This compilation of stories of missing hikers on the PCT is downright eerie at times. The searches are harrowing, costly and time consuming and often fruitless. The elements can be scary and the author's experience as a park ranger and nurse provides the suspense and expertise that brings this home. The location, the personalities, and the grief of the searches stand out. perfect for those readers drawn to true crime and nature.

Thank You to NetGalley for the e-ARC.

I loved this book! I was drawn in by the cover and the summary. I love True Crime and this was an interesting angle to approach a story. Andrea Lankford worked as a park ranger with the National Park Service's law enforcement team. She headed many search and rescue missions across the United State. Until one day, she got tired of all the bureaucratic red tape and left. She moved on until years later she comes across the mystery of the three men who have gone missing on the Pacific Crest Trail. Andrea is pulled back in and she tries to find the men and others who have gone missing.

Although there are a lot of names, it is not confusing. It is broken down into various mysteries, but they all connect and fit seamlessly into the storyline. The book is definitely well written and once I started I couldn't put it down. I am hoping she writes another one.

I wanted to love this more than I did!

I will say that I liked the concept of Trail of the Lost and understand what the author, Andrea Lankford is going for.

The more information about missing hikers is a good thing!
Knowing the names and investigations for Kris Fowler, David O'Sullivan and Chris Sylvia is a subject matter that needs more recognition.

I loved the parts in the book that speak about the reality of hiking and the culture behind it.
Especially about the dangers of hiking; not being physically prepared for it, drastically changing weather or terrain, or predators lurking on hiking trails.

I think what I struggled with the most in Trail of the Lost was how poorly organized the book was put together.

I would have rated this higher if Lankford separated the book into each separate case of the missing hiker instead of lumping all three of them together into a hodgepodge of confusion.

It was hard to follow at times.

Missing Hikers of Pacific Crest Trail

Trail of the Lost: The Relentless Search to Bring Home the Missing Hikers of the Pacific Crest Trail by Andrea Lankford is a gripping narrative that delves into the mysterious disappearances of three hikers—Chris Sylvia, David O'Sullivan, and Kris Fowler—along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) between 2015 and 2017. The book not only explores the intense search efforts but also the culture, history, and subculture surrounding the PCT. Lankford, a former law enforcement park ranger, combines her investigative prowess with a deep empathy for the missing hikers and their families.

Trail of the Lost is a compelling read that combines the intrigue of a true crime story with the beauty and danger of wilderness exploration. Lankford's narrative is both informative and emotionally resonant, making it a must-read for fans of true crime, outdoor adventure, and human interest stories. Its strengths lie in its detailed research, empathetic storytelling, and the author's unique perspective. However, the unresolved nature of the cases might leave some readers yearning for closure.

Overall, Trail of the Lost is a powerful testament to human resilience and the enduring mystery of nature

In "Trail of the Lost," Andrea Lankford, a former park ranger and search and rescue expert, takes readers on a gripping and emotional journey as she delves into the mysterious disappearances of three hikers along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Lankford's personal investment in these cases and her relentless pursuit of answers make this book a captivating read.
The author skillfully weaves together the stories of Chris Sylvia, Kris Fowler, and David O'Sullivan, three young men who vanished without a trace while hiking the PCT. Lankford's meticulous research and her collaboration with a team of amateur sleuths paint a vivid picture of the challenges and obstacles faced in these types of investigations.
One of the book's strengths lies in Lankford's ability to humanize the missing hikers, giving readers a deeper understanding of their lives, motivations, and the impact their disappearances have had on their loved ones. The author's compassion and empathy shine through as she navigates the complex web of clues, theories, and the frustrations of the search efforts.
The book also serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the inherent dangers and unpredictability of the wilderness, even for experienced hikers. Lankford's insights into the challenges faced by search and rescue teams, the limitations of technology, and the harsh realities of the PCT provide valuable information for anyone considering long-distance hiking.
"Trail of the Lost" is not just a true crime narrative; it is a testament to the resilience and determination of the families and communities affected by these tragic events. Lankford's book serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preparedness, communication, and the power of community in the face of such overwhelming adversity.
Overall, "Trail of the Lost" is a must-read for fans of true crime, outdoor adventure, and stories of human perseverance. Lankford's meticulous research, empathetic storytelling, and unwavering commitment to finding answers make this book a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the dark side of the wilderness.

This book read like a very purposive podcast. It feel interesting but also human and showed the family and emotions of a missing person. Overall, I think the author did a lovely job of telling the story but also honoring the lost.

The inclusion of maps, Facebook posts, missing posters, and photos added to the experience.

DNF @ 41%. While I’m interested in the basic idea of this book - the search for missing hikers of the PCT - I found this book mostly tedious and vaguely boring. There were fascinating details about hiking life, but I feel this needed to be better edited to make it more cohesive.

Liked it a lot. I really want to hike the trail now. Made me want to get outside. Will buy for my personal library.

Trail of the Lost by Andrea Lankford is a gripping non-fiction book focusing on the disappearances of three Pacific Crest Trail hikers between the years of 2015 - 2017. As someone who loves to hike my local state park and national park trails, listener of true crime, and someone fascinated with missing persons and search and rescue stories, this book was an immediate yes for me.

Written by former National Park Service ranger Andrea Lankford, she brings her wilderness search and rescue expertise to the story as she tries to find these three men who have disappear without a trace. I loved the beginning where Ms. Lankford describes her credentials and experience working as a law enforcement agent with the NPS. I think I will have to go back and read her book Ranger Confidential to get a deeper look at her work before leaving the force. After the background info about her life, the history of the trail, and explanations of the thousands of thru-hikers that attempt the 2,650 mile trail, we get into the gripping and frustrating story of the amateur sleuths that are determined to find answers to what has happened to three specific hikers. I think that true-crime lovers, podcast listeners, and those that love hiking/the outdoors will really enjoy this book.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book in exchage for my honest thoughts.

A story about three lost hikers. First, the author goes into the history of the trial and how it came to be and also into the disappearances that have been happening in recent years. Also, drug activity which also has led to more problems and disappearances. I will say I lot has changed since I went backpacking on parts of the trail in the seventies. Here the story picks up with a Park Service Ranger Andrea Lankford, who she is looking for, and into the disappearance of the three hikers. A made-for podcast nowadays this is a sad story about everything in general. Well written.

Trail of the Lost is an account of former National Park Service Ranger Andrea Lankford and her search for three lost hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail who disappeared without a trace. Exceptionally well written, this book will appeal to true crime fans and people who are into nature stories.

Trail of the Lost by Andrea Lankford is a well-researched and well-written book about the history of the Pacific Coast Trail (PCT), the individuals who sought to establish it, and three hikers who went missing on it in recent years.

Lankford describes the trail and its dangers, everything from drug dealers to four-leggeds to threatening weather. She tells the reader about what’s necessary to undertake such a hike and how some hikers react to the reality that is not what the Wild experience expected of them. She’s also describes in great detail the missing.

The book echoes real life more than TV in that reality sometimes doesn’t bring you the closure that you’re hoping for while TV always manages to. I did feel a bit of disappointment that the end came without a neatly tied bow, which we so often expect. Why? I wondered. Why did she write a book in which the reader received no closure? Is the trail all of the experience until . . .

I did feel dismayed at the ending but not relating to the book. If that makes sense. I felt more dismayed that we are not yet to a point where people can go missing and we don’t achieve answers. The book is part of a process that oftentimes gives no answers.

A compelling read.

Many thanks to the publisher for a copy.

3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This books tells the story of the author’s drive to find some missing pieces to the story of many who have disappeared while hiking the Pacific Crest trail. I was intrigued by this story and the unfortunate mishaps so many people encountered while adventuring the great unknown. I was excited to learn more about these adventures and the danger that lies within the trial but overall I found the story line very hrad to follow and confusing at times

Fascinating read! I loved this one.

I'm not a hiker, but I can understand the pull of those seeking connection with the natural world. Andrea Lankford did a thorough job with her research about three missing hikers and the search to find out what happened to them. She delves into the culture around the hiking world and doesn't shy away from discussing the terrible accidents that can easily claim a hiker's life.

I try no to give non fiction stories a rating as it isn't up for interpretation. I am a fan of true crime stories, hiking stories, and disappearance stories. This book checked all those boxes. I enjoyed the way the story was told. We really got to feel how it was to search for people in this unforgiving wilderness. I recommend this for sure if you pick up a non-fiction soon

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

I kept getting sad about all the stories of people finding their loved ones dead after ages of searching for them and then realizing that's pretty much the whole point of the book. Lol. So if you're interested in that (and a very tactful exploration of the amazingly resilient people who are looking for folks lost on the PCT... check it out! If that sounds like a bummer to you... it will be.

Trail of the lost is a fascinating account of the search for 3 missing thru-hikers on the PCT. The disappearances are unrelated but become connected through a small devoted group searching for answers, which ultimately led to formation of a charitable foundation to help promote thru-hiker safety, and resources to search for missing hikers on the PCT.

This book was utterly fascinating what yo done people is a fun hobby lies a dark web of possibilities for danger from multiple sources. Mother Nature isn’t the only thing to respect and many more things to fear from those who have intentions to harm others. It really grips you to know that wildlife isn’t the only predatory species hunting in remote areas and even the simplest of mistakes can cause serious injuries or death. And in remote trail like PCT help is not always soon to come. My heart break for those who still search for answers and I learned so much reading this book.

I started section hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2017, so was very aware of some of the stories mentioned in Trail of the Lost. What I didn’t know was the more extensive history of lost PCT hikers and the lengths taken in searching for them. Lankford weaves their stories together and imbues them with strategic consideration and natural emotion. I’m glad that this book was not around for my family to read prior to my hike, but hope that it brings awareness to those still missing.

I would not call this book a true crime genre as so many cases are unsolved or accidents, but any missing person leaving their family in pain and desperate for answers is a true crime.

This book is written by a former law enforcement park ranger and investigator, Andrea Lankford, who crafted her skill of searching for those missing on the Pacific Crest Trail. She shares stories of her searches, the methods used and the many people who brought different skill sets to today's searchers.

There are people who take known risks to climb Mt. Everest and many mountains, who search the deepest depths of the oceans, and who take on the daunting task of hiking the Appalachian Trail (GA to Maine) and the Pacific Crest Trail (Mexico to Canada) every year, putting their life in danger but are determined to reach their goal at all costs. These explorers often achieve their goals but there are also those who don't and many are missing to this day. This book shares the stories of the families searching, their determination to find their loved ones, and the heartache of not finding them year after year.

As one who has hiked in the mountains of CO and knows the risks and fears around you as you also take in the beauty and majesty of creation away from the chaos of life in our cities, I was gripped reading this book. If you are a hiker, particularly of the AT or the PCT, you will relate to this book. I enjoyed learning more about the trail culture and lingo.

My thanks to Net Galley and Hatchette Books for an advanced copy of this e-book.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this book in return for a review based upon my honest opinion.

I thought this was such a good book. This author tells the story of her relentless search for three missing hikers from the Pacific Coast Trail. These three young men,went missing over a three year period, in different areas and I found their backstory interesting, they all started this hike with different intentions and for different reasons. The PCT can be treacherous even if you are a seasoned and experienced hiker.

As someone who loves hiking, I found this book so interesting. Hiking alone is so much more treacherous than hiking with a buddy, but the PCT seems to be a hike of reflection for most, perhaps why most seem to hike it alone. I found myself absorbed in the tale as she and the others that assisted her tried to find ourt what had happedned to these hikers. Andrea Lankford tried to find peace for the families of the missing, to give closure to the story and I am sure the families were grateful.