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Clay Edison #5
The Lost Coast
The gripping new Clay Edison thriller from the bestselling father-son team who write "brilliant, page-turning fiction" (Stephen King)
It's been almost a year since Clay Edison was forced out of his job at the coroner's bureau. Now he's on his own, working as a private eye. When a client brings him a fraud case, Clay dives into a decades-old scheme targeting the vulnerable. His investigation leads him to a bizarre town buried in the remote California wilderness. The residents don't care much for outsiders. They certainly don't like Clay asking questions. And they'll do just about anything to shut him up.
It's been almost a year since Clay Edison was forced out of his job at the coroner's bureau. Now he's on his own, working as a private eye. When a client brings him a fraud case, Clay dives into a decades-old scheme targeting the vulnerable. His investigation leads him to a bizarre town buried in the remote California wilderness. The residents don't care much for outsiders. They certainly don't like Clay asking questions. And they'll do just about anything to shut him up.
391 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2024
1063 people are currently reading
7743 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Kellerman
202 books5,818 followersJonathan Kellerman was born in New York City in 1949 and grew up in Los Angeles. He helped work his way through UCLA as an editorial cartoonist, columnist, editor and freelance musician. As a senior, at the age of 22, he won a Samuel Goldwyn Writing Award for fiction.
Like his fictional protagonist, Alex Delaware, Jonathan received at Ph.D. in psychology at the age of 24, with a specialty in the treatment of children. He served internships in clinical psychology and pediatric psychology at Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles and was a post-doctoral HEW Fellow in Psychology and Human Development at CHLA.
IN 1975, Jonathan was asked by the hospital to conduct research into the psychological effects of extreme isolation (plastic bubble units) on children with cancer, and to coordinate care for these kids and their families. The success of that venture led to the establishment, in 1977 of the Psychosocial Program, Division of Oncology, the first comprehensive approach to the emotional aspects of pediatric cancer anywhere in the world. Jonathan was asked to be founding director and, along with his team, published extensively in the area of behavioral medicine. Decades later, the program, under the tutelage of one of Jonathan's former students, continues to break ground.
Jonathan's first published book was a medical text, PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF CHILDHOOD CANCER, 1980. One year later, came a book for parents, HELPING THE FEARFUL CHILD.
In 1985, Jonathan's first novel, WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS, was published to enormous critical and commercial success and became a New York Times bestseller. BOUGH was also produced as a t.v. movie and won the Edgar Allan Poe and Anthony Boucher Awards for Best First Novel. Since then, Jonathan has published a best-selling crime novel every year, and occasionally, two a year. In addition, he has written and illustrated two books for children and a nonfiction volume on childhood violence, SAVAGE SPAWN (1999.) Though no longer active as a psychotherapist, he is a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and Psychology at University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine.
Jonathan is married to bestselling novelist Faye Kellerman and they have four children.
Like his fictional protagonist, Alex Delaware, Jonathan received at Ph.D. in psychology at the age of 24, with a specialty in the treatment of children. He served internships in clinical psychology and pediatric psychology at Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles and was a post-doctoral HEW Fellow in Psychology and Human Development at CHLA.
IN 1975, Jonathan was asked by the hospital to conduct research into the psychological effects of extreme isolation (plastic bubble units) on children with cancer, and to coordinate care for these kids and their families. The success of that venture led to the establishment, in 1977 of the Psychosocial Program, Division of Oncology, the first comprehensive approach to the emotional aspects of pediatric cancer anywhere in the world. Jonathan was asked to be founding director and, along with his team, published extensively in the area of behavioral medicine. Decades later, the program, under the tutelage of one of Jonathan's former students, continues to break ground.
Jonathan's first published book was a medical text, PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF CHILDHOOD CANCER, 1980. One year later, came a book for parents, HELPING THE FEARFUL CHILD.
In 1985, Jonathan's first novel, WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS, was published to enormous critical and commercial success and became a New York Times bestseller. BOUGH was also produced as a t.v. movie and won the Edgar Allan Poe and Anthony Boucher Awards for Best First Novel. Since then, Jonathan has published a best-selling crime novel every year, and occasionally, two a year. In addition, he has written and illustrated two books for children and a nonfiction volume on childhood violence, SAVAGE SPAWN (1999.) Though no longer active as a psychotherapist, he is a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and Psychology at University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine.
Jonathan is married to bestselling novelist Faye Kellerman and they have four children.
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July 23, 2024
The Lost Coast
by Jonathan Kellerman and Jesse Kellerman is the fifth book in the Clay Edison mystery series. With an intriguing and multilayered plot, the authors give readers a story that is suspenseful, full of fascinating characters, and largely set in a picturesque but secluded area of the California coast.
Clay Edison is now working as a private investigator when a client brings him a potential fraud case. Chris Villareal has been named the executor of his grandmother’s estate and has found a reoccurring charge that doesn’t make sense. Investigating what seems to be a scheme targeting those who are easily preyed upon leads Clay to the remote community of Swann’s Flat, California. The small coastal community doesn’t like Clay asking questions, especially when he also starts investigating a second case in the area.
The story has a deeply involved plot, fantastic worldbuilding, and a remarkable set of characters. The characters are well-defined and Clay’s character was especially dynamic as he responded to events and experienced changes in his outlook. His relationship with his wife and children added another layer of depth to his character. It seemed most of the individuals in the story had agendas. But who is prey and who is a predator?
The setting is incredible. This area is mostly natural and undeveloped with geotechnical challenges that only allows for a very rough, curvy, and steep road in and out of the community. The authors made the spectacular setting come to life, making this reader feel transported to the remote coastal community.
The story lived up to its potential with plenty of deceptions, secrets, and an action-packed ending. Additionally, the book did a great job of revealing the past events. An ever-present threat looming piqued my curiosity and kept me engaged. The evolving quest for answers and the suspenseful twists are sure to delight readers. My biggest quibble is that the pacing was slow in a couple of places in the middle.
Overall, this tense, exciting, and gripping book takes readers through unpredictable moments as the authors provide suspenseful twists in the intricate plot. It’s engaging with an unusual and strange set of characters and a complex plot in a great setting. If you enjoy mysteries, then this is a series to consider. I can’t wait to find out what is next for Clay. While this book can be read as a standalone novel, it contains spoilers if you plan to read the earlier novels.
Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine – Ballantine Books, Jonathan Kellerman, and Jesse Kellerman provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for August 06, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 3.71 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Clay Edison is now working as a private investigator when a client brings him a potential fraud case. Chris Villareal has been named the executor of his grandmother’s estate and has found a reoccurring charge that doesn’t make sense. Investigating what seems to be a scheme targeting those who are easily preyed upon leads Clay to the remote community of Swann’s Flat, California. The small coastal community doesn’t like Clay asking questions, especially when he also starts investigating a second case in the area.
The story has a deeply involved plot, fantastic worldbuilding, and a remarkable set of characters. The characters are well-defined and Clay’s character was especially dynamic as he responded to events and experienced changes in his outlook. His relationship with his wife and children added another layer of depth to his character. It seemed most of the individuals in the story had agendas. But who is prey and who is a predator?
The setting is incredible. This area is mostly natural and undeveloped with geotechnical challenges that only allows for a very rough, curvy, and steep road in and out of the community. The authors made the spectacular setting come to life, making this reader feel transported to the remote coastal community.
The story lived up to its potential with plenty of deceptions, secrets, and an action-packed ending. Additionally, the book did a great job of revealing the past events. An ever-present threat looming piqued my curiosity and kept me engaged. The evolving quest for answers and the suspenseful twists are sure to delight readers. My biggest quibble is that the pacing was slow in a couple of places in the middle.
Overall, this tense, exciting, and gripping book takes readers through unpredictable moments as the authors provide suspenseful twists in the intricate plot. It’s engaging with an unusual and strange set of characters and a complex plot in a great setting. If you enjoy mysteries, then this is a series to consider. I can’t wait to find out what is next for Clay. While this book can be read as a standalone novel, it contains spoilers if you plan to read the earlier novels.
Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine – Ballantine Books, Jonathan Kellerman, and Jesse Kellerman provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for August 06, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 3.71 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
October 15, 2024
Yuck.
October 29, 2024
I am embarrassed to say that even though I have read all the prior books in this series, I didn't retain much memory of them beyond enjoying reading them at the time. Once I got into book 5, elements of the previous books came back into focus. This is a longwinded way of saying you need not have read the other books in this series to enjoy this one.
Having the deeper backstory from reading the books in order won't necessarily provide any meaningful advantage over others who haven't. The only downside to starting here would be when you go back to start the series from the beginning, you will have information that will serve as spoilers in these earlier books.
So, no spoilers here! With this installment, Clay is back and finds himself mixed up in another caper. A seemingly common real estate scam melds with a missing person case that gets kind of twisty in an unexpected way. This time around Clay acts much more maturely when it comes to his own well-being and dealings with his wife, Amy. Sometimes it was clear where things were going and other times were perplexing, all good things in a mystery book.
One of my favorite things about the Kellerman father/son duo books is trying to see if I can figure out which parts the Dad wrote. Full disclosure, huge fan of the Alex Delaware books. Sometimes I think yeah, totally Jonathon then second-guess myself until I give up and read on.
Disclosure: Received an uncorrected ARC of this book from NetGalley and Ballantine Books/Random House (Thank you!) in exchange for an honest review.
Having the deeper backstory from reading the books in order won't necessarily provide any meaningful advantage over others who haven't. The only downside to starting here would be when you go back to start the series from the beginning, you will have information that will serve as spoilers in these earlier books.
So, no spoilers here! With this installment, Clay is back and finds himself mixed up in another caper. A seemingly common real estate scam melds with a missing person case that gets kind of twisty in an unexpected way. This time around Clay acts much more maturely when it comes to his own well-being and dealings with his wife, Amy. Sometimes it was clear where things were going and other times were perplexing, all good things in a mystery book.
One of my favorite things about the Kellerman father/son duo books is trying to see if I can figure out which parts the Dad wrote. Full disclosure, huge fan of the Alex Delaware books. Sometimes I think yeah, totally Jonathon then second-guess myself until I give up and read on.
Disclosure: Received an uncorrected ARC of this book from NetGalley and Ballantine Books/Random House (Thank you!) in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2024
Of the books I have read by this author duo in the past, I am excited to share my thoughts about this upcoming release. The reason is because I think this is one of the best books they have written that I’ve read to date.
The story is so different from what you see in the mainstream and I love the interwoven detail that makes this plot rife with possibilities. I could see this scheme happening, and most likely it really has.
What was also interesting is the way different characters became his focus while looking for the answers for the immediate issue at hand. But through the research and PI work, more issues popped up, leading the story into another direction, but strangely cumulating around the same location.
While the plot idea seems a bit dry and not overly plausible for a book to be written about, the underlying corruption is full of twists, turns, and details that wrap the reader into a non-stop binge.
The characters are complex and secretive, with a touch of manic behavior hovering below the surface, just enough to keep you off balance. There is some comic relief with a secondary PI joining the ranks. She is great!
The Lost Coast is a dive into the wilds of Northern California and its amazingly unique desolate areas where you do need to watch your back and trust no one.
The Kellerman’s crafted a crime thriller that is a perfect example of taking a simple white-collar crime and exploding it into a story that will grab hold of you from beginning to end.
Well Done!
~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-lost-coa...
The story is so different from what you see in the mainstream and I love the interwoven detail that makes this plot rife with possibilities. I could see this scheme happening, and most likely it really has.
What was also interesting is the way different characters became his focus while looking for the answers for the immediate issue at hand. But through the research and PI work, more issues popped up, leading the story into another direction, but strangely cumulating around the same location.
While the plot idea seems a bit dry and not overly plausible for a book to be written about, the underlying corruption is full of twists, turns, and details that wrap the reader into a non-stop binge.
The characters are complex and secretive, with a touch of manic behavior hovering below the surface, just enough to keep you off balance. There is some comic relief with a secondary PI joining the ranks. She is great!
The Lost Coast is a dive into the wilds of Northern California and its amazingly unique desolate areas where you do need to watch your back and trust no one.
The Kellerman’s crafted a crime thriller that is a perfect example of taking a simple white-collar crime and exploding it into a story that will grab hold of you from beginning to end.
Well Done!
~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-lost-coa...
August 17, 2024
This is the fifth book in the Clay Edison series by Jonathan Kellerman. While I have read and enjoyed several of Kellerman's Alex Delaware series, this is the first in the Edison series for me. It was easily read as a stand alone.
Description:
It's been almost a year since Clay Edison was forced out of his job at the coroner's bureau. Now he's on his own, working as a private eye. When a client brings him a fraud case, Clay dives into a decades-old scheme targeting the vulnerable. His investigation leads him to a bizarre town buried in the remote California wilderness. The residents don't care much for outsiders. They certainly don't like Clay asking questions. And they'll do just about anything to shut him up.
My Thoughts:
A very strange and unusual town Clay is investigating and it puts him in danger. I did enjoy the investigation as well as the well-defined characters. I really liked the quirky private investigator Clay teamed up with to help unravel the intricacies of this mysterious situation. The plot held my interest. It was a little slow in the middle with a fast-paced, tense buildup to the ending. I recommend to anyone who likes a good mystery.
Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through Netgalley for an advance copy.
Description:
It's been almost a year since Clay Edison was forced out of his job at the coroner's bureau. Now he's on his own, working as a private eye. When a client brings him a fraud case, Clay dives into a decades-old scheme targeting the vulnerable. His investigation leads him to a bizarre town buried in the remote California wilderness. The residents don't care much for outsiders. They certainly don't like Clay asking questions. And they'll do just about anything to shut him up.
My Thoughts:
A very strange and unusual town Clay is investigating and it puts him in danger. I did enjoy the investigation as well as the well-defined characters. I really liked the quirky private investigator Clay teamed up with to help unravel the intricacies of this mysterious situation. The plot held my interest. It was a little slow in the middle with a fast-paced, tense buildup to the ending. I recommend to anyone who likes a good mystery.
Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through Netgalley for an advance copy.
June 5, 2024
While this story started a little slowly for me, I soon found myself very interested in this odd community.
Truthfully, though I’m a little ‘meh’ on real estate thrillers (this seems to be a thing these days), the book soon became truly suspenseful.
I loved our MC and his relationship with his wife – and adored his surprising partner.
Definitely ended up being a good book!
• ARC via Publisher
Truthfully, though I’m a little ‘meh’ on real estate thrillers (this seems to be a thing these days), the book soon became truly suspenseful.
I loved our MC and his relationship with his wife – and adored his surprising partner.
Definitely ended up being a good book!
• ARC via Publisher
May 23, 2024
This is the fifth in the Clay Edison coroner turned private eye series written by the father and son Kellerman team. It is the third I have read; it works well as a standalone.
While investigating a property sales fraud case, Clay finds a relatively unknown and dangerous section of the California coast known as Swan’s Landing that seems to be a hotbed for a real estate scam that preys on vulnerable individuals. When he visits, his questions put him in danger especially when he becomes interested in searching for a missing person.
I am a big fan of Jonathan Kellerman’s Alex Delaware series and enjoy this one as well. These books have the authors’ characteristically vivid detailed descriptions that paint a good sense of place. They are observant and often amusing. This is a quick read with a bit of a tangled plot A new player, a fellow female PI is introduced who is quite the character. And speaking of characters, the inhabitants of Swan’s Landing are uniquely peculiar.
Thanks to #NetGalley and @RandomHouse #ballantinebooks for the DRC.
While investigating a property sales fraud case, Clay finds a relatively unknown and dangerous section of the California coast known as Swan’s Landing that seems to be a hotbed for a real estate scam that preys on vulnerable individuals. When he visits, his questions put him in danger especially when he becomes interested in searching for a missing person.
I am a big fan of Jonathan Kellerman’s Alex Delaware series and enjoy this one as well. These books have the authors’ characteristically vivid detailed descriptions that paint a good sense of place. They are observant and often amusing. This is a quick read with a bit of a tangled plot A new player, a fellow female PI is introduced who is quite the character. And speaking of characters, the inhabitants of Swan’s Landing are uniquely peculiar.
Thanks to #NetGalley and @RandomHouse #ballantinebooks for the DRC.
September 26, 2024
Always eager to grab the latest Jonathan and Jesse Kellerman novel, I checked in to see what they have Clay Edison doing now. The series has shown some stellar moments, never losing its fast-pace nature to lure the reader in. While Clay is trying to carve out a new career for himself, he stumbles onto a mystery involving missing persons and a small California community. As the story takes shape, the writing influence of both Kellermans becomes obvious in this great addition to the series.
Clay Edison has used the last year to land on his feet. After leaving the coroner’s bureau, Clay has decided to try his luck as a private eye. His young family relies on him, so he is eager to stay busy and bring something home, while never risking too much.
After a client brings him a case of fraud, Clay wonders if this will be a run-of-the-mill file chasing down a distant lead. Things begin poorly and many walls emerge, blocking Clay’s success. However, after discovering that the fraud has been taking place for decades and the vulnerable are the primary target, Clay finds new interest in things and forges onward.
Arriving in a a small California town where outsiders are not welcomed, Clay discovers a new mystery. A young man has gone missing without a trace, leaving Clay to follow a few leads when the distraught mother engages his services. Things take shape up and down the coast, where the young man might have been following leads about his own past. It seems as though there is a story here and Clay loves a mystery. While he follows the crumbs left for him, Clay discovers that there is more to the story than a missing man who is seeking answers. The authors do well with this piece and kept my attention throughout.
While I have read much of what Jesse Kellerman has written, I have yet to tackle any of the elder Kellerman’s work. Together, they weave a great story and keep the reader wondering as the narrative moves from topic to topic. Tensions mount as things come to pass, allowing the story to gain momentum as the chapters pass. Characters emerge and flavour the story in ways that keep the reader curious and wanting to know more. The plot develops slowly and builds as the story forks in various directions. Clay Edison shows his mettle working on his own and has a great future, should the Kellermans want to develop further stories together. Clay Edison is a great character and I am eager to see where he will appear next.
Kudos, Messrs. Kellerman, for this entertaining read.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Clay Edison has used the last year to land on his feet. After leaving the coroner’s bureau, Clay has decided to try his luck as a private eye. His young family relies on him, so he is eager to stay busy and bring something home, while never risking too much.
After a client brings him a case of fraud, Clay wonders if this will be a run-of-the-mill file chasing down a distant lead. Things begin poorly and many walls emerge, blocking Clay’s success. However, after discovering that the fraud has been taking place for decades and the vulnerable are the primary target, Clay finds new interest in things and forges onward.
Arriving in a a small California town where outsiders are not welcomed, Clay discovers a new mystery. A young man has gone missing without a trace, leaving Clay to follow a few leads when the distraught mother engages his services. Things take shape up and down the coast, where the young man might have been following leads about his own past. It seems as though there is a story here and Clay loves a mystery. While he follows the crumbs left for him, Clay discovers that there is more to the story than a missing man who is seeking answers. The authors do well with this piece and kept my attention throughout.
While I have read much of what Jesse Kellerman has written, I have yet to tackle any of the elder Kellerman’s work. Together, they weave a great story and keep the reader wondering as the narrative moves from topic to topic. Tensions mount as things come to pass, allowing the story to gain momentum as the chapters pass. Characters emerge and flavour the story in ways that keep the reader curious and wanting to know more. The plot develops slowly and builds as the story forks in various directions. Clay Edison shows his mettle working on his own and has a great future, should the Kellermans want to develop further stories together. Clay Edison is a great character and I am eager to see where he will appear next.
Kudos, Messrs. Kellerman, for this entertaining read.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
May 12, 2025
This had a really slow start for me… but then it picked right up about halfway through. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
September 4, 2024
3.0 / 5.0
Unfortunately too many changes occurred between the last book and this one- it felt too drastic and different. Part of me wants to continue the series but it just feels very different and weird. I don’t know, sad the direction the book has gone…
Unfortunately too many changes occurred between the last book and this one- it felt too drastic and different. Part of me wants to continue the series but it just feels very different and weird. I don’t know, sad the direction the book has gone…
August 24, 2024
Engaging at first, but soon started to make completely no sense whatsoever. I'll avoid spoilers but I could not understand how it seemed many of the characters were shifty, and were obviously involved at least benefiting from what was going on, yet at the end everyone who survives is all friends and nobody's going to jail. Huh? Also, in terms of the people who don't survive, zero interest from law enforcement? Didn't add up for me.
October 24, 2024
So boring. Didn’t even finish.
December 13, 2024
If getting hung up on was a an Olympic sport, all the competitors would be PIs.
Yes, our deputy coroner Clay Edison has now become a private investigator. He just might have crossed one too many lines on his previous case. Quite naturally, looking for missing people can seem to be the “normal” type of case, but this time it is different. He has been hired to look into a case of fraud that takes him deep into the California wilderness.
When a murder takes place, it is quickly learned that something is terribly amiss. The body is hardly cold in the ground and people are fighting about the inheritance. But, things get deeper than that. Apparently there has been a scheme for some time that is swindling elderly people out of their wealth.
Clay proves very determined to get to the bottom of things, and begins turning every stone as he digs deeper and deeper. However, the deeper Clay searches, the more the folks in the small town he is in are reluctant to talk.
Along with an excellent plot, exceptional characters and the remote location where the story takes place, this fifth book in the Clay Edison series was an utterly compelling read. Now…to wait for book six.
Many thanks to Random House/Ballantine Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Yes, our deputy coroner Clay Edison has now become a private investigator. He just might have crossed one too many lines on his previous case. Quite naturally, looking for missing people can seem to be the “normal” type of case, but this time it is different. He has been hired to look into a case of fraud that takes him deep into the California wilderness.
When a murder takes place, it is quickly learned that something is terribly amiss. The body is hardly cold in the ground and people are fighting about the inheritance. But, things get deeper than that. Apparently there has been a scheme for some time that is swindling elderly people out of their wealth.
Clay proves very determined to get to the bottom of things, and begins turning every stone as he digs deeper and deeper. However, the deeper Clay searches, the more the folks in the small town he is in are reluctant to talk.
Along with an excellent plot, exceptional characters and the remote location where the story takes place, this fifth book in the Clay Edison series was an utterly compelling read. Now…to wait for book six.
Many thanks to Random House/Ballantine Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
July 2, 2024
I'm a big fan of the Kellermans--all 3 of them--so was excited to read this one! Clay used to be the coroner but is now a P.I. and is off to investigate Swann's Flat Resort Area when a client discovers something seems "off" with the huge property that has lots for sale but no one appears to actually live on or develop them. And so begins a landslide of paperwork, devious characters, and thugs who are devious and brutal in their warnings. Non-stop action and humor make this a novel to savor!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
September 13, 2024
It pains me to rate this so high
Since both of these authors are so talented, I wonder how they keep coming out with books that reflect so.poorly on their abilities. I'm afraid this is my last book from this duo.
I looked back at my review from book 4 and remember nothing about the plot. It came out in 2021, yet there is no bridge from that one to this one. I read at least a book a week so I am 200 books away from The Burning and have come to expect authors to include something to refresh my memory. Clay and Amy had one child in Book 4 and now have two. Maybe a bit of reflection on the kids?
And the battle at the end was in no way realistic. It is impossible for me to believe any of it. So sad.
Since both of these authors are so talented, I wonder how they keep coming out with books that reflect so.poorly on their abilities. I'm afraid this is my last book from this duo.
I looked back at my review from book 4 and remember nothing about the plot. It came out in 2021, yet there is no bridge from that one to this one. I read at least a book a week so I am 200 books away from The Burning and have come to expect authors to include something to refresh my memory. Clay and Amy had one child in Book 4 and now have two. Maybe a bit of reflection on the kids?
And the battle at the end was in no way realistic. It is impossible for me to believe any of it. So sad.
August 6, 2024
This starts out as Clay investigating a land con but soon he is investigating a missing persons case. My mind occasionally wandered away from the story but I was interested enough to finish it. I thought they should have kept to one story without brining in the missing persons case. It would probably have helped to read the previous books in the series. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
October 26, 2024
Easy fun adventurous read!
July 7, 2024
By now, I'm well acquainted with coroner-turned-private-eye Clay Edison - this is the fifth book in the series and I haven't missed a single one. I'd have to say the subject matter of this one isn't something I'm personally very interested in, but the story held my interest just fine. Better yet, Clay meets up with a P.I. "buddy" who turns out to be a hoot.
An old friend calls to say a friend of his is serving as executor for the estate of a recently deceased elderly lady, but "things" just aren't adding up; for one thing, payments have been made for many, many years to an entity known only by an acronym - but what it stands for and what the payments signify have proved elusive. Clay agrees, albeit reluctantly, to look into it - and learns the deceased woman owned a home in a remote area of California with initials similar to those of the payment destination. Could it be one and the same? If it is, trouble could be brewing; after a little digging, Clay finds that several disgruntled property owners have taken their gripes against the remote property owners to court.
Early on, it becomes clear to Clay that he needs to visit the property to see what's going on; turns out it's far more remote than he ever could have imagined. It's also clear that what few residents actually do live there are less than hospitable; in fact, he may well have a target on his back. To get to the truth, Clay must put his best sleuthing skills to the test, his weapons at the ready and his eyes on his newfound enemies. The rest of the story follows the investigation through to the bitter end, with plenty of action and a few surprises along the who-can-you-trust scale. All told, it was both an enjoyable and satisfying adventure for which I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.
An old friend calls to say a friend of his is serving as executor for the estate of a recently deceased elderly lady, but "things" just aren't adding up; for one thing, payments have been made for many, many years to an entity known only by an acronym - but what it stands for and what the payments signify have proved elusive. Clay agrees, albeit reluctantly, to look into it - and learns the deceased woman owned a home in a remote area of California with initials similar to those of the payment destination. Could it be one and the same? If it is, trouble could be brewing; after a little digging, Clay finds that several disgruntled property owners have taken their gripes against the remote property owners to court.
Early on, it becomes clear to Clay that he needs to visit the property to see what's going on; turns out it's far more remote than he ever could have imagined. It's also clear that what few residents actually do live there are less than hospitable; in fact, he may well have a target on his back. To get to the truth, Clay must put his best sleuthing skills to the test, his weapons at the ready and his eyes on his newfound enemies. The rest of the story follows the investigation through to the bitter end, with plenty of action and a few surprises along the who-can-you-trust scale. All told, it was both an enjoyable and satisfying adventure for which I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.
August 6, 2024
This is the fifth book in the Clay Edison series. I am a longtime reader of Jonathan Kellerman's Alex Delaware series and I've read a few of the prior books in this series that he writes with his son Jesse. I like the freedom that Clay has to investigate now that he is a PI. Clay is a good guy and wants to do the best for his wife and kids as well as his clients, even those who can’t afford to pay him.
I enjoyed the book, but the pacing has some ups and downs. Real estate fraud is the main focus of the first part of the book and some of that goes by a bit slowly for me. However, things pick up with the missing person case especially when clay teams up with another PI. Regina Klein is quite a character and she and Clay work well together in spite of their different styles. I was surprised by the way things are wrapped up and the ending is bittersweet. I like the way things ended for Clay and his wife, Amy, as well as between him and Regina. I would love to see more of all three of them in future books.
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley, Ballantine Books, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
I enjoyed the book, but the pacing has some ups and downs. Real estate fraud is the main focus of the first part of the book and some of that goes by a bit slowly for me. However, things pick up with the missing person case especially when clay teams up with another PI. Regina Klein is quite a character and she and Clay work well together in spite of their different styles. I was surprised by the way things are wrapped up and the ending is bittersweet. I like the way things ended for Clay and his wife, Amy, as well as between him and Regina. I would love to see more of all three of them in future books.
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley, Ballantine Books, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
September 10, 2024
I love all Kellerman books. This is a fast read with a lot of anxiety built into it.
August 11, 2024
Even though this is book #5-it could be read as a stand alone…the authors give the backstory about the characters. A Clay Edison mystery series with a graphic picturesque secluded island as a backdrop for fraud which turns into “con game” with twists and turns. Enjoy
September 17, 2024
three stars may be a bit harsh. i enjoyed the story for the most part and the main character in particular and his sidekick in the last half. but it’s disappointing when you get to the end and it’s exactly what you thought it would be half way through.
August 30, 2024
This series and this book are just OK. There is no comparison to the Alex Delaware series. I was going to give this book three stars until I got to the end. Lots of fraud and lots of dead bodies, but no law enforcement is involved. Everything was handled like it was the Wild West. Not realistic at all.
September 9, 2024
While I have long been a big fan of the Alex Delaware series by Jonathan Kellerman, I’ve never felt that Jesse Kellerman’s writing measures up to that of his father. Indeed, after struggling to get into the plot of the “Lost Coast,” I finally put it down halfway through the novel. Perhaps, if Milo Sturgis or Alex Delaware had made a cameo appearance, it might have made some of the less-than-fascinataing characters of the novel a bit more interesting. In any event, despite the rave reviews from others, the book simply didn’t do much for me.
August 2, 2024
I have been a fan of the Kellerman father and son's Clay Edison series, and appreciate the opportunity to read an ARC of their latest installment, book 5- The Lost Coast. Thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing, Ballantine Books and the authors; my review reflects my honest opinion.
Clay is no longer a San Francisco sheriff and coroner, he is now a private Investigator. A referral from Peter Franchetti, a very wealthy venture capitalist Clay helped when he was with the sheriff's department, yet not with their knowledge or approval, refers a new client to Clay. Chris Villareal was named executor of his grandmother's estate- not a responsibility he wanted, yet he was committed to doing a good job for the family. One puzzle was a monthly payment in the amount of $135.00 beginning in 1996 to SFRA. At the time of her death she had paid approximately $50,000 yet no one in the family knew anything about it. After investigating many organizations and places, Clay discovers that SFRA represented the Swann's Flat Resort Area. Swann's Flatt with a population of 10, was also home to a finance, a development, a land corporation and more. Clay agrees to investigate how and for what his grandmother's money had been invested. There are many subplots in The Lost Coast that stem from his initial investigation.
I was not as fond of this book as I was of the previous 4. The first two-thirds of the book were slow and rather dull for me. The book improved when another PI Regina Klein joined Clay; at that point the book seemed to exude a new energy and life.
I was disappointed in the role of Amy, Clay's wife. A professional woman and mother to their two children, who was with him during his time with the sheriff's department, seemed more like a mother hen than a wife. Like the rest of the book, the rational for this behavior became clearer at the end. In closing, the final third of The Lost Coast made it a worthwhile read for me. The ending was satisfying and tied the subplots together fairly well. I do look forward to a book six in the series, perhaps with Regina Klein in it? 3 stars
Clay is no longer a San Francisco sheriff and coroner, he is now a private Investigator. A referral from Peter Franchetti, a very wealthy venture capitalist Clay helped when he was with the sheriff's department, yet not with their knowledge or approval, refers a new client to Clay. Chris Villareal was named executor of his grandmother's estate- not a responsibility he wanted, yet he was committed to doing a good job for the family. One puzzle was a monthly payment in the amount of $135.00 beginning in 1996 to SFRA. At the time of her death she had paid approximately $50,000 yet no one in the family knew anything about it. After investigating many organizations and places, Clay discovers that SFRA represented the Swann's Flat Resort Area. Swann's Flatt with a population of 10, was also home to a finance, a development, a land corporation and more. Clay agrees to investigate how and for what his grandmother's money had been invested. There are many subplots in The Lost Coast that stem from his initial investigation.
I was not as fond of this book as I was of the previous 4. The first two-thirds of the book were slow and rather dull for me. The book improved when another PI Regina Klein joined Clay; at that point the book seemed to exude a new energy and life.
I was disappointed in the role of Amy, Clay's wife. A professional woman and mother to their two children, who was with him during his time with the sheriff's department, seemed more like a mother hen than a wife. Like the rest of the book, the rational for this behavior became clearer at the end. In closing, the final third of The Lost Coast made it a worthwhile read for me. The ending was satisfying and tied the subplots together fairly well. I do look forward to a book six in the series, perhaps with Regina Klein in it? 3 stars
May 23, 2025
Clay Edison has his PI license now that he has left the coroner's office, so he is forced to convince private citizens to pay him to find people. When an elderly woman dies, it becomes apparent that she was paying for some sort of land deal that was probably fraudulent. The family pays Clay to find out if the plot of land she had been paying for existed at all. In the process he discovers that more than fraud is going on and it all soon turns deadly.
Any problems with this story? As with the previous novels, Clay's wife was always negotiating with him... balancing the dangers of the investigation vs the benefits of continuing. It seemed real enough, but it got a little tiresome. I think the author will eventually resolve this issue of a concerned wife.
Any modesty issues? Nothing wildly out of range from the previous novels.
The ending was quite exciting. I will probably read this book again some day.
Any problems with this story? As with the previous novels, Clay's wife was always negotiating with him... balancing the dangers of the investigation vs the benefits of continuing. It seemed real enough, but it got a little tiresome. I think the author will eventually resolve this issue of a concerned wife.
Any modesty issues? Nothing wildly out of range from the previous novels.
The ending was quite exciting. I will probably read this book again some day.
August 22, 2024
If You're In The Mood for this Kellerman Add a Star
Just okay for me. I like Jonathan writes a book with his son Jesse once in a while. Jonathan must be getting old--I'm 64 and I wrote him a fan letter when I was...about 34. He wrote me back with a nice, encouraging letter. That was nice.
The book is okay--it's still in my favorite state, different location, up in Humboldt County, weed capital in the days of yore. Maybe still--they always say do not go hiking up there in the wilderness; really--that there are gun-wielding drug growers on patrol.
That's what the book is about, the coastal Humboldt County area, and the madcap hijinks that occur there.
I recommend it to fans of Kellerman Family, who must read them all. I'll stick with the three star rating.
Just okay for me. I like Jonathan writes a book with his son Jesse once in a while. Jonathan must be getting old--I'm 64 and I wrote him a fan letter when I was...about 34. He wrote me back with a nice, encouraging letter. That was nice.
The book is okay--it's still in my favorite state, different location, up in Humboldt County, weed capital in the days of yore. Maybe still--they always say do not go hiking up there in the wilderness; really--that there are gun-wielding drug growers on patrol.
That's what the book is about, the coastal Humboldt County area, and the madcap hijinks that occur there.
I recommend it to fans of Kellerman Family, who must read them all. I'll stick with the three star rating.
January 18, 2025
Clay is a PI who investigates a community in northern California that had been selling lots to people out of town. When he visits to see what kind of community it was,he finds a small group of closely knit people in an area which is less like a town and more like barren land. There were a group of 3 or 4 families, and nothing else. They were running a scam by selling lots to unsuspecting people. He gives them a false name and history and seems interested in buying land. He is also investigating a missing young man, who he thinks disappeared there. Good story that includes mystery and danger.
August 27, 2024
I enjoy this father and son team of writers. They strike a balanced chord with developed characters and the loving home life of Clay and his wife, Amy. Clay’s investigative work brings him to a barely populated enclave on the California coast where some smarmy guys are trying to sell real estate that isn’t buildable. Trouble erupts, of course, and Clay teams up with a funky and funny woman PI who I hope returns in future books.
August 21, 2024
This is the fifth book in the Clay Edison series. I enjoyed this book but I miss him being a coroner. In this book he is a private eye and takes on a case where he is trying to figure out an estate.
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