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Detective Arla Baker #1
The Lost Sister
For 15 years, Detective Chief Inspector Arla Baker has hunted for Nicole, her lost sister...
Today, a woman lies with her throat slit open in Clapham Common Park. There are three black triangles drawn on her body. DCI Arla Baker is called in to investigate.
Soon there is another body, killed in identical fashion, in the same location.
Arla knows a vicious serial killer is stalking the streets. But what does the killer know about Nicole? For Clapham Common is where Nicole disappeared fifteen years ago. Arla refuses to accept Nicole is dead. She will not rest till she finds her sister.
As another body appears, it’s clear that the killer is hungry for more blood.
And Arla is not the one hunting this crazed psychopath.
Arla is the hunted.
As deep secrets of the past begin to unravel, so does Arla’s grip on reality. It’s not just her career on the line.
It’s her life.
Today, a woman lies with her throat slit open in Clapham Common Park. There are three black triangles drawn on her body. DCI Arla Baker is called in to investigate.
Soon there is another body, killed in identical fashion, in the same location.
Arla knows a vicious serial killer is stalking the streets. But what does the killer know about Nicole? For Clapham Common is where Nicole disappeared fifteen years ago. Arla refuses to accept Nicole is dead. She will not rest till she finds her sister.
As another body appears, it’s clear that the killer is hungry for more blood.
And Arla is not the one hunting this crazed psychopath.
Arla is the hunted.
As deep secrets of the past begin to unravel, so does Arla’s grip on reality. It’s not just her career on the line.
It’s her life.
297 pages, ebook
First published September 4, 2018
5331 people are currently reading
1471 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews
March 9, 2019
This book had so many editorial problems that I stopped reading just a few chapters in. One example: the black triangle on the victim's body, an important part of the plot because it's the killer's mark and in the killer's thoughts in one chapter, was first mentioned by the pathologist several chapters later. The pathologist remarked that the "same black triangle" showed up on the second body, but it was not mentioned when they were discussing the body of the first victim.
Another example: the first victim's throat was cut, "displaying the organs." What organs are visible when a throat is cut? The thyroid glands?
This book needs a good developmental editor who can find and fix the many problems.
Another example: the first victim's throat was cut, "displaying the organs." What organs are visible when a throat is cut? The thyroid glands?
This book needs a good developmental editor who can find and fix the many problems.
January 14, 2019
Good Mystery Needs An Editor
I enjoyed this police procedural’s well-fleshed characters and the inventive storyline, which focused on painstaking police work needed, when there are few clues at the start. The story is well-paced—even during the grueling, day-to-day routines—and it picked up speed as more information was uncovered by dogged door-knocking, phone calls, computer work, etc.
I did empathize with DCI Baker, but in many ways, she’s a female detective trope: mulish with attitude aplenty, psychological problems, more aggressive than other detectives, drinks too much, fails to quit smoking, was suspended, conduct unbecoming, etc.
This promising author needs an editor or at the least, several good beta-readers to correct grammar and punctuation errors. For a police procedural, there are numerous inconsistencies in details and descriptions; characters who’ve met appear as though they haven’t; characters are observant except they aren’t; information is often repeated (one instance: 4-5 times within 2 pages); numbers change when they shouldn’t; etc.
I liked this book, so I will look for more of M.L. Rose’s work.
I enjoyed this police procedural’s well-fleshed characters and the inventive storyline, which focused on painstaking police work needed, when there are few clues at the start. The story is well-paced—even during the grueling, day-to-day routines—and it picked up speed as more information was uncovered by dogged door-knocking, phone calls, computer work, etc.
I did empathize with DCI Baker, but in many ways, she’s a female detective trope: mulish with attitude aplenty, psychological problems, more aggressive than other detectives, drinks too much, fails to quit smoking, was suspended, conduct unbecoming, etc.
This promising author needs an editor or at the least, several good beta-readers to correct grammar and punctuation errors. For a police procedural, there are numerous inconsistencies in details and descriptions; characters who’ve met appear as though they haven’t; characters are observant except they aren’t; information is often repeated (one instance: 4-5 times within 2 pages); numbers change when they shouldn’t; etc.
I liked this book, so I will look for more of M.L. Rose’s work.
March 8, 2020
An absolute mess.
The author can’t decide if the main character’s sister has been missing 15 years or 18. She was 13 when her sister disappeared, so she’s either 28 or 33... then it says she’s 36. And then it says she was 12 when her sister vanished. And it includes such turns of phrase as “[She] noticed he had green eyes, with black pupils”. As opposed to what, red pupils? Purple? There are words missing from sentences, spelling errors like “abondoned”, and more. The main character is an obnoxious, suicidal idiot, to boot. I’m so not reading more of this author’s work.
The author can’t decide if the main character’s sister has been missing 15 years or 18. She was 13 when her sister disappeared, so she’s either 28 or 33... then it says she’s 36. And then it says she was 12 when her sister vanished. And it includes such turns of phrase as “[She] noticed he had green eyes, with black pupils”. As opposed to what, red pupils? Purple? There are words missing from sentences, spelling errors like “abondoned”, and more. The main character is an obnoxious, suicidal idiot, to boot. I’m so not reading more of this author’s work.
September 10, 2018
This is a page turning start to a new series. Loved the character of DCI Arla Baker, who is so passionate about her work that she sometimes gets herself into trouble. She is brought back from suspension when a dead woman is found in Clapham Common Park. At the same time, she is continuing her investigation into the disappearance of sister 15 years earlier. The author kept me guessing as to who was behind the murders and Arla's sister's disappearance. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
August 25, 2019
I couldn't finish this book. There were so many editorial mistakes, misspelled words and discrepancies I just couldn't read it. I skipped ahead to read the end and couldn't believe Absolutely ridiculous. Really poor writing.
August 24, 2019
Needs editing!
April 23, 2020
Someone did not proofread this book very well. Early on a Mercedes becomes a BMW in a later chapter and then back to a Mercedes. Arla's foster parents are described first as Jill and Sean and later as Jill and Austin. A witness is due in at 5pm and instead appears the next morning without comment. Nana Moon in the eighth chapter, the name by which Arla supposedly knew her changes to Gran Moon in a later chapter, the name by which she knew her. And so on. Disconcerting but not a fatal blow.
The plot is quite good but the descriptions are so over the top. Her heart stopped. She was pierced with dread etc etc. The idea was good without such overblown writing. This is a real page turner and if you can suspend disbelief, it is quite fun to read which is why I gave it 4 stars. Don't pretend that the solution makes much sense but enjoy!
The plot is quite good but the descriptions are so over the top. Her heart stopped. She was pierced with dread etc etc. The idea was good without such overblown writing. This is a real page turner and if you can suspend disbelief, it is quite fun to read which is why I gave it 4 stars. Don't pretend that the solution makes much sense but enjoy!
April 27, 2023
I didn’t dislike it. However I now have so many questions that were unanswered. I feel like I’ve missed major chunks although reading reviews some people are saying the same so maybe it’s not me! There’s a lot going on with lots of different storylines which could be separate books. Her sister is missing. There’s a serial killer on the loose. A paedophile ring. Some bent MPs working with a bent copper. A missing mum. Care home abuse across a period of years. I was never sure which story I was meant to be focusing on!
March 2, 2019
My Friend told me to buy this series and i am so glad she did because i am hooked after finishing The Lost Sister.I love Arla and Harry they have a connection and work great together,what a nail-biting story my brain was trying to work out who the Keeper was and omg i was wrong never expected that.This book is so intense and keeps you turning the pages.Well done to M L Rose EXCELLENT worth the 5* I loved it now onto book 2.
October 7, 2018
Twists, turns, surprises, answers, and a whole lot of questions!
From the first page the book captures you and never lets go. Just when you think you have the answers, the author gives you a new twist and you have to start all over with a new question. I highly highly recommend this book.
From the first page the book captures you and never lets go. Just when you think you have the answers, the author gives you a new twist and you have to start all over with a new question. I highly highly recommend this book.
September 20, 2018
The Lost Sister
The story I just read, was fantastic . They storyline had me pondering what couldn't do not happen next. Every character had an important part, they were believeable. Not all books mesh together as well as this book did.
The story I just read, was fantastic . They storyline had me pondering what couldn't do not happen next. Every character had an important part, they were believeable. Not all books mesh together as well as this book did.
October 7, 2018
An All Nighter
I held onto every word. Loved how the characters’ paths all held a common connection!! I was so engrossed in this book, I could barely put it down!! My kind of reading. Arla was so relatable!!
I held onto every word. Loved how the characters’ paths all held a common connection!! I was so engrossed in this book, I could barely put it down!! My kind of reading. Arla was so relatable!!
March 15, 2021
There were a few continuity problems and repeated descriptions, things that the editor should have caught and corrected. Otherwise it was a good opening novel for a series. The story is compelling, a police detective battling her personal demons (her sister vanished without a trace years ago) while trying to find a mysterious killer amidst a complicated conspiracy. It was well-paced and the end was satisfying.
July 28, 2019
I really enjoyed Arly and Harry so will definitely pick up the next book in this series. So many characters masterfully sewn together which was challenging and resulted me finising the book in one night! I wish I could give 4.5 stars because it really was a great book but not as good as another recent read!
April 27, 2023
Lots of good concepts in the book, however there were lots of parts I felt were missing. I had to check with a friend that I hadn’t missed a chapter. From reading other reviews this seems quite common, but I did like Arla Baker and found the book generally easy and quick to read.
April 28, 2023
Liked the idea but as stated quite a few editorial mistakes, almost didn’t read on but once in I was drawn along the story line, and completed it. But what happened to Tara? A little more thought to wrapping up characters at the end. One day people may learn not to creep around lonely places on their own!
May 9, 2025
This book was more of a 3.5 stars for me. I found it hard to keep up with all the characters and the flipping back and forth. It did all come together in the end, but it took too long and dragged on a bit for me.
April 1, 2020
Had this not been available on Kindle Unlimited I would not have started the book, I’m bit fed up of ridiculous psychopathic serial killers. I hoped that Arla was going to be an interesting character and the author wouldn’t go over the top and make the killer unrealistically superior.
The book starts with the seemingly compulsory flashback to the “Keepers�� past crimes, had this gone on for more than I few pages I might have given up then.
I alternated between finding Arla interesting and getting annoyed with the author for trying too hard to make her interesting. In fact this is how I felt about most of the book.
The book starts with the seemingly compulsory flashback to the “Keepers�� past crimes, had this gone on for more than I few pages I might have given up then.
I alternated between finding Arla interesting and getting annoyed with the author for trying too hard to make her interesting. In fact this is how I felt about most of the book.
February 8, 2020
Not worth picking up
Think of the most complex and lovely Christmas tree you can imagine...elegant, intriguing details crafted with care, endlessly engaging. That is Tana French’s Dublin Murder Squad series. Now picture Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree except without the ornament and with any and all branches removed. This book is Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree. Inelegant, cliched language with awkward phrasing and errors like using “it’s” when “its” is the correct spelling. Shallow characters and predictable plot round out the reading experience.
Think of the most complex and lovely Christmas tree you can imagine...elegant, intriguing details crafted with care, endlessly engaging. That is Tana French’s Dublin Murder Squad series. Now picture Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree except without the ornament and with any and all branches removed. This book is Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree. Inelegant, cliched language with awkward phrasing and errors like using “it’s” when “its” is the correct spelling. Shallow characters and predictable plot round out the reading experience.
December 25, 2018
Detective Barker is called on to investigate a murder of a female with her throat sliced and a black triangle on the body. Other bodies with a black triangle on the dead bodies. A serial killer on the loose. Detective Barker's sister, Nicole, is missing. A novel to keep you very interested in. Very difficult to put it down. I kept wanting to read it.
February 9, 2019
The lost sister
I like to read thrillers and suspense and from an author I hadn’t read before. The only flaws I have with this book is in the beginning it was very descriptive with had me and throughout the entire book there were a lot of typographical errors. All in all I enjoyed the detective story and have already started the next book in the sequel.
I like to read thrillers and suspense and from an author I hadn’t read before. The only flaws I have with this book is in the beginning it was very descriptive with had me and throughout the entire book there were a lot of typographical errors. All in all I enjoyed the detective story and have already started the next book in the sequel.
November 17, 2018
An amazing read
This book has characters you can identify with and you want so much for them to get through to the end alive .Arla and harry make a great team that l hope will feature in more books that l can read.
This book has characters you can identify with and you want so much for them to get through to the end alive .Arla and harry make a great team that l hope will feature in more books that l can read.
January 25, 2019
Very good
A well written police thriller with so many suspects. I kept saying it's him or him couldn't guess the real killer, although corruption was.high up there with the minister's. I enjoyed it very much. Loved Harry and Arla as a team👍👍
A well written police thriller with so many suspects. I kept saying it's him or him couldn't guess the real killer, although corruption was.high up there with the minister's. I enjoyed it very much. Loved Harry and Arla as a team👍👍
January 26, 2019
Sensational
Fantastic book with many twists and turns. Read this in one sitting and already have the next book ready to start. Will be looking out for further titles from this author. Extremely complex writing 5 stars *****
Fantastic book with many twists and turns. Read this in one sitting and already have the next book ready to start. Will be looking out for further titles from this author. Extremely complex writing 5 stars *****
March 26, 2019
A gripping thrill ride
A very complicated and intricate crime thriller. Loved that it takes place in London. The characters are well developed and the procedural of the Inspectors are very believable. I recommend this book.
A very complicated and intricate crime thriller. Loved that it takes place in London. The characters are well developed and the procedural of the Inspectors are very believable. I recommend this book.
December 30, 2019
I just couldn't get into this book. It seemed to be all over the place. After reading other reviews. I'm glad I'm not the only one questioning how Arla didn't recognize the killer.....she saw him multiple times and thought she knew him from somewhere...how do you not recognize your own therapist?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2020
Very poor
Whilst the plot was okay, the writing was atrocious. Felt like it hadn’t been proof read as there were so many mistakes. No flow, dreadful grammar, trite and cliched. Dreadful.
Whilst the plot was okay, the writing was atrocious. Felt like it hadn’t been proof read as there were so many mistakes. No flow, dreadful grammar, trite and cliched. Dreadful.
March 3, 2020
Only 41% through the book. Enjoying it so far.
March 27, 2025
M.L. Rose’s The Lost Sister is a tense and gripping psychological thriller that pulls readers into a chilling game of cat and mouse. Combining the relentless pursuit of a serial killer with the protagonist’s deeply personal search for her missing sister, this novel keeps the suspense taut from beginning to end.
The story follows Detective Chief Inspector Arla Baker, a woman whose dedication to justice is as unwavering as her 16-year search for her sister Nicole. When a gruesome murder in Clapham Common Park — the same place where Nicole disappeared — sends shockwaves through the city, Arla is thrust into a case that feels all too personal. The eerie black triangle symbols marked on the victim’s body add an unsettling layer of mystery, and as the body count rises, so does the urgency to stop the killer.
Arla is a compelling protagonist, fiercely determined yet haunted by her past. Her desperation to uncover the truth about Nicole creates a palpable emotional tension that M.L. Rose navigates masterfully. The line between Arla’s personal and professional life blurs, and as the killer seems to taunt her at every turn, her unraveling state of mind becomes just as captivating as the case itself.
The narrative is fast-paced, with short, punchy chapters that heighten the suspense. Rose skillfully layers twists and red herrings, ensuring readers remain on edge. Just when it seems the mystery is solved, another chilling revelation throws everything into question. The psychological depth of the antagonist is also noteworthy, adding a dark and unsettling tone to the novel.
What sets The Lost Sister apart is its exploration of trauma and resilience. Arla’s unyielding hope and refusal to give up on her sister’s memory make her an easy character to root for. Her emotional vulnerability adds a human touch to the relentless investigation, making the stakes feel even higher.
Fans of gritty detective fiction and psychological thrillers, particularly those by Karin Slaughter or Lisa Regan, will find The Lost Sister an engrossing read. M.L. Rose has crafted a story that is equal parts heartbreaking and thrilling — a must-read for anyone who loves a dark, twisty mystery with an emotional core.
The story follows Detective Chief Inspector Arla Baker, a woman whose dedication to justice is as unwavering as her 16-year search for her sister Nicole. When a gruesome murder in Clapham Common Park — the same place where Nicole disappeared — sends shockwaves through the city, Arla is thrust into a case that feels all too personal. The eerie black triangle symbols marked on the victim’s body add an unsettling layer of mystery, and as the body count rises, so does the urgency to stop the killer.
Arla is a compelling protagonist, fiercely determined yet haunted by her past. Her desperation to uncover the truth about Nicole creates a palpable emotional tension that M.L. Rose navigates masterfully. The line between Arla’s personal and professional life blurs, and as the killer seems to taunt her at every turn, her unraveling state of mind becomes just as captivating as the case itself.
The narrative is fast-paced, with short, punchy chapters that heighten the suspense. Rose skillfully layers twists and red herrings, ensuring readers remain on edge. Just when it seems the mystery is solved, another chilling revelation throws everything into question. The psychological depth of the antagonist is also noteworthy, adding a dark and unsettling tone to the novel.
What sets The Lost Sister apart is its exploration of trauma and resilience. Arla’s unyielding hope and refusal to give up on her sister’s memory make her an easy character to root for. Her emotional vulnerability adds a human touch to the relentless investigation, making the stakes feel even higher.
Fans of gritty detective fiction and psychological thrillers, particularly those by Karin Slaughter or Lisa Regan, will find The Lost Sister an engrossing read. M.L. Rose has crafted a story that is equal parts heartbreaking and thrilling — a must-read for anyone who loves a dark, twisty mystery with an emotional core.
January 16, 2024
"The Lost Sister" by Tracy Buchanan is a touching exploration of family, secrets, and the enduring bond between siblings. From the beginning, Buchanan spins a narrative that is both heartfelt and suspenseful, creating a story that resonates with the complexities of sisterly relationships.
The novel's strength lies in its ability to delve into the emotional nuances of sisterhood. Buchanan's writing is evocative, painting a poignant picture of the characters and their intertwined lives. The protagonist, Lucy, becomes a relatable conduit for readers navigating the challenges of familial connections, and her journey to uncover long-buried secrets adds a layer of mystery to the narrative.
What sets "The Lost Sister" apart is its emphasis on the power of shared history and the impact of the past on the present. Buchanan skillfully weaves a tale that explores the consequences of untold truths, and the characters' quests for self-discovery and understanding add depth to the overarching story. The novel strikes a balance between the exploration of family dynamics and the uncovering of hidden mysteries, keeping readers engaged throughout.
The pacing of the novel is well-crafted, allowing readers to become fully immersed in Lucy's journey. Buchanan's writing style is accessible, making it easy for readers to connect with the emotions and dilemmas presented in the story. The inclusion of family secrets, unexpected revelations, and moments of reconciliation adds an emotional resonance to the narrative, making it a compelling read for those who appreciate stories of personal growth and sisterly bonds.
In conclusion, "The Lost Sister" is a must-read for those who enjoy heartfelt narratives centered around family dynamics. Tracy Buchanan's storytelling finesse, coupled with well-developed characters and a narrative that blends mystery with emotion, makes this novel a captivating exploration of sisterhood, forgiveness, and the enduring ties that bind. Whether you're a fan of family dramas or simply appreciate a story of self-discovery, "The Lost Sister" offers a satisfying and emotionally resonant reading experience.
The novel's strength lies in its ability to delve into the emotional nuances of sisterhood. Buchanan's writing is evocative, painting a poignant picture of the characters and their intertwined lives. The protagonist, Lucy, becomes a relatable conduit for readers navigating the challenges of familial connections, and her journey to uncover long-buried secrets adds a layer of mystery to the narrative.
What sets "The Lost Sister" apart is its emphasis on the power of shared history and the impact of the past on the present. Buchanan skillfully weaves a tale that explores the consequences of untold truths, and the characters' quests for self-discovery and understanding add depth to the overarching story. The novel strikes a balance between the exploration of family dynamics and the uncovering of hidden mysteries, keeping readers engaged throughout.
The pacing of the novel is well-crafted, allowing readers to become fully immersed in Lucy's journey. Buchanan's writing style is accessible, making it easy for readers to connect with the emotions and dilemmas presented in the story. The inclusion of family secrets, unexpected revelations, and moments of reconciliation adds an emotional resonance to the narrative, making it a compelling read for those who appreciate stories of personal growth and sisterly bonds.
In conclusion, "The Lost Sister" is a must-read for those who enjoy heartfelt narratives centered around family dynamics. Tracy Buchanan's storytelling finesse, coupled with well-developed characters and a narrative that blends mystery with emotion, makes this novel a captivating exploration of sisterhood, forgiveness, and the enduring ties that bind. Whether you're a fan of family dramas or simply appreciate a story of self-discovery, "The Lost Sister" offers a satisfying and emotionally resonant reading experience.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews