Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an ARC of this book.

This is my 4th Kara Thomas book. I have read The Cheerleaders, That Weekend and Darkest Corners (all of which I really enjoyed). Like the others Lost to Dune road was another 5-star hit for me.

For one- the victim (Amanda- who is a pregnant college student in a coma) is a very sympathetic character and you want to understand and know what happened to her/who caused this to happen. Her mom- Carol- is a total baddie who refuses to stop investigating when the police do not seem to be asking enough or the correct questions.

Our main character is Natalee, who is a blacklisted journalist, turned PI who I very much loved and was invested in. Although caught in a web of danger, she refuses to backdown and keeps investigating.

.....therefore, I obviously thought the characterization in this book was wonderful. Each of these characters (including the suspects) are very well developed and the reader gets a real feel for their mannerisms, quirks and personality. The way Thomas wrote some of these characters does not let on who may be responsible- you will suspect many.

Now to the mystery itself- unfortunately, this tale seems to be one repeated through time, powerful people killing women....so I was very invested in getting to the bottom of what happened to Amanda and why Natalee's career as a journalist went caput. The twists were wild- you think it's one person, then another, then another before you finally realize who is responsible. There is also some good old community corruption in the process.

I spent my days thinking about this book when I wasn't reading and rushing home to continue reading. I will definitely be recommending this book to friends and family, anyone looking for a great mystery, girl power, or a crime novel mirroring some of the problems occurring in the real world. 10/10 fantastic job Kara Thomas!

Disgraced reporter turned private investigator Lee Ellerin is drawn into the mystery surrounding college student Amanda Hartley who is pregnant and comatose. With that, Lee is plummeted back five years, to a different young woman’s unsolved murder that led to the undoing of her career. Lee is determined to find answers to both mysteries. She calls in favours during her investigation, not least from an old flame that she has unresolved feelings for. This could be Lee’s chance at redemption. Or as she closes in on the truth, it could kill her.
Lost to Dune Road is narrated in multiple viewpoints and has dual timelines, which at times affects the pacing and creates confusion. Overall, an enjoyable thriller with appeal for fans of private investigator/journalist protagonists. It could potentially be the start of series too. Trigger warnings include statutory rape and abortion.

Being a huge fan of Kara Thomas' YA novels, I was excited to have the opportunity to read one of her adult thrillers! The storylines fit together perfectly, and this book contains plenty of twists and deep character development that Thomas is well known for. She covers some pretty heavy topics in this one but does so artfully. Some parts of the plot, particularly in the middle, dragged on a bit, but the last few chapters truly gripped me until the end! It's a classic mystery thriller that would make for some great book club conversations - I plan on bringing up this one for future meetings! Thanks so much for the ARC!

So good. Like stupidly good. I thoroughly enjoyed Lost to Dune Road by Kara Thomas, so much so that I wish I could go back in time and feel more excited when I was approved for the ARC.

The story is told through alternating POVs, had exciting twists & turns, and it was absolutely thrilling watching it all unfold. This read like a TV series - dark like The Killing, with tense build-up and high stakes. I'd absolutely have to binge it all at once, and would be so bummed when it was over. Not unlike the way I felt when I finished the book. I wish I read it slower, but it was impossible to put down!

I adored Natalee (Lee) and felt so protective of her. Supporting characters were also likeable, and all in all made me hope it isn't the last time I hear about them (fingers crossed for a series).

I can't recommend this book enough to thriller fans. I don't imagine any being disappointed by the story/characters. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the e-ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This novel had me hooked from the beginning. It's storyline is compelling and the many suspects/villains are so terrible that I longed for justice. The ending was amazing, and I definitely didn't see it coming.

I love the realness of the flawed characters.

Heart pounding thriller that left me on the edge of my seat. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. Definitely one of the best books this year.

Okay, I will admit I wasn’t sold in the first third or so - there were so many people and nobody was trustworthy and Lee was such a hot mess you weren’t even sure if you could trust her.

But hot DIGGITY did this take off in the last half. Twists! Turns! Chaos! Violence! Even more twists and turns!!!!! I was riveted! And then! I was crying, for a situation that was sad but also hopeful (kind of). But wait! The last chapter had me BAWLING. I will never recover. I will also never go to the Hamptons.

That was quite the plot twist! I always enjoy Kara Thomas' books and I enjoyed this one immensely. I would love to read more books about Natalee Ellerin! I found there to be a few plot holes but nothing that deterred from the story.

Closer to 3.5 stars.

I enjoyed the YA thrillers by Kara Thomas (The Cheerleaders & That Weekend), so I was excited to read an adult thriller by her!

I really liked the New York setting, following a private investigator and the plot itself was interesting and I wanted to know how the two storylines would come together.

I think I struggled with the amount of characters and plot lines, that at times I had trouble remembering why parts of the investigation were relevant. I feel the book could be trimmed down just a little, as some chapters were longer than necessary. The pacing was also something that I struggled with, some of the story was super engaging and suspenseful and other parts really dragged and didn’t seem to move the story forward at all.

**Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the Advanced Reader Copy!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC!

I love Kara Thomas. I loved this. It was fast paced, I liked the mystery and that it’s connecting two cases, I liked the characters and even though I usually get confused with a lot of characters, I didn’t in this one.

This was my before bed read and every day I couldn’t wait to go to bed so I could keep reading. This may be my favorite book of hers I’ve read so far!

"Lost to Dune Road" by Kara Thomas is an enthralling narrative that captivates readers from the first page to the last. Thomas weaves a gripping tale of mystery, suspense, and human resilience, set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of Dune Road. The characters are intricately developed, each with their own secrets and flaws, adding depth to the narrative. Thomas's writing style is both evocative and engaging, effortlessly drawing readers into a world filled with twists and turns. The story's unpredictable nature keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the author's skillful storytelling ensures a satisfying and memorable experience. "Lost to Dune Road" is a must-read for anyone seeking a compelling and well-crafted mystery.

It feels strange to say that I enjoyed this, as it covers a lot of potentially upsetting subject matter. (For instance, obvious inspirations for the story include the Long Island Serial Killer.) That said, this was a well-written, engaging book, but something for me was missing.

My first by this author, and I devoured it in one day. Keeps you guessing and eager for more. The characters could use more fleshing out, but the pace was great. The plot was good, even though I don't care for flipping back and forth from present to past.

"Lost to Dune Road" by Kara Thomas is an absolute masterpiece that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. This captivating suspense novel weaves together a compelling narrative of redemption, mystery, and the quest for the truth.

The protagonist, Lee Ellerin, is a disgraced reporter haunted by past mistakes. Kara Thomas skillfully portrays Lee's journey from the depths of public ridicule to the chance at redemption when she becomes entangled in the mysterious case of Amanda Hartley.

Thomas's writing is spellbinding, skillfully building suspense and a sense of impending danger. The intricately woven plot keeps readers guessing at every turn, as Lee dives deep into Amanda's case, uncovering secrets and connections that lead her down a dark and twisted path. The author effortlessly balances moments of tension with well-placed twists that will leave readers breathless.

The characters in "Lost to Dune Road" are vividly drawn, each with their own hidden agenda and motivations. Lee's determination to solve the case, despite the personal risks involved, is admirable, and the reader can't help but cheer her on as she navigates treacherous territory.

Kara Thomas's masterful storytelling transports readers to the opulent streets of Manhattan and the mysterious Hamptons, setting the stage for a tale filled with intrigue and danger. The atmospheric descriptions vividly bring the locations to life, creating an immersive reading experience.

"Lost to Dune Road" is not just a typical suspense novel; it delves into themes of guilt, second chances, and the long-lasting impact of one's actions. It is a testament to the human spirit and the power of redemption, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, we can find the strength to face our past and seek forgiveness.

In conclusion, "Lost to Dune Road" is an absolute must-read for fans of suspense and thrillers. Kara Thomas has crafted an exceptional story that will leave readers captivated until the very last page. Prepare to be enthralled by the intricate plot, richly developed characters, and the unsettling atmosphere. This book deserves every one of its five stars and will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Lost to Dune Road, the gripping and brutally realistic new thriller by Kara Thomas. After Natalee's journalism career is ruined, she is hired as a private investigator and is contacted by the mother of a young pregnant woman who is in a coma after what appears to be a suicide attempt. Amanda's mother is convinced that she was attacked and Natalee is determined to find the truth, especially if she can find a connection between this tragedy and the murder of a young girl years before on Dune Road in the Hamptons.

As a New Yorker, I loved the setting of this book, which traveled from.The heart of the city to the very ends of Long Island and everywhere in between. I was also captivated by the author's ability to make this read as part true crime and part scandalous, over the top suspense.

This being said, I really didn't like the opening page and almost put it down after the first few paragraphs. I'm so glad that I stuck with it and gave Natalee a chance.

This is an excellent mystery where a besmirched journalist who has since become a PI is hired by a mother whose daughter seemingly attempted suicide and is in a coma. The PI has a hunch that the girl's case is somehow linked to another girl who was murdered years ago and she tries to solve both of the girls' stories.

I thought this was well paced, interesting and it kept me reading the whole time. I liked the characters and I liked how the story was more convoluted than I kept imagining. I usually see the twists and there were several here I didn't see coming.

with gratitude to netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

I just finished reading Lost to Dune Road this Thanksgiving. It was juicy enough to fight off the tryptophan haze, and I highly recommend adding to your TBR.

Lee is a disgraced reporter that is now working as a private investigator to make ends meet. Her downfall was accusing an innocent man of a crime that led to his suicide. When her current case intersects with her past case she relentlessly pursues any avenue to find out what happened on Dune Road.

I rate this as a five star read which is rare for me. The plot was interesting, the characters were interesting, there were slight similarities to the true crime LISK case, and I didn't guess who the killer was when 8 times out of 10 I can. This book releases April 2024. Thank you to Netgalley and Kara Thomas for this ARC.

Another incredible thriller by Kara Thomas. The story was fast paced, and enthralling with characters that are easy to love and identify with. The dual POVs and timelines were well done and I found myself excited to be bounced back and forth, trying to put the story together!

This was a good dual perspective novel that was well paced and plotted and kept me engaged throughout. It was a good fast read
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review the book

I was initially drawn to this book because of its gorgeous cover. The content inside ended up being just as impressive. With a likable protagonist and so many secrets, this was a great mystery with zero predictability whatsoever. Some of the topics were tough, and without giving spoilers, I will just say that this book includes talk of pregnancy, abortions and self-harm to those of you who may need that warning. The only, only complaint I have is that there were a little too many characters either involved or mentioned to keep track of, and I found myself trying to remember who was a who a few times. That was not enough to deter me, though, and I promise it won't be for future readers of this either. The mystery was well thought out, intricate, and delivered beautifully. Being my first read from this author, I was impressed. Definitely recommend and give this four solid stars.

Thank you Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for this ARC.