At the start I found this novel quite confusing with lots of different characters and a story that didn’t seem to be going anywhere, but then it suddenly picked up and I was carried along in a fast paced mystery that was really enjoyable

Although I've read books by this author before, I always seem to forget how frustrating they can be in the beginning few chapters - lots of background that you can really skip over, and so many characters to try and get your head around, when really you only need to be aware of a handful! The first 5-7 chapters of this seemed to drag and I was tempted to bin it off. But I'm glad I stuck with it. I was surprised by who was responsible - I had a couple of suspects and motives in mind and was completely wrong. I would recommend this book but I would implore you to skim read the first 5 or so chapters (until the two plot lines intertwine). Even then it's a slow burner of a read compared to some others I've read.

It’s been a while since I’ve read a Susan Lewis book and this one did not disappoint. It took me a little while to immerse myself as 25% in it was nowhere near what the synopsis stated. But then as the investigation unfolded it really began to wrap up. I couldn’t put it down and had to know how it finished as I had absolute no clue. I also love the fact it never got fully concluded there is still some unknown answers.

When you pick up a Susan Lewis book, you are guaranteed a good read. This one features a family who run a shooting business on an estate. Everything feels idyllic. Then kicks in a very clever plot.

The Lost Hours is the perfect title for this book as the whole plot hinges on what actually happened in those few hours.

The reopened investigation into a murder which occurred twenty years ago turns up a lot of doubts and questions about the night of the murder, with compelling evidence against one character. And how that evidence came about is intriguing.

The many characters in this book took some getting to grips with, making the start of the book a really slow burn. Some characters were not likeable, I didn’t take to them or their lifestyles, which detached me a bit from involvement. However once I had them sorted the pace and twists started to pick up.

I particularly liked the way the author captured a little of the horrors of social media and press speculation / intrusion. She also reflects on what it might be like for the victims family too. It’s good to see the story from both sides.

Add in a bit of mystery to the background of one of the police officers and you have a good read.

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

Susan Lewis has a great talent when it comes to writing thriller books.
Starts off gentle then slowly it grabs you and refuses to let you go and you’re hooked by the twists & turns this book offers.
Would you shop your own brother or Dad into the police to save your own skin????? Tough question to answer

Any real book good characters a strong plot your pulled into the story I was grip to it so easy to read a good book I recommend to you all good

This book was everything I look for in a book. It was so exciting. The plot was fantastic. It really had me on the edge of my seat, and my heart racing. It was very well written and flowed well.

A really good psychological thriller and one I feel would make a great thriller on TV. Great characters and very gripping.

David and Annie have it all with their perfect life, children and business until one day it all crumbles. David is arrested and their lives will change. I love Susan’s books and this was no exception. Twisty family drama that will hook you in. Thank you to netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Susan Lewis has become very hit and miss for me and unfortunately this was a miss. I didn't connect with any of the characters, and quite frankly couldn't have cared less who the murderer was by the end of it. Not one I would recommend at all.

Another great book by Susan Lewis that leaves you guessing to the end! This book was especially interesting as I knew some of the places in the book, so it was interesting to imagine them as part of this story. As always, it is good to see Andee make an appearance again

Annie and David Crayce have it all - the perfect marriage, three beautiful children and a thriving family business. Life couldn’t be better. Until the unthinkable happens… a crime has been committed!

Suddenly a perfect life thrown into chaos when DNA lives David to a 20 year old murder, how will Annie prove David is innocent? Will they throw her own life j to chaos for the man she loves or will she let him take the blame? Is he even innocent?

As always from Susan Lewis, a novel which is thought provoking, gripping and gently drags you into the story, hooking you in until you get to the very end!

I am so sorry but I just could not get into this book at all, this must be the first Susan Lewis story that I haven't finished. I tried 3 times but could not get past the first 4 chapters.

Susan Lewis’ books never disappoint. Fast-paced, suspenseful, with realistic characters, The Lost Hours is no exception.

I struggled to get into this book at all - the main characters were boring, pretentious twits & did not have any depth

Sadly did not finish

A bit of a slow burner. It seemed to take a long time to get to the results with a lot of filler that seemed to repeat but overall a good domestic thriller. A cold case revived with a cast of family and friends who all seem to know more than they will say. A satisfying ending.

An Exmoor community is rocked to the core when one of their most enviable families is caught up in a cold case of the murder of a teenage girl. An intriguing idea but let down by the length of the book. In my opinion it should have finished after the reveal as the pages afterwards seemed pretty pointless and unnecessary and I skimmed them. “Cocktail me/us up” is such a strange expression and soon became tedious! A slow burner which flickered once or twice but didn’t set me alight. I read to the very end but not every word, line or page it has to be said. A beautiful setting for a not so beautiful crime.

For years I have read books by Susan Lewis, and I still feel that I have barely scratched the surface of her work. So when I received an e-arc of this book I was beyond excited.

Starting off with a bang in this tense dual timeline narrative, we begin as every good book should. With a murder. 😉

The drama is set from the get go. It's palpable. A good old whodunit.

I have to say that although I found the characters rather unlikeable, I was invested from start to finish. Imagination running wild, theories galore. And I can happily say that between Sarah and I, we sussed out the surprising and shocking ending.

An indepth crime novel, that perhaps could have been a bit shorter and still have covered all the bases, it was gritty, dark and full of secrets. What people will do to get the lives they dream of!

Thank you to @netgalley for the advanced copy of the book.

The Lost Hours was another fab book by Susan Lewis, I have yet to read one of hers books and not enjoy them and this one was no exception. A great page turner that I read in one sitting as I could not put it down. A great story into a cold-case murder and the impact that has on the family at the heart of the case. A fab read.