I’m going to complain again today about the categorization of novels. Don’t get me wrong. I loved Jane Harper’s The Lost Man. She brings the Australian outback, with its heat and dirt and isolation, to life. But, a thriller? I wouldn’t call it a thriller at all. I was fascinated by the family dynamics, though. And, I appreciate a title that has a double meaning. Is Nathan Bright the focus of the story? Is he the lost man? Is it his brother, Cameron, who is found dead before the story begins? Although I take it Nathan was lost, because the story focuses on him and his feelings, I could be persuaded otherwise.
It’s just before Christmas, and Nathan’s son, Xander, is visiting for the holiday. They were going to spend the holiday at the family ranch, but after Nathan’s brother, Cameron, is found dead a distance from their Queensland, Australia home, Nathan and Xander arrive early. Cameron had set out to meet the youngest brother, Bub, to work on ranch equipment. He never showed up. Instead, he was found stranded, dead from exposure to the hot weather and deserted country. What was Cameron doing out there all by himself?
It’s a mystery that Nathan slowly unwinds, torturing himself as he searches for answers to Cameron’s death, and to what went wrong with Nathan’s own life. He’s divorced; has a troubled custody arrangement with his ex-wife, and misses Xander. He’s also an outcast in the small nearby town, and, as much as he wanted forgiveness for his past, he can’t forgive people around him. He had a rough upbringing, and he’s still haunted by those memories. Now, Nathan is worried that his nieces will be haunted by their father’s death.
The Lost Man is actually a story of an isolated family with troubles partially caused by that isolation on a cattle ranch in the outback. But, there’s so much more to the story, a depth and a puzzle and a search for answers. The story unfolds so gradually, with so much complexity, that to say more about the story itself might reveal too much. It’s a fascinating, atmospheric story. And, Jane Harper deserves all the praise she’s received for her writing. However, a thriller? No. The Lost Man is not a thriller. It’s a powerful story of fear and power and family dynamics.
Jane Harper’s website is www.JaneHarper.com.au
The Lost Man by Jane Harper. Flatiron Books, 2019. ISBN 9781250105684 (hardcover), 340p.
*****
FTC Full Disclosure – Library book
It's true. Not a thriller to my mind, either. I loved her first book and liked the second a lot, but this one is very different. I had to return it to the library but will get it again, though it was not what I expected. I know people who consider it her best so far, so will give it another chance.
I haven't read her earlier books, although I want to, Jeff. But, I thought this one was excellent. The character of Nathan grabbed me. I read for character, so that helped. Plus, I'm planning to go to Australia in May, so there are a few books I want to read before then, including at least one of Sulari Gentill's. And, she's going to be at Bouchercon this year, along with 3 other Australian authors. They received a grant to do a book tour here.
I too adored this book, and would agree with you that it's not really a thriller. A mystery, yes, you could categorize it as that, but not a thriller. Mind you, it's certainly as gripping as any thriller I've read for a long while.
Her first two novels are both splendid too. A very special author, I feel.
Don't know Gentill at all until you mentioned her. I know Dervla McTiernan is now living in Australia, though her books are set in Galway. I envy you your trip Down Under, though I'm not sure I want to take sure a long trip these days.
I really need to read her earlier books, noirencyclopedia. It was a gripping book. I didn't want to put it down, although I had deadlines for several others.
It is a long trip, Jeff, and I'm not looking forward to that aspect. But, if others can do, so can I! There's another author I need to read, Dervia McTiernan. So many of them that I wish I had time to read.
I agree not a thriller. It slowly unfolded and revealed the family dynamics. Very, very good. In fact my favorite of books she has written.
Good to know, DJ! Thank you. I did like the way the book slowly unfolded.
Nothing more disappointing than a "thriller" that doesn't thrill or a horror novel that doesn't horrify. I've been mislead that way a few times, and I always find it irritating – even though some of the books that were mislabeled turned out to be pretty good books, just not what I was in the mood for reading.
And, because I'm not much of a thriller reader, Sam, I was "thrilled" to find this book was just perfect for me. But, you're so right. I'd rather we just called it "crime fiction" as the British do, and we could find the books that fit our current mood.
We've got this book scheduled for next spring in our mystery group. We read Jane Harper's first book a couple of years ago. I knew it was a standalone and not necessarily an ordinary mystery, but your review and description makes me think of William Kent Krueger's ORDINARY GRACE. Not that the stories are alike, but a book by a writer that is known for mysteries that isn't exactly a mystery. I think it will go over well. And let me encourage you to read Jane Harper's other books as well and Dervla McTiernan's books. Sooooo good.
Thank you, Kay! I have Dervia McTiernan's first book at home, and Jane Harper's on a want to read list. You're right, not exactly a mystery, but works as one. And, I think you're going to like Allen Esken's Nov. release, Nothing More Dangerous. That's one that I do compare to Ordinary Grace. It's the best book I read this year.