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Lost & Found Cafe: A Sam Dawson Mystery
On a day-trip to photograph a forgotten cemetery in eastern Wyoming, Sam Dawson and his daughter Sidney stop for lunch at an isolated cafe with no name in the least populated place in America. Each of the five people in the cafe has a story to tell. Each reveals the haunting secrets in their lives that will overshadow the reality of two murders and the threat of a violent storm-all of which collide on this single afternoon.
The mysterious dishwasher seeks revenge against the man who has destroyed his life. The glib and sarcastic waitress has found temporary refuge from an abusive husband. The attractive woman customer is in search of the father who raised then abandoned her. Sam is at a crossroads both in his career and personal life yet continues to fall victim to his emotions and insatiable curiosity. Sidney is losing her vision, hearing, and opportunity for a personal relationship that even her wealth and legal training cannot correct.
As in his other award-winning novels, Steven W. Horn perfectly blends humor with pathos and poignancy to probe the depths of human character and the boundaries people will bend or break to protect their secrets and the people they love.
The mysterious dishwasher seeks revenge against the man who has destroyed his life. The glib and sarcastic waitress has found temporary refuge from an abusive husband. The attractive woman customer is in search of the father who raised then abandoned her. Sam is at a crossroads both in his career and personal life yet continues to fall victim to his emotions and insatiable curiosity. Sidney is losing her vision, hearing, and opportunity for a personal relationship that even her wealth and legal training cannot correct.
As in his other award-winning novels, Steven W. Horn perfectly blends humor with pathos and poignancy to probe the depths of human character and the boundaries people will bend or break to protect their secrets and the people they love.
328 pages, Hardcover
Published July 10, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 14, 2025
Lost & Found Cafe: A Sam Dawson Mystery (Hardcover)
by Steven W Horn
Steven Horn must have dug deep to bring this series to an eventual end. As a reader of the series I hope he finds a way to find more stories with Sam, and Sydney. The book looks at the nature of war, the regret of war issues, and the need to find responsibility of the past. The individual lives of five people find themselves on a crossroad. This train of no escape is compounded over and over as each revelation of the past lives of these five strangers. Their history shows the nature of politics and governance of the government bring into question the individuals need for peace and representation.
The Dawson series shows how the Vietnam war has affected its soldiers. The politics of that time twisted the nature of war of that time left many of the men whom fought with regret. Horn shows how the past can affect us and overcoming it is the hardest part. I am sad to see the series hinting its end.
by Steven W Horn
Steven Horn must have dug deep to bring this series to an eventual end. As a reader of the series I hope he finds a way to find more stories with Sam, and Sydney. The book looks at the nature of war, the regret of war issues, and the need to find responsibility of the past. The individual lives of five people find themselves on a crossroad. This train of no escape is compounded over and over as each revelation of the past lives of these five strangers. Their history shows the nature of politics and governance of the government bring into question the individuals need for peace and representation.
The Dawson series shows how the Vietnam war has affected its soldiers. The politics of that time twisted the nature of war of that time left many of the men whom fought with regret. Horn shows how the past can affect us and overcoming it is the hardest part. I am sad to see the series hinting its end.
August 11, 2025
It is very rare that you come upon a book that is so well written, so full of detail and just so good that you never want it to end. Lost & Found Cafe is that book. From the beginning, I knew that I was not going to be able to put it down until it was done.
The author brings out the human spirit and feelings - happiness, sadness, despair like no one else. This may be Horn's best book ever. Quite honestly, I don't see how he can top it.
If you are looking for an intriguing read, please pick this one up. It is a perfect read.
The author brings out the human spirit and feelings - happiness, sadness, despair like no one else. This may be Horn's best book ever. Quite honestly, I don't see how he can top it.
If you are looking for an intriguing read, please pick this one up. It is a perfect read.
March 20, 2026
Lost & Found Cafe is a tightly plotted, character driven mystery that keeps readers on edge while exploring the complexities of human emotion and resilience.
In this installment of the Sam Dawson series, photographer Sam Dawson and his daughter Sidney find themselves trapped in an isolated Wyoming cafe, where secrets, revenge, and murder collide in a single fateful afternoon. Horn’s storytelling shines in the way he balances suspense with the emotional depth of his characters each patron in the cafe carries a story that slowly unfolds, revealing the fragility, courage, and flaws of human nature.
The novel stands out for its blend of tension, humor, and poignancy. From the menacing storm outside to the hidden dramas of the cafe’s patrons, every scene feels alive and purposeful. Horn expertly navigates multiple perspectives without ever losing focus, making each revelation hit with impact.
Sam Dawson is a relatable and thoughtful protagonist, while Sidney adds an emotional core that grounds the story. Their interactions and struggles add a layer of warmth and realism amidst the suspense.
With sharp writing, immersive pacing, and a satisfying mix of mystery and human drama, Lost & Found Cafe is a must read for fans of contemporary mysteries that offer more than just plot twiststhey provide insight into the human heart.
In this installment of the Sam Dawson series, photographer Sam Dawson and his daughter Sidney find themselves trapped in an isolated Wyoming cafe, where secrets, revenge, and murder collide in a single fateful afternoon. Horn’s storytelling shines in the way he balances suspense with the emotional depth of his characters each patron in the cafe carries a story that slowly unfolds, revealing the fragility, courage, and flaws of human nature.
The novel stands out for its blend of tension, humor, and poignancy. From the menacing storm outside to the hidden dramas of the cafe’s patrons, every scene feels alive and purposeful. Horn expertly navigates multiple perspectives without ever losing focus, making each revelation hit with impact.
Sam Dawson is a relatable and thoughtful protagonist, while Sidney adds an emotional core that grounds the story. Their interactions and struggles add a layer of warmth and realism amidst the suspense.
With sharp writing, immersive pacing, and a satisfying mix of mystery and human drama, Lost & Found Cafe is a must read for fans of contemporary mysteries that offer more than just plot twiststhey provide insight into the human heart.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews