Once Was Lost

Marty Singer #6

by Matthew Iden

Retired DC homicide detective Marty Singer has spent his career—and his retirement—finding people. But Tommy Donlan and his son, Bobby, are on the run from their family, and Marty’s own family urges him to help the pair disappear—for good.

This isn’t just any family feud. Tommy is the nephew of Patrick Donlan, the leader of a tight-knit gang of criminals known for their violence, ruthlessness, and big scores. After getting pinched in a federal sting, Tommy was given a lethal ultimatum: testify against his uncle or do hard time. His choice made him a target—one that Witness Protection hasn’t been able to keep safe.

After Marty orchestrates Tommy’s disappearance, he figures his work is done. But when he discovers there’ll be blood on his hands if he doesn’t track Tommy down, he realizes the ordeal has only just begun.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Crime

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2018

About the author

I write fantasy, science fiction, horror, thrillers, crime fiction, and contemporary literary fiction with a psychological twist.

I’ve held jobs with the US Postal Service, international non-profit groups, a short stint with the Forest Service in Sitka, Alaska, and time with the globe-spanning Semester at Sea program. Trips to Iceland, Patagonia, and Antarctica added to the creative pot, as well, and I started to put all those experiences to good use about eight years ago--thinking, dreaming, and writing.

Please email me at matt.iden AT matthew-iden.com, Tweet @CrimeRighter, or find me on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/matthew.iden.

The Marty Singer detective series is:
A Reason to Live (Marty Singer #1)
Blueblood (Marty Singer #2)
One Right Thing (Marty Singer #3)
The Spike (Marty Singer #4)
The Wicked Flee (Marty Singer #5)

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

"With that, Schovasa turned and headed back down my walkway, got in the LaSabre and drove off. He never looked back. I waited until he was gone, then retrieved the card. It seemed real enough, which is to say, cheap enough to be government issue. I pocketed it and went inside. It was time to call everyone up and cancel the celebration. We hadn't actually made it a month, after all.".......

We are back for the 6th book in the "Marty Singer" series. This time retired detective Marty Singer is trying to help a father and son. Tommy Dolan and his son Bobby are running from family. Involved deep in the criminal world, and not even witness protection can help them. Can Marty help them disappear before they end up dead?

It was nice to see Marty's relationship moving along with Julie, and his adopted daughter Amanda. Marty needed a family. Being a cop was once all he had. Even though this is book 6, it is a stand alone read.

Helping someone disappear and start over is a little more complicated than you'd imagine, especially if you want to put the bad guys on the wrong trail. The problems really come when things change. What if you have to undo everything you did and now you need to find the people you helped disappear? Maybe you can't trust everyone you thought you could.

I really have enjoyed this series. Marty singer is an older, retired character. It's a comfortable read. Steady pace. Feels familiar, like a "Robert S. Parker" novel. I would definitely recommend this series.

Thank you Matthew Iden, Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer Publishers.

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story! How do you teach someone to disappear? Should you? Who can you trust? This one kept me reading until the wee hours. Iden has his usual terrific, very human, cast of characters and has added a couple more worth attending to. Tommy is particularly interesting. He is not likeable or sympathetic. He holds back the truth. It isn't that he lies, usually, but he does not tell the whole story. He trusts pretty much no one, but he's desperate, so he tries to trust Marty Singer, at least to some extent. Marty tries to help Tommy, even though he isn't sure he should and certainly can barely stand the man. And there are more, but you can read about them yourselves.

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars rounded up

After experimenting with different style of writing for the previous book and short story (using multiple POVs to tell the plot), I was happy that Matthew Iden decided to go back to the 'original' style -- with retired homicide detective, Marty Singer, completely taking the driver's seat: being the only narrator. I loved Marty Singer's dry humor so I wasn't too fond of sharing his voice with other characters.

This book is structured with two parts, the first part was Marty helping Tommy Donlan and his son, Bobby, to disappear. The second part, due to sudden circumstance, Marty had to try finding Tommy again.

I enjoyed the first part! Tommy was that character you could easily dislike but at the same time, his love for his kid felt true, you couldn't help to sympathize for him as well. So I could understand Marty's reaction to Tommy. I loved the secondary character, Amar, who was rocking his skill with discovering people's identity. The first part was pretty good.

The second part, though, was dragging a bit. I didn't really liked the idea of Marty having to find Tommy and his son again, not after everything he had done to help Tommy and Bobby disappeared in the first place. I wasn't fond of the appearance of two characters in the second part either. And that one particular scene where Marty was almost having sexual something with another woman, while he was still in relationship with Julie felt so out of place.

All in all, I loved it better than book #5 but the first half of the book was more engaging rather than the second part.





The book is provided by Thomas & Mercer publishing via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.

[Tulay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good mystery.

Enjoy reading Marty Singer books, colon cancer is in remission but he isn't careful about what he's eating and drinking. But he's very careful about the father and son to disappear and be safe. Many twists and turns, ending made me very happy.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another strong entry in the Marty Singer saga. Other than the slight predictable elements scattered throughout, I had minimal complaints about this one. It has all the goodness that the previous entries have, thrilling chapters that flow nicely and well-written character moments and/or dialogue. I do wish it picked up EXACTLY where the previous entry left off, but that's just a bit of nitpickiness on my part and not a true criticism of the book.

This go around, Marty is summoned by both Amanda and Julie to offer advice and/or aid to a man named Tommy, who had stumbled into Amanda's abuse center with his young son in tow. Tommy is a fugitive, so to speak, though not from the law. Rather, he's fleeing and attempting to hide from his criminal overlord uncle when his Witness Protection detail is compromised. Tommy is skittish and untrustworthy of cops and thus generally uncooperative. At first, Marty is hesitant and leery to get involved in the mess the man has gotten into. But after certain events take place, he softens up to the task, finding it important to help keep Tommy alive. Unfortunately, the task proves more and more challenging as well as complicated.

I have the same sort of praises for this book as I did for the others. Super well-written, particularly all the character interactions (which is consistently my favorite bits from these books). Matthew Iden is developing his main characters well, and I feel genuine care for them. The plot was super engaging and interesting and I was definitely eager to find out how it was all gonna work out. Though as I mentioned before, there were some predictable elements in this story, including the final reveal of the truth of very specific matters. It didn't make it any less fun, but....still. Either way, I'm definitely still loving the heck outta these books.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matthew Iden's writing and storytelling gifts get stronger with each Marty Singer novel. in "Once Was Lost," the twists and turns of the case keep the reader involved and engaged. I found the skiptrace elements fascinating, and they heightened the reality of the story. But I am most taken with the development of the detective throughout the series. Marty Singer's very real humanity is his strongest point. He has become my favorite fictional detective because he is so real, so fallible, so complex, and at the same time intuitive, caring and determined. I look forward to the next installment.

[Tracey M. Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read, superbly delivered......AGAIN!

Each of the Marty Singer books has been equally absorbing. Once I found Matthew Iden's books, I drank hungrily and moved on to the next, rarely coming up for air! Marty Singer is a great character, likeable, smart, funny, and flawed in good and believable ways. The story plots keep you turning the pages and wanting more, as plot twists delight the ready every time. Keep them coming Mr. Iden!

[Mary Manson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb Six Book Series

Just finished all of the 6 books in the Marty Singer series. Wonderful series. I recommend reading them in order. You can read in whatever order you want. But, in my opinion, to get the full effect, read them in order otherwise you will not be able to pick up on the references to prior books in

[Mguhin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needs better editing

This series has interesting plotlines and a few surprises but some glaring mistakes in the writing as well as repetitive predictable turns of phrase. Way too many chairs popping and creaking.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real

As a big fan of detective novels, I really have enjoyed the Marty Singer series. They are real, entirely plausible interesting stories that keep me engaged. Marty has his flaws, which make me like him more. Will be happy to see the next one.

[Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 at least

I enjoyed this and I just like Singer. Smart guy, not brilliant, good hearted and still a bit cynical. A soft heart for people in bad situations but not crazy. This story challenged all those areas and kept it moving pretty well.

[Debra S. Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent read

The misadventures of Marty Singer continues to entertain! I can't wait to see what comes next from his sleuthing crew.

[Kingjames310 · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

kept you guessing what was going to happen next. we need more Marty singer in our lives. cant wait to see what's next

[Shirley Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE the Marty Singer series. I hope there are more to come!

[Dkolacinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now this is a true Marty Singer book, although I figured out the end almost immediately. Lots of twists and turns, lots of Marty as a human, lots of thrills.

[Mary E Kilpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific!

Novel from start to finish was outstanding! Just when you think you have it all figured out, there was a huge twist in the game.

[Myron Post · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting chase. However, the plot was mundane and up to the level of his other books.

[Russ Leavitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the Marty Singer books have been quite enjoyable.

[Sandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://www.facebook.com/Reading.for....
Once Was Lost by Matthew Iden
Publish date 5/31/16
4 out of 5 Stars
Matthew Iden has a keen eye for details and flawless descriptive powers. Marty Singer is a hard-boiled protagonist who is not made of polished steel and slippery glass. He has heart and he has flaws and he is likeable, even in book six of the series.
Once Was Lost is wonderfully written and, like all good books, has a wealth of knowledge delivered in spoons. Do you want to know how to find someone? You need to know how they got lost in the first place. Iden gives us information and misinformation. He peppers the book with loveable and loathable characters and acts of daring do, undo, redo, and done.
My only issue is that I have read a good many mysteries and I can smell the red herring from a mile away, so I solved the mystery before the detective did. That is frustrating. Still, Iden is one to watch.
This reader received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Sherry Pace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read!

Very suspenseful! Kept me reading into the wee hours of the night. I did figure out "who done it" before the reveal but it didn't diminish my enjoyment or satisfaction with the ending. Can't wait to read more about these characters

[Todd Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book, and very well written. I've read a number of books from this sort of Genre, and this book is certainly worth reading. The Characters are interesting, and there are enough twist and turns that will keep you guessing throughout the story. Even though this is book 6 in the series, you could still read it as a stand-alone and still very much enjoy it. This really shows though if you want to disappear it’s definitely not as easy as you may think. Former Detective Marty Singer thought he had done just that with helping Tommy Donlan and his family disappear, and to stop them from being killed. Tommy’s uncle, Patrick Donlan is a criminal with a long reach, and he needs to know what Tommy told the police about him. This is a Thriller definitely worth reading, and I’ll be adding Matthew Iden to my must read list.

[Patricia Tellman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marty a retired homicide cop of thirty years is good at finding people. He has found a new squeeze Julie and an adopted daughter Amanda, to fill his life. He is talked into helping Tommy and young son Bobby to disappear in order to save their lives from his uncle a known leader of a violent criminal gang.

Getting lost can be easier than finding Tommy; things are not always as they seem. In order to protect the pair Marty finds outs the danger has only just begun.

Story keeps moving with just enough danger, thrills, and humor to keep turning the pages. Characters are interesting and believable. Story is tightly woven and not so many characters that it is hard to keep tract and remember who they are and they fit in.

For a fun mystery that reads easily and keeps your interest, pickup Matthew Iden's book Once Was Lost, a Marty Singer mystery.

[Ruth Barrineau-Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marty's back on the case!

Marty Singer is back in Once Was Lost, the sixth in Matt Iden's Marty Singer series. This time the case is unlike any he's had before; instead of searching for someone, he has to make them disappear. Marty uses everything and everyone he knows to do that only to find that nothing is as it seems. His job is far from over, and if he doesn't act quickly, he may lose all he holds dear. Iden has done it again in a fast-paced thriller that will keep you guess until the very end. The Marty Singer series is excellent, and Once Was Lost lives up to the others in this series. I highly recommend it.

[C. Stuchl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once Was Lost (A Marty Singer Mystery, Book 6)
Matthew Iden

Marty Singer gets conned into helping a man on the run from gangsters. He does, and no good deed goes unpunished.
I really liked this book. I received the kindle version so I got to listened to it. Would have been better with a male voice.

It started out fairly straight, then got complicated. The plot took some unpredictable twists and the pace quickened. Sometimes it was hard to tell the good from the bad. I just had to finish it in one day. What once was lost had to be found.
What a rush. I'm not telling you more but if you have read previous Marty Singer Mysteries you will love this one.

[Joan Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story with plots that intertwine, but somehow they don't. The hero may be the cop or may be the victim or may be the other cop or may be all of them. The jist of the story is that a few good people help the bad guy, but he may not really be the bad guy. The book was easy to read, well written and kept me reading so I could get to the end and figure out the end. I finally figured it out about 2 pages before it was resolved. I recommend this book to anyone who likes crime and adventure, mostly adventure and intrigue. I received this book from Goodreads for free.

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONCE WAS LOST

This is the sixth book in the Marty Singer series, and it is wonderful. It's like welcoming an old friend home, although this could be read without having read the others.

Marty against his better judgement helps Tommy Dolan and his son Bobby disappear. Later when he needs to find them he has his work cut out for him. As with all the Marty Singer books, this is laced with humor and unexpected turns. Very good book.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't read the other books in the series, but it was a good read on its own. The pacing was quite slow and there were scenes that were there for the series, not this story on its own. The ending seemed forced. Marty's actions near the end are questionable and not in-line with his character earlier in the book. However, the story was interesting and kept me engaged.

Note: I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Joe Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marty Singer is back

I have read the five earlier books in the Marty Singer series, and they were all 4 or 5 stars. I would rate this at 4-stars. Marty is a retired DC homicide cop who manages to get ensnared in other people's life and death problems. In this entry Marty is asked to help Tommy Donlan and his son disappear from a small-time hood. Marty is doing so when Tommy's presumed dead wife turns up. The cat-and-mouse game begins. Some nice twists along the way.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as a standalone and now I'll look for more from Iden. This is a fairly straightforward plot driven novel with a good central character, which made it a pleasure to read. This is a good one for traveling (or any other time) because you'll find yourself ignoring everything because you're turning pages. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

[Martha Brindley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, despite it being my first read in the series. It is a good book to take on holiday. I liked the character of Marty Singer the retired homicide detective tasked with making Tommy Donlan disappear. A good enough plot and I would read another in the series. Thank you Net Galley for my copy.