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Lost + Found: A Douglas Mountain Mystery
Ananda is a loser. Well, not really, but there's a pattern of loss forming that she can no longer ignore. After losing her job, boyfriend, and apartment, Ana is being forced to start her life over again. Out of options, she leaves Vancouver in her trusted Subaru for a dreaded stay with her parents five hours away.
Along the way on a whim, she discovers the quaint and peaceful village of Douglas Mountain, situated near Whistler. But as with all small towns, things are not what they seem. Ana finds herself with an opportunity to finally use her journalism degree for good - a woman goes missing and Ana stumbles into a lead that no one else has.
With limited experience, she befriends the locals, including her lovely new landlord, a sleazy but sexy RCMP Constable, and a ruggedly handsome tech nerd. As she gets closer to finding the truth, what Ana is confronted with is greater than she anticipated. Emotions and evidence become confusing, and Ana is unsure of who she can trust.
Will she find the missing woman or will this case be her final loss?
Along the way on a whim, she discovers the quaint and peaceful village of Douglas Mountain, situated near Whistler. But as with all small towns, things are not what they seem. Ana finds herself with an opportunity to finally use her journalism degree for good - a woman goes missing and Ana stumbles into a lead that no one else has.
With limited experience, she befriends the locals, including her lovely new landlord, a sleazy but sexy RCMP Constable, and a ruggedly handsome tech nerd. As she gets closer to finding the truth, what Ana is confronted with is greater than she anticipated. Emotions and evidence become confusing, and Ana is unsure of who she can trust.
Will she find the missing woman or will this case be her final loss?
- GenresMystery
247 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2025
2 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Nichelle Schulz
1 book4 followersSometimes fun. Sometimes spooky. Always Canadian.
Nichelle has the privilege of living in the Cariboo region of British Columbia, Canada, with her husband and their furry babies. She is a recent graduate of Simon Fraser University’s creative writing program, The Writer’s Studio.
After having written hundreds of reports in her advertising job, she decided she wanted to write something fun for a change. She enjoys writing all types of speculative fiction, from cozy to scary, and always Canadian.
She is known by friends for her dark humour, which she hopes comes through in her work. When she is not writing she likes to spend time with family, paint, watch horror movies, and of course, read.
Nichelle has the privilege of living in the Cariboo region of British Columbia, Canada, with her husband and their furry babies. She is a recent graduate of Simon Fraser University’s creative writing program, The Writer’s Studio.
After having written hundreds of reports in her advertising job, she decided she wanted to write something fun for a change. She enjoys writing all types of speculative fiction, from cozy to scary, and always Canadian.
She is known by friends for her dark humour, which she hopes comes through in her work. When she is not writing she likes to spend time with family, paint, watch horror movies, and of course, read.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 9, 2025
Ana isn’t a loser but gosh she needs to find her stride. She’s also so right, Vancouver rentals are insane
WHO IS ANANDA, Really?
« Don’t betray me like that again! » oh gosh, absolutely died laughing.
Loved the way the book was written, very quick dialogue and a fun read. Kept me guessing too!
Thank you for the ARC!!
WHO IS ANANDA, Really?
« Don’t betray me like that again! » oh gosh, absolutely died laughing.
Loved the way the book was written, very quick dialogue and a fun read. Kept me guessing too!
Thank you for the ARC!!
February 11, 2025
Lost + Found, the first book in the Douglas Mountain Mystery series, was an absolute delight. While I typically gravitate toward psychological thrillers, this character-driven mystery hooked me in a different way…by making me fall in love with its main character , Ana!!
Ana is at a crossroads in life, having lost her job, boyfriend, and apartment all at once. Forced to move back in with her parents, she stumbles upon the small town of Douglas Mountain, nestled near Whistler, BC. What starts as a detour quickly turns into something more when a woman goes missing, and Ana, armed with a journalism degree she’s never really used, finds herself chasing a lead no one else has.
One of the highlights of this book was Ana herself. She’s incredibly relatable, and her journey felt so real that I couldn’t help but root for her. As someone who loved Harriet the Spy as a child, this story gave me a grown-up version of that investigative thrill, complete with small-town charm and an intriguing mystery. Schulz does a fantastic job developing the characters, making the town of Douglas Mountain feel like a place I could visit. The supporting cast, especially Ana’s new acquaintances, including a sleazy-but-sexy RCMP constable and a rugged tech nerd kept things fun and engaging.
While Lost + Found isn’t a high-intensity psychological thriller like I’m used to reading, it’s a quick, fun read that kept me turning the pages, eager to see if Ana would solve the case. The balance of mystery and character development made it feel fresh and engaging, and the setting in British Columbia added a touch of nostalgia for me being my home province.
I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series …I can’t wait to spend more time with Ana and see what mystery she stumbles into next!
Thank you to Nichelle Schulz for allowing me an ARC of this book I will be for sure buying it for my shelf once it launches on Feb 25.
Ana is at a crossroads in life, having lost her job, boyfriend, and apartment all at once. Forced to move back in with her parents, she stumbles upon the small town of Douglas Mountain, nestled near Whistler, BC. What starts as a detour quickly turns into something more when a woman goes missing, and Ana, armed with a journalism degree she’s never really used, finds herself chasing a lead no one else has.
One of the highlights of this book was Ana herself. She’s incredibly relatable, and her journey felt so real that I couldn’t help but root for her. As someone who loved Harriet the Spy as a child, this story gave me a grown-up version of that investigative thrill, complete with small-town charm and an intriguing mystery. Schulz does a fantastic job developing the characters, making the town of Douglas Mountain feel like a place I could visit. The supporting cast, especially Ana’s new acquaintances, including a sleazy-but-sexy RCMP constable and a rugged tech nerd kept things fun and engaging.
While Lost + Found isn’t a high-intensity psychological thriller like I’m used to reading, it’s a quick, fun read that kept me turning the pages, eager to see if Ana would solve the case. The balance of mystery and character development made it feel fresh and engaging, and the setting in British Columbia added a touch of nostalgia for me being my home province.
I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series …I can’t wait to spend more time with Ana and see what mystery she stumbles into next!
Thank you to Nichelle Schulz for allowing me an ARC of this book I will be for sure buying it for my shelf once it launches on Feb 25.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2025
As soon as I saw the summary of this book I knew I had to read it!! Mysterious disappearance of a local woman? Morally grey RCMP officer? Cozy, quaint mountain town in British Columbia? Sign me up!!
This book truly was a cozy mystery novel perfect for a rainy day (which is easy to come by in BC). I enjoyed getting to know the characters in this book who each had their own big personalities. I admired Ana’s perseverance and determination. She is not one to sit around feeling sorry for herself. Instead, she is a girl who gets stuff done!
As a Canadian girl, stories set in Canada will always have a special place in my heart. Brb booking a weekend trip to Whistler right now!
Thank you for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This book truly was a cozy mystery novel perfect for a rainy day (which is easy to come by in BC). I enjoyed getting to know the characters in this book who each had their own big personalities. I admired Ana’s perseverance and determination. She is not one to sit around feeling sorry for herself. Instead, she is a girl who gets stuff done!
As a Canadian girl, stories set in Canada will always have a special place in my heart. Brb booking a weekend trip to Whistler right now!
Thank you for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
February 9, 2025
Michael Connelly meets Nora Roberts. Couldn't put it down, needed to see where the trail was leading and who might be the guilty party. It was interesting to watch the protagonist grow, gain confidence but still had a host of internal struggles to work through. Many twists throughout, providing the reader with many opportunities to pause, reflect and try to figure out what will happen next. I would recommend this book to any reader that likes intrigue with a little romance (read smut) thrown in.
February 10, 2025
This was a fun mystery novel with some romance and a dash of spice. I’m from BC so it was exciting to read something where I knew the different places referred too. Ananda was a weird, funny and relatable character who pulls herself out of rock bottom. I’d totally share a pirate jug of wine with her.
Overall I liked the writing/dialogue between characters and the plot kept me intrigued!
Thank you for the ARC!
Overall I liked the writing/dialogue between characters and the plot kept me intrigued!
Thank you for the ARC!
March 18, 2025
This was an okay read.
As a journalist who used to live 45 minutes north of Whistler, on the Sea to Sky Highway, I had some qualms with the story. The biggest one I just could NOT get past was the location of Mt. Douglas… because it’s actually located on the island… not the mainland…
My other issue was the way the story is written. It was a lot of telling not showing… yanno? I want to experience the story and I didn’t feel that with this read. The MC was also super annoying to me. Self deprecation is just not for me.
Not a horrible read but not one I would reread.
As a journalist who used to live 45 minutes north of Whistler, on the Sea to Sky Highway, I had some qualms with the story. The biggest one I just could NOT get past was the location of Mt. Douglas… because it’s actually located on the island… not the mainland…
My other issue was the way the story is written. It was a lot of telling not showing… yanno? I want to experience the story and I didn’t feel that with this read. The MC was also super annoying to me. Self deprecation is just not for me.
Not a horrible read but not one I would reread.
February 13, 2025
I was pleasantly surprised by this charming Canadian Cozy Mystery with a hint of Romance.
The use of Canadian expressions, like "toque," and the vivid descriptions of the Canadian landscape really added to the charm. Ananda was a fascinating character, and her development throughout the story felt just right. What stood out most to me was the warm Canadian hospitality and the true-to-life portrayal of small-town life — a reflection of the friendliness we Canadians are known for.
As always, I love a great cast of supporting characters, and this book delivered plenty of memorable ones. I'm excited to see what Nichelle has in store next!
Thank you Nichelle for an ARC copy of this and my honest review.
The use of Canadian expressions, like "toque," and the vivid descriptions of the Canadian landscape really added to the charm. Ananda was a fascinating character, and her development throughout the story felt just right. What stood out most to me was the warm Canadian hospitality and the true-to-life portrayal of small-town life — a reflection of the friendliness we Canadians are known for.
As always, I love a great cast of supporting characters, and this book delivered plenty of memorable ones. I'm excited to see what Nichelle has in store next!
Thank you Nichelle for an ARC copy of this and my honest review.
February 24, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ I read an ARC copy and was pleasantly surprised. A lighthearted rom com mystery based in BC, made for a fun quick read
February 13, 2025
I needed a read like this! A super cozy mystery with a dash of romance and a beautiful (CANADIAN!) setting. This follows the FMC as she gets fired from a job she hates and then kicked out by her roommate all within the same time frame. Instead of throwing a pity party, she "runs away" to Douglas Mountain to clear her head and figure out what her next steps are. Things pick up real quick for her after a case of mistaken identity sends her down an investigative path, trying to solve what happened. There's mystery, lying, attempted murder, the FMC has such great character development, there's loveable side characters, and a twist I didn't see coming! I highly recommend checking this one out, I couldn't put it down once I started!
Thank you for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
February 16, 2025
2.5/5
Thank you for the ARC copy! I always love a chance to test out work from newer authors.
To start with the pros, the story was actually well developed and interesting. The characters and their motivations were clear so it was easy to follow. At first I found the main character to be a little too whiny but she grew on me, and by the halfway point I was invested. The setting was also well done, the small town vibes were clear and I love that we're starting to see more books set in places aside from the states. You could also definitely tell it was written by a BC local!
The main issue I had with this was the writing, it was a lot of telling rather than showing so it made the story feel more like it was being told to me rather than us experiencing it with the main character. I also think time jumps could have been used more because it felt like we saw too many unnecessary moments in her day like every single piece of food she ate and every little movement, when really all we need to see are things that move the story forward. These things made the book feel really long and dragging which is a shame because the story was actually really interesting.
I hope this book is one that gets reworked or edited more heavily because if the technical issues were tightened up, I'd absolutely give this book 5 stars!
Thank you for the ARC copy! I always love a chance to test out work from newer authors.
To start with the pros, the story was actually well developed and interesting. The characters and their motivations were clear so it was easy to follow. At first I found the main character to be a little too whiny but she grew on me, and by the halfway point I was invested. The setting was also well done, the small town vibes were clear and I love that we're starting to see more books set in places aside from the states. You could also definitely tell it was written by a BC local!
The main issue I had with this was the writing, it was a lot of telling rather than showing so it made the story feel more like it was being told to me rather than us experiencing it with the main character. I also think time jumps could have been used more because it felt like we saw too many unnecessary moments in her day like every single piece of food she ate and every little movement, when really all we need to see are things that move the story forward. These things made the book feel really long and dragging which is a shame because the story was actually really interesting.
I hope this book is one that gets reworked or edited more heavily because if the technical issues were tightened up, I'd absolutely give this book 5 stars!
February 20, 2025
A Witty, Charming Mystery with a Small-Town Heart!
Lost + Found by Nichelle Schulz is the kind of mystery that draws you in with its charm and keeps you hooked with its clever storytelling. At its core is a quirky, quick-witted amateur sleuth named Ana who’s so relatable and endearing that you’ll feel like you’ve been friends for years. Her sharp observations and down-to-earth personality will have you chuckling alongside her the whole way through! Ana navigates the twists and turns of her own life and those of the case with humour, self-awareness, and a refreshing authenticity. Beyond the mystery itself, the book delivers character growth and relationships that evolve in a real and genuine way.
But it’s not just the mystery and characters that shine. Schulz beautifully captures the spirit of small-town British Columbia, making the setting feel like another character in the story. The hidden gems, food, local personalities, and cozy small-town quirks add an irresistible layer of charm that fans of small-town mysteries will adore. And as a Canadian author, Schulz lets our country shine—there’s an unmistakable Canadian warmth and wit woven throughout the story.
I can’t wait to see what Nichelle Schulz does next!
Lost + Found by Nichelle Schulz is the kind of mystery that draws you in with its charm and keeps you hooked with its clever storytelling. At its core is a quirky, quick-witted amateur sleuth named Ana who’s so relatable and endearing that you’ll feel like you’ve been friends for years. Her sharp observations and down-to-earth personality will have you chuckling alongside her the whole way through! Ana navigates the twists and turns of her own life and those of the case with humour, self-awareness, and a refreshing authenticity. Beyond the mystery itself, the book delivers character growth and relationships that evolve in a real and genuine way.
But it’s not just the mystery and characters that shine. Schulz beautifully captures the spirit of small-town British Columbia, making the setting feel like another character in the story. The hidden gems, food, local personalities, and cozy small-town quirks add an irresistible layer of charm that fans of small-town mysteries will adore. And as a Canadian author, Schulz lets our country shine—there’s an unmistakable Canadian warmth and wit woven throughout the story.
I can’t wait to see what Nichelle Schulz does next!
February 24, 2025
An excellent mystery that wasn't too angsty but kept me interested and intrigued.
Ana/Ananda's life implodes at the start of the book when she is fired and kicked out of her apartment in the span of a few hours. She makes plans to move back to her parents' for a time but decided to first use some severance to getaway and think. She ends up in Douglas Mountain where she finds herself investigating a story involving a missing woman.
I really liked how self reflective Ana was and how she didn't just throw a tantrum and blame other people for her life being an absolute disaster. She sat with it, she reflected and she acknowledged her faults & errors and took steps to repair relationship and do better. Love a FMC that isn't a weak baby.
I liked the characters in this story and was invested in what was happening. My brain liked the writing style and didn't find it difficult to follow the plot or keep track fo what we had learned so far and who everyone was.
I really appreciate the opportunity to read this book in advance.
If you're like me and enjoy a good mystery, you should definitely check this one out!
Ana/Ananda's life implodes at the start of the book when she is fired and kicked out of her apartment in the span of a few hours. She makes plans to move back to her parents' for a time but decided to first use some severance to getaway and think. She ends up in Douglas Mountain where she finds herself investigating a story involving a missing woman.
I really liked how self reflective Ana was and how she didn't just throw a tantrum and blame other people for her life being an absolute disaster. She sat with it, she reflected and she acknowledged her faults & errors and took steps to repair relationship and do better. Love a FMC that isn't a weak baby.
I liked the characters in this story and was invested in what was happening. My brain liked the writing style and didn't find it difficult to follow the plot or keep track fo what we had learned so far and who everyone was.
I really appreciate the opportunity to read this book in advance.
If you're like me and enjoy a good mystery, you should definitely check this one out!
February 19, 2025
I really enjoyed this small town cozy mystery!
Living in a small Canadian town myself I found myself immersed in the setting and happy to keep returning to Ananda’s cozy cottage and follow her as she explored the town. She was a fun quirky character who was super easy to root for.
I loved the underlying mystery, and the dash of romance and spice between her and Ronnie just tied everything together. He was a really sweet character, I loved how protective he was of Ana. This book also made me hungry with all the takeout and yummy food references.
Overall this was an enjoyable read that kept me hooked from chapter one. I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys a mystery, small town setting and fun characters!
Thank you Nichelle for the ARC copy!
Living in a small Canadian town myself I found myself immersed in the setting and happy to keep returning to Ananda’s cozy cottage and follow her as she explored the town. She was a fun quirky character who was super easy to root for.
I loved the underlying mystery, and the dash of romance and spice between her and Ronnie just tied everything together. He was a really sweet character, I loved how protective he was of Ana. This book also made me hungry with all the takeout and yummy food references.
Overall this was an enjoyable read that kept me hooked from chapter one. I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys a mystery, small town setting and fun characters!
Thank you Nichelle for the ARC copy!
February 16, 2025
While mystery is not the genre that I gravitate to, I was intrigued by the premise of this story as well as the touch of romance and I enjoyed the story a lot.
I loved how real the characters were, they had realistic flaws and traumas and well rounded backstories. Ana was right off the bat an interesting character, she was so down on her luck but still able to pick herself back up and go after what she wants. All the characters have great growth over the course of the book as well.
The case Ana is investigating kept me guessing and I was on the edge of my seat over the last quarter of the book as things unfolded.
I also loved the familiarity that came from this book taking place in British Columbia, it added to the realism of the story for me.
Thank you to the author for a copy of the ARC, I look forward to reading more from Nichelle in the future.
I loved how real the characters were, they had realistic flaws and traumas and well rounded backstories. Ana was right off the bat an interesting character, she was so down on her luck but still able to pick herself back up and go after what she wants. All the characters have great growth over the course of the book as well.
The case Ana is investigating kept me guessing and I was on the edge of my seat over the last quarter of the book as things unfolded.
I also loved the familiarity that came from this book taking place in British Columbia, it added to the realism of the story for me.
Thank you to the author for a copy of the ARC, I look forward to reading more from Nichelle in the future.
February 14, 2025
Who do you trust in a place where you suddenly find yourself starting over? Douglas Mountain is a picturesque small town which becomes a character itself in Lost and Found. I loved reading the descriptions as Ana settles in to her temporary home, imagining walking alongside her, discovering her new life and meeting interesting characters along the way. I was drawn into the characters who become Ana’s inner circle, but never fully trusting any of them! This was a fun, cozy read that keeps you guessing!
ARC provided by BookFunnel
ARC provided by BookFunnel
February 25, 2025
Really enjoyed this book! I found myself going to bed early a few nights so I could fit more reading in as I wasn’t sure what would happen next. Had mystery, suspense and some twists and turns I wasn’t expecting and I love that it was set in my home province of BC! Felt like I got to know the characters well. For me it was the perfect mix of mystery and a bit of romance and I enjoyed seeing Ana’s character development as the plot moved forward. I look forward to reading more from this author!
March 1, 2025
I really loved this book. You could feel the cozy mystery vibe right to the very end it was. Quick fun read with some romance a sprinkle of spice and a whole bunch of mystery and intrigue.
The setting was also well done, being Canadian and living in some of those locations so I could really picture the places it was happening. The whole small town vibe and the feel of the area really fit well. You could tell it was written by a BC local.
The setting was also well done, being Canadian and living in some of those locations so I could really picture the places it was happening. The whole small town vibe and the feel of the area really fit well. You could tell it was written by a BC local.
March 2, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I love a good mystery and this didn’t disappoint. It had me guessing all the way through. It had moments that made me laugh. And if that wasn’t enough, just throw some strong, good looking males into the mix.
The setting was great. I am a BC girl, I could picture the area perfectly. I found her descriptions of here were pretty good.
I look forward to reading more from Nichelle.
Thank you for the ARC Nichelle! I loved it.
The setting was great. I am a BC girl, I could picture the area perfectly. I found her descriptions of here were pretty good.
I look forward to reading more from Nichelle.
Thank you for the ARC Nichelle! I loved it.
February 17, 2025
A beautifully landscaped Canadian mystery novel with wonderfully diverse characters. A captivating small town whodunnit with a strong, obnoxious (but totally necessary) antagonist and twists I did not see coming. The well developed FMC navigated themes of self-discovery, trust, and identity, all while finding love in the process.
Thank you to the author for the ARC opportunity!
Thank you to the author for the ARC opportunity!
April 3, 2025
Lost + Found: A Douglas Mountain Mystery" is a fresh and fun take on the cozy mystery genre, packed with heart, humor, and just the right amount of intrigue. Ana is a fantastic lead—flawed, determined, and easy to root for as she stumbles (sometimes literally) into a local disappearance.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 18, 2025
This novel was delightful! It was easy to read, engaging and I found myself wanting to see what happens. It is a quick light novel and hit the spot for an easy lazy morning spent reading. There are some 🌶️ scenes intermingled in the mystery so romance lovers will rejoice. I will be picking up the second novel when it is available.
February 25, 2025
Oh my goodness!!
This book kept me guessing right from the beginning. I was constantly changing my theories as new information was discovered and the plot twist at the end had me literally gasping.
My flabber was gasted!
I cant recommend enough!
This book kept me guessing right from the beginning. I was constantly changing my theories as new information was discovered and the plot twist at the end had me literally gasping.
My flabber was gasted!
I cant recommend enough!
March 13, 2025
Lost + Found was a decent book. I feel like the love interest was really rushed at first and then all of a sudden kinda went away. The ending of the book was really good though! I definitely wasnt expecting it!
February 13, 2025
Love a Canadian based book!! Easy to follow and loved the plot twist at the end, I was not expecting that!
March 15, 2025
This was a great read! It was an interesting mystery with some unexpected twists. Nichelle did a great job bringing the reader into her world. Can’t wait to read what she writes next!
July 31, 2025
Sweet and spicy small town mystery! As someone from the same area in BC as the author, it was so fun to connect to the locations and small town feel.
October 6, 2025
Enjoyed this Canadian set and written mystery. Captivating and quick read. Looking forward to the next one.
March 31, 2025
I was absolutely infuriated with Ananda’s choices at first but quickly realized that was the point of the character once she self depreciate herself about said choices.
I would have loved to see ananda’s character grow and develop a little more as things started to turn around for her aka make better choices.
Overall this was a quick and fun read especially since I reside in squamish. The author knows how to create a good plot twist and I look forward to reading more from her.
Spoilers*******
I was really rooting she would end up with Garrett since Ronnie is a walking red flag but I guess ananda convinced herself she could fix him. l.o.l
I would have loved to see ananda’s character grow and develop a little more as things started to turn around for her aka make better choices.
Overall this was a quick and fun read especially since I reside in squamish. The author knows how to create a good plot twist and I look forward to reading more from her.
Spoilers*******
I was really rooting she would end up with Garrett since Ronnie is a walking red flag but I guess ananda convinced herself she could fix him. l.o.l
March 17, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! I love the familiar (to me!) BC landscape and the character building. There was some romance, but I would classify this as more of a mystery than a romance novel. It was fun to read about a messy woman finding her stride and her passion, and finding her confidence too. Cozy vibes, despite some of the eerie and dark undertones and scenes.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews