Missing

Cass Lehman and Detective Ed Dyson #3

by Melanie Casey

A reluctant psychic, a troubled detective… and a deeply twisted serial killer. The third book in the Cass Lehman Psychic Series

On any night, 1 person in 200 is homeless Someone is targeting Adelaide's homeless. Men are disappearing off the streets, and body parts are turning up in a local dump. Still haunted by her last run-in with a serial killer, Cass Lehman is trying hard to focus on the future. That's not easy when she has the 'gift' of retrocognition the ability to spontaneously re-live the last minutes of a person's life. Cass and Detective Ed Dyson are now trying to make a normal home together, but when she gets entangled in Ed's latest case things are far from normal. A twisted tale of love, desperation and murder When the psychic meets the psychotic, who will come out unscathed?

Genres: Crime, Thriller, Paranormal, Detective

374 pages, Paperback

First published January 27, 2016

About the author

Melanie Casey was born and lives in South Australia with her two young children and her husband (who didn’t know he was marrying a writer when he walked down the aisle).

After studying English Literature and Classical Studies, Melanie shifted in to Law, and now works in government.

A chance meeting with a highschool English teacher in the supermarket made Melanie realize that she should be doing what she’d always loved, writing! Another period of study, this time at the Professional Writing School of Adelaide’s College of the Arts ensued, helping Melanie acquire the skills she needed to put her plan into action.

Hindsight is her debut novel, and is the first in a series of crime novels featuring Cass Lehman and Detective Ed Dyson.

Reviews

[Maxine (Booklover Catlady) · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a few authors out there tackling the combination of psychic abilities helping police investigations, some work, some don't - this one really rocks it! This is book three in a series and the first I have read, I found it read fine as a stand alone book but I am super keen to go back and read the other two book. I was very impressed with Melanie Casey's writing. Fans of Caroline Mitchell would enjoy this series. Caroline Mitchell

You know those books where you start reading and just know you are going to like it? This was one of those for me, I was enjoying it from the word go. I just love it when I really want to pick a book back up to keep reading with no sense of struggle.

Someone is targeting Adelaide’s homeless. Men are disappearing off the streets, and body parts are turning up in a local dump.

Still haunted by her last run-in with a serial killer, Cass Lehman is trying hard to focus on the future. That’s not easy when she has the ‘gift’ of retrocognition … the ability to spontaneously re-live the last minutes of a person’s life.

Cass and Detective Ed Dyson are now trying to make a normal home together, but when she gets entangled in Ed’s latest case things are far from normal. A twisted tale of love, desperation and murder ... When the psychic meets the psychotic, who will come out unscathed?

The book is set in Adelaide, Australia and revolves around mysterious and heinous crimes targeting the city's homeless, the lost and forgotten of society. Body parts are turning up at the local rubbish dump. I found the plot to be excellent, it moves at a great steady but strong pace and you are eager to know what is next in the investigation.

I really liked Cass as a character, not easy to live with the "gift" of reliving the last moment's of a person's life should you stand, sit, walk past or touch the area where they died, or indeed their body. Sometimes Cass could really do without those moments taking everything out of her. I liked her warmth and vulnerability combined with strength and passion. A winner of a character.

There are some fantastic characters in fact all the way through this book and there was nothing to not like really. It was a melting pot of good writing, great plot, interesting characters, good pacing and a really satisfying and exciting grand finale. I really recommend this book that enjoy good crime with a different twist as Cass gets asked to consult on the case of the homeless going missing.

Cass's relationshi0p with Ed has it's ups and downs like all relationships but don't be put off thinking this book is full of soppy love scenes, it's not. It's just real life stuff and it adds to the story rather than detracts from it.

A highly recommended read for you. This one gets 5 stars as I just loved it and it ticked so many boxes. I am a new fan of Melanie Casey and can't wait to go back to book one in this series and see where it all began. Consider me hooked.

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[Jülie ☼♄  · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A reluctant psychic, a troubled detective… and a deeply twisted serial killer. The third book in the Cass Lehman Psychic Series"

I didn't have the benefit of reading the previous two books in this series and trusted the advice of friends that this book could easily stand alone, and so it does.
However, I enjoyed it so much that I wish I had read the first two books before this one and have promised myself to seek them out for future reading....especially since the author hinted in her endnotes that this might be the last of this series as she wants to explore some different ideas.

I really enjoyed this new approach to detective reading with its addition of a psychic element.

Cass Lehman has a special talent for experiencing the last moments of the victims of violent deaths by placing herself at the scene of the incident or by touching the body of someone who has died a violent death.
This usually has a very big impact on her physical wellbeing...often for days after...making her wary of, and very sensitive to the energies at sites such as hospitals, ambulances and similar places where sudden deaths might have occurred.

This unorthodox skill comes in handy for someone with ulterior motives when Cass is tricked into experiencing and reading the scene of a violent crime for a senior detective who, himself exhibits very few scruples and even less people skills...he also happens to be her live-in partner Ed Dyson's boss.
Ed is a detective currently working on a missing persons investigation involving homeless men.
Ed's boss is aware of Cass's skills and thinks they might be covertly advantageous in helping him solve cases, which would in turn boost his rise in the ranks.
He decides to put her skills to the test by inviting her to lunch, without Ed's knowledge, on the pretext of seeking her assistance.
Cass is wary but intrigued enough to agree to him picking her up and driving to a restaurant of his choice, as yet not realizing his ulterior motives..

This is a very good detective series with the added intrigue of including some alternate investigative powers, making for a great page turning read.

An easy 4★s

Many thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers for my copy to read and review.

[ReadAlongWithSue recovering from a stroke★⋆. ࿐࿔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t realise this was part of a series. I think it did well as a stand-alone however, it did make me wonder briefly if I’ve missed out on the characters lives, obviously in the other books.

It’s a very energetic book with lots of suspense.

Body parts of the dead popping up….
Serial killer

I was wondering how it all would join up in the end.

The girlfriend the Detective, it was quite intriguing how this all knitted together.

I’m being vague I know because if you’ve not (like me) read the previous books I don’t want to spoil it for anyone.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Psychic Cass Lehman and her partner in life and crime-solving, Detective Ed Dyson, are back to solve a third, and possibly final, case based in Adelaide and surrounds.

When human remains are discovered in a regional waste management facility (i.e. dump), Detectives Dyson and Reynolds from Adelaide MCIB team up with the local Fairfield cops to investigate. Initially it's hard to get a fix on the remains, but as the body count slowly rises from one to two, and then more, pathology results suggest the victims are elderly men.

Meanwhile, Ed's boss Crackers, approaches Cass about joining his team as a psychic consultant. Despite the mortal dangers she has faced when assisting the police in the past, she's thinking about the offer. Cass and Ed - living together for about a year now - are having some communication problems, so when an old foe reappears on the scene, Cass takes the opportunity to return to Jewel Bay for some timeout with her mother and her gran.

The third instalment of this thrilling series is every bit as good as the previous two, with a tight plot giving us a surprise or two, or three, along the way. And what better place to locate a story about psychotic serial killers that Adelaide??!!

I was disappointed to read that the author has set aside this series for now. Hopefully not forever, but in any case I look forward to whatever she moves onto next.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a bit of paranormal activity mixed into a good crime story. Cass Lehman, a psychic who is able to visualise the last minutes of a dying person just by touching a body or being at the scene of their death has helped the police solve crimes in the past. Now living with her partner, detective Ed Dyson she's asked by the police if she can tell anything about human remains found in a rubbish tip. Homeless men are going missing on the streets of Adelaide and the police are trying to establish if there is any connection between these remains and the missing men.

This is quite a gruesome story about missing homeless men and what might have happened to them. A pyschotic serial killer previously convicted by Cass's psychic talent is also on the run and Cass is concerned that he may try to hunt her and her family down. Never a dull moment in this one as Cass and Ed try to work out their relationship problems and whether they have a future together in the midst of chasing an escaped killer and a very creepy and twisted killer of homeless men.

Although I have to admit to not having read the two previous books in this series (an oversight I will be sure to remedy soon), there was enough background information about previous events to allow me to engage with the characters and enjoy the book.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Pantera Press for an ecopy of this book to read and review

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missing is book three in the Cass Lehman and Detective Ed Dyson series by Melanie Casey. When human bones founded at Fairfield tip, Detective Ed Dyson and his partner Detective Dave Reynolds began involved with the investigation. However, the case was not as straightforward has Detective Ed Dyson and his partner detective Dave Reynolds through at first when they found out that the bones belonged to four men in their 60's. As detective Ed Dyson became more involved with the case and their relationship was having problems Cass Lehman decided to go home for awhile. However, Cass Lehman did not realise that Brian Jensen escaped from prison and coming her way. The readers of Missing will continue to follow the twists and turns in Detective Ed Dyson investigation and see if Ed and Cass's relationship survives.

I love the first two books in the Cass Lehman, and Detective Ed series and I continue my love affair with this series by reading Missing. I love the interaction between Cass Lehman and Detective Ed Dyson. Missing is well written and researched by Melanie Casey that allows me to have a better understanding of what is like to a psychic. I do like the way, Melanie Casey portrays and intertwine her characters with each other.

The readers of Missing will start to understand what it is to be a psychic. Also, the readers of Missing will learn about the problems and consequences of been homeless. Missing also highlights some of the effects for children who have suffered family violence.

I recommend this book.

[Linda Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd and final chapter into the adventures of Cass Lehman. Blessed ..or curse... with a special gift that allows her to see the last few moments of a deceased person as long as their death was sudden or violent. This one actually does a good job of being a stand-alone, but be warned, you'll want to start at the beginning to see what you've missed.

Cass is living with Detective Ed Dyson, and although they love each other, they do have their ups and downs. Ed is being given the chance of moving back to where Cass' mom and grandma live. Being the man he is, he sort of makes the decision without consulting her. At the same time, Ed's boss is offering a job to Cass as a full-time consultant.

Ed has other problems ... homeless men are coming up missing. Later, bodies ...or I should say .. parts of bodies have been found in the town dump. Hands and finger, an occasional skull, feet, toes. But being homeless, they are not easily identified.

And just when Ed decides he could use Cass' gift ... she loses it. But she's been through a lot of stress and trauma lately. Her mother was shot and her grandma almost lost their lives to a mentally ill bad guy that Cass has had to deal with in the past. Cass manages to get his gun and kills him, but her whole life is changing.

I think this was the best in the series. Lots of energy, lots of suspense, and when you find out what happening to those bodies and why, you'll want to sleep with the lights on. In some respects, I was a bit sad at the ending, and on the other hand, it was a very satisfying one. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading these books and look forward to seeing what this author will do next.

Many thanks to the author / Pantera Press / NetGalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

[Tracey Allen at Carpe Librum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missing by Australian author Melanie Casey is the third in the Cass Lehman series based in Adelaide and I've been waiting for it to come out for what seems like a-g-e-s.

I easily slipped straight back into the lives of Cass and Detective Dyson and the novel can easily be read as a standalone for those new to the author.

The case Dyson was investigating piqued my interest and the dialogue between those on the case (especially Dyson's supervisor Crackers) is often laugh out loud funny. Combine this crime plot with the overarching relationship between Cass and her family (mother and grandmother) and Cass and Dyson, add a dollop of suspense and a pinch of psychic power and you have a ripping read.

Sometimes a crime series can run out of steam or lose it's original shine after a while however this is definitely not the the case here; in fact, I didn't want it to end. The characters in Missing are familiar but not predictable and just to prove it, the ending made me exclaim out loud in surprise. It's not a 'twist' in the way of a psychological thriller, just something I never saw coming and had to go back a few chapters to enjoy again.

My only gripe is that author Melanie Casey indicated in her acknowledgements at the end of Missing that she's saying goodbye to the series for a while in favour of writing something else. All I can say to that is: nnnnnnnooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. I need to know what Cass does next, so my fingers are tightly crossed she comes back to this series in the future.

[Amra Pajalic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Satisfying ending to the series.

[Angelique Simonsen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Getting sick of the fact that every book involves Cass being kidnapped.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a nice book, specially when it was set in Adelaide.

[Cali · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed some of the wording. I thought it was a decent idea, but it was written so badly. Despite it being the end of a trilogy, it didn’t feel like a complete book at all. Not because it didn’t tie things off at the end or anything, it just didn’t have one specific plot? There was the overarching idea of Adelaide’s homeless but then there was the weird thing with Brian Jenson and grandma and the psychic thing? For a big book, it didn’t tell me anything.
At least it was fairly smooth to read? It was a book I looked forward to reading.

I liked all the parts with Dave, he was my favourite. I was very momentarily sad toward the ending at the funeral because I thought it was Dave’s but it was the grandmas and that made me unexplainably angry and I hated the book more.

Fav Pages: 93, 132, 139, 150, 212, 217, 223, 227, 327, 363, 366

[Jennifer Gottschalk · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you have read the previous two books in this series, you probably have a good idea of what to expect. In many ways this was 'more of the same' which, is not necessarily a bad thing.

I found this installment fell into the 'quite nice' category but for the most part it was extremely predictable and, if I'm completely blunt, it was not all that exciting.

The best thing about it was the ending which made reading 'Missing' sort of worthwhile. This one, like others in the series is the literary equivalent of 'junk food' and it provided a fun weekend escape from reality.

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up for Goodreads.

A great Aussie thriller! I didn't realise when I picked this off the library shelf, but it's the 3rd book in the series. It read ok as a standalone, but the characters definitely have history that would have been great (not necessary) to know.

In this book, homeless men in Adelaide are turning up deceased and in parts at a local rubbish dump. Who would be targeting these men and why? Detective Ed is on the case and his girlfriend Cass gets invited to join. She has a particular psychic ability that may just help discover what happened in the victims last moments.

I guessed the twist, but it was still a great read.

[Trish Goodgame · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Cass Lehman and Detective Ed Dyson series by Melanie Casey. As with the first two books, I loved this book as well. I have always been fascinated with books that add a slightly paranormal element to a crime novel. the stories are very well done. Highly recommended.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the story, it kept me coming back for more. There were a couple of things that were predictable but I didn't feel like it detracted from the story at all. Definitely has me considering reading the rest of the series.

[Tanya Boulter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow I'm pretty impressed, I struggled through the first book but have really enjoyed book 2 and this one. Got a bit slow about 3/4 of the way through but lifted with some unexpected events towards the end. So well done on an enjoyable series

[Eddie Hayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the whole, good.

[Kathryn Fathers]

Enjoyed this even though I dont read paranormal books usually. Might even get the earlier books. It was a good read

[Trudi Lawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sad that this series is over. Absolutely loved them. Wish she continued them.

[Yvette · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5🌟

[Lynn Mccarthy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book just didn't grab me probably my fault as it was the 3rd one and I hadn't read the 1st and 2nd books.
The characters annoyed me.
Sorry but I am sure lots of ppl love it just not me

Thank you Netgalley the Author and Publisher for a chance to read this book

[Reece · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in Melanie Casey's tri-series about Cas Lehman who has psychic abilities. She can tell how a murder was committed by standing on the spot where the crime happened.
In Missing, Casey is at her dramatic best as we follow Cas and her man Ed as they investigate the disappearance of old men, many with dementia.
A psychopathic killer, who Cas helped to put away escapes from jail and attacks her and her family.
Casy's writing builds her characters until the reader understands every facet of the story. We even forgive her distasteful conclusion. The story is often built around Cas and Ed's relationship, sometimes rocky and at others smooth. Their sex scenes are tasteful and written by a master writer.

I loved the story

Reece Pocock author

[marlin1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have followed Melanie Casey's series featuring Cass Lehman and Detective Ed Dyson from the very beginning and have enjoyed each one immensely. Her third instalment of this series was just as entertaining as the others.

Cass is learning to cope with her psychic abilities while living in Adelaide with Ed. It's been another learning experience living with Ed and although they love each other, it's not smooth sailing.
Meanwhile body parts have been discovered in a dump just out of Adelaide. Turns out they were they were homeless men living on the streets of Adelaide...are there more hidden at the dump?
Cass is asked by Ed's boss DCI Crackers (or Arnott's as he is secretly named) to help in the investigation.
Things aren't all roses for Ed's and Cass's relationship and after a major disagreement, Cass flees home to Jewel Bay to be with her Mum and Gran. But things get dire when they learn that Brian Jenson, the man who nearly cost Cass and her family their lives in the previous story, has escaped from the psychiatric institution he was in.

It sounds like a lot is going on in this story but it all weaves in well. Told in alternating chapters of Cass and Ed, it's easy to follow and we join the ride of this tale. As the investigation progresses, it becomes a little bit grisly in places and I do have to hope certain things mentioned don't really happen....but?
I'm a little bit sad to learn that this may be the final instalment but I really did enjoy the epilogue, thank you for that.

Thank you to the Publisher and Netgalley for a copy to read and review.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read both of Melanie's previous books and thoroughly enjoyed them. The third instalment, was no exception.

It was great to peer once again into the lives of reluctant psychic Cass and well meaning, but often aloof, Det. Ed. It's like slipping on a warm pair of slippers again - you just feel at home.

Melanie has developed both Cass and Ed well over the course of the three books, and has made their at times turbulent journey worth the read. Having said that, I think that Melanie has written them well enough that each book could stand-alone.

Again the setting in Adelaide and the outlaying rural areas was fantastic. Although, not from Adelaide we do venture there each year and have been doing so for over ten years, so it's great to recognise the places she is describing. It brings a great sense of authenticity.

I do love the mix of psychic and detective that brings this story to life. The story-line this time, was a little more predictable than the previous, although doesn't take away from the intrigue. Melanie has a great talent for drip feeding information to the reader enough to keep the story moving, and enough to keep the reader interested.

Without giving anything away, knowing this was (or so I've heard) the last in the Cass Lehman series, I was thrilled with the ending.

For those who love intrigue, mystery a few twists, and well developed characters to boot, you'll enjoy this one.

This was a quick and interesting read and I'm looking forward to reading more from Melanie in the future.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missing By Melanie casey is a mystery and thriller read.
Someone is targeting Adelaide’s homeless. Men are disappearing off the streets, and body parts are turning up in a local dump.
This was a really enjoyable read with great characters. I loved the story and the characters. Had me thinking who it was. I was stumped. I was surprised with who it was. This is a must read and I would highly recommend this book. 5*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Melanie Casey (oops, started at the end of the series!), and I fell in love with the characters and the way the author told the story right away. I was also a fan of the fact that it was on the gruesome side, though I didn't think it was unnecessarily thrown in like some might do, just to add the "ick" factor. It all was pertinent to the storyline and being a big thriller reader, I had no trouble with it at all, though fair warning--some might have issues with the blood and gore. This book had everything--a little romance, a nice background story on the main characters, family drama, but most of all, a page-turning main plot that had me walking around thinking about the book when I couldn't actually be reading it. That's when I know I've found an author and series I need to stick with.

I had no problem reading this as a stand alone book, but I plan to read the other books soon as I really enjoyed these characters and want to know more of their history. And I also love the author's writing and can't wait to get more of that too. If you're into thrillers and psychic mysteries (and don't mind a little gore), I can recommend this book with the whole 5 stars.

[Kerrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another novel set in Adelaide! The city is recognisable and this novel clings to the reputation that strange and gruesome murders occur in this "City of Churches".

I'm not quite sure how I have missed seeing earlier novels by this author. So I really read this as a stand alone and it worked quite well. There was enough back story for me to be able to make sense of what had happened in the past, and in previous stories.

Readers are required to suspend their disbelief in paranormal powers because Cass Lehman's matrilinear line all have "powers" of a sort. Cass has apparently used hers in the past to assist the police. The experiences are draining ones for her, and sometimes occur unpredictably.

This is a fairly grisly tale, with a number of bags of body parts being found in a dump at McLaren Vale, the wine growing district south of Adelaide. The evidence begins to point strongly to one person as the perpetrator but it is still up to Cass and Ed to prove the case.

A good read, with some fine bits of suspense.

[CrazyCat (Alex) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haven’t read the first two books in the series I hoped that I could catch up with the story. And even if it’s definitely better to read the books in order it wasn’t impossible to understand what was going on with Cass and Ed. It was a refreshing take on the traditional thriller, with Cass having the opportunity to see the last minutes of a persons life and help the police with her ability. I really liked reading a book set in Australia, haven’t read a lot of them, but I will change that in the future. The story was good, the setting great and I’m planning to read the other books about Ed and Cass soon.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley and Pantera Press!

[Tarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book by Melanie Casey.

Cass and Ed are together and working out how to be a couple. Ed gets a case where someone is killing homeless men in Adelaide.

Cass has her own problems when the past comes back to hurt her and te ones she loves.

Brilliant writing and wonderful description of our city.

Took me only a day to finish the book and I am curious if there will be anymore books in this series. I really hope so.

Love reading a book set in my home city.