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Lost to Dune Road
For a disgraced reporter, unraveling a conspiracy of murder could mean redemption in a powerful novel of suspense by the bestselling author of Out of the Ashes.
Reporter Lee Ellerin’s investigation into a young woman’s unsolved murder gained national attention—only for her to lose everything due to a tragic mistake. After being publicly ridiculed for causing a suspect’s death, Lee is forced to leave her career behind.
Five years later, pregnant college student Amanda Hartley lies in a coma. The police say she attempted suicide, but the details don’t add up. Where is the father? Who was paying for Amanda’s Manhattan penthouse? Why did Amanda have a note with Lee’s name in her backpack? There’s also one alarming coincidence: Amanda was last seen on Dune Road in the Hamptons—where the murder victim in Lee’s previous investigation disappeared.
As she’s pulled back into the still-unsolved case that destroyed her career, Lee sees the chance to amend the mistakes of her past. But finding a killer and unearthing Amanda’s secrets sends her down a darker path than she has ever walked before.
Reporter Lee Ellerin’s investigation into a young woman’s unsolved murder gained national attention—only for her to lose everything due to a tragic mistake. After being publicly ridiculed for causing a suspect’s death, Lee is forced to leave her career behind.
Five years later, pregnant college student Amanda Hartley lies in a coma. The police say she attempted suicide, but the details don’t add up. Where is the father? Who was paying for Amanda’s Manhattan penthouse? Why did Amanda have a note with Lee’s name in her backpack? There’s also one alarming coincidence: Amanda was last seen on Dune Road in the Hamptons—where the murder victim in Lee’s previous investigation disappeared.
As she’s pulled back into the still-unsolved case that destroyed her career, Lee sees the chance to amend the mistakes of her past. But finding a killer and unearthing Amanda’s secrets sends her down a darker path than she has ever walked before.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2024
453 people are currently reading
8391 people want to read
About the author
Kara Thomas
16 books2,415 followersKara is the author of The Darkest Corners, Little Monsters, and The Cheerleaders. She is also the author of the Prep School Confidential series from St. Martin's Griffin under the pen name Kara Taylor.
Kara has written for Warner Brothers Television and currently writes full-time on Long Island, where she lives with her husband and rescue cat.
Kara has written for Warner Brothers Television and currently writes full-time on Long Island, where she lives with her husband and rescue cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews
February 14, 2024
A Compelling Mystery Muddled by Many Characters and Plot Threads
3.5 stars
Lost to Dune Road is a gripping thriller centered on a former journalist, now a Private Investigator, who tackles a case linked to the scandal that ruined her career. This novel highlights the rich and powerful in the form of a Jeffrey Epstein-like character.
Told primarily through the POV of Lee, a former Vanity Fair reporter, she is a driven character with a strong voice. Unfortunately, she is closed off, making it difficult to connect with her. The other POV shared is that of Amanda, a 20-year-old art student who falls prey to a wealthy and powerful man.
There are two mysteries, but as the plot progresses, other mysteries emerge. All were compelling, and there were some surprising twists that I didn’t see coming.
Unfortunately, there are some problematic elements. The plot is overly complicated. In addtition, there are too many characters to keep track of, a romance that fell flat and didn’t match the plot, and too many moving parts, which resulted in some parts being glossed over and creating plot holes. Another gripe is that information just seems to fall into Lee’s hands without much effort. This isn’t a bad read by any means; the plot and the characters just need to be simplified.
Thomas always brings strong characterization to the table, which is evident in this novel. Although I didn't love Lee, I understood her character. The case was fascinating yet sickening. The reveal of the killer caught me off guard, and there was one final surprising twist at the end. Overall, this is a worthy but flawed read.
TW: Sexual Assault
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas & Mercer in exchange for a honest review.
3.5 stars
Lost to Dune Road is a gripping thriller centered on a former journalist, now a Private Investigator, who tackles a case linked to the scandal that ruined her career. This novel highlights the rich and powerful in the form of a Jeffrey Epstein-like character.
Told primarily through the POV of Lee, a former Vanity Fair reporter, she is a driven character with a strong voice. Unfortunately, she is closed off, making it difficult to connect with her. The other POV shared is that of Amanda, a 20-year-old art student who falls prey to a wealthy and powerful man.
There are two mysteries, but as the plot progresses, other mysteries emerge. All were compelling, and there were some surprising twists that I didn’t see coming.
Unfortunately, there are some problematic elements. The plot is overly complicated. In addtition, there are too many characters to keep track of, a romance that fell flat and didn’t match the plot, and too many moving parts, which resulted in some parts being glossed over and creating plot holes. Another gripe is that information just seems to fall into Lee’s hands without much effort. This isn’t a bad read by any means; the plot and the characters just need to be simplified.
Thomas always brings strong characterization to the table, which is evident in this novel. Although I didn't love Lee, I understood her character. The case was fascinating yet sickening. The reveal of the killer caught me off guard, and there was one final surprising twist at the end. Overall, this is a worthy but flawed read.
TW: Sexual Assault
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas & Mercer in exchange for a honest review.
November 3, 2023
Lost to Dune Road is a dark and suspenseful thriller that handles some tough topics. Did I enjoy it? Eh … kind of? The premise is good, but it lost me a bit when it came to the characters and the pacing.
The good:
That cover – so pretty! The cover is, like, 60% of the reason that I decided to grab this book off of NetGalley. I'm like a magpie with shiny things, except that I'm human and my irresistible things are colorful, not shiny. So not like a magpie with shiny things at all, really. Also, I read recently that birds are actually scared of shiny stuff and the magpie thing is a myth, but whatever. The cover is just pretty, okay?
The subject matter – this book handles some really tough topics. Police (and politician) corruption, wealthy individuals and their ability to skirt the law, abortion and adoption, and unhealthy relationships (especially where older men with young girls are concerned). They're not fun subjects, but Kara Thomas writes about them in a sensitive yet entertaining manner.
The plot – compelling and interesting. I really liked the way that both of the major storylines were woven together, even though I sometimes got a bit confused about which victim I was reading about and who did what to whom.
The setting – I'm a former New Yorker and I enjoyed reading about all the various locations in Manhattan.
The mediocre:
The romance – It was unnecessary and the relationship didn't seem particularly realistic.
The characters – they're all rather unlikeable. I mean, I can handle unlikeable characters, but the bad guys are all mostly one-dimensional villains and the good guys are all horribly broken people that aren't much more likeable than the villains at times. Kona (a dog / very minor character) is cool, though.
The pacing – parts of this book were really suspenseful and parts of it dragged on for forever. This novel came in at 272 pages on my Kobo e-reader, but I swear it felt like it was 400+.
The bad:
The characters, part two - HOW MANY CHARACTERS DOES A BOOK NEED? I couldn't keep them straight and felt like I needed a flowchart at times. So many awful rich men. So many cops. So many witnesses. So many family members. So many suspects. If you have a Swiss cheese brain like I do, prepare to be tremendously overwhelmed by all of the names you'll have to remember.
So, yeah. This wasn't a terrible read by any means, and if you like private detective-based thrillers, there's a decent chance you'll enjoy this one, too. Was it one of my favorites? Nah. But would I pick up another book by this author? Most likely.
Final rating: 3.4 stars, rounded down.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.
The good:
That cover – so pretty! The cover is, like, 60% of the reason that I decided to grab this book off of NetGalley. I'm like a magpie with shiny things, except that I'm human and my irresistible things are colorful, not shiny. So not like a magpie with shiny things at all, really. Also, I read recently that birds are actually scared of shiny stuff and the magpie thing is a myth, but whatever. The cover is just pretty, okay?
The subject matter – this book handles some really tough topics. Police (and politician) corruption, wealthy individuals and their ability to skirt the law, abortion and adoption, and unhealthy relationships (especially where older men with young girls are concerned). They're not fun subjects, but Kara Thomas writes about them in a sensitive yet entertaining manner.
The plot – compelling and interesting. I really liked the way that both of the major storylines were woven together, even though I sometimes got a bit confused about which victim I was reading about and who did what to whom.
The setting – I'm a former New Yorker and I enjoyed reading about all the various locations in Manhattan.
The mediocre:
The romance – It was unnecessary and the relationship didn't seem particularly realistic.
The characters – they're all rather unlikeable. I mean, I can handle unlikeable characters, but the bad guys are all mostly one-dimensional villains and the good guys are all horribly broken people that aren't much more likeable than the villains at times. Kona (a dog / very minor character) is cool, though.
The pacing – parts of this book were really suspenseful and parts of it dragged on for forever. This novel came in at 272 pages on my Kobo e-reader, but I swear it felt like it was 400+.
The bad:
The characters, part two - HOW MANY CHARACTERS DOES A BOOK NEED? I couldn't keep them straight and felt like I needed a flowchart at times. So many awful rich men. So many cops. So many witnesses. So many family members. So many suspects. If you have a Swiss cheese brain like I do, prepare to be tremendously overwhelmed by all of the names you'll have to remember.
So, yeah. This wasn't a terrible read by any means, and if you like private detective-based thrillers, there's a decent chance you'll enjoy this one, too. Was it one of my favorites? Nah. But would I pick up another book by this author? Most likely.
Final rating: 3.4 stars, rounded down.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.
April 9, 2024
Lost to Dune Road by Kara Thomas is a crime thriller novel with a private detective at the lead. The story in Lost to Dune Road is one that is told mainly from the point of view of the main characters but does occasionally switch to another point of view with some flashing back to previous events.
Lee Ellerin had once been in her dream career of being a investagative reporter when things came crashing down for Lee. Working on a case that had gained national attention of a young woman’s unsolved murder Lee made a huge mistake and it cost her her journalism career.
Now five years later Lee has become a private investigator when she is contacted by the mother of yet another victim. Amanda Hartley is pregnant and in a coma after what was initially thought to be a suicide but Lee’s name was found in Amanda’s things even though Lee doesn’t seem to know her and with that connection Lee can’t help but dive into this new case as memories of the old haunt her.
Lost to Dune Road is not the first book I’ve read by author Kara Thomas so I went in expecting to absolutely love this one. Unfortunately that wasn’t so much the case with finishing at three and a half stars but it was still a solid story. I think for me this one was a case of just a little too much being added into the mix that I felt like it was kind of convoluted without really needing to be with a lot of characters tossed into the mix. The story was dark and one that drew me in and perhaps with a little less involved it would have been a total hit.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Lee Ellerin had once been in her dream career of being a investagative reporter when things came crashing down for Lee. Working on a case that had gained national attention of a young woman’s unsolved murder Lee made a huge mistake and it cost her her journalism career.
Now five years later Lee has become a private investigator when she is contacted by the mother of yet another victim. Amanda Hartley is pregnant and in a coma after what was initially thought to be a suicide but Lee’s name was found in Amanda’s things even though Lee doesn’t seem to know her and with that connection Lee can’t help but dive into this new case as memories of the old haunt her.
Lost to Dune Road is not the first book I’ve read by author Kara Thomas so I went in expecting to absolutely love this one. Unfortunately that wasn’t so much the case with finishing at three and a half stars but it was still a solid story. I think for me this one was a case of just a little too much being added into the mix that I felt like it was kind of convoluted without really needing to be with a lot of characters tossed into the mix. The story was dark and one that drew me in and perhaps with a little less involved it would have been a total hit.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
April 25, 2024
Lost to Dune Road covers an ex-journalist's determination to solve the case that ruined her career. After losing her job, Lee works as a PI and is hired by a mother to find her daughter's baby daddy. The daughter is in a coma after a suspicious suicide attempt, so Lee has little information to start with. As she delves into the girl's life, she finds connections to the years-old case that landed her in hot water.
Overall, I enjoyed this read. It was fast-paced and intense. The author didn't waste time getting to the story's heart, jumping into the plot. Lee was easy to like, with her grit and determination. Since she's slowly putting together two separate cases, there wasn't a lot of meandering and self-reflection for Lee.
The underlying theme was what powerful men can get away with. Lee comes up against several men who have the means to bury their awful deeds and people to protect them. We also see how callously the men handled young girls and the awful underside of the rich. The frustration and anger Lee experienced were what women in the world deal with today.
While I enjoyed the overall mystery, the ending was anti-climactic. There were too many characters that Lee spent the novel chasing, only for them to be irrelevant. I didn't quite understand the actual culprit's motivation; it was revealed too late in the story for my taste. The supporting cast needed to be streamlined; several characters and interactions had little bearing on the overall storyline.
The romance was so weird. Two grown adults being awkward over a five-year-old kiss was too much for my brain to handle. It ended up being a big deal, and I needed the characters to move on. It didn't help that one of them was in a committed relationship and was still pursuing the weird drama.
Overall, this wasn't a bad thriller. I hesitate to call it a "popcorn" thriller due to the heavy topics, but it had the breakneck pace that I often associate with that genre. If you don't mind a cheesy romance with your mystery, check this out.
*Check trigger warnings before reading. Some TWs include statutory rape, violence, abortion, and sexual assault.
Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas Mercer for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, I enjoyed this read. It was fast-paced and intense. The author didn't waste time getting to the story's heart, jumping into the plot. Lee was easy to like, with her grit and determination. Since she's slowly putting together two separate cases, there wasn't a lot of meandering and self-reflection for Lee.
The underlying theme was what powerful men can get away with. Lee comes up against several men who have the means to bury their awful deeds and people to protect them. We also see how callously the men handled young girls and the awful underside of the rich. The frustration and anger Lee experienced were what women in the world deal with today.
While I enjoyed the overall mystery, the ending was anti-climactic. There were too many characters that Lee spent the novel chasing, only for them to be irrelevant. I didn't quite understand the actual culprit's motivation; it was revealed too late in the story for my taste. The supporting cast needed to be streamlined; several characters and interactions had little bearing on the overall storyline.
The romance was so weird. Two grown adults being awkward over a five-year-old kiss was too much for my brain to handle. It ended up being a big deal, and I needed the characters to move on. It didn't help that one of them was in a committed relationship and was still pursuing the weird drama.
Overall, this wasn't a bad thriller. I hesitate to call it a "popcorn" thriller due to the heavy topics, but it had the breakneck pace that I often associate with that genre. If you don't mind a cheesy romance with your mystery, check this out.
*Check trigger warnings before reading. Some TWs include statutory rape, violence, abortion, and sexual assault.
Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas Mercer for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2024
In today's political climate, what would happen if a woman was to attempt suicide while 6 months pregnant and survive, albeit in a vegetative state? That's a question I have to say I've never asked myself but it's interesting to ponder.
Lee, formerly Natalee, is a disgraced former Vanity Fair journalist. She failed to properly vet a source she interviewed and and got dropped like a hot potato.
Now she's in the private investigating arena and when she loses her current position, she has time on her hands so when the mother of the aforementioned comatose girl, Amanda, reaches out to her, she decides to give it a looksie and it has some ties back to the story that ruined her career in the first place.
Reluctantly, she goes down this rabbit hole with Amanda's mother, who could be suspicious for good reason, or could just be a mother in denial. Either way, Lee's number was found in Amanda's things and it's just not adding up. Who was the father and why was Amanda being put up in a ritzy apartment?
It seems a conspiracy is at hand and using her natural intuitiveness and detective skills, Lee may be the only one with the guts to get to the bottom of it.
I'm a huge fan of Kara Thomas. I'm in my 30's so I should prefer her new stuff, but I miss the YA novels. Thomas is an amazing writer, there's no doubt about it, but in her newest works, she tackles subjects that are more politically charged and as a news junkie, I'm usually reading to escape that world. It's not that I disagree with anything covered, in fact it's often that these stories are preaching to the choir and that bugs me. I didn't care for the racial aspect and felt it was a bit tone-deaf and cringe.
Regardless, it was well-written and a page-turner. I got a lot of Long Island Serial Killer vibes. It was very dark, very heavy and definitely worth a read if you're somewhere at least center left politically.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read ahead of release in exchange for an honest review.
Lee, formerly Natalee, is a disgraced former Vanity Fair journalist. She failed to properly vet a source she interviewed and and got dropped like a hot potato.
Now she's in the private investigating arena and when she loses her current position, she has time on her hands so when the mother of the aforementioned comatose girl, Amanda, reaches out to her, she decides to give it a looksie and it has some ties back to the story that ruined her career in the first place.
Reluctantly, she goes down this rabbit hole with Amanda's mother, who could be suspicious for good reason, or could just be a mother in denial. Either way, Lee's number was found in Amanda's things and it's just not adding up. Who was the father and why was Amanda being put up in a ritzy apartment?
It seems a conspiracy is at hand and using her natural intuitiveness and detective skills, Lee may be the only one with the guts to get to the bottom of it.
I'm a huge fan of Kara Thomas. I'm in my 30's so I should prefer her new stuff, but I miss the YA novels. Thomas is an amazing writer, there's no doubt about it, but in her newest works, she tackles subjects that are more politically charged and as a news junkie, I'm usually reading to escape that world. It's not that I disagree with anything covered, in fact it's often that these stories are preaching to the choir and that bugs me. I didn't care for the racial aspect and felt it was a bit tone-deaf and cringe.
Regardless, it was well-written and a page-turner. I got a lot of Long Island Serial Killer vibes. It was very dark, very heavy and definitely worth a read if you're somewhere at least center left politically.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read ahead of release in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2024
This book was so good, well planned out, excellent follow through.
The only reason I rated it as a 4 star, instead of a 5 star, is because I figured out the entire plot before it was revealed. That and the end needed a smidge more explanation, in my opinion.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC
The only reason I rated it as a 4 star, instead of a 5 star, is because I figured out the entire plot before it was revealed. That and the end needed a smidge more explanation, in my opinion.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC
May 27, 2024
Second by the author for me and I enjoyed Out of the ashes slightly more but this was an excellent redemptive journalist turned private investigator mystery. Mainly told by Natalee or Lee for short who used to write for Vanity Fair but after getting fired for her last piece centering around a murder at Dune road she now works as a private investigator. She has deep and woven connections with police professionals that help her throughout the book and it was difficult at times to keep the names/roles straight.
The last 20% redeemed the beginning which was kinda draggy at times. But the ending was excellent and I wish the majority of the book kept that pace! But definitely redeemed itself!!
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Mercer for my electronic advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
The last 20% redeemed the beginning which was kinda draggy at times. But the ending was excellent and I wish the majority of the book kept that pace! But definitely redeemed itself!!
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Mercer for my electronic advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 12, 2024
Absolutely enthralling. When I thought I knew the outcome, the author proved me wrong at every turn. The mark of an excellent crime novel, in my opinion.
November 24, 2024
An old mystery to solve, a thriller to survive and a tiny bit of romance might be my favourite genre, and Kara Thomas delivered just that.
Unfortunately, I got pretty good at it; I’ve seen what was about to happen from a mile and, even with an open-ish ending, I sense that not all of them will have the justice they deserve.
But I liked it anyway because there's nothing like a fast-paced thriller, with hundreds between names and facts, to keep your mind busy and put you out of a reading slump.
↠ 3.5 stars
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
Unfortunately, I got pretty good at it; I’ve seen what was about to happen from a mile and, even with an open-ish ending, I sense that not all of them will have the justice they deserve.
But I liked it anyway because there's nothing like a fast-paced thriller, with hundreds between names and facts, to keep your mind busy and put you out of a reading slump.
↠ 3.5 stars
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
April 10, 2024
✨B O O K • R E V I E W✨
Lost to Dune Road // Releases April 16, 2024
#ad I received a gifted advance copy of this book - many thanks to @karathomaswrites + @mbc_books #partner
This book will be available via KU and as a Read and Listen choice. 🎧📱
Set against the backdrop of the Hamptons, Thomas has penned a spectacular thriller mixed with suspense, betrayal, and dark secrets. Girls have disappeared on Dune Road; but can Lee, a disgraced reporter, find out what’s been happening on this stretch of road in time to save Amanda, who lies in a hospital room in a coma pregnant, before it’s too late all while trying to fix her damaged past?
I don’t think I’ve ever read such a captivating investigation crime thriller such as this book before. The story pulls you in from the start and continues to pull you in the more you read.
The writing is sharp and the plot genius. The character of Lee and her determination to figure out this mystery and save Amanda is one layer of this story that many will find gripping.
This book is a heartfelt punch to the throat that you must read for yourself. Will definitely be reading more books by this author. From start to finish I just couldn’t put this book down.
It’s a twisty ride you won’t soon forget.
#mbc_books #LostToDuneRoad #suspensefulreads #thrillerbook #mysterynovel#crimefiction #mustreadnovel #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #pageturner #bookloverscommunity #ARC #comingsoon
Lost to Dune Road // Releases April 16, 2024
#ad I received a gifted advance copy of this book - many thanks to @karathomaswrites + @mbc_books #partner
This book will be available via KU and as a Read and Listen choice. 🎧📱
Set against the backdrop of the Hamptons, Thomas has penned a spectacular thriller mixed with suspense, betrayal, and dark secrets. Girls have disappeared on Dune Road; but can Lee, a disgraced reporter, find out what’s been happening on this stretch of road in time to save Amanda, who lies in a hospital room in a coma pregnant, before it’s too late all while trying to fix her damaged past?
I don’t think I’ve ever read such a captivating investigation crime thriller such as this book before. The story pulls you in from the start and continues to pull you in the more you read.
The writing is sharp and the plot genius. The character of Lee and her determination to figure out this mystery and save Amanda is one layer of this story that many will find gripping.
This book is a heartfelt punch to the throat that you must read for yourself. Will definitely be reading more books by this author. From start to finish I just couldn’t put this book down.
It’s a twisty ride you won’t soon forget.
#mbc_books #LostToDuneRoad #suspensefulreads #thrillerbook #mysterynovel#crimefiction #mustreadnovel #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #pageturner #bookloverscommunity #ARC #comingsoon
March 5, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley & Thomas Mercer for access to this E-ARC! I actually really enjoyed this one! The characters were very well-written and the setting was cool. Definitely will read more from this author.
January 13, 2024
Did you hear that buzz?
It’s bookstagram talking about Kara Thomas’ new book, Lost to Dune Road, and I can guarantee you, it’s worth all the hype.
I always get nervous asking a publicist for a copy, they instantly transform into these bookish fairies, either grant your wish or reject you like last nights Chinese.
I wasn’t rejected. My bookish dreams came true and I received my most anticipated book.
Well, you know me, I dropped my plans (nap and housewives) and began reading…
These characters jump from the pages and stand right before you, so much so that you can smell the sickly sweat as it drops across their brow. Your pulse will race just when you think you have it all figured out but then you’ll be clutching your chest as something pops right out of left field at you.
There was way too many WTF moments to count. At one point I grabbed Rock’s paw and white knuckled it for the better half of the ending .
This is a book you don’t want to miss!
Check out this teaser :
For a disgraced reporter, unraveling a conspiracy of murder could mean redemption in a powerful novel of suspense by the bestselling author of Out of the Ashes.
Reporter Lee Ellerin’s investigation into a young woman’s unsolved murder gained national attention―only for her to lose everything due to a tragic mistake. After being publicly ridiculed for causing a suspect’s death, Lee is forced to leave her career behind.
Five years later, pregnant college student Amanda Hartley lies in a coma. The police say she attempted suicide, but the details don’t add up. Where is the father? Who was paying for Amanda’s Manhattan penthouse? Why did Amanda have a note with Lee’s name in her backpack? There’s also one alarming coincidence: Amanda was last seen on Dune Road in the Hamptons―where the murder victim in Lee’s previous investigation disappeared.
As she’s pulled back into the still-unsolved case that destroyed her career, Lee sees the chance to amend the mistakes of her past. But finding a killer and unearthing Amanda’s secrets sends her down a darker path than she has ever walked before.
It’s bookstagram talking about Kara Thomas’ new book, Lost to Dune Road, and I can guarantee you, it’s worth all the hype.
I always get nervous asking a publicist for a copy, they instantly transform into these bookish fairies, either grant your wish or reject you like last nights Chinese.
I wasn’t rejected. My bookish dreams came true and I received my most anticipated book.
Well, you know me, I dropped my plans (nap and housewives) and began reading…
These characters jump from the pages and stand right before you, so much so that you can smell the sickly sweat as it drops across their brow. Your pulse will race just when you think you have it all figured out but then you’ll be clutching your chest as something pops right out of left field at you.
There was way too many WTF moments to count. At one point I grabbed Rock’s paw and white knuckled it for the better half of the ending .
This is a book you don’t want to miss!
Check out this teaser :
For a disgraced reporter, unraveling a conspiracy of murder could mean redemption in a powerful novel of suspense by the bestselling author of Out of the Ashes.
Reporter Lee Ellerin’s investigation into a young woman’s unsolved murder gained national attention―only for her to lose everything due to a tragic mistake. After being publicly ridiculed for causing a suspect’s death, Lee is forced to leave her career behind.
Five years later, pregnant college student Amanda Hartley lies in a coma. The police say she attempted suicide, but the details don’t add up. Where is the father? Who was paying for Amanda’s Manhattan penthouse? Why did Amanda have a note with Lee’s name in her backpack? There’s also one alarming coincidence: Amanda was last seen on Dune Road in the Hamptons―where the murder victim in Lee’s previous investigation disappeared.
As she’s pulled back into the still-unsolved case that destroyed her career, Lee sees the chance to amend the mistakes of her past. But finding a killer and unearthing Amanda’s secrets sends her down a darker path than she has ever walked before.
March 26, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my e-ARC of Lost to Dune Road!
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
📰 ever wanted to be a journalist
🕵🏻♀️ like to solve cold cases
👀 enjoy different POVs
🌪️love twists you don’t see coming
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Reporter Lee Ellerin’s investigation into a young woman’s unsolved murder gained national attention―only for her to lose everything due to a tragic mistake. After being publicly ridiculed for causing a suspect’s death, Lee is forced to leave her career behind.
Five years later, pregnant college student Amanda Hartley lies in a coma. The police say she attempted suicide, but the details don’t add up. Where is the father? Who was paying for Amanda’s Manhattan penthouse? Why did Amanda have a note with Lee’s name in her backpack? There’s also one alarming coincidence: Amanda was last seen on Dune Road in the Hamptons―where the murder victim in Lee’s previous investigation disappeared.
As she’s pulled back into the still-unsolved case that destroyed her career, Lee sees the chance to amend the mistakes of her past. But finding a killer and unearthing Amanda’s secrets sends her down a darker path than she has ever walked before.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
Lost to Dune Road was such a compelling read right from the start. Natalee is a unique character who has a background in journalism but is now working as a PI after a bad fallout concerning a cold case. Now she’s being sucked into another case that might be related to the 2019 one, and I loved seeing her do her detective thing. I honestly forgot that she wasn’t a cop or detective due to how good she was at it. The viewpoints from Amanda were definitely my favorite part of the story because this was the only way she ever had a voice. I also enjoyed the fact that a lot of the story took place in the Hamptons, and think this could make for a thrilling movie!
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
📰 ever wanted to be a journalist
🕵🏻♀️ like to solve cold cases
👀 enjoy different POVs
🌪️love twists you don’t see coming
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Reporter Lee Ellerin’s investigation into a young woman’s unsolved murder gained national attention―only for her to lose everything due to a tragic mistake. After being publicly ridiculed for causing a suspect’s death, Lee is forced to leave her career behind.
Five years later, pregnant college student Amanda Hartley lies in a coma. The police say she attempted suicide, but the details don’t add up. Where is the father? Who was paying for Amanda’s Manhattan penthouse? Why did Amanda have a note with Lee’s name in her backpack? There’s also one alarming coincidence: Amanda was last seen on Dune Road in the Hamptons―where the murder victim in Lee’s previous investigation disappeared.
As she’s pulled back into the still-unsolved case that destroyed her career, Lee sees the chance to amend the mistakes of her past. But finding a killer and unearthing Amanda’s secrets sends her down a darker path than she has ever walked before.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
Lost to Dune Road was such a compelling read right from the start. Natalee is a unique character who has a background in journalism but is now working as a PI after a bad fallout concerning a cold case. Now she’s being sucked into another case that might be related to the 2019 one, and I loved seeing her do her detective thing. I honestly forgot that she wasn’t a cop or detective due to how good she was at it. The viewpoints from Amanda were definitely my favorite part of the story because this was the only way she ever had a voice. I also enjoyed the fact that a lot of the story took place in the Hamptons, and think this could make for a thrilling movie!
January 25, 2024
On the surface this book is exactly what I want, a great cover to draw me in and an interesting plot involving a unsolved murder connected to a new complicated case. Unfortunately this one didn't deliver for me. The best way I could describe this book is dense. Every time I picked it up I felt like I was taking a deep breath and reading it like I was studying for an exam. I thought there were too many characters that it got to the point I would read the name, pause and then have to think, oh ok that's the FBI agent dude. The story line itself was interesting and I loved that the author wanted to connect two cases, but it was just far too much information and pretty confusing. The way the main character was drawing comparisons between these two cases was wild, I would have been ROLLING my eyes at her if I was one of her several million police/FBI/lawyer connections. Without giving away any spoilers, I just didn't enjoy the ending either. When everything is revealed, it doesn't actually feel like a big reveal where all the pieces connect. It once again was sort of confusing and felt like I just needed to roll with it. And don't even get me started on the "romance". It was not needed, and was the equivalent of a high school crush...not the actions or behaviors of adults in their mid to late 30s. Despite all my dislikes, I have to say I was interested the entire time and wanted to know how everything would resolve. Was it the worst book I've ever read, not at all. Would I recommend it? Ehhhh maybe if you like very detailed stories with the deep process of a private investigator?
May 26, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: 3.5 stars
This story follows Natalee (Lee) who is a reporter turned private investigator who was fired in 2019 while trying to help solve the case of a missing girl, Jenna. Her body was found a year later on Dune Road.
Now it’s five years later, and another girl, Amanda, is pregnant and in a coma, and Lee’s information was found written on a piece of paper in her backpack. Lee doesn’t know her- but Amanda’s mother hires her to seek out answers. Lee is desperately trying to connect the two cases and help solve them both,
The story did get confusing at times, as it was constantly jumping back between Jenna’s story and Amanda’s. There were also quite a lot of characters and it was a little difficult to keep their stories straight sometimes.
I would recommend for fans of unsolved cases and police procedurals.
Overall, I did enjoy the story and was eager to find out how it ended.
Rating: 3.5 stars
This story follows Natalee (Lee) who is a reporter turned private investigator who was fired in 2019 while trying to help solve the case of a missing girl, Jenna. Her body was found a year later on Dune Road.
Now it’s five years later, and another girl, Amanda, is pregnant and in a coma, and Lee’s information was found written on a piece of paper in her backpack. Lee doesn’t know her- but Amanda’s mother hires her to seek out answers. Lee is desperately trying to connect the two cases and help solve them both,
The story did get confusing at times, as it was constantly jumping back between Jenna’s story and Amanda’s. There were also quite a lot of characters and it was a little difficult to keep their stories straight sometimes.
I would recommend for fans of unsolved cases and police procedurals.
Overall, I did enjoy the story and was eager to find out how it ended.
April 29, 2024
this book really tried to have a good plot... it was just way to much talking back and fourth and way to many people to keep track of. 2/10 for the plot, and 2/10 for the writing style..
October 18, 2023
Thank you to the Publisher for the Arc!
this was so freaking good. its super fast paced and I felt this anxiety as Lee uncovered more and more of what happened to Amanda and i couldn't put it down. the ending left me completely surprised and i cried.
this was fantastic 10/10
this was so freaking good. its super fast paced and I felt this anxiety as Lee uncovered more and more of what happened to Amanda and i couldn't put it down. the ending left me completely surprised and i cried.
this was fantastic 10/10
April 15, 2024
Ok, if this first line doesn’t hook you, I don’t know what will! 🤣
“𝙿𝚎𝚝𝚎 𝙼𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚘 𝚝𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚊 𝚍𝚞𝚖𝚙 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚝 𝚎𝚡𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚕𝚢 𝟷𝟶 𝚊𝚖”
I’m a big fan of a disgraced reporter / journalist seeking redemption plot and this one was so compelling! We got red herrings galore and I enjoyed the additional side romance aspect!
While a bit of a slow burn at times, I was completely absorbed and found myself continually turning the pages as I needed to see where this one was going! Solid thriller!
“𝙿𝚎𝚝𝚎 𝙼𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚘 𝚝𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚊 𝚍𝚞𝚖𝚙 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚝 𝚎𝚡𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚕𝚢 𝟷𝟶 𝚊𝚖”
I’m a big fan of a disgraced reporter / journalist seeking redemption plot and this one was so compelling! We got red herrings galore and I enjoyed the additional side romance aspect!
While a bit of a slow burn at times, I was completely absorbed and found myself continually turning the pages as I needed to see where this one was going! Solid thriller!
December 18, 2023
This book took me an unusually long time to finish. There was too much info dumping, too many characters, and the plot was way too complicated—to the point where I found it hard to follow and keep track of everyone. On top of all that, the romance was unnecessary and unbelievable. The writing was good enough on a fundamental level, aside from a few proofreading/grammar errors and a couple of mistakes. But I just couldn’t connect with the characters or the story, and I really had to force myself to finish it.
On the up side, the cover is gorgeous.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
On the up side, the cover is gorgeous.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
November 2, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC!
This is my first read by Kara Thomas and will most certainly not be my last!
This investigative thriller kept me on the edge of seat from start to finish! I truly have zero complaints to share about this book, and the ending just really solidified it being a 5 ⭐️ read for me.
It is my understanding this book will be on Kindle Unlimited, and its publish date is 04/16/24!
This is my first read by Kara Thomas and will most certainly not be my last!
This investigative thriller kept me on the edge of seat from start to finish! I truly have zero complaints to share about this book, and the ending just really solidified it being a 5 ⭐️ read for me.
It is my understanding this book will be on Kindle Unlimited, and its publish date is 04/16/24!
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April 3, 2024There were things I really liked about this book, but I also felt that it lacked any sort of urgency. I'm going to let my thought settle and then finish this review!
Read more of my reviews on JenRyland.com! Let's be friends on Bookstagram!
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
Read more of my reviews on JenRyland.com! Let's be friends on Bookstagram!
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
April 9, 2024
Thank you so much @mbc_books for my advance copy! I love the colors on the cover! I am also a big fan of Thomas so I couldn’t wait to dive in.
A disgraced reporter and a conspiracy involving the rich and powerful?! Yes please! This novel hits on some big topics: corrupt police, greed, abortion and some unsavory men. I really liked the premise and the concept of it. I also liked Lee. She felt real and her character was very well done. My only issue with this was pacing and the SHIT TON of characters lol I kinda got lost a few times because I couldn’t figure out who was who.
3.5 rounded up***
A disgraced reporter and a conspiracy involving the rich and powerful?! Yes please! This novel hits on some big topics: corrupt police, greed, abortion and some unsavory men. I really liked the premise and the concept of it. I also liked Lee. She felt real and her character was very well done. My only issue with this was pacing and the SHIT TON of characters lol I kinda got lost a few times because I couldn’t figure out who was who.
3.5 rounded up***
March 7, 2025
Kara Thomas, the woman that you are. I loved, loved, LOVED this book. I am obsessed with true crime + the Hamptons?!?!? My home?!?!?! I get so excited when things I know are name dropped. Kara, if you need someone to be your Hamptons liaison and personal fact checker, hit me up.
April 21, 2024
Really enjoyed this!
May 23, 2024
thrillers don’t typically make me cry but this got me good.
god i love these characters
god i love these characters
July 27, 2024
It was ok, a bit boring at times, predictable at others.
August 11, 2024
one of the best thrillers of the summer
absolutely a banger just writing this to fill out the requirement
read it if you love yourself
absolutely a banger just writing this to fill out the requirement
read it if you love yourself
April 14, 2024
I love a good murder mystery with a strong female lead, and this one did not disappoint! This featured a female private detective and the story was full of twists. It was fun to read and I was invested from the beginning. The conclusion was shocking and I never saw it coming!
April 16, 2024
I gave loved every Kara Thomas novel and LOST TO DUNE ROAD is no exception.
Natalee, after a career embarrassment now calls herself Lee. Once an investigative reporter, before the public incident, she receives a phone call from Carol, a mother whose pregnant daughter Amanda lies in a hospital comatose after a serious suicide attempt. Lee can’t avoid taking the case after she suspects a connection to the incident on Dune Road.
I listened to the audiobook straight through because I just could not stop. Lee was such a compelling character, sympathetic, gritty, sometimes pushing boundaries to get what she needs. I’d love to see her character in more books.
Natalee, after a career embarrassment now calls herself Lee. Once an investigative reporter, before the public incident, she receives a phone call from Carol, a mother whose pregnant daughter Amanda lies in a hospital comatose after a serious suicide attempt. Lee can’t avoid taking the case after she suspects a connection to the incident on Dune Road.
I listened to the audiobook straight through because I just could not stop. Lee was such a compelling character, sympathetic, gritty, sometimes pushing boundaries to get what she needs. I’d love to see her character in more books.
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