The Lost Coast by Jonathan Kellerman and Jesse Kellerman

*** Review ***

Whenever I am in the mood for a gripping thriller, I turn to the Kellermans, and The Lost Coast by Jonathan Kellerman and Jesse Kellerman caught my attention immediately. This latest installment in the Clay Edison series promised another dose of the brilliant, page-turning fiction that fans, including myself, have come to expect. The novel picks up almost a year after Clay Edison was forced out of his job at the coroner’s bureau. Now working as a private investigator, Clay finds himself drawn into a decades-old fraud scheme that leads him to the bizarre and remote town of Swann’s Flat in Northern California’s wilderness.

I’ll start by admitting that I’m a super Kellerman fan of Jonathan, Faye, and Jesse. They never disappoint me, and The Lost Coast is no exception. It’s been three years since the last Kellerman/Kellerman Clay Edison thriller, and this fifth installment, though part of a series, reads like a standalone. The book’s timeline places Clay a year out from his previous job, now working independently as a PI. His transition from deputy coroner to private investigator allows for a broader range of adventures, including his latest case involving a fraudulent real estate scheme.

The story kicks off with Clay taking on a real estate investigation that leads him to the fictional town of Swann’s Flat, a small, isolated peninsula in the real Lost Coast area between Rockport and Ferndale in Northern California. This rugged section of land earned its name from the builders of California’s Highway 1, who found the terrain too treacherous for construction and had to reroute inland. The setting itself, with its remote and eerie atmosphere, becomes a character in the story, adding layers of tension and mystery.

Clay is on a mission to uncover who defrauded his client’s late grandmother. When online searches hit a dead end, he ventures to the physical location of her supposed “resort lot.” Swann’s Flat, with its unfriendly residents and unsettling vibe, is far from welcoming. The last larger town with cell service and paved roads has a gas station bulletin board plastered with notices of non-local missing persons, setting the stage for a tense and dangerous investigation.

Kellerman books have always reminded me of watching a favorite police procedural on TV—cozying up on the couch, knowing that while there will be suspense and danger, the lead character is likely to emerge unscathed. The Lost Coast delivers this same comforting yet thrilling experience. It’s another fantastic installment in the Clay Edison series. The plot is different from mainstream crime novels, weaving in details that make the story rich with possibilities and believability. The underlying corruption is full of twists and turns, keeping the reader engaged in a non-stop binge from start to finish.

What stands out in The Lost Coast is the complexity of the characters and the intricacy of the plot. Clay’s investigation uncovers not just the immediate issue of fraud but also leads to connections with missing persons and deeper corruption. The characters he encounters are complex and secretive, with hints of manic behavior that keep both Clay and the reader off balance. The secondary PI who joins Clay adds a touch of comic relief and brings an additional layer of depth to the story.

The Kellermans excel at crafting thrillers that start with seemingly mundane crimes and explode into compelling narratives. The Lost Coast is no different. It’s a dive into the wilds of Northern California, capturing the unique desolation of the area where trust is a scarce commodity, and danger lurks in every shadow. The book is a perfect example of how a simple white-collar crime can spiral into a gripping tale of suspense and intrigue.

Of the books I have read by this author duo, I am excited to share that The Lost Coast is one of the best. The story’s unique plot, combined with the well-crafted characters and the eerie, atmospheric setting, make it a standout in the series. The Kellermans have a knack for creating narratives that are both engaging and thought-provoking, with enough twists and turns to keep any reader on the edge of their seat.

In conclusion, The Lost Coast is a must-read for fans of the Kellermans and anyone who loves a good thriller. The Kellermans have once again delivered a novel that is both entertaining and deeply satisfying. From the very first page, the book grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go until the very end. Here’s to hoping we won’t have to wait too long for the next installment in the Clay Edison series.