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The Lost Man
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Books of the Month > The Lost Man by Jane Harper - Jan 2022 Australia Theme BOM (starts 16 Jan)

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Audrey Jane | 1815 comments Eldarwen wrote: "I was wondering that, too! Was that why there was a hole at the grave? Is that why Cam forbade his family to touch the painting? Or is a different kind of secret hidden behind that odd patch on the painting, or behind the painting itself?

Sooo many questions!"


Indeed ! I really enjoy these kind of group reads. Reading everyone's theories as we go along is so much fun. And also helpful.

Hope to finish it tonight. Hopefully I don't fall asleep before the end because I need to know ! *fingers crossed*
I have a suspect in my head, I'm going to stick to it and see if I'm right by the end of the book :)


Alisha | 329 comments DQs Day 3
Chapters 15 to 22

10) I think most of us guessed correctly about the Jenna incident. Any guesses as to why she was looking for Cameron after all these years? Thoughts on Xander's reaction to hearing the story compared to the older men?

Could be a number of reasons but I agree with the pregnancy theory.

11) Anyone else get the feeling Cameron is a bit of a wanker? Like a person who wants things so others can't have them, not necessarily because he actually wants them himself. And has a vindictive streak?
Oh yeah. Cameron is not coming out of this thing smelling like roses. That is to be expected when the character in question is (probably) a murder victim.

12) What do you make of Lo's comment at the dinner table? What do you think the secret is? What does Cameron want Ilse's forgiveness for (re: the card Nathan found)?
Oh kids and their mysterious ways. I think possibly Cameron had either lost a lot of money or was stealing money. Lo also said that she didn't finish the drawing because Cameron was mad at Ilse, so maybe he accused her of something and then realized she didn't do it? Or did something to hurt her because he was upset with her like cheating.

13). We are halfway through now. Thoughts on the book? Predictions? Who do you think is involved?
I think everyone is involved. I really don't know how this is going to turn out though.


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Cat (cat_uk) | 10118 comments Mod
DQ Day 2
Chapters 8 - 14

6. The plot thickens! Or not quite so much yet. There is definitely a lot of secretiveness going on however. Xander is keeping his eyes and ears open, and it's maybe helpful that he is more of a city boy because he notices things that Nathan wouldn't have, such as Harry knowing exactly where to go. In and of itself, Nathan may be right, that Harry knows the land like the back of his own hand because he's lived there for many years, and yet. Do you think the man has something to hide? Does Harry know more than he lets on?
Yes,for sure!

7. Why do you think Bub is pissing on his father's grave from time to time? Just because the man wasn't fond of his sons, especially the youngest, and known to be a bit of an ass? Or is there more to it?
I get the impression that "not fond" and "bit of an ass" equates to"beats the hell out of them" so can understand, though also think that paying that much attention to the grave is giving Carl more than his due

8. What do you make of Nathan's history with the community? Most of which is all somehow related to his ex-wife's father, Keith. Nathan broke one of the cardinal rules of the outback but do you think he still deserves to suffer this punishment over a decade later?
Wow, it's harsh. Agreed that not stopping was a bad move, but understandable to a degree. It seems wrong that no-one stepped up to defend Nathan with the background of bad blood. But, the country is exceedingly hostile,so reinforcing the societal norms does make sense...

9. Jenna Moore. Now I do wonder what was going on there. All shall probably be revealed in the next chapter. What do you think happened? She and Cam seemed to have a good time, flirted, kissed, had sex, all seemed well - except for the fact she had a boyfriend whom she cheated on - so what do you think went wrong?
Her boyfriend was unimpressed, so she claimed rape (though to be fair might actually have been rape too, with consensual kisses only)


message 54: by Marie (UK) (last edited Jan 19, 2022 01:11AM) (new) - rated it 2 stars

Marie (UK) (mazza1) | 5951 comments DQ's Day 4
Chapter 23 - 31


14. The author uses current events and memories to weave the narrative for this book. How do you feel this works? Is it something you have seen used in other books?

15. Has anyone any ideas on why Cam was so insistent on not touching the painting? Does it have some sort of clue to what is happening now or what happened in the past?

16. What do you think Ilse was doing at the Stockman's grave?

17. How do you think the boy's father "got it done" with Jenna? Do you think other townspeople knew and were complicit in making it go away?


Eldarwen | 13653 comments Mod
DQ's Day 4
Chapter 23 - 31

14. The author uses current events and memories to weave the narrative for this book. How do you feel this works? Is it something you have seen used in other books?


I've come across this method a few times in the past, yes. Works well in books such as this one.

15. Has anyone any ideas on why Cam was so insistent on not touching the painting? Does it have some sort of clue to what is happening now or what happened in the past?

Something is hidden behind it, I'm practically sure now. Especially after Nathan noticed it wasn't quite straight anymore.

16. What do you think Ilse was doing at the Stockman's grave?

Either getting rid of something or getting something back. And I can't help but think that Ilse was the one to leave Cam in the middle of nowhere to die.

17. How do you think the boy's father "got it done" with Jenna? Do you think other townspeople knew and were complicit in making it go away?

He threw money at the problem and/or threatened them to leave or else. I'm not sure townspeople were complicit but some knew for sure. And I'm pretty certain that's one of the reasons why Keith hated Carl and didn't want his daughter marrying Nathan, fearing that the boys were all bad seeds.


Audrey Jane | 1815 comments DQs Day 5: Chapter 32 - end

1. What a shift! In just a couple of chapters we went from 'solving a murder case' to a 'sleeping with the enemy' type of situation. Judith was right, Cameron is indeed a wanker (I call him Cameron the Gaslighter). Were you expecting these kind of revelations from Katy and Ilse regarding Cameron ? Especially knowing that Cameron tried not to be like his father and was trying his best according to Liz and Ilse. Did you like how the author gave subtle hints throughout the book?

2. Turns out Jenna was a red herring and she's in Bali after all. What do you think about how she handled the situation and her letter to Cam ?

3. What do you think about Nathan's character development/redemption arc for what happened 10 years ago ? Were you satisfied with how his character was handled ?

4. So Liz huh ? How did you like the ending and Nathan's decision to not inform the police?

5. Any final thoughts ? Did you enjoy it enough to try other books by the author? Or books set in the same kind of environment like the outback ?



Eldarwen | 13653 comments Mod
DQs Day 5: Chapter 32 - end

18. What a shift! In just a couple of chapters we went from 'solving a murder case' to a 'sleeping with the enemy' type of situation. Judith was right, Cameron is indeed a wanker (I call him Cameron the Gaslighter). Were you expecting these kind of revelations from Katy and Ilse regarding Cameron ? Especially knowing that Cameron tried not to be like his father and was trying his best according to Liz and Ilse. Did you like how the author gave subtle hints throughout the book?


Yes, loved the hints, and how they all came together. I was wondering about Katy and whether something had been going on with her and Cam (could've been a case of simple cheating at first). And I'm so glad she left Simon without a car in the middle of the outback haha. I was not expecting the extent of abuse Ilse had to suffer, though it was becoming pretty clear that the marriage was not a happy one in the sense that they didn't love each other.

If Cameron tried not to be like his father and this was the result... He didn't do a particularly good job, though he was definitely a LOT better at hiding his awful personality. More charm and more intellect. The characters in the book were certainly right about that bit.

19. Turns out Jenna was a red herring and she's in Bali after all. What do you think about how she handled the situation and her letter to Cam ?

It took her a long time, which was understandable, and while Cam probably would not have cared, I think it was cathartic for her to be able to let go and tell him so.

20. What do you think about Nathan's character development/redemption arc for what happened 10 years ago ? Were you satisfied with how his character was handled ?

He's still a grump, but I like that he is no longer going to hide. He knew then and he knows now that what he did was wrong, but I was actually happy for him that he realised it was time to let go of some of those old grudges, whether his own or other people's.

21. So Liz huh ? How did you like the ending and Nathan's decision to not inform the police?

The mistreated wife. I got that part right, but was wrong about which one of them it was haha. The ending was a bit.. well.. I'm not quite sure how I feel about it. Nathan doesn't forgive her (yet) but I think the benefits of not having the murder be an issue and not bringing more doom upon the family is outweighing everything else. Liz did what she had to to protect the family. From the sounds of it, it would only have been a matter of time anyway until one of the girls was more seriously injured or the wrong person was coerced into sex with Cam. And this way, people think it was suicide, they all still like Cam and not even more blame will be piled on top of the family (after Carl and Nathan...).

22. Any final thoughts ? Did you enjoy it enough to try other books by the author? Or books set in the same kind of environment like the outback ?

As previously mentioned, I enjoyed The Dry and I finally need to read the next book in that series, Force of Nature. I'm definitely looking forward to it. There's just something about this setting... :-)


message 58: by Marie (UK) (last edited Jan 20, 2022 06:34AM) (new) - rated it 2 stars

Marie (UK) (mazza1) | 5951 comments DQs Day 5: Chapter 32 - end

1. What a shift! In just a couple of chapters we went from 'solving a murder case' to a 'sleeping with the enemy' type of situation. Judith was right, Cameron is indeed a wanker (I call him Cameron the Gaslighter). Were you expecting these kind of revelations from Katy and Ilse regarding Cameron ? Especially knowing that Cameron tried not to be like his father and was trying his best according to Liz and Ilse. Did you like how the author gave subtle hints throughout the book?

I wasn't expecting these revelations and I thought the author hid the twists well. I am not sure about the subtle hints because where many of you feel the book is "languid" I was a little frustrated by its pace.

2. Turns out Jenna was a red herring and she's in Bali after all. What do you think about how she handled the situation and her letter to Cam ?

I loved this letter it shows Jenna has moved onwards and upwards

3. What do you think about Nathan's character development/redemption arc for what happened 10 years ago ? Were you satisfied with how his character was handled ?

I would have hoped for more. I am not sure he was showing his son the right way to deal with adversity. Maybe an apology was not enough but he never really sought out ways to relieve the issues

4. So Liz huh ? How did you like the ending and Nathan's decision to not inform the police?

I am glad I wasn't in that situation I can understand his reluctance to inform the police - it is his mum and she has not had an easy life. Part of her motive seems to have been to protect Ilse and her grandchildren

5. Any final thoughts ? Did you enjoy it enough to try other books by the author? Or books set in the same kind of environment like the outback ?

I don't think i will read more by the author. Although I can identify some really good elements in the book It was just too short of pace and - I want to use the word fire but am not sure that is right, tension may be a better word. I don't think reading it has been a waste of my time and I have got something out of it but just not me.


Marie (UK) (mazza1) | 5951 comments I assume, as with the last BOM, the mods are wanting a list of comments etc if we want to record for use in team challenges. These are mine

Days 1 and 2 https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 3 https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

DQ's on Day 4 https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Day 5 https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...


Judith (brownie72011) | 7446 comments Mod
DQ's Day 4
Chapter 23 - 31

14. The author uses current events and memories to weave the narrative for this book. How do you feel this works? Is it something you have seen used in other books?

I think it works well with the story and provides context to current events without there being large info dumps. I've seen it in other books but I feel Harper uses it more effectively than most.

15. Has anyone any ideas on why Cam was so insistent on not touching the painting? Does it have some sort of clue to what is happening now or what happened in the past?
I think it was just pride and another way to force his will and control on the family.

16. What do you think Ilse was doing at the Stockman's grave?
At the time I read it, I didn't really know.

17. How do you think the boy's father "got it done" with Jenna? Do you think other townspeople knew and were complicit in making it go away?
I'm assuming significant threat of violence. I am guessing Carl was a very scary dude when he wanted to be, people like that always are and trigger a reaction from others in the hind brain. I think most of the town just thought drunk girl woke up with regrets and let it go because Cam is such a 'nice guy'.


message 61: by Judith (last edited Jan 20, 2022 07:56AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Judith (brownie72011) | 7446 comments Mod
DQs Day 5: Chapter 32 - end

1. What a shift! In just a couple of chapters we went from 'solving a murder case' to a 'sleeping with the enemy' type of situation. Judith was right, Cameron is indeed a wanker (I call him Cameron the Gaslighter). Were you expecting these kind of revelations from Katy and Ilse regarding Cameron ? Especially knowing that Cameron tried not to be like his father and was trying his best according to Liz and Ilse. Did you like how the author gave subtle hints throughout the book?

I wasn't completely surprised. More about the extent of physical abuse Ilse had than the part with Katy. The Katy situation was foreshadowed well enough with the Jenna story. I enjoyed the slow build, it made the connections seem less abrupt once you made them as a reader.

2. Turns out Jenna was a red herring and she's in Bali after all. What do you think about how she handled the situation and her letter to Cam ?
I thought good for her and I hoped it was healing closure (to the extent that is possible) for her. I think it have nothing to do with Cameron really and all about helping herself make peace with that horrible chapter in her life. I was half afraid there was a secret baby from the rape, so glad it wasn't that for a number of reasons.

3. What do you think about Nathan's character development/redemption arc for what happened 10 years ago ? Were you satisfied with how his character was handled ?
I liked it and was glad he reached out to his ex-wife. It shows that things are never as one sided as they appear sometimes.

4. So Liz huh ? How did you like the ending and Nathan's decision to not inform the police?
I wasn't completely surprised but I was expecting Harry more so than Liz. I'm not sure I'd turn in my mother either.

5. Any final thoughts ? Did you enjoy it enough to try other books by the author? Or books set in the same kind of environment like the outback ?
I've read and enjoyed The Dry and I her others are on my TBR list to get to at some point.


For Tracking

DQ1: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DQ2: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DQ4: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DQ5: this post


Eldarwen | 13653 comments Mod
For tracking purposes:

DQ Day 1
DQ Day 2 written, linked on first page
DQ Day 3
DQ Day 4
DQ Day 5


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Cat (cat_uk) | 10118 comments Mod
DQs Day 3 - Chapters 15 to 22

10) I think most of us guessed correctly about the Jenna incident. Any guesses as to why she was looking for Cameron after all these years? Thoughts on Xander's reaction to hearing the story compared to the older men?

No idea why she's after him, unless it was just a cathartic rant? I think the different reaction speaks to different generation norms plus Xander doesn't know Cam as well, so doesn't have such a deep automatic loyalty.

11) Anyone else get the feeling Cameron is a bit of a wanker? Like a person who wants things so others can't have them, not necessarily because he actually wants them himself. And has a vindictive streak?

I've read on, but yeah, wasn't loving Cameron much even at this point

12) What do you make of Lo's comment at the dinner table? What do you think the secret is? What does Cameron want Ilse's forgiveness for (re: the card Nathan found)?

Read on so I know

13). We are halfway through now. Thoughts on the book? Predictions? Who do you think is involved?

I like it. No predictions though


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Cat (cat_uk) | 10118 comments Mod
DQ's Day 4 - Chapter 23 - 31

14. The author uses current events and memories to weave the narrative for this book. How do you feel this works? Is it something you have seen used in other books?

I like the flashbacks, and how they are done here. The two timelines style of writing was BIG for a bit, with the whole "THEN" and "NOW" chapters. Done well, that can be effective, but this way is more ... intimate ? it keeps us more in the thoughts of Nathan, as he drifts into a memory, than the clearly marked chapters do.

15. Has anyone any ideas on why Cam was so insistent on not touching the painting? Does it have some sort of clue to what is happening now or what happened in the past?

A control thing?

16. What do you think Ilse was doing at the Stockman's grave?

Read on past the reveal of this!

17. How do you think the boy's father "got it done" with Jenna? Do you think other townspeople knew and were complicit in making it go away?

Threats, probably. I doubt money would have come into Carl's mind. The other townspeople knew (Steve knew!) but I don't think they were actively complicit, though I also don't think anyone stepped up to defend / protect Jenna either.


Audrey Jane | 1815 comments I'm glad this book was nominated and won the BOM, I wouldn't have picked it otherwise. Discovered a new author.

Tracking the participation posts:

Day 1: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 2: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 3: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DQs day 5: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...


message 66: by Sophie, The other one (last edited Jan 25, 2022 02:44AM) (new) - rated it 5 stars

Sophie (drsophie) | 5690 comments Mod
Due to starting a new job this week, this is the first time I've had to sit down and answer any questions after listening to this on audio. I've enjoyed reading everyone else's thoughts though.

1. How amazing and hard is the outback. Did you find yourself thinking why do people live in such inhospitable environments? What kind of people choose to live there? Would you visit, let alone live there?

The author does an amazing job as far as I'm concerned about invoking a landscape and way of life that I've never been in close contact with. I have enjoyed living for brief periods of time in places that aren't in towns/cities, but I like the comfort of having neighbours and friends close by and being able to walk to the shops. I'd probably be ok for a visit, but not sure I'd want to stay long, especially somewhere that hot! Remote woods in Canada in the summer more my style.

2. Why do you think Cam left his vehicle? Suicide? Did he take to long searching for something?
While reading, I was wondering if he was making a drug deal or he was being blackmailed about something and the exchange went wrong. Suicide never really crossed my mind.

3. As we are only just beginning to get to know all of the characters and some of their actions and/or behaviours, is there anyone who really stands out to you as questionable or shady? Anyone you particularly like?
They were all quite human to me. All had areas of shade that I was looking forward to finding out more about.

4. Do you think the story of the Stockman is significant to Cam's death?
Not particularly.

5. How are you enjoying the writing style?
I found it engaged my attention right away which was good as it's been a while since a book did that.

6. The plot thickens! Or not quite so much yet. There is definitely a lot of secretiveness going on however. Xander is keeping his eyes and ears open, and it's maybe helpful that he is more of a city boy because he notices things that Nathan wouldn't have, such as Harry knowing exactly where to go. In and of itself, Nathan may be right, that Harry knows the land like the back of his own hand because he's lived there for many years, and yet. Do you think the man has something to hide? Does Harry know more than he lets on?
I think Harry certainly knew something. The way the land is described, you wouldn't have been able to just guess where to turn. I think Xander is looking at everyone without the preconceptions that Nathan has which gives him a fresh perspective.

7. Why do you think Bub is pissing on his father's grave from time to time? Just because the man wasn't fond of his sons, especially the youngest, and know to be a bit of an ass? Or is there more to it?
Under statements about Carl! Somehow I already suspected he was abusive and v unpleasant. There were enough hints in the way he was described and how Nathan thought of him.

8. What do you make of Nathan's history with the community? Most of which is all somehow related to his ex-wife's father, Keith. Nathan broke one of the cardinal rules of the outback but do you think he still deserves to suffer this punishment over a decade later?
The length of punishment strikes me as overkill. There always seemed to be more to it than what we were told.

9. Jenna Moore. Now I do wonder what was going on there. All shall probably be revealed in the next chapter. What do you think happened? She and Cam seemed to have a good time, flirted, kissed, had sex, all seemed well - except for the fact she had a boyfriend whom she cheated on - so what do you think went wrong?
I've finished so not going to speculate.

10) I think most of us guessed correctly about the Jenna incident. Any guesses as to why she was looking for Cameron after all these years? Thoughts on Xander's reaction to hearing the story compared to the older men?
This is a good reminder that consent is context specific! Just because you say yes to kissing, doesn't mean you want things to go further. I think Xander's shows how awareness of consent has changed over time.
As for looking for Cameron now, I'm not sure why she'd look for him now.


11) Anyone else get the feeling Cameron is a bit of a wanker? Like a person who wants things so others can't have them, not necessarily because he actually wants them himself. And has a vindictive streak?
Similar to the statement on Carl earlier, this seems to be an understatement! His actions towards Nathan seem v vindictive and I'm not sure whether he's actually made his separation from the town worse.

12) What do you make of Lo's comment at the dinner table? What do you think the secret is? What does Cameron want Ilse's forgiveness for (re: the card Nathan found)?
Poor Lo - dismissed by everyone. By this point I was going off my Cam and drugs as the cause for death scheme.

13). We are halfway through now. Thoughts on the book? Predictions? Who do you think is involved?

14. The author uses current events and memories to weave the narrative for this book. How do you feel this works? Is it something you have seen used in other books?
I like the way that this works for this book. It's less clunky than a THEN/NOW chapter structure.

15. Has anyone any ideas on why Cam was so insistent on not touching the painting? Does it have some sort of clue to what is happening now or what happened in the past?
I think he was just very touchy about his stuff and people not touching because it was his rather than anything else. I think it might have something to do with his death given the amount that it's been mentioned. Think Chekhov's smoking gun.

16. What do you think Ilse was doing at the Stockman's grave?
This confused me at the time.

17. How do you think the boy's father "got it done" with Jenna? Do you think other townspeople knew and were complicit in making it go away?
He intimidated Jenna and the boyfriend as he recognises that Cam probably did do it. I think Jacqui and her dad knew which is why they weren't keen on Nathan.

1. What a shift! In just a couple of chapters we went from 'solving a murder case' to a 'sleeping with the enemy' type of situation. Judith was right, Cameron is indeed a wanker (I call him Cameron the Gaslighter). Were you expecting these kind of revelations from Katy and Ilse regarding Cameron ? Especially knowing that Cameron tried not to be like his father and was trying his best according to Liz and Ilse. Did you like how the author gave subtle hints throughout the book?
I think the change in view of Cameron came slowly through the book which meant it wasn't a shock given all the hints.

2. Turns out Jenna was a red herring and she's in Bali after all. What do you think about how she handled the situation and her letter to Cam ?
Checking he still leaves there makes some sense, but it seemed like an odd thing.

3. What do you think about Nathan's character development/redemption arc for what happened 10 years ago ? Were you satisfied with how his character was handled ?
I like it. His growth over the book was realistic and seemed to be based on things that had happened over his life.

4. So Liz huh ? How did you like the ending and Nathan's decision to not inform the police?
Slightly surprised by this. Thought it might have been Ilse or Harry. Liz obviously had enough and probably this came from her trauma from Carl and not protecting her children.

5. Any final thoughts ? Did you enjoy it enough to try other books by the author? Or books set in the same kind of environment like the outback ?
I like it. I've added another by her to my tbr.


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Cat (cat_uk) | 10118 comments Mod
DQs Day 5: Chapter 32 - end

18. What a shift! In just a couple of chapters we went from 'solving a murder case' to a 'sleeping with the enemy' type of situation. Judith was right, Cameron is indeed a wanker (I call him Cameron the Gaslighter). Were you expecting these kind of revelations from Katy and Ilse regarding Cameron ? Especially knowing that Cameron tried not to be like his father and was trying his best according to Liz and Ilse. Did you like how the author gave subtle hints throughout the book?

I did like the hints, and was expecting something like that. I dislike that the apparent trigger for his increasing violence towards Ilse and his daughters was Jenna's phone call though. Yes, I know he'd been a controlling a-hole throughout his life, but it seemed to escalate at that point.
And Liz and Ilse don't get to be the best judges of whether he was trying his best!

19. Turns out Jenna was a red herring and she's in Bali after all. What do you think about how she handled the situation and her letter to Cam ?

I don't really see why she tried to ring him. I can see the idea of writing the letter as cathartic release, but speaking to him isn't going to be the same, as he'd want to answer back? And the point isn't so much whether he'd accept the forgiveness as her need to say/write those words, so it didn't even matter if he never got the letter - so ringing to check if he were still there is unnecessary too?

20. What do you think about Nathan's character development/redemption arc for what happened 10 years ago ? Were you satisfied with how his character was handled ?

I liked Nathan. He made some bad choices but was still willing to try.

21. So Liz huh ? How did you like the ending and Nathan's decision to not inform the police?

I think it's lucky that everyone felt able to talk truthfully about Cameron after the funeral to vent those emotions, otherwise another cover-up would just be perpetuating the lies and be unhealthy.


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