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The Lost Orphans #1

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Months old murders soon to be forgotten, a female detective with the ability to communicate with the dead, and a killer without boundaries clash in the fires of fall.

Halloween is here, and so are the dead. Gifted with the ability to see orphaned spirits, homicide detective Rachel Harroway enters her most challenging time of the year. The dead walk the streets, calling on her name and drawing her closer to the grave. Crushed by the weight of a nine-month-old investigation, Rachel finds the walls of her solitary Appalachian lifestyle closing in as a killer/child abductor targets her next.

131 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2017

316 people are currently reading
144 people want to read

About the author

J.S. Donovan

105 books137 followers

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Community Reviews

5 stars
101 (38%)
4 stars
84 (31%)
3 stars
58 (22%)
2 stars
14 (5%)
1 star
6 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Dharia Scarab.
3,255 reviews8 followers
April 29, 2018
Reading order:

The Haunting of Rachel Harroway: The Beginning
The Haunting of Rachel Harroway Book 1
The Haunting of Rachel Harroway Book 2
The Lost Orphans: Book 0
The Lost Orphans: Book 1
The Lost Orphans: Book 2



Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...

1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.

2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.

3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.

4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.

5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
13 reviews
February 15, 2018
Good story, poor editing.

I wanted to give another star in this rating, but I couldn't.
I found the careless editing distracting me as I read. I enjoyed the story, though I thought it was occasionally overwritten. I truly believe solid editing would smooth out many of the things I found bothersome.

That being said, I will probably read the next book in hopes that the issues are resolved with experience and time.
1,687 reviews12 followers
November 8, 2017
Excellent read

I goofed and read the books out of order. I think it makes more sense to read them in order. But regardless, the book is fabulous. The storyline is good with plenty of action. The book has a fast pace. I found myself looking at the clock and it was after 2am. Can't wait to read the next book.
21 reviews
February 25, 2018
A suspenseful good read

My original decision to read this was based solely on the setting. A town in the Appalachians, but the characters drew me into their world. Not just where they lived. They were well rounded and likeable. The mystery was not always predictable. And the mythology of the Orphans is good. Can't wait to read more of this series.
Profile Image for Aviar Savijon.
1,220 reviews20 followers
October 29, 2017
The Lost Orphans

An amazing and spine tingling mystery involving a crazed serial killer and those that want him or her behind bars. Masterfully crafted and brilliantly written by J. S. Donovan. I Loved It!!
Profile Image for Jennie Ersari.
409 reviews3 followers
November 1, 2017
Riveting Mystery is right!

I absolutely loved reading this book and it's prequel, Book 0. I finished both in the same day and can't wait for the next one. Anyone who loves mysteries and the paranormal will love these books!
Profile Image for Cherie.
25 reviews
December 3, 2017
So surreal, it's chilling

The title says it all. The suspense , it's chilling atmosphere and suspense grip you by the throat and hold tight. Only letting going until the next round. Highly recommended. 5 stars
Profile Image for Ashley.
12 reviews
February 20, 2018
Wish I'd have found this around Halloween

I really like that as we go along with Rachel she discovers more about her Gift and the orphans capabilities. I enjoy the length not too bulky can finish in an afternoon.
2 reviews
April 10, 2018
Hard to put down

5 ☆ rating for J.S Donovan, who never disappoints. I LOVE every single book with the Orphans and my two favorite dectives, Harroway and Peak. I hope this series never ends. If you love a mystery, this one might be for you.
6 reviews3 followers
March 16, 2019
For me, this just wasn't as good as the 1st. I actually skipped pages because the narrative just seemed to go on & on for nothing. I still enjoy reading this author. But this one made me feel like she was tired and wanted to make more pages with just filler. Editing was much better.
Profile Image for Anand Chauhan.
156 reviews4 followers
April 18, 2019
It was pretty interesting and eerie at the same time especially in the end, though it has not reached a logical conclusion so far I guess. The book does not let you get distracted and keeps the interest intact though out.
Profile Image for Nina.
64 reviews1 follower
November 7, 2017
Intriguing if not a little strange.
13 reviews
December 14, 2017
Good book

It keeps your attention with twists and turns and keeps you guessing about what will happen next. I would recommend this to anyone.
Profile Image for Lisa Tollard.
144 reviews4 followers
December 20, 2017
Edge of your seat read!

This book captured my attention with the first page. Well rounded characters and was unable to put down. I am looking forward to reading more in this series
26 reviews
January 11, 2018
Great fast paced read

Very fast paced and entertaining read. I have already downloaded the 2nd book in the series and look forward to my next afternoon off to read it.
274 reviews
July 30, 2018
Good Book.I

Kind of slow in the beginning but picked up and now I want to get to book two. I would recommend this book to family members and friends.
Profile Image for Kathryn .
351 reviews6 followers
October 31, 2018
Oh my I read this book so fast, less than 6 hours, and its a 2 part book! Noooooooooooooo! Its really good though.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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