Title:Lost Among the Living
Author:Simone St. James
Narrator:Justine Eyre
Published:April 2016, Blackstone Audio / NAL
Length:10 hours 23 minutes / 336 pages
Source:Personal copy via Audible / Netgalley
England, 1921. Three
years after her husband, Alex, disappeared, shot down over Germany, Jo
Manders still mourns his loss. Working as a paid companion to Alex’s
wealthy, condescending aunt, Dottie Forsyth, Jo travels to the family’s
estate in the Sussex countryside. But there is much she never knew about
her husband’s origins…and the revelation of a mysterious death in the
Forsyths’ past is just the beginning…All is not well at Wych Elm
House. Dottie’s husband is distant, and her son was grievously injured
in the war. Footsteps follow Jo down empty halls, and items in her
bedroom are eerily rearranged. The locals say the family is cursed, and
that a ghost in the woods has never rested. And when Jo discovers her
husband’s darkest secrets, she wonders if she ever really knew him.
Isolated in a place of deception and grief, she must find the truth or
lose herself forever.And then a familiar stranger arrives at Wych Elm House…
My thoughts:This is the first book I’ve read/listened to by Simone St. James, but it definitely won’t be the last. From the very beginning, I found myself captivated by the story and I loved the combination of love story, ghost story and mystery all tied together.
I loved Jo. She takes on the job as assistant to her husband’s Aunt when it is determined that he is presumed dead, and she is left with virtually nothing. After arriving at the family’s country estate, strange things start happening and very slowly the things get a little creepier, secrets start to come out and the suspense ratchets up a notch! And Jo is unwilling to let things go…she is determined to figure things out…I loved that about her!
There are great characters in this book. They are complex and intriguing, leaving you wanting to know more about them. There’s also a haunted house set near a forest…hello atmospheric novel!
This book took me by surprise…I wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did and now I can’t wait to go back and pick up some of Simone St. James’ previous books. Have you read any of her other books? If so, what do you suggest I read next?
Audio thoughts:I loved the audio of this book…it was the first time I’ve listened to Justine Eyre and I thought she did a great job with the voices and the pacing of the story. It added to the tension and suspense quite well.
Hmm must look this one up at Audible. I have listened to Justine Eyre before although don't remember which ones. Like the sound of the plot. Of to check it out!
You sold me on this.
Your review had me picking this one up during the BookOutlet sale. I can't wait to read it!