What do you think?
David Raker #14
The Lost Women
ONE DAY AGO…
Following a car accident, Preston Stewart goes in for surgery on his face. But when the bandages are removed, his wife Ellie knows something is wrong. It’s not her husband.
16 YEARS AGO…
Zauna Roy’s older brother Marco went missing when she was ten. Years later she begins looking into his disappearance with documentary makers, Anna and Sydney. A month later, the three women have vanished into thin air....
NOW…
When missing persons investigator David Raker looks into the case of Preston Stewart, he links it to the three missing women. Soon, a more sinister connection emerges that will reunite him with someone from his past...
Following a car accident, Preston Stewart goes in for surgery on his face. But when the bandages are removed, his wife Ellie knows something is wrong. It’s not her husband.
16 YEARS AGO…
Zauna Roy’s older brother Marco went missing when she was ten. Years later she begins looking into his disappearance with documentary makers, Anna and Sydney. A month later, the three women have vanished into thin air....
NOW…
When missing persons investigator David Raker looks into the case of Preston Stewart, he links it to the three missing women. Soon, a more sinister connection emerges that will reunite him with someone from his past...
Hardcover
Published February 26, 2026
About the author
Tim Weaver
58 books1,726 followersTim Weaver is the Sunday Times Top 3 bestselling author of the David Raker missing persons series, the standalone thriller, Missing Pieces, and the novella collection, The Shadow at the Door. His novels have been selected for the Richard and Judy Book Club four times, and his work has been nominated for a National Book Award and the Ian Fleming Steel Dagger. He is currently developing an original TV drama with the team behind Line of Duty. He lives near Bath in the UK. Find out more about Tim and his writing at www.timweaverbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
June 5, 2026
This is the best series out there, but I was not ready for that ending! I need the next book now!
March 26, 2026
What a cracker of a read The Lost Women is! Yes, it can be read as a standalone but I would really advise reading the Raker series in order as it just gives us that little more insight, background to the story. And this is one has ties to Raker's past. This will bring back to the front that one case that Raker couldn't solve and that still haunts him. It's so well written, so gripping. I loved it and I gasped when it ended and I need more as soon as please!
March 10, 2026
1.5 stars
This was utterly painful for all the wrong reasons. Which is a pity because the book had so so much potential but it could have been said all if in less than a third of the pages used in this book.
By the time I reached the halfway mark, I was absolutely tired with the repetition of the same stuff chapter after Chapter. Also, the book is trying to create cliffhangers, but at one point it works against it because you gotta give the reader something. If it takes a person for chapters to walk 20 steps, or to reach the top of a little hill and absolutely nothing happens. That is not a cliffhanger that's a page filler. And lastly, we have the trauma that it feels like it's been milked for the past 14 books or whatever with the detective that hit his daughter killed by a person who is now tricking them again.
Then we have the policemen which, of course in this book are described as idiots, obnoxious, spiteful, and vindictive.
The ending was so far-fetched and so unrealistic and... sorry to say it but so dumb... i don't get the hype about this author. Clearly, this is the end of the road for me with him.
This was utterly painful for all the wrong reasons. Which is a pity because the book had so so much potential but it could have been said all if in less than a third of the pages used in this book.
By the time I reached the halfway mark, I was absolutely tired with the repetition of the same stuff chapter after Chapter. Also, the book is trying to create cliffhangers, but at one point it works against it because you gotta give the reader something. If it takes a person for chapters to walk 20 steps, or to reach the top of a little hill and absolutely nothing happens. That is not a cliffhanger that's a page filler. And lastly, we have the trauma that it feels like it's been milked for the past 14 books or whatever with the detective that hit his daughter killed by a person who is now tricking them again.
Then we have the policemen which, of course in this book are described as idiots, obnoxious, spiteful, and vindictive.
The ending was so far-fetched and so unrealistic and... sorry to say it but so dumb... i don't get the hype about this author. Clearly, this is the end of the road for me with him.
April 3, 2026
Following a road accident, Preston Stewart has face surgery in a private clinic called The Crest. However, when his dressings are removed, it turns out to be another patient. Stewart’s wife, a well-known television actress, hires David Raker to discover what happened and locate her missing husband.
It soon becomes apparent that this current disappearance is related to case which has haunted Raker since his journalist days eighteen years previously: that of the Lost Women of Porthtreno. Three women filming a documentary about a missing student on a deserted island off the Cornish Coast who then themselves disappear without trace.
Another, even more sinister connection is then made. One which connects Raker and his business partner Colm Healy right back to when they first encountered each other in the second novel of the series “The Dead Tracks”. They soon realise they are in a race against time to save everything and everyone they both care about.
This is a brilliantly plotted novel which manages to weave together a whole series of mysteries. Even though this is the sixteenth novel in the series and has something of a cliffhanger ending, it’s going just as strong as ever.
It soon becomes apparent that this current disappearance is related to case which has haunted Raker since his journalist days eighteen years previously: that of the Lost Women of Porthtreno. Three women filming a documentary about a missing student on a deserted island off the Cornish Coast who then themselves disappear without trace.
Another, even more sinister connection is then made. One which connects Raker and his business partner Colm Healy right back to when they first encountered each other in the second novel of the series “The Dead Tracks”. They soon realise they are in a race against time to save everything and everyone they both care about.
This is a brilliantly plotted novel which manages to weave together a whole series of mysteries. Even though this is the sixteenth novel in the series and has something of a cliffhanger ending, it’s going just as strong as ever.
April 3, 2026
4.5 / 5.0
A solid book that had me on the edge until the very last page. It’s thrilling, gripping, at times claustrophobic - it has all the ingredients to be a banger and ends on a banger. The plot, the pacing is spot on, everything is right on this book. You couldn’t have asked for more, there’s no stone left unturned, all questions answered. My only bone to pick is the start, I found it hard to get into as you have to buy in to the book, it feels like three separate stores, no links, no connections - very random and it’s not really until you get to halfway- the foundations have been set for the plot to excel and grow into a banger. It’s been a while since I’ve read a great book, it’s an excellent read and will recommend those that want to be part of the journey.
Before coming a missing person investigator David Raker used to be a journalist and there’s still one story that haunts him to this day - it’s about the lost woman. Eighteen years ago, on the Cornish coast - three women were filming a documentary about a missing student, only to vanish themselves. There was no bodies, and no leads making their disappearance unsolved to this day. But currently Raker is involved in finding a live missing persons who is Preston Stewart who has a minor car accident and went into surgery to fix his face. But when his dressings are removed, his wife realises something is very wrong. The man under the bandages is not her husband. Raker teams up with Colm Healy former met detective digging into Preston’s disappearance - only to discover a link to the Lost Woman case. Times running out and Raker and Healy only have 48 hours before everything and everyone they know is in danger.
Overall, it’s a solid book. There’s almost little to no flaws. Executed very well, written very well and delivered well. I was saying up at night reading this book at ungodly hours, that’s how much this book had a hold on me! Go find this book and read it.
A solid book that had me on the edge until the very last page. It’s thrilling, gripping, at times claustrophobic - it has all the ingredients to be a banger and ends on a banger. The plot, the pacing is spot on, everything is right on this book. You couldn’t have asked for more, there’s no stone left unturned, all questions answered. My only bone to pick is the start, I found it hard to get into as you have to buy in to the book, it feels like three separate stores, no links, no connections - very random and it’s not really until you get to halfway- the foundations have been set for the plot to excel and grow into a banger. It’s been a while since I’ve read a great book, it’s an excellent read and will recommend those that want to be part of the journey.
Before coming a missing person investigator David Raker used to be a journalist and there’s still one story that haunts him to this day - it’s about the lost woman. Eighteen years ago, on the Cornish coast - three women were filming a documentary about a missing student, only to vanish themselves. There was no bodies, and no leads making their disappearance unsolved to this day. But currently Raker is involved in finding a live missing persons who is Preston Stewart who has a minor car accident and went into surgery to fix his face. But when his dressings are removed, his wife realises something is very wrong. The man under the bandages is not her husband. Raker teams up with Colm Healy former met detective digging into Preston’s disappearance - only to discover a link to the Lost Woman case. Times running out and Raker and Healy only have 48 hours before everything and everyone they know is in danger.
Overall, it’s a solid book. There’s almost little to no flaws. Executed very well, written very well and delivered well. I was saying up at night reading this book at ungodly hours, that’s how much this book had a hold on me! Go find this book and read it.
April 3, 2026
WOW just WOW! Let me get my breath back after an epic rollercoaster ride courtesy of the fabulous Tim Weaver. Fourteen books in and this is an author at the very top of his game. Weaver has always been a master storyteller but he has surpassed himself with The Lost Women. The multi layered, complex storyline is plotted to perfection with some draw dropping twists and an ending that left me gasping. Raker and Healy are sublime as they do battle with a monster from the past. It's dark with an almost haunting eerie feel that kept me absolutely riveted - 437 pages of pure perfection. An outstanding and flawless five star read
August 12, 2026
This book has me gripped, every chapter ended on a sentence that you just had to get straight into the next one. I didn’t realise until reading other reviews it’s part of a series. I’m going to go back and read them all, although I feel this book is worth reading even if you haven’t read the previous ones. Normally I’m pretty good at putting the pieces together but this one I had no idea. The ending though!! Can’t wait for the next one
March 12, 2026
I don't even know where to start with this book, It's been 15 years of Raker & Healy. They helped me through school, exams, tough jobs, a marriage breakdown & being a mother. These are more than just books to me and David & Healy are more than just characters in a story.
I love how we went back to the early days with this one, it was so much bigger than 3 missing women and the story was woven so delicately yet made such an intense impact.
The character development of Healy over the years has been incredible, and you can see him grow throughout this books.
lots of tears, gasps, and swear words.
A HUGE character returns in this book, if your a huge Raker fan...buckle up buttercup ur about to get hurt 😅
I love how we went back to the early days with this one, it was so much bigger than 3 missing women and the story was woven so delicately yet made such an intense impact.
The character development of Healy over the years has been incredible, and you can see him grow throughout this books.
lots of tears, gasps, and swear words.
A HUGE character returns in this book, if your a huge Raker fan...buckle up buttercup ur about to get hurt 😅
April 17, 2026
3.5* rounded down.
This was a book of two halves for me - the set up (when a patient's bandages are removed in recovery, he turns out to be the man who should be in the next room, and the expected patient has vanished) was fantastic, but too much of the book wasn't about that at all. Instead it was an extension of the original 'downfall of Healy' plot (a book I haven't actually read as it sounded too traumatic for me). After a point, so many characters were acting under duress it all got a bit ridiculous. Cliffhanger ending too.
This was a book of two halves for me - the set up (when a patient's bandages are removed in recovery, he turns out to be the man who should be in the next room, and the expected patient has vanished) was fantastic, but too much of the book wasn't about that at all. Instead it was an extension of the original 'downfall of Healy' plot (a book I haven't actually read as it sounded too traumatic for me). After a point, so many characters were acting under duress it all got a bit ridiculous. Cliffhanger ending too.
March 28, 2026
The twists get me every. damn. time! I loved it! The David Raker series is one of my absolute favourites and this latest edition is another goldmine in a long list of amazing missing person mysteries.
Already can't wait for the next one!
Already can't wait for the next one!
July 19, 2026
This has to be Tim Weaver's best book to date. The cliffhanger continued till the end and some more. Can't wait for Jan 27.
Whilst the author says you can read each of his David Raker series as standalones, personally, I think to fully get why David Raker is the human that he is, you need to read them in chronological order.
Sorry that you now have to read the fantastic back catalogue of 13 books until you get to this masterpiece. If you want a shortcut, read Dead Tracks first, then Missing Pieces.
As always, fast paced and short chapters.
Whilst the author says you can read each of his David Raker series as standalones, personally, I think to fully get why David Raker is the human that he is, you need to read them in chronological order.
Sorry that you now have to read the fantastic back catalogue of 13 books until you get to this masterpiece. If you want a shortcut, read Dead Tracks first, then Missing Pieces.
As always, fast paced and short chapters.
September 3, 2026
Still not really sure what was going on. A lot of different people and was not gripped at all
July 20, 2026
NAH WHAT THE FUCK ENDING WAS THAT AND NOW I HAVE TO WAIT LIKE TWO YEARS!?!?!?!?!
TIM WEAVER YOU SICK MAN IM GONNA DO A BACKFLIP WHAT DO YOU MEAAAAAAAN
TIM WEAVER YOU SICK MAN IM GONNA DO A BACKFLIP WHAT DO YOU MEAAAAAAAN
May 3, 2026
Tim Weaver is in superb form with this fourteenth in the 'David Raker' series. 'The Lost Women' gripped me right from the start, and I found it very hard to put down. The story is compelling, and you don't need to have read any of the previous thirteen books - the characters and their histories are easy to pick up on. I raced through it, and I highly recommend it.
Five stars, and a best in year. Would I read it again? Definitely, and I can't wait for the next one...
Five stars, and a best in year. Would I read it again? Definitely, and I can't wait for the next one...
March 4, 2026
I’ve loved Tim Weaver’s work for years, so I went into The Lost Women with high expectations — and at first, it absolutely delivered. The opening pulled me in immediately, and I found myself reading late into the night, which is exactly what I want from a Raker novel.
But as the story unfolded, I started to feel a shift. A twist I predicted early on took away some of the usual surprise, and the return of a previous storyline felt more repetitive than organic. I’m not a fan of revisiting old ground unless it adds something new, and here it didn’t quite land for me. The police interview scenes also became aggravating and slowed the pace.
What disappointed me most was how little the “Lost Women” case actually featured. It felt overshadowed by the current investigation and the revived arc, leaving the title mystery strangely underdeveloped.
Still, Weaver’s writing is strong, and Raker remains a character I care about deeply. The ending suggests the series isn’t finished, which leaves me hopeful rather than discouraged. Lets hope it is better than this but as long as he has to keep using Glass it feels like it's over for me
A good book, but not the standout I expected —
But as the story unfolded, I started to feel a shift. A twist I predicted early on took away some of the usual surprise, and the return of a previous storyline felt more repetitive than organic. I’m not a fan of revisiting old ground unless it adds something new, and here it didn’t quite land for me. The police interview scenes also became aggravating and slowed the pace.
What disappointed me most was how little the “Lost Women” case actually featured. It felt overshadowed by the current investigation and the revived arc, leaving the title mystery strangely underdeveloped.
Still, Weaver’s writing is strong, and Raker remains a character I care about deeply. The ending suggests the series isn’t finished, which leaves me hopeful rather than discouraged. Lets hope it is better than this but as long as he has to keep using Glass it feels like it's over for me
A good book, but not the standout I expected —
August 24, 2026
The story is about a case from a long time ago. Linking to a current case in the same area.
Women gone missing. Now, a woman is asking David Raker to find her husband. She didn't go to the police.
The story has a countdown. But countdown to what? There is no tension or urgency there.
The story also gets involved with his old friend Healy. He is dealing with a family problem of his own. His son is getting involved with the daughter of the serial killer who killed his daughter. Can he accept her as a daughter-in-law?
The relationship part is fine. The story is a bit like how David Raker and friends are being led on by someone with bad intentions.
That's about it.
4-star read.
Women gone missing. Now, a woman is asking David Raker to find her husband. She didn't go to the police.
The story has a countdown. But countdown to what? There is no tension or urgency there.
The story also gets involved with his old friend Healy. He is dealing with a family problem of his own. His son is getting involved with the daughter of the serial killer who killed his daughter. Can he accept her as a daughter-in-law?
The relationship part is fine. The story is a bit like how David Raker and friends are being led on by someone with bad intentions.
That's about it.
4-star read.
February 21, 2026
4.5 stars
February 6, 2026
Before he was a missing persons investigator, David Raker was a journalist – and there's one story that still haunts him - The Lost Women. Eighteen years ago, on the Cornish coast, three women were filming a documentary about a missing student…until they vanished too, their disappearances remain unsolved. Today, Raker is hired to crack an impossible mystery when following a car accident, Preston Stewart has surgery on his face. But then Preston’s wife says the man is not her husband. Raker and former detective Colm Healy, begin digging into Preston’s disappearance – and discover a horrifying connection to the lost women but they only have 48 hours to solve both cases – or everything that matters to them and everyone they love is in danger…
After discovering Tim’s books after reading The Missing Family, I have been reading the series from the beginning. Having only got to book 7 I still have a while to go but I couldn’t resist skipping ahead to read this latest title in the series.
Knowledge from the previous books does come in useful BUT you can absolutely read this as a standalone, as with all of the books in the series. I would however definitely recommend reading The Dead Tracks just to give a little more background to fully absorb just how significant the impact of this book is.
David Raker continues to be the brave and courageous investigator who won’t be deterred from his mission to uncover the secrets of a missing person case. Reunited with Healy, a relationship that just works so well together, the pace is fast with the tension and suspense maintained throughout thanks to short, snappy chapters, full of intrigue and leading us nicely to an absolutely astounding cliffhanger ending.(Tim you cannot leave it like this!!!)
It’s hard to say too much more without spoilers but it’s safe to say this is Raker on top form and a very suitable way to celebrate 15 years of this fabulous character. For fans of the series, you won’t be disappointed and for anyone yet to discover Tim’s writing, I can’t recommend enough. However, the worst thing about now having read the latest book in the series? Knowing that I’m going to have to wait another year to find out what happens next!!!
After discovering Tim’s books after reading The Missing Family, I have been reading the series from the beginning. Having only got to book 7 I still have a while to go but I couldn’t resist skipping ahead to read this latest title in the series.
Knowledge from the previous books does come in useful BUT you can absolutely read this as a standalone, as with all of the books in the series. I would however definitely recommend reading The Dead Tracks just to give a little more background to fully absorb just how significant the impact of this book is.
David Raker continues to be the brave and courageous investigator who won’t be deterred from his mission to uncover the secrets of a missing person case. Reunited with Healy, a relationship that just works so well together, the pace is fast with the tension and suspense maintained throughout thanks to short, snappy chapters, full of intrigue and leading us nicely to an absolutely astounding cliffhanger ending.(Tim you cannot leave it like this!!!)
It’s hard to say too much more without spoilers but it’s safe to say this is Raker on top form and a very suitable way to celebrate 15 years of this fabulous character. For fans of the series, you won’t be disappointed and for anyone yet to discover Tim’s writing, I can’t recommend enough. However, the worst thing about now having read the latest book in the series? Knowing that I’m going to have to wait another year to find out what happens next!!!
June 12, 2026
WHAT!? You can't end it like that! You can't! WHERE'S THE NEXT ONE! I HAVE A MIGHTY NEEEEEED!
That is all you need to know for this review.
That is all you need to know for this review.
March 20, 2026
I think it's crazy that Tim Weaver's books aren't published in the United States yet! I preorder them from the UK and then read them straight through as soon as they arrive! This one was no different! Eighteen years ago David Raker was a journalist. The story that he never forgot was the disappearance of three women filming a documentary about a missing student. With no bodies, the disappearances remain unsolved. Now, in present time, Raker is hired to find a missing man who had surgery on his face. When his bandages are removed, his wife discovers that it's not her husband. Raker takes on the case and brings in his friend, Colm Healy a former Met detective and discover this case has a horrible connection to the Lost Women. I was so invested in this book, when it ended I was horrified and immediately private messaged the author to make sure he was finished with the next book which I need right now! Luckily, he is finished and editing his next book due out in 2027. I will just have to wait. So highly recommended!!! All of his books!!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was an incredible book and a super fun experience. This is the 15th book in the David Raker series, but, although it was obvious that the book was part of a series due to the many references to previous cases and characters backstories, it was very easy to follow and can be read as a standalone. However, as I'm now invested in the characters too much and I have 14 books to add to my tbr because I want to go back and read everything about them!
The story here is very tense and gripping. It is also very complex, with a few subplots that initially spring unconnected, but soon become all part of the same investigation. I was in awe at how they all came together so "easily", testament to the author's ability to plot everything perfectly.
I seriously can't wait to go back to the beginning and get to know the characters properly 🤩
The story here is very tense and gripping. It is also very complex, with a few subplots that initially spring unconnected, but soon become all part of the same investigation. I was in awe at how they all came together so "easily", testament to the author's ability to plot everything perfectly.
I seriously can't wait to go back to the beginning and get to know the characters properly 🤩
July 8, 2026
This book looked full of promise but
I found it quite confusing to have so many characters, and that the story changed between the present day, hours or days earlier and several years earlier. The investigation into lost women in the title seemed to quickly take second place to the current investigation.
I'm not sure if it would have helped to have read other books in this series but it was made clear that Glass was a major character in previous books.
I didn't like that certain chapters ended on a cliffhanger. It felt forced and the book ends on a cliffhanger.
I found it quite confusing to have so many characters, and that the story changed between the present day, hours or days earlier and several years earlier. The investigation into lost women in the title seemed to quickly take second place to the current investigation.
I'm not sure if it would have helped to have read other books in this series but it was made clear that Glass was a major character in previous books.
I didn't like that certain chapters ended on a cliffhanger. It felt forced and the book ends on a cliffhanger.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is my second book by Tim Weaver, I started reading this series with the previous book, and I'm so glad I picked it up.
The Lost Women follows on from the previous book, but only in some of the overarching storylines. It also refers back to an older book in the Raker series, but it does a great job of catching you up.
In this instalment, Raker is pulled into an investigation that brings him face to face with an old nemesis, and Healy is dragged along with him.
This starts off on the slower side, but soon ramps up pace to the point I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it.
There was tension and dead ends galore as I tried to work out what happened/ who the baddie was.
That ending though gah!
The Lost Women follows on from the previous book, but only in some of the overarching storylines. It also refers back to an older book in the Raker series, but it does a great job of catching you up.
In this instalment, Raker is pulled into an investigation that brings him face to face with an old nemesis, and Healy is dragged along with him.
This starts off on the slower side, but soon ramps up pace to the point I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it.
There was tension and dead ends galore as I tried to work out what happened/ who the baddie was.
That ending though gah!
May 31, 2026
Classic David Raker, I’ve read them all and this is up there with the best. Probably best read with the rest of the series to fully understand the history between the characters. Don’t know how Tim Weaver comes up with such complex plots that keep you guessing right until the end. And talk about a good ending!
July 3, 2026
I have read every Raker book and it saddens me to give the latest one just 3 stars. The reintroduction of Glass just doesn’t work for me. Previous Raker books that are truly stand alone and original are head and shoulders above this one. Please put Glass to bed now …. but I guess there are opportunities for him to pop back up again. If that happens I think I will be out after 16 years.
August 18, 2026
I’d forgotten his much I love this series.
Raker and Healy are working together again on a missing person case but unbeknownst to them, it links to a case from Raker’s past. It also brings back painful memories for Healy.
The person orchestrating all these connections is in prison but is able to manipulate people on the outside.
This is a brilliant crime thriller.
Raker and Healy are working together again on a missing person case but unbeknownst to them, it links to a case from Raker’s past. It also brings back painful memories for Healy.
The person orchestrating all these connections is in prison but is able to manipulate people on the outside.
This is a brilliant crime thriller.
June 16, 2026
Not as good as previous books, I definitely got a feel of silence of the lambs!
June 16, 2026
5 ⭐
Instant read author
Instant read author
November 3, 2025
Actual rating 4.5.
July 24, 2026
First time reading a book by this author and what a fantasric book. Could not put it down as had to know what was happening next. Can't wait for the follow up book. And will have to reading his previous books to.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews