The Lost Victim, the latest book in the series featuring private detectives Kate Marshall and Tristan Harper, sees them commissioned by a creative agency to investigate the cold case of a schoolgirl who went missing in London in 1988. The big complication for Kate is that there are rumours that the Nine Elms Cannibal, Peter Conway, may have been involved. Although this book could be enjoyed as a standalone story, I think this is the one in the series so far that would benefit most from knowing about the history between Kate and Peter Conway, and is best enjoyed as part of the series.
I always enjoy the books in this series; Kate and Tristan make a very sympathetic and likeable pairing, and as with the others I have read, this is well plotted, suspenseful and took me no time at all to read as I was quickly engrossed. I was in two minds about Peter Conway being brought back again, and would like to read many more future books with Kate and Tristan where they get to solve cases not related to Kate's previous trauma.
I would enjoy seeing these two characters set free from the past in future books. In particular, since Tristan came out as gay a couple of books ago, he seems to have settled into being Kate's sidekick and otherwise living like a monk. It would be good to see him have more of a life than just constantly being harangued by his sister, and I hope his friend Ade has made it back from his travels by the time the next book comes out.
This is a very well-written crime thriller though, and I enjoyed the contrasting descriptions of London then and now, creating a real sense of the atmosphere and social history to the case. There was one mystery left unsolved at the end of the book and, while it wasn't a central one, some resolution would have helped give the novel more closure. I'm looking forward to hearing what comes next for Kate and Tristan.

This is book number five in the Kate Marshall private investigator series and although it can be read as a stand alone I recommend reading the previous four books for the back story.
Kate and Tristan are asked to investigate a cold case from thirty years previous when schoolgirl Janey Macklin disappeared and her body was never found. Is she another victim of the Nine Elms killer Peter Conway?
This is another riveting and entertaining read that revisits previous characters and keeps you guessing through out. I am a big fan of Robert Bryndza and I am already looking forward to his next book.

Copy received via Netgalley/Raven Street Publishing/Robert Bryndza for an honest review
Wow... just, wow! This is the best Kate Marshall book yet. It is absolutely brilliant.

A cold case from 30 years ago has her wrapped up again in the life of serial killer Peter Conway - when all she has ever wanted was to have her links to him disappear. I liked that we got to go back to him though.

This blended past and present so well. It goes into the world of forensics and how much things have changed since the 80s.

Bryndza is a master a of theory driven stories. There is so many ways this story could have gone, the twists and turns in the array of characters that keep the readers eyes locked on the pages, eager to turn the next page.

And I found myself a lot more emotional than the other books in the series. What Bryndza makes Kate go through in this installment is heartbreaking really, and she has the strenght of an ox to get through it all in my opinion.

I liked the character development throughout the series, absolutely adore Kate, Tristan and Jake and where they are now compared to the first book.

This is a series that I will keep on reading until Bryndza says "enough!". I look forward to seeing what Kate and Tristan tackle next

Copy received via Netgalley/Raven Street Publishing/Robert Bryndza for an honest review
Wow... just, wow! This is the best Kate Marshall book yet. It is absolutely brilliant.

A cold case from 30 years ago has her wrapped up again in the life of serial killer Peter Conway - when all she has ever wanted was to have her links to him disappear. I liked that we got to go back to him though.

This blended past and present so well. It goes into the world of forensics and how much things have changed since the 80s.

Bryndza is a master a of theory driven stories. There is so many ways this story could have gone, the twists and turns in the array of characters that keep the readers eyes locked on the pages, eager to turn the next page.

And I found myself a lot more emotional than the other books in the series. What Bryndza makes Kate go through in this installment is heartbreaking really, and she has the strenght of an ox to get through it all in my opinion.

I liked the character development throughout the series, absolutely adore Kate, Tristan and Jake and where they are now compared to the first book.

This is a series that I will keep on reading until Bryndza says "enough!". I look forward to seeing what Kate and Tristan tackle next

This was a fast paced mystery, with lots of lies and suspects.
When Kate and Triston are given a job to investigate the cold case of a missing girl, they had no idea how many different directions their investigation was going to take them. Kate must revisit her past, in order to connect the dots of this case, thinking of events she has spent years trying to put behind her.
I love the characters, all the moving pieces that slowly come together, and the conclusion. Highly recommend.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley and Raven Street Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Kate Marshall and Tristan are contacted by two women who want to hire them to find the murderer of Janey, who was a child that went missing back in the late 80's in London. They want to do a podcast once the body and murderer are found and will pay a heft sum as well as put Kate and Tristan up in a flat in London.

This author is a must read for me. I love this series and the Erika Foster series. I love Kate and Tristan and I am always excited to read a new installment. This one was good as usual, but not the best entry in the series. I found myself confusing the various men that had been involved the night Janey disappeared, which was really my major problem with the novel. Regardless, I enjoyed it for the investigation procedure and the advancement of Kate's story. I look forward to the next case.

Two private detectives are approached to investigate a cold case of a missing child. Kate, an ex policewoman, has a personal interest in the case and a close traumatic family connection, something she has spent some considerable time trying to overcome and forget. A murky trail leading to the depravity of Kings Cross during the late 80s unearthed a complex series of events and obscure facts. Personal tragedy from a harrowing experience complicated by devious unsavoury potential suspects drive the mystery in many directions until skilled and accomplished detective work unearths a long hidden conspiracy driving the intriguing mystery towards a hugely satisfying conclusion . Many thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for this hugely enjoyable enigma.

I must start by first thanking both NetGalley as well as the publisher, Raven Street Publishers, for my eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Consistent thriller mysteries. Robert Bryndza always builds on his strong characters to produce some of the best reads out there!

Once again, just brilliant!! I am a huge fan of Robert Bryndza crime books and this latest installment in the Kate Marshall series is an absolute belter. I could not put it down. I love Kate and Tristan and look forward to more books with them solving cold cases for many years to come. Reading the author notes and the possibility of a Kate and Erika case has me very excited for the future!!

I loved that this book went back to the beginning with Peter Conway, the Nine Elms Cannibal. Kate and Tristan are approached by a media agency who are interested in a true crime podcast, and believe they have found another victim of this serial killers. As they investigate, they find so much more than they expected, and Kate has to deal with her very personal relationship to Peter Conway.

This was such a clever and interesting case, with plenty of twists along the way.

Thanks so much to Raven Street Publishing for my advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on July 11th.

Police detective turned private investigator Kate Marshall makes her fifth appearance here, and I'm happy to say I've followed her from the start. That said, this book stands alone well (although as always, I'll advise starting any series from the beginning, which in this case is "Nine Elms"). I'm even happier to say I've enjoyed every single one.

Just as Kate and her agency partner, Tristan Harper, are wondering where the money will come from to pay the bills, Kate is contacted by an agency wanting help with a true crime podcast focusing on Janey Macklin, a young school girl who went missing three decades ago from a not-so-nice part of London. The would-be producer chose Kate because of her investigative skills, of course, but also because of the suspicion that the so-called Nine Elms Cannibal serial killer (one who made Hannibal Lecter look like a saint) might have had an appetite for Janey as well. More to the point, Peter Conway is in jail for other similar crimes and in failing health, but he and Kate have a history that produced their now-grown son, Jake. She, in fact, is the one who discovered his deadly secret and is responsible for his arrest and conviction.

Kate wants nothing to do with Peter, understandably, and while Jake is a bit more accepting of his father, he feels much the same. But the podcast producer can put her and Tristan up in a place she owns near the place at which Janey disappeared, and then there are those bills to consider. So, Kate reluctantly agrees to take a look - and what she sees isn't pretty. Fairly early on, several suspects are identified, but proof remains elusive.

By all accounts, though, Peter may well have known Janey - and even if he didn't do the deed, it's quite likely he knows who did. And that means Kate will have to do something she's refused to even think about since Peter went to prison. After that, it's following leads and patching together clues that lead to a really grand finale and open a path to the next adventure. I'll definitely be ready when it arrives - and meantime I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this one. Good job!

Another brilliant book by Robert Bryndza! I love this series, but I think enough background is given that it could be read as a standalone. The characters are well written and the plot evolves fast enough that I kept saying 'i'll just read another page' and reached the end (where I admit to having a tear in my eye). I also thought I'd guessed who did it, and I was right, but plenty of twists to keep me wondering. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am impatiently awaiting the next!

I’ve been a fan of Robert Bryndza‘s thrillers ever since I first met detective Erika Foster back in 2016, and I’ve read every single thriller book he has published since. His newest series featuring Kate Marshall has become another favorite, and The Lost Victim is already book number five. With the same PI lead characters and plenty of twists and turns, this sequel ended up being yet another successful detective thriller that was extremely hard to put down. Then again, that is what I’ve come to expect of his books!

One of the things that I love about this series is the fact that the main characters are private detectives, which means a different type of crime investigation that is rather refreshing. Kate Marshall is a former detective of course, and she still has plenty connections as well as having lots of experience solving cases. The fact that she doesn’t have access to police resources means that she has to be creative in her investigations though, and I like what it adds to the plot. The story in The Lost Victim can once again be followed quite easily without reading the previous books, but if you want to have more background of the characters I would advice you to read at least the first book before you start this one. It will give you a better idea as to where the characters stand and why they behave in a certain way… You might find some spoilers if you don't read the books in order though.

I always enjoy spending more time with main characters Kate and Tristan, as I like the dynamics between them on both a personal level and during their investigations. The case in The Lost Victim hits close to home with a possible connection to serial killer Peter Conway... If you have read the previous books, you know how big of an impact Peter has made on Kate's life. The case is a missing person/murder cold case that happened back in 1988, and it's an intriguing one at that. There are quite a few different angles, possible suspects and suspicious behavior, all mixed with a healthy dose of twists and a touch of danger.

I had my suspicions about what happened, but I wasn't able to guess the full truth and that is always a bonus. The writing was just as engaging and addictive as always; there is just something about the way Robert Bryndza writes that makes it impossible to put a book down once you start reading. I literally flew through The Lost Victim! And I'm definitely curious where the series takes us next... If you are looking for a well written and engaging crime thriller series with a refreshing PI angle, I can definitely recommend meeting up with Kate and Tristan.

I'm such a fan of Roberts, and this addition to the Kate Marshall series just helps to cement that fact even more. I read this book in one sitting, I really couldn't put it down.

It has you constantly thinking up your own scenarios for what happened and has you believing one thing and then another. I love the fact that Kate and Tristan are private detectives but integrate enough with the police to make it somewhat fall into my favourite genre. It's a perfect thriller as far as I'm concerned, and I'm excited to see what Robert has in store for us.

Another well written book my Robert Bryndza. This book takes Kate back to London in solving a missing persons case that turned into a cold case. Kate has to face some issues in this book, Kate and Tristan is as always a formidable pair in solving crimes. Whenever I get my hands on a Robert Bryndza book I always find it hard to put down. I really enjoyed reading The Lost Victim and look forward to the next installment in the Kate Marshall saga.
I would recommend this book to all lovers of detective novels, a must read.

Book 5 in this very good series featuring PI Kate Marshall and it's another super read from the author. Kate is investigating a cold case, the disappearance of a young girl, when an unexpected turn of events brings her back into contact with Peter Conway who is the father of her son. I really like the characterisation and the descriptions, the London setting is brought to life. There are plenty of twist throughout, making this another 5* read from the author. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

My favourite author on the planet Robert Bryndza has done it again! What an entertaining heart in your mouth read The Last Victim turned out to be. In case you have read the Kate Marshall series, this is book five. Yes, you can read it as a standalone, but I would urge you to read the books in order just because they are all so good. The Lost Victim adds a stellar addition to this unmissable series. As always, Robert Bryndza writes with razor-sharp precision, authentic narrative, great characterisation, and a fascinating plot.

Kate’s past comes back to haunt her when Peter Conway The Nine Elms killer’s name is linked to the cold case of School girl Janey Macklin who vanished in 1988. Kate and her partner Tristan are hired to investigate the case. It’s clear from the opening chapter that Janey’s disappearance is unlikely to have a happy ending. I found this added to the tension tenfold as I raced to the story’s conclusion, hoping for a positive conclusion.

Kate and Tristan are intricate and engaging as the crimes they unravel. They are both interesting characters with strengths and weaknesses. With no body, little evidence, and unreliable witnesses, there’s little to go on. But Kate and Tristan are determined to solve the case. Throughout the complex plot, they meet various witnesses. All of them appear to be hiding something with their half truths and lies. With well hidden clues peppered throughout and just as many red herrings, The Last Victim is one that I will guarantee will keep you guessing.

What I particularly like about this series is how original each book has been. The author thankfully has a very vivid imagination, and each story offers something unique, which is why Robert Bryndza continues to be one of my all-time favourite authors. The Last Victim is dark, disturbing and most definitely a gripping read. Highly recommended.

The Lost Victim is the fifth of Robert Bryndza's series of stories about Kate and Tristan and their private detective agency. In this book they are asked to investigate a cold case from 1988 in London's Kings Cross with a view to making a podcast. They soon suspect she may have been another victim of Kate's nemesis and erstwhile lover Peter Conway as this was his hunting ground as the Nine Elms Cannibal. They spend most of the book travelling up and down from the South West to London and Wakefield but the pace of the book doesn't suffer and the twists come thick and fast. I always enjoy Robert Bryndza's books and this was no exception. The story was fresh and interesting. The characters realistic and relatable. Another winner I'm happy to recommend. Can't wait for Kate and Tristan's next outing.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

Kate Marshall and her partner, Tristan are back in the addictive, riveting, and thrilling fifth book in the Kate Marshall series!!! Kate's son, Jake also has a part to play in The Lost Victim. I was so happy when I saw Bryndza had a new book in this wonderful series coming out and this book did not disappoint! The past and present collide as Kate and Tristan are hired by a true crime podcaster to investigate a cold case in which Peter Conway, the Nine Elms Cannibal is a possible suspect. This brings back an avalanche of feelings, emotions, and press as Peter Conway is Kate’s ex-boyfriend and partner and Jake's biological father. Talk about having a lot to deal with. Whew! I could not help but feel for Kate during this book.

As Kate and Tristan begin their investigation, they find they are up against time, aging suspects, secret after secret, and those with things to hide. I enjoyed the mounting tension, suspense, and danger that grew as the book progressed. Plus, this book evokes emotion as readers watch both Kate and Jake reunite, cope with having Peter Conway back in their lives.

Bryndza never disappoints and has a knack for writing book series where each book in the series can be read as a stand-alone. He is also a gifted author who has me on the edge of my seat, turning the pages at warp speed, while trying to do my own super sleuthing to determine whodunit! I also enjoyed spending time again with Kate and Tristan. Both are likeable characters who have a wonderful working relationship and lovely supportive friendship. Their banter and interactions have been a joy to read as has been their character's development over the course of this series. I can't wait to read what comes next for them!

If you have not read a book by Robert Bryndza, you are seriously missing out. His books are brilliant, wonderfully written, well thought out, and feature strong female characters.

Gripping, well written, well thought out, shocking, and suspenseful.

This is the 5th book in the Kate Marshall series and it’s an absolute belter of a 5 star read. Due to some personal issues I have been struggling with my concentration when reading but this was just the book I needed to pull me right out of my reading slump and get me back on track and a massive thank you to Robert Bryndza for that and long may this series continue.
As with all the previous books the writing was perfection and with a gripping plot line that kept me guessing till the very end this was murder/mystery writing at its very best in my opinion. I love the characters of Kate and Tristan and their backstory also and am really looking forward to what is next in store for them both.
So all in all I cannot fault this book it has everything I love in a read, superb storytelling, wonderful characters and a book I couldn’t put down what more can you ask for…. Well the next book please Mr Bryndza!!
My thanks to NetGalley and Raven Street Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Kate has become a favorite protagonist since I first discovered her in Nine Elms. She’s no longer a detective in London, she and partner Tristan have set up a private detective agency in a small seaside village. She has experienced many personal traumatic events, the most life changing involves her son, Jake, and serial killer Peter Conway. Her demons are mostly kept at bay but a new opportunity could dredge up the past.
Kate and Tristan have to decide whether to accept an offer to participate in research for a possible podcast by a creative agency that involves a cold case. Janey disappeared, her body never found, however a suspect was convicted for her murder. He was later released. Taking the case would help pay for mounting expenses for their business. As they proceed new developments raise questions and involve incarcerated inmates. The more they study previous police investigations and interview those involved, the more confusing the facts become. They ruffle feathers and stir up raw emotions. Can they find Janey once and for all or should they heed warnings to leave it alone? Did the cops get it right the first time or is there more to be uncovered? I sped through the pages to get the answers. There were many surprising turns in the case and it had me hooked til the end.
An Advance Reader Copy of “The Lost Victim” Private Investigator Kate Marshall #5, by Robert Bryndza, Raven Street Publishing, anticipated publication 07/11/2024, was provided by NetGalley. These honest thoughts and opinions are given voluntarily without compensation and are all my own.