The Lost

I have to scratch my head at reviews that call this a mindless beach read or disappointing drivel. Did those people read the same book I did? This wasn't as fast-moving and chockful of mayhem as some of the other books by Ketchum that I've read, but ultimately, it is just as horrifying, if not more so, because we've come to understand and sympathize with his characters, many of whom meet with violent ends.You can't pick up a Jack Ketchum novel and expect light reading. Ketchum specializes in realistic horror and he will not flinch or turn away or cop-out. This doesn't always make his books very easy to read. But if you know what you're getting into and are prepared to hold on for the ride, you'll be subjected to a level of horror that just does not exist elsewhere in the publishing world right now. I'd liken the experience of a Ketchum novel to riding a rollercoaster--once you're strapped in and climbing that first hill, it's too late to do much but go along for the ride.This is a good book--it is slow-moving to begin with, but there's a reason for that, as Ketchum develops and creates a cast of believable, realistic, human characters. We see their motivations and their thoughts/feelings, which makes what happens later on that much more affecting. Regardless of this slow start, I was held riveted to the book and could not stop reading until it was finished. It isn't quite up there in the same league as _The Girl Next Door_ or _Stranglehold_, Ketchum's most appalling books, but it is certainly one of his best novels and deserves to be read. Just be careful and know what it is you're getting yourself into.

Right off the bat, The Lost starts with a bang (pardon the pun). Ray was a nutcase when he was a teenager and blew two girls away that were camping. His two friends, Tim and Jennifer, were sheep when they watched him do it and just stood there with their mouths open. They didn't turn him in. They didn't try to stop him. Nothing. Why did he do it? Just to see how it felt. Four years later, Ray is still just as big of a nutcase. The only difference is that he hasn't killed anyone in those four years since. Tim and Jennifer are still the loyal sheep that follow Ray's every move without question. The police were unable to pin the murders on Ray, but the officers on duty, Charlie and Ed, knew damn well that Ray did it. However, they didn't have the proof the bust him. So, for 4 years, he walked a free man. But four years is a long time and Ray has never had anyone push his buttons to see what he would really do if his temper reached critical mass...until now.The Lost is a fantastic tale told in Ketchum's patented straight-forward way. He captures small town America. The characters are amazingly realistic and feel like you know someone exactly like them. When I say Ray is a nutcase, I mean it. On the surface, to the people that don't really know him, he only seems like a harmless hood. But his evil is constantly simmering under a lid that is barely on and just waiting to go flying off. Those are the scariest kind of monsters. Realistic and unassuming until one day...BLAM! Ketchum does an amazing job ratcheting up the dread until the final act. If you haven't read Ketchum yet, this one isn't a bad one to start off with. Pick it up. You won't be disappointed.4 1/2 Bullets through the Eye out of 5You can also follow my reviews at the following links:[...][...][...]

Though 'The Lost' was listed under horror, its catagory should actually be suspense or thriller.I gave it three stars because the story kept my interest to a degree, but Mr. ketchum repeats events throughout the book, so much so, one feels like speed reading many paragraphs.Also, (especially in the beginning chapters) he uses run on sentences, without commas, whereas I had to reread some sentences 2-3 times before understanding what he meant.I noticed he doesn't capitalize some proper nouns, like jesus chirst, or god, yet, he capitalized Father, which didn't need capitalization. Perhaps he's an athiest who doesn't think these particular names need not be capitlized, but athiest or not, in my opinion this is incorrect in the English language.I like detail, but on page 236 while Ed is preparing a seefood dish for Sally, he actually describes the recepie to a 'T.' If I were a seafood lover I'd just turn to this page and voila, 'dinner served.' That's only one example.I enjoyed reading about the 60's, which brought back memories of things long forgotten. Although his charaters all have mental problems, (drug addiction, depression, nymphomanics, etc) I find this intriguing, which is why i gave it 3 stars.Once again, it's a good thriller, but if you're seeking horror, skip this book.

A four-year-old case that left one girl murdered and the other put into a coma won’t allow Charlie Schilling sleep at night. When the second girl finally dies it's worse than an itch he cannot reach—he can’t let it go.One reason for his obsession, other than the obvious, is the boy (Ray Pye) that his partner at the time (Ed Anderson) and he believe committed the crime, was never charged due to a lack of evidence. Now Schilling’s is going to shake some trees to see what falls out.Will his inquiries unleash the indescribable monster Ray has bottled up inside him? Will that monster spiral out of control? What and who will pay the cost be for intrusion?I can’t say enough about this story. I loved every page as each built suspense and created anticipation as taut as a piano string at the edge of snapping.Jack Ketchum is a master of tales that spark terror in the heart of his readers. He is one of the best writers of horror and suspense.

I am quite new to the work of Jack Ketchum, and I'm sorry I wasn't aware of it sooner!What sets him apart from other horror/crime writers is, I think, the deep sense of empathy and humanity I get from his writing. The cast of characters each gets a little of this -- yes, even the loathsome Ray -- and the writing soars above the average genre writer as a result.I've now resolved to read everything Ketchum wrote...and you should too.

Great read really enjoyed this book and would recommend.

It’s a slow burn of a book that spends a long time developing its characters and their motivations, always with the prologue’s promise of something more sinister to come. And when it comes, it comes viscerally and unrelentingly. A lot of character depth, darkness, and blood. A story that scares you because it’s too real, could happen, could be lurking around the corner. The evil of humanity. The evils of being unable to stand up to evil. Definitely worth the read.

Was a great read he never ends his books predictably which I love and always keeps you in the edge of your seat

I had been told this was a prety poor book and probably not worth reading but I gave it a go anyway as I love Jack Ketchum. This book is way underrated. Its definetaly not his best work but its still an excellent story. Well worth a read. I think that when you write as many legandary books as Ketchum then you write something like the Lost people just expect more but I still recommend this book and would argue with anyone who said it isn't worth reading.