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Detective Rachel Storme #2
Losing Lauren
Alexandra Winifred has played a supporting role in her cousin’s life since they were children. When Lauren Water’s parents are killed in a plane crash, Alexandra becomes her protector, and together they navigate their way through childhood and college. They’re both overachievers, but it’s Lauren who steals the spotlight when she’s discovered by a notable agent and goes on to become an award-winning actress, leaving Alexandra in her shadow as her fledgling publicist. Now Hollywood royalty, Lauren starts to cut those people out of her life who were responsible for her success. Alexandra fears she will be next on the chopping block. But her trepidation about her failing relationship with her cousin becomes her least concern when she’s identified as a prime suspect in Lauren’s subsequent disappearance. Detective Rachel Storme, who has a full plate taking care of a parent with Alzheimer’s and supervising a meth-addicted aunt, is eager to get her hands on a challenging case, but nothing could prepare her for the dark secrets and lies that she uncovers while she does everything in her power to find out what happened to Lauren.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2016
482 people are currently reading
650 people want to read
About the author
Alretha Thomas
18 books223 followersShortly after graduating from USC with a degree in journalism, Alretha soon realized her interest in her major was not heartfelt. Instead of writing news stories, she wanted to write plays and books. Several years later, her church gave her an outlet to fulfill her writing desires through their Liturgical Fine Arts Department wherein Alretha penned twelve theatre pieces—the community response was overwhelming. This led to plays outside of the church, including Alretha’s One Woman, Two Lives, starring Kellita Smith (The Bernie Mac Show), directed by four-time NAACP Image Award Best Director recipient, Denise Dowse. The production garnered rave reviews from critics and audiences.
In between plays, Alretha self-published her first novel, Daughter Denied, in 2008 and has received glowing reviews from readers and book clubs across the country. Representing her book and plays, Alretha has been the guest on many radio shows and television shows including San Francisco Public Affairs show Bay Sunday with Barbara Rodgers on CBS affiliate, KPIX. She was also interviewed by KTLA News Entertainment Reporter, Sam Rubin. In 2011, Alretha self-published her second novel, Dancing Her Dreams Away, and it was also well received. Her third novel, Married in the Nick of Nine, spawned a four-book series that was acquired by Soul Mate Publishing in January 2014. The series has since reverted back to her. In August 2014, Alretha was awarded the Jessie Redmon Fauset Literary Award for her indie novel, Four Ladies Only. In 2016, Alretha created the Detective Rachel Storme Mystery Series: Justice for Jessica, Losing Lauren and A Penny for Her Heart. In 2018 and 2019 Alretha debuted two additional mystery books—
The Women on Retford Drive and The Truth About Gretchen, respectively. Her most recent novel is The Girl in the Blue Blazer.
Alretha is also an actress and can be seen in numerous commercials and television shows. She currently plays Anastasia Devereaux on Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living that airs on BET.
In between plays, Alretha self-published her first novel, Daughter Denied, in 2008 and has received glowing reviews from readers and book clubs across the country. Representing her book and plays, Alretha has been the guest on many radio shows and television shows including San Francisco Public Affairs show Bay Sunday with Barbara Rodgers on CBS affiliate, KPIX. She was also interviewed by KTLA News Entertainment Reporter, Sam Rubin. In 2011, Alretha self-published her second novel, Dancing Her Dreams Away, and it was also well received. Her third novel, Married in the Nick of Nine, spawned a four-book series that was acquired by Soul Mate Publishing in January 2014. The series has since reverted back to her. In August 2014, Alretha was awarded the Jessie Redmon Fauset Literary Award for her indie novel, Four Ladies Only. In 2016, Alretha created the Detective Rachel Storme Mystery Series: Justice for Jessica, Losing Lauren and A Penny for Her Heart. In 2018 and 2019 Alretha debuted two additional mystery books—
The Women on Retford Drive and The Truth About Gretchen, respectively. Her most recent novel is The Girl in the Blue Blazer.
Alretha is also an actress and can be seen in numerous commercials and television shows. She currently plays Anastasia Devereaux on Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living that airs on BET.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
December 6, 2016
Losing Lauren by Alretha Thomas is an exceptionally brilliant book. So much so that I enjoyed it even more than the first book in this series (which, by the way, I absolutely loved!)
This book is intense, gripping, complex and officially un-put-down-able!
I was hooked right from the beginning to the very end. The plot was amazing and had a depth that I found very satisfying considering that it is a crime novel. The level of intrigue, suspense and thrilling action was perfectly balanced. I enjoyed all the twists and turns that kept me guessing and I am not at all ashamed to say that at some point or the other I doubted each and every single character.
The ending completely baffled me! The whole woman thing literally caught me off guard and I ended up mentally kicking myself for doubting all the wrong people.
One thing I noticed in this book (and the last book too) was that author Alretha Thomas has a unique way of creating characters that have so many layers of complexity that you end up doubting the main POV character more than twice and start wondering "is she the murderer? Is she even aware that she killed another person." And that is why I enjoy reading her books so much!
The characters, as usual, were well-crafted and relatable. I loved Detective Rachel Storme already, but this part made me love her even more and I guess she is actually in line for becoming one of my favorite fiction detectives of all time.
All the other characters were also very well-developed and I was able to connect to them all. I loved reading about the rich backgrounds of each and every character, more so because they belonged to the Hollywood and their lives were shown beautifully and in a very realistic way.
As usual, this book was written brilliantly with the use of simple language and in relatable POVs which made this book a complete package for me.
I'd recommend this book to all the crime-mystery and detective fiction lovers. This is one series you can't afford to miss.
You can also read this review at The Reading Bud.
This book is intense, gripping, complex and officially un-put-down-able!
I was hooked right from the beginning to the very end. The plot was amazing and had a depth that I found very satisfying considering that it is a crime novel. The level of intrigue, suspense and thrilling action was perfectly balanced. I enjoyed all the twists and turns that kept me guessing and I am not at all ashamed to say that at some point or the other I doubted each and every single character.
The ending completely baffled me! The whole woman thing literally caught me off guard and I ended up mentally kicking myself for doubting all the wrong people.
One thing I noticed in this book (and the last book too) was that author Alretha Thomas has a unique way of creating characters that have so many layers of complexity that you end up doubting the main POV character more than twice and start wondering "is she the murderer? Is she even aware that she killed another person." And that is why I enjoy reading her books so much!
The characters, as usual, were well-crafted and relatable. I loved Detective Rachel Storme already, but this part made me love her even more and I guess she is actually in line for becoming one of my favorite fiction detectives of all time.
All the other characters were also very well-developed and I was able to connect to them all. I loved reading about the rich backgrounds of each and every character, more so because they belonged to the Hollywood and their lives were shown beautifully and in a very realistic way.
As usual, this book was written brilliantly with the use of simple language and in relatable POVs which made this book a complete package for me.
I'd recommend this book to all the crime-mystery and detective fiction lovers. This is one series you can't afford to miss.
You can also read this review at The Reading Bud.
November 26, 2016
Losing Lauren by Alretha Thomas is the second Detective Rachel Storme novel and it is amazing. I love a suspense story that is beautifully crafted. Alretha Thomas does not disappoint with this story. She has crafted a story that keeps you enthralled as you turn each page.
The story focuses on the disappearance of Lauren, an award-winning actress. Is she missing? Is she dead? Or is this a publicity stunt to garner her even more attention? The puzzling disappearance really works with the cast of characters that Ms. Thomas created. Alex, Lauren’s cousin is determined to help Detective Storme find the answers to what happened to Lauren.
What really stands out is how each character gets their own personal conflict that they struggle with in the story. It’s those details that make me fall in love with reading all over again. If you love mysteries, then this is the story (series) for you.
I will recommend this story to others. I give it 5/5 Platypires.
The story focuses on the disappearance of Lauren, an award-winning actress. Is she missing? Is she dead? Or is this a publicity stunt to garner her even more attention? The puzzling disappearance really works with the cast of characters that Ms. Thomas created. Alex, Lauren’s cousin is determined to help Detective Storme find the answers to what happened to Lauren.
What really stands out is how each character gets their own personal conflict that they struggle with in the story. It’s those details that make me fall in love with reading all over again. If you love mysteries, then this is the story (series) for you.
I will recommend this story to others. I give it 5/5 Platypires.
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December 3, 2017💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/03/2017)! 💝
December 15, 2016
Loved it
I loved the way you kept changing your mind about what happened to Lauren.
One minute you think it's one way then another clue you think well maybe this is what happened and this one is the one who did it our she's alive hiding in some tropical island. Just love the book. Can't wait to read more of the authors book
I loved the way you kept changing your mind about what happened to Lauren.
One minute you think it's one way then another clue you think well maybe this is what happened and this one is the one who did it our she's alive hiding in some tropical island. Just love the book. Can't wait to read more of the authors book
October 24, 2016
Losing Lauren begins with Lauren having just won a best actress award and attending a party afterwards. Alexandra has felt Lauren pulling away and asks her about it. They agree to meet later to talk about everything going on with Lauren and part ways. Alex heads home, only to receive a frantic phone call from Lauren’s fiancé that something has happened to Lauren. When Alex arrives at Lauren’s, the scene before her leaves her mind spinning and her stomach churning.
The police are called and the world, as Alex knows it, changes forever. Detective Rachel Storme and her partner, Herb, eventually make the scene and discover that there is no body, but there is evidence of a crime. As Rachel and her team try to piece together what happened, the list of suspects grows. Lauren’s fiancé is a likely candidate, as is her management team. Rachel interviews Alex as well, and even though Alex is a suspect, Rachel isn’t buying that she had anything to do with Lauren’s disappearance. What follows are so many twists and turns that one minute, you KNOW who did it, only to be proven wrong a little later. All Alex knows is that her world will never be the same.
Losing Lauren is yet another nicely written story by Alretha Thomas. The characters in all of Ms. Thomas’s books are so relatable and real that you feel that you know them. This story was no exception. The plot twists will grab your attention and when the big reveal is made, your heart will break for what Lauren endured as a child. Your heart will also break for Alex who will always wonder if she could have done more to protect her cousin and best friend. You will also fall even more in love with Detective Rachel Storme. She is probably one of the most believable and realistic characters I’ve read about in a long time. She is the daughter every mother would love to have. She is the co-worker everyone would want, but even more than that, she is the person everyone would hope to be. She loving, loyal and steadfast in her beliefs that right is right and wrong is wrong. If you’re looking for a good mystery with lots of twists and turns, as well as wonderfully written characters, this one is definitely for you. I look forward to the next installment in this series. Well done, Alretha Thomas! Very well done!!
The police are called and the world, as Alex knows it, changes forever. Detective Rachel Storme and her partner, Herb, eventually make the scene and discover that there is no body, but there is evidence of a crime. As Rachel and her team try to piece together what happened, the list of suspects grows. Lauren’s fiancé is a likely candidate, as is her management team. Rachel interviews Alex as well, and even though Alex is a suspect, Rachel isn’t buying that she had anything to do with Lauren’s disappearance. What follows are so many twists and turns that one minute, you KNOW who did it, only to be proven wrong a little later. All Alex knows is that her world will never be the same.
Losing Lauren is yet another nicely written story by Alretha Thomas. The characters in all of Ms. Thomas’s books are so relatable and real that you feel that you know them. This story was no exception. The plot twists will grab your attention and when the big reveal is made, your heart will break for what Lauren endured as a child. Your heart will also break for Alex who will always wonder if she could have done more to protect her cousin and best friend. You will also fall even more in love with Detective Rachel Storme. She is probably one of the most believable and realistic characters I’ve read about in a long time. She is the daughter every mother would love to have. She is the co-worker everyone would want, but even more than that, she is the person everyone would hope to be. She loving, loyal and steadfast in her beliefs that right is right and wrong is wrong. If you’re looking for a good mystery with lots of twists and turns, as well as wonderfully written characters, this one is definitely for you. I look forward to the next installment in this series. Well done, Alretha Thomas! Very well done!!
August 29, 2017
Like the first book, Justice for Jessica, the story is told from 2 voices: Alex, the cousin of actress Lauren; and Rachel Storme, the detective. And like the first book, the author does everything to point the guilty finger at so many different characters: Lauren's fiancée, Alex's father, Alex's fiancée, Lauren's manager, Lauren's promoter, and Lauren's best friend (who is a rival actress). At least this time, Rachel doesn't get too friendly with Alex.
Good little mystery. Lauren wins an Oscar and fights with several people mentioned above after the ceremony. Her fiancée calls Alex at 6 a.m., hysterical because Lauren isn't to be found and there's blood in her den. Throughout the story, it's hard to know if Lauren is dead or alive. And several of the characters are horrible people. It kept me guessing until shortly before the resolution.
Good little mystery. Lauren wins an Oscar and fights with several people mentioned above after the ceremony. Her fiancée calls Alex at 6 a.m., hysterical because Lauren isn't to be found and there's blood in her den. Throughout the story, it's hard to know if Lauren is dead or alive. And several of the characters are horrible people. It kept me guessing until shortly before the resolution.
October 7, 2018
I would say this is more of a 2 1/2 star review, but I’m rounding up. I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, and I gave an honest review.
When a rising star goes missing after a big awards show, her fiancé finds her house empty save for a bunch of blood and the award she just won covered in blood and her hair. As her family and friends try to piece together the disappearance, years of secrets and lies come out. I enjoyed the mystery, and I certainly was surprised at the outcome. I liked the characters, but found the writing style to be a bit hard to read at times. Also, the editing was quite poor and that made it hard to handle at times. I would consider reading more by this author in the future.
When a rising star goes missing after a big awards show, her fiancé finds her house empty save for a bunch of blood and the award she just won covered in blood and her hair. As her family and friends try to piece together the disappearance, years of secrets and lies come out. I enjoyed the mystery, and I certainly was surprised at the outcome. I liked the characters, but found the writing style to be a bit hard to read at times. Also, the editing was quite poor and that made it hard to handle at times. I would consider reading more by this author in the future.
July 4, 2019
Lauren and Alex the only discord between them is Larry. Why she doesn’t dump him, he was a cheater, Lauren tells her. Alex is the protector, behind Lauren, while she is the limelight. With Lauren and a ten carat diamond, she doesn’t want to talk about Brad. Then she mentions having nightmares, and changes she was going to be making. When Lauren goes missing Alex is the prime suspect. One wonders was it a publicity stunt,
Good twisted plot, full of intrigue as Detective Rachel figures out what happened.
Good twisted plot, full of intrigue as Detective Rachel figures out what happened.
December 8, 2017
Excellent book
This book was well written with a great storyline and character's. I enjoyed reading this book and couldn't put it down.
A young talented actress goes missing and her cousin won't stop until she is found. Who is behind her disappearance? There are a lot of suspects including her cousin but who really knows the truth.
I was quite shocked to find out who was behind it and there are a lot of twists.
Excellent read. I highly recommend this book.
This book was well written with a great storyline and character's. I enjoyed reading this book and couldn't put it down.
A young talented actress goes missing and her cousin won't stop until she is found. Who is behind her disappearance? There are a lot of suspects including her cousin but who really knows the truth.
I was quite shocked to find out who was behind it and there are a lot of twists.
Excellent read. I highly recommend this book.
January 10, 2018
Definitely didn't pick who did it. The book was very successful in making me change my mind constantly about who might have been responsible. Somehow I've been reading a lot of books lately that feature a dud boyfriend, and I've been pleased to see the women dropping them, so that was satisfying! I think this book was a little sensationalist though, a lot of graphic violence and a little far-fetched at times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2017
I didn't see that one coming!
Lauren disappears and the list of suspects is long. Once I started reading, I didn't want to put it down. I had the suspect in mind from the beginning but, boy, was I wrong.
If you like a good mystery, you'll love this one. This is my second Rachel Storme book and I'm a huge fan. You will be too!
Lauren disappears and the list of suspects is long. Once I started reading, I didn't want to put it down. I had the suspect in mind from the beginning but, boy, was I wrong.
If you like a good mystery, you'll love this one. This is my second Rachel Storme book and I'm a huge fan. You will be too!
December 26, 2017
Lauren Waters is on top of the world, or so it would seem, after winning an Oscar for Best Actress. Less than 24 hours later she is missing. The cast of suspects is large. Rachel Storme systematically builds a time-line and possible motives for each. Well written story, fast paced reading. I look forward to reading more in this series.
December 31, 2017
A great who dunnit
I think the quality of a mystery is when it really does keep you guessing. You have an idea, then another potential comes through. Swapping the narratives POV I found annoying in the first book. With a tighter and more complex storyline it added to the narrative. Really good read!
I think the quality of a mystery is when it really does keep you guessing. You have an idea, then another potential comes through. Swapping the narratives POV I found annoying in the first book. With a tighter and more complex storyline it added to the narrative. Really good read!
August 27, 2018
Lies
just after Lauren Waters wins the Best Actress Oscar she goes missing. Is Lauren missing or murdered? Detective Storme and her colleagues investigate each suspect trying g to figure out if its the fiancee, the publicist cousin, the uncle, the rival, the stalker, or someonelse.
just after Lauren Waters wins the Best Actress Oscar she goes missing. Is Lauren missing or murdered? Detective Storme and her colleagues investigate each suspect trying g to figure out if its the fiancee, the publicist cousin, the uncle, the rival, the stalker, or someonelse.
March 1, 2017
Excellent reading.
This is absolutely a one sitting book. I couldn't put it down.Kept me entertained all night. I kept changing my mind on who the killer was. I never did figure it out on my own. I hope there's a third book coming out in this series. And I can't wait for it.
This is absolutely a one sitting book. I couldn't put it down.Kept me entertained all night. I kept changing my mind on who the killer was. I never did figure it out on my own. I hope there's a third book coming out in this series. And I can't wait for it.
August 13, 2017
Best Actress
Lauren had just won the award for best actress when she disappeared. Was she kidnapped? Her cousin, Alex was distraught at her disappearance as they had grown up together. Where is she?
You'll have to read the book to find out.
Lauren had just won the award for best actress when she disappeared. Was she kidnapped? Her cousin, Alex was distraught at her disappearance as they had grown up together. Where is she?
You'll have to read the book to find out.
August 25, 2017
Another excellent book!
I really like this author. Her characters and plot keep your interest. I stayed up late reading because I wanted to know who committed the crime. I was surprised and would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery.
I really like this author. Her characters and plot keep your interest. I stayed up late reading because I wanted to know who committed the crime. I was surprised and would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery.
December 5, 2017
Read for Entertainment
Okay mystery. Had me guessing. Some typos - misplaced apostrophe-a personal pet peeve...surprised at the prison sentence but I am not the author! An okay story.
Okay mystery. Had me guessing. Some typos - misplaced apostrophe-a personal pet peeve...surprised at the prison sentence but I am not the author! An okay story.
December 25, 2017
I liked it
I liked it. I liked the angle of looking at the mystery from more than one point of view; the cousin and the detectives. It all flowed from that. Is Lauren dead, or just missing? Don't look to me for a spoiler. You'll have to read it and find out for yourself
I liked it. I liked the angle of looking at the mystery from more than one point of view; the cousin and the detectives. It all flowed from that. Is Lauren dead, or just missing? Don't look to me for a spoiler. You'll have to read it and find out for yourself
February 19, 2018
I really wanted to rate this higher because it was a good story with a decent twist. However, it really needed a good proofreading. Lots of grammatical errors and a couple continuity errors. And though I appreciate occasional restraint when it comes to cussing, some of this was a bit ridiculous!
March 27, 2018
Good character development
I really like the characters and the story lines-sometimes a little to vivid. But enjoy the books. what I don't like is the punctuation editing. It is bad and can be distracting.
I really like the characters and the story lines-sometimes a little to vivid. But enjoy the books. what I don't like is the punctuation editing. It is bad and can be distracting.
April 4, 2018
Great Read!
This is the first book I have read that begins with a best actress Oscar presentation and it goes uphill from there. The characters were well-developed and believable. I also enjoyed seeing the storuy
This is the first book I have read that begins with a best actress Oscar presentation and it goes uphill from there. The characters were well-developed and believable. I also enjoyed seeing the storuy
November 24, 2018
Great murder mystery
This was a really good story. I thought knew what was happening..Lauren was still alive,but as time went on the likelihood of her being alive got slimmer. The ending was a real twist!!
This was a really good story. I thought knew what was happening..Lauren was still alive,but as time went on the likelihood of her being alive got slimmer. The ending was a real twist!!
May 4, 2020
Superb
What an absolutely fantastic read from the beginning to the end. I was enthralled with the pace of the read as well as the characters rising to their roles. It was definitely a page turning book. It had me captivated. An unexpected twist at the end. Thank you.
What an absolutely fantastic read from the beginning to the end. I was enthralled with the pace of the read as well as the characters rising to their roles. It was definitely a page turning book. It had me captivated. An unexpected twist at the end. Thank you.
August 17, 2017
Excellent
Somewhat repetitive, but a very entertaining read. I'm looking forward too Alretha's next book. The detective team is a good mix.
Somewhat repetitive, but a very entertaining read. I'm looking forward too Alretha's next book. The detective team is a good mix.
August 24, 2017
Excellent crime novel. Suspenseful and keeps you turning the next page. As I read the book I kept trying to figure out who kidnapped Lauren and I never would have guessed right. A must read.
December 8, 2017
Brilliant book
Very good book. Some spelling mistakes noticed but did not stop me from carrying on to the end. I look forward to reading more books by the author
Very good book. Some spelling mistakes noticed but did not stop me from carrying on to the end. I look forward to reading more books by the author
December 9, 2017
very good
December 12, 2017
Very Enjoyable!
Love the name, Rachel Storme, good character's at work AND as suspects! Good story line, sadly too much truth in the book. Why doesn't the library have her books????
Love the name, Rachel Storme, good character's at work AND as suspects! Good story line, sadly too much truth in the book. Why doesn't the library have her books????
December 12, 2017
So so
Not sure why this book was given so many stars . It was just okay , nothing too exciting or riveting . Also very easy to figure out who the murderer was early on.
Not sure why this book was given so many stars . It was just okay , nothing too exciting or riveting . Also very easy to figure out who the murderer was early on.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews