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DI Kelly Porter #8
Lost Cause
Is he a victim? Or a killer?
Kevin Flint is a young man on the cusp of adulthood and something of a misfit. He has no friends and a reputation of being odd. At home he lives in fear of his cruel, controlling father. Kevin starts spending time at an abandoned church with an ancient graveyard, and learns couples also go there to have sex. He becomes obsessed with watching them. Soon, one of the women who he has followed is reported missing.
DI Kelly Porter investigates the disappearance and knows that the adolescent boy is hiding something. Kevin is culpable, but to what degree? The evidence against him begins to stack up and Kelly is torn between instinct and facts. Distracted by a looming crisis in her personal life, can she preserve what she loves and still uphold the laws she lives by?
A stunning new DI Kelly Porter crime novel set in the Lake District which is perfect for fans of Patricia Gibney, L. J. Ross and Angela Marsons.
344 pages, Paperback
First published August 20, 2020
421 people are currently reading
672 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Lynch
82 books413 followersRachel Lynch grew up in Cumbria and the lakes and fells are never far away from her. London pulled her away to teach History and marry an Army Officer, whom she followed around the globe for thirteen years.
A change of career after children led to personal training and sports therapy, but writing was always the overwhelming force driving the future. The human capacity for compassion as well as its descent into the brutal and murky world of crime are fundamental to her work.
A change of career after children led to personal training and sports therapy, but writing was always the overwhelming force driving the future. The human capacity for compassion as well as its descent into the brutal and murky world of crime are fundamental to her work.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
July 20, 2020
'Lost Cause' is the 8th novel in the DI Kelly Porter series by one of my favourite authors Rachel Lynch. Love this series and each novel is like visiting old friends with the familiar characters. I really enjoy the mix of the crime plot with the ongoing family life of Kelly Porter.
The remains of a woman are discovered butchered and it is obvious to DI Kelly Porter that it is the work of a brutal killer who will strike again. Kelly may be pregnant but she is as determined as ever to hunt down the killer.
Another excellent read and this series just gets better showing no signs of going stale. Very good characters, believable plots that keep you guessing and so well written.
Another winner.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Canelo for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The remains of a woman are discovered butchered and it is obvious to DI Kelly Porter that it is the work of a brutal killer who will strike again. Kelly may be pregnant but she is as determined as ever to hunt down the killer.
Another excellent read and this series just gets better showing no signs of going stale. Very good characters, believable plots that keep you guessing and so well written.
Another winner.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Canelo for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2023
This was my first police procedural venture with DI Kelly Porter. Nuggets of information helped me understand the backstory of the main characters. Be prepared for a sharp contrast between the idyllic snow covered scenery where nonchalant sheep roam, and the harsh brutality of violence and abuse.
August 1, 2020
A body, showing evidence of neglect, malnutrition and torture, found in a wheelie bin poses a problem for the Cumbria constabulary. The dead woman had been reported missing 3 months ago yet was only killed recently. Where has she been kept? And by whom? Detectives are now concerned about another young woman who was reported missing more recently as the women have quite a bit in common. As the investigation progresses yet another woman disappears. Authorities are now fairly certain the three disappearances are linked. DI Kelly Porter and her team are working closely with DI Craig Lockwood, based in Barrow. Between them they cover Cumbria but it seems that between the two stations some important information has fallen through the cracks.
Kelly’s team, as ever, is dedicated and works hard at cracking the case. Kelly herself is pregnant but is still not quite sure how she feels about it. A new DS from Glasgow, Dan Houghton, is an excellent addition to the team. Finding a suspect proves elusive although the Grasmere village gossip is convinced a young man, Kevin Flint, who is very socially awkward is responsible. Kelly is sceptical but police do uncover crimes of a different nature when the investigate the goings on in Grasmere.
This book had a lot of characters in it and quite a busy plot so concentration was needed. Nevertheless it was a great police procedural with excellent and plausible characters that you get to know and like through the series. Many thanks to Netgalley, Canelo and Rachel Lynch for providing this copy in exchange for an honest review.
Kelly’s team, as ever, is dedicated and works hard at cracking the case. Kelly herself is pregnant but is still not quite sure how she feels about it. A new DS from Glasgow, Dan Houghton, is an excellent addition to the team. Finding a suspect proves elusive although the Grasmere village gossip is convinced a young man, Kevin Flint, who is very socially awkward is responsible. Kelly is sceptical but police do uncover crimes of a different nature when the investigate the goings on in Grasmere.
This book had a lot of characters in it and quite a busy plot so concentration was needed. Nevertheless it was a great police procedural with excellent and plausible characters that you get to know and like through the series. Many thanks to Netgalley, Canelo and Rachel Lynch for providing this copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2020
I have dipped in and out of this series since reading book four, and this one, Lost Cause is a cracking addition, featuring DI Kelly Porter, and set in the Lake District.
When a young woman is reported missing and is then found having been abused and butchered, DI Kelly Porter, head of the serious crime unit in Penrith, knows she is searching for a seriously depraved killer, particularly when a spate of women disappearing occurs in the surrounding areas. Kevin Flint is a young man with no friends and a reputation for being a misfit. He has been frequenting an abandoned church with an ancient graveyard, and seems to know a lot about the women. As Kelly and her team begin working closely with DI Craig Lockwood, based in Barrow, Kelly must determine whether the answers lie with Kevin, as her instincts are telling her, or elsewhere.
This is a series where the subplot concerning Kelly's personal life is equally as compelling as the ongoing investigations, and it isn't essential to have read all of the previous books. Kelly is smart, capable and honest, and a tireless and determined investigator who puts everything she has in her mission to get justice for the victims. Some familiar protagonists are present and there are new and secondary characters that are integral to the current investigations, including DS Dan Houghton from Glasgow. Lost Cause is a gripping story of the highest quality and as the tension increases steadily, the final chapters are filled with plenty of frisson and danger. Wonderfully pacy, dark and bleak, and with never a dull moment, this is the most chilling and gripping of the series so far, but all of the instalments I've read are incredibly good. I am already looking forward to book #9, as well as catching up on those books I've missed.
A highly entertaining read as I have come to expect from Rachel Lynch.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Canelo via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
When a young woman is reported missing and is then found having been abused and butchered, DI Kelly Porter, head of the serious crime unit in Penrith, knows she is searching for a seriously depraved killer, particularly when a spate of women disappearing occurs in the surrounding areas. Kevin Flint is a young man with no friends and a reputation for being a misfit. He has been frequenting an abandoned church with an ancient graveyard, and seems to know a lot about the women. As Kelly and her team begin working closely with DI Craig Lockwood, based in Barrow, Kelly must determine whether the answers lie with Kevin, as her instincts are telling her, or elsewhere.
This is a series where the subplot concerning Kelly's personal life is equally as compelling as the ongoing investigations, and it isn't essential to have read all of the previous books. Kelly is smart, capable and honest, and a tireless and determined investigator who puts everything she has in her mission to get justice for the victims. Some familiar protagonists are present and there are new and secondary characters that are integral to the current investigations, including DS Dan Houghton from Glasgow. Lost Cause is a gripping story of the highest quality and as the tension increases steadily, the final chapters are filled with plenty of frisson and danger. Wonderfully pacy, dark and bleak, and with never a dull moment, this is the most chilling and gripping of the series so far, but all of the instalments I've read are incredibly good. I am already looking forward to book #9, as well as catching up on those books I've missed.
A highly entertaining read as I have come to expect from Rachel Lynch.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Canelo via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
February 23, 2025
Another great addition to DI Kelly Porter series. Complex plot, interesting, intense case, lots of different characters, twists and turns that Rachel Lynch links seemlessly. Loved it.
August 9, 2020
Lost Cause is the eighth book in the DI Kelly Porter series, and it seems to get better and better.
It’s a cold winters morning in the Lake district, when a dismembered body is found in a wheelie bin. The victim was reported missing months ago, but the victim was recently killed, dirty and malnourished. Kelly Porter and her team oversee the investigation, including Dan a new member of the team transferred from Glasgow. Apparently, a fan of Kelly.
Kelly Porter has her work cut out with not only the investigation but also with her personal life going up a notch. Johnny is moving in and she is pregnant. But that doesn’t stop her giving 100 percent to the investigation before another body is found. There are links to prostitution and some Chinese diplomats as the case unfolds.
Thank you, Canelo, and NetGalley for a copy of Lost cause. Once again Rachel Lynch writes another superb story in this series. The quality of her writing never falters. It is gripping and original and more grisly than other episodes in this series. I like Kelly, whatever is going on in her life she always give her full attention to what she does and the determination to get the job done. 5 stars from me.
It’s a cold winters morning in the Lake district, when a dismembered body is found in a wheelie bin. The victim was reported missing months ago, but the victim was recently killed, dirty and malnourished. Kelly Porter and her team oversee the investigation, including Dan a new member of the team transferred from Glasgow. Apparently, a fan of Kelly.
Kelly Porter has her work cut out with not only the investigation but also with her personal life going up a notch. Johnny is moving in and she is pregnant. But that doesn’t stop her giving 100 percent to the investigation before another body is found. There are links to prostitution and some Chinese diplomats as the case unfolds.
Thank you, Canelo, and NetGalley for a copy of Lost cause. Once again Rachel Lynch writes another superb story in this series. The quality of her writing never falters. It is gripping and original and more grisly than other episodes in this series. I like Kelly, whatever is going on in her life she always give her full attention to what she does and the determination to get the job done. 5 stars from me.
December 3, 2021
I'm a little puzzled. Seeing the overwhelmingly positive mainly four and five -star reviews for this novel, I expected more from this. Part of me wonders whether I have somehow missed something, but in truth it's more that this wasn't really quite 'my kind of thing' in terms of a police procedural.
The story follows DI Kelly Porter, who comes across as a pretty sound character - not unbelievably prescient nor flaky (like some female detectives are written by other authors, women who seem unable to do their job because they're constantly worrying what male colleagues think of them), just a decent and effective detective. Many of the other police characters also worked well, though at times I didn't feel particularly like I got to know them. Porter is investigating the disappearance of a number of young women following the discovery of a dismembered corpse in a wheelie bin. The novel is set in Cumbria and there's some local flavour included.
I just found it all very stodgy and a bit boring. The plot was slow-moving and not particularly engaging, plus it seemed to be solved more by chance than by sound police work. The civilian characters all seemed a bit weird and didn't really draw me in, and I found the whole novel lacking in humour or much I could feel emotionally invested in. Though competently written, I also found the balance of description vrs. action a little wonky - too much mundane or irrelevant detail. A bit like Aline Templeton, Stephen Booth, some of Peter Robinson's weaker efforts.
The story follows DI Kelly Porter, who comes across as a pretty sound character - not unbelievably prescient nor flaky (like some female detectives are written by other authors, women who seem unable to do their job because they're constantly worrying what male colleagues think of them), just a decent and effective detective. Many of the other police characters also worked well, though at times I didn't feel particularly like I got to know them. Porter is investigating the disappearance of a number of young women following the discovery of a dismembered corpse in a wheelie bin. The novel is set in Cumbria and there's some local flavour included.
I just found it all very stodgy and a bit boring. The plot was slow-moving and not particularly engaging, plus it seemed to be solved more by chance than by sound police work. The civilian characters all seemed a bit weird and didn't really draw me in, and I found the whole novel lacking in humour or much I could feel emotionally invested in. Though competently written, I also found the balance of description vrs. action a little wonky - too much mundane or irrelevant detail. A bit like Aline Templeton, Stephen Booth, some of Peter Robinson's weaker efforts.
January 5, 2022
Lost Cause is book eight DI Kelly Porter series by Rachel Lynch. DI Kelly Porter caught a case of a missing girl, and her prime suspect was a young man called Kevin Flint, who was following young women in the local graveyard. DI Kelly Porter started to think, is he a victim or a killer. However, during this investigation, DI Kelly Porter is going through a personal crisis. Can DI Kelly Porter continue to be professional while investigating this case? The readers of Lost Cause will continue to follow the DI Kelly Porter investigation to find out what happens.
Lost Cause is the first book I have read of Rachel Lynch, and I enjoyed reading this book. I did engage with Lost Cause from the first page. I love Lost Cause's portrayal of her characters and how they interact with each other throughout this book. Lost Cause was well written and researched by Rachel Lynch. I like Rachel Lynch's description of Lost Cause settings that allows me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Lost Cause will learn about what can happen to a neglected and abused child. Also, the readers of Lost Cause will understand the problems when someone uses your name to intake a criminal offence.
I recommend this book.
Lost Cause is the first book I have read of Rachel Lynch, and I enjoyed reading this book. I did engage with Lost Cause from the first page. I love Lost Cause's portrayal of her characters and how they interact with each other throughout this book. Lost Cause was well written and researched by Rachel Lynch. I like Rachel Lynch's description of Lost Cause settings that allows me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Lost Cause will learn about what can happen to a neglected and abused child. Also, the readers of Lost Cause will understand the problems when someone uses your name to intake a criminal offence.
I recommend this book.
August 15, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and Canelo for an advance copy of Lost Cause, the eighth novel to feature DI Kelly Porter, set in the Lake District.
When the dismembered body of a young woman is found in a wheelie bin Kelly is disturbed at such cruelty and is determined to find the killer. Local gossip points her in the direction of Kevin Flint, a disturbed young man who roams the countryside but she feels there’s more to it.
I have loved this series over its course but this novel seems weak in comparison and really didn’t hold my attention. The novel is mainly told from Kelly and Kevin’s points of view with other characters occasionally chipping in. There is a lot of attention paid to Kevin, his situation and doings. There is nothing new in it, I found his wandering boring and slow and his metamorphosis unconvincing. There is much I would like to say to justify this latter opinion but it would involve major spoilers. As a result Kelly’s investigation doesn’t get the time or depth I would have liked to see. It basically consists of issue an instruction to the team and get a positive result a few hours later, including deep dive TOR searches and sealed court documents. It pushes the novel forward but it’s all very superficial.
Kelly is 8 weeks pregnant in this novel so there is fair amount of angst about that. It’s heartwarming for her as a character and moves her to a different place but I don’t, personally, need any more descriptions of her cravings, aversions and dietary habits.
Lost Cause was not for me but that’s probably due to my likes and dislikes rather than any fault in the novel so I’m sure other readers will enjoy it. It won’t stop me from reading any future novels in the series.
When the dismembered body of a young woman is found in a wheelie bin Kelly is disturbed at such cruelty and is determined to find the killer. Local gossip points her in the direction of Kevin Flint, a disturbed young man who roams the countryside but she feels there’s more to it.
I have loved this series over its course but this novel seems weak in comparison and really didn’t hold my attention. The novel is mainly told from Kelly and Kevin’s points of view with other characters occasionally chipping in. There is a lot of attention paid to Kevin, his situation and doings. There is nothing new in it, I found his wandering boring and slow and his metamorphosis unconvincing. There is much I would like to say to justify this latter opinion but it would involve major spoilers. As a result Kelly’s investigation doesn’t get the time or depth I would have liked to see. It basically consists of issue an instruction to the team and get a positive result a few hours later, including deep dive TOR searches and sealed court documents. It pushes the novel forward but it’s all very superficial.
Kelly is 8 weeks pregnant in this novel so there is fair amount of angst about that. It’s heartwarming for her as a character and moves her to a different place but I don’t, personally, need any more descriptions of her cravings, aversions and dietary habits.
Lost Cause was not for me but that’s probably due to my likes and dislikes rather than any fault in the novel so I’m sure other readers will enjoy it. It won’t stop me from reading any future novels in the series.
August 23, 2020
I've read and enjoyed this whole series, but I was disappointed at the end of the last book when Kelly revealed she was pregnant, and I was hoping it would turn out to be a false alarm. I found Kelly annoying in this book, and I was bored with her pregnancy symptoms. I'm not really interested in the story of Kelly juggling motherhood and murder.
As always, I loved the setting, and Dan was a good addition to the team. The case was good, but the focus on 19-year-old Kevin took up too much time. His character wasn't enough to keep my interest, and I didn't think his character arc was believable.
As always, I loved the setting, and Dan was a good addition to the team. The case was good, but the focus on 19-year-old Kevin took up too much time. His character wasn't enough to keep my interest, and I didn't think his character arc was believable.
August 27, 2020
I enjoyed this book, the twists and the turns were plentiful.
A few new characters in it, which is good and I look forward to see how they grow under DI Porter's lead.
A few new characters in it, which is good and I look forward to see how they grow under DI Porter's lead.
August 15, 2020
We are so far into this series now that it really is like catching up with old friends. DI Kelly Porter and the team have a complicated case here with several strands and a truckload of characters. I like to think the author had a cork board full of post it notes linked by string to keep track of it all, but probably not. I was reading this in short bursts over a longer time than usual for me and I think it would have read better if I’d read it in larger sections. It definitely shows a darker side to the Lake District than I ever imagined on day trips there. I like this series and I hope there are plenty more books to come.
August 16, 2020
Listen it would be a bit of a cheek to give this book anything less than 5 stars! I've been on the Detective Inspector Kelly Porter rollercoaster ride from the beginning and I honestly don't want it to end.. I always feel a pang of disappointment when I come to the adrenalin filled ending that we have come to expect from Ms Lynch and this was no different. I know we are at number 8 in the series but it certainly seems as if it still has more to reveal in the future (here's hoping that wasn't the kiss of death).
DI Kelly Porter is written as a no nonsense, tough individual who has been through the wringer over the years but in this she seems to have reaches her happy place and I for one am pleased. Although due to a specific part of the plot we learn what those a great deal younger than me would call TMI about her internal workings but hey it happens at least it's keeping it real so to speak. Following the clues takes us through some of the seedier sides of life child abuse and prostitution for a kick off, all of these subjects are well researched well written but seem much darker of late.
You just know that whenever a book is set in the depths of winter that whatever is between the pages means some poor sod is getting a rather gruesome surprise. #LostCause is exactly that and this time it's a poor binman that has his day, his week, his month or even his year ruined by what he finds in and amongst the dirty nappies. Follow that up with further disappearances of vulnerable women we have DI Porter doing her best to juggle all her balls in the air, she desperately wants to solve this for herself as much as the families.
The mention of the Chinese diplomat and the whole immunity thing did made me think of a case that had been in the news a lot earlier this year. It also made think about just how wrong that system is, no-one should be above the law no matter who they are or where they come from, if they did wrong or made a mistake tough doo doo they should be made to face the consequences. Kelly doesn't like the way that this one is being played out as it goes against the very core of her beliefs and being thwarted at every turn just makes her more determined to make sure the right person pays.
There's something special about DI Porters 'blended' family when you consider where they've all come from to be where they are now. It has been somewhat heart warming watching them grow together, soon to be expanded a little more in the most surprising of ways. In #LostCause we see Kelly take another massive step into the unknown and relinquishes a little control. I'm really looking forward to seeing where they go from here, hopefully on to bigger and better things no heartbreak as yet for this wee family please..
New characters are always a bit of an anomaly and in #LostCause we have a couple of newbies first off DS Dan Houghton from Glasgow and also working with a DI from Barrow a DI Craig Lockwood. We are never quite sure if they are going to fit and find their wee niche or be a round peg in a square hole, luckily enough DS Houghton manages this quite well it will be nice to see how he turns out,.
I have no problem in recommending this to any who likes a British Police Procedural. I seem to enjoy this genre more than any other at the minute (I'm not sure if that's because I'm trying to work out how to get away with the perfect murder or not).
Read for an honest review. Thank you Ms Lynch, #Netgalley and Canelo
DI Kelly Porter is written as a no nonsense, tough individual who has been through the wringer over the years but in this she seems to have reaches her happy place and I for one am pleased. Although due to a specific part of the plot we learn what those a great deal younger than me would call TMI about her internal workings but hey it happens at least it's keeping it real so to speak. Following the clues takes us through some of the seedier sides of life child abuse and prostitution for a kick off, all of these subjects are well researched well written but seem much darker of late.
You just know that whenever a book is set in the depths of winter that whatever is between the pages means some poor sod is getting a rather gruesome surprise. #LostCause is exactly that and this time it's a poor binman that has his day, his week, his month or even his year ruined by what he finds in and amongst the dirty nappies. Follow that up with further disappearances of vulnerable women we have DI Porter doing her best to juggle all her balls in the air, she desperately wants to solve this for herself as much as the families.
The mention of the Chinese diplomat and the whole immunity thing did made me think of a case that had been in the news a lot earlier this year. It also made think about just how wrong that system is, no-one should be above the law no matter who they are or where they come from, if they did wrong or made a mistake tough doo doo they should be made to face the consequences. Kelly doesn't like the way that this one is being played out as it goes against the very core of her beliefs and being thwarted at every turn just makes her more determined to make sure the right person pays.
There's something special about DI Porters 'blended' family when you consider where they've all come from to be where they are now. It has been somewhat heart warming watching them grow together, soon to be expanded a little more in the most surprising of ways. In #LostCause we see Kelly take another massive step into the unknown and relinquishes a little control. I'm really looking forward to seeing where they go from here, hopefully on to bigger and better things no heartbreak as yet for this wee family please..
New characters are always a bit of an anomaly and in #LostCause we have a couple of newbies first off DS Dan Houghton from Glasgow and also working with a DI from Barrow a DI Craig Lockwood. We are never quite sure if they are going to fit and find their wee niche or be a round peg in a square hole, luckily enough DS Houghton manages this quite well it will be nice to see how he turns out,.
I have no problem in recommending this to any who likes a British Police Procedural. I seem to enjoy this genre more than any other at the minute (I'm not sure if that's because I'm trying to work out how to get away with the perfect murder or not).
Read for an honest review. Thank you Ms Lynch, #Netgalley and Canelo
August 21, 2020
Another brilliant addition to this series
July 24, 2021
This is a great series really enjoying it
April 2, 2023
This book got me though 10hr night shift in aged care!
The audio was amazing and kept me engaged.
Very much enjoyed
The audio was amazing and kept me engaged.
Very much enjoyed
November 21, 2024
3 * for what could have been a decent story, and 2.5 * for the clumsy narration of that story. Some sentences were barely comprehensible.
September 19, 2020
Lost Cause is the eighth book in the police procedural series that follows DI Kelly Porter and her team.
The storyline of this book is very busy, right from the get go, immediately following many different people and cases.
I found Lost Cause to follow a very similar storyline to another book in the DI Porter series and this made it seem a bit tired and overused to me.
There are two big cases that are the focuses of the book and I found they both wrapped up really quickly and the people involved weren’t interviewed and questioned about their actions thoroughly, with more focus being placed on them before they were arrested.
I also thought it was a bit far-fetched how Kelly discovers who the murderer/kidnapper is. It had nothing to do with the major police work being undertaken, it was just a coincidence.
Overall, I didn’t love this book as much as others in the series, but I do really enjoy the DI Porter books and that she is such a strong female in a male-dominated workforce. If you like police procedural books and strong female protagonists, I’d definitely recommend reading some of the earlier books in the series!
The storyline of this book is very busy, right from the get go, immediately following many different people and cases.
I found Lost Cause to follow a very similar storyline to another book in the DI Porter series and this made it seem a bit tired and overused to me.
There are two big cases that are the focuses of the book and I found they both wrapped up really quickly and the people involved weren’t interviewed and questioned about their actions thoroughly, with more focus being placed on them before they were arrested.
I also thought it was a bit far-fetched how Kelly discovers who the murderer/kidnapper is. It had nothing to do with the major police work being undertaken, it was just a coincidence.
Overall, I didn’t love this book as much as others in the series, but I do really enjoy the DI Porter books and that she is such a strong female in a male-dominated workforce. If you like police procedural books and strong female protagonists, I’d definitely recommend reading some of the earlier books in the series!
August 16, 2020
One icy cold morning, the remains of a woman are discovered. She has been abused, then butchered. DI Kelly Porter knows this is the work of a monster. One who has killed before and will do so again. Kevin Flint is a young man with no friends and a reputation for being odd. He explores the hidden corners of the Lake District, and likes to creep, and watch. He witnesses depravity and it excites him. Despite her personal life taking unexpected turns, Kelly’s detective instincts tell her that the answers lie with Kevin.
This is the eighth book in the series & another page turner. I’m loving this series which goes from strength to strength & each new story is as fresh as the first. I love Kelly & the insights we have into her personal life especially as she’s now pregnant. Once again there are twists and turns as Kelly & her team work to solve the case. An engrossing read, which I read in two sittings & I look forward to many more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the eighth book in the series & another page turner. I’m loving this series which goes from strength to strength & each new story is as fresh as the first. I love Kelly & the insights we have into her personal life especially as she’s now pregnant. Once again there are twists and turns as Kelly & her team work to solve the case. An engrossing read, which I read in two sittings & I look forward to many more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
September 8, 2020
Not The Best Kelly Porter Book
As a fan of the Kelly Porter series it really bothered me to give Lost Cause 3 Stars. But I have to rate the book, not the series.
I found a portion of the book repetitive and dull. Between 30% - 60%, as per my Kindle, was so slow. It was like reading the same thing over and over. It stretched the book out, but did not feel like much substance. At 61% I had to stop, read another book that took me most of the day, then I came back to Lost Cause. I was at 61% - 63% for three days. It was a punishment. When I finally hit 71% the book started to finally gain some momentum. That was two days ago! It never takes me this long to read a book. And I kept thinking about how horrible this review would be and dreaded it.
The ending explained everything in a thorough wrap up. But this was not up to par with rest of the Kelly Porter series. I won't let one stinker keep me from reading the rest of the series. It is usually one of my top favorites that I look forward to.
As a fan of the Kelly Porter series it really bothered me to give Lost Cause 3 Stars. But I have to rate the book, not the series.
I found a portion of the book repetitive and dull. Between 30% - 60%, as per my Kindle, was so slow. It was like reading the same thing over and over. It stretched the book out, but did not feel like much substance. At 61% I had to stop, read another book that took me most of the day, then I came back to Lost Cause. I was at 61% - 63% for three days. It was a punishment. When I finally hit 71% the book started to finally gain some momentum. That was two days ago! It never takes me this long to read a book. And I kept thinking about how horrible this review would be and dreaded it.
The ending explained everything in a thorough wrap up. But this was not up to par with rest of the Kelly Porter series. I won't let one stinker keep me from reading the rest of the series. It is usually one of my top favorites that I look forward to.
January 8, 2022
Tough to get into. Confusing towards the end. Explaining what really happened on the very last page is helpful but unsatisfying. Never the greatest way to pull a story together. The two most screwed-up characters were never fleshed out: one vanished to a foreign country, the other was killed. In fact, there were a lot of unexplained behaviors of too many characters so we never learned anything about why any behaved as they did. For me, that's an issue. Weird, but not in a good way. And don't get me started about the lack of resolution between Porter and the woman reared as her "sister." I mean, seriously? Does the woman STILL not know Kelly is not her sister? And that she's formed a whole family of which she's not included? And everyone pretends she doesn't exist? At this point, leaving that whole mess hanging is just unacceptable. I think it's, subconsciously, the reason I've become less than excited about new installments in this series. If Porter's sister isn't brought back into the fold in the next book (starting it now) I'm not wasting anymore time on this series.
November 27, 2022
Warning:
Doesn't even deserve one star.
This and the previous book in the series I had previously enjoyed sickened my phyce, my soul. I won't be reading the last two in this series as much as I am a fan of British mysteries, the dehumanization in the last two stories was nauseating. It is so disappointing as I had really enjoyed the characters unraveling various mysteries through graphic forensic clues. Can't take any more, not healthy for me, so disappointed.
Doesn't even deserve one star.
This and the previous book in the series I had previously enjoyed sickened my phyce, my soul. I won't be reading the last two in this series as much as I am a fan of British mysteries, the dehumanization in the last two stories was nauseating. It is so disappointing as I had really enjoyed the characters unraveling various mysteries through graphic forensic clues. Can't take any more, not healthy for me, so disappointed.
January 2, 2021
4.5*
This is the eighth book in the series. I’ve read them all. It a terrific series. A series were the author writes about contemporary issues that have an impact not only on society but on the law and the way in which it is policed. It is set in the beautiful Lake District but just because an area is absolutely breathtaking in it’s scenery doesn’t mean that the folk who live in these glorious places are all upstanding citizens. No, indeed! These days and no doubt in years gone by heinous crimes are committed, executed in remote areas such as Cumbria has. The perpetrators belief that they will go undetected is based on the fact that these areas are so cut off from civilisation.
This book opens with those unsung heroes of the refuse world – the Refuse collector, waste operative, recycling collector, dustman, binman (UK), garbageman or trashman (United States) – the waste management and disposal technician. Those men and women who come out every day regardless of the weather to take away and dispose of all our unwanted rubbish and waste. They keep our streets clean and free of pests. I was delighted to read this scene of refuse workers as they go about their work. These workers, at least where I live, do their job steadfastly and cheerfully and I feel they deserve all the praise they receive. I certainly thank them for all they do.
It is just such an operative whilst on their rounds who comes across a bin containing a dead body – or at least dismembered parts of a body! Oh, yes, there’s “been a murder”!
Kelly’s investigation begins with trying to identify the body and then realising that a missing persons case was mistakenly moved out to another Force. Kelly is D I of the Northern Lakes area and is about to share her case with the Southern Lakes area D I. as the case overlaps the two areas. When the body is finally identified they realise that she had previously been reported missing but understood to have left the Lakes. She was reported as being seen at Lancaster station. This was obviously a case of mistaken identity by the caller but it seem that no one had followed up because the case had been passed to the Lancashire Force.
During the course of the investigation we catch up on what is happening with Kelly in her personal life. There’s plenty here for those of us who have read the previous books and enough information on what’s going on for those that haven’t. Kelly has quite an announcement to make but the investigation as always takes precedence over home life. Jonny knows and has expressed his opinion. This has become something of a predicament for Kelly and she has a big decision to make which will impact on all her family.
As the investigation progresses we learn about how sex workers are operating in Cumbria with little in their way to prevent it even when it impacts on other crimes. There is also the interesting angle of Chinese influences in Cumbria and the use of diplomatic immunity to avoid arrest or even questioning. Along with some quite dark passages around child abuse, family dysfunction and the way in which some communities gossip about these things but do little to help prevent it. Although, even when they try to draw attention to it there doesn’t seem to be anyone taking notice. Those cracks in dealing with issues because they fall between social care and education (and etc.) with so few taking responsibility, often for understandable reasons, whilst communication breaks down or isn’t even established and lives are traumatised and ruined.
Rachel Lynch delivers an excellent police procedural which covers timely events and modern issues whilst building real tension and solving the crimes. She doesn’t pull any punches and the storylines, as with this one, can be quite dark. It doesn’t all end happily and, I suppose, when reflecting real life nor should it.
The characterisation is well on point. You know the main characters and they are like old friends, you can still learn a lot about them but if it ever became necessary you’d put your life in their hands. The other characters are well drawn and very believable, the storyline as always is well plotted and there is an ease of reading with these books that I really like. Lost Causes is a very well written, gritty novel which I enjoyed enormously.
I most certainly recommend reading this book indeed the series and hope that you enjoy it as much as I do.
Book: Purchased
This is the eighth book in the series. I’ve read them all. It a terrific series. A series were the author writes about contemporary issues that have an impact not only on society but on the law and the way in which it is policed. It is set in the beautiful Lake District but just because an area is absolutely breathtaking in it’s scenery doesn’t mean that the folk who live in these glorious places are all upstanding citizens. No, indeed! These days and no doubt in years gone by heinous crimes are committed, executed in remote areas such as Cumbria has. The perpetrators belief that they will go undetected is based on the fact that these areas are so cut off from civilisation.
This book opens with those unsung heroes of the refuse world – the Refuse collector, waste operative, recycling collector, dustman, binman (UK), garbageman or trashman (United States) – the waste management and disposal technician. Those men and women who come out every day regardless of the weather to take away and dispose of all our unwanted rubbish and waste. They keep our streets clean and free of pests. I was delighted to read this scene of refuse workers as they go about their work. These workers, at least where I live, do their job steadfastly and cheerfully and I feel they deserve all the praise they receive. I certainly thank them for all they do.
It is just such an operative whilst on their rounds who comes across a bin containing a dead body – or at least dismembered parts of a body! Oh, yes, there’s “been a murder”!
Kelly’s investigation begins with trying to identify the body and then realising that a missing persons case was mistakenly moved out to another Force. Kelly is D I of the Northern Lakes area and is about to share her case with the Southern Lakes area D I. as the case overlaps the two areas. When the body is finally identified they realise that she had previously been reported missing but understood to have left the Lakes. She was reported as being seen at Lancaster station. This was obviously a case of mistaken identity by the caller but it seem that no one had followed up because the case had been passed to the Lancashire Force.
During the course of the investigation we catch up on what is happening with Kelly in her personal life. There’s plenty here for those of us who have read the previous books and enough information on what’s going on for those that haven’t. Kelly has quite an announcement to make but the investigation as always takes precedence over home life. Jonny knows and has expressed his opinion. This has become something of a predicament for Kelly and she has a big decision to make which will impact on all her family.
As the investigation progresses we learn about how sex workers are operating in Cumbria with little in their way to prevent it even when it impacts on other crimes. There is also the interesting angle of Chinese influences in Cumbria and the use of diplomatic immunity to avoid arrest or even questioning. Along with some quite dark passages around child abuse, family dysfunction and the way in which some communities gossip about these things but do little to help prevent it. Although, even when they try to draw attention to it there doesn’t seem to be anyone taking notice. Those cracks in dealing with issues because they fall between social care and education (and etc.) with so few taking responsibility, often for understandable reasons, whilst communication breaks down or isn’t even established and lives are traumatised and ruined.
Rachel Lynch delivers an excellent police procedural which covers timely events and modern issues whilst building real tension and solving the crimes. She doesn’t pull any punches and the storylines, as with this one, can be quite dark. It doesn’t all end happily and, I suppose, when reflecting real life nor should it.
The characterisation is well on point. You know the main characters and they are like old friends, you can still learn a lot about them but if it ever became necessary you’d put your life in their hands. The other characters are well drawn and very believable, the storyline as always is well plotted and there is an ease of reading with these books that I really like. Lost Causes is a very well written, gritty novel which I enjoyed enormously.
I most certainly recommend reading this book indeed the series and hope that you enjoy it as much as I do.
Book: Purchased
July 25, 2020
Collecting the bins, even in the middle of winter, isn't supposed to be a dangerous occupation but finding a dismembered body in with the potato peelings and dirty nappies definitely ramps up the stress levels.
The weather has closed in around the Lake District and DI Kelly Porter faces an uphill struggle to identify the body and find out who killed her. Add to that a new detective joining her team, big changes in her home life, not enough hours in the day and Kelly is finding it tough to provide the type of investigation and results she knows her victim deserves.
Once again Rachel Lynch has written a book to make you sit up and take notice. The Lake District is a popular choice for a number of very good British crime authors but this series has always been right up there with the best of them. The new member of the team. DS Dan Houghton is a good addition and provides a different way for newcomers to this excellent series to be introduced to the local area and the subsequent opportunity to include all the little bits of information needed for added clarity.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review. I would recommend it to anyone who already enjoys this series, books set in the Lakes, or original British crime drama, as it ticks all these boxes and more.
The weather has closed in around the Lake District and DI Kelly Porter faces an uphill struggle to identify the body and find out who killed her. Add to that a new detective joining her team, big changes in her home life, not enough hours in the day and Kelly is finding it tough to provide the type of investigation and results she knows her victim deserves.
Once again Rachel Lynch has written a book to make you sit up and take notice. The Lake District is a popular choice for a number of very good British crime authors but this series has always been right up there with the best of them. The new member of the team. DS Dan Houghton is a good addition and provides a different way for newcomers to this excellent series to be introduced to the local area and the subsequent opportunity to include all the little bits of information needed for added clarity.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review. I would recommend it to anyone who already enjoys this series, books set in the Lakes, or original British crime drama, as it ticks all these boxes and more.
August 18, 2020
When the body of a woman is found in a bin, DI Kelly Porter fears that they have finally located a woman who had been reported missing some time ago. After the post mortem reveals that this cannot be the missing Chinese national, but a woman who is malnourished and appears to have been kept in a cage, Kelly is immediately concerned that the missing woman could suffer the same fate. When another woman disappears, and connections begin to be made, a race against time ensues to apprehend the man responsible.
Lost Cause is the eighth book in this series, and we see a huge change in Kelly’s circumstances due to her being pregnant. As someone so committed to her job, she is struggling to come to terms with how this is going to affect her, despite having the full backing of her partner, Johnny. I liked how her family all rallied around, giving her the support she needed, and I can’t wait to see how this part of her life develops after the birth of the baby.
The plot is a particularly dark one as in addition to the main crimes,we meet a troubled character, Kevin Flint. The target for local gossip due to events in his past, he is certainly on the periphery of crime, but at the same time, as his circumstances are revealed, I had nothing but sympathy for him. This part of the plot had a shocking culmination and I liked how there was some ambiguity to it.
We also have a new addition to Kelly's team in Dan, a character who I feel fits in very well. He definitely looks as though he is from the same school of policing as Kelly and it looks as though he is going to play a vital role in future books, especially once Kelly has her baby.
Eight books in and this series is going from strength to strength. Kelly, her family and colleagues have become like old friends and I can't wait to see where Rachel Lynch takes her next.
Lost Cause is the eighth book in this series, and we see a huge change in Kelly’s circumstances due to her being pregnant. As someone so committed to her job, she is struggling to come to terms with how this is going to affect her, despite having the full backing of her partner, Johnny. I liked how her family all rallied around, giving her the support she needed, and I can’t wait to see how this part of her life develops after the birth of the baby.
The plot is a particularly dark one as in addition to the main crimes,we meet a troubled character, Kevin Flint. The target for local gossip due to events in his past, he is certainly on the periphery of crime, but at the same time, as his circumstances are revealed, I had nothing but sympathy for him. This part of the plot had a shocking culmination and I liked how there was some ambiguity to it.
We also have a new addition to Kelly's team in Dan, a character who I feel fits in very well. He definitely looks as though he is from the same school of policing as Kelly and it looks as though he is going to play a vital role in future books, especially once Kelly has her baby.
Eight books in and this series is going from strength to strength. Kelly, her family and colleagues have become like old friends and I can't wait to see where Rachel Lynch takes her next.
August 25, 2020
Winter in the Lake District, the refuse collectors go about their business. They do not expect to find a dead body in a wheelie bin! The body appears to have been abused for a long time before her death which must have come as something of relief for the poor victim. DI Kelly Porter realises that the victim had been reported missing a good three months ago. There are other missing persons who seem to have something in common with her. One of which is a Chinese girl whose disappearance seems to have triggered attention from the Chinese Embassy. Were the girls sex workers? How come a holiday let firm is so busy at this time of year? What does a troubled mentally challenged young lad have to do with it? Along with getting used to a new team member, Dan Houghton - a nice addition to the team & adjusting to the early stages of pregnancy, Kelly investigates as wholeheartedly as ever.
I have followed this series from the start & each book is like reuniting with old friends & making some new ones. I love how Kelly's character has developed over the series & am eagerly looking forward to the next one. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
I have followed this series from the start & each book is like reuniting with old friends & making some new ones. I love how Kelly's character has developed over the series & am eagerly looking forward to the next one. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
March 2, 2023
Wow I just can't give enough stars to rate these DI Kelly Porter books, they are just brilliant!
The mutilated body of a young woman has been found in a wheelie bin by the roadside. A number of missing woman are also reported and they all seem to have been in to prostitution in a big way.
Meanwhile Kevin Flint, a young grossly abused teenager, spends his nights hiding in a church yard where he excitedly watches a man bring various woman to the graveyard to have sex with them and once on the verge of nearly strangling them, takes them home again.
Kelly welcomes her new team member Dan, who is thrown head first into a very distressing case. The final moments in the book are quite harrowing and sadly it turns out that Kevin and the killer have a lot in common.
Kelly is finding it hard to come to turns with motherhood and still has doubts as to whether she can go along with it. I can't really imagine her being a Mum either so it should be very interesting.
Just brilliant, love Kelly and her team so much. Lets hope Rachel decides to keep writing this series for a long time to come.
The mutilated body of a young woman has been found in a wheelie bin by the roadside. A number of missing woman are also reported and they all seem to have been in to prostitution in a big way.
Meanwhile Kevin Flint, a young grossly abused teenager, spends his nights hiding in a church yard where he excitedly watches a man bring various woman to the graveyard to have sex with them and once on the verge of nearly strangling them, takes them home again.
Kelly welcomes her new team member Dan, who is thrown head first into a very distressing case. The final moments in the book are quite harrowing and sadly it turns out that Kevin and the killer have a lot in common.
Kelly is finding it hard to come to turns with motherhood and still has doubts as to whether she can go along with it. I can't really imagine her being a Mum either so it should be very interesting.
Just brilliant, love Kelly and her team so much. Lets hope Rachel decides to keep writing this series for a long time to come.
August 9, 2020
I am a big fan of this series, and couldn't wait to get stuck into this latest instalment.
It's a little bit of a slow start, but towards the end ramps up the tension and details some truly hideous crimes. This is not for the faint-hearted, because the descriptions are graphic. Chasing down the criminals, Kelly's reactions give a good insight into a police person's job, and just how galling it must be to not be able to prosecute a criminal or know that the judicial system can only go so far, even though the crime deserves a far heftier punishment.
I was a little disappointed that Kelly's family were given such a back seat in this book. The relationship that she has with her dad and Johnny are what give the series such heart. Hopefully, when the pair become parents, their relationship dynamic will be given more consideration.
My thanks go to the publishers and Netgalley for the advance copy in return for an honest review.
It's a little bit of a slow start, but towards the end ramps up the tension and details some truly hideous crimes. This is not for the faint-hearted, because the descriptions are graphic. Chasing down the criminals, Kelly's reactions give a good insight into a police person's job, and just how galling it must be to not be able to prosecute a criminal or know that the judicial system can only go so far, even though the crime deserves a far heftier punishment.
I was a little disappointed that Kelly's family were given such a back seat in this book. The relationship that she has with her dad and Johnny are what give the series such heart. Hopefully, when the pair become parents, their relationship dynamic will be given more consideration.
My thanks go to the publishers and Netgalley for the advance copy in return for an honest review.
August 17, 2020
This is book 8 in this excellent series and after the revelation at the end of the previous book, I was eager to get stuck in!
While still coming to terms with her personal situation and how it going to affect her career and home life, Kelly finds herself in the midst of a disturbing case after the dismembered parts of a woman are found in a wheelie bin. What she couldn't have expected was how it was going to uncover the seedy underbelly of the idyllic setting of the Lake District and introduce her to some very troubled characters.
While I do love the crime storylines, I think what keeps me eagerly coming back to this series is the characters to fin out what they are up to! Having been with this series for 8 books now, it's like catching up with long lost family with each story.
Bring on book 9!
While still coming to terms with her personal situation and how it going to affect her career and home life, Kelly finds herself in the midst of a disturbing case after the dismembered parts of a woman are found in a wheelie bin. What she couldn't have expected was how it was going to uncover the seedy underbelly of the idyllic setting of the Lake District and introduce her to some very troubled characters.
While I do love the crime storylines, I think what keeps me eagerly coming back to this series is the characters to fin out what they are up to! Having been with this series for 8 books now, it's like catching up with long lost family with each story.
Bring on book 9!
August 5, 2024
Book eight in the DI Kelly Porter series starts with an horrendous discovery in a wheely bin and never lets up throughout as Porter and her team, including a new addition, get involved with Chinese diplomats and some pretty dark secrets in a pretty Lake District village.
While this is a cracking read with some thoroughly unpleasant characters, there are some scenes which were brutally tough to read and in particular with the character of Kevin Flint, a local teen with learning difficulties, the reader is left sympathetic and shocked at the same time. The subplot of Porter's private life is a nice distraction and avoids the usual tropes very well as the main bleak story unfolds at a fast pace.
An excellent and very dark addition to a great series but not one for the faint hearted or easily shocked.
While this is a cracking read with some thoroughly unpleasant characters, there are some scenes which were brutally tough to read and in particular with the character of Kevin Flint, a local teen with learning difficulties, the reader is left sympathetic and shocked at the same time. The subplot of Porter's private life is a nice distraction and avoids the usual tropes very well as the main bleak story unfolds at a fast pace.
An excellent and very dark addition to a great series but not one for the faint hearted or easily shocked.
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