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Ray Flowers #5
The Lost Daughter
First she was married. Then she was widowed. Now she’s vanished without a trace.
Three years ago , Ashley Summers watched the love of her life drop dead in a supermarket car park. Now, her friends all say she needs to move on. Live her life. But she has no idea how . . .
Until she meets Tim Bennett. He’s kind, caring, like no one she’s dated before.
Ashley calls her family, eager for them to meet the new man in her life. She makes a date with them — a date she never manages to keep. Just like that, Ashley’s gone.
Distraught, the family turn to ex-detective Ray Flowers for answers. He doesn’t usually take missing persons cases. But this one’s personal.
Tim Bennett. The name makes Ray’s blood run cold. Tim is Ray’s friend and a happily married father of three.
Ashley’s new boyfriend isn’t who he says he is — and Ray will stop at nothing to hunt him down. But, little does he know, his adversary has eyes on him.
A chilling threat to Ray, and everyone he holds dear, is enough to stop him in his tracks.
This imposter’s taken Ashley. What on earth does he want with Ray?
Three years ago , Ashley Summers watched the love of her life drop dead in a supermarket car park. Now, her friends all say she needs to move on. Live her life. But she has no idea how . . .
Until she meets Tim Bennett. He’s kind, caring, like no one she’s dated before.
Ashley calls her family, eager for them to meet the new man in her life. She makes a date with them — a date she never manages to keep. Just like that, Ashley’s gone.
Distraught, the family turn to ex-detective Ray Flowers for answers. He doesn’t usually take missing persons cases. But this one’s personal.
Tim Bennett. The name makes Ray’s blood run cold. Tim is Ray’s friend and a happily married father of three.
Ashley’s new boyfriend isn’t who he says he is — and Ray will stop at nothing to hunt him down. But, little does he know, his adversary has eyes on him.
A chilling threat to Ray, and everyone he holds dear, is enough to stop him in his tracks.
This imposter’s taken Ashley. What on earth does he want with Ray?
- GenresPsychological Thriller
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2023
111 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Jane A. Adams
59 books151 followersSome of her early books were published under the name of Jane Adams. This should not be confused with this Jane Adams who is a different author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 27, 2023
I was grateful to receive an ARC copy of this book, and although it is the fifth in a series it can be read as a stand-alone.
I felt like the premise of the story was really good, and it drew me to it straightaway. The flashbacks into the past were really interesting and it got me engaged quickly. It also reads really easily, which personally I find really helpful when I want to unwind after a long day at work.
As for the negatives, I feel there were too many characters and that made me feel not as engaged with them and the story (and I really wished I could have seen a little bit more of Ashley and Dan towards the end), so I was not as worried about things going wrong for any of them, the kind of tension that you expect when you are really a thriller because you don't want anything wrong to happen to the characters. Also, towards the end, the story seemed took a few turns that made me think the proceedings of the police were not that realistic and that took me out of the book a bit and made me drop my rating.
I felt like the premise of the story was really good, and it drew me to it straightaway. The flashbacks into the past were really interesting and it got me engaged quickly. It also reads really easily, which personally I find really helpful when I want to unwind after a long day at work.
As for the negatives, I feel there were too many characters and that made me feel not as engaged with them and the story (and I really wished I could have seen a little bit more of Ashley and Dan towards the end), so I was not as worried about things going wrong for any of them, the kind of tension that you expect when you are really a thriller because you don't want anything wrong to happen to the characters. Also, towards the end, the story seemed took a few turns that made me think the proceedings of the police were not that realistic and that took me out of the book a bit and made me drop my rating.
December 18, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the eARC.
Jane Adams is one of my go-to authors and The Lost Daughter is yet another good read.
It features one of the creepiest characters in the mystery genre. He started out as a likeable young boy with his 2 best friends, another boy and his sister. Until something happens and all 3 disappear.
Ex-detective Ray Flowers is tasked with finding a missing young woman and to his horror an old nemesis has reared his ugly head, putting many of his friends and family in dire danger.
Definitely recommended!
Jane Adams is one of my go-to authors and The Lost Daughter is yet another good read.
It features one of the creepiest characters in the mystery genre. He started out as a likeable young boy with his 2 best friends, another boy and his sister. Until something happens and all 3 disappear.
Ex-detective Ray Flowers is tasked with finding a missing young woman and to his horror an old nemesis has reared his ugly head, putting many of his friends and family in dire danger.
Definitely recommended!
August 28, 2023
1* ADVANCED READER COPY REVIEW
This is the Fifth instalment in Jane Adans' Rey Flowers Mystery series.
The author (and therefore the saga) is new to me...and four chapters in I'm disappointed that the interesting so far yarn is falling into the "prior knowledge required" hole
Ms Adams has dropped teasers about violent events that have been experienced by Ray and his significant other, Sarah, which is OK BUT out of nowhere we are thrown a name, Paul Krantz, with no preamble, as the potential perpetrator of incidents that once again threaten our "hero" and those nearest and dearest to him....for me a major negative when jumping into a series - I don't mind having my appetite whetted to go explore the series BUT for a key component of this tale to arrive without explanation was off-putting, though there was more detailed explanation provided in the following chapter so let's put it down to style - some might like the approach but clearly for me it didn't work here.
The downside was that it heightened my sense of poor writing skill - with one of my personal pet hates coming to the surface, especially repeated.words...lets take Chapter 5 for instance..."found the body", "found the door open", "found her lying" - you can find these in a single paragraph...a little later we endure "...travellers cheques in the days when people still bought travellers cheques. Could you still do that...." This to my mind is lazy writing - what's wrong with "them" and something more descriptive than ”still do that"...but the worst was still to come in the closing pages of the chapter as Jane Adams unleashed a swarm of "had's"...more than twenty on the penultimate page, interspersed with eight "even's"...the "had's" continue to multiply to the end of the chapter and I realised that I had had enough, even to to the point that I couldn't be bothered to skim read to the end (see what I did there - pastiche rather than homage I'm afraid)...I'm not engaging with the characters and have no interest in how this poorly put together text ends. Contrary to the cover blurb this is more griping than gripping mystery to me; my breath is only taken away in exasperation.
It's a shame as the basic premise was quite good, but the days are too sunny to waste on badly written drama - there are better books out there for reading under the sunshades (or between the raindrops)
I'll not be looking out the earlier books in the series unless someone can convince me that the way this books been presented is a blip and Ms Adams style was much better on what went before.
This is the Fifth instalment in Jane Adans' Rey Flowers Mystery series.
The author (and therefore the saga) is new to me...and four chapters in I'm disappointed that the interesting so far yarn is falling into the "prior knowledge required" hole
Ms Adams has dropped teasers about violent events that have been experienced by Ray and his significant other, Sarah, which is OK BUT out of nowhere we are thrown a name, Paul Krantz, with no preamble, as the potential perpetrator of incidents that once again threaten our "hero" and those nearest and dearest to him....for me a major negative when jumping into a series - I don't mind having my appetite whetted to go explore the series BUT for a key component of this tale to arrive without explanation was off-putting, though there was more detailed explanation provided in the following chapter so let's put it down to style - some might like the approach but clearly for me it didn't work here.
The downside was that it heightened my sense of poor writing skill - with one of my personal pet hates coming to the surface, especially repeated.words...lets take Chapter 5 for instance..."found the body", "found the door open", "found her lying" - you can find these in a single paragraph...a little later we endure "...travellers cheques in the days when people still bought travellers cheques. Could you still do that...." This to my mind is lazy writing - what's wrong with "them" and something more descriptive than ”still do that"...but the worst was still to come in the closing pages of the chapter as Jane Adams unleashed a swarm of "had's"...more than twenty on the penultimate page, interspersed with eight "even's"...the "had's" continue to multiply to the end of the chapter and I realised that I had had enough, even to to the point that I couldn't be bothered to skim read to the end (see what I did there - pastiche rather than homage I'm afraid)...I'm not engaging with the characters and have no interest in how this poorly put together text ends. Contrary to the cover blurb this is more griping than gripping mystery to me; my breath is only taken away in exasperation.
It's a shame as the basic premise was quite good, but the days are too sunny to waste on badly written drama - there are better books out there for reading under the sunshades (or between the raindrops)
I'll not be looking out the earlier books in the series unless someone can convince me that the way this books been presented is a blip and Ms Adams style was much better on what went before.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2023
Some three years ago Ashley’s husband Aiden had suddenly dropped dead in a supermarket car park. Recently she met a new man Tim Bennett and was really taken with him, he seemed so loving and caring.
Now she has suddenly disappeared. Her flat had been cleared out and a neighbour saw a removal van outside loading up. When the police are not interested and Libby, Aiden’s mother, overhears how Ray Flowers recently found a missing girl, she contacts him. She tells him she is really concerned as Ashley and her are close and would talk to each other just about every day, and now she is not answering her phone.
However, when she tells Ray about Tim Bennett and accuses him of being responsible for Ashley’s disappearance, he tells her Tim is a good friend of his and happily married. Intrigued he agrees to look into it, although it is not his usual type of business, his firm deals mostly with corporate security. He also assures Libby that he has not recently found a missing girl and wonders who on earth could have started such a rumour.
When Ray mentions Ashley to Tim he says he does not know her but has heard at the university where they both work, that she has disappeared. Why would someone pose as Tim and where can Ashley be? Ray is really baffled. However, as he digs deeper a connection is found to Paul Krantz, a criminal Ray helped to put away several years ago. It transpires that this man made many friends in prison and now he has escaped with inside help. When several people connected to Paul die unexpectedly, Ray begins to fear for his own life, and everyone close to him.
It seems Ashley’s disappearance may be a devious plot to bring Ray to the fore. Can he find and expose the escaped prisoner before he himself meets the same fate as the others?
An intense, deeply griping thriller illustrating how a really disturbing childhood can influence adult life and usually not for the better. Thoroughly recommended.
------
Reviewer: Tricia Chappell
For Lizzie Sirett (Mystery People Group)
Now she has suddenly disappeared. Her flat had been cleared out and a neighbour saw a removal van outside loading up. When the police are not interested and Libby, Aiden’s mother, overhears how Ray Flowers recently found a missing girl, she contacts him. She tells him she is really concerned as Ashley and her are close and would talk to each other just about every day, and now she is not answering her phone.
However, when she tells Ray about Tim Bennett and accuses him of being responsible for Ashley’s disappearance, he tells her Tim is a good friend of his and happily married. Intrigued he agrees to look into it, although it is not his usual type of business, his firm deals mostly with corporate security. He also assures Libby that he has not recently found a missing girl and wonders who on earth could have started such a rumour.
When Ray mentions Ashley to Tim he says he does not know her but has heard at the university where they both work, that she has disappeared. Why would someone pose as Tim and where can Ashley be? Ray is really baffled. However, as he digs deeper a connection is found to Paul Krantz, a criminal Ray helped to put away several years ago. It transpires that this man made many friends in prison and now he has escaped with inside help. When several people connected to Paul die unexpectedly, Ray begins to fear for his own life, and everyone close to him.
It seems Ashley’s disappearance may be a devious plot to bring Ray to the fore. Can he find and expose the escaped prisoner before he himself meets the same fate as the others?
An intense, deeply griping thriller illustrating how a really disturbing childhood can influence adult life and usually not for the better. Thoroughly recommended.
------
Reviewer: Tricia Chappell
For Lizzie Sirett (Mystery People Group)
August 30, 2023
To begin with, I did not have to read any of the prior novels in order to understand the basics of this one, although I did find it a little annoying that the main antagonist was purported to be someone from his past come back to haunt him, and Ray's friend Nathan apparently has a somewhat sketchy past, but we aren't really given any more detail other than this.
There were also a lot of secondary characters included in this novel, to the point that it sometimes became confusing as to who was who, and what their connection was to the story (as a matter of fact, one of the deceased people named I couldn't tell you what their original connection to the story was).
I also had to suspend disbelief on more than one occasion. First when Paul was able to obtain a transfer when a psychiatric evaluation advised against it, then when he not only escaped from prison, but was able to make it look like not one, but two, prison officers helped him.
Never mind the way certain scenes played out that ended with his re-capture after everything. You mean to tell me that after all of this. All of the killing and the scheming and using others, and evading police capture for so long he gets taken down like that? I definitely expected more drama, and perhaps a bigger fight when it came down to it so this felt lacking.
At the end of the day I wasn't invested enough (or interested enough) in Ray to go back and read the books I have missed (even though they are available on KU) at this moment.
Will I in the future? Maybe. But I also think this book will appeal to a lot of others and I encourage you if you are a fan of the series, or think this one is to your tastes, read it. Then let me know what you think.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
There were also a lot of secondary characters included in this novel, to the point that it sometimes became confusing as to who was who, and what their connection was to the story (as a matter of fact, one of the deceased people named I couldn't tell you what their original connection to the story was).
I also had to suspend disbelief on more than one occasion. First when Paul was able to obtain a transfer when a psychiatric evaluation advised against it, then when he not only escaped from prison, but was able to make it look like not one, but two, prison officers helped him.
Never mind the way certain scenes played out that ended with his re-capture after everything. You mean to tell me that after all of this. All of the killing and the scheming and using others, and evading police capture for so long he gets taken down like that? I definitely expected more drama, and perhaps a bigger fight when it came down to it so this felt lacking.
At the end of the day I wasn't invested enough (or interested enough) in Ray to go back and read the books I have missed (even though they are available on KU) at this moment.
Will I in the future? Maybe. But I also think this book will appeal to a lot of others and I encourage you if you are a fan of the series, or think this one is to your tastes, read it. Then let me know what you think.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
August 26, 2025
Ashley is a grieving widow but finally thinks she has found love again at last. But she disappears and the boyfriend was a stolen identity linked to Ray Flowers, a former police officer. Ray is invited to help in the police investigation but will Ashley be found alive or dead...?
The Lost Daughter is the 5th book in Jane Adams' Ray Flowers series but the first that I have read. It works as a stand alone book but doesn't have the feel of a stand alone book as a past case is hugely relevant to the plot but I don't know if it featured in an earlier book.
Ray Flowers is ensnared into a case when his friend is accused on abducting a widow. He discovers that the lead officer and the foreman of the jury are both dead. Could he be in danger too? There is plenty of drama and tension as Paul Krantz acts out his vendetta on Ray and others. However, as I mentioned above, there seems to be a lot of the past that needs to be explained so I wonder if another timeline could have been used to bring us up to date rather than the memories and explanations.
I really liked Ray's character and wanted him to succeed in besting Krantz. The criminals are clever and devious so the police need to work hard to catch up. I liked the collaboration between Ray and the police, and thoguht the mutual respect was more believeable than some books that focus on antagonism with former offivers.
Parts of the book refer to a sister and two brothers and the sinister, grisly acts they perpetrate. There is plenty of mystery surrounding the identities in the sibling narrative strand and how it connects to the events in the present day.
The Lost Daughter is an interesting mix of mystery, psychological drama, police procedural and crime thriller.
The Lost Daughter is the 5th book in Jane Adams' Ray Flowers series but the first that I have read. It works as a stand alone book but doesn't have the feel of a stand alone book as a past case is hugely relevant to the plot but I don't know if it featured in an earlier book.
Ray Flowers is ensnared into a case when his friend is accused on abducting a widow. He discovers that the lead officer and the foreman of the jury are both dead. Could he be in danger too? There is plenty of drama and tension as Paul Krantz acts out his vendetta on Ray and others. However, as I mentioned above, there seems to be a lot of the past that needs to be explained so I wonder if another timeline could have been used to bring us up to date rather than the memories and explanations.
I really liked Ray's character and wanted him to succeed in besting Krantz. The criminals are clever and devious so the police need to work hard to catch up. I liked the collaboration between Ray and the police, and thoguht the mutual respect was more believeable than some books that focus on antagonism with former offivers.
Parts of the book refer to a sister and two brothers and the sinister, grisly acts they perpetrate. There is plenty of mystery surrounding the identities in the sibling narrative strand and how it connects to the events in the present day.
The Lost Daughter is an interesting mix of mystery, psychological drama, police procedural and crime thriller.
August 15, 2023
A woman has gone missing after she started to pick up her life following the death of her husband. The family turn to Ex-DI Ray Flowers which is odd as he really doesn't do this sort of thing anymore, as they have overheard his name in relation to missing persons. One oddity leads to another and from a message he receives deduces the person this centres around is an old adversary who has jumped open prison a few months ago who has now taken the name of a close friend of his to lure the now missing woman. What is this man after and why target Ray after all these years?
I love Jane’s books- there is always a cracking plot and at least one likeable character that you would want on your side in a similar situation. There’s a tension between the pages which keeps them turning into the small hours wanting to find out more. This is a cleverly thought out plot, one with twists and turns keeping the reader ever engaged, even though we know who the perpetrator is. It’s skilful, it’s twisted. A narcissistic perpetrator who is artful to say the least. “ When somebody gets an idea into their head and they believe that they are right and everybody else wrong then it becomes impossible for them to think that anyone can think differently or go against them….. How can they fail, their thinking is perfect” Clever, stunning, a page turner, loved it.
I love Jane’s books- there is always a cracking plot and at least one likeable character that you would want on your side in a similar situation. There’s a tension between the pages which keeps them turning into the small hours wanting to find out more. This is a cleverly thought out plot, one with twists and turns keeping the reader ever engaged, even though we know who the perpetrator is. It’s skilful, it’s twisted. A narcissistic perpetrator who is artful to say the least. “ When somebody gets an idea into their head and they believe that they are right and everybody else wrong then it becomes impossible for them to think that anyone can think differently or go against them….. How can they fail, their thinking is perfect” Clever, stunning, a page turner, loved it.
September 4, 2023
This is book 5 in the Detective Ray Flowers series. I have read book 4 but not the first 3 (yet) so I can confirm they work perfectly as stand alone.
Ray is a private detective and is contacted by Libby to ask him to search for her missing daughter in law. However, right from the beginning the questions start pinging up: Why did Libby choose Ray rather than a PI with more experience of finding missing people? Is it just a coincidence that the main suspect is a friend of his? The questions keep coming with no answers.
As the story continues it soon becomes clear that Ray and his family are somehow involved in this case. Can Ray keep his family and friends safe while he finds out what is going on?
This is a very gripping story that keeps the suspense building all the way through. Many twists and turns ensure that the pages keep turning all the way to an adrenaline pumping ending. Absolutely brilliant.
The characters I have met before continue to flesh out as their personalities develop and the new ones bring new dimensions.
It did leave a few unanswered questions which was disappointing but overall it was a very good read that I recommend to anyone who loves crime fiction. I am looking forward to the next in the series.
Many thanks to Joffe Books and the author for the advance digital copy. This is my unbiased review.
Ray is a private detective and is contacted by Libby to ask him to search for her missing daughter in law. However, right from the beginning the questions start pinging up: Why did Libby choose Ray rather than a PI with more experience of finding missing people? Is it just a coincidence that the main suspect is a friend of his? The questions keep coming with no answers.
As the story continues it soon becomes clear that Ray and his family are somehow involved in this case. Can Ray keep his family and friends safe while he finds out what is going on?
This is a very gripping story that keeps the suspense building all the way through. Many twists and turns ensure that the pages keep turning all the way to an adrenaline pumping ending. Absolutely brilliant.
The characters I have met before continue to flesh out as their personalities develop and the new ones bring new dimensions.
It did leave a few unanswered questions which was disappointing but overall it was a very good read that I recommend to anyone who loves crime fiction. I am looking forward to the next in the series.
Many thanks to Joffe Books and the author for the advance digital copy. This is my unbiased review.
September 30, 2023
Don’t Think, ‘Just One More Chapter’.
A thrilling suspense from start to finish, THE LOST DAUGHTER by Jane Adams will keep you guessing until the very end.
When Libby Summers hires Ray Flowers to find her missing daughter-in-law, Ashley, she has very little information to give him. Three years after her son died, Ashley finally found love again with the kind and caring Tim Bennett. Then she was just gone.
I’m not going to give much of a synopsis of this one. Instead, I’m just going to say that the bad person in this story is so diabolically sophisticated, and deviously manipulative, it MADE MY HEAD SPIN almost like that movie all those years ago (am I aging myself? If you’re old enough, you remember that movie). There was absolutely NO way that I could even imagine thinking ahead in this one or guessing where it was going. I loved it. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop and now, days later, I can’t stop thinking about it. I can’t wait to read some of the other Ray Flowers books. If they are all like this, I think I’ll lock my doors and windows and settle in for some more creepy craziness. If you like twisty thrillers and devious psychopaths, do not miss this one!
Thank you to Netgalley and Joffe Books for this ARC opportunity. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily
A thrilling suspense from start to finish, THE LOST DAUGHTER by Jane Adams will keep you guessing until the very end.
When Libby Summers hires Ray Flowers to find her missing daughter-in-law, Ashley, she has very little information to give him. Three years after her son died, Ashley finally found love again with the kind and caring Tim Bennett. Then she was just gone.
I’m not going to give much of a synopsis of this one. Instead, I’m just going to say that the bad person in this story is so diabolically sophisticated, and deviously manipulative, it MADE MY HEAD SPIN almost like that movie all those years ago (am I aging myself? If you’re old enough, you remember that movie). There was absolutely NO way that I could even imagine thinking ahead in this one or guessing where it was going. I loved it. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop and now, days later, I can’t stop thinking about it. I can’t wait to read some of the other Ray Flowers books. If they are all like this, I think I’ll lock my doors and windows and settle in for some more creepy craziness. If you like twisty thrillers and devious psychopaths, do not miss this one!
Thank you to Netgalley and Joffe Books for this ARC opportunity. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily
September 17, 2023
Thank you to the author, Joffe publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions expressed are solely my own
⭐️⭐️⭐️ of 5 stars.
Somewhere in Great Britain (I never quite discerned where). Former detective now PI comes face to face with his nemesis from the past, endangering all those he holds dear.
This book is part of a series and full disclosure; I haven’t read the previous installments. However, I was able to glean who was who and where they fit into the plot That being said, there are an abundance of characters.
We begin when a young widow, Ashley goes missing and her former mother in law entreats ray to help find out what happened to her.
Ray is soon entangled in a dangerous manhunt for a charming yet lethal criminal he helped put away, Paul krantz. With the help of local law enforcement, psychiatrists, victims and his mysterious friend Nathan the hunt is on.
I did enjoy becoming familiar with the characters and look forward to learning more about them in previous installments, especially Nathan.
Plot is uncomplicated to follow, pacing is comfortable. I did feel a little more closure could have evolved naturally and that was a missed opportunity.
I would recommend to my reading groups and friends.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ of 5 stars.
Somewhere in Great Britain (I never quite discerned where). Former detective now PI comes face to face with his nemesis from the past, endangering all those he holds dear.
This book is part of a series and full disclosure; I haven’t read the previous installments. However, I was able to glean who was who and where they fit into the plot That being said, there are an abundance of characters.
We begin when a young widow, Ashley goes missing and her former mother in law entreats ray to help find out what happened to her.
Ray is soon entangled in a dangerous manhunt for a charming yet lethal criminal he helped put away, Paul krantz. With the help of local law enforcement, psychiatrists, victims and his mysterious friend Nathan the hunt is on.
I did enjoy becoming familiar with the characters and look forward to learning more about them in previous installments, especially Nathan.
Plot is uncomplicated to follow, pacing is comfortable. I did feel a little more closure could have evolved naturally and that was a missed opportunity.
I would recommend to my reading groups and friends.
August 30, 2023
**ARC Review**
This book is phenomenal! The mystery of Paul and his "siblings" keeps you wanting to know more. The suspense of who he's going to go after next and who he all has helping him will have you on your toes. As Ray and his colleagues go over evidence and crime scenes you can't help but try to solve it along with them. Adams does such a great job at conveying this story and the writing is perfect! It is set in the UK but with context and the definitions provided it's not hard to follow along and understand what's being talked about. The small POVs of other characters and the journal entries help move the story along and add context to what is going on. I would say my only issue is with the ending. It felt like, to me at least, that there was all this build up to what I thought would be some insane showdown at the end. Alas, it fell flat. I got the feeling that Adams hit a deadline and needed to wrap the story up and decided to put a happy ending bow on it. I was left a bit confused and definitely wanting more! Overall though, I loved it and will be checking out more of Ray Flowers and other series/books Adams has written!
This book is phenomenal! The mystery of Paul and his "siblings" keeps you wanting to know more. The suspense of who he's going to go after next and who he all has helping him will have you on your toes. As Ray and his colleagues go over evidence and crime scenes you can't help but try to solve it along with them. Adams does such a great job at conveying this story and the writing is perfect! It is set in the UK but with context and the definitions provided it's not hard to follow along and understand what's being talked about. The small POVs of other characters and the journal entries help move the story along and add context to what is going on. I would say my only issue is with the ending. It felt like, to me at least, that there was all this build up to what I thought would be some insane showdown at the end. Alas, it fell flat. I got the feeling that Adams hit a deadline and needed to wrap the story up and decided to put a happy ending bow on it. I was left a bit confused and definitely wanting more! Overall though, I loved it and will be checking out more of Ray Flowers and other series/books Adams has written!
September 2, 2023
The Lost Daughter by Jane Adams is a captivating and heartbreaking story of one woman’s journey of self-discovery. The novel follows the story of Rachel, a young woman who was adopted as a baby. Rachel is determined to find her birth mother and learn the truth about her adoption. As Rachel embarks on her journey of self-discovery, she discovers that she is part of a much bigger story than she expected.
The Lost Daughter is a deeply moving and thought-provoking book that will leave readers feeling inspired. Adams’ writing is poignant and her characters are vivid and real. Adams beautifully captures the emotional complexities of Rachel’s journey and the many challenges she faces. The novel is filled with heart-wrenching moments as Rachel comes to terms with the truth about her past and her identity.
The Lost Daughter is a powerful story about family, identity, and the power of love. It is an emotional and thought-provoking read that will leave readers with a newfound appreciation for the power of family and the importance of self-discovery. Adams has crafted an emotionally charged and deeply affecting story that will stay with readers long after they’ve finished the book.
The Lost Daughter is a deeply moving and thought-provoking book that will leave readers feeling inspired. Adams’ writing is poignant and her characters are vivid and real. Adams beautifully captures the emotional complexities of Rachel’s journey and the many challenges she faces. The novel is filled with heart-wrenching moments as Rachel comes to terms with the truth about her past and her identity.
The Lost Daughter is a powerful story about family, identity, and the power of love. It is an emotional and thought-provoking read that will leave readers with a newfound appreciation for the power of family and the importance of self-discovery. Adams has crafted an emotionally charged and deeply affecting story that will stay with readers long after they’ve finished the book.
April 23, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.
"The Lost Daughter" by Jane Adams is a riveting addition to the Ray Flowers series, marking its fifth installment. This novel stands out with its intricate plot and the emotional depth of its characters, particularly the protagonist, Ray Flowers, an ex-detective whose personal connection to the case adds layers of complexity to the narrative.
The story begins with a haunting disappearance. Ashley Summers, a widow still grappling with the loss of her husband, vanishes without a trace after meeting a new man, Tim Bennett. The twist? Tim is not who he appears to be, and his true identity sends chills down Ray's spine, for Tim is a friend and a happily married father of three. The disappearance of Ashley pulls Ray back into the world of detective work, a world he thought he had left behind.
Adams masterfully weaves a tale of mystery and suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The narrative is well-paced, with each chapter peeling back another layer of the mystery. The author's skillful use of red herrings and unexpected turns makes "The Lost Daughter" a page-turner that is hard to put down.
"The Lost Daughter" by Jane Adams is a riveting addition to the Ray Flowers series, marking its fifth installment. This novel stands out with its intricate plot and the emotional depth of its characters, particularly the protagonist, Ray Flowers, an ex-detective whose personal connection to the case adds layers of complexity to the narrative.
The story begins with a haunting disappearance. Ashley Summers, a widow still grappling with the loss of her husband, vanishes without a trace after meeting a new man, Tim Bennett. The twist? Tim is not who he appears to be, and his true identity sends chills down Ray's spine, for Tim is a friend and a happily married father of three. The disappearance of Ashley pulls Ray back into the world of detective work, a world he thought he had left behind.
Adams masterfully weaves a tale of mystery and suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The narrative is well-paced, with each chapter peeling back another layer of the mystery. The author's skillful use of red herrings and unexpected turns makes "The Lost Daughter" a page-turner that is hard to put down.
August 13, 2023
For 3 years Ashley Summers has been grieving over a profound personal loss. Until, that is, she meets Tim Bennett, who seems perfect for her. But is Tim too good to be true?
That's a question worth asking because as it turns out, Tim may not even be who he says he is, let alone the kind of person Ashley believes him to be...
Excited to introduce him to her family Ashley makes plans. And then abruptly disappears before the planned meeting. Her frantic loved ones contact Ray Flowers, an ex-detective, who swiftly realises that "Tim" may be guilty of identity fraud - among other things.
But the perpetrator, whoever he is, has his own way of handling Ray, and he is not pulling any punches. Will he succeed in neutralizing Ray's efforts? And what does he really want?
This is an absorbing thriller, which keeps the reader riveted. A carefully crafted plotline delivers well on suspense and character development. I've given it 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review
That's a question worth asking because as it turns out, Tim may not even be who he says he is, let alone the kind of person Ashley believes him to be...
Excited to introduce him to her family Ashley makes plans. And then abruptly disappears before the planned meeting. Her frantic loved ones contact Ray Flowers, an ex-detective, who swiftly realises that "Tim" may be guilty of identity fraud - among other things.
But the perpetrator, whoever he is, has his own way of handling Ray, and he is not pulling any punches. Will he succeed in neutralizing Ray's efforts? And what does he really want?
This is an absorbing thriller, which keeps the reader riveted. A carefully crafted plotline delivers well on suspense and character development. I've given it 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review
September 2, 2023
I haven't read the rest now the series and reading them may have made this one a bit easier to follow but never mind. It's quite a slow burn but we'll written and multilayered. There are a lot of characters..... like..... a lot! And I'm not sure they're all really necessary in regards tk the main plot but I'm sure the author has their reasons for wanting the book to be so busy. It does make parts a bit unclear and hard to follow, I found myself rereading parts just to make sure I was understanding who was who and what their connection to the plot was. I did enjoy the plot and the twists, even if it wasn't always the most realistic cnad believable. After all its a fiction book so it doesn't have to be real! Overall, it's a decent enough book but Judy be warned you will need to pay a lot of attention to keep track of who's who lol
August 15, 2023
"' I think for men like him the goal always changes,' Nathan said, 'There is no such thing as enough.'"
#thelostdaughter, #5 in the Ray Flowers series by Jane A. Adams, was absolutely brilliant. At some point during the first few chapters, I was thinking "wait, what?". We start with a missing woman and the story becomes SO much more than that - a tale about a dangerous sociopath, and everyone (basically is) in his crosshairs. One of the most chilling villains I've encountered in many, many books. Even while unlikable, Ms. Adams has created great characters, and the ending was just perfect. Highly, highly recommend, and I can't wait to read books 1 - 4 and others by her.
P.S. thanks to #netgalley and #joffebooks for the ARC.
#thelostdaughter, #5 in the Ray Flowers series by Jane A. Adams, was absolutely brilliant. At some point during the first few chapters, I was thinking "wait, what?". We start with a missing woman and the story becomes SO much more than that - a tale about a dangerous sociopath, and everyone (basically is) in his crosshairs. One of the most chilling villains I've encountered in many, many books. Even while unlikable, Ms. Adams has created great characters, and the ending was just perfect. Highly, highly recommend, and I can't wait to read books 1 - 4 and others by her.
P.S. thanks to #netgalley and #joffebooks for the ARC.
October 5, 2023
**ARC Review**
Honestly I was intrigued by the blurb that I read and this book was in one of my favorite categories so I gave it a shot. To me personally, it seems kind of slow. Now others might not think the same but I felt as if I was reading a lot of description of things instead of things actually happening. This made me lose interest after chapter 3. I just personally think it was not for me since it didn't get my attention in the first few chapters.
I was excited during the bar scene to get some thrill but after that it was slow again. Recommend for others who like the drawn out descriptions but personally, those books are not for me. I need something that can capture my attention in the first few chapters or sentences.
Honestly I was intrigued by the blurb that I read and this book was in one of my favorite categories so I gave it a shot. To me personally, it seems kind of slow. Now others might not think the same but I felt as if I was reading a lot of description of things instead of things actually happening. This made me lose interest after chapter 3. I just personally think it was not for me since it didn't get my attention in the first few chapters.
I was excited during the bar scene to get some thrill but after that it was slow again. Recommend for others who like the drawn out descriptions but personally, those books are not for me. I need something that can capture my attention in the first few chapters or sentences.
August 30, 2023
Good read, and although number 5 in a series, it can be read as a stand alone. Ray Flowers is approached by a woman looking for her daughter in law who has disappeared, she tells Ray it has something to do with her new boyfriend and names one of Rays friends. Ray knows this is impossible and although the woman thinks he is just protecting his friend Ray takes the case, not in the usual line of his work.
It soon transpires the disappearance links to a case Ray worked on when in the police.
Very good read.
It soon transpires the disappearance links to a case Ray worked on when in the police.
Very good read.
August 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this psychological thriller, although I had to remind myself that it was fiction! The reader is drawn in from the start to the fast paced and quickly developing read when a young woman disappears. The characterisation is very good, I did like Nathan, the plotting was excellent and there were plenty twists along the way. One for fans of thrillers, which I would recommend. Thanks to Joffe Books for my ARC.
August 20, 2023
Arc review. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.
This book was ok. It did keep my interest and it wasn’t boring. The book follows an ex officer turned PI that is working on a case with the police to catch a sadistic killer. My issue with it was once the action actually started it was mainly just kill kill kill and then the ending was super abrupt. I feel like the plot was weak and there wasn’t a lot of character development. Overall an ok read
This book was ok. It did keep my interest and it wasn’t boring. The book follows an ex officer turned PI that is working on a case with the police to catch a sadistic killer. My issue with it was once the action actually started it was mainly just kill kill kill and then the ending was super abrupt. I feel like the plot was weak and there wasn’t a lot of character development. Overall an ok read
August 21, 2023
An intriguing and absorbing psychological thriller, revolving around an old enemy Kranz, who has absconded from prison and is taunting Ray Flowers. This heavily impacts on Flower's wife and friends and makes for an exciting, suspenseful read.
I particularly liked the italic sections which give valuable insight into the perpetrator's thoughts and feelings.
This is book 5 in the series but can be read as a standalone.
I particularly liked the italic sections which give valuable insight into the perpetrator's thoughts and feelings.
This is book 5 in the series but can be read as a standalone.
August 24, 2023
Twenty-eight year old Ashley Summers, widow, has finally moves on and meets Tim Bennett. Then she disappears. Ex-detective Ray Flowers is employed to find her. But nothing is simple, as lives are threatened and lost.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery thriller with its cast of varied characters. Another good addition to this series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery thriller with its cast of varied characters. Another good addition to this series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2023
I have read a number of Jane Adam's books but not the Ray Flowers series. Although this is book 5, I did manage to read this as a standalone. I now want to read the rest in the series.
It's a well written gripping storyline and plot, with strong characters and plenty of twists along the way, to the final conclusion.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book from beginning to end.
My thanks to Joffe books for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review.
It's a well written gripping storyline and plot, with strong characters and plenty of twists along the way, to the final conclusion.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book from beginning to end.
My thanks to Joffe books for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review.
January 25, 2024
Although I have not read the rest of the Ray Flowers series, I did find The Lost Daughter to be an enjoyable. Former detective turned PI, Ray Flowers is called in to find a missing woman and a man she just met... who isn't who he claimed to be.
Adams kept me on the edge of my seat, needing to know who is Tim Bennett!
Thank you Joffe Books and NetGalley for giving me a copy of Jane Adams' work in exchange for an honest review.
Adams kept me on the edge of my seat, needing to know who is Tim Bennett!
Thank you Joffe Books and NetGalley for giving me a copy of Jane Adams' work in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2023
An interesting and enjoyable storyline. Ray Flowers is drawn back into a case he was part of a decade ago. The offender should have been locked up and the key thrown away, but now he’s back and looking for revenge - and Ray is in his sights.
Loved it.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.
Loved it.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.
September 25, 2023
I just ended up DNFing this. It took way too long for the story to progress, and there were so many grammar and spelling errors. The book could have been great, but there were points in the book where there's no more information being gathered to solve the case, and there were no characters that were described and realized very well other than the antagonist.
November 18, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for the eArc copy of this book!
Firstly! I absolutely love the cover for this book. The premise is interesting, a womans recovering from the loss of her husband and a journey of self discovery. It was a one sit and read mystery novel, so you may wish to clear your schedule.
Would recommend - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Firstly! I absolutely love the cover for this book. The premise is interesting, a womans recovering from the loss of her husband and a journey of self discovery. It was a one sit and read mystery novel, so you may wish to clear your schedule.
Would recommend - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 14, 2025
I enjoyed this psychological drama, where Ray must decipher a complex puzzle rooted in the past.
I liked the characters, all of which suited the plot, if not all likeable. The most unusual character was Nathan and I would love a series about him.
This was well-written with plenty of mystery, tension and suspense.
Engaging, and yes, disturbing, but a great story.
Recommended.
I liked the characters, all of which suited the plot, if not all likeable. The most unusual character was Nathan and I would love a series about him.
This was well-written with plenty of mystery, tension and suspense.
Engaging, and yes, disturbing, but a great story.
Recommended.
August 29, 2023
I received an ARC of this book via Joffe Books in return for an unbiased review.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author (it’s the fifth in a series). I enjoyed it so much I’ve ordered the back catalogue.
Lots of twists and turns and some great characters. You won’t be disappointed.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author (it’s the fifth in a series). I enjoyed it so much I’ve ordered the back catalogue.
Lots of twists and turns and some great characters. You won’t be disappointed.
September 5, 2023
Wow this was a gripping thriller that totally blew me away. I loved it. I loved the story and how it ended. I really felt I wad there in the moment with the characters, this author really does know how to write!
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