What do you think?
Rate this book
Rockton/Casey Duncan #1.3
City of the Lost: Part Three
In City of the Lost, a thrilling new eBook in six parts, New York Times and Globe and Mail bestselling author Kelley Armstrong delivers us to Rockton, a secret little town in the far north where the hunted go to hide. And where a hunter has now come to play.
Talented detective Casey Butler had counted on Rockton being the hiding place she and her best friend Diana desperately needed. But all is not well in the town—a string of suspicious deaths has set the small community reeling, and Casey’s been tasked with finding the killer. And soon she realizes all is not well with Diana, either. As tensions rise between the two friends, Casey find herself drawn to the brooding sheriff, Eric Dalton, as well as his handsome deputy, Will Anders. Then Casey makes a chillingly gruesome discovery…
84 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2015
10 people are currently reading
765 people want to read
About the author
Kelley Armstrong
291 books33.5k followersKelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers' dismay. All efforts to make her produce "normal" stories failed.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 20, 2018
And this is how you ruin a story.
DAMN GIRL FIGHT. Really, I am so pissed to see how this USELESS drama between Casey and her "best-friend" spoiled my read. Look, I know that abusive relationships are not limited to love stories and do exist in friendships. I don't deny it, some relationships are unhealthy, filled with jealousy and mean behavior. I know this. Yet I'm tired to see that what is rare in real life seems to be the norm in books.
I'm fed up with seeing women acting like petty children.
I'm fed up with seeing that strong female leads must remain friendless.
What maddens me the most is how Diana's behavior is used to promote Casey's martyr urges. That's simple : what started in part 1 as a woman helping her best friend to flee her fucked-up ex-husband morphed into us readers being told that Diana was, in fact, a jealous bitch. I'm sorry WHAT? When did that happen? How in the world is it supposed to make the story interesting? Just fucking tell me. Oh, YES, it gives Dalton the opportunity to tell Casey how her best friend is a bitch and how she probably befriended her because she felt sorry for her - in tenth grad. Because OF COURSE the guy she's met 4 DAYS AGO can judge a 15 years long friendship.
Of course Casey explains afterwards that Diana has always behaved like that with her. Yet I just reread every entry about Diana in Part one and Casey never hinted that their relationship was conflictual. But hey! People change in 4 days! Except no, they don't. Not that quick.
It's a pity, really, because until now I was really enjoying this third part, investigation wise. Many readers won't bother about that, but it's a deal-breaker for me. You do not create a female friendship to turn it into a stupid catfight over a guy (who will end interested in Casey, of course, I can smell it). Or you do, whatever, but I won't read that crap. Not anymore.
For more of my reviews, please visit:
August 26, 2015
So good. Stakes are higher, more questions than answers and Diana is being a real bitch. On to the next!
October 25, 2017
The following is a review of the entire City of the Lost collection, as I waited for it to be released in its entirety before reading…
Kelley Armstrong is one of those authors to have quickly worked her way onto my favourite authors list, doing so after just a couple of books. As it stands, I’ve been working my way through her Women of the Otherworld books at a snail’s pace. I adore the series, but it is taking me a while. When I saw City of the Lost on sale, I knew it was time for me to jump into something else, something different. Taking a step away from the paranormal romance I knew and loved, I was eager to dive into a Kelley Armstrong thriller.
Thrillers and mysteries are actually some of my favourite books, even if I haven’t read all that many as of late. I’ve been in one of those moods where I’ve been picking up contemporary romance or paranormal romances. There was a time where such a thing would have horrified me, I never imagined I would reach the point where romance was my choice of read, yet such is where I’ve been at recently. However, when I was looking at my bookshelf and trying to decide what I was to pick up next, I knew I would be taking a break from that mood. City of the Lost was calling out to me, begging me to return to my mystery and thriller mindset.
Whilst there is romance within this story, as I’ve come to expect from Kelley Armstrong, it does not take over the entire story. It is there simmering in the background, slowly building, wiggling into your heart at a leisurely pace. You are aware of it, you ship it, you enjoy it, but it does not take over the entire story. There are scenes focusing solely upon the romance factor, but it is not the main element of the story. As I’ve said, this has more of a mystery and thriller kind of vibe.
At first, the story is a bit slow. It takes a few chapters before you’re completely pulled in. At the start, I believe people will fall into one of two categories. They will either be extremely intrigued, or they will be bored of waiting for the story to start. Whatever category you fall into, hold on. It does take a while for things to get moving, but once the story is moving we have quite a few different elements going on. Each time you think you’ve reached the bottom of the secrets to be uncovered, something more is added. There are some predictable elements and some surprising elements, and all work to bring the story together in a wonderful way.
As my first introduction to Kelley Armstrong’s thrillers, it was a wonderful read. I’m so glad there are more Casey Duncan books to come, as I’m going to be grabbing them up. I fell in love with the characters, the story, and the town. Without a doubt, I’ll be returning for more.
The Women of the Otherworld books were enough to cement Kelley Armstrong as a favourite author, but City of the Lost has shown she has more up her sleeve than I’d initially thought.
Kelley Armstrong is one of those authors to have quickly worked her way onto my favourite authors list, doing so after just a couple of books. As it stands, I’ve been working my way through her Women of the Otherworld books at a snail’s pace. I adore the series, but it is taking me a while. When I saw City of the Lost on sale, I knew it was time for me to jump into something else, something different. Taking a step away from the paranormal romance I knew and loved, I was eager to dive into a Kelley Armstrong thriller.
Thrillers and mysteries are actually some of my favourite books, even if I haven’t read all that many as of late. I’ve been in one of those moods where I’ve been picking up contemporary romance or paranormal romances. There was a time where such a thing would have horrified me, I never imagined I would reach the point where romance was my choice of read, yet such is where I’ve been at recently. However, when I was looking at my bookshelf and trying to decide what I was to pick up next, I knew I would be taking a break from that mood. City of the Lost was calling out to me, begging me to return to my mystery and thriller mindset.
Whilst there is romance within this story, as I’ve come to expect from Kelley Armstrong, it does not take over the entire story. It is there simmering in the background, slowly building, wiggling into your heart at a leisurely pace. You are aware of it, you ship it, you enjoy it, but it does not take over the entire story. There are scenes focusing solely upon the romance factor, but it is not the main element of the story. As I’ve said, this has more of a mystery and thriller kind of vibe.
At first, the story is a bit slow. It takes a few chapters before you’re completely pulled in. At the start, I believe people will fall into one of two categories. They will either be extremely intrigued, or they will be bored of waiting for the story to start. Whatever category you fall into, hold on. It does take a while for things to get moving, but once the story is moving we have quite a few different elements going on. Each time you think you’ve reached the bottom of the secrets to be uncovered, something more is added. There are some predictable elements and some surprising elements, and all work to bring the story together in a wonderful way.
As my first introduction to Kelley Armstrong’s thrillers, it was a wonderful read. I’m so glad there are more Casey Duncan books to come, as I’m going to be grabbing them up. I fell in love with the characters, the story, and the town. Without a doubt, I’ll be returning for more.
The Women of the Otherworld books were enough to cement Kelley Armstrong as a favourite author, but City of the Lost has shown she has more up her sleeve than I’d initially thought.
August 3, 2015
This section of this serial story had several instances of one of the things I love most about Kelley Armstrong's books - she's Canadian, and Canadian references have a way of subtly appearing in her books. When so much fiction is American and set in US or European locations, having a reference only a Canadian can fully appreciate is just a fun, cool added bonus. This installment had several of those and it made me smile. Which is good, because the story itself is getting pretty intense in this installment.
I'm enjoying this story quite a bit - great characters, a suspenseful plot and a clever, inventive location to set the events in. Another great read from Kelley Armstrong!
I'm enjoying this story quite a bit - great characters, a suspenseful plot and a clever, inventive location to set the events in. Another great read from Kelley Armstrong!
July 29, 2015
Its hard reading this book in parts. I want to keep reading and find out what is happening but I have to wait. :(
May 6, 2016
Another amazing instalment in this series. I literally finished part three and immediately started part four. I'm going to be so sad when this series is over.
January 20, 2021
We're getting into the meat and potatoes now. Conflicts are starting to emerge as characters are further developed. This serial thing is working for me. Even though I've realized they have been combined into one full novel, I'm enjoying the bite sized pieces, how they are laid out, and how they lead to the next part.
January 29, 2020
Love this series Rockton by Kelly Arnstrong
September 30, 2022
Okay I'm hooked not going to get nothing done now 🙃..I'm enjoying the characters the old town sheriff ,dupty, the doctor said the bakers
July 27, 2015
Quick Thoughts
1. I've decided that I don't like waiting for the next part to come out. I want it now.
2. Starting to love Eric. Not really starting but starting to love him more. I hope he's a potential love interest. Or the bad guy. Could go either way.
3. I'm glad Diana is being distanced a little bit. I don't like her very much.
4. I hope Casey makes some new friends because I'd love to learn some more about these characters.
5. The plot is starting to get intense! Can't wait for the next part!
1. I've decided that I don't like waiting for the next part to come out. I want it now.
2. Starting to love Eric. Not really starting but starting to love him more. I hope he's a potential love interest. Or the bad guy. Could go either way.
3. I'm glad Diana is being distanced a little bit. I don't like her very much.
4. I hope Casey makes some new friends because I'd love to learn some more about these characters.
5. The plot is starting to get intense! Can't wait for the next part!
July 24, 2016
I must say, I didn't get into this part as much as I did Parts I & II. I found it harder to follow at points and it didn't seem to flow quite as well as the first two instalments. I'm sure I'm not alone? I will continue on with the rest of the them (4-6) because I am eager to find out what happens. I see the full story is coming out in book form here in Canada in January but I'll be through with all the bits by then! I kinda wish I had waited but I got sucked in with Part I. Ah, hindsight! Either way, this is my least favourite of the 3 so far. It just seemed to lag without much momentum.
August 14, 2016
Part 3 is not bad but it doesn't do a lot to progress the story which makes sense for a middle part. A bit more character interaction and a bit more building. Casey is getting to know the people of the town a little better while her relationship with Diana is falling apart, although I believe at this stage she is realizing it was a very one sided relationship. Like the last part there are more body parts at the end.
February 5, 2017
An interesting bunch of characters.
July 16, 2015
I am so looking forward to Part 4! This installment had a little more investigating and intrigue. I really don't know what's up with Diana though, she is not the same woman from the first part of the story. I guess I'll find out next week...
July 18, 2015
Really enjoyed this part of the story. We're seeing another side of Diana as well, her true colours coming out, and I have to say I don't much care for the real Diana, I think Casey would be better off dropping her as a friend. Can't wait for the next instalment!
July 27, 2015
Very much enjoying these
July 16, 2015
It's getting better and better. Love the plot, great pace and interesting and well defined characters. Can't wait for the next one!
July 26, 2015
engaging reading. can't wait for the next books.
August 11, 2015
Done.
Nice quick read, following the story line. Happy I waited till they were all released so I could read them back to back.
Nice quick read, following the story line. Happy I waited till they were all released so I could read them back to back.
November 4, 2015
Just like the two parts before it, Part 3 sucked me in and didn't let go. The relationship with Diana is finally on the rocks - good riddance even if it is only for a little while. Onward!
August 16, 2015
Don't have anything bad to say. Love, love, love.
August 20, 2015
City of the Lost 3
Still caught up in who done it. The small town feel is exasperated by some unsavoury characters and the rampant misogyny.
Still caught up in who done it. The small town feel is exasperated by some unsavoury characters and the rampant misogyny.
October 12, 2015
Oh my GOSH talk about cliffhangers! Loving this book but it is just killer waiting for the next part to become available. People need to learn about returning ebooks. Sigh.
October 25, 2015
loving this series, keep it coming
November 1, 2015
I still enjoyed this part, it just seemed a bit flat compared to the other two. On to the fourth!
September 18, 2016
It's getting better and better ....
June 9, 2021
Wildlife, inhabitants, and bodies...
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews