveils old mysteries and questions on “whodunit”, delivering another engaging plot with strong characters that are perfect in their imperfections.
If you have read other series by the author, you’ll be pleased to “visit” with some of them as they unite with Abby and Burke to discover the truth.
This was another winner in the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Marilyn Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three in the Lost Lake Locators series; however, I truly believe it works beautifully as a stand-alone read. While you may miss a bit of backstory with some of the supporting characters, and especially with Abby Day, who is the main focus of this book, you won’t feel lost at all. Of course, you will miss out on some fantastic reads from the earlier books, but this story gives you everything you need to fully enjoy it on its own.

I am a huge fan of Susan Sleeman, and she once again delivers a story that keeps you fully intrigued from beginning to end. One of the things I love most about her writing is the way she intertwines characters and storylines across various series. If you’ve read her other books, you’ll enjoy reconnecting with familiar faces, but if this is your first introduction to her work, you’ll still be able to follow along easily and get swept right into the mystery.

I really enjoyed getting to know Detective Burke Ulrich and reconnecting with Abby Day. Their dynamic, combined with the tension and danger surrounding the case, kept me flipping the pages. This book definitely has its twists and turns, exactly what I’ve come to expect, and appreciate, from Susan Sleeman.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion, and honestly, it did not disappoint. If you enjoy clean mystery, suspense, and a touch of romance, you’re going to love this one.

[Glenda Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review today is on the Christian Romantic Suspense, Lost Cause. This is book three in the series Lost Lake Locators. I'm a huge fan of Susan's work. I simply don't know where she comes up with her ideas. So many authors just write all their books with one basic story, just changing characters and locations. Susan's are totally different. This book is full of secret passages, hidden safes, and long kept secrets. I know you are going to love this one.

The Lost Lake Locators are having a cash flow issue so they take a case of a theft of a family heirloom. The man that hired them is an eighty something recluse. Abby Day is sent out to take the case, they really need the money from this case.. She was once a sheriff and could surely handle this case. Then to her horror a detective should up to take the case. The one man she never wanted to see again.

Detective Burke Ulrich is a by the book detective. A no nonsense type of man. He had some issues at work so this new case was really important. He had to prove himself but then he found Abby Day at the scene. This would not be good. They had worked together before. How could he trust her.

A mysterious Journey full of twists and turns. God has a plan for these two. A good plan for hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. A plan for peace and not for destruction. Give Him your heart and watch what He will do for you.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a decidedly different story that kept me enthralled the entire time. A recluse on an island off the Oregon Coast discovers a valuable family heirloom missing and calls in former sheriff Abby Day and detective Burke Ulrich to investigate. Victor, the recluse, hasn't left the island in decades and his mansion is in serious disrepair - yes, it's fairly creepy! I was personally wondering how he continued to sleep there day after day! Abby and Burke have history on a previous case where they had conflict but at the same time were attracted to each other. This time it proves to be the same thing except that they are in different places in their lives. Trust is definitely difficult for them due to past issues. As they work the case, danger finds them and Victor. The island holds many secrets past and present. Victor's wife disappeared decades ago. Does that have any bearing to what is happening now? Who is going after Victor? Where will the clues lead them?
As usual with this author, the forensics are top-notch! The plot is fantastic, and the characters are well developed. I can always depend on an excellent faith element too. By the end of the book, I always want it to be "just one more chapter".

[Julie Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lost Lake Locators have been hired by an elderly client to find a lost artifact. When former sheriff Abby Day shows up on the island their client lives on she is greeted by a mansion that is in disrepair. The front door is wide open but nobody seems to be home. Then detective Burke Ulrich shows up. Abby and Burke have worked together before. There is an attraction there, but neither are in a place to act on it. Abby has no need in her life for controlling people and Burke is very controlling. Burke has trust issues where women are concerned so there is no way he would act on his attraction for Abby. Can these two work together to find out the secrets of a buried past or will they both let down the people that count on them the most?

I loved the creepiness of when Abby first arrived on the island. Fog, mansion in disrepair, nobody around. So perfectly creepy! I liked Burke and Abby's characters. I liked as they opened up to each other their ability to become vulnerable. I loved that even though Abby wasn't close to the Lord she was still willing to help and comfort someone by praying for them and with them. The spiritual lessons learned throughout the story are always much appreciated and real to life. I'm looking forward to the rest of the Lost Lake teams stories!

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost Cause is a riveting, hard-to-put-down addition to the Lost Lake Locators series. This story features Detective Burke Ulrich and private investigator Abby Day who embark on a criminal investigation involving an heirloom stolen from a secluded estate belonging to recluse Victor Lemoine. This investigation leads to a larger investigation unearthing long-hidden family secrets and a murder. The vividly described creepy house setting on Oregon's fictional Ravenbrook Island heightens the mystery and suspense. I felt like I was there uncovering each new piece of evidence! Burke and Abby's past relationship was one of conflict but also attraction. Working together again, they are falling for each other, but trust is a major obstacle. I love the way their relationship develops despite the danger and mistrust. I appreciate the strong faith thread emphasizing the power of prayer and seeking God's will. If you are looking for a read with a well-paced plot filled with surprising twists, expertly crafted characters, a bit of sweet romance, and inspiring faith, I highly recommend this one.
I read an early copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives all of the creepy Halloween heist vibes. A mostly abandoned mansion on an offshore island, a long missing spouse who is presumed dead, a stolen treasure, boat chases, kidnapping, and an unidentified dead body…all wrapped up in a thrilling package!

The crime in Lost Cause takes place away from Lost Lake, so it’s a bit of a departure from the other books in this series. The other Lost Lake Locators do show up, though, and I loved Abby so much that I didn’t mind. She’s smart, brave, and mature – not to mention gorgeous – so it’s no stretch to believe that Burke falls for her so fast. His character arc works well with hers, since he has a bit farther to go before he’s ready for a relationship, so he needs someone steady and even tempered to match him.

I loved how the story pulls you in from the very first page, and it never lets you go. Read this one when you have time to go all the way through it in one sitting, because you’re not going to be able to stop until you know who the thief is!!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost Cause by Susan Sleeman
Lost Lake Locators Series Book Three
Abby Day, a former sheriff, is sent to investigate a theft. The elderly man she finds at the mansion on the island seems to be holding back from her, making her wonder whether he was involved in the theft. But soon enough, there are plenty of other suspects—and secrets. And worst of all, she has to work with a detective she’d worked with on a case from her sheriff days. A very handsome detective.
Detective Burke Ulrich couldn’t believe he had to work with Abby again. After his fiancée left him at the altar, his distrust of beautiful women went up. And Abby was beautiful. It’s hard for him to trust her and her team, thinking they were going to go behind his back. He manages to struggle past that and work with them.
Another exciting suspense for the LLL team. I love it when books revisit characters from other stories, such as those from Blackwell Tactical and the Veritas team.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Mary Hake · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s fun to read books in Susan Sleeman’s series because she includes interconnections with characters and teams from her other series, showcasing their expertise in the crime-solving investigations. This novel begins with an intriguing incident in an old mansion on a lonely island off the coast of Oregon. An elderly, wealthy hermit discovers a valuable heirloom missing and calls on the Lost Lake Locators to help find it. They uncover much more than a simple theft and end up involving many associates to help find out what really happened and who was behind it. Packed with twists and surprises, the suspense keeps readers engaged and rushing on to learn more. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Ethelann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost Cause was another excellent book by Susan Sleeman. Abby Day is a member of the Lost Lake Locators investigative team, called by a reclusive gentleman to find a precious family heirloom. The detective she has to work with, Burke Ulrich is not happy working with a PI because they've interfered too much with his cases. But Abby is a former sheriff and knows her stuff.
As they work together the case gets weirder and weirder and every lead just opens up to a new puzzle.
Now with someone willing to kill to stop them, will they even get it solved.
This books ending was mind blowing, my jaw literally dropped as the villain was revealed!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always interesting to see the interaction between police detectives and private detectives and this story highlights that - times two. Both Burke and Abby have worked together before (when Abby was a sheriff) but she now works for a private agency and Burke has a problem with that. This is HIS case. But with a very wealthy client/citizen involved, who is also elderly, they have to learn to work together to figure out the theft - or if there was a theft - while figuring out if they can trust this elderly man. Action and suspense, lots of clues to follow, and great character interaction makes this a "must read" book. This is a stand alone book, even though it is the third in a series, but you may want to read the others after reading this one. I received an advance copy from the author but all opinions are my own.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Twisty Mystery

This mystery hooked me from page one! There were plenty of twists and turns, a few red herrings, a budding romance between Burke and Abby, and a group of characters I grew to love! This is my favorite of the Lost Lake Locators books so far, although all are very much worth a read. I like the characters, getting to know the members of the LLL group, and a few appearances by characters from some of her other series. Any book could be read as a stand-alone, but I personally enjoy getting to watch the various relationships develop and then get a chance to “catch up” with them in later books.

[Candy gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspense

Times 3. Excellent mystery with lots of who what where and wait a minute. Once you start this book,make sure you have plenty of time to read because you won’t be able to put it down.

[Becky Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Story of Suspense & Mystery

I look forward to each new story and am confident that I will find stories filled with mystery and suspense. Also great characters that I enjoy meeting again and again. Once again, I can't wait to read the next book.

[Adair · Rating 3 out of 5]

do enjoy the way people from the other series by Susan Sleeman make appearances in her other books and they keep growing as interact with each other. A little mystery and a dead body or two always makes for a good rainy day

[Renee Helton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book.
Great Story and wonderful characters.
Full of action and plot twists.
Looking forward to reading more books by this author.

[Hope A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

Lots of twists and turns and I didn’t see that coming moments! Lost Locators is an inspiring series! Susan never disappoints in any of her series!

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read