Ex Coroner turned Private Investigator Clay takes on a seemingly easy case about money. Ends up in a small town, a lot of twists and turns, small group of people, a ton of suspects. Felt like I was watching the movie wrong turn.

3 to 3.5 stars on this novel.

Just a quick word of "thanks" to both netgalley.com, as well as Ballantine Books/Random House for an advanced reading copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion about it.

I am a big fan of Jonathan Kellerman's Alex Delaware series of psychological thrillers. They have always been a fan-favorite of mine. Likewise, I am becoming a fan of the Clay Edison series that Jonathan (and now with this novel, his son Jesse) has written. The Lost Coast is book #5 in the Clay Edison series. This book can be read as a "stand alone" novel, but it is good to have read the previous novels - mainly to gain an understanding of who Clay Edison is as well as his past. Edison is a former deputy coroner for the San Francisco area, but has recently given that position up to become a private investigator. In this novel, The Lost Coast, we find that Edison has been hired by a client to look into where some funds from the client's recently deceased grandmother is going. As Edison dives into discovering where these funds are going, we find out about a region in the upper coast of California in which seems to be some shadiness - both financially as well as other "secrets" meant not to be discovered.

I enjoyed this novel, but felt it may have tried to do too much. There was a back story of a real estate deception in this region of California (known as Swann's Flat), but then switched to Edison investigating a missing person from the area.

Well-written, and an enjoyable read. Not really a "great" psychological thriller, but interesting.

I received a copy from NetGalley. Part of a series, but easily stands alone. The character development is fantastic and the unique setting, with lack of cell phones, makes for a different sort of modern mystery.

I didn’t realize this story was part of a series which I haven’t read. It wasn’t a problem, I jumped right in and never felt like I’d missed something. In fact, I enjoyed it enough that I’d go back and read the previous in series. The main character is Clay, on his second career as a private investigator, married with young kids. A seemingly simple estate case with a young executor compelled to pursue due diligence couldn’t be more complex. Grandma made unexplained monthly payments for years before her death. Clay agrees to look into the expense and begins pulling threads. The tangled LLC maze leads him to a remote undeveloped area along California’s coast. A resort, a land scam, a slice of heaven? Clay has promised his wife he’ll be safe and not take risks. That oath flies out the window with the first shot. I followed him right down the rabbit hole of discovery to uncover who’s behind this and what’s the endgame. The strange cluster of people living at the Lost Coast are loners, reclusive, searchers, misfits and perhaps unsavory shady criminals. It was an exciting read with vivid landscapes and well drawn characters. The plot was fresh and easy to read. I’m happy to have discover the series.
Random House Ballantine Books provided an Advance Reader Copy via NetGalley of “The Lost Coast” Clay Edison #5, by Jonathan Kellerman and Jesse Kellerman, expected publication 08/06/2024. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.

Clay Edison used to work for the coroner's office, now he's a private investigator after being forced out of the coroner's office. A young man comes to Clay for help. He has been made the executor of his grandmother's estate and he has found some strange issues he needs help with. What Clay finds is decades of a scheme that targets the vulnerable, of which the grandmother was one. He also finds the mysteries of two missing men'; a teenager and an author. They seem to also have something to do with the scheme, somehow, but how...The more Clay digs, the more people try to stop him. But how far will they go...

The actual lost coast of northern California is as beautiful as it is rugged and truly not easy to get to. I enjoyed reading this book about deceit and praying on the vulnerable, especially the elderly, on a land scam. This was a fast paced, easier to read book. Perfect for the summer by the pool. There was not much character development which was okay by me as I was looking at this as a book that did not require much thinking. Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy.

The fifth book in the Clay Edison series by father/son writing team Jonathan and Jesse Kellerman is an excellent addition to this engaging series. Keeping the series fresh by including another private investigator, Regina Klein, just added to the overall enjoyment of the book. I hope she becomes a regular in this series. Although this can be read as a stand alone, I recommend starting with the first book, "Crime Scene", and reading them in order. Highly recommended

Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for an advanced reader copy

In Lost Coast the tale weaves through many lives beginning with a grandmother whose executor has found some regular irregularities in her papers - that sets off a spiral into a place that time seems to have passed by - Swann's Flat. There is a lot of mystery and intrigue - typical Kellerman misdirection. As we get into the story, the original land seems to be forgotten while a search for a missing son is center stage. But, of course, it all wraps up in one large package.

I have read all of Jonathan Kellerman's Alex Delaware books but no books cowritten with his son. This "felt" like Jonathan's voice in the writing style. While I would have preferred more closure on the original thread, this made for a quick read that I just couldn't put down. If you are an Alex Delaware fan, this is the book for you.

I was given this book by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

The Lost Coast by Jonathan Kellerman and his son, Jesse Kellerman, is a taut, full-speed ahead, and nerve wracking thrill ride that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat from the beginning of the book to the end. I have to admit, this is the first book I have read by this duo, and it was a remarkable way to be introduced, with all the twists and turns, you feel as if you're on a roller coaster. The characters are brought to life in such a way, the reader feels as if they are living right alongside them, instead of just reading about them, while the descriptions are so vivid you would think you're watching a movie. I can't wait to read some more books by this remarkable father and son duo!

Ebook/Mystery -Thriller: Definitely five stars. This book had my attention from the jump. Missing money becomes scam becomes missing person becomes stolen property, becomes murder. Lots of snarky dialogue in Clay's first person monologue. Then there's that Clay is stuck out where there's no cell towers. The only thing I didn't like was that all those license plates were explored. I felt there was something there.
Thank you Netgalley for a copy of the ARC.

I've read lots of Kellerman books, but somehow have missed this character series. Definitely different from their other characters and books and take a little to get into the story of this book as you don't know who is who and some really strange characters is emerge out of nowhere. I almost felt like it was a twilight zone story but then again it reminds me of an Agatha Christie who dunnit.
At any rate, it will keep you turning pages and guessing what's next. A nice read but I did not enjoy as much as their other works. I probably should read some of the other books in the series with Clay as the main character.
I was provided an advanced reader copy at my request and was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions expressed are my own. Many thanks to the authors, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.

The latest installment in the Clay Edison series by the prolific father-son writing duo is a gripping and thrilling read. The narrative picks up almost a year after Clay Edison, a former coroner, has been compelled to leave his position at the coroner's bureau. Now reinvented as a private investigator, Edison embarks on a journey that blends mystery, danger, and a deep dive into human nature.

The plot kicks off with a seemingly straightforward fraud case. However, as Edison delves deeper, he uncovers a decades-old scheme preying on the vulnerable. The investigation leads him to a peculiar and isolated town in the remote wilderness of California. The authors masterfully evoke the eerie atmosphere of this secluded community, portraying it as a place where outsiders are unwelcome and secrecy is paramount.

The town's residents are depicted with a sinister edge, their hostility towards Edison palpable. This antagonism builds tension throughout the novel, creating a sense of foreboding that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The community's willingness to go to extreme lengths to protect their secrets adds layers of intrigue and suspense to the narrative.

Clay Edison is a compelling protagonist, characterized by his resilience and sharp investigative skills. His transition from a coroner to a private investigator is seamless, and his determination to uncover the truth, despite the dangers, makes him an admirable and relatable character. The challenges he faces in this insular town test his limits and resourcefulness, adding depth to his character arc.

The writing is taut and immersive, reflecting the seasoned expertise of the authors. The pacing is brisk, with each chapter propelling the story forward and revealing new twists. The father-son team excels at crafting scenes that are vivid and cinematic, making it easy for readers to visualize the unfolding drama. The dialogue is crisp and realistic, contributing to the authenticity of the characters and their interactions.

The novel's exploration of themes such as corruption, vulnerability, and the quest for justice is thought-provoking. The portrayal of a community willing to go to great lengths to protect its own secrets serves as a powerful commentary on the lengths people will go to preserve their way of life, no matter how twisted it may be.

Overall, the latest Clay Edison thriller is a masterful addition to the series. It combines a gripping plot, well-developed characters, and a chilling setting to create a page-turner that will satisfy both new readers and longtime fans of the series. This book is a testament to the authors' ability to craft brilliant, page-turning fiction, as Stephen King aptly puts it. If you're looking for a thrilling mystery with depth and suspense, this novel is not to be missed.

While this story started a little slowly for me, I soon found myself very interested in this odd community.

Truthfully, I’m a little ‘meh’ on real estate thrillers (this seems to be a thing these days), the book soon became truly suspenseful.

I loved our MC and his relationship with his wife – and adored his surprising partner.

Definitely ended up being a good book!

• ARC via Publisher

Whenever I am in the mood for a gripping thriller, *The Lost Coast* by Jonathan and Jesse Kellerman is my go-to. This latest Clay Edison novel, set a year after he left his job as a coroner, sees him as a private investigator embroiled in a decades-old fraud scheme in the remote town of Swann’s Flat, Northern California. The Kellermans excel at transforming a simple real estate investigation into a suspenseful narrative filled with complex, secretive characters and unexpected twists. The eerie setting and intricate plot make it one of their best works, offering a thrilling, binge-worthy experience from start to finish. Fans of the Kellermans and newcomers alike will find this novel deeply satisfying and engaging.

I have read all of the Clay Edison series, and the latest is just as good as the rest. It takes a little bit of time to get going, but the payoff is well worth it in the end. Really enjoyable, honest to the existing characters, and a very quick read. Really loved the introduction of Regina, and hope we get to see her in future installments. Thank you to the publisher and Net galley for this advanced readers copy in exchange for my opinion.

This is the 5th book in the Clay Edison series from Jonathan and Jesse Kellerman but it holds its own as a stand alone novel if you haven’t read the others. A fantastic suspense story full of twists and turns. I love when a book keeps me guessing until the very end. Father and son wrote seamlessly together.

*I received an ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest review.

Of the books I have read by this author duo in the past, I am excited to share my thoughts about this upcoming release. The reason is because I think this is one of the best books they have written that I’ve read to date.

The story is so different from what you see in the mainstream and I love the interwoven detail that makes this plot rife with possibilities. I could see this scheme happening, and most likely it really has.

What was also interesting is the way different characters became his focus while looking for the answers for the immediate issue at hand. But through the research and PI work, more issues popped up, leading the story into another direction, but strangely cumulating around the same location.

While the plot idea seems a bit dry and not overly plausible for a book to be written about, the underlying corruption is full of twists, turns, and details that wrap the reader into a non-stop binge.

The characters are complex and secretive, with a touch of manic behavior hovering below the surface, just enough to keep you off balance. There is some comic relief with a secondary PI joining the ranks. She is great!

The Lost Coast is a dive into the wilds of Northern California and its amazingly unique desolate areas where you do need to watch your back and trust no one.

The Kellerman’s crafted a crime thriller that is a perfect example of taking a simple white-collar crime and exploding it into a story that will grab hold of you from beginning to end.

Well Done!

I requested this book as it is the fifth in the series and I enjoyed the others. This was a bit of disappointment as it did not meet the standards of the first four. While remaining a quick read, it was not as engaging and was more predictable. Hopefully, the next in the series will bounce back.

I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon, Facebook and my nonfiction book review blog.

Good, but kind of falls apart at. the end

I really enjoyed the first 90% or so of this book. But the end was a bit of a letdown. It was still good and I recommend reading it, but I wish there had been something more to finish it - a twist or more action.

It is the story of Clay, a former coroner turned private eye, who goes to a remote part of California to see if there is a scam that is selling people un-buildable property and then charge them exorbitant amounts as regular assessments. A missing young man and mysterious author become plot points. There was a great character, a female PI named Regina, Other than Clay and Regina I really didn't care much about the people. But, most of the book was good. i just went to bed hoping that I could wake to one more chapter.

A grandson discovers he is the executor of his recently deceased grandmother's estate. In reviewing her bank
statements, momthly payments to an unknown entity are discovered. Clay Edison is hired to look into it, revealing
a real estate scam. When he travels to the location of the property, a missing person becomes part of the
investigation. Questionable characters, isolated area and fraud deliver a suspenseful read.
#TheLostCoast #RandomHouse #BallantineBooks #NetGalley