The Lost Brother

Tyrone Swift #10

by Gretta Mulrooney

You stare hard at the man in the photo, you’re sure that’s your brother. But he’s been dead for years . . . hasn’t he?

Steve Buckley was just four years old when he was told his two-year-old little brother Zac had died. Baby Zac’s distinctive strawberry-shaped birthmark and the missing little finger on his left hand are some of Steve’s only lasting memories of him.

Now years later, Steve stumbles across a photo of a man with the exact same birthmark and missing left finger. He’s also the same age that Zac would have been — could this mysterious man possibly be his lost brother?

Detective Tyrone Swift is called to investigate. But with Steve and Zac’s mother now dead and their father long gone, there’s few clues left for Swift to go on.

All the evidence suggests Zac died as a young child, but Steve is convinced that this man is his brother.

It’s up to Swift to find the truth, no matter the cost . . .

Genres: Fiction

257 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 3, 2022

About the author

Gretta Mulrooney (1952-2023) was a British author of mystery, thriller, and crime novels. Born and raised in London to Irish parents, Mulrooney began publishing novels in her 30s, working with publishers such as Poolberg Press, Harper Collins, and Joffre Books.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Gretta's work for a while now. I have read each and every book that she has released in the Detective Tyrone Swift series. When I heard that she was due to release another book in the Swift series, I just knew that I had to grab a copy of it at the earliest opportunity and squirrel myself away until I read it. Well ladies and gents the wait is over because the tenth book in the Detective Tyrone Swift series is called 'The Lost Brother' and it was released on 5th October 2022. It's another cracker of a read, which I thoroughly enjoyed reading but more about that in a bit.

As with all of Gretta's books, I was drawn into 'The Lost Brother' from the synopsis alone and the story within the book's covers sealed the deal as it were. I found it nigh on impossible to put the book to one side for any length of time. My Kindle wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn't bear to miss a single second of the story. The main story line intrigued me and I was interested to see in which direction the story was going to go. Part of the reason why I love the series so much is down to the character of Tyrone Swift. I just think that he is great. This was one of those books that was constantly on my mind whether I had my Kindle in my hand or not- if I wasn't reading the story I was thinking about it and if I had to put the book down for any length of time then I would immediately look forward to being able to pick the book up again. I soon got to the end of 'The Lost Brother' and I enjoyed every minute. 'The Lost Brother' was a gripping, tightly plotted, tense and dramatic read, which certainly kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.

'The Lost Brother' is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Gretta Mulrooney. She certainly knows how to grab the reader's attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a story. For me the story the ground running and maintained a fairly fast pace throughout. I love the very vivid way in which Gretta describes her characters as she makes them seem just as real as you and I. I also love the way in which Gretta makes the reader feel as though they are part of the action and at the heart of the story. I felt as though I was Swift's investigative assistant. Reading 'The Lost Brother felt like being on an at times scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way.

In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'The Lost Brother' and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I hope to read much more of Gretta's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

257 pages

5 stars

Former police and now a private investigator Tyrone “Ty” Swift has a new case to investigate. His new client is the very nervous and slightly rude Steve Buckley. Steve lived a very isolated life as a child and it showed through his lack of social graces. He simply didn’t know how to act.

When Steve was four, he was told his two-year-old brother Zac had died. He had lost his father to death just a short time earlier. His poor mother couldn't cope. She became very withdrawn and left Steve to cope pretty much on his own.

Steve is beside himself. He recently saw a photo of a young man who looks remarkably like his brother. Zac was born with a birth defect and this man in the picture has the same defect and a birthmark. Steve is torturing himself over it and begs Ty to help.

Ty warns Steve that the truth might be very painful. Steve wants the truth.

What follows is a difficult path to the truth. The reader meets people that are kind and some that are absolutely horrible.

I’ve read most of Gretta Mulrooney’s novels, and I believe I like this one the best so far. Her writing is clear and she certainly knows how to build tension in a story. I was almost on the edge of my seat in some parts. There are also surprises aplenty. Very well done, Ms. Mulrooney!! Keep it up.

I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this remarkable story for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed here are solely my own.

[Valerie Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
I have not read other books in this series, it is possible to read this as a standalone novel but I think it would be better to read the other books in order first to get to know the regular characters better. Ty Swift is an ex-cop PI and this book is about a brother who died as a young child ... Or did he? I though the story was well-crafted with many twists and turns, and complex emotions were presented realistically. The only bit I didn't like about the book was the nervous character of Steve, who requested the investigation. He seemed so over-the-top that he came across as rather unrealistic; I suspect this was to emphasise the effects of nature versus nurture, in part at least, but it became some what repetitive and I have reduced my rating by one star because of this.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

After seeing a photograph Steve Buckley is convinced that it is a photo of his younger brother Zac. But he had been told that when Steve was four, his brothe had died. He employs P.I. Tyrone Swift to investigate. But with so many family members dead there are so few clues left to follow.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery with its likeable main character. Another good addition to this enjoyable series, which can easily be read as a standalone story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Books 'n' All Promotions · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love the Tyrone Swift series it has the right balance between personal lives and the story. They are always full of intrigue that keeps the reader guessing all the way through.

It is usual for Tyrone to be asked to help with cases that nobody else wants and his solve rate is impressive. However, when Steve asks for help Tyrone is left wondering if this is a case he should have declined. His client is an anxious young man who has led an introverted life spending much of it alone. His father died when he was young and his younger brother died when Steve was just 4. Now his mother has also died so he is all alone in the world His Aunt and cousins he rarely has contact with so when he sees a man accidentally caught in a photograph that has the unique birthmark and hand defect that his brother had. Confused as to how this could be Tyrone is tasked with finding him.

Tyrone is afraid that he will be opening Pandora's box and the truth may be a long way from the answers Steve is craving.

is a gripping story that had me turning page after page. So many secrets and so many dead ends this is a thankless task for Tyrone but he is nothing if not determined so if anyone can find out the truth he can. I had several theories along the way and turned out all of them were wrong. I really enjoyed reading about the different people and their lives, lies and secrets.

What I did learn from reading this book is that you don't have to like the characters to really enjoy the book. I love Tyrone and his relationship with Branna is heartwarming. The characters in the story in the main were hard people to like and I found myself feeling sorry for Steve that life had dealt him such a bad hand of cards but not liking them brought a new dimension to the story and I think that helped to make it even more unputdownable.

A brilliant read as always. Thank you so much to Joffe Books and the author for the advance copy. This is my unbiased review.

[Alyson Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book number 10 in the highly popular series about Tyrone Swift, the ex-Met policeman turned private investigator, He has a young daughter Branna, the result of a one-night stand with Ruth, the lady he was once engaged to but then lost to another man. He has personally survived a dreadful attack and people close to him have died as he has pursued his investigations. Ruth is now married to Marcel and has taken Branna to live in Guernsey and Ty misses his daughter dreadfully despite frequent zoom calls and visits, and keeps himself busy with his boat out on the Thames. His cousin Faith is now doing well after her recent harrowing experiences and is loved up with larger-than-life Eli. In this story Ty is approached by a young man who thinks he has spotted his younger brother Zac in the background of a random photograph. Having always believed Zac died in childhood and with very little family to turn to, he pins his fragile hopes on Ty to locate the mystery man and bring him the truth about that fateful Easter 1999. What begins as a case with very little clues or leads opens up as Ty sets out to interview people who knew the family years ago and eventually finds someone who actually remembers the Buckleys, and from there a succession of doors open, bringing many buried and shocking secrets to the fore. But as each new can of worms is emptied into Steve’s lap, Ty has to worry if his findings and the eventual fallout will be more than his client can bear.
There’s less about Ty’s private life in this and more focus on the actual investigation, and even though it’s not a story filled with action, there is a good constant pace to it as Ty follows all the different trails he uncovers, meeting a varied selection of people along the way. I particularly liked Ivor, the old man he meets in the park and I think this has been my favourite story so far in the series. Well written, with a great twisty plot and a smashing lead character. 5*

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lost Brother is the tenth book in the series featuring private investigator Tyrone Swift. I have only read a few of this series, but found I knew enough backstory to easily follow what was going on. Steve Buckley believed his younger brother Zac died when he was two years old until he sees a recent photograph of a charity cricket match. In the background is what appears to be his brother, now grown up, identified by a birth mark and missing finger. Steve is in quite a state, and for his own peace of mind needs to know if it is Zac in the photo. Tyrone worries that the truth may be more than Steve can cope with, but agrees to take the case on even though it will not be easy as there are few leads to follow.
In the course of the investigation long-buried secrets are revealed, uncovering a shocking tale of cruelty and deception. It feels as if you are right there in the middle of it all, and some of it is very hard to read. Having had so little to go on, it is fascinating how Tyrone manages to get to the bottom of the mystery. The outcome was not what I was expecting and involved some really selfish and unlikeable people. The story is not about murder or violence, but is very traumatic for Steve. He gets answers but at what cost to his mental health.
I enjoyed reading about Tyrone Swift, a former police officer who lives near the Thames so that he can indulge his love of rowing. The characters are well drawn, the London setting worked well, and there was just the right balance between his personal life and his investigations. I will definitely be reading more books in this series. Thanks to Joffe Books for a digital copy to review.

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of The Lost Brother, the tenth novel to feature London based PI Tyrone Swift.

Steve Buckley thinks he has just seen a picture of his brother, Zac. The problem is that Steve was told as a four year old that two year old Zac had died. He decides to hire Ty to find the truth, a tall order with his relatives all dead.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Lost Brother, which tells an engrossing story with plenty of twists and an unexpected solution.

The novel is told from Ty’s point of view, so the reader knows what he knows and gets to ride the highs and lows of the investigation with him. I joined the emotional roller coaster, a lot of dread of dealing with the volatile Steve, and learned alongside him and still had no idea of wheee the author was taking me. As a result I got shocked over and over again as every twist unfolded. Needless to say it kept me turning the pages at a fast clip and I read it in one sitting.

This is a different kind of investigation for Ty. It is still a kind of cold case but there are no murders and no violence towards him. It is perhaps more emotionally visceral with Steve receiving a number of shocks, Ty dealing with his daughter Branna’s move to Guernsey and an old friend’s health issues.

The Lost Brother is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

[Jen James · Rating 4 out of 5]

By reading The Lost Brother, I have jumped right into the Tyrone Swift series at book ten. There is clearly a lot of Ty’s history covered in the first nine books, but the author, Gretta Mulrooney, has been adept in filling in these relationships.

Ty’s current case, he is a private detective, is an unusual, sensitive family case. Steve Buckley’s brother Zac died when he was just two. Now Steve has seen a picture, taken very recently, seemingly showing Zac as an adult. Steve hasn’t had an easy path in life, an isolated, difficult childhood, has left him ill equipped to cope in life; even before the stresses of this case descend on him.

I found the case gripping, willing Ty to unravel the mystery, hoping he would outsmart the unpalatable characters. The supporting cast of characters in Ty’s circle are interesting, and I’m already looking forward to the next book, hopefully there will be a next book, to see how their stories develop further.

At just 257 pages, the book moves at a pace. More pages don’t necessarily equate to a better story, the author has kept the reader hooked in an engrossing, fast moving story.
The book was gripping, it really drew me in, and I warmed to Ty’s character very quickly. I highly recommend this 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ mystery.

[Desiree · Rating 4 out of 5]

The lost brother is the tenth book in the Tyrone Swift series. Although I have read a couple of instalments in the Siv Drummond series and the stand-alone book by the same author this was my first experience with former police detective turned private investigator Ty Swift.
Normally one wouldn't start at the end of a series but I got this book for review purposes, so at first I had a bit of trouble getting all the personages straight. The plot of the book however was very interesting. Normally this genre starts with a murder (or two) but in this case it was actually a person returning from the death.
When Steve Buckley recognizes his brother who died when Steve was four years old, he understandably is very upset and hires a PI to search for his long lost brother.

What I liked about the book is the evocative descriptions of the characters and the fact that the information that Swift discovers doesn't always brings pleasure to the people involved, on the contrary.
From what I've read in this book I think I will like the rest of the series so I think this is a great discovery,

I want to thank Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steve Buckley was just four years old when he was told his two-year-old brother Zac had died. Steve remembers his brother’s strawberry-shaped birthmark and the missing little finger on his left hand.
Now, over twenty years later, Steve stumbles across a photo of a man with the exact same birthmark and missing left finger. He looks the same age as Zac would have been. Tyrone Swift, former policeman & now a private investigator is called in to investigate. When Ty finds letters belonging to their mum, his whole investigation is turned on its head.
This is the tenth book in this brilliant series, it could be read on its own but personally I love how characters have developed over the series. A well written fast paced story that caught my interest from the first page & I read straight through on a wet & windy day & it was an afternoon well spent. I loved how we see things from Ty’s point of view especially as he’s coping with his daughter moving away.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE LOST BROTHER by Gretta Mulrooney.
Steve Buckley was just four years old when he was told his two-year-old little brother Zac had died. Baby Zac’s distinctive strawberry-shaped birthmark and the missing little finger on his left hand are some of Steve’s only lasting memories of him. Now years later, Steve stumbles across a photo of a man with the exact same birthmark and missing left finger. He’s also the same age that Zac would have been — could this mysterious man possibly be his lost brother? Detective Tyrone Swift is called to investigate. But with Steve and Zac’s mother now dead and their father long gone, there’s few clues left for Swift to go on. All the evidence suggests Zac died as a young child, but Steve is convinced that this man is his brother. It’s up to Swift to find the truth, no matter the cost . . .
A brilliant read. I love this author. I hope this series never ends. 5*.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was terrific. At around 250 pages long, there is no padding, just straight into the story and then a non-stop investigation into what happened years ago and why is a man appearing in a photo when he allegedly died as a young boy.

This is really top-notch writing. I was so engrossed in the tale that I read it in 1 day. Other than Swift himself and Nora, the other characters were not particularly likeable. In fact, some were downright horrible but I found myself not wanting to put this down so I can see where the investigation lead next and what lies were being told and by whom.

This is the tenth book in the series and I haven't read any of the others so far although I do have the first one in my tbr pile so I must get to it soon and work my way through the series.

My thanks to Joffe Books for an advance copy of this, and this is my honest review.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is #10 in the Tyrone Swift series but can easily be read as a standalone.

Tyrone is a private investigator after having worked for both the Met Police and Interpol. He has an interesting personal life, but that’s not overplayed in the book and the content is just right.

Tyrone is contacted by Steve, a young man whose parents have both died, and whose younger brother, Zac, died at the age of two. Steve has seen a recent photo with a young man in the background who has the same two unusual genetic conditions as his little brother. He is convinced that it’s Zac in the picture and that he’s not dead at all.

An interesting story that kept me gripped.

Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.

[Barbara Deeprose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping

When Steve Buckley was a small child he was told his younger brother had died. Years later he sees a photograph of a man and is convinced he is Steve’s dead brother, but how could this be? He asks private investigator Tyrone Swift to find the man. Tyrone is unsure whether to help but promises to do his best to locate the man and the rest is up to Steve. Tyrone feels he is running round in circles and with no real clues he is not sure he will find the truth but as Steve spirals downwards into despair he vows to do his best. I always enjoy a Tyrone Swift investigation and this is one of the best books in the series. It kept me gripped from beginning to end and I am already looking forward to the next in the series.

[Collette Mcgaahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

After very careful reflection I’m giving this book a five star rating. It ticked so many boxes I would be churlish to give less. The story is compelling and the outcome definitely not one you see coming. It is by nature full of characters who sometimes I had to stop and place before moving on but on the whole there is a place for every one of them. I wish the two lead characters names had been slightly less similar, Swift and Steve, but maybe that was my brain jumbling them up when there was no need. I loved Swft and can see how a series would hang round him whilst the opposite was true of Steve who I was glad to be done with by the end.
Fairly quick read and one I was always to get back into.
https://www.netgalley.co.uk/book/2674...

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author. It was a good mystery that I couldn’t put down. I would recommend.

When Steve Buckley was 4, his little brother, Zac died. Zac had a distinct birthmark and rare genetic condition that caused him to born missing a finger. 
Steve sees a photo of a man that eerily resembles Zac and is left wondering if he could still be alive. He hires private detective Tyrone Swift to find this man.
As he investigates, Ty unravels more and more family secrets. Is Zac still alive?

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[John Mccormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thanks to the Author publisher's and NetGalley for providing me with a Kindle version of this book to read and honestly review.
This is the tenth book in this series but I had no problem reading it as a standalone introduction. This is the first book I have read by this Author, but it certainly won't be the last. Well written with excellent characters throughout some good some bad some evil. Basically this is an modern day old fashioned detective story. No murders no violence just a totally absorbing believable clever character driven mystery with plenty of surprises along the way.
Completely recommended.

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic gripping crime mystery book ten with the private detective Tyrone Swifts.
Steve Buckley gets in touch with him needing help showing him photographs of his brother Zac one of a child and another of a man both show symbrachydactyly a congenital anonaly you are born with the same red birth mark but his brother died of sepsis only two years old twenty six years ago he wants Tyron to help find his lost brother.
What a big twisty read this is so bang on with every chapter you read right to the end.
I so enjoy all these books with this character, amazing stories love them.

[Ruth Matheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this story, we find Ty being asked to look for a person in a photograph who is believed to be the man's brother - one who had died many years before! The more that is found out about the brother, the more complex it becomes. What is well written is the fact that seeking out a long lost relative may have detrimental as well as beneficial consequences and that is what Ty tries to emphasise though to no avail in this case. It is a good solid story with lots of twists and turns in it right to the end and a great read and addition to this series.

Thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC to review.

[Virginia Tican · Rating 5 out of 5]

A highly strung and emotionally charged client hired Swift to find the client's believed to be dead half~brother owing to a photograph that the client saw at his own customer's livingroom. Imagine the havoc any information Swift could unearth on his probings. And he found plenty... family secrets that was kept from those personally involved... the shameful stigma of the brothers' origins and the hatred of a person bent on revenge. A good convoluted read dealing with a uniquely dysfunctional family and further messed up by a warp and toxic mind.

[zoe Hitchen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Steve thought his brother Zac had died when Steve was a young boy , but he’s just seen a photo of an adult who must be Zac due to his disability and his birthmark.
Steve asks Ty Swift to investigate and what follows is a story full of secrets , deceit and plenty of twists and turns .
The main character Swift is amiable and also has personal issues to contend with .
The book is an enjoyable easy read .
Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe books .

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ex-policeman turned Private Investigator Tyrone Swift is hired by Steve Buckley to find his brother - only problem his brother died when he was two years old.
Steve has seen a photo with a man in the background he is sure is his brother. Swift takes the case and soon finds there is no record of the child dying - what happened? Swift investigates!
A well written book, keep me enthralled, I could hardly put it down.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do try not to pick up books that are part of a series, as often there's so much back story missing.
Somehow however , I picked up this one.
It felt like an old friend.
Easy to read, great characters, plenty of back story, where just enough was said to keep you in the know, but not enough to make you think it wasn't worth reading previous books.
A twisty turney plot that comes from whaseemed a simple enquiry.
Perfectly paced, and just a good solid read.
Look forward to reading more.

[K Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok read

I've read all the books in this series and have thoroughly enjoyed them all, however, this one I found long winded, vaguely interesting and not having any particular feelings for any of the characters. Managed to finish it but it panned out pretty much how I expected. Certainly not a grippiny crime mystery full of twists. Sorry but I've really enjoyed this series up to this book.

[Emily Oldham · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite book of what has been a highly enjoyable series. I'm gutted to find out that Gretta Mulrooney sadly died in Jan 23 so Ty's story has ended. We have lost a talented writer who weaved complex tales that kept you guessing. I really wanted to see Ty happy with a nice woman, to see the sanctimonious Ruth get knocked off her perch, and to find out what happens to Nora, Faith and the other cast of realistic characters.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this an extremely emotive mystery story. Gretta Mulrooney writes with such compassion. Steve believes he has spotted his dead brother alive in a recent photo and asks Tyrone to investigate.
I loved the complexity of the plot and found it fascinating and believable how Tyrone manages to unravel it, with so few leads to go on.
In all a very interesting, enjoyable and entertaining read.

[Jeannie Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book via Joffe Books in return for an unbiased review.

This is the 10th book in the Tyrone Swift series and it doesn’t disappoint. An interesting storyline with twists and turns along the way. This is all intermingled with Swift’s personal life that can be challenging at times. All in all a great read and could be read as a standalone story

[Carola Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!

I think this was one of my favourites, if not my favourite. I only wish it had an epilogue Zach has to learn the whole truth and Mrs.Utley should be somehow punished for ruining all those lives. I can’t wait for the next one. There will be a next one, no? Thank you for giving us another exceptional story!

[R.L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't keen on some of the main characters and indeed they fizzled out in the end. I was surprised by the deceit of the kidnapper. All the situation of the brothers not being related to any of the grownups in the end was a bit beyond suspension of disbelief.