From the author of All the Little Raindrops comes a haunting thriller about an escaped convict and the woman he saved, working together to root out a gruesome conspiracy in the hills of West Virginia.
Duke Caraway was convicted of a brutal murder he can’t remember committing. When he escapes from prison, he’s not evading justice. He’s pursuing it. And his hunt for the real killer leads back to the impoverished Appalachian town where everything went wrong.
Only one person believes Winsome Fair. Years ago, seven-year-old Duke rescued Winsome from his monstrous father’s makeshift dungeon—her and little Junie. But that one heroic act had devastating consequences for Duke’s own life, setting him on a path to group homes and addiction. And now Junie is dead, allegedly by his hand.
Guidance counselor Winsome, still haunted by her past, agrees to help Duke clear his name. But as clues uncover a vast network of stolen children, silenced witnesses, and corrupt officials, they’re shocked when it all hits so close to home. With their enemies growing bolder and their deepening connection squarely at risk, they race to expose a community’s darkest secrets, no matter the price.
What the heck did I just read!?? I was literally staring at a wall and that's a first!! I was thinking of the wrong pronoun! That blindsided me...it's been a while since I read a thriller this good! it was well written, appropriately paced and with an unexpected twist! now excuse me I'm gonna go find Mia's other thrillers
⋆ ˚。⋆୨୧˚𝕮𝖑𝖔𝖘𝖊𝖉 𝕯𝖔𝖔𝖗 𝕸𝖔𝖉𝖎𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖘˚୨୧⋆。˚ ⋆
SKIP CHAPTER:51
⋆ ˚。⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆。˚ ⋆
I love everything Mia Sheridan so I'm thankful for Montlake and Netgalley for this eARC 🖤🩷
1961. Duke grew up all alone with only his truck driver dad in a trailer deep in the woods of West Virginia. He didn't go to school. Never saw much of other people. One night, when Duke was only seven years old, he saw his dad doing something. And that changed not only Duke's life but also six year old Winsome's. 21 two years later Duke has been in jail for eight years when he knows he has to break out to save Winnie again. And that is only the very beginning of this amazing book....
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I loved this so much. Even though I was thoroughly confused during the first 15% of the book. We get so many years/timelines/ages/people and we have to guess our way around a bit. It was a slightly complicated for my brain. But it didn't take me long to get used to it all. The main story takes place in 1982. Winnie and Duke detecting their way through everything that is happening and everything that happened years ago. I really enjoyed reading this. It was so heartbreaking and dark and terrible and true-crime-podcasty and ... just so sad. When you leave all the really bad stuff out, it could be just a cute little childhood sweethearts second-chance small-town romance. But there was not much sweet about our darlings' lives. You just want them to get their happily ever after. But there's a lot to fight through to get there. Lots of secret detective work and guessing. And then, when we think, okay, now we know what and who and why... Mia goes and bam! What the actual potato? I had to put my kindle down and didn't know if I really just read through almost this whole book without my brain turned on, or... and now ... this? What? I just loved this book. It was really really horrible and triggery but also heartbreaking and sweet and just so very beautifully written. I could imagine that Mia found a newspaper story or a podcast about such happenings and put them in a book. It's not something that you want happening in real life, but it's happening - or hopefully it ended happening decades ago. But I doubt it. Anyway. Read this book. It's heartbreakingly beautiful and I really want to see this on TV one day
THE LOST ONES was such a beautiful and extremeley heartbreaking and horrible but also super amazing 1982 Small Town West Virginia Mystery Thriller Romance. Read it!
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The Lost Ones is a slow paced book where two former friends connected through childhood trauma unravel a conspiracy in the impoverished hills of West Virginia. It's told through 3 different timelines and multiple POVs.
I don't know how I feel about this book. This is the first book of Mia Sheridan that I've read and she's been on my TBR forever. I got into it thinking I was picking up a thriller (as stated in the blurb) and as such, I was expecting high stakes, tension, a feeling of urgency. Instead, the first 30% of the book slowly introduces the characters' backstory. It kind of picks up at 40%, but I still found myself googling once I reached 60% : "what's the difference between a thriller, a suspense and a mystery?"
The story itself was interesting and thought provoking. And that plot twist!! It just wasn't what I expected going in and I felt a bit... blindsided maybe? misled? Am I at fault for having these expectations? I'm confused mostly.
I think it's a great book for fans of mysteries with a dash of tension and romance... For what it's worth, in my unprofessional opinion, I'd characterize the book as more of a mystery because the majority of it leans more towards puzzle-solving and less towards action-packed events. I don't know about official classifications, but I feel like that gives readers a better idea about what to expect. For me, it wasn't a 'stay-awake-all-night-because-I-need-to-know-what-happens-next' story. It was more of a slow buildup, where each new piece of information paints an increasingly horrifying portrait until you reach the pinnacle of the story where it then becomes a tense and action-packed page-turner.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. This is my honest review. I oscillated between giving the book 3 or 4 stars, because I did like it and would have maybe even loved it if I had went in with different expectations...
Wow! Mia Sheridan really does not miss when it comes to romantic thrillers!
I was completely locked in from start to finish. She has this way of pulling me into a story, making me feel unsettled in the best way, and constantly asking myself what is actually going on here? And just when I think I’ve figured it out… I absolutely have not.
One thing I always appreciate about her books is how they center on taking down corrupt men and broken systems, especially when it comes to protecting women and children. It feels timely, it feels important, and it adds so much weight to the story beyond just the suspense.
This is one of my favorite genres, which is romantic suspense, and she always does it so well. The connection between Duke and Winsome builds in such a natural, emotional way without taking away from the tension of the mystery. It’s perfectly balanced between sweet but also dark in a connected way.
There’s also a past/present timeline, which normally isn’t my favorite because it can pull me out of the story but it worked so well here. It actually added to the suspense and made all of the twists and turns feel more impactful.
Definitely check content warnings because this one is HEAVY. The themes are dark, emotional, and at times hard to read, but I think they were handled well for the content.
And the twist?! I was beside myself. Completely shook. MIA, YOUR MIND!
This was truly so gripping, very emotional, and impossible to put down. I will read whatever Mia Sheridan writes!
Thank you to NetGalley, Mia Sheridan, and Montlake for the eARC of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book was absolutely amazing and gripping in the best way possible. The storyline had me hooked from the first chapter and I could not put it down! I had read this author romance books before and liked them, so I wanted to try one of her romantic suspense/thrillers and I am so glad that I did. Even through this novel's main focus is the suspense and mystery solving there was also a heartfelt romance element that bloomed beautifully throughout the novel. The story is told in 3 POVs primarily and the author also plays around with the timeline so there is a back and forth between past and present that was done masterfully to keep you guessing about where the truth really lies. I was absolutely surprised by the plot twist and devoured the rest of the book in one sitting once it was revealed.
Overall, I would recommend this book to those looking for a good mystery/suspense book with a dash of romance.
I want to take a moment to thank the author Mia Sheridan for letting me read the ARC on NetGalley. This book was way better then expected. It kept me guessing the whole time and just when I thought I had it figured out, NOPE, think again!
This book is not only greatly written but had you feeling all the feels through out. This is my first book by this author and it won't be the last.
This book takes place up in the hills in West Virginia. It centers around a family that lives below the poverty level and how they all live with the hand they were delt. As I mentioned the book pulls you in and has you on a emotional rollercoaster.
With that being said the copy I had didn't come with any trigger warnings, but be advised their is some content that may be triggering to some viewers.
I’m… still trying to figure out how I feel about this book. This was a crazy ride to be honest. First, MAJOR trigger warnings: Familial inc*est/ assau*l/ r*pe and suic*de. Second, this ISNT a romance, I’d say it’s a suspense?maybe mysterious thriller? Romance is a subplot. I really don’t even wanna say too much about it bc it’s a great plot, it’s paced well, there’s twists & turns. The book is dual timeline & you get 3 POVs {one surprise pov at some point} AND THE PLOT TWIST??? Had me slamming my phone down & staring at the ceiling muttering to myself for about 8 solid minutes. Seriously my kid asked me if I was okay bc I screamed. ANYWAY lmao 3.5/4 from me friends!!!
{Frank was kinda my fav}
Thank you to NetGalley & Montlake Publishing for the eARC. Review & opinions are honest and my own!!
"There is a darkness inside of me, Duke, it runs in my blood like poison."
POV: You think you’ve solved the mystery by Chapter 10... you’re wrong. 🤫
I just finished an early copy of The Lost Ones by Mia Sheridan, and let’s just say: the past never stays buried. Duke spent his childhood saving girls from his father’s darkness. Now, he’s behind bars for a crime he can’t remember, facing the one thing scarier than prison—his father’s release. What follows is a high-stakes prison break, a return to a childhood secret hiding spot, and a search for a truth that’s more dangerous than the lie.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5 Release Date: October 2026 Vibe: Dual timelines, small-town secrets, and "he didn't do it."
This one had SUCH an eerie atmosphere. The isolated setting, the mystery, the unsettling tension… Mia Sheridan absolutely knows how to pull you into a story and make you feel uncomfortable in the best way. The vibes were immaculate from the start. I think where it lost me a little was the pacing in the middle. There were moments that dragged just enough that I disconnected emotionally from the story instead of feeling fully consumed by it. But every time the suspense picked back up, I was locked in again. The mystery itself kept me engaged, and I loved the darker emotional undertones woven throughout the book. If you like romantic suspense with creepy small-town energy, secrets, and an almost haunting feel, this will probably work really well for you. Not my favorite Mia Sheridan, but still a solid read with strong atmosphere and enough intrigue to keep me turning pages.
Thank you to NetGalley, Mia Sheridan, and Montlake Publishing for providing an advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Mia Sheridan is on my must read authors so I couldn’t resist reading an ARC of her latest book.
This was a compelling and well crafted conspiracy thriller that stands out within the genre. The storyline spans multiple years and generations, weaving together a complex and engaging narrative that kept me invested throughout.
The author offers a fresh perspective on familiar thriller elements, elevating the story with strong psychological depth. Many trigger warnings for those who have them.
Overall, a gripping and thoughtfully executed read that will appeal to fans of intricate, character driven suspense.
This one had me completely hooked!! I kept wanting to pick it back up just to see what would happen next. It moves through the ’50s, ’60s, and into the early ’80s, set on a hillside in West Virginia, and really captures the rawness of poverty and survival. Some parts were tough to read. It has a little bit of everything..suspense, love, and a lot of emotional depth.
The only reason it’s not five stars for me is that toward the end it felt a bit drawn out, and with so many characters, I had a couple moments of trying to keep track of who was who. Still, such a compelling and unforgettable read!!! Thank you to Montlake Publishing & Netgalley for the ARC!
The Lost Ones was an incredible read from start to finish. The character development really stood out—each character felt real, layered, and easy to connect with. I found myself completely invested in their journeys.
The story itself was full of twists that kept me guessing the entire time. Just when I thought I had it figured out, something new would unfold and pull me even deeper in. Everything flowed so well, and the pacing kept it exciting without feeling rushed.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book. It’s a gripping, well-written story with strong characters and plenty of surprises. Definitely a must-read!!
I found this book to be exceptional. While I am aware of Mia Sheridan's other works, this marks my first experience with her writing. I assign The Lost Ones a substantial rating of 4.5 stars.
I would like to express gratitude to #NetGalley for providing the Advanced Reader's Copy.
The plot progresses from a dramatic prison break to the resolution of events that transpired many years ago, as Duke and Winnie collaborate to vindicate the accused. Throughout this endeavor, their prior romantic relationship is rekindled. This work constitutes a compelling romantic thriller, featuring a highly gratifying conclusion.
I don’t even know where to start with this one! Gripping, emotional, raw, scary; so many words that I could use to describe this book. It is so well written and it just invites you in. It grabs ahold and pulls you in.
The main characters, Duke and Winsome, are well developed and well rounded characters and their relationship, both past and present, becomes a central theme and focus of the story.
Without revealing too much, this story is just amazing. It is well worth reading and you won’t be disappointed. Thank you NetGalley and Montlake Publishing for the opportunity to read such a wonderful book.
The Lost Ones will take you on this mysterious journey that made me feel hopeful for Winsome and Duke. Being told from multiple POV is what really made this book thrilling. The past events told by Billy and their upbringing was so heartbreaking along with the air of mystery that is surrounding who Winsome and Duke really were. How all of this was connected to the lost ones. There were some revelations that I did not see coming especially with how I was trying to piece together everything. When Winsome and Duke made the connection I was truly shocked. This book was so good and really put a light on the topic that Mia Sheridan was aiming for.
The Lost Ones by Mia Sheridan is SO GOOD!! It took all I had not to stay up all night and finish this book. The story of Duke trying to clear his name while teaming up with Winsome kept me invested the whole time, and the secrets unraveling in that town were wild. I love all of Mia Sheridan’s books, and this was so good too! Def. a 5/5 read for me!
A slow paced, but very rewarding romantic thriller. This was a rather dark in places, a measured novel that kept me guessing throughout. Lots of twists and turns, fantastic characters development. Overall a fantastic read. Highly recommended.
Well I am wrecked so well. Only Mia Sheridan can destroy me and heal me at the same time! I ugly sobbed several times. This book is gut wrenching, heart breaking, but also beautiful and tender. The story is shocking and hard to read. But it’s also not possible to stop. Because you want so desperately to find out what will happen next. And the plot twist?! I didn’t se it coming! Great read!
I absolutely loved this book! There are alternating timelines and POVs reeling the reader deep into the story of how Winsome, Junie and Duke, three children from the impoverished hills of West Virginia, come to know each other. The writing is masterful and the characters have great depth. I couldn’t stop reading, I was so invested in the story. At one point I thought I knew where the story was going and…SAY WHAT NOW?!! I put my Kindle down and I just sat there staring at the wall in shock!
The story is tragic but hopeful. It broke my heart into pieces and glued it back together again. I will remember The Lost Ones for a long time to come. I highly recommend you add this to your TBR if you like suspenseful, twisty plots with a romantic aspect. For me, Mia Sheridan can do no wrong!
Many thanks to Montlake via NetGalley for the advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.