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Lost Lake Locators #4
Lost Lake
A body in the lake. A child missing.
Detective El (Elaina) Lyons is haunted by her past but relentless in her pursuit of justice. When a woman’s body is found in Lost Lake and her child vanishes without a trace, El races against time to solve the crime before it turns into a second tragedy.
A killer and kidnapper still out there.
Enter Gabe Irving—Lost Lake Locator, rogue investigator, and the victim’s best friend. He’s got a personal stake and zero patience for protocol, putting him at immediate odds with El. And at odds with the ongoing interest they’d been fighting for years.
But as tensions rise and secrets surface, it’s clear the case—and the killer—are far more twisted than either expected. Forced to work together, El and Gabe must navigate a maze of lies and danger. Can they find the missing child before it’s too late. . . or will the killer disappear with the sweet little girl?
Detective El (Elaina) Lyons is haunted by her past but relentless in her pursuit of justice. When a woman’s body is found in Lost Lake and her child vanishes without a trace, El races against time to solve the crime before it turns into a second tragedy.
A killer and kidnapper still out there.
Enter Gabe Irving—Lost Lake Locator, rogue investigator, and the victim’s best friend. He’s got a personal stake and zero patience for protocol, putting him at immediate odds with El. And at odds with the ongoing interest they’d been fighting for years.
But as tensions rise and secrets surface, it’s clear the case—and the killer—are far more twisted than either expected. Forced to work together, El and Gabe must navigate a maze of lies and danger. Can they find the missing child before it’s too late. . . or will the killer disappear with the sweet little girl?
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2026
About the author
Susan Sleeman
127 books822 followersSUSAN 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 14, 2026
When Gabe's best friend Kenna calls and tells him she's scared and heading to see him Gabe worries when she doesn't show up. Where could Kenna and her daughter be? Soon Kenna's body is found. But where is Lucy her daughter? Gabe and Elaina, a detective on the force, team up to find Lucy. They know they are racing against the clock to find a killer and an abductor. Will they be able to overcome their pasts to find a lost little girl before it is too late?
I think this is one of my favorites in this series. There was a good amount of romance and also a good amount of suspense to keep me turning the pages. I loved El and Gabe together. They knew they cared for each other and there wasn't a lot of denial in that. They just had to figure out if they could make it work. There was the right amount of suspense to keep the reader interested, but not over the top. We once again got to see how the Lost Lake Team supports each other and how well they work with law-enforcement. I always have to mention the spiritual aspect of this author's writing. I like the way the characters struggle with their faith, yet they don't let go of it. The author portray's faith in a very real way that allows the reader to relate and know that struggles with faith are real and can be overcome. I definitely recommend this series and this book!
I think this is one of my favorites in this series. There was a good amount of romance and also a good amount of suspense to keep me turning the pages. I loved El and Gabe together. They knew they cared for each other and there wasn't a lot of denial in that. They just had to figure out if they could make it work. There was the right amount of suspense to keep the reader interested, but not over the top. We once again got to see how the Lost Lake Team supports each other and how well they work with law-enforcement. I always have to mention the spiritual aspect of this author's writing. I like the way the characters struggle with their faith, yet they don't let go of it. The author portray's faith in a very real way that allows the reader to relate and know that struggles with faith are real and can be overcome. I definitely recommend this series and this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Lost Lake Locators and the local law enforcement agencies in their region seem to get more than their share of cases involving some terribly twisted people, people who are in positions where no one would ever suspect them of being guilty of the kind of evil depicted in the stories. The crimes committed are often to the detriment of the most vulnerable such as sweet little Lucy. The mother, Kenna, was found floating face down in the lake and Lucy, the young daughter, was gone. No one had witnessed a thing. Gabe had been friends with Kenna since he was in the first grade and had known Lucy from the time she was born. As a member of the Lost Lake Locators, Gabe was well-trained and experienced in locating lost people, but this was more personal than any case he had ever worked. El had experience searching for lost people as well. They worked well together throughout the story, relying heavily on all the resources at their disposal. Although finding who murdered Kenna was important, locating Lucy was urgent. Everyone on the team felt the urgency as the tension of a fast-ticking clock kept running. A pizza restaurant near my home used to have a clock that made a twelve-hour sweep in about ten minutes. I can imagine Gabe and El feeling that was how fast the clock was ticking as they kept hitting dead ends on finding Lucy. I mentioned twisted people earlier. That seemed to be the kind of trail they were following as they tried to piece together what had happened to Lucy. Although El and Gabe were people of faith, this case truly put that faith to the test. I received an advance copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
This time the story belongs to Gabe Irving, the investigator in the group that tends to go rogue, and Lost Lake detective El/Elaina Lyons.
Both of these individuals carry their past with a heavy heart. For El is the loss of a child and for Gabe is the criminal family he comes from. One he’s done his best to stay away from.
Gabe’s best friend from childhood, Kenna, has called him scared and needing his help decides to drive to meet up with him. When the time passes when she should have arrived at their meeting point, Gabe goes in search of her and finds her van has gone off the road. There is no Kenna and evidence that her daughter, Lucy was with her and is also gone.
Gabe is devastated when the body found on the lake, is not only Kenna’s but that Lucy is also missing.
As these two team up with the Lost Lake Locators, Veritas and the local police, feelings intensify. But first, they must find out who killed Kenna, and why, and where is Lucy.
The story is filled with malicious men, good ones, danger and feelings.
It’s also a reminder that our past experiences , whether growing up in a less than stellar family or ones that are filled with life’s heartbreaking moments, all contribute to who we become later in life.
It’s also a reminder that God is almighty, and that while we can do the best we can, it’s Him who will guide us and decide our future.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own,
This time the story belongs to Gabe Irving, the investigator in the group that tends to go rogue, and Lost Lake detective El/Elaina Lyons.
Both of these individuals carry their past with a heavy heart. For El is the loss of a child and for Gabe is the criminal family he comes from. One he’s done his best to stay away from.
Gabe’s best friend from childhood, Kenna, has called him scared and needing his help decides to drive to meet up with him. When the time passes when she should have arrived at their meeting point, Gabe goes in search of her and finds her van has gone off the road. There is no Kenna and evidence that her daughter, Lucy was with her and is also gone.
Gabe is devastated when the body found on the lake, is not only Kenna’s but that Lucy is also missing.
As these two team up with the Lost Lake Locators, Veritas and the local police, feelings intensify. But first, they must find out who killed Kenna, and why, and where is Lucy.
The story is filled with malicious men, good ones, danger and feelings.
It’s also a reminder that our past experiences , whether growing up in a less than stellar family or ones that are filled with life’s heartbreaking moments, all contribute to who we become later in life.
It’s also a reminder that God is almighty, and that while we can do the best we can, it’s Him who will guide us and decide our future.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own,
May 18, 2026
This newest story in the Lost Lake Locators series is packed full of drama, action, suspense, and a bit of romance.
My heart hurt for Gabe and all that he was dealing with. It’s tough when a missing child is involved in a case, but to make matters worse, she’s the child of his closest friend, who was found murdered. Not only this, but Gabe was dealing with his own family issues and all the pain from that separation. This whole drama was very intense and wearing on his soul.
Elaina was the detective on this case, but also someone close to Gabe. They each struggle with past pains and fight to keep their emotions in check.
This is the fourth book in this series, and wow, I was held captive from the first page until the last.
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.
My heart hurt for Gabe and all that he was dealing with. It’s tough when a missing child is involved in a case, but to make matters worse, she’s the child of his closest friend, who was found murdered. Not only this, but Gabe was dealing with his own family issues and all the pain from that separation. This whole drama was very intense and wearing on his soul.
Elaina was the detective on this case, but also someone close to Gabe. They each struggle with past pains and fight to keep their emotions in check.
This is the fourth book in this series, and wow, I was held captive from the first page until the last.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lost Lake is the fourth gripping installment in the Lost Lake Locators series. Involved in a case that is very personal to him, Investigator Gabe Irving works closely with Detective El Lyons in a desperate fight against time to locate a missing four-year-old girl and solve her mother's murder. Aiding them in their pursuit are the Lost Lake Locators private investigating team, the Lost Lake Sheriff's Department crew, and the Veritas Center forensic team who were introduced in previous books of the series. The complex, multi-faceted investigation, where every new lead just seems to present more questions, kept me reading intently and staying fully invested in the outcome. Suspenseful twists that are perfectly timed, compelling characters, a tenderly evolving romance, and a light faith thread with reflections on forgiveness and trusting God's leading, combine to make this a page-turning, inspiring read. I highly recommend this book and the series. Note: Even though this book is part of series with recurring characters, it can easily be read as a standalone.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story was a deeply emotional one. It was also very fast-paced and had quite a bit of action and extremely good police work. I can always count on this author to provide great research, police procedure and fantastic, realistic characters. This series provides all of these.
Lost Lake Locators is a wonderful group that provides help to law enforcement (since they are all former law enforcement themselves) when someone or something goes missing. This is Gabe Irving's story and he is frantic when his best friend, Kenna, calls him in a panic and later ends up murdered but her young daughter (who was with her) is missing. The lead detective, El (Elaina), will do anything to find the missing girl and solve the murder.
There are so many twists and turns that you don't know who is involved and where the story is going. I loved it and couldn't read it fast enough! I was caught off guard so many times! Both Gabe and El have pasts that have to be dealt with in some way also.
A truly emotional yet high-octane story!
Lost Lake Locators is a wonderful group that provides help to law enforcement (since they are all former law enforcement themselves) when someone or something goes missing. This is Gabe Irving's story and he is frantic when his best friend, Kenna, calls him in a panic and later ends up murdered but her young daughter (who was with her) is missing. The lead detective, El (Elaina), will do anything to find the missing girl and solve the murder.
There are so many twists and turns that you don't know who is involved and where the story is going. I loved it and couldn't read it fast enough! I was caught off guard so many times! Both Gabe and El have pasts that have to be dealt with in some way also.
A truly emotional yet high-octane story!
May 18, 2026
Lost Lake is another in this amazing series by Susan Sleeman.
Detective El (Elaina) Lyons is relentless in her pursuit of justice, but she is wrestling with guilt from her past. Then when a woman’s body is found in Lost Lake and the woman's child vanishes without a trace, El is racing against time to solve the crime before it turns into another tragedy.
Gabe Irving is a Lost Lake Locator, and a rogue investigator, plus the victim is his best friend. Gabe has a personal stake in the case and no patience for rules, putting him at immediate odds with El. And now since working together the interest they’d been fighting for years is even harder.
But as secrets surface, it’s clear the case and the killer are far more twisted than either expected. By working together, El and Gabe must navigate a maze of lies and danger. Can they find the missing child before it’s too late or will she disappear forever?
Detective El (Elaina) Lyons is relentless in her pursuit of justice, but she is wrestling with guilt from her past. Then when a woman’s body is found in Lost Lake and the woman's child vanishes without a trace, El is racing against time to solve the crime before it turns into another tragedy.
Gabe Irving is a Lost Lake Locator, and a rogue investigator, plus the victim is his best friend. Gabe has a personal stake in the case and no patience for rules, putting him at immediate odds with El. And now since working together the interest they’d been fighting for years is even harder.
But as secrets surface, it’s clear the case and the killer are far more twisted than either expected. By working together, El and Gabe must navigate a maze of lies and danger. Can they find the missing child before it’s too late or will she disappear forever?
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a fast-paced suspense story Lost Lake was. The suspense starts off immediately and the case becomes personal when Gabe's friend Kenna is discovered murdered and Kenna's young daughter Lucy is missing. El (Elaina), a detective, and Gabe, along with the rest of the Lost Lake Locaters team, are in a race against time to find little Lucy. Is she dead or alive? Why was Kenna murdered? Lost Lake has twists and turns, a dysfunctional family, shocking revelations, faith, and a haunted past.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 21, 2026
Lost Lake is a great combination of intriguing mystery and captivating romance. The book has a few twists I saw coming, a number of turns I didn’t expect, and a fast-paced and emotional story that kept me glued to the pages. I enjoyed the characters of Gabe and El, enjoyed watching them unravel the mystery and open up to each other, and am always happy to meet back up with the Lost Lake Locaters. This book could be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend all the books in the series.
May 19, 2026
Another Hit for Susan Sleeman
Susan Sleeman has done it again. I really enjoyed reading El and Gabe's story. The hunt for the abducted child was the focus of their attention throughout the book, but their love story also played along in the background. I highly recommend this book, especially if you enjoy suspense and romance in your books.
Susan Sleeman has done it again. I really enjoyed reading El and Gabe's story. The hunt for the abducted child was the focus of their attention throughout the book, but their love story also played along in the background. I highly recommend this book, especially if you enjoy suspense and romance in your books.
May 15, 2026
Inspiring!
Wow! Susan Sleeman is an amazing storyteller! You can feel she had the hand of God on her while she wrote! Lost Locators is an inspiring series, as is all of her series! They have drama, trauma and tragedy, but also hope, joy and love!
Wow! Susan Sleeman is an amazing storyteller! You can feel she had the hand of God on her while she wrote! Lost Locators is an inspiring series, as is all of her series! They have drama, trauma and tragedy, but also hope, joy and love!
May 20, 2026
Great read. In my opinion, this is the best one of the series so far.
May 20, 2026
Loved the story line and characters. Glad for a somewhat happy ending and that the Lost Lake family keeps going and growing.
I received an advance ebook and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
I received an advance ebook and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews