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Fragments of the Lost
From the
New York Times
bestselling author of
All the Missing Girls
and
The Perfect Stranger
comes a suspenseful psychological mystery about one girl's search to uncover the truth behind her ex-boyfriend's death. Perfect for fans of
We Were Liars
and
13 Reasons Why
.
Jessa Whitworth knew she didn't belong in her ex-boyfriend Caleb's room. But she couldn't deny that she was everywhere: in his photos, his neatly folded T-shirts, even the butterfly necklace in his jeans pocket . . . the one she gave him for safe keeping on that day.
His mother asked her to pack up his things, even though she blames Jessa for his accident. How could she say no? And maybe, just maybe, it will help her work through the guilt she feels about their final moments together.
But as Jessa begins to box up the pieces of Caleb's life, they trigger memories that make Jessa realize their past relationship may not be exactly as she remembered. And she starts to question whether she really knew Caleb at all.
Each fragment of his life reveals a new clue that propels Jessa to search for the truth about Caleb's accident. What really happened on the storm-swept bridge?
Jessa Whitworth knew she didn't belong in her ex-boyfriend Caleb's room. But she couldn't deny that she was everywhere: in his photos, his neatly folded T-shirts, even the butterfly necklace in his jeans pocket . . . the one she gave him for safe keeping on that day.
His mother asked her to pack up his things, even though she blames Jessa for his accident. How could she say no? And maybe, just maybe, it will help her work through the guilt she feels about their final moments together.
But as Jessa begins to box up the pieces of Caleb's life, they trigger memories that make Jessa realize their past relationship may not be exactly as she remembered. And she starts to question whether she really knew Caleb at all.
Each fragment of his life reveals a new clue that propels Jessa to search for the truth about Caleb's accident. What really happened on the storm-swept bridge?
373 pages, Hardcover
First published November 14, 2017
About the author
Megan Miranda
19 books11.6k followersMegan Miranda is the New York Times bestselling author of All the Missing Girls; The Perfect Stranger; The Last House Guest, a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick; The Girl from Widow Hills; Such a Quiet Place; and The Last to Vanish. She has also written several books for young adults. She grew up in New Jersey, graduated from MIT, and lives in North Carolina with her husband and two children.
Her next thriller, The Only Survivors, will be published on April 11th, 2023.
Follow @MeganLMiranda on Instagram, @AuthorMeganMiranda on Facebook, or visit www.meganmiranda.com
Her next thriller, The Only Survivors, will be published on April 11th, 2023.
Follow @MeganLMiranda on Instagram, @AuthorMeganMiranda on Facebook, or visit www.meganmiranda.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 947 reviews
November 14, 2017
4.5 STARS
"The room is full of you, Jessa,"she explained, by which she means the pictures... I can't even look directly at the photos, but his mother is right. I'm everywhere.
Megan Miranda is one of those super talented authors who can manipulate words to do her bidding, whether that is as part of an adult thriller or a YA mystery. I'm always blown away by her ability to draw me in and blow my mind, but she's really outdone herself this time. While the story isn't told in reverse chronological order as was done in All the Missing Girls, this one had the same taste as it's adult fiction predecessor. Maybe it was the compulsive, addicting nature of the plot, or possibly it was the damaged characters who's flaws are revealed slowly over time, but either way I couldn't get enough of this story.
Now I want to ask him "What did you know, Caleb?" That a year later, you'd be gone and I'd be peeling all evidence of you and me off the wall? That your mother would hate me, and Max wouldn't look me in the eye, and your baby sister wouldn't say a word to me, no matter how many times I said hello?
I'll admit, I wasn't sure what to expect when I first began reading this one. I thought to myself Is this supposed to be a YA contemporary? The first 40 pages are a slow, heavy narrative of Jessa working through her grief, and I began to worry that the entire book was going to be us walking alongside every random memory this girl had of her ex-boyfriend in the most depressing possible way, but I should have known better. Once the stage is set and we have everything in place, the book took off at breakneck speed and I read the entire 329 pages that were left in one sitting. We begin to find pieces of Caleb in each memory, which spurs on our protagonist in working with a friend to find clues in an attempt to figure out just what really happened to Caleb on the afternoon he was caught in the flood.
You have to be willing to be wrong,... to be the one out on the limb, who falls, who makes a scene. To lean forward and let someone else decide whether to drop you or not. To jump when you can't see under the surface, when you don't know what might be hidden underneath.
The true beauty of this story is that it isn't completely wrapped up in what happened to Caleb. Yes, it's the central plot focus and yes, we do receive full closure on all events, but the journey along the way with our other characters is just as fulfilling as solving the mystery. I truly loved how, while this clearly is YA fiction, Fragments of the Lost defied age barriers in being appealing to all walks of life. There's no cheesy banter here, no author attempting to insert "cool, hip lingo" that is cringeworthy for teens to read; this is simply a story featuring young adults written in excellent form. Fragments of the Lost is the type of story that upon finishing I immediately wanted to chat about it with a friend; some of the twists really blew my mind and I felt the intricate, connecting details were very well done. Highly recommended to mystery lovers of all ages; if you enjoy a "whodunnit" of sorts you'll really have a ball donning your detective cap for this caper.
I received a review copy from the publisher. Many thanks Random House Children’s Dept!
"The room is full of you, Jessa,"she explained, by which she means the pictures... I can't even look directly at the photos, but his mother is right. I'm everywhere.
Megan Miranda is one of those super talented authors who can manipulate words to do her bidding, whether that is as part of an adult thriller or a YA mystery. I'm always blown away by her ability to draw me in and blow my mind, but she's really outdone herself this time. While the story isn't told in reverse chronological order as was done in All the Missing Girls, this one had the same taste as it's adult fiction predecessor. Maybe it was the compulsive, addicting nature of the plot, or possibly it was the damaged characters who's flaws are revealed slowly over time, but either way I couldn't get enough of this story.
Now I want to ask him "What did you know, Caleb?" That a year later, you'd be gone and I'd be peeling all evidence of you and me off the wall? That your mother would hate me, and Max wouldn't look me in the eye, and your baby sister wouldn't say a word to me, no matter how many times I said hello?
I'll admit, I wasn't sure what to expect when I first began reading this one. I thought to myself Is this supposed to be a YA contemporary? The first 40 pages are a slow, heavy narrative of Jessa working through her grief, and I began to worry that the entire book was going to be us walking alongside every random memory this girl had of her ex-boyfriend in the most depressing possible way, but I should have known better. Once the stage is set and we have everything in place, the book took off at breakneck speed and I read the entire 329 pages that were left in one sitting. We begin to find pieces of Caleb in each memory, which spurs on our protagonist in working with a friend to find clues in an attempt to figure out just what really happened to Caleb on the afternoon he was caught in the flood.
You have to be willing to be wrong,... to be the one out on the limb, who falls, who makes a scene. To lean forward and let someone else decide whether to drop you or not. To jump when you can't see under the surface, when you don't know what might be hidden underneath.
The true beauty of this story is that it isn't completely wrapped up in what happened to Caleb. Yes, it's the central plot focus and yes, we do receive full closure on all events, but the journey along the way with our other characters is just as fulfilling as solving the mystery. I truly loved how, while this clearly is YA fiction, Fragments of the Lost defied age barriers in being appealing to all walks of life. There's no cheesy banter here, no author attempting to insert "cool, hip lingo" that is cringeworthy for teens to read; this is simply a story featuring young adults written in excellent form. Fragments of the Lost is the type of story that upon finishing I immediately wanted to chat about it with a friend; some of the twists really blew my mind and I felt the intricate, connecting details were very well done. Highly recommended to mystery lovers of all ages; if you enjoy a "whodunnit" of sorts you'll really have a ball donning your detective cap for this caper.
I received a review copy from the publisher. Many thanks Random House Children’s Dept!
April 19, 2018
3.75 stars
Fragments of the Lost follows Jessa as she cleans out the room of her dead ex-boyfriend and all the emotional turmoil that follows. It follows her as she remembers their past and tries to piece together the last days of his life to figure out where he was going when his car was driven off the road.
This book was so original. Which is weird because it was about grief, which we’ve all read about and relationships, which we all experience but the way Megan Miranda wrote these characters and their reactions to the situation made it unlike any YA book I had ever read; or any book for that matter. The characters in this novel are not particularly striking or original, but it hardly matters because what makes them interesting to read about is the way Miranda portrays their emotions. She has such a deep-rooted understanding of the way every one of them feels, and it's evident from every single word written, and because of this, the characters feel like real people.
The relationship drama and flashbacks of a once loving relationship were also super interesting to read about. I don’t like romance, but the deterioration of relationships fascinates me. It is a reality not many authors acknowledge. This isn’t a book about a toxic relationship like you might expect but miscommunication and secrets and growing apart and facades and how no one truly knows anyone; all things I love to read about. This book made me think and not only about what happened to Caleb(the boyfriend). The themes explored were rich and thought-provoking, and I had to stop so many times in the middle of listening to this audiobook to just sit there and think because it was that good. I'm 100% in support of reading for entertainment alone, but I can't help appreciate when a book takes it a step farther and makes you question things you thought you understood and this book does that perfectly.
I did have some slight issues while in the middle of this that enabled me from giving this book a perfect rating, but those were more personal things than actual flaws of the book. For example, Jessa reminded me too much of a past version of myself that I don’t like thinking about and the addition of a love triangle( which if you ask me is always a cheap option).
I did, however, enjoy the ending and the way all the plot points and underlying message wrapped up together. The writing was smooth and effective. It felt like the main character was speaking directly to you, the memories fade in and out seamlessly, and the title is perfect.
Despite my personal issues with this novel and the fact that it took me super long to read I would 100% recommend this book. It’s a highly underrated, wonderfully written YA thriller focusing on a brilliant and unique set of themes following a collection of the most real and relatable characters I’ve ever read about. I highly recommend.
Fragments of the Lost follows Jessa as she cleans out the room of her dead ex-boyfriend and all the emotional turmoil that follows. It follows her as she remembers their past and tries to piece together the last days of his life to figure out where he was going when his car was driven off the road.
This book was so original. Which is weird because it was about grief, which we’ve all read about and relationships, which we all experience but the way Megan Miranda wrote these characters and their reactions to the situation made it unlike any YA book I had ever read; or any book for that matter. The characters in this novel are not particularly striking or original, but it hardly matters because what makes them interesting to read about is the way Miranda portrays their emotions. She has such a deep-rooted understanding of the way every one of them feels, and it's evident from every single word written, and because of this, the characters feel like real people.
The relationship drama and flashbacks of a once loving relationship were also super interesting to read about. I don’t like romance, but the deterioration of relationships fascinates me. It is a reality not many authors acknowledge. This isn’t a book about a toxic relationship like you might expect but miscommunication and secrets and growing apart and facades and how no one truly knows anyone; all things I love to read about. This book made me think and not only about what happened to Caleb(the boyfriend). The themes explored were rich and thought-provoking, and I had to stop so many times in the middle of listening to this audiobook to just sit there and think because it was that good. I'm 100% in support of reading for entertainment alone, but I can't help appreciate when a book takes it a step farther and makes you question things you thought you understood and this book does that perfectly.
I did have some slight issues while in the middle of this that enabled me from giving this book a perfect rating, but those were more personal things than actual flaws of the book. For example, Jessa reminded me too much of a past version of myself that I don’t like thinking about and the addition of a love triangle( which if you ask me is always a cheap option).
I did, however, enjoy the ending and the way all the plot points and underlying message wrapped up together. The writing was smooth and effective. It felt like the main character was speaking directly to you, the memories fade in and out seamlessly, and the title is perfect.
Despite my personal issues with this novel and the fact that it took me super long to read I would 100% recommend this book. It’s a highly underrated, wonderfully written YA thriller focusing on a brilliant and unique set of themes following a collection of the most real and relatable characters I’ve ever read about. I highly recommend.
January 7, 2021
Jessa had recently split from ex-boyfriend Caleb when his car careened through the barriers of a nearby bridge and sent him hurtling into the raging river waters below. She feels wracked by grief and guilt and so when his mother asks her to clear out his room she feels helpless to do anything other than agree. Now, surrounded by the fragments of his life, she is unable to escape from these emotions. She soon finds, however, that the task of sorting his belongings leads her focus in a new direction and potentially dangerous realisations form. Why are certain belongings missing from Caleb's room? Why are certain other belongings found there, when they should have been inside the car with him, on the night of the accident? Who is hiding the truth from her? And why is Jessa seemingly the only one still questioning the tragedy of this life lost far too soon?
This is my second Megan Miranda of the month, my third of all time, and my favourite of the lot. I found it an intriguing concept to focus on a contemporary narrative but allow for the fragments of Caleb's possessions to then immerse both protagonist, Jessa, and the reader into previous flashbacks from his life. This allowed the emotions of the piece to become all the more abundant, for us to understand the connection between this ex-couple, and for suspense to mount as more and more inconsistencies were unearthed.
With each scene, the tension was increasingly built upon and I was engaged in discovering what lay at the end of these myriad mysteries. The ending became a little more high drama than seemed strictly reasonable but this nevertheless remained a great thriller built upon a convoluted and twisted path to eventual truth.
This is my second Megan Miranda of the month, my third of all time, and my favourite of the lot. I found it an intriguing concept to focus on a contemporary narrative but allow for the fragments of Caleb's possessions to then immerse both protagonist, Jessa, and the reader into previous flashbacks from his life. This allowed the emotions of the piece to become all the more abundant, for us to understand the connection between this ex-couple, and for suspense to mount as more and more inconsistencies were unearthed.
With each scene, the tension was increasingly built upon and I was engaged in discovering what lay at the end of these myriad mysteries. The ending became a little more high drama than seemed strictly reasonable but this nevertheless remained a great thriller built upon a convoluted and twisted path to eventual truth.
December 13, 2017
“The room is full of you, Jessa,” she explained, by which she means the pictures.
What starts out as a YA contemporary about grief eventually becomes a mystery about what really happened to a girl's ex-boyfriend.
Jessa is given the task to go through & pack up her ex-boyfriend's room after his death. His mother Eve asked her in what Jessa views as a punishment of sorts because the last place Caleb went before his car fell off the bridge was to her track meet. And within Caleb's room are plenty of memories. He was the type to hold on to everything, like tickets to movies, games, etc, little mementos. The first half of the book is Jessa trying to come to terms with her grief and the things she still doesn't understand while connecting objects to memories and reminiscing. This allows us to view their relationship as it was when they were together and eventually how it ended. The issue is..it feels like it's dragged on to allow for characterization.
Then at a certain point, little mysteries begin to build that make you realize there's more to the story. And now a little genre change because we're clue hunting and finding answers. Jessa begins to realize there is a lot about Caleb she never knew while going through his things. Certain questions only lead to more questions until eventually the mystery is resolved. The book really picked up the pace once the mystery ball got rolling. I swear..I was slumped in my seat when the first mysterious thing came up and I immediately sat up wide-eyed like I'd just woken up and it was a new day while I continued reading. It sure woke me up, getting the book exciting. Before that, I wasn't sure if I'd finish. It was just very slow moving. I was more in the mood for a mystery anyway.
There is something I love about Megan Miranda's writing that makes up for the lack of mystery through the first half. She captivates with words in this way that makes me want to call her a wordsmith. But she doesn't get annoying about it so that things feel overwritten.
Readers who enjoy YA contemporaries would enjoy this. You don't particularly have to love mysteries as it feels more contemporary. It's just a bonus that the mystery is thrown in at a point.
October 18, 2017
Could you imagine being in high school, your boyfriend dies, people blame you for the accident and his mother asks you to clean out his room? Then you feel guilty so you can't say no. Each piece you pick up, put away or trash brings a memory and you begin to question this person who claimed to love you. How well do we REALLY know the people in our lives? We all have secrets, don't we?
The book is told strictly through Jessa's perspective. We get flashbacks as she remembers things while going through his room. Considering the subject matter, I knew this wasn't going to be a happy read. To be honest, I struggled at the beginning. It was so depressing and I thought if I have to go through this grieving process with her 'til the very end, I just might drive off a bridge myself. Horrible, I know. But this is Megan Miranda, folks. You keep going and I'm SO happy that I did. Everything at the beginning was just setting the rest of the book up. What a doozy it became. Phew! I'm in a royal book hangover here ladies and gentlemen.
Those who veer away from anything YA... this really doesn't read like one. Sure the main characters are young, but the way Miranda brings them to life and how the story comes together doesn't focus on any instalove or mean girl issues like we tend to see in regular YA novels. This reads more like a contemporary mystery where we are trying to figure out exactly what happened to Jessa's boyfriend, Caleb.
Highly recommend. Put this on your reading list. My favorite by her to date.
The book is told strictly through Jessa's perspective. We get flashbacks as she remembers things while going through his room. Considering the subject matter, I knew this wasn't going to be a happy read. To be honest, I struggled at the beginning. It was so depressing and I thought if I have to go through this grieving process with her 'til the very end, I just might drive off a bridge myself. Horrible, I know. But this is Megan Miranda, folks. You keep going and I'm SO happy that I did. Everything at the beginning was just setting the rest of the book up. What a doozy it became. Phew! I'm in a royal book hangover here ladies and gentlemen.
Those who veer away from anything YA... this really doesn't read like one. Sure the main characters are young, but the way Miranda brings them to life and how the story comes together doesn't focus on any instalove or mean girl issues like we tend to see in regular YA novels. This reads more like a contemporary mystery where we are trying to figure out exactly what happened to Jessa's boyfriend, Caleb.
Highly recommend. Put this on your reading list. My favorite by her to date.
July 8, 2018
The carpet is beige. The door will squeak as I push it open. The air will be hotter or colder than the rest of the house, depending on the time of year. All these things I know by heart. None of this prepares me.
I love Megan Miranda’s adult books. Never does she forsake character development for ridiculous plot twists. And that fact holds true for her YA novels, including her most recent: Fragments of the Lost. Characters are fleshed out, relationships explored yet the mystery remains compelling.
Like most Megan Miranda books, Fragments of the Lost, has a unique hook. Jessa, our teenaged protagonist, has been tasked with cleaning out her dead boyfriend, Caleb’s, room. As she wades through the detritus of his life, each object evokes a different memory of their year-long relationship. But as Jessa digs deeper, she uncovers pieces that just don’t add up. A bus ticket to another state? A scrap of a love letter? An email password that was changed two days after Caleb died? These cryptic “fragments” (hehe) drive Jessa to uncover the truth behind Caleb’s accident. But that truth might place Jessa in more danger than she could ever imagine.
Megan Miranda is a master of characterization. As Jessa sorts through Caleb’s belongings, the narrative shifts back and forth in time. These seamless transitions reveal the story of first love with complete authenticity. As I became immersed in their history, it was almost like their relationship became mine. I was invested in their romance in a way that rarely happens to me. Jessa and Caleb just felt...real .
While the characterization is remarkable, the drawback to Fragments of the Lost, lies in its length. Megan Miranda is usually fantastic at creating tense, taught mysteries. Here, unfortunately, the reminiscing becomes too protracted. Editing was needed. Don’t get me wrong, the gradual unveiling of Jessa and Caleb’s past is necessary. It just becomes too gradual. By page 200, it's like 'can we get to the point, already?' The mystery really doesn’t pick up until the last quarter of the book. And with such a drawn-out beginning, the narrative thread becomes lost.
Summary: Despite its (minor) problems, Fragments of the Lost is still a worthwhile read. Just know that it requires patience.
I love Megan Miranda’s adult books. Never does she forsake character development for ridiculous plot twists. And that fact holds true for her YA novels, including her most recent: Fragments of the Lost. Characters are fleshed out, relationships explored yet the mystery remains compelling.
Like most Megan Miranda books, Fragments of the Lost, has a unique hook. Jessa, our teenaged protagonist, has been tasked with cleaning out her dead boyfriend, Caleb’s, room. As she wades through the detritus of his life, each object evokes a different memory of their year-long relationship. But as Jessa digs deeper, she uncovers pieces that just don’t add up. A bus ticket to another state? A scrap of a love letter? An email password that was changed two days after Caleb died? These cryptic “fragments” (hehe) drive Jessa to uncover the truth behind Caleb’s accident. But that truth might place Jessa in more danger than she could ever imagine.
Megan Miranda is a master of characterization. As Jessa sorts through Caleb’s belongings, the narrative shifts back and forth in time. These seamless transitions reveal the story of first love with complete authenticity. As I became immersed in their history, it was almost like their relationship became mine. I was invested in their romance in a way that rarely happens to me. Jessa and Caleb just felt...real .
While the characterization is remarkable, the drawback to Fragments of the Lost, lies in its length. Megan Miranda is usually fantastic at creating tense, taught mysteries. Here, unfortunately, the reminiscing becomes too protracted. Editing was needed. Don’t get me wrong, the gradual unveiling of Jessa and Caleb’s past is necessary. It just becomes too gradual. By page 200, it's like 'can we get to the point, already?' The mystery really doesn’t pick up until the last quarter of the book. And with such a drawn-out beginning, the narrative thread becomes lost.
Summary: Despite its (minor) problems, Fragments of the Lost is still a worthwhile read. Just know that it requires patience.
December 13, 2017
When Jessa Whitworth's high school ex-boyfriend dies suddenly, it's as if the world stops. One moment Caleb is at her track meet, taking the butterfly necklace she handed to him, and the next, he's gone, his car washed over a flooded bridge on a stormy day. Caleb's mom eventually asks Jessa to pack up his room--she blames Jessa for the accident, since Caleb had gone to see her that day, and Jessa feels she cannot say no. She's left to clean out his room and winds up piecing together bits of Caleb's life as she does. Each photograph, article of clothing, and notebook reminds her of parts of her life with Caleb. Even worse, she realizes there is so much she didn't know about him. With that realization, Jessa wonders, what really happened the day Caleb went over the bridge?
This novel isn't really what I expected at all, though I should have realized that it would be less teen angst and more teen angst and psychological mystery combined, as the two Megan Miranda novels I have read, The Perfect Stranger: A Novel and All the Missing Girls, are more in the suspense/thriller category.
The biggest issue for me was that this one starts off really slow. It's hard to get into any kind of momentum as every forward plot movement is broken by Jessa finding something and immediately remembering back into her past with Caleb. I was a little frustrated in the beginning, wanting more to happen.
I really enjoyed the character of Jessa, though. She was a little hard on herself in relation to Caleb's death, but she was also a teen dealing with both the death of a loved one and a recent breakup (their split occurring not too long before his death). She came across as pretty realistic. The supporting cast was a little more nebulous for me--Caleb's mom was pretty harsh, and we didn't see too much of Jessa's family, though I liked her older brother, Julian. Caleb's best friend and neighbor, Max, was probably the other character that was easiest to get to know and he was rather well fleshed out. Caleb himself--whom we learn about through Jessa's point of view and flashbacks--is a hard one to figure out, but that only adds to the mystique of how he ended up at the bridge that day.
Overall, if you can bring a little patience, this book is one to enjoy. It eventually picks up and while the storyline is somewhat different (this whole novel is rather hard to describe), I really did enjoy it. I felt satisfied with the ending--it was worth reading. I enjoyed Miranda's two adult mysteries and while this is the first of her YA novels that I've read, I will definitely investigate others. 3.5 stars.
You can read my review of THE PERFECT STRANGER here.
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This novel isn't really what I expected at all, though I should have realized that it would be less teen angst and more teen angst and psychological mystery combined, as the two Megan Miranda novels I have read, The Perfect Stranger: A Novel and All the Missing Girls, are more in the suspense/thriller category.
The biggest issue for me was that this one starts off really slow. It's hard to get into any kind of momentum as every forward plot movement is broken by Jessa finding something and immediately remembering back into her past with Caleb. I was a little frustrated in the beginning, wanting more to happen.
I really enjoyed the character of Jessa, though. She was a little hard on herself in relation to Caleb's death, but she was also a teen dealing with both the death of a loved one and a recent breakup (their split occurring not too long before his death). She came across as pretty realistic. The supporting cast was a little more nebulous for me--Caleb's mom was pretty harsh, and we didn't see too much of Jessa's family, though I liked her older brother, Julian. Caleb's best friend and neighbor, Max, was probably the other character that was easiest to get to know and he was rather well fleshed out. Caleb himself--whom we learn about through Jessa's point of view and flashbacks--is a hard one to figure out, but that only adds to the mystique of how he ended up at the bridge that day.
Overall, if you can bring a little patience, this book is one to enjoy. It eventually picks up and while the storyline is somewhat different (this whole novel is rather hard to describe), I really did enjoy it. I felt satisfied with the ending--it was worth reading. I enjoyed Miranda's two adult mysteries and while this is the first of her YA novels that I've read, I will definitely investigate others. 3.5 stars.
You can read my review of THE PERFECT STRANGER here.
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May 24, 2020
I can see I'm in the minority here. I honestly feel very sure in my three star rating because it perfectly describes my feelings for this book. I didn't love it but I didn't hate it
First, the characters. The book opens in Jessa cleaning out Caleb's room. Instantly, I was thinking: Okay, why am I supposed to care about her since I know nothing about her or Caleb at all?
Even once, I got more info on Caleb I honestly just hated him more and more. He was selfish and dumb and (imo) didn't care about Jesse at all.
I honestly think that Jessa should have been with Max.
Like, seriously, Caleb left her so many times. He snapped at her. He kept secrets. He was a complete jerk. Max on the other hand was kind, helpful, honest and patient.
Also, the mystery. It literally spent half the book yada yada yada-ing about Caleb and how much he was missed and how life is just unable to go one without him. Blech!
Once, it finally got to the mystery, it was very weak and predictable. I honestly felt like I was watching an episode of Dora.
The only positive thing I can say is the writing was very good quality but other than that this book sucked.
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April 11, 2022
There is no urgency in the narrative despite the mystery of Caleb's death looming over the plot because the story is told by Jessa, the ex-girlfriend with whom he had broken up long before he died. She takes it slow as she sorts through his room, every item reminding her of their past and at the same time serving as possible clues of his sudden death whether it's an accident or a suicide, no one could be sure.
But despite the plot taking its time to unveil the mystery, it was still a very gripping read, the short chapters adding appeal and suspense and as the plot builds up, the question changes and the possibility that Caleb might still be alive surfaces that at the second half of the book, I couldn't stop reading. Through this narrative technique, I believe the author was able to fully showcase her excellent writing skills and I find myself liking 'Fragments of the Lost', her young adult mystery so much better than her adult ones.
This is a beautifully written YA romance-mystery with an impressively shocking twist, an engrossing page-turner once you get past the first quarter of the book.
But despite the plot taking its time to unveil the mystery, it was still a very gripping read, the short chapters adding appeal and suspense and as the plot builds up, the question changes and the possibility that Caleb might still be alive surfaces that at the second half of the book, I couldn't stop reading. Through this narrative technique, I believe the author was able to fully showcase her excellent writing skills and I find myself liking 'Fragments of the Lost', her young adult mystery so much better than her adult ones.
This is a beautifully written YA romance-mystery with an impressively shocking twist, an engrossing page-turner once you get past the first quarter of the book.
June 12, 2018
4 stars
When reading mystery novels, I, for the most part, can sort of figure out what is going to happen. Not in an "I can predict what the ending will be" but in a more "I have a feeling of where this is going" and I still get surprised by what happened. Unless it's a painfully obvious prediction then my enjoyment will go down. It's not a bad thing for me because even if I know what might happen, I do love the rising action leading up to the mystery and how it plays out.
Fragments of the Lost is one of those examples. While I wouldn't put this as one of the best mystery novels out there, it did keep me invested in the plot and mystery. And if a mystery manages to keep me invested in where it's going, I do like it even with its flaws.
Fragments of the Lost is a mystery revolving around Jessa piecing together the fragments of what may have lead to figuring out the death of her ex-boyfriend, Caleb. She cleans out his room at the request of Caleb's mother and while doing so, Jessa begins to figure out that some things about their relationship didn't make sense as well as the events leading up to Caleb's death.
What I got from this book was good enough mystery that kept me hooked into finding out just what the hell is going on with Caleb's death. The lies, the deception, the struggling relationship between Jessa and Caleb. Though this story isn't without its flaws, I did have a good enough time reading it.
For the positives, the main selling point is the mystery surrounding Caleb's death. Jessa is cleaning out his room and comes across many items that not only gives us a look into the past but also a look at Caleb and Jessa's relationship and the fallout of their break-up. This isn't a story with a huge focus on the romance, but rather gives the reader a look at what was going on in the relationship that would eventually lead up to Caleb's death.
Megan Mirada did a great job at giving us a look at the past while keeping in touch with the present. There wasn't any disconnect between the two and I appreciate that. It's often a hit or miss when an author goes back and forth between the past and the present, regardless if it's only by a few weeks to several years.
The one major flaw that did set this book back would have to be the lack of characterization of Jessa and Caleb. To an extent, they are decent enough characters that I liked but not have an overall attachment to them. Jess could've been more than just a character who lost her boyfriend and Caleb could've been more than a guy with secrets in his past. Not bad characters but should've been more fleshed out.
Verdict
A pretty good mystery novel that kept me invested. Not the ultimate best mystery novel, but I did enjoy my time reading it.
Thanks for reading my review!
-Cesar
When reading mystery novels, I, for the most part, can sort of figure out what is going to happen. Not in an "I can predict what the ending will be" but in a more "I have a feeling of where this is going" and I still get surprised by what happened. Unless it's a painfully obvious prediction then my enjoyment will go down. It's not a bad thing for me because even if I know what might happen, I do love the rising action leading up to the mystery and how it plays out.
Fragments of the Lost is one of those examples. While I wouldn't put this as one of the best mystery novels out there, it did keep me invested in the plot and mystery. And if a mystery manages to keep me invested in where it's going, I do like it even with its flaws.
Fragments of the Lost is a mystery revolving around Jessa piecing together the fragments of what may have lead to figuring out the death of her ex-boyfriend, Caleb. She cleans out his room at the request of Caleb's mother and while doing so, Jessa begins to figure out that some things about their relationship didn't make sense as well as the events leading up to Caleb's death.
What I got from this book was good enough mystery that kept me hooked into finding out just what the hell is going on with Caleb's death. The lies, the deception, the struggling relationship between Jessa and Caleb. Though this story isn't without its flaws, I did have a good enough time reading it.
For the positives, the main selling point is the mystery surrounding Caleb's death. Jessa is cleaning out his room and comes across many items that not only gives us a look into the past but also a look at Caleb and Jessa's relationship and the fallout of their break-up. This isn't a story with a huge focus on the romance, but rather gives the reader a look at what was going on in the relationship that would eventually lead up to Caleb's death.
Megan Mirada did a great job at giving us a look at the past while keeping in touch with the present. There wasn't any disconnect between the two and I appreciate that. It's often a hit or miss when an author goes back and forth between the past and the present, regardless if it's only by a few weeks to several years.
The one major flaw that did set this book back would have to be the lack of characterization of Jessa and Caleb. To an extent, they are decent enough characters that I liked but not have an overall attachment to them. Jess could've been more than just a character who lost her boyfriend and Caleb could've been more than a guy with secrets in his past. Not bad characters but should've been more fleshed out.
Verdict
A pretty good mystery novel that kept me invested. Not the ultimate best mystery novel, but I did enjoy my time reading it.
Thanks for reading my review!
-Cesar
November 9, 2017
I want to thank NetGalley and Random House Children's for providing me with this copy in exchange for an honest review
This book is so good, it's my first experience with the author, but it sure will not be the last. I've had such a good time with this book, from the beginning you just want to keep reading, not only the story is very interesting but also really additive
4.5/5 Stars
You can find this one and more of my reviews on my blog A Book. A Thought.
Fragments of the Lost is focused on Jessa, her ex-boyfriend Caleb has just died in a car accident, and his mother asks Jessa if she would be able to order her son's room and pack his things. Although she feels a bit out of place while being in Caleb's room again, she still decides to do so because she feels that maybe it's a good way to work through the guilt she feels for his accident. Being in this place Jessa will be surrounded by memories and pieces of their relationship and this will make her begin to wonder if she actually knew Caleb at all.
I decided to request this book because it's described as ideal for We Were Liars fans, and since it's one of my favorite books, then I decided that why not give it a chance, right?. Well I wasn't wrong, this book is absolutely intriguing, has much suspense, mystery and is that kind of story that once you start it you can't stop until you know the whole truth. I felt too hooked throughout the book and to be a book with so much mystery content is really easy and quick to read. I'm so happy to have chosen it, I really spent an excellent time reading it, trying to put all the pieces in place, was really fun
Jessa is a great main character, she only goes for what she wants and is very determined in her decisions, I really liked her and this has been very influential for me, since the whole book is told in first person by her, there were moments in which I felt so bad for her and for all the situation in which she was involved, but she was so strong and I really admire that , I would have started to cry like a little girl lol. I liked the secondary characters a lot, I also think that they all have very different personalities and this makes the plot more complete and entertaining. Max's character is great, he is really such a good person, I love it (I don't want to specify who he is, or why I liked him because I want everyone to find out and get to know him). I have several thoughts about Caleb too, not all of them are good so I don't want to express them too much because SPOILERS.
The book is divided into three parts: Part 1 "The Fragments", where we see Jessa trying to put together the puzzle to find out what was going on in Caleb's life before his accident and thus try to reveal his secrets. This part is almost the majority of the book, I think it is 80% or even more. Part 2 "The Puzzle", is where everything is revealed and the truth comes to light. This was my favorite part OMG, the revelations are so good and like everything is handled it was great and out of the ordinary. Part 3 "The Future", which is the part where obviously we'll see the future of the characters and how their lives continue after the past events
I really loved the book, but I'm not giving it a complete 5 stars because I was more interested in the present throughout the book and how it includes many jumps to the past this influenced, although it wasn't boring at all, I needed to know a little more about the relationships of the characters in the present. Even so I think that the jumps to the past end up being key when it comes to knowing more about the Caleb and Jessa's relationship and how it changes and leads to the situations that led to its separation and the accident itself
The writing style is beautiful, I love how deep and almost poetic it ends up being, the meaning of the plot is much more than discovering things about your ex lol, it's about trust, it's about family, secrets and also plays a lot with, how far you're able to get to uncover the truth and how this changes you as a person. It presents situations where she feels that she gives too much when she wasn't receiving anything in return. It's really interesting and it has touched me more than I thought. The story of Caleb and Jessa is much more than a love story, it's about another kind of love and it is also about getting to know yourself, that was really nice.
The ending was great, I liked that wasn't the typical happy ending but it was a much more real and enjoy that fact
I would recommend this book a lot for all those who enjoy a good YA reading, of course you'll find a mystery story, but even if this is not your cup of tea, it's much more than that. This book is about self discovery and it's about figuring out what you want to do with your life or what you're willing to do for those you love and for yourself, so I'd say if you like the Contemporary YA in general, then you'll enjoy this one!. It doesn't have a heavy content in terms of romance either, so if you like the plot with little romance this would be a good option! I would totally read another book with the same characters, it was a great journey.
This book is so good, it's my first experience with the author, but it sure will not be the last. I've had such a good time with this book, from the beginning you just want to keep reading, not only the story is very interesting but also really additive
4.5/5 Stars
You can find this one and more of my reviews on my blog A Book. A Thought.
Fragments of the Lost is focused on Jessa, her ex-boyfriend Caleb has just died in a car accident, and his mother asks Jessa if she would be able to order her son's room and pack his things. Although she feels a bit out of place while being in Caleb's room again, she still decides to do so because she feels that maybe it's a good way to work through the guilt she feels for his accident. Being in this place Jessa will be surrounded by memories and pieces of their relationship and this will make her begin to wonder if she actually knew Caleb at all.
I decided to request this book because it's described as ideal for We Were Liars fans, and since it's one of my favorite books, then I decided that why not give it a chance, right?. Well I wasn't wrong, this book is absolutely intriguing, has much suspense, mystery and is that kind of story that once you start it you can't stop until you know the whole truth. I felt too hooked throughout the book and to be a book with so much mystery content is really easy and quick to read. I'm so happy to have chosen it, I really spent an excellent time reading it, trying to put all the pieces in place, was really fun
Jessa is a great main character, she only goes for what she wants and is very determined in her decisions, I really liked her and this has been very influential for me, since the whole book is told in first person by her, there were moments in which I felt so bad for her and for all the situation in which she was involved, but she was so strong and I really admire that , I would have started to cry like a little girl lol. I liked the secondary characters a lot, I also think that they all have very different personalities and this makes the plot more complete and entertaining. Max's character is great, he is really such a good person, I love it (I don't want to specify who he is, or why I liked him because I want everyone to find out and get to know him). I have several thoughts about Caleb too, not all of them are good so I don't want to express them too much because SPOILERS.
The book is divided into three parts: Part 1 "The Fragments", where we see Jessa trying to put together the puzzle to find out what was going on in Caleb's life before his accident and thus try to reveal his secrets. This part is almost the majority of the book, I think it is 80% or even more. Part 2 "The Puzzle", is where everything is revealed and the truth comes to light. This was my favorite part OMG, the revelations are so good and like everything is handled it was great and out of the ordinary. Part 3 "The Future", which is the part where obviously we'll see the future of the characters and how their lives continue after the past events
I really loved the book, but I'm not giving it a complete 5 stars because I was more interested in the present throughout the book and how it includes many jumps to the past this influenced, although it wasn't boring at all, I needed to know a little more about the relationships of the characters in the present. Even so I think that the jumps to the past end up being key when it comes to knowing more about the Caleb and Jessa's relationship and how it changes and leads to the situations that led to its separation and the accident itself
The writing style is beautiful, I love how deep and almost poetic it ends up being, the meaning of the plot is much more than discovering things about your ex lol, it's about trust, it's about family, secrets and also plays a lot with, how far you're able to get to uncover the truth and how this changes you as a person. It presents situations where she feels that she gives too much when she wasn't receiving anything in return. It's really interesting and it has touched me more than I thought. The story of Caleb and Jessa is much more than a love story, it's about another kind of love and it is also about getting to know yourself, that was really nice.
The ending was great, I liked that wasn't the typical happy ending but it was a much more real and enjoy that fact
I would recommend this book a lot for all those who enjoy a good YA reading, of course you'll find a mystery story, but even if this is not your cup of tea, it's much more than that. This book is about self discovery and it's about figuring out what you want to do with your life or what you're willing to do for those you love and for yourself, so I'd say if you like the Contemporary YA in general, then you'll enjoy this one!. It doesn't have a heavy content in terms of romance either, so if you like the plot with little romance this would be a good option! I would totally read another book with the same characters, it was a great journey.
October 11, 2017
I have been a fan of Megan’s words from the beginning and I was insanely excited to get my hands on this book.
I love love loved Jessa. She’s smart and a bit heartbroken and it was intriguing being in her head for this story. There are a few other characters, but I’m not going to say anything about them.
Plot wise, it was captivating. The story is told by items Jessa finds in Caleb’s room and the memory attached to them and the way it unfolds is the most delicious torture. I couldn’t get through the story fast enough.
Overall, it was mysterious and sweet and amusing and there was so much tension, it was glorious. I know I’m being vague, but I don’t want to spoil one bit of it. This is definitely a story I’ll read again.
**Huge thanks to Mysterious Galaxy for letting me take this out of the super sekrit back room**
I love love loved Jessa. She’s smart and a bit heartbroken and it was intriguing being in her head for this story. There are a few other characters, but I’m not going to say anything about them.
Plot wise, it was captivating. The story is told by items Jessa finds in Caleb’s room and the memory attached to them and the way it unfolds is the most delicious torture. I couldn’t get through the story fast enough.
Overall, it was mysterious and sweet and amusing and there was so much tension, it was glorious. I know I’m being vague, but I don’t want to spoil one bit of it. This is definitely a story I’ll read again.
**Huge thanks to Mysterious Galaxy for letting me take this out of the super sekrit back room**
January 21, 2023
Story 3.75 stars**
Audio 3.5 stars**
Narrator Erin Spencer
Audio 3.5 stars**
Narrator Erin Spencer
November 3, 2019
This book didn't meet my expectations...
I hoped I would like it as much as All the Missing Girls! The first half was 2-stars for me but luckily it got better.
I liked the concept of discovering the past by the different "fragments" (objects found in the room) but the pace was too slow. I was in the mood for a page turner... It turned out to be more a drama with a mystery than a real suspense. Megan Miranda is a talented writer but I didn't feel close enough to the characters in this book.
My next one from this author is gonna be The Perfect Stranger... I hope it will deserve a 4-stars rating!
Finished on May 17th
5*: Sad to finish it, this book was amazing
4*: Really liked it!
3*: Liked it
2*: Fell asleep a couple of times during my reading... but not entirely boring!
1*: Why did I bother to finish it?!
I hoped I would like it as much as All the Missing Girls! The first half was 2-stars for me but luckily it got better.
I liked the concept of discovering the past by the different "fragments" (objects found in the room) but the pace was too slow. I was in the mood for a page turner... It turned out to be more a drama with a mystery than a real suspense. Megan Miranda is a talented writer but I didn't feel close enough to the characters in this book.
My next one from this author is gonna be The Perfect Stranger... I hope it will deserve a 4-stars rating!
Finished on May 17th
5*: Sad to finish it, this book was amazing
4*: Really liked it!
3*: Liked it
2*: Fell asleep a couple of times during my reading... but not entirely boring!
1*: Why did I bother to finish it?!
February 7, 2018
Sorry to members of my book club, but I hated this book. In no particular order, here are my reasons why:
1. Page 23: Flirty first and last naming. A huge pet peeve of mine in YA books. I wish YA authors would realize that teenagers do NOT talk like this, that even though John Green does it all the time he also doesn't write realistic teenagers as a whole, that it's annoying even when he does it, and there can only be one of him anyway so please JUST STOP.
2. A flimsy inciting force and lame conflict. A boy dies in a car accident on a road that is NOT in the middle of nowhere and is a common route for him to take, and yet the main reason why you are so suspicious is because you wonder where he was going that caused him to be on that road? And then his creepy Mom tells you to clean out his room, and even though he's your ex-boyfriend you decide that you just have to find out where he was going? Um ... why? Oh right. That leads me to ...
3. So. much. teenage. angst. Lady, you're 16 and you dated for a year. Get over it.
4. It took 270 pages for anything to happen. It was just sooooo boring. Not only was each chapter focused on an item found in Caleb's room that triggered a memory, but even items that weren't a focus of the memories were either full of teenage angst or described as ethereal, like a ghost, or made Jessa feel as if someone was watching her. Yes, a shower curtain can do all of that.
5. Speaking of repetition, these people need to get rid of their clocks. Why are all of them SO LOUD? How many times did the author mention one of the characters being able to hear a clock ticking? Who even has ticking clocks anymore when everyone uses their phones anyway?
6. Why exactly are you suspicious? You found an unused bus ticket and remember times when your boyfriend didn't respond to your text messages, which means he must have had a secret double life you never knew about? Honey, did you ever consider that maybe he was just a jerk?
7. Okay, 80 pages left and it turns out he did have some secrets. WHY DID IT TAKE SO LONG TO GET HERE???
8. Who am I supposed to be rooting for anyway? The dead guy who was a total jerk or the angsty, moronic ex-girlfriend who really has no reason to be going through his room anyway?
At least I liked Max. And I am loyal to people in my book club, or else I would have stopped after page 23.
1. Page 23: Flirty first and last naming. A huge pet peeve of mine in YA books. I wish YA authors would realize that teenagers do NOT talk like this, that even though John Green does it all the time he also doesn't write realistic teenagers as a whole, that it's annoying even when he does it, and there can only be one of him anyway so please JUST STOP.
2. A flimsy inciting force and lame conflict. A boy dies in a car accident on a road that is NOT in the middle of nowhere and is a common route for him to take, and yet the main reason why you are so suspicious is because you wonder where he was going that caused him to be on that road? And then his creepy Mom tells you to clean out his room, and even though he's your ex-boyfriend you decide that you just have to find out where he was going? Um ... why? Oh right. That leads me to ...
3. So. much. teenage. angst. Lady, you're 16 and you dated for a year. Get over it.
4. It took 270 pages for anything to happen. It was just sooooo boring. Not only was each chapter focused on an item found in Caleb's room that triggered a memory, but even items that weren't a focus of the memories were either full of teenage angst or described as ethereal, like a ghost, or made Jessa feel as if someone was watching her. Yes, a shower curtain can do all of that.
5. Speaking of repetition, these people need to get rid of their clocks. Why are all of them SO LOUD? How many times did the author mention one of the characters being able to hear a clock ticking? Who even has ticking clocks anymore when everyone uses their phones anyway?
6. Why exactly are you suspicious? You found an unused bus ticket and remember times when your boyfriend didn't respond to your text messages, which means he must have had a secret double life you never knew about? Honey, did you ever consider that maybe he was just a jerk?
7. Okay, 80 pages left and it turns out he did have some secrets. WHY DID IT TAKE SO LONG TO GET HERE???
8. Who am I supposed to be rooting for anyway? The dead guy who was a total jerk or the angsty, moronic ex-girlfriend who really has no reason to be going through his room anyway?
At least I liked Max. And I am loyal to people in my book club, or else I would have stopped after page 23.
January 18, 2018
Had a slow start, but so glad I stuck with it, because, man, this ended up being good!
October 24, 2017
*THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU TO THE PUBLISHER FOR SENDING ME AN E-ARC SO I COULD GET MY MEGAN MIRANDA JAM ON*
Okay, I think I got my butt together and formulated my thoughts on this. Trust me, though, it was hard. I've loved Megan Miranda since I picked up my first book of hers all those years ago, and this book reminded me yet again just how talented she is. It was beautiful, it was mysterious, it was everything I wanted this book to be. I loved everything about it, and now I'm counting the days until I get yet another Miranda book to get my hands on.
The thing I love most about Miranda's books is her writing. She just has this way with words that stuns me everytime. Even the most ordinary sentences have this way to them that just strikes me and makes me want to frame it or scribble it down somewhere where I can gaze on it forever. There are quotes that are just so achingly beautiful and wonderful, and this book brought it so well. I didn't have as many quotes that I screengrabbed in previous books, but the writing itself was amazing and I just want to sit here and cry.
This story was so well done. It's broken down in fragments of time, memories, and objects. Jessa is cleaning out her ex-boyfriend's room, and each chapter is focused on a certain object that brings back a memory. Obviously, this could have gone way wrong - it could have gotten repetitive, boring, or just weird, but Miranda made it unique, interesting, and I was captivated with each object.
This story builds and builds as well. Each new object and chapter brings amount a new mounting tension that had me flipping pages so fast. I binge read this in two sittings because I JUST HAD TO KNOW WHAT THE BOOK HELL WAS GOING ON. I don't want to reveal too much about the mystery, because it really is best if you don't know much going in. It's wonderful how it was revealed, but know that it had me until the very end.
The characters were wonderful as well. It did take me a little bit to warm up to Jessa, but that was alright since we're getting acclimated to the story so far. I loved Max dearly, and all the other characters were complex, dynamic, and I had my feelings on them as well. Jessa really was a wonderful narrator as well, and she had such a subtle, quiet way to her that I didn't even realize that I was hardcore rooting for until I was done with the novel and just wanted to be in her mind again.
Ugh, I don't even know what to say other than pleaseeeeeee read this. Miranda is so near the tippity top of my top 5 favorite authors of all time, and this book is no exception. It easily moves into a spot on my elusive favorites shelf, and I loved everything about it. Now I must just sit here in mourning of my new Miranda book and just wait until I can cry over another one of her books. 5 crowns, of course, and an Aurora rating, because this is definitely a classic in my book!
Okay, I think I got my butt together and formulated my thoughts on this. Trust me, though, it was hard. I've loved Megan Miranda since I picked up my first book of hers all those years ago, and this book reminded me yet again just how talented she is. It was beautiful, it was mysterious, it was everything I wanted this book to be. I loved everything about it, and now I'm counting the days until I get yet another Miranda book to get my hands on.
The thing I love most about Miranda's books is her writing. She just has this way with words that stuns me everytime. Even the most ordinary sentences have this way to them that just strikes me and makes me want to frame it or scribble it down somewhere where I can gaze on it forever. There are quotes that are just so achingly beautiful and wonderful, and this book brought it so well. I didn't have as many quotes that I screengrabbed in previous books, but the writing itself was amazing and I just want to sit here and cry.
This story was so well done. It's broken down in fragments of time, memories, and objects. Jessa is cleaning out her ex-boyfriend's room, and each chapter is focused on a certain object that brings back a memory. Obviously, this could have gone way wrong - it could have gotten repetitive, boring, or just weird, but Miranda made it unique, interesting, and I was captivated with each object.
This story builds and builds as well. Each new object and chapter brings amount a new mounting tension that had me flipping pages so fast. I binge read this in two sittings because I JUST HAD TO KNOW WHAT THE BOOK HELL WAS GOING ON. I don't want to reveal too much about the mystery, because it really is best if you don't know much going in. It's wonderful how it was revealed, but know that it had me until the very end.
The characters were wonderful as well. It did take me a little bit to warm up to Jessa, but that was alright since we're getting acclimated to the story so far. I loved Max dearly, and all the other characters were complex, dynamic, and I had my feelings on them as well. Jessa really was a wonderful narrator as well, and she had such a subtle, quiet way to her that I didn't even realize that I was hardcore rooting for until I was done with the novel and just wanted to be in her mind again.
Ugh, I don't even know what to say other than pleaseeeeeee read this. Miranda is so near the tippity top of my top 5 favorite authors of all time, and this book is no exception. It easily moves into a spot on my elusive favorites shelf, and I loved everything about it. Now I must just sit here in mourning of my new Miranda book and just wait until I can cry over another one of her books. 5 crowns, of course, and an Aurora rating, because this is definitely a classic in my book!
December 3, 2017
I have been looking forward to reading Megan Miranda's newest publication, marketed as a blend of YA and psychological mystery genres. I love the subtlety and finesse with which this author plays with words, an aspect I have been able to find not only in Fragments of the Lost , but also in The Perfect Stranger and thoroughly enjoyed All the Missing Girls. However, aside from the exquisite, almost lyrical style of writing employed, this novel did not offer the kind of reading experience I would have expected from a novelist of Megan Miranda's calibre. The incredibly slow pace characterizing over half of Fragments of the Lost did not allow me to be fully concentrated on what was going on as I was often drifting off due to a slight sense of boredom. On top of that, the characters were not particularly likeable, from my point of view, although I found the dynamics of the relationship between Jessa and Max rather interesting. The suspense was intelligently built up, but the revelation, albeit unforeseen, did not shock me and therefore did not make up for a very much needed faster pace and quite bland characters. While I may sound very critical of this novel, the overall experience was not a negative one, but perhaps I just expect Megan Miranda to reproduce the level of quality, complexity and cleverness attained in All the Missing Girls. Most of my Goodreads friends have written very positive reviews of this book so I am evidently very much in minority with the few displeasures I pointed out.
May 31, 2020
*** 3.5 STARS ***
I took me quite a while to get into Fragments of the Lost but I ended up really enjoying the book. While it was a very slow read at first, the last 170 pages (out of 370 pages) were really gripping and I had a very hard time putting the book down. There were a few things that happened which were a bit too predictable for my liking but overall, this was a very good mystery novel and I’d definitely be interested in reading some of Megan Miranda’s other novels in the future!
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I took me quite a while to get into Fragments of the Lost but I ended up really enjoying the book. While it was a very slow read at first, the last 170 pages (out of 370 pages) were really gripping and I had a very hard time putting the book down. There were a few things that happened which were a bit too predictable for my liking but overall, this was a very good mystery novel and I’d definitely be interested in reading some of Megan Miranda’s other novels in the future!
instagram || my blog || twitter
May 17, 2020
3.5 stars
January 16, 2018
"But if I’ve learned nothing else, it’s that nobody was who I thought. Everyone had secrets. Trust is a luxury for fools. The more I discover, the less I trust my own memories, even."
There's something about Megan Miranda's writing that is straight up addictive. I had some time to myself and I'm so glad I started this one- finished the same day! Listen, this isn't life-changing fiction but it's entertaining and takes you along for a fun, wild ride.
If you like a good twisty mystery where you can't trust anyone and not all is as it seems then do yourself a favor and pick this one up. As with all her books that I've read so far Miranda keeps you guessing till the very end!
There's something about Megan Miranda's writing that is straight up addictive. I had some time to myself and I'm so glad I started this one- finished the same day! Listen, this isn't life-changing fiction but it's entertaining and takes you along for a fun, wild ride.
If you like a good twisty mystery where you can't trust anyone and not all is as it seems then do yourself a favor and pick this one up. As with all her books that I've read so far Miranda keeps you guessing till the very end!
May 1, 2020
I’ve read this book as book of the month of the ‘Literary Dead Book Club’ and although it is YA, I decided I would give it a go.
It is an easy read with very short chapters but that doesn’t make up for the lack of content. The main character isn’t very likeable and she even doesn’t bite back when being bullied although she is portraited as a strong young girl.
The story develops very slowly with one chapter per found item in the ex-boyfriends room, which brings up a load of memories and all the red herrings that one can have.
It is only on the last part that the story develops properly and then stops abruptly and goes back to some more musings about teenage angst and romance.
Not really for me, but certainly an easy way to pass a rainy day.
It is an easy read with very short chapters but that doesn’t make up for the lack of content. The main character isn’t very likeable and she even doesn’t bite back when being bullied although she is portraited as a strong young girl.
The story develops very slowly with one chapter per found item in the ex-boyfriends room, which brings up a load of memories and all the red herrings that one can have.
It is only on the last part that the story develops properly and then stops abruptly and goes back to some more musings about teenage angst and romance.
Not really for me, but certainly an easy way to pass a rainy day.
Read
November 6, 2017I'm a big fan of Megan Miranda's thrillers.
However, I had some issues with this one. The majority of it takes place as the main character packs up her boyfriend's room after he dies in an accident. This packing up thing felt a little weirdly forced (his mom is making her do it to punish her .... ???) It also meant a LOT of flashbacks, which aren't my favorite. (I think this is the basis for the comparison to Thirteen Reasons Why, but whether you like or dislike that book, I guess that's why that title got used as a comp.)
Eventually, the story got going, but that wasn't until the last quarter or so of the book. The ending was suspenseful and clever but I couldn't help feeling that getting the story action out of that empty bedroom would have helped ramp up the suspense.
Also, wasn't the necklace a dragonfly necklace, not a butterfly, as it says in the Goodreads synopsis? I'm pretty sure that it was a dragonfly.
More soon!
Read more of my reviews on JenRyland.com or check out my Bookstagram!
However, I had some issues with this one. The majority of it takes place as the main character packs up her boyfriend's room after he dies in an accident. This packing up thing felt a little weirdly forced (his mom is making her do it to punish her .... ???) It also meant a LOT of flashbacks, which aren't my favorite. (I think this is the basis for the comparison to Thirteen Reasons Why, but whether you like or dislike that book, I guess that's why that title got used as a comp.)
Eventually, the story got going, but that wasn't until the last quarter or so of the book. The ending was suspenseful and clever but I couldn't help feeling that getting the story action out of that empty bedroom would have helped ramp up the suspense.
Also, wasn't the necklace a dragonfly necklace, not a butterfly, as it says in the Goodreads synopsis? I'm pretty sure that it was a dragonfly.
More soon!
Read more of my reviews on JenRyland.com or check out my Bookstagram!
February 10, 2022
4.5 Stars
I was weary when I picked this book. But it was so not required!! It hooked me up from the very first chapter.
I am in awe of how beautifully this book was written. It felt I was shadow of Jessa while she was struggling with her grief of losing her ex-boyfriend, when she was packing his things for his mother asked her to do, while she was learning small and big things about Caleb she didn't know, all the while she was riddled with questions and plagued by secrets.
What did happen on the storm-swept bridge that day?
Just amazing!!
I would have given it a 5 star rating, if not for just a things left unanswered. Nevertheless, I'm still have so much to say about this book - but I know I won't do justice. So, I shall request you to read and just feel whatever I'm experiencing right now.
I really loved it. I would be thinking about it the whole night and the next day until my dear Aksa comes to my rescue.
I was weary when I picked this book. But it was so not required!! It hooked me up from the very first chapter.
I am in awe of how beautifully this book was written. It felt I was shadow of Jessa while she was struggling with her grief of losing her ex-boyfriend, when she was packing his things for his mother asked her to do, while she was learning small and big things about Caleb she didn't know, all the while she was riddled with questions and plagued by secrets.
What did happen on the storm-swept bridge that day?
Just amazing!!
I would have given it a 5 star rating, if not for just a things left unanswered. Nevertheless, I'm still have so much to say about this book - but I know I won't do justice. So, I shall request you to read and just feel whatever I'm experiencing right now.
I really loved it. I would be thinking about it the whole night and the next day until my dear Aksa comes to my rescue.
March 3, 2020
Oh my god that was so good holy crap
January 27, 2021
At first it was slow taking time to get into all the things that was happening but when it finally picked up it was good 😌.. i hope soon i would be reading more from this author ✍️
January 27, 2022
7 out of 10
A girl's ex dies in an accident, his mother asks her to pack his things, each reminds of something from heir past, some provoke guesses and suspicions... Good idea and pacing, I really liked the story (it's when I hate GR for not giving us half stars, 'cause I'd give it 3.5 out of 5) but didn't relate with the characters. This book will please lovers of well-developed romance, twisted thrillers, and something new in contemporary fiction. The main intrigue is predictable, still there are unexpected details and suspense. I'm already started another Miranda's work)
Reviews for other Miranda's books:
The Perfect Stranger (Идеальная незнакомка)
Fragments of the Lost (Фрагменты прошлого)
The Safest Lies (Опасная ложь)
Come Find Me (Найди меня, если сможешь)
All the Missing Girls (Все пропавшие девушки)
The Girl from Widow Hills (Девушка из Уидоу-Хиллз)
Such a Quiet Place (Такое тихое место)
November 27, 2017
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars!
Same Review Also Posted In My Blog: Dreamy Addictions
I loved Megan Miranda’s debut novel Fracture and this is my second book by her. Fragments of Lost was pretty interesting to read but sadly, it didn’t thrill me as much as I expected. The reason I picked this up because of its intriguing premise which sounded very much promising. The characters and the plot was pretty good but my main issue lies with the slow start which made the story a bit less exciting for me. However, the mystery is hard to guess which is the only thing that held my interest until the end of the book.
The story follows Jessa Whitworth whose ex-boyfriend Caleb dies in a car accident at a storm swept bridge. Caleb’s mother blames her for his death and Jessa feels guilty that she might be right because the last time she saw him, she has broken up with him. When Caleb’s mother asks her to pack up Caleb’s things from his room, Jessa agrees and believes she deserves this punishment. She knows she doesn’t deserve to be in his room but it’s the only way she could find the reason behind his death. Everything in his room is linked to her such as the photos, T-shirts and her butterfly necklace that she gave him for safe keeping on that day. Each thing triggers the memories she had with him and she finally starts to realize that their relationship may not be exactly as she remembered and as she discovers new things about him, she starts to wonder how much she knew about him. With each new discovery, Jessa gets even more curious about Caleb’s accident and she needs to find the answers without getting his mother suspicious of her actions.
Jessa is a great main protagonist. She’s smart, strong, and very determined person who’ll not give up until the end. Her ex-boyfriend’s death has turned her pretty much heart broken and I felt a bit bad for her situation but I’m glad she still stood strong and searched for the answers that she deserved to know. As for the supporting characters, I loved Caleb’s best friend Max. He’s such a sweet guy and I really liked the friendship between him and Jessa. I totally ship them! They work together to find the answers for Caleb’s death. Caleb was a pretty complex character. From the start, I found him a bit strange and I didn’t liked him. I wish I could say more about him but it might be a bit spoiler-ish. Caleb’s mom is a cruel bitch and also a bit crazy. From the beginning, her strange behavior made me suspect that she was hiding something and I really wanted to know why she wanted Jessa to clean out her son’s room.
The plot was interesting and mysterious but the slow start was a bit turnoff for me. The mystery in this book unfolds very slowly. The first half of the story was focused on the flashbacks of Jessa’s relationship with caleb and how it was finally ended. To be honest, I started to enjoy the book only after I’m halfway through the book. There are so many twists and turns in the second half that made the story even more suspenseful. The final revelation was totally unpredictable. There is a light romance in the book and I’m so glad that it wasn’t the central focus of the book. I enjoyed reading the book from Jessa’s perspective and seeing how she slowly unveils the mystery behind her ex-boyfriend’s mysterious accident. I absolutely loved the writing, It was captivating and addictive.
Overall, It was a good read and I liked it but it’s not my favorite. If you like mysteries with slow starts then you’ll definitely enjoy this book more than I did.
Same Review Also Posted In My Blog: Dreamy Addictions
I loved Megan Miranda’s debut novel Fracture and this is my second book by her. Fragments of Lost was pretty interesting to read but sadly, it didn’t thrill me as much as I expected. The reason I picked this up because of its intriguing premise which sounded very much promising. The characters and the plot was pretty good but my main issue lies with the slow start which made the story a bit less exciting for me. However, the mystery is hard to guess which is the only thing that held my interest until the end of the book.
The story follows Jessa Whitworth whose ex-boyfriend Caleb dies in a car accident at a storm swept bridge. Caleb’s mother blames her for his death and Jessa feels guilty that she might be right because the last time she saw him, she has broken up with him. When Caleb’s mother asks her to pack up Caleb’s things from his room, Jessa agrees and believes she deserves this punishment. She knows she doesn’t deserve to be in his room but it’s the only way she could find the reason behind his death. Everything in his room is linked to her such as the photos, T-shirts and her butterfly necklace that she gave him for safe keeping on that day. Each thing triggers the memories she had with him and she finally starts to realize that their relationship may not be exactly as she remembered and as she discovers new things about him, she starts to wonder how much she knew about him. With each new discovery, Jessa gets even more curious about Caleb’s accident and she needs to find the answers without getting his mother suspicious of her actions.
Jessa is a great main protagonist. She’s smart, strong, and very determined person who’ll not give up until the end. Her ex-boyfriend’s death has turned her pretty much heart broken and I felt a bit bad for her situation but I’m glad she still stood strong and searched for the answers that she deserved to know. As for the supporting characters, I loved Caleb’s best friend Max. He’s such a sweet guy and I really liked the friendship between him and Jessa. I totally ship them! They work together to find the answers for Caleb’s death. Caleb was a pretty complex character. From the start, I found him a bit strange and I didn’t liked him. I wish I could say more about him but it might be a bit spoiler-ish. Caleb’s mom is a cruel bitch and also a bit crazy. From the beginning, her strange behavior made me suspect that she was hiding something and I really wanted to know why she wanted Jessa to clean out her son’s room.
The plot was interesting and mysterious but the slow start was a bit turnoff for me. The mystery in this book unfolds very slowly. The first half of the story was focused on the flashbacks of Jessa’s relationship with caleb and how it was finally ended. To be honest, I started to enjoy the book only after I’m halfway through the book. There are so many twists and turns in the second half that made the story even more suspenseful. The final revelation was totally unpredictable. There is a light romance in the book and I’m so glad that it wasn’t the central focus of the book. I enjoyed reading the book from Jessa’s perspective and seeing how she slowly unveils the mystery behind her ex-boyfriend’s mysterious accident. I absolutely loved the writing, It was captivating and addictive.
Overall, It was a good read and I liked it but it’s not my favorite. If you like mysteries with slow starts then you’ll definitely enjoy this book more than I did.
May 8, 2020
solid three star read. Interesting premise, started a little bit slow but definitely picked up speed. I liked the ending.
September 28, 2017
I simply adore this author. Have read so many of her books and I have enjoyed them all. This one was no exception. I stayed up until three am to finish this lovely book. As I could not stop after I started it. Eee. For the most part I really liked this book. Had a few small issues, but nothing big. And so four stars for this one.
I'm going to begin with saying that the writing was all kinds of awesome. And I had no trouble at all reading this book. It is told from the point of view of Jessa. And oh, how I enjoyed reading about this girl. I loved getting to know about her life, about who she was. I liked her a whole bunch. She was a great character.
The plot about this book is that Jessa's boyfriend, Caleb, died two months ago. He drove his car over a bridge and into a river. The car was found destroyed, but he was not found, but they all know that he is dead. Jessa has been grieving his loss for ages now. Because in a way, she blames herself for what happened to him. As they had just broken up before he died, after having been together a year. And there were so many details about all of that. This whole book is about Jessa going through his room, packing up his things, because his mom is moving. And when she goes through his things she remembers parts of their past together. And I liked that, as she is realizing things she had not noticed about him. Not so nice things. But good memories too.
See, this is why this book is a four star and not a five star for me. I wish it hadn't focused so much on the past. I wanted to know more about the now and the future. Sniffs. There were some awesome characters in the now that I really, really wanted to know more about. Even though just about all the book was about the past, it was not boring at all. It was so exciting and interesting and mysterious too, trying to figure out who Caleb had really been. And why their relationship had ended. I liked reading it all. Past and present.
But yes, just wishing there had been more focus on a certain someone. Hmph. Despite that, the ending was all kinds of awesome. Rude. Yet so perfect. But now I want a sequel that is all happy. Anyway. This book was so good. And so easy to read and to get lost in. There is so much I wish to say about this book. Not going to mention all of it, but some things must get written down. Like how Jessa and Caleb had been together for a long time, yet I didn't ship them at all. I liked how it didn't focus too much on their romance.
And how Jessa had been friends with another boy, Max, for years. And how they sort of had feelings for each other. And how I loved that to pieces. And oh, how I wanted to read more about Max. Aw. This book wasn't about a love triangle. First of, Caleb was dead. Jessa isn't with Max. And she had not cheated on Caleb either, before he died. So no weird feelings about any of that. I just really shipped Jessa and Max. When she remembered the past, he was always there for her, doing all the important things. I loved him.
This book is all about Jessa figuring things out about her dead ex-boyfriend. And gosh, there were a lot of secrets. And it was so much fun reading about it all, figuring out the hidden things. The present was a bit scary too, with the mom of Caleb being a bit crazy. I liked reading about Jessa and Max together, being friends. They were such awesome friends and I wanted more of them. Hmph. But I also liked this story for what it was. Which was an exciting mystery. Because Jessa starts to get the feeling that Caleb isn't dead.
And that is all I'm going to say about this book. There is so much more I could mention, but I'm not going to. I just really liked this book. I couldn't stop reading once I started it. I really loved all of the characters. Fragments of the Lost was simply put incredible. I enjoyed every moment. The writing was stunning. The ending was exciting and revealing. I really wish that there had been a long epilogue, though. Ack. I wish to know more about these characters. The book was long, yet not nearly long enough. It was so so good.
Huge thank you to Random House Children's for approving my request on Netgalley to read this book early. I'm so glad that I read it now. And I cannot wait to own the finished copy of it as well. I simply can't wait to read even more books by Megan. I have enjoyed them all; even her adult ones. Her stories are just the best. Awesome and heartbreaking and evil. And I love every moment of them all. You all really need to read this book when it's out. It's slow and fast and exciting and mysterious all at the same time.
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This review was first posted on my blog, Carina's Books, here: http://carinabooks.blogspot.no/2017/0...
I'm going to begin with saying that the writing was all kinds of awesome. And I had no trouble at all reading this book. It is told from the point of view of Jessa. And oh, how I enjoyed reading about this girl. I loved getting to know about her life, about who she was. I liked her a whole bunch. She was a great character.
The plot about this book is that Jessa's boyfriend, Caleb, died two months ago. He drove his car over a bridge and into a river. The car was found destroyed, but he was not found, but they all know that he is dead. Jessa has been grieving his loss for ages now. Because in a way, she blames herself for what happened to him. As they had just broken up before he died, after having been together a year. And there were so many details about all of that. This whole book is about Jessa going through his room, packing up his things, because his mom is moving. And when she goes through his things she remembers parts of their past together. And I liked that, as she is realizing things she had not noticed about him. Not so nice things. But good memories too.
See, this is why this book is a four star and not a five star for me. I wish it hadn't focused so much on the past. I wanted to know more about the now and the future. Sniffs. There were some awesome characters in the now that I really, really wanted to know more about. Even though just about all the book was about the past, it was not boring at all. It was so exciting and interesting and mysterious too, trying to figure out who Caleb had really been. And why their relationship had ended. I liked reading it all. Past and present.
But yes, just wishing there had been more focus on a certain someone. Hmph. Despite that, the ending was all kinds of awesome. Rude. Yet so perfect. But now I want a sequel that is all happy. Anyway. This book was so good. And so easy to read and to get lost in. There is so much I wish to say about this book. Not going to mention all of it, but some things must get written down. Like how Jessa and Caleb had been together for a long time, yet I didn't ship them at all. I liked how it didn't focus too much on their romance.
And how Jessa had been friends with another boy, Max, for years. And how they sort of had feelings for each other. And how I loved that to pieces. And oh, how I wanted to read more about Max. Aw. This book wasn't about a love triangle. First of, Caleb was dead. Jessa isn't with Max. And she had not cheated on Caleb either, before he died. So no weird feelings about any of that. I just really shipped Jessa and Max. When she remembered the past, he was always there for her, doing all the important things. I loved him.
This book is all about Jessa figuring things out about her dead ex-boyfriend. And gosh, there were a lot of secrets. And it was so much fun reading about it all, figuring out the hidden things. The present was a bit scary too, with the mom of Caleb being a bit crazy. I liked reading about Jessa and Max together, being friends. They were such awesome friends and I wanted more of them. Hmph. But I also liked this story for what it was. Which was an exciting mystery. Because Jessa starts to get the feeling that Caleb isn't dead.
And that is all I'm going to say about this book. There is so much more I could mention, but I'm not going to. I just really liked this book. I couldn't stop reading once I started it. I really loved all of the characters. Fragments of the Lost was simply put incredible. I enjoyed every moment. The writing was stunning. The ending was exciting and revealing. I really wish that there had been a long epilogue, though. Ack. I wish to know more about these characters. The book was long, yet not nearly long enough. It was so so good.
Huge thank you to Random House Children's for approving my request on Netgalley to read this book early. I'm so glad that I read it now. And I cannot wait to own the finished copy of it as well. I simply can't wait to read even more books by Megan. I have enjoyed them all; even her adult ones. Her stories are just the best. Awesome and heartbreaking and evil. And I love every moment of them all. You all really need to read this book when it's out. It's slow and fast and exciting and mysterious all at the same time.
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This review was first posted on my blog, Carina's Books, here: http://carinabooks.blogspot.no/2017/0...
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