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Suburban Murder #2
The Lost Girls
THE LOST GIRLS is book #2 in the #1 bestselling Suburban Murder series, which begins with THE FORGOTTEN GIRLS, book #1 (a free download)!
The brutally beaten body of a young girl is discovered in a marsh in Jamesport, one of New York’s most elite suburbs. Police comb the area, while many speculate her murder might be connected to the abduction, six months earlier, of three girls from Jamesport. The FBI has evidence of an underage prostitution and trafficking ring which may be related.
At the request of the FBI, Billy Dee, captain of the Ninth Precinct in the Bronx, head of its Sex Crimes Unit, sends two of his most seasoned detectives to Jamesport to conduct their own investigation: Bella de Franco and Jimmy “Mack” Menendez. They are sent north, back into the land of the beautiful.
Between local politics, fractured families, a heroin epidemic and a dark secret that the wealthy town strives to keep hidden, the unspeakably dark and twisted reality lurking behind Jamesport life is uncovered. As they learn that everything is not what it seems in this wealthy suburb, Bella and Mack must race against the clock to save one last girl before she is sold across state lines, where she will vanish forever.
Book #3 in the Suburban Murder series will be released soon!
The brutally beaten body of a young girl is discovered in a marsh in Jamesport, one of New York’s most elite suburbs. Police comb the area, while many speculate her murder might be connected to the abduction, six months earlier, of three girls from Jamesport. The FBI has evidence of an underage prostitution and trafficking ring which may be related.
At the request of the FBI, Billy Dee, captain of the Ninth Precinct in the Bronx, head of its Sex Crimes Unit, sends two of his most seasoned detectives to Jamesport to conduct their own investigation: Bella de Franco and Jimmy “Mack” Menendez. They are sent north, back into the land of the beautiful.
Between local politics, fractured families, a heroin epidemic and a dark secret that the wealthy town strives to keep hidden, the unspeakably dark and twisted reality lurking behind Jamesport life is uncovered. As they learn that everything is not what it seems in this wealthy suburb, Bella and Mack must race against the clock to save one last girl before she is sold across state lines, where she will vanish forever.
Book #3 in the Suburban Murder series will be released soon!
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2015
428 people are currently reading
1371 people want to read
About the author
Alexa Steele
28 books108 followersAlexa Steele is author of the #1 bestselling series THE SUBURBAN MURDER series, which begins with THE FORGOTTEN GIRLS (Book #1)--a free download. Book #2 in the series, THE LOST GIRLS, and book #3, THE COVETED GIRLS, are now also available. Alexa Steele is an attorney, practicing in New York City, where she lives with her family. An avid mystery reader, she loves to hear from you, so please visit www.alexasteele.com to join the email list, receive a free book, receive free giveaways, get the latest exclusive news, connect on Facebook and Twitter, and stay in touch!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
December 15, 2022
So I set a little challenge for myself last year to read one book a month written by an author from whom I've read one book and enjoyed but never read again. And up until August, I did follow my challenge pretty well. And then in August I got a new job (along with a much longer commute) and I pretty much stopped reading. And then about three weeks ago I had surgery on my foot and have been laid up and catching up on all the reading I've missed in the last year.
And this selection was supposed to be my challenge pick for September, so naturally I read it a year and two months later.
A few years ago I picked up the first in this series, The Forgotten Girls for free on kindle and was surprised at how much I enjoyed it, and also how much it has stuck with me. It wasn't the best best best I had read by any means, but it was fast paced and enjoyable, and despite a lot of stylistic flaws that unfortunately become so stereotypical of (particularly first time) indie authors, the story line was unique enough and had enough to say that I picked this one up afterward and alone it sat in my kindle, unread and lonely.
And this one had some of the same stereotypical stylistic flaws that I saw with the first book, things like flimsy characterization and word repetition, fade to black scenes, plot holes, and massive info dumps, I did see a little improvement from the first book, particularly in the fleshing out of the main character, Bella DiFranco, an SVU detective from the Bronx. Though this is not even within the realm of the best book written, I liked the suburban social issues that seem to provide a backbone for a police procedural crime mystery. In The Forgotten Girls it was the use of drugs, particularly Adderall, as a crutch for high school girls to do everything that they feel they need to do to succeed and an upper middle class drug ring emerged in suburbia.
In The Lost Girls that social issue backbone was the very real issue of human trafficking of girls in suburbia. Though I thought this premise slightly farfetched (Another mistake I see too often in self-pubs.......I mean how many issues can we cram into EVERYONE who lives in an upper crust neighborhood) but I enjoyed the candor of the author when she described how these trafficking rings operate and what these girls (a lot of them as young as twelve) turn into. That part of this book did seem well researched and the reason I added half a star to my rating of book 1. As a detective crime thriller, this one isn't super memorable or fantastic, but it works for what it is and I enjoyed it. Also Bella, the main character is more fleshed out and real in this installment and I found myself really enjoying her character a lot. I may even decide to read the third installment in this series sometime in the future as well.
Solid three mostly for readability, but also for the edge of suburban trafficking which I thought was somewhat carefully handled (plot and story still too flimsy for me to really say more than that).
And this selection was supposed to be my challenge pick for September, so naturally I read it a year and two months later.
A few years ago I picked up the first in this series, The Forgotten Girls for free on kindle and was surprised at how much I enjoyed it, and also how much it has stuck with me. It wasn't the best best best I had read by any means, but it was fast paced and enjoyable, and despite a lot of stylistic flaws that unfortunately become so stereotypical of (particularly first time) indie authors, the story line was unique enough and had enough to say that I picked this one up afterward and alone it sat in my kindle, unread and lonely.
And this one had some of the same stereotypical stylistic flaws that I saw with the first book, things like flimsy characterization and word repetition, fade to black scenes, plot holes, and massive info dumps, I did see a little improvement from the first book, particularly in the fleshing out of the main character, Bella DiFranco, an SVU detective from the Bronx. Though this is not even within the realm of the best book written, I liked the suburban social issues that seem to provide a backbone for a police procedural crime mystery. In The Forgotten Girls it was the use of drugs, particularly Adderall, as a crutch for high school girls to do everything that they feel they need to do to succeed and an upper middle class drug ring emerged in suburbia.
In The Lost Girls that social issue backbone was the very real issue of human trafficking of girls in suburbia. Though I thought this premise slightly farfetched (Another mistake I see too often in self-pubs.......I mean how many issues can we cram into EVERYONE who lives in an upper crust neighborhood) but I enjoyed the candor of the author when she described how these trafficking rings operate and what these girls (a lot of them as young as twelve) turn into. That part of this book did seem well researched and the reason I added half a star to my rating of book 1. As a detective crime thriller, this one isn't super memorable or fantastic, but it works for what it is and I enjoyed it. Also Bella, the main character is more fleshed out and real in this installment and I found myself really enjoying her character a lot. I may even decide to read the third installment in this series sometime in the future as well.
Solid three mostly for readability, but also for the edge of suburban trafficking which I thought was somewhat carefully handled (plot and story still too flimsy for me to really say more than that).
May 2, 2016
I read The Forgotten Girls which is the first in the Bella DeFranco series, as well as the authors debut, a while back. I really enjoyed it and was very excited to read The Lost Girls as I had high hopes for this novel.
With a storyline of prostitution and sex trafficking, unfortunately I wasn't as gripped as I was hoping to be and have to admit that I kept zoning out of the book and had to give myself a good shake to attempt to give it my full attention again.
I enjoy the relationship between Bella and Mack and overall this novel is an okay read, but with all the crime books out there The Lost Girls didn't leap out at me in anyway. I would still read more in the series though as I highly enjoyed The Forgotten Girls and where as The Lost Girls didn't really wow me I'm certainly not going to give up on the series just yet.
With a storyline of prostitution and sex trafficking, unfortunately I wasn't as gripped as I was hoping to be and have to admit that I kept zoning out of the book and had to give myself a good shake to attempt to give it my full attention again.
I enjoy the relationship between Bella and Mack and overall this novel is an okay read, but with all the crime books out there The Lost Girls didn't leap out at me in anyway. I would still read more in the series though as I highly enjoyed The Forgotten Girls and where as The Lost Girls didn't really wow me I'm certainly not going to give up on the series just yet.
February 9, 2018
In the mood for a murder mystery novel? Detectives Bella and Mack have been sent down to Jamesport after a girl was found badly beaten and unrecognizable in a swamp just down from a sleazy motel. It turns out that this girl was part of a human sex trafficking ring that has been getting girls via the modeling route or a social media site Wazo. Months ago, three teen girls went missing from the Mall. Now Bella and Mack will try to discover what happened to the girls and if they are part of this sex ring to try and save them. What they will discover though is two sets of parents willing to do everything they can to cover themselves even if it means never getting their daughters back. The Lost Girls I found was a bit of a slower read than I wanted as I normally enjoy my mystery novels to be a bit more fast-paced. The one thing that had me going OMG was the ending when one of the sex traffickers Brody announced to the FBI who his accomplice was. I have to admit I did not see that coming.
This book though it is the second in the Suburban Murder series, it can be read as a stand-alone murder mystery.
This book though it is the second in the Suburban Murder series, it can be read as a stand-alone murder mystery.
April 14, 2016
I read this book for the Read Your E-Reader read-a-thon/challenge. This is the sequel to The Forgotten girls. I was really looking forward to reading this book and I must say I did enjoy this one more than the first.
Synopsis
The brutally beaten body of a young girl is discovered in a marsh in Jamesport, one of New York’s most elite suburbs. Police comb the area, while many speculate her murder might be connected to the abduction, six months earlier, of three girls from Jamesport. The FBI has evidence of an underage prostitution and trafficking ring which may be related.
At the request of the FBI, Billy Dee, captain of the Ninth Precinct in the Bronx, head of its Sex Crimes Unit, sends two of his most seasoned detectives to Jamesport to conduct their own investigation: Bella de Franco and Jimmy “Mack” Menendez. They are sent north, back into the land of the beautiful.
Between local politics, fractured families, a heroin epidemic and a dark secret that the wealthy town strives to keep hidden, the unspeakably dark and twisted reality lurking behind Jamesport life is uncovered. As they learn that everything is not what it seems in this wealthy suburb, Bella and Mack must race against the clock to save one last girl before she is sold across state lines, where she will vanish forever.
The plotline to this installment of the series was a little brutal and not for the faint of heart. It touches on a very sensitive subject matter involving children, so take that into account before deciding to read this book. I found this story both engaging and very well written and full of great imagery. It was realistic and believable and also very fast paced and I found that I had a very hard time putting the book down. The mystery in this story has a great build up with a lot of great unexpected twists and turns.
I have to say that I absolutely love Mack and Bella so much. I think they are perfectly paired up in this story. They definitely compliment each other very well. They are both flawed and well written. I think all of the characters are well developed and they just keep on getting better with each book. Again there are a lot of great characters to hate in this book as well. I think she introduced each new character into the story really well so that readers do not get overwhelmed.
I have to definitely recommend this book/series to anyone who appreciates mystery. I am very eager for the next book in the series to come out, it is due to be released very soon.
Synopsis
The brutally beaten body of a young girl is discovered in a marsh in Jamesport, one of New York’s most elite suburbs. Police comb the area, while many speculate her murder might be connected to the abduction, six months earlier, of three girls from Jamesport. The FBI has evidence of an underage prostitution and trafficking ring which may be related.
At the request of the FBI, Billy Dee, captain of the Ninth Precinct in the Bronx, head of its Sex Crimes Unit, sends two of his most seasoned detectives to Jamesport to conduct their own investigation: Bella de Franco and Jimmy “Mack” Menendez. They are sent north, back into the land of the beautiful.
Between local politics, fractured families, a heroin epidemic and a dark secret that the wealthy town strives to keep hidden, the unspeakably dark and twisted reality lurking behind Jamesport life is uncovered. As they learn that everything is not what it seems in this wealthy suburb, Bella and Mack must race against the clock to save one last girl before she is sold across state lines, where she will vanish forever.
The plotline to this installment of the series was a little brutal and not for the faint of heart. It touches on a very sensitive subject matter involving children, so take that into account before deciding to read this book. I found this story both engaging and very well written and full of great imagery. It was realistic and believable and also very fast paced and I found that I had a very hard time putting the book down. The mystery in this story has a great build up with a lot of great unexpected twists and turns.
I have to say that I absolutely love Mack and Bella so much. I think they are perfectly paired up in this story. They definitely compliment each other very well. They are both flawed and well written. I think all of the characters are well developed and they just keep on getting better with each book. Again there are a lot of great characters to hate in this book as well. I think she introduced each new character into the story really well so that readers do not get overwhelmed.
I have to definitely recommend this book/series to anyone who appreciates mystery. I am very eager for the next book in the series to come out, it is due to be released very soon.
March 3, 2016
Another Hit!!!
I almost feel like I am doing something wrong, I read this book and the first book in the series for free. I totally would of paid for both and would have been happy to do it! I really like this author if this is a debut series she should be very proud. I really like the direction she seems to be going with Mack and Bella( hopefully romantic) they seem to be good for each other. I like the storyline with this one but I would of liked to see more of an outcome with a few characters(no spoilers from me!:) looking forward to reading the next book!!
I almost feel like I am doing something wrong, I read this book and the first book in the series for free. I totally would of paid for both and would have been happy to do it! I really like this author if this is a debut series she should be very proud. I really like the direction she seems to be going with Mack and Bella( hopefully romantic) they seem to be good for each other. I like the storyline with this one but I would of liked to see more of an outcome with a few characters(no spoilers from me!:) looking forward to reading the next book!!
November 1, 2020
2.5 ⭐️
March 14, 2016
The author's writing style is easy to read and she does not try to lose you with over the top multiple plots. At times I felt that some of the characters' conversations were a little forced and didn't flow. The story is interesting and everything gets tied up by the end of the book - no loose ends. The only reason I did not give it four stars is because there were way too many typos. I do recommend the book, just be forewarned that at times the typing errors are a distraction.
December 27, 2016
I liked it. I really did. it's a puzzle that doesn't come together till the very end.
February 25, 2018
Keeps you on the edge of your seat
This book was an amazing follow up to the first suburban murder book. Alexa Steele has a way of making every page even more interesting than the last. I love the way that in the beginning of the book you can start forming an idea of who you think might be responsible for the crime, and as the book progresses you’re able to piece things together as if you were one of the detectives on the case. The main characters are very well constructed and very relatable. Over all I give this books five-star rating for its ability to capture your attention, interest and emotions. I’ll be starting the third book as soon as I’m done writing this review. Highly recommended to anyone interested in the crime and mystery genres.
This book was an amazing follow up to the first suburban murder book. Alexa Steele has a way of making every page even more interesting than the last. I love the way that in the beginning of the book you can start forming an idea of who you think might be responsible for the crime, and as the book progresses you’re able to piece things together as if you were one of the detectives on the case. The main characters are very well constructed and very relatable. Over all I give this books five-star rating for its ability to capture your attention, interest and emotions. I’ll be starting the third book as soon as I’m done writing this review. Highly recommended to anyone interested in the crime and mystery genres.
January 15, 2019
I didn’t read the first one, but didn’t need to. It was enjoyable, fast-paced, a bit twisty, and a few surprises. Bella is a complex detective with trauma in her past that can only be helped by work. She feels she is alone despite a caring ex-boyfriend and caring colleagues. A dead body turns up in New Jersey, and by FBI request, Bella and Mack investigate the link to three missing local girls. Their disappearance was not investigated thoroughly enough. Bella turns over stones noone wants to, and finds real leads overlooked. The rest I can’t say for fear of spoilers. The characters of Bella and Mack are 3-dimensional and the plot moves along. Can’t say if the jurisdiction premise would ever actually happen with a Bronx detective in Jamesport, NJ. Is that a real place. Descriptions make it feel so. I need to read the first book.
June 23, 2023
Having read the first book in this series, I thought this sequel showed the author's improvement on many levels. The story was more gritty (dealing with child sex trafficking), the dialogue felt more natural than in the first book, and the flow and pacing were quick and engaging. I appreciated more of the hints into Bella's backstory that allow us to see more depth in her character and I would be interested in the entire story of how Bella ended up in her line of work. Overall, character development was well-handled in this novel, more than in the first installment. I found myself wanting to continue reading this story, although I suspected part of the extra reveal in the end. I found the ending to be satisfying after all the darkness.
December 29, 2018
This book, the latest iteration in the suburban murder series continues Steele’s tradition of setting a story to pressing life issues. When the body of a young girls is found, police suspect she has been sex trafficked. This turns out to be the case and detectives Bella and Mac get involved when they determine a link to a group of teens missing from the suburbs. The investigation brings to light they sex trafficking is a much bigger problem than the suburban force reckoned. The book is a fast read and has a twist at the end which I won’t spoil. At the Kindle bargain price what have you got to lose? I downloaded book 3 as well.
April 15, 2019
Getting caught up
In a story is what I want from a book. I really liked The Forgotten Girls also. Happy ending but not. Trafficking breaks my heart. I have had similar experiences, but got myself out of the sex trade early. It was my choice though. Thinking of a 12 or 13 year old doing these things and treated this way just makes me want to do something. But in the end, I realize, law enforcement is doing what it can. Idk. Maybe I’ll look into volunteering somewhere or make donations to an agency specializing in slowing this life-shattering epidemic down. Thank you for the read.
In a story is what I want from a book. I really liked The Forgotten Girls also. Happy ending but not. Trafficking breaks my heart. I have had similar experiences, but got myself out of the sex trade early. It was my choice though. Thinking of a 12 or 13 year old doing these things and treated this way just makes me want to do something. But in the end, I realize, law enforcement is doing what it can. Idk. Maybe I’ll look into volunteering somewhere or make donations to an agency specializing in slowing this life-shattering epidemic down. Thank you for the read.
September 17, 2020
The second novel in The Suburban Murder series was better than the first. I found that Bella was a little less hardened and more likeable (although she was miserable at the start of the story). I was interested in the story line. Similar to my last review, I found one of the characters not wrapped satisfactorily. A little more background as to why this person turned out to be the way they did would have been nice. I felt the simple "crazy" explanation, without providing context, was too easy. As with book 1, I felt the ending was rushed. Overall, a better read, but still contained distracting spelling errors. I received books 1 and 2 as a free download.
May 12, 2017
3.5 Stars
I'm really enjoying getting to know these characters and like this author's writing style. There were a few minor typos here and there but nothing too distracting (I'm a stickler for typos!). And because of the many characters in the book (especially a lot of female characters/names) there were a few times where I had to flip back to reread sections as it was easy to get them confused. All in all, a fast paced interesting read. Hoping there'll be another one in the series soon!
I'm really enjoying getting to know these characters and like this author's writing style. There were a few minor typos here and there but nothing too distracting (I'm a stickler for typos!). And because of the many characters in the book (especially a lot of female characters/names) there were a few times where I had to flip back to reread sections as it was easy to get them confused. All in all, a fast paced interesting read. Hoping there'll be another one in the series soon!
December 29, 2017
Bella and Mack
A pair of detectives put together in book 1, The Forgotten Girls, and now in book 2, The Lost Girls. Together they are invincible, always getting their man or woman. Both of them have strong emotions for the victims, are very compassionate. Both of these books are certainly worth your time reading, especially book 2 as it relates to things really happening in the real world today, sex trafficking and drugs. Don't want to give away any spoilers so I'm off to read book 3. Keep writing Alexa so I can keep reading.
A pair of detectives put together in book 1, The Forgotten Girls, and now in book 2, The Lost Girls. Together they are invincible, always getting their man or woman. Both of them have strong emotions for the victims, are very compassionate. Both of these books are certainly worth your time reading, especially book 2 as it relates to things really happening in the real world today, sex trafficking and drugs. Don't want to give away any spoilers so I'm off to read book 3. Keep writing Alexa so I can keep reading.
April 1, 2018
This is my second book in the Bella DeFranco mystery series and I found it quite engaging. Barring a few dips in the story, I felt the author kept a steady pace over the story and handled some tricky situations well. Bella and Marco’s partnership is maturing and it’s interesting to see them work and think in sync with each other. I think some nail-biting adventures can be expected from these two in the future. Looking forward to the next in the series.
September 15, 2019
Decent story; little else
This detective thriller tapped into the hot topic of human trafficking and underaged prostitution (is there any good age to be a prostitute?) and drugs. I was interested enough to finish, but can’t really recommend it. I found it hard to believe a lawyer wrote it, with the misused words and typos! It certainly could have used a better editor. Some plot lines weren’t adequately resolved, and some of it was too ridiculously illogical to be believed.
This detective thriller tapped into the hot topic of human trafficking and underaged prostitution (is there any good age to be a prostitute?) and drugs. I was interested enough to finish, but can’t really recommend it. I found it hard to believe a lawyer wrote it, with the misused words and typos! It certainly could have used a better editor. Some plot lines weren’t adequately resolved, and some of it was too ridiculously illogical to be believed.
November 3, 2020
The second is as good and the first
Need more Bella de Franco and Mack!
This novel made more nervous and eager for the perpetrators to be caught.
Unfortunately, I did figure out something very early on on the book - but I won't Chip it for you because the story itself is just...GOOD. Can't wait to read the next one!
Need more Bella de Franco and Mack!
This novel made more nervous and eager for the perpetrators to be caught.
Unfortunately, I did figure out something very early on on the book - but I won't Chip it for you because the story itself is just...GOOD. Can't wait to read the next one!
September 4, 2018
The second book in the suburban Murder Series is just as good if not better than the first! Great mystery book, along with being an eye opener to some of darker things we wouldn't think about. Highly recommend for anyone who read the forgotten girls or anyone looking for a thriller!
September 15, 2018
Another great book!
Wealth and privilege can do things to family and friends. Children pay the price in more ways than one. Throw drugs into the mix and the story gets even worse. This is a story of a win over all these forces. Wonderful read!
Wealth and privilege can do things to family and friends. Children pay the price in more ways than one. Throw drugs into the mix and the story gets even worse. This is a story of a win over all these forces. Wonderful read!
December 31, 2018
So hard to put down!
I loved every minute of this book and found it so hard to put it down.
I love how the relationship between Bella and Mack grows, especially when Bella was once a lone wolf!
This series has gripped me from the get go and i can't wait to start book 3!
I loved every minute of this book and found it so hard to put it down.
I love how the relationship between Bella and Mack grows, especially when Bella was once a lone wolf!
This series has gripped me from the get go and i can't wait to start book 3!
January 8, 2019
This was a very disturbing read dealing with under-age prostitution rings but the mystery and suspense was well done. I like the strong female detective, Bella de Franco who delves into mysteries with smarts and compassion.
April 27, 2019
Can't wait to read book #3
I loved this book. The author has the ability to bring you into the pages of the book. I felt like I was walking side by side with Bella throughout the entire book. I couldn't put it down!
I loved this book. The author has the ability to bring you into the pages of the book. I felt like I was walking side by side with Bella throughout the entire book. I couldn't put it down!
February 25, 2021
Loving this series
I’ve really loved this series so far. Not only following along with the crimes, but also with Bella and Mack’s lives through the books. Cant wait to see what’s next!
I’ve really loved this series so far. Not only following along with the crimes, but also with Bella and Mack’s lives through the books. Cant wait to see what’s next!
July 17, 2025
It was hard for me to get into the book and the grammar/typos were annoying. Overall the story itself is fine, the characters were ok. I didn’t care for how the point of views switched without any indication. I would rate this 2.5 to 3 stars tbh
January 3, 2018
This is the 2nd of three books in this series. The books are not that long and an easy read. I did enjoy it
January 16, 2018
A very eye revealing series concerning a societal issue that needs to be addressed and taken headon!
January 24, 2018
Great story
Very good story full of suspense twist and turns through out. Can’t wait to read the next story. Got to download it now
Very good story full of suspense twist and turns through out. Can’t wait to read the next story. Got to download it now
February 2, 2018
2nd in series Belle DeFranco girls involved in sex trafficking case. Three girls disappear at mall. Taken by a mother and aunt and one girl is killed by a FBI agent. The other two are found.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews