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Rockton/Casey Duncan #1
City of the Lost
Casey Duncan is a homicide detective with a secret: when she was in college, she killed a man. She was never caught, but he was the grandson of a mobster and she knows that someday this crime will catch up to her. Casey's best friend, Diana, is on the run from a violent, abusive ex-husband. When Diana's husband finds her, and Casey herself is attacked shortly after, Casey knows it's time for the two of them to disappear again.
Diana has heard of a town made for people like her, a town that takes in people on the run who want to shed their old lives. You must apply to live in Rockton and if you're accepted, it means walking away entirely from your old life, and living off the grid in the wilds of Canada: no cell phones, no Internet, no mail, no computers, very little electricity, and no way of getting in or out without the town council's approval. As a murderer, Casey isn't a good candidate, but she has something they want: She's a homicide detective, and Rockton has just had its first real murder. She and Diana are in. However, soon after arriving, Casey realizes that the identity of a murderer isn't the only secret Rockton is hiding—in fact, she starts to wonder if she and Diana might be in even more danger in Rockton than they were in their old lives.
Diana has heard of a town made for people like her, a town that takes in people on the run who want to shed their old lives. You must apply to live in Rockton and if you're accepted, it means walking away entirely from your old life, and living off the grid in the wilds of Canada: no cell phones, no Internet, no mail, no computers, very little electricity, and no way of getting in or out without the town council's approval. As a murderer, Casey isn't a good candidate, but she has something they want: She's a homicide detective, and Rockton has just had its first real murder. She and Diana are in. However, soon after arriving, Casey realizes that the identity of a murderer isn't the only secret Rockton is hiding—in fact, she starts to wonder if she and Diana might be in even more danger in Rockton than they were in their old lives.
408 pages, Trade Paperback
First published January 2, 2016
1605 people are currently reading
21704 people want to read
About the author
Kelley Armstrong
302 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,801 reviews
March 7, 2022
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads
No matter how great our love for Kelley Armstrong, here at Rabid Reads, CITY OF THE LOST, superficially isn't a book we'd ordinarily review.
It's not speculative fiction; it's a mystery/thriller sans any supernatural elements.
BUT.
I think a case can be made for it also being . . . HORROR.
It's like that random episode of SUPERNATURAL where creepy mountain people are kidnapping athletic men in their late teens to early twenties, playing their own toothless version of THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME. No demons or witches or werewolves necessary for that plot line, humans were enough all by themselves.
CITY OF THE LOST is more subtle than that, but the principle is the same. Rockton, the "city" in question, is a place where people who need to disappear can disappear--for a fee--an idea that our heroine detective Casey Duncan initially mocks as an urban legend.
But Rockton is very real, and very much in need of a . . . detective . . .
Not everyone who applies to disappear into Rockton is granted access, you see, and people with applicable skills are given preference--it's a very small town, a settlement, really, population numbering around 200. Every person must fulfill a vital or at least necessary role.
You: Why does this tiny, tiny town very badly need a detective?
Me: B/c Rockton isn't some sort of uptopia, and culprits need to disappear far more frequently than their victims.
You: EEP. A super secret town of criminals-in-hiding??
Me: Eh . . . Maybe that's oversimplification, but yes. Criminals whom "the council" feel aren't high risk for repeat offenses and victims fleeing their abusers, all in the middle of 500k acres of frozen Yukon Territory, and surrounded by "residents" or comparatively nonviolent, unless provoked, mountain people, and "hostiles" who like to nail human skulls to posts, marking land they consider theirs.
And the weirdness doesn't end there.
You: *croaks* More weirdness?
Me: YEP. With less than a handful of exceptions (the sheriff, the doctor, etc.), everyone else's stay in Rockton is limited to two years minimum and five years maximum before being cycled back out into the Real World.
That means what happens in Rockton stays in Rockton.
If you've ever gone to Vegas with a group of friends and witnessed one (or all) of them going hog wild b/c VEGAS, imagine staying for YEARS. Only "Vegas" is in the woods, and there are no cell phones or internet access, so there is literally no way that anything you do during your tenure there will follow you back home.
ALSO, there's a brothel (run by one of the permanent residents). And maybe cannibals in those surrounding woods.
Sound speculative enough for you?
So that's the setting. What about the characters?
Sometimes a heroine does some stupid-ass thing, and you instantly hate her. You write her off as TSTL, and even if you don't stop reading the book immediately, there's a less than five percent chance of recovery. You keep reading, b/c, like Casey Duncan, you're a masochist.
But Casey Duncan isn't TSTL. In fact, the trajectory of her self-inflicted discovery isn't just easy to track, it's downright understandable.
Step 1: Commit a youthful indiscretion that haunts you into adulthood despite being both (somewhat) accidental and (entirely) justifiable (as far as I'm concerned).
Step 2: Confess said indiscretion to a string of therapists b/c:
Step 3: Continually escape discovery, reinforcing the "magical, childish thinking" that you began indulging when you were less than a year out of childhood, slowly growing immune to the recklessness of your actions, b/c no consequences.
BUT.
Twelve years after you first started spinning that single bullet, instead of hearing the familiar click of an empty chamber, your hand jerks with the recoil of a live round, and the game is abruptly, irrevocably over.
That's how Casey Duncan finds herself in Rockton . . . and waiting for her there is Eric Dalton.
Eric. Dalton.
I don't know how many of you are longtime Armstrong readers, but Clayton Danvers has been my #1 book boyfriend since I knew there was such a thing. I might occasionally become temporarily infatuated with someone new like Kaz Brekker or Grim , but I always, always revert back to Clay.
Eric Dalton is a human version of Clay.
That's not to say Armstrong took a readymade character, stripped him of his supernaturalness, and slapped a new name on him. She didn't. She created an entirely new character, carefully constructing him to so that he resembles a human version of one of her most beloved characters, but who is wholly his own person.
Two separate roads whose journeys led to similar yet different destinations.
I love the new version as much as I love our new heroine Casey.
As for the mysterious mystery itself, I had no idea whodunnit by the time we got to the Big Reveal, but when all was explained:
1. I didn't immediately follow how Casey had come to her realization, but
2. I wasn't terribly shocked either,
So that's where the four star rating comes from, despite my love of the world and the characters.
But overall, CITY OF THE LOST by Kelley Armstrong was a fantastic start to a new series, and I can't wait to get my eyeballs on whatever comes next for Rockton and all of its creeptastic residents. Highly recommended to anyone who likes a side of dark with their twisty.
No matter how great our love for Kelley Armstrong, here at Rabid Reads, CITY OF THE LOST, superficially isn't a book we'd ordinarily review.
It's not speculative fiction; it's a mystery/thriller sans any supernatural elements.
BUT.
I think a case can be made for it also being . . . HORROR.
It's like that random episode of SUPERNATURAL where creepy mountain people are kidnapping athletic men in their late teens to early twenties, playing their own toothless version of THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME. No demons or witches or werewolves necessary for that plot line, humans were enough all by themselves.
CITY OF THE LOST is more subtle than that, but the principle is the same. Rockton, the "city" in question, is a place where people who need to disappear can disappear--for a fee--an idea that our heroine detective Casey Duncan initially mocks as an urban legend.
But Rockton is very real, and very much in need of a . . . detective . . .
Not everyone who applies to disappear into Rockton is granted access, you see, and people with applicable skills are given preference--it's a very small town, a settlement, really, population numbering around 200. Every person must fulfill a vital or at least necessary role.
You: Why does this tiny, tiny town very badly need a detective?
Me: B/c Rockton isn't some sort of uptopia, and culprits need to disappear far more frequently than their victims.
You: EEP. A super secret town of criminals-in-hiding??
Me: Eh . . . Maybe that's oversimplification, but yes. Criminals whom "the council" feel aren't high risk for repeat offenses and victims fleeing their abusers, all in the middle of 500k acres of frozen Yukon Territory, and surrounded by "residents" or comparatively nonviolent, unless provoked, mountain people, and "hostiles" who like to nail human skulls to posts, marking land they consider theirs.
And the weirdness doesn't end there.
You: *croaks* More weirdness?
Me: YEP. With less than a handful of exceptions (the sheriff, the doctor, etc.), everyone else's stay in Rockton is limited to two years minimum and five years maximum before being cycled back out into the Real World.
That means what happens in Rockton stays in Rockton.
If you've ever gone to Vegas with a group of friends and witnessed one (or all) of them going hog wild b/c VEGAS, imagine staying for YEARS. Only "Vegas" is in the woods, and there are no cell phones or internet access, so there is literally no way that anything you do during your tenure there will follow you back home.
ALSO, there's a brothel (run by one of the permanent residents). And maybe cannibals in those surrounding woods.
Sound speculative enough for you?
So that's the setting. What about the characters?
Sometimes a heroine does some stupid-ass thing, and you instantly hate her. You write her off as TSTL, and even if you don't stop reading the book immediately, there's a less than five percent chance of recovery. You keep reading, b/c, like Casey Duncan, you're a masochist.
But Casey Duncan isn't TSTL. In fact, the trajectory of her self-inflicted discovery isn't just easy to track, it's downright understandable.
Step 1: Commit a youthful indiscretion that haunts you into adulthood despite being both (somewhat) accidental and (entirely) justifiable (as far as I'm concerned).
Step 2: Confess said indiscretion to a string of therapists b/c:
I don’t want absolution. I just want to tell my story. Because this is what I do. I play Russian roulette with Fate, knowing someday a therapist will break confidentiality and turn me in. It’s like when I was a child, weighed down by guilt over some wrongdoing but fearing the punishment too much to confess outright. I’d drop clues, reasoning that if I was meant to be caught, those hints would chamber the round. Magical, childish thinking . . .
Step 3: Continually escape discovery, reinforcing the "magical, childish thinking" that you began indulging when you were less than a year out of childhood, slowly growing immune to the recklessness of your actions, b/c no consequences.
BUT.
Twelve years after you first started spinning that single bullet, instead of hearing the familiar click of an empty chamber, your hand jerks with the recoil of a live round, and the game is abruptly, irrevocably over.
That's how Casey Duncan finds herself in Rockton . . . and waiting for her there is Eric Dalton.
Eric. Dalton.
I don't know how many of you are longtime Armstrong readers, but Clayton Danvers has been my #1 book boyfriend since I knew there was such a thing. I might occasionally become temporarily infatuated with someone new like Kaz Brekker or Grim , but I always, always revert back to Clay.
Eric Dalton is a human version of Clay.
That's not to say Armstrong took a readymade character, stripped him of his supernaturalness, and slapped a new name on him. She didn't. She created an entirely new character, carefully constructing him to so that he resembles a human version of one of her most beloved characters, but who is wholly his own person.
Two separate roads whose journeys led to similar yet different destinations.
I love the new version as much as I love our new heroine Casey.
As for the mysterious mystery itself, I had no idea whodunnit by the time we got to the Big Reveal, but when all was explained:
1. I didn't immediately follow how Casey had come to her realization, but
2. I wasn't terribly shocked either,
So that's where the four star rating comes from, despite my love of the world and the characters.
But overall, CITY OF THE LOST by Kelley Armstrong was a fantastic start to a new series, and I can't wait to get my eyeballs on whatever comes next for Rockton and all of its creeptastic residents. Highly recommended to anyone who likes a side of dark with their twisty.
December 31, 2018
City of the Lost by Kelley Armstrong is a 2016 Minotaur publication.
A taut, gritty, and imaginative thriller!!
This novel is a very different kind of thriller. I didn’t know what to expect when I started this book, but I found it to be a nice change of pace. For starters, the setting, which is an off the grid area of Northern Canada, a place most would probably consider uninhabitable, contributes a great deal to the story, setting the tone for a tense, super twisty, novel of suspense.
The setup is also a little unusual. Casey and her best friend, Diana, seek residency in the secret city of Rockton to protect Diana from her ex, whose violent behavior has escalated to the point where Diana’s life may be hanging in the balance. However, Casey, a police officer, who once killed a man, and fears being caught, as much as she wishes to pay for her crime and find redemption, feels right at home in Rockton.
While the counsel approves Diana, due to her special circumstances, Casey is only allowed in on a temporary basis. A condition of her admittance is that she must use her skills as a police officer to work with the town Sheriff, who doesn’t trust Casey as far as he can throw her. But, he needs her help to solve a murder, and hopefully prevent more of them.
However, the more Casey learns about the town of Rockton, the more she wonders if she and Diana made the right decision to move there.
This is my first book by Kelley Armstrong. I recognized her name, because back in the day, when I was caught up in the paranormal romance/ Urban Fantasy craze, I picked up a couple of her books. I never did get around to reading them. I’m sure they are good, and after distancing myself from that genre for a while, I am willing to revisit it someday.
But, THIS series- this one is more my style, and I’m pretty sure I won’t burn out on it.
That said, before you start this series, you might want to know the premise is a little peculiar. It is not necessarily realistic, but it is very ingenious, which is what I liked most about it. It is a little violent, and the language is a little harsh, but I thought the story was riveting.
The environment, the seclusion of the city, and the ever -present tension in the air, coupled with the shocking twists kept me on the edge of my seat. The tempo is brisk, but he characterizations do not suffer, at all. I grew to like Casey and am looking forward to her next adventure in Rockton!
Overall, this book came along at just the right time for me. I’ve been looking for a good thriller, but one that does not follow the usual formula. I believe I found a match with this series, and think I am really going to enjoy it!!
A taut, gritty, and imaginative thriller!!
This novel is a very different kind of thriller. I didn’t know what to expect when I started this book, but I found it to be a nice change of pace. For starters, the setting, which is an off the grid area of Northern Canada, a place most would probably consider uninhabitable, contributes a great deal to the story, setting the tone for a tense, super twisty, novel of suspense.
The setup is also a little unusual. Casey and her best friend, Diana, seek residency in the secret city of Rockton to protect Diana from her ex, whose violent behavior has escalated to the point where Diana’s life may be hanging in the balance. However, Casey, a police officer, who once killed a man, and fears being caught, as much as she wishes to pay for her crime and find redemption, feels right at home in Rockton.
While the counsel approves Diana, due to her special circumstances, Casey is only allowed in on a temporary basis. A condition of her admittance is that she must use her skills as a police officer to work with the town Sheriff, who doesn’t trust Casey as far as he can throw her. But, he needs her help to solve a murder, and hopefully prevent more of them.
However, the more Casey learns about the town of Rockton, the more she wonders if she and Diana made the right decision to move there.
This is my first book by Kelley Armstrong. I recognized her name, because back in the day, when I was caught up in the paranormal romance/ Urban Fantasy craze, I picked up a couple of her books. I never did get around to reading them. I’m sure they are good, and after distancing myself from that genre for a while, I am willing to revisit it someday.
But, THIS series- this one is more my style, and I’m pretty sure I won’t burn out on it.
That said, before you start this series, you might want to know the premise is a little peculiar. It is not necessarily realistic, but it is very ingenious, which is what I liked most about it. It is a little violent, and the language is a little harsh, but I thought the story was riveting.
The environment, the seclusion of the city, and the ever -present tension in the air, coupled with the shocking twists kept me on the edge of my seat. The tempo is brisk, but he characterizations do not suffer, at all. I grew to like Casey and am looking forward to her next adventure in Rockton!
Overall, this book came along at just the right time for me. I’ve been looking for a good thriller, but one that does not follow the usual formula. I believe I found a match with this series, and think I am really going to enjoy it!!
January 1, 2018
4.25 entertaining stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟.25
This is my very firstKelley Armstrong Book and I am definitely impressed! Her writing style was so smooth and flowed so well, just made this book even more of a pleasure to read....
Casey Duncan is a female detective flawed and all... but I have to say I found her a little more personable than the typical female detective.... Casey has made some pretty major mistakes in her past, so along with her BFF Diana she goes off the grid....
Their destination is Rockton.... A City where people go to run away from their past, a city completely off the grid, a city in northern Canada where nobody can find you..... really this city or shall I say town is as much of a character in thebook as the people.... The characters in the town were quite quirky and the politics quite interesting.... Miss Armstrong did a fantastic job of giving you a sense of the isolation, The vastness, the wilderness, and the cold.... I think I could feel the snow and I might’ve saw a bear.... interesting concept, but I don’t believe I’d want to live off the grid, and I’m sure you would all miss me if I did, right?😉
As soon as Casey arrives inRockton, A dead body has been discovered... so she is instantly thrown into the case along side the ruggedly handsome sheriff Dalton.... The mystery was really quite compelling filled with some definite twists and turns I never saw coming.... now for those of you that have problems with gore, I’d have to say there were some scenes in this book that were pretty darn gory, just to warn you ahead of time..... if this were a movie the rating for the gore would probably be R... at least it would be if it is what I am envisioning....
There is also some romance in this book especially in the last 1/5 of it.... personally I enjoyed the romance, I thought it was kind of cute, but I like romance in my books even if it is schmoopy... this was a Traveling Sisters read and Susanne coined The term schmoopy(Got to love that word!).... so if Romance is not your thing, this part of the book might have you rolling your eyes as well.... but on a scale of 1-10 for steam this book would probably be a 2🔥🔥
So I would recommend this if you like a twisty mystery filled with some quirky characters.... but be warned there is Gore and even worse *shutter* romance😍 this was a Traveling Sisters read and I was in the minority.... everybody but me gave this book a 3.5 ... it wasn’t only the romance, I think some of them found it a bit long, and not intense enough.... but agree or disagree it is always such a pleasure reading with these amazing ladies!😘
You can find all the Traveling Sisters reviews at Norma and Brenda’s fabulous blog...
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
You can also find all my partner in crime and my reviews including reviews of the audio narration at...
https://audiokilledthebookmark.com/
This is my very firstKelley Armstrong Book and I am definitely impressed! Her writing style was so smooth and flowed so well, just made this book even more of a pleasure to read....
Casey Duncan is a female detective flawed and all... but I have to say I found her a little more personable than the typical female detective.... Casey has made some pretty major mistakes in her past, so along with her BFF Diana she goes off the grid....
Their destination is Rockton.... A City where people go to run away from their past, a city completely off the grid, a city in northern Canada where nobody can find you..... really this city or shall I say town is as much of a character in thebook as the people.... The characters in the town were quite quirky and the politics quite interesting.... Miss Armstrong did a fantastic job of giving you a sense of the isolation, The vastness, the wilderness, and the cold.... I think I could feel the snow and I might’ve saw a bear.... interesting concept, but I don’t believe I’d want to live off the grid, and I’m sure you would all miss me if I did, right?😉
As soon as Casey arrives inRockton, A dead body has been discovered... so she is instantly thrown into the case along side the ruggedly handsome sheriff Dalton.... The mystery was really quite compelling filled with some definite twists and turns I never saw coming.... now for those of you that have problems with gore, I’d have to say there were some scenes in this book that were pretty darn gory, just to warn you ahead of time..... if this were a movie the rating for the gore would probably be R... at least it would be if it is what I am envisioning....
There is also some romance in this book especially in the last 1/5 of it.... personally I enjoyed the romance, I thought it was kind of cute, but I like romance in my books even if it is schmoopy... this was a Traveling Sisters read and Susanne coined The term schmoopy(Got to love that word!).... so if Romance is not your thing, this part of the book might have you rolling your eyes as well.... but on a scale of 1-10 for steam this book would probably be a 2🔥🔥
So I would recommend this if you like a twisty mystery filled with some quirky characters.... but be warned there is Gore and even worse *shutter* romance😍 this was a Traveling Sisters read and I was in the minority.... everybody but me gave this book a 3.5 ... it wasn’t only the romance, I think some of them found it a bit long, and not intense enough.... but agree or disagree it is always such a pleasure reading with these amazing ladies!😘
You can find all the Traveling Sisters reviews at Norma and Brenda’s fabulous blog...
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
You can also find all my partner in crime and my reviews including reviews of the audio narration at...
https://audiokilledthebookmark.com/
October 20, 2020
I would say what a pleasant surprise, but Kelley Armstrong is about as sure of a bet as you can get when it comes to reliable authors. Can't wait to continue the series and catch up with everyone else!
January 3, 2018
3.5*
Well, that was certainly different!
Have you ever considered picking up your entire life and just leaving? Starting fresh where no one knows you? A chance to reinvent yourself? Well, in that case, the small town of Rockton is just what you’re looking for. Where people who feel the need to escape from their former life, apply for acceptance into this close knit community in the territories of Northern Canada.
Everyone in this town is running away from something or someone.
Only now it may not be a safe haven anymore…
“In some part of us, there is absolute darkness, as much as we wish otherwise. As much as we pretend otherwise.”
Casey wants desperately to help her friend Diana escape from her abusive husband. So when Diana discovers this fairy-tale lost city, she’s anxious to go. And Casey, a young detective with ‘legal issues’ of her own, applies to go along as well. Maybe just to make sure Diane is safe and situated. Isn’t that what friends are for? Unfortunately, they both get a lot more than they bargained for in this little move!
This book was not what I expected - there I go again not reading the book description before I dive in. I assumed it would be just another serial killer being hunted by a strong, but flawed female detective. Well thriller fans, you get that too! But there is so much more to this book that makes it stand out from the rest. If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path then this might be the book for you! This is book one of the series and I am looking forward to the next!
A Traveling Sister read with Brenda, Norma, Susanne, Berit, Nikki, Jennifer, Marialyce and Holly.
Well, that was certainly different!
Have you ever considered picking up your entire life and just leaving? Starting fresh where no one knows you? A chance to reinvent yourself? Well, in that case, the small town of Rockton is just what you’re looking for. Where people who feel the need to escape from their former life, apply for acceptance into this close knit community in the territories of Northern Canada.
Everyone in this town is running away from something or someone.
Only now it may not be a safe haven anymore…
“In some part of us, there is absolute darkness, as much as we wish otherwise. As much as we pretend otherwise.”
Casey wants desperately to help her friend Diana escape from her abusive husband. So when Diana discovers this fairy-tale lost city, she’s anxious to go. And Casey, a young detective with ‘legal issues’ of her own, applies to go along as well. Maybe just to make sure Diane is safe and situated. Isn’t that what friends are for? Unfortunately, they both get a lot more than they bargained for in this little move!
This book was not what I expected - there I go again not reading the book description before I dive in. I assumed it would be just another serial killer being hunted by a strong, but flawed female detective. Well thriller fans, you get that too! But there is so much more to this book that makes it stand out from the rest. If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path then this might be the book for you! This is book one of the series and I am looking forward to the next!
A Traveling Sister read with Brenda, Norma, Susanne, Berit, Nikki, Jennifer, Marialyce and Holly.
May 15, 2016
3.5 A new author for me, her previous novels seemed to feature vampires, which I do not care for. The description of this one, however, enticed. A town cut off from everything, where people go who need to escape threats in their life, abuse from spouses or other forms of violence. Of course things are not as simple as they seem or sound, some in this town are not who they appear and people are going missing, found murdered.
Casey a police detective, is a flawed character as most of them seem to be but I loved her sense of justice and fairness. All these characters are very interesting, many have secrets and it is hard to figure out who are the good guys or who the bad. Enjoyed the mystery element in this one, reading about how the town was run and of course the strong man with hidden depths who is the chief lawman of the town. Was surprised at some of the revelations and was very impressed with Armstrong's writing. First in series and a good beginning , so look forward to the second.
ARC from Netgalley.
Casey a police detective, is a flawed character as most of them seem to be but I loved her sense of justice and fairness. All these characters are very interesting, many have secrets and it is hard to figure out who are the good guys or who the bad. Enjoyed the mystery element in this one, reading about how the town was run and of course the strong man with hidden depths who is the chief lawman of the town. Was surprised at some of the revelations and was very impressed with Armstrong's writing. First in series and a good beginning , so look forward to the second.
ARC from Netgalley.
June 16, 2025
Kelley Armstrong brings plenty of suspense and action to the first book in the Casey Duncan / Rockton series,
City of the Lost.
Casey is a homicide detective who has a secret. When she was in college, she killed a man and was never caught. However, she always suspected that the killing will catch up with her. Her best friend, Diana, is on the run from her violent and abusive ex-husband. When he catches up with her and Casey is attacked by someone from her past, it’s time for them to disappear.
Diana has heard of a town that takes in people on the run. It requires an application and an interview to get into Rockton and it means leaving their old lives behind. Rockton is a hidden town somewhere in the Yukon wilderness of Canada. Living mostly off the grid, there are no cell phones, not Internet, no mail, no computers, very little electricity, an no way of getting in or out without the town council’s approval. Casey isn’t considered a good candidate, but she’s a successful homicide detective, and Rockton has just had a murder. They get accepted and the story takes off.
Complex characters, multiple mysteries, and excellent world-building are the backdrop for this well-written and entertaining novel set in an off-the-grid sanctuary town. A slightly slower start quickly accelerates as the plot develops and Casey’s investigation takes off. I first heard of this series when book seven was released. I read it as well as the books that have been released in the Haven’s Rock spin-off series. It was great to get Casey’s full backstory in this one. I also enjoyed watching Casey and Rockton Sheriff Eric Dalton get to know and respect each other and learn his backstory as well.
There’s plenty of action and suspense as readers get to know the main characters in the novel. Filled with murder, interpersonal relations, a romance, jealousy, and more, this book starts the series off strong. The narrative provides plenty of opportunities for things to go wrong and the plot is full of twists, turns, and surprises. A strong sense of place caused me to feel transported to northern Canada where most of the action occurs. The author is a superb storyteller who kept me on the edge of my seat.
Overall, this was suspenseful, entertaining, well-written, and action packed with compelling characters that kept me engaged throughout. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
---------------------------------------
My 4.61 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.
Diana has heard of a town that takes in people on the run. It requires an application and an interview to get into Rockton and it means leaving their old lives behind. Rockton is a hidden town somewhere in the Yukon wilderness of Canada. Living mostly off the grid, there are no cell phones, not Internet, no mail, no computers, very little electricity, an no way of getting in or out without the town council’s approval. Casey isn’t considered a good candidate, but she’s a successful homicide detective, and Rockton has just had a murder. They get accepted and the story takes off.
Complex characters, multiple mysteries, and excellent world-building are the backdrop for this well-written and entertaining novel set in an off-the-grid sanctuary town. A slightly slower start quickly accelerates as the plot develops and Casey’s investigation takes off. I first heard of this series when book seven was released. I read it as well as the books that have been released in the Haven’s Rock spin-off series. It was great to get Casey’s full backstory in this one. I also enjoyed watching Casey and Rockton Sheriff Eric Dalton get to know and respect each other and learn his backstory as well.
There’s plenty of action and suspense as readers get to know the main characters in the novel. Filled with murder, interpersonal relations, a romance, jealousy, and more, this book starts the series off strong. The narrative provides plenty of opportunities for things to go wrong and the plot is full of twists, turns, and surprises. A strong sense of place caused me to feel transported to northern Canada where most of the action occurs. The author is a superb storyteller who kept me on the edge of my seat.
Overall, this was suspenseful, entertaining, well-written, and action packed with compelling characters that kept me engaged throughout. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
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My 4.61 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.
June 18, 2024
Kelley Armstrong made her name with urban fantasy, and it is hard not to look a little side-eyed at one of her new series, City of the Lost, and wonder where the werewolves are going to show up. There's a small town in the middle of Canadian nowhere that serves as a refuge for those who need to drop out of society. You can get in for a price, although your stay will have time and space limits. Casey Duncan isn't looking for an escape, but her best friend Diana is. However, despite being a successful police detective, Casey has her own dark secret in her past, so she isn't adverse to relocating, especially when it becomes clear that Rockton is looking for someone with her investigative expertise.
“I ask for the population and basic stats. Just over two hundred people. Seventy-five percent male. Average age thirty-five. No one under twenty-five. No one over sixty.”
It's an interesting frame, and I'll admit that I spent a little brainpower considering the likelihood. Armstrong doesn't dwell overmuch on the details, so if you are looking for thoughts on how to set up your own retreat, you won't find it here. I feel like it probably wouldn't hold under scrutiny, so it's best to just go with it. And go with it I did. Both Casey and the reader are trying to get their grounding when another body is discovered, somewhat mauled by local wildlife. The local sheriff, Eric Dalton, is taciturn and very much in charge. From the beginning, you get the subtle feel of an antagonist-to-lovers trope storyline, although the other deputy, Will, is immediately fascinated with Casey.
“The women are mostly running from bad choices in men. The men are mostly running from bad choices in life.”
It's told in first person, and Armstrong is a competent writer. It is readable, and the mixed mysteries of Rockton and the dead body mean there is a lot for Casey to figure out. Unlike another recent book I read, The Last Murder at the End of the World, it's a setting that isn't deliberately obscured by the author, just the normal secrets that are gradually uncovered as Casey builds a picture of the people and situation.
"People come here, and it’s a clean slate. A chance to be whoever they want for a while."
It's an enjoyable tale, undemanding and interesting. There's a nice balance of Casey's introspection and dramatic events. However, it is one I'd hesitate to universally recommend, due to it's low reliance on setting believability, and because of a more limited world-view that feels very much like 1980s feminism. Armstrong actually reminds me a lot of Patricia Briggs in her overall sensibility about male-female dynamics, so if you don't find yourself bothered by Briggs, you should do fine here. On Stephen's buy/borrow/toss scale (or something similar), I'd borrow.
Just remember: no werewolves.
“I ask for the population and basic stats. Just over two hundred people. Seventy-five percent male. Average age thirty-five. No one under twenty-five. No one over sixty.”
It's an interesting frame, and I'll admit that I spent a little brainpower considering the likelihood. Armstrong doesn't dwell overmuch on the details, so if you are looking for thoughts on how to set up your own retreat, you won't find it here. I feel like it probably wouldn't hold under scrutiny, so it's best to just go with it. And go with it I did. Both Casey and the reader are trying to get their grounding when another body is discovered, somewhat mauled by local wildlife. The local sheriff, Eric Dalton, is taciturn and very much in charge. From the beginning, you get the subtle feel of an antagonist-to-lovers trope storyline, although the other deputy, Will, is immediately fascinated with Casey.
“The women are mostly running from bad choices in men. The men are mostly running from bad choices in life.”
It's told in first person, and Armstrong is a competent writer. It is readable, and the mixed mysteries of Rockton and the dead body mean there is a lot for Casey to figure out. Unlike another recent book I read, The Last Murder at the End of the World, it's a setting that isn't deliberately obscured by the author, just the normal secrets that are gradually uncovered as Casey builds a picture of the people and situation.
"People come here, and it’s a clean slate. A chance to be whoever they want for a while."
It's an enjoyable tale, undemanding and interesting. There's a nice balance of Casey's introspection and dramatic events. However, it is one I'd hesitate to universally recommend, due to it's low reliance on setting believability, and because of a more limited world-view that feels very much like 1980s feminism. Armstrong actually reminds me a lot of Patricia Briggs in her overall sensibility about male-female dynamics, so if you don't find yourself bothered by Briggs, you should do fine here. On Stephen's buy/borrow/toss scale (or something similar), I'd borrow.
Just remember: no werewolves.
December 31, 2017
3.5 Stars* (rounded up)
Casey is a homicide detective and when she was in college something bad happened to her. She was attacked and she exacted revenge. She has been waiting for retribution ever since. It finally arrived.
Her best friend Diana married a horribly abusive man, yet she loves him desperately. Thankfully she has always had Casey to protect and take care of her. Together, they have always taken off and started anew, thus when Diana is found and beaten by Graham within an inch of her life, it is the last straw. Casey and Diana decide to go into hiding. To a town that doesn’t exist. A town in which there is little electricity and there are no computers, no cell phones and no internet. The town is called Rockton, it is in a remote section of Canada. First, Casey and Diana must apply and get accepted and somehow, they do.
The town desperately needs a homicide detective. Scratch that. They need Casey Duncan. Bad things have been happening in Rockton. Things that the council have wanted to keep hidden from its residence. People are dying, not just dying actually - they are being murdered. And the council doesn’t want the Sheriff Dalton to investigate. Hence why Casey Dawson is needed. Upon arrival in Rockton, she doesn’t waste any time and what she finds shocks everyone.
I personally loved the idea of living off the grid, for me it seems quite intriguing and I think I could do it, especially given the state of our nation at the present time. And going to Canada? Even better!
This novel included the slow build of a relationship between two characters which I really enjoyed at first, but then it just became hot and heavy and was way to “schmoopy” for me. In addition, the characters used swear words in every breath, every time they got hot for each other which seemed quite childish in my opinion.
The mystery itself however, was quite good and I was fully invested in the characters and the crimes and am looking forward to the next book in the series. Hopefully the romance will have cooled off by the time the next installment takes place. One can hope!
This was a Traveling Sister Read. It included: Norma, Brenda, Kaceey, Jennifer, Holly, Nikki, Marialyce and Berit.
Published on Goodreads and Amazon on 12.31.17.
Casey is a homicide detective and when she was in college something bad happened to her. She was attacked and she exacted revenge. She has been waiting for retribution ever since. It finally arrived.
Her best friend Diana married a horribly abusive man, yet she loves him desperately. Thankfully she has always had Casey to protect and take care of her. Together, they have always taken off and started anew, thus when Diana is found and beaten by Graham within an inch of her life, it is the last straw. Casey and Diana decide to go into hiding. To a town that doesn’t exist. A town in which there is little electricity and there are no computers, no cell phones and no internet. The town is called Rockton, it is in a remote section of Canada. First, Casey and Diana must apply and get accepted and somehow, they do.
The town desperately needs a homicide detective. Scratch that. They need Casey Duncan. Bad things have been happening in Rockton. Things that the council have wanted to keep hidden from its residence. People are dying, not just dying actually - they are being murdered. And the council doesn’t want the Sheriff Dalton to investigate. Hence why Casey Dawson is needed. Upon arrival in Rockton, she doesn’t waste any time and what she finds shocks everyone.
I personally loved the idea of living off the grid, for me it seems quite intriguing and I think I could do it, especially given the state of our nation at the present time. And going to Canada? Even better!
This novel included the slow build of a relationship between two characters which I really enjoyed at first, but then it just became hot and heavy and was way to “schmoopy” for me. In addition, the characters used swear words in every breath, every time they got hot for each other which seemed quite childish in my opinion.
The mystery itself however, was quite good and I was fully invested in the characters and the crimes and am looking forward to the next book in the series. Hopefully the romance will have cooled off by the time the next installment takes place. One can hope!
This was a Traveling Sister Read. It included: Norma, Brenda, Kaceey, Jennifer, Holly, Nikki, Marialyce and Berit.
Published on Goodreads and Amazon on 12.31.17.
April 22, 2019
5 Stars
Kickass writing.
Kickass story.
Kickass characters.
Kickass author.
Kickass writing.
Kickass story.
Kickass characters.
Kickass author.
December 29, 2017
3.5 a bit outlandish stars to City of the Lost ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2
Some quick thoughts:
What I loved: the author’s smooth writing, the entertainment factor, and the setting (I’d love to go off the grid for a (short) while and live in the beautiful Yukon!).
What wasn’t quite as good: the romance was, to borrow a Susanne’s term, schmoopy 👀 and some of the happenings were too gory and on the outlandish side...
Overall, this was a good escape read during the holidays, and I’m grateful that I read it!
This was a fun Traveling Sister read, and if it wasn’t for my sisters, I may have given up on this one. Please visit Brenda and Norma’s blog for all The Traveling Sisters reviews: https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
Some quick thoughts:
What I loved: the author’s smooth writing, the entertainment factor, and the setting (I’d love to go off the grid for a (short) while and live in the beautiful Yukon!).
What wasn’t quite as good: the romance was, to borrow a Susanne’s term, schmoopy 👀 and some of the happenings were too gory and on the outlandish side...
Overall, this was a good escape read during the holidays, and I’m grateful that I read it!
This was a fun Traveling Sister read, and if it wasn’t for my sisters, I may have given up on this one. Please visit Brenda and Norma’s blog for all The Traveling Sisters reviews: https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
September 23, 2017
This book was nothing like I thought it would be and I loved it. Will you love it? If you like mysteries with just a hint of romance, you might.
The sexy times were fade-to-black, so the only growling and mewing you will get is from the wildlife that is surrounding this town. And, hell-to-the-no on me ever wanting to visit a place like this, let alone live there. It's more dangerous than Australia!
Out on a horse ride, the sheriff is telling our heroine that they used to keep dogs and cats until they went feral. Now, there are killer dogs and cats in the forest. Even the wild chickens have jumped in front of their horses and broken someone's neck by him falling.
..."The rabbits, though? The rabbits haven’t killed anyone.” He pauses. “So far.”
Brave Sir Robin really was the sensible one.
On top of the killer pets, there were also people living in the forest who have "gone wild". And, no, not in a sexy-college-coed way. More in a dirty-crazy-cannibalistic way. I mean, both ways will really hurt their chances at future job opportunities, but the crazy cannibals don't really care.
Some things shouldn't be public knowledge
So, this book has obviously got that whole nature thing going. The premise is that there is a town in the Yukon that is completely off the grid and takes in people who need to hide out for some reason. Often it is battered women, people hiding from hit-men, or people who have committed crimes. This mixture causes a need for a strong police presence, and our hero, Casey, is a detective who needs to hide from the mob. She moves there with her BFF who has an abusive ex-husband stalker.
Casey's BFF does go wild because the town is 75% men. I'm guessing a soft three is a hard ten in this place. Instead of beer goggles, it is wilderness goggles. Well, and beer goggles... there's a lot of drinking going on. At the whore-house. Oh, yeah, there's a whore-house. Of course. How could a town exist without one? It is accepted as a necessary thing. The "madam" tries to explain this and how prostitution keeps the raping to a minimum to Casey, but it doesn't go that smoothly:
Casey - "You’ve found a way to turn a profit in Rockton. And in return, the rest of the women have to put up with being treated like we’ll all whore ourselves—it’s just a matter of finding the right price.”
Whoremonger - “I think that’s exaggerating—”
Casey -“I’ve been here four days, and I’ve still managed to be offered money for sex twice."
Whoremonger - “You’re young and attractive. It’s an anomaly.”
Casey - “I can handle it. I’m sure every other woman in this town can, too, because it’s not like most of them have had their self-esteem ground into the dirt by an abusive asshole.”
Whoremonger - "This is one solution to a very serious problem.”
Casey - “That guys can’t keep their pants zipped? That if you deprive them of women, they’ll just take them? That’s a hell of an insult to the men in this town.”
Casey:
And, this is one of the reasons I loved this book. Aside from it being unique, interesting, fun, romantic, and eerie, I just adored Casey. She is titanium. Strong, but not a Mary Sue or special snowflake. She survives some bad shit, she lives with having disappointed her parents, she gets caught up in regretting some poor decisions she's made, but she is stronger for it all.
She's not perfect:
Stargazing with the sheriff:
He squints up into the sky. “First you need to find the North Star. You see it up there?”
I point.
“That’s a planet,” he says.
I try again.
“That’d be the space station.” He directs me until I have the North Star.
Bummer, I heard it is really pretty..
Casey doesn't know everything, and doesn't pretend like she does. She also is strong without being bitchy. I appreciated that.
The mystery in the book was interesting and not obvious in its conclusion. The romance aspect was super subtle and a slow-burn, which I liked.
Overall, this was a unique and fun story.
Oh, and there is no paranormal at all. Just in case you were expecting everyone to be werewolves because this is Kelly Armstrong. Nope. Just people.
and maybe some cannibals...
The sexy times were fade-to-black, so the only growling and mewing you will get is from the wildlife that is surrounding this town. And, hell-to-the-no on me ever wanting to visit a place like this, let alone live there. It's more dangerous than Australia!
Out on a horse ride, the sheriff is telling our heroine that they used to keep dogs and cats until they went feral. Now, there are killer dogs and cats in the forest. Even the wild chickens have jumped in front of their horses and broken someone's neck by him falling.
..."The rabbits, though? The rabbits haven’t killed anyone.” He pauses. “So far.”
Brave Sir Robin really was the sensible one.
On top of the killer pets, there were also people living in the forest who have "gone wild". And, no, not in a sexy-college-coed way. More in a dirty-crazy-cannibalistic way. I mean, both ways will really hurt their chances at future job opportunities, but the crazy cannibals don't really care.
Some things shouldn't be public knowledge
So, this book has obviously got that whole nature thing going. The premise is that there is a town in the Yukon that is completely off the grid and takes in people who need to hide out for some reason. Often it is battered women, people hiding from hit-men, or people who have committed crimes. This mixture causes a need for a strong police presence, and our hero, Casey, is a detective who needs to hide from the mob. She moves there with her BFF who has an abusive ex-husband stalker.
Casey's BFF does go wild because the town is 75% men. I'm guessing a soft three is a hard ten in this place. Instead of beer goggles, it is wilderness goggles. Well, and beer goggles... there's a lot of drinking going on. At the whore-house. Oh, yeah, there's a whore-house. Of course. How could a town exist without one? It is accepted as a necessary thing. The "madam" tries to explain this and how prostitution keeps the raping to a minimum to Casey, but it doesn't go that smoothly:
Casey - "You’ve found a way to turn a profit in Rockton. And in return, the rest of the women have to put up with being treated like we’ll all whore ourselves—it’s just a matter of finding the right price.”
Whoremonger - “I think that’s exaggerating—”
Casey -“I’ve been here four days, and I’ve still managed to be offered money for sex twice."
Whoremonger - “You’re young and attractive. It’s an anomaly.”
Casey - “I can handle it. I’m sure every other woman in this town can, too, because it’s not like most of them have had their self-esteem ground into the dirt by an abusive asshole.”
Whoremonger - "This is one solution to a very serious problem.”
Casey - “That guys can’t keep their pants zipped? That if you deprive them of women, they’ll just take them? That’s a hell of an insult to the men in this town.”
Casey:
And, this is one of the reasons I loved this book. Aside from it being unique, interesting, fun, romantic, and eerie, I just adored Casey. She is titanium. Strong, but not a Mary Sue or special snowflake. She survives some bad shit, she lives with having disappointed her parents, she gets caught up in regretting some poor decisions she's made, but she is stronger for it all.
She's not perfect:
Stargazing with the sheriff:
He squints up into the sky. “First you need to find the North Star. You see it up there?”
I point.
“That’s a planet,” he says.
I try again.
“That’d be the space station.” He directs me until I have the North Star.
Bummer, I heard it is really pretty..
Casey doesn't know everything, and doesn't pretend like she does. She also is strong without being bitchy. I appreciated that.
The mystery in the book was interesting and not obvious in its conclusion. The romance aspect was super subtle and a slow-burn, which I liked.
Overall, this was a unique and fun story.
Oh, and there is no paranormal at all. Just in case you were expecting everyone to be werewolves because this is Kelly Armstrong. Nope. Just people.
and maybe some cannibals...
February 9, 2022
There have always been stories of cities lost to the mists of time and history, Camelot, El Dorado, Z and others. Did they ever exist? Maybe. But if you are a certain type person, a criminal, a victim, a killer with money you might have heard of another town that offers sanctuary. Not a glamorous town by any means, the living is harder than you can imagine, but Rockton does exist. If you meet the stringent requirements of need and/or money you might get in.
A homicide detective, Casey Duncan and her best friend Diana, a victim of spousal abuse are accepted grudgingly, very grudgingly by Sheriff Eric Dalton. According to Dalton he doesn’t want them, but the ruling council insists because Rockton needs a homicide detective-even one who has committed murder herself. Casey won’t come without Diana.
Dalton runs Rockton with an iron hand. The most important rule, one that incurs severe punishment is you don’t go into the woods by yourself. Sometimes the punishment is administered by Sheriff Dalton, sometimes by the woods. There are scary people in the woods. There are apex predators in the woods because Rockton is located in the Yukon.
People are dying in ugly torturous ways in the woods, deaths inflicted by humans. It is Casey’s job to find the killer and determine if it is a resident or one of the many who live in the woods.
The inhabitants of Rockton are scarred in their own way, even the killers who buy their way in. Once they arrive in Rockton they have to re-invent themselves. Casey is one of the few who can stay true to herself and maybe start to forgive herself. Casey begins to realize the sheriff is different for a reason. She begins to forge warm friendships with Deputy Will Anders and Doctor Beth. Eventually she begins to be more accepting of the local madam, Isabel.
I loved that when misunderstandings occurred they were actually resolved in a reasonable amount of time by adults communicating.
Ah, the woods, possibly the most interesting character in the book. Rockton is not far behind but I will instead leave it as a fascinating setting.
There is not a character in the book that I did not find compelling.
There are numerous surprises that await Casey and the reader. Well done surprises, not from out of left field.
There are romances. One of which is just about the sweetest I’ve come across in a long time. Sweetest and damn hot too.
For the love of all that is holy can not the denizens of Rockton learn the meaning of a locked door
or a closed door, or of people not actually answering a door due to sleeping or ummm, something like that. The Sheriff needs to rectify that lack of knowledge of boundaries soonest with himself as first pupil. It was good to see a bit of lightness shed on all the darkness of Rockton.
Here is my deep dark secret; I’ve already read this book three times since it came out. I am just fascinated by every aspect of it. Thank goodness there is an equally wonderful second book, A Darkness Absolute that is already out. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A homicide detective, Casey Duncan and her best friend Diana, a victim of spousal abuse are accepted grudgingly, very grudgingly by Sheriff Eric Dalton. According to Dalton he doesn’t want them, but the ruling council insists because Rockton needs a homicide detective-even one who has committed murder herself. Casey won’t come without Diana.
Dalton runs Rockton with an iron hand. The most important rule, one that incurs severe punishment is you don’t go into the woods by yourself. Sometimes the punishment is administered by Sheriff Dalton, sometimes by the woods. There are scary people in the woods. There are apex predators in the woods because Rockton is located in the Yukon.
People are dying in ugly torturous ways in the woods, deaths inflicted by humans. It is Casey’s job to find the killer and determine if it is a resident or one of the many who live in the woods.
The inhabitants of Rockton are scarred in their own way, even the killers who buy their way in. Once they arrive in Rockton they have to re-invent themselves. Casey is one of the few who can stay true to herself and maybe start to forgive herself. Casey begins to realize the sheriff is different for a reason. She begins to forge warm friendships with Deputy Will Anders and Doctor Beth. Eventually she begins to be more accepting of the local madam, Isabel.
I loved that when misunderstandings occurred they were actually resolved in a reasonable amount of time by adults communicating.
Ah, the woods, possibly the most interesting character in the book. Rockton is not far behind but I will instead leave it as a fascinating setting.
There is not a character in the book that I did not find compelling.
There are numerous surprises that await Casey and the reader. Well done surprises, not from out of left field.
There are romances. One of which is just about the sweetest I’ve come across in a long time. Sweetest and damn hot too.
For the love of all that is holy can not the denizens of Rockton learn the meaning of a locked door
or a closed door, or of people not actually answering a door due to sleeping or ummm, something like that. The Sheriff needs to rectify that lack of knowledge of boundaries soonest with himself as first pupil. It was good to see a bit of lightness shed on all the darkness of Rockton.
Here is my deep dark secret; I’ve already read this book three times since it came out. I am just fascinated by every aspect of it. Thank goodness there is an equally wonderful second book, A Darkness Absolute that is already out. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
December 29, 2017
3.5
Want a ticket into the town of Rockton, an off-the grid secret town?
You will need to qualify to gain access and if granted you will need to cut off all ties of your former life and start over! Its in Canada and it is remote and primitive-no cell phones, internet, electricity, mail and few modern comforts.
Casey Duncan is a detective who has skills she can offer the town that has just had its first murder. She is able to negotiate a contract to get herself and her good friend, Diana into Rockton to start a new life. Diana gains entry because she is a victim of abuse and needs to get away from her ex.
I enjoyed the secret and mysterious atmosphere of the city, but the beginning of the book seems to be bogged down in setting up the plot. Around 50% the pacing improves and things start getting strange in the city- eerie sightings in the forest, more murders, revelations that some of their citizens may be criminals and not just seeking asylum.
The story was good with an almost supernatural feel, a bit of romance, some creepy elements and lots of mystery. I'm looking forward to book two and hoping the pace stays steady.
July 8, 2022
3.5 to 4 stars
Casey Duncan is a detective with a secret, in college she killed a man. The father of the man she killed is a member of the mafia and years later wants to make her pay. When Casey’s best friend Diana hears of a town where one can disappear, they both jump at the chance to escape their current lives. And luckily, the town needs a new detective to help solve a recent murder…
Kelley Armstrong is one of my all time favorite authors, I must have read at least twenty of her books over the years. I’m a bit behind on some of the series so I decided to pick this one up on audio from my library. I think setting up a whole new series, this book was an exposition dump/overload. We seriously got so much information about the characters, the town, the people, that it felt almost not entirely relevant in this story, but will later.
I loved the main character, Casey, and I loved the dynamics between her and Eric Dalton. The mystery and the exposition fell a little bit flat for me, and the descriptions a little too violent. A great start to a series and I am willing to read the next book and see where this all goes. But not right away.
Casey Duncan is a detective with a secret, in college she killed a man. The father of the man she killed is a member of the mafia and years later wants to make her pay. When Casey’s best friend Diana hears of a town where one can disappear, they both jump at the chance to escape their current lives. And luckily, the town needs a new detective to help solve a recent murder…
Kelley Armstrong is one of my all time favorite authors, I must have read at least twenty of her books over the years. I’m a bit behind on some of the series so I decided to pick this one up on audio from my library. I think setting up a whole new series, this book was an exposition dump/overload. We seriously got so much information about the characters, the town, the people, that it felt almost not entirely relevant in this story, but will later.
I loved the main character, Casey, and I loved the dynamics between her and Eric Dalton. The mystery and the exposition fell a little bit flat for me, and the descriptions a little too violent. A great start to a series and I am willing to read the next book and see where this all goes. But not right away.
October 27, 2016
5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2016/06/15/...
Wow, you’ll have to excuse me, but I think I’m having myself another one of those “Why have I waited so long to read this author?” moments. Yes, believe it or not, it actually took me this long to finally try Kelley Armstrong (despite the fact others have been telling me about her awesomeness for years). I also find it a little ironic that even though I’m more of a speculative fiction reader, it wasn’t any of her fantasy or paranormal books that finally caught my eye, but her newest mystery thriller/suspense novel City of the Lost, a book that was originally published serially in six parts. Anyway, the moment I read its description, I just knew I had to check it out.
Meet Casey Duncan, a homicide detective with a dark secret. In college, she killed a former lover, who was also the grandson of a crime lord. While the police didn’t have the evidence to catch who really did it, the mob knows and they never forget. Casey’s past finally catches up with her more than a decade later, when she suddenly finds her life in danger. At around the same time, Casey’s best friend Diana tells her that she is worried about her violent ex-husband, who has recently managed to track her down. After Casey discovers Diana brutally beaten and bloody on her bathroom floor one night, she knows that the two of them will have to do something about their situations—and fast—or they’ll both soon wind up dead.
It is Diana who finds a possible solution, letting Casey know about a remote community in the northern wilderness where people can go to disappear. Anyone who wants to leave their old lives behind can apply for entry—which includes abuse survivors like Diana, but also folks who are trying to run from their mistakes, hide from the law, or just don’t want to be found. That’s how the two friends ultimately end up in Rockton, a small town in the Yukon Territories where there’s no phones, no internet, no mail…but plenty of secrets. As it turns out, Casey’s application was almost rejected after a thorough background check revealed that she might have killed a man in college, but the town council is desperate; Rockton has just had its first real homicide, so they feel the local sheriff could use the help from a real homicide detective.
While I usually leave audiobook comments until the end of my reviews, I feel like I have to make an exception here simply because this was such a phenomenal listen. I also don’t doubt that a huge part of my love of this book was due to the format and the incredible performance by the narrator Therese Plummer. This is the first audiobook I’ve ever listened to her read, and I am beyond impressed with her voice acting. She reads beautifully, pulling me into the story so that I hung on to her every word. Her timing, accents, and inflections were all perfect, and the way she dramatized the suspenseful scenes had a way of making feel like I was right in the story, or sitting around a campfire listening to a tale told by an extremely talented storyteller.
Of course, Kelley Armstrong’s writing had a lot to do with creating the atmosphere as well. While there’s no clear speculative fiction element in City of the Lost, I also think that parts of this book can qualify it as horror. After all, there’s a possible killer on the loose, and there are also things lurking in the forest you don’t ever want to meet. The author has created an ideal setting for a psychological thriller, emphasizing the isolation of Rockton. Even without the murders making everyone in town nervous, there’s a real sense of danger and helplessness that hangs over all aspects of life in a remote community like this so far away from civilization, knowing that if the worst happens, you are on your own.
Yet at the same time, there’s a quiet, exquisite beauty about that kind of isolation. It’s a simple but relatively carefree life in Rockton, and the people around you may be quirky but they have their charms. Despite feeling the pressures of her investigation, Casey is also always taking the time to appreciate the wonders of the wilderness around her. I’ve always wanted to visit the Yukon, and the descriptions in this book reminded me why.
I really only have one criticism, and it’s a very minor one. There’s a romantic arc in this book, and around the two-thirds mark the plot stalls as we switch gears to focus on the romantic drama. Still, the romance is super sweet, the kind that I’m sure made other people wonder why I had this stupid, dreamy-looking grin plastered on my face as I was walking around listening to this one on my headphones. The love story might have been a bit much, distracting from the mystery and suspense, but it was also really nice.
By now, I think it’s obvious that I loved City of the Lost, and I seriously couldn’t be more pleased with my very first Kelley Armstrong novel. If you love twisty mysteries and psychological thrillers, I would highly recommend this one, especially the audio version narrated by Therese Plummer. This one made me an instant fan of both author and narrator. Will definitely want to read/listen to more!
Wow, you’ll have to excuse me, but I think I’m having myself another one of those “Why have I waited so long to read this author?” moments. Yes, believe it or not, it actually took me this long to finally try Kelley Armstrong (despite the fact others have been telling me about her awesomeness for years). I also find it a little ironic that even though I’m more of a speculative fiction reader, it wasn’t any of her fantasy or paranormal books that finally caught my eye, but her newest mystery thriller/suspense novel City of the Lost, a book that was originally published serially in six parts. Anyway, the moment I read its description, I just knew I had to check it out.
Meet Casey Duncan, a homicide detective with a dark secret. In college, she killed a former lover, who was also the grandson of a crime lord. While the police didn’t have the evidence to catch who really did it, the mob knows and they never forget. Casey’s past finally catches up with her more than a decade later, when she suddenly finds her life in danger. At around the same time, Casey’s best friend Diana tells her that she is worried about her violent ex-husband, who has recently managed to track her down. After Casey discovers Diana brutally beaten and bloody on her bathroom floor one night, she knows that the two of them will have to do something about their situations—and fast—or they’ll both soon wind up dead.
It is Diana who finds a possible solution, letting Casey know about a remote community in the northern wilderness where people can go to disappear. Anyone who wants to leave their old lives behind can apply for entry—which includes abuse survivors like Diana, but also folks who are trying to run from their mistakes, hide from the law, or just don’t want to be found. That’s how the two friends ultimately end up in Rockton, a small town in the Yukon Territories where there’s no phones, no internet, no mail…but plenty of secrets. As it turns out, Casey’s application was almost rejected after a thorough background check revealed that she might have killed a man in college, but the town council is desperate; Rockton has just had its first real homicide, so they feel the local sheriff could use the help from a real homicide detective.
While I usually leave audiobook comments until the end of my reviews, I feel like I have to make an exception here simply because this was such a phenomenal listen. I also don’t doubt that a huge part of my love of this book was due to the format and the incredible performance by the narrator Therese Plummer. This is the first audiobook I’ve ever listened to her read, and I am beyond impressed with her voice acting. She reads beautifully, pulling me into the story so that I hung on to her every word. Her timing, accents, and inflections were all perfect, and the way she dramatized the suspenseful scenes had a way of making feel like I was right in the story, or sitting around a campfire listening to a tale told by an extremely talented storyteller.
Of course, Kelley Armstrong’s writing had a lot to do with creating the atmosphere as well. While there’s no clear speculative fiction element in City of the Lost, I also think that parts of this book can qualify it as horror. After all, there’s a possible killer on the loose, and there are also things lurking in the forest you don’t ever want to meet. The author has created an ideal setting for a psychological thriller, emphasizing the isolation of Rockton. Even without the murders making everyone in town nervous, there’s a real sense of danger and helplessness that hangs over all aspects of life in a remote community like this so far away from civilization, knowing that if the worst happens, you are on your own.
Yet at the same time, there’s a quiet, exquisite beauty about that kind of isolation. It’s a simple but relatively carefree life in Rockton, and the people around you may be quirky but they have their charms. Despite feeling the pressures of her investigation, Casey is also always taking the time to appreciate the wonders of the wilderness around her. I’ve always wanted to visit the Yukon, and the descriptions in this book reminded me why.
I really only have one criticism, and it’s a very minor one. There’s a romantic arc in this book, and around the two-thirds mark the plot stalls as we switch gears to focus on the romantic drama. Still, the romance is super sweet, the kind that I’m sure made other people wonder why I had this stupid, dreamy-looking grin plastered on my face as I was walking around listening to this one on my headphones. The love story might have been a bit much, distracting from the mystery and suspense, but it was also really nice.
By now, I think it’s obvious that I loved City of the Lost, and I seriously couldn’t be more pleased with my very first Kelley Armstrong novel. If you love twisty mysteries and psychological thrillers, I would highly recommend this one, especially the audio version narrated by Therese Plummer. This one made me an instant fan of both author and narrator. Will definitely want to read/listen to more!
January 13, 2019
DNF in the second chapter.
I found myself disbelieving every single sentence in chapter 1. The fact that therapists always show looks of surprise at her confession- no, they are literally trained not to show surprise. That the therapist made wild guesses at her story instead of allowing her to tell it- no, that's just not how therapy works. This and more- all in the first pages. So yeah, I was already unhappy moving into chapter 2.
Chapter 2 then introduces a flashback in which the (as yet unnamed? Certainly as yet unsympathetic) MC is attacked, abandoned by her boyfriend, and possibly raped. "Possibly raped" is actually a phrase that comes up more than once.
Is this how the author wants me to be introduced to her story? Before I have any sense of the MC, before I have any sense of the story to unfold in these pages, I am given, for one, her belligerent, cynical approach to an EXTREMELY poorly written therapist, and, for two, a horrific attack and possible rape, with the assailants speaking obviously cryptic phrases about mobsters and gang turf?
This is not how you set a stage. Graphic violence against women and potential sexual assault as mysterious plot point? Cheap, ugly, and insulting.
I closed the book for good when the MC mentioned "waking up" "AS" her mother and the doctors discussed "pulling the plug." THATS NOT HOW ANY OF THAT WORKS.
1 star. Ugh.
I found myself disbelieving every single sentence in chapter 1. The fact that therapists always show looks of surprise at her confession- no, they are literally trained not to show surprise. That the therapist made wild guesses at her story instead of allowing her to tell it- no, that's just not how therapy works. This and more- all in the first pages. So yeah, I was already unhappy moving into chapter 2.
Chapter 2 then introduces a flashback in which the (as yet unnamed? Certainly as yet unsympathetic) MC is attacked, abandoned by her boyfriend, and possibly raped. "Possibly raped" is actually a phrase that comes up more than once.
Is this how the author wants me to be introduced to her story? Before I have any sense of the MC, before I have any sense of the story to unfold in these pages, I am given, for one, her belligerent, cynical approach to an EXTREMELY poorly written therapist, and, for two, a horrific attack and possible rape, with the assailants speaking obviously cryptic phrases about mobsters and gang turf?
This is not how you set a stage. Graphic violence against women and potential sexual assault as mysterious plot point? Cheap, ugly, and insulting.
I closed the book for good when the MC mentioned "waking up" "AS" her mother and the doctors discussed "pulling the plug." THATS NOT HOW ANY OF THAT WORKS.
1 star. Ugh.
July 24, 2020
City of the Lost by Kelley Armstrong
1st book in the Rockton series. Police procedural mystery in a minuscular remote town in the wilds of the Yukon.
Casey Duncan agrees to move to the hidden town as a detective to keep her friend Diana safe from her abusive ex. She is soon working long hours investigating missing people, murders and navigating the unique inhabitants and their idiosyncrasies.
Who can she trust? Can she trust anyone? What mysteries are out in the surrounding woods and are they really more dangerous than what’s going on behind the closed doors in town?
Twists, and weirdness and breathtaking events make this a compelling read. I can’t wait to eat the next book in the series.
1st book in the Rockton series. Police procedural mystery in a minuscular remote town in the wilds of the Yukon.
Casey Duncan agrees to move to the hidden town as a detective to keep her friend Diana safe from her abusive ex. She is soon working long hours investigating missing people, murders and navigating the unique inhabitants and their idiosyncrasies.
Who can she trust? Can she trust anyone? What mysteries are out in the surrounding woods and are they really more dangerous than what’s going on behind the closed doors in town?
Twists, and weirdness and breathtaking events make this a compelling read. I can’t wait to eat the next book in the series.
May 8, 2017
Casey Duncan is a homicide detective who has killed a man unrelated to her job. Her best friend is a toxic person always in trouble with her job, her ex, etc.....together they decide to runaway to a town that hides people in northern Canada. While that sounds implausible, it truly never was. However, it did trip over into shades of The Village by M. Night Shyamalan which was creepy at times. Apparently those are the types of books Kelley Armstrong normally writes and this series is something new and different for her. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I learned a LOT about northern Canada in the process of being incredibly engrossed in a great mystery.
On a different note: this is my plug for Minotaur Books. Rarely, if ever, do I pick up one of their publications and am disappointed. They have great authors and super editors. And no, I do not receive free books from or anyone else. My opinions are honest and free.
On a different note: this is my plug for Minotaur Books. Rarely, if ever, do I pick up one of their publications and am disappointed. They have great authors and super editors. And no, I do not receive free books from or anyone else. My opinions are honest and free.
February 22, 2018
I liked this book and will continue with the series, but there is an oddness that is affecting my rating of this first book.
The “before Rockton” part of the book showed main character Casey Duncan as a tough damaged badass cop. She had sought treatment from five psychiatrists. She had an unhealthy friendship with a battered woman named Diana with whom she had moved to another city. She moves again with this friend to Rockton, an isolated primitive village in the middle of nowhere whose residents pay an entry fee to live there.
“After Rockton” felt like a different book. Casey turned into a wimpy weak woman. Diana turned into a promiscuous party girl who wanted nothing much to do with Casey. It took some time for me to adjust my view of these two changed characters.
Rockton itself is an interesting place. There is a variety of characters to get to know. There is a murder investigation. There is romance.
There are currently only two more books in the series, and I’ve already requested the second book from my library. I’m curious to see what the author comes up with next.
The “before Rockton” part of the book showed main character Casey Duncan as a tough damaged badass cop. She had sought treatment from five psychiatrists. She had an unhealthy friendship with a battered woman named Diana with whom she had moved to another city. She moves again with this friend to Rockton, an isolated primitive village in the middle of nowhere whose residents pay an entry fee to live there.
“After Rockton” felt like a different book. Casey turned into a wimpy weak woman. Diana turned into a promiscuous party girl who wanted nothing much to do with Casey. It took some time for me to adjust my view of these two changed characters.
Rockton itself is an interesting place. There is a variety of characters to get to know. There is a murder investigation. There is romance.
There are currently only two more books in the series, and I’ve already requested the second book from my library. I’m curious to see what the author comes up with next.
February 14, 2017
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life.
I am shocked by how much I ended up liking this book. The story grabbed me immediately and I never lost interest. This was one of those books where just as soon as I thought I knew where the story was going, something would happen and I would realize that I was completely wrong. This really was the kind of book that can really hard to put down.
This is the first book in the Casey Duncan series and after reading the first two books in the series, I do recommend that this series be read in order. This book really does set the groundwork for the next book in the series. This was a book that started in one manner and by the time it was over it was a completely different book. I loved that this book kept me guessing until the very end.
Casey is a detective. A detective with a past. She is very protective of her friend, Diana, who has been the victim of domestic violence. She has even moved before in order to support her friend. Diana learns about a town where people like her can go to hide and desperately wants to go. She wants Casey to come along with her. They end up going to Rockton, a town off the grid, in the Canadian wilderness.
Rockton is filled with interesting characters. Casey is put to work right away with Sheriff Dalton who more or less runs the town. The mystery in this story really took a lot of twists and turns that were completely unexpected. I had no idea which characters could be trusted from one moment to the next. I had to keep the pages turning just to find out what would happen.
The writing was wonderful. I was sucked into the story from the first sentence. Literally the first sentence. The pacing of the story was perfectly done. There were points in the book that were focused on really getting to know the characters while others were actively working on the mystery. The mystery was complex and believable. I honestly cannot believe that this is the first book by Kelley Armstrong that I have read because it seems that I am really missing out.
I would highly recommend this book to mystery thriller fans. Although Kelley Armstrong is known for writing books filled with supernatural elements, this book is a straight up mystery thriller. And it is a good one.
Initial Thoughts
This was good. Couldn't put it down good. The story was great. Characters were awesome. It was impossible to guess what would happen next. Excellent writing. Why haven't I read Kelley Armstrong before now? Can wait to start the next book in this series!
I am shocked by how much I ended up liking this book. The story grabbed me immediately and I never lost interest. This was one of those books where just as soon as I thought I knew where the story was going, something would happen and I would realize that I was completely wrong. This really was the kind of book that can really hard to put down.
This is the first book in the Casey Duncan series and after reading the first two books in the series, I do recommend that this series be read in order. This book really does set the groundwork for the next book in the series. This was a book that started in one manner and by the time it was over it was a completely different book. I loved that this book kept me guessing until the very end.
Casey is a detective. A detective with a past. She is very protective of her friend, Diana, who has been the victim of domestic violence. She has even moved before in order to support her friend. Diana learns about a town where people like her can go to hide and desperately wants to go. She wants Casey to come along with her. They end up going to Rockton, a town off the grid, in the Canadian wilderness.
Rockton is filled with interesting characters. Casey is put to work right away with Sheriff Dalton who more or less runs the town. The mystery in this story really took a lot of twists and turns that were completely unexpected. I had no idea which characters could be trusted from one moment to the next. I had to keep the pages turning just to find out what would happen.
The writing was wonderful. I was sucked into the story from the first sentence. Literally the first sentence. The pacing of the story was perfectly done. There were points in the book that were focused on really getting to know the characters while others were actively working on the mystery. The mystery was complex and believable. I honestly cannot believe that this is the first book by Kelley Armstrong that I have read because it seems that I am really missing out.
I would highly recommend this book to mystery thriller fans. Although Kelley Armstrong is known for writing books filled with supernatural elements, this book is a straight up mystery thriller. And it is a good one.
Initial Thoughts
This was good. Couldn't put it down good. The story was great. Characters were awesome. It was impossible to guess what would happen next. Excellent writing. Why haven't I read Kelley Armstrong before now? Can wait to start the next book in this series!
January 20, 2018
Wow, I *almost* bought this book before remembering that technically, I dnfed it at 50% when I read the serial. I needed to do something about my lack of memories, or I'd have ended buying this without intending to.
#Won't Bother Now
#Girl Fight Nightmare
► My review of part 1 : ★★★
► My review of part 2 : ★★★
► My review of part 3 : ★
For more of my reviews, please visit:
#Won't Bother Now
#Girl Fight Nightmare
► My review of part 1 : ★★★
► My review of part 2 : ★★★
► My review of part 3 : ★
For more of my reviews, please visit:
March 16, 2020
I was interested in reading the book from the first time I saw it. A town for people that needs to go away. A secret town in the middle of nowhere. It sounded bloody fantastic. But, sometimes my expectations are too high, and when it came to this book did I expect a more mysterious and darker story.
Now, I don't say that the City of the Lost is a bad book, it started interestingly with Casey and her friend Diana needing to get away, especially Diana after she once again had problems with her ex-boyfriend who beat her badly. Casey's problem is a bit more complicated, she killed a man when she was in college and have since then been waiting for the day the past would catch up with her. And, now it seems that it has happened. For them is Rockton a perfect solution, although Casey because of her past has a hard time getting approved for going to the town, in the end, is she allowed, but there are some conditions for her and one of the reasons they agree to accept her is because they need a homicide detective to solve a murder.
It's in Rockton that I felt the story started to drag now and then, it just went on and on, sometimes it felt that the investigation didn't go anywhere. I was also a bit disappointed with the town, it felt that it was just really bad people there and if you were a woman then you had to watch out (I think I had a town like the one in Pines (Wayward Pines by Blake Crouch in mind, normal but mysterious). There were some promising things with the story, the rumors about cannibals were interesting, it just never becomes much more than a rumor. Then, the obvious and expected romance occurred (I have read reviews of the books so I was prepared), and it took more time away from the investigations, but at the same time was it an important part of the story that I can't discuss since it would spoiler the book.
The ending, well it was good, perhaps not fantastically good, but Casey did solve the murder and all. She also discovered some secrets that someone close to her had kept and I loved the confrontation between Casey and this person.
So, City of the Lost did not turn out to be this fantastic book I had hoped for. It was more of a bumpy ride with both ups and downs. Would I read the next book? Yes, I would! I did enjoy more of the book than I disliked. I just hope the next book will have a less bumpy ride.
Now, I don't say that the City of the Lost is a bad book, it started interestingly with Casey and her friend Diana needing to get away, especially Diana after she once again had problems with her ex-boyfriend who beat her badly. Casey's problem is a bit more complicated, she killed a man when she was in college and have since then been waiting for the day the past would catch up with her. And, now it seems that it has happened. For them is Rockton a perfect solution, although Casey because of her past has a hard time getting approved for going to the town, in the end, is she allowed, but there are some conditions for her and one of the reasons they agree to accept her is because they need a homicide detective to solve a murder.
It's in Rockton that I felt the story started to drag now and then, it just went on and on, sometimes it felt that the investigation didn't go anywhere. I was also a bit disappointed with the town, it felt that it was just really bad people there and if you were a woman then you had to watch out (I think I had a town like the one in Pines (Wayward Pines by Blake Crouch in mind, normal but mysterious). There were some promising things with the story, the rumors about cannibals were interesting, it just never becomes much more than a rumor. Then, the obvious and expected romance occurred (I have read reviews of the books so I was prepared), and it took more time away from the investigations, but at the same time was it an important part of the story that I can't discuss since it would spoiler the book.
The ending, well it was good, perhaps not fantastically good, but Casey did solve the murder and all. She also discovered some secrets that someone close to her had kept and I loved the confrontation between Casey and this person.
So, City of the Lost did not turn out to be this fantastic book I had hoped for. It was more of a bumpy ride with both ups and downs. Would I read the next book? Yes, I would! I did enjoy more of the book than I disliked. I just hope the next book will have a less bumpy ride.
February 21, 2023
Edit - still not sure how many rereads, but absolutely love this book and this series. The annual traditional readthrough on release of a new book continues, because let's be honest - Casey stepped out of the world at the right time, and even if there's no Rockton in real life, I can temporarily vacation there with these books. And knowing my actual survival skills, that's probably for the best.
I'm reading this for the third, possibly fourth time, and only now writing a review, because this series is thoroughly under my skin.
Casey Duncan is a detective with a dark and violent past. But despite that past threatening to catch up with her, it's only when her best friend Diana is brutally beaten by a violent ex that Casey agrees to investigate the possibility of a town rumoured to offer sanctuary to those who need it. And luckily, they're in need of a good detective...
That's our introduction to Rockton, a town which offers a handy escape hatch to victims and criminals alike. Somewhere in the Yukon, this community of the lost functions better than it has any right to - and a lot of that is down to the town's sherrif, Eric Dalton. It's not the most welcoming of locales; despite a well put together town and regular supply runs, the local wildlife and hostile outsiders make leaving the town limits an unwise decision. But despite that, Casey soon finds herself more at home than she's ever been before.
It's that feeling of home that really makes this such a standout book for me - the writing is so fantastic that I swear I get colder just reading it. The characters are so real, and misunderstandings are cleared up by - gasp! - people talking to each other to straighten things out. Casey is a phenomenal lead, strong in some areas and weak in others, but never feeling unrealistic or even unlikely. She's also not afraid to be smart, strong, and stubborn when she needs to be.
Everything about this book just makes it perfect for me, but trying to see past the bias, I still believe this is an excellent book. Definitely one to check out for the procedural-lovers among us.
I'm reading this for the third, possibly fourth time, and only now writing a review, because this series is thoroughly under my skin.
Casey Duncan is a detective with a dark and violent past. But despite that past threatening to catch up with her, it's only when her best friend Diana is brutally beaten by a violent ex that Casey agrees to investigate the possibility of a town rumoured to offer sanctuary to those who need it. And luckily, they're in need of a good detective...
That's our introduction to Rockton, a town which offers a handy escape hatch to victims and criminals alike. Somewhere in the Yukon, this community of the lost functions better than it has any right to - and a lot of that is down to the town's sherrif, Eric Dalton. It's not the most welcoming of locales; despite a well put together town and regular supply runs, the local wildlife and hostile outsiders make leaving the town limits an unwise decision. But despite that, Casey soon finds herself more at home than she's ever been before.
It's that feeling of home that really makes this such a standout book for me - the writing is so fantastic that I swear I get colder just reading it. The characters are so real, and misunderstandings are cleared up by - gasp! - people talking to each other to straighten things out. Casey is a phenomenal lead, strong in some areas and weak in others, but never feeling unrealistic or even unlikely. She's also not afraid to be smart, strong, and stubborn when she needs to be.
Everything about this book just makes it perfect for me, but trying to see past the bias, I still believe this is an excellent book. Definitely one to check out for the procedural-lovers among us.
June 21, 2019
This story is not as memorable as it could have been. It gets lost around personal relationships while neglecting its main focus. 4 of 10 stars
April 9, 2025
City of the Lost has been on my Kindle for way too long, and I've finally had time to fit it into my reading schedule and how I wish I'd gotten to it sooner!
Kelley Armstrong always captivates me within her books, and this was no exception.
We follow Casey Duncan, a homicide detective with a dark secret she's been waiting to catch up with her for a long time.
When her best friend Diana is beaten up again by her abusive ex-husband and tells Casey about a place she's heard about where they can dissappear and start again for a time, Casey thinks such a place can't exist. But when the place is proven to be real and they can enter at a fee, the women grasp the chance and depart there; to Rockton.
Told to pack essentials only and unable to take any modern tech such as phones, computers etc they arrive in Rockton a town in the middle of nowhere with a very limited survival rate if you were to leave, both women begin their new lives. But is the place a safe haven as they thought when the place isn't just made up of people lying low but contains murderers, rapists and more...
Casey has been accepted for her skills to be the towns detective, and her first case starts as soon as she steps foot off the plane. As Caseys investigation begins, she realises they may have escaped one danger for another in an isolated, no-escape town where no-one is to be trusted.
This was quite gorey in places and I loved the isolation and wilderness of Rockton and getting to know and weigh-up different main characters. Casey is becoming one of my favourite female detectives, and I can't wait to continue this series.
Kelley Armstrong always captivates me within her books, and this was no exception.
We follow Casey Duncan, a homicide detective with a dark secret she's been waiting to catch up with her for a long time.
When her best friend Diana is beaten up again by her abusive ex-husband and tells Casey about a place she's heard about where they can dissappear and start again for a time, Casey thinks such a place can't exist. But when the place is proven to be real and they can enter at a fee, the women grasp the chance and depart there; to Rockton.
Told to pack essentials only and unable to take any modern tech such as phones, computers etc they arrive in Rockton a town in the middle of nowhere with a very limited survival rate if you were to leave, both women begin their new lives. But is the place a safe haven as they thought when the place isn't just made up of people lying low but contains murderers, rapists and more...
Casey has been accepted for her skills to be the towns detective, and her first case starts as soon as she steps foot off the plane. As Caseys investigation begins, she realises they may have escaped one danger for another in an isolated, no-escape town where no-one is to be trusted.
This was quite gorey in places and I loved the isolation and wilderness of Rockton and getting to know and weigh-up different main characters. Casey is becoming one of my favourite female detectives, and I can't wait to continue this series.
February 10, 2017
I've been a fan of Armstrong's since first reading her YA series way back when and as my tastes have changed and grown and I finally branched out to her adult books, that love has never faltered.
She is a fantastic writer, one that keeps you at the edge of your seat completely entertained and completely enthralled. When I saw a new thriller mystery from her set in an usual setting with characters ever bit as unique, I knew it was something that I needed to try.
I got every single thing from this book that I have come to expect from Armstrong's writing. An original storyline, uncharacteristic characters, and a mystery that kept me not only guessing but turning the pages.
It was hard not falling in love with the foul mouthed surly Dalton and the headstrong and smart Casey as well as the very rustic and slightly off town of Rockton. If you want something different, something different from the norm but so well written and plotted that it is every bit as believable as it is addicting, this is the story for you. I am completely hooked and can not wait for more.
She is a fantastic writer, one that keeps you at the edge of your seat completely entertained and completely enthralled. When I saw a new thriller mystery from her set in an usual setting with characters ever bit as unique, I knew it was something that I needed to try.
I got every single thing from this book that I have come to expect from Armstrong's writing. An original storyline, uncharacteristic characters, and a mystery that kept me not only guessing but turning the pages.
It was hard not falling in love with the foul mouthed surly Dalton and the headstrong and smart Casey as well as the very rustic and slightly off town of Rockton. If you want something different, something different from the norm but so well written and plotted that it is every bit as believable as it is addicting, this is the story for you. I am completely hooked and can not wait for more.
January 3, 2018
3.5 Stars rounded up
I enjoy reading Kelley Armstrong’s Cainsville series (currently on book 3), so I was excited to start another (and different) series by Armstrong. I will note that perhaps my rating for City of the Lost was influenced by the other books I have read by the author, as I enjoyed them a bit more than City of the Lost. That’s not to say this book isn’t good—it is, and it’s worth checking out if you enjoy detective novels.
Welcome to Rockton—an off-the-grid, dysfunctional town, where folks go to completely start over and escape their current lives. Not just anyone can “get in” to Rockton, which leads to an interesting cast of characters with questionable backgrounds. And there are quite a few characters… so try to keep track! Despite being a small, off-the-beaten path town, there are big problems and detective Casey Duncan finds herself in quite a whirlwind trying to solve a murder. And Rockton’s issues aren’t confined to the town limits either, as it’s middle-of-nowhere location leads to interesting “what is out there?” issues… and fear. I’ll admit that I find living off-the-grid (no phones, no internet, just basic necessities, etc.) very intriguing! However, this book also reminds you that being in the middle of nowhere can be frightening and downright primitive. One of my favorite quotes of the book is, “We aren’t nearly at Lord of the Flies level inside the town limits, but if you walk a mile into the wilderness, you’ll find Golding’s world come to life.”
Combine the turmoil inside the town with the darkness that looms in the forest, you’ve got yourself an intriguing story line and a good mystery. I liked the quick flow of this book, and I enjoy this author’s writing style. There were a couple of twists that I thought were very interesting and really added to the book. However, I do think some parts took a little too long to explain or explore, and there were parts that were a bit too repetitive. I rated this book 3.5 stars, and I do plan to continue the series. I think it’s off to a fairly good start, and I think it’s a book concept that has lots of potential. I look forward to reading book two soon!
This was a Traveling Sisters read with Jennifer, Susanne, Berit, Kaceey, Norma, Holly, Marialyce, and Brenda.
I enjoy reading Kelley Armstrong’s Cainsville series (currently on book 3), so I was excited to start another (and different) series by Armstrong. I will note that perhaps my rating for City of the Lost was influenced by the other books I have read by the author, as I enjoyed them a bit more than City of the Lost. That’s not to say this book isn’t good—it is, and it’s worth checking out if you enjoy detective novels.
Welcome to Rockton—an off-the-grid, dysfunctional town, where folks go to completely start over and escape their current lives. Not just anyone can “get in” to Rockton, which leads to an interesting cast of characters with questionable backgrounds. And there are quite a few characters… so try to keep track! Despite being a small, off-the-beaten path town, there are big problems and detective Casey Duncan finds herself in quite a whirlwind trying to solve a murder. And Rockton’s issues aren’t confined to the town limits either, as it’s middle-of-nowhere location leads to interesting “what is out there?” issues… and fear. I’ll admit that I find living off-the-grid (no phones, no internet, just basic necessities, etc.) very intriguing! However, this book also reminds you that being in the middle of nowhere can be frightening and downright primitive. One of my favorite quotes of the book is, “We aren’t nearly at Lord of the Flies level inside the town limits, but if you walk a mile into the wilderness, you’ll find Golding’s world come to life.”
Combine the turmoil inside the town with the darkness that looms in the forest, you’ve got yourself an intriguing story line and a good mystery. I liked the quick flow of this book, and I enjoy this author’s writing style. There were a couple of twists that I thought were very interesting and really added to the book. However, I do think some parts took a little too long to explain or explore, and there were parts that were a bit too repetitive. I rated this book 3.5 stars, and I do plan to continue the series. I think it’s off to a fairly good start, and I think it’s a book concept that has lots of potential. I look forward to reading book two soon!
This was a Traveling Sisters read with Jennifer, Susanne, Berit, Kaceey, Norma, Holly, Marialyce, and Brenda.
December 30, 2017
3.5 stars
Did you ever want to run away from everything and be in someplace where no one knows you and you do not know others? Do you think that "“A simple journey creates a peaceful life?"
For Casey Duncan and her friend, Diana, who are both looking to escape from some dangerous and tough issues in their lives, the ability to flee to a type of commune located in the midst of the freezing nowhere offers such promise, an escape from the reality of abuse and murder these two women had in their lives. Casey and Diana are joined there by others who have lived as outsiders of the norm, perhaps not the people one could want to become fast friends with, but they all are running from something. In this small enclave lives the rugged sheriff Eric Dalton, who is none to happy to have Casey join his town. Casey, is a detective and has to put her skills to work as when she enters the town for there has been two murders and more seem to be on the menu. Eric is no stranger to things that seem to be chasing him as well and their relationship is off to a shaky beginning.
Told with quite a few twists and turns, Ms Armstrong creates an environment that is creepy and oftentimes macabre as we follow Casey and Eric to find the killer among them. The town of Rockton turns out to be a place where secrets, shadows, and a killer inhabit a world that takes on almost a supernatural quality.
My Traveling sisters and I enjoyed this fast paced, easily read thriller, and we have fun tracking the killer along with Casey and Eric.
Did you ever want to run away from everything and be in someplace where no one knows you and you do not know others? Do you think that "“A simple journey creates a peaceful life?"
For Casey Duncan and her friend, Diana, who are both looking to escape from some dangerous and tough issues in their lives, the ability to flee to a type of commune located in the midst of the freezing nowhere offers such promise, an escape from the reality of abuse and murder these two women had in their lives. Casey and Diana are joined there by others who have lived as outsiders of the norm, perhaps not the people one could want to become fast friends with, but they all are running from something. In this small enclave lives the rugged sheriff Eric Dalton, who is none to happy to have Casey join his town. Casey, is a detective and has to put her skills to work as when she enters the town for there has been two murders and more seem to be on the menu. Eric is no stranger to things that seem to be chasing him as well and their relationship is off to a shaky beginning.
Told with quite a few twists and turns, Ms Armstrong creates an environment that is creepy and oftentimes macabre as we follow Casey and Eric to find the killer among them. The town of Rockton turns out to be a place where secrets, shadows, and a killer inhabit a world that takes on almost a supernatural quality.
My Traveling sisters and I enjoyed this fast paced, easily read thriller, and we have fun tracking the killer along with Casey and Eric.
July 1, 2025
4.5Kelley Armstrong writes books that I enjoy reading. She wraps her stories around characters, very interesting deeply layer characters. Her other books are paranormal character reads, this one is suspense/thriller, I wasn't sure if it would fit with me. I am an unreal monster fan. Silly me, I was so glued to this book I skipped out on work and feeding the family. Cereal is a healthy food right, three times a day ? Okay I wasn't that bad but close.
So what do I tell you about this book ? The blurb does not give it justice, very underwhelming. I almost didn't read it after reading the blurb, so don't go on the blurb. Well there is a detective, who has a secret, a needy friend with a huge heart. Huge as in she gives her friend everything she can. I admired her, wished for a friend like her. But dang the sacrifices, are major. Okay that's enough there, no spoilers given here.
There are twisted twists, liars, cheats and dead bodies. There is a stoic man, a drug dealer or two, some ladies of the night, trees. Northern Lights, and a Fox. Every page brings new light on the story, I did not see the who done it, at all. I loved it and am buying it on audio too so I can listen to it again to see if I missed clues.
I loved it. Loved the setting, the characters the pacing, all of it.
So what do I tell you about this book ? The blurb does not give it justice, very underwhelming. I almost didn't read it after reading the blurb, so don't go on the blurb. Well there is a detective, who has a secret, a needy friend with a huge heart. Huge as in she gives her friend everything she can. I admired her, wished for a friend like her. But dang the sacrifices, are major. Okay that's enough there, no spoilers given here.
There are twisted twists, liars, cheats and dead bodies. There is a stoic man, a drug dealer or two, some ladies of the night, trees. Northern Lights, and a Fox. Every page brings new light on the story, I did not see the who done it, at all. I loved it and am buying it on audio too so I can listen to it again to see if I missed clues.
I loved it. Loved the setting, the characters the pacing, all of it.
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