Rock legend Billy Diamond wants to hire Rachael Davies and Ellie Carr of the Locard Institute to find his daughter and convince her to come home. The Locard is a forensic institute that teaches forensic science courses and can be hired to investigate crimes, so looking for someone is not their usual remit. However, Rachel is a fan of Billy’s and he knew her sister Isis, who once told him Rachel was the smartest person she knew, so he is determined they are the people to find his daughter Devon.

Devon is not exactly missing. She left to join a career development retreat in an isolated region of Nevada six months ago with her boyfriend Carlos. But now Carlos’ body has been found in the river near the retreat and Billy has not been able to contact Devon. Ellie agrees to go to the retreat undercover to check up on Devon and tell her that her father would love her to come home.

When Ellie arrives at the retreat she finds Galen, a charismatic leader in charge, with strict rules in place and some dangerous practices. She discovers Devon, well and working as an assistant to Galen but with no phone reception she is unable to contact Billy or Rachel. When Ellie starts to learn other secrets about the ranch and its’ operation, she finds herself in deep trouble. This is a slow burning mystery with a good build up of how the retreat gradually drew in its’ participants to fall under Galen’s power. There is an uneasy underlying tension as the suspense gradually builds to the novel’s climactic scenes. This fourth book in the series could easily be read as a stand alone.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Lisa Black’s "Not Who We Expected" is a gripping addition to the Locard Institute series, blending forensic science, psychological tension, and a labyrinth of secrets. This fourth installment follows forensic analysts Rachael Davies and Ellie Carr as they navigate a case that intertwines cult dynamics, family mysteries, and the shadowy world of a rock star’s past.

The story kicks off with legendary musician Billy Diamond seeking Rachael’s help to locate his missing daughter, Devon. A Yale student, Devon vanished after joining a career development retreat in Nevada with her boyfriend, Carlos. When Carlos’ body is discovered in a river, the retreat’s idyllic facade crumbles, revealing a sinister cult led by the enigmatic and manipulative Galen. Ellie goes undercover to infiltrate the cult, while Rachael delves into Billy’s connection to her late sister, Isis, adding a deeply personal layer to the investigation.

Black’s portrayal of the cult is both chilling and insightful. Galen’s methods—isolating followers, enforcing grueling routines, and exploiting vulnerabilities—are disturbingly realistic, reflecting extensive research into cult psychology. The tension escalates as Ellie uncovers the cult’s dark underbelly, while Rachael’s discoveries about her sister add emotional depth and complexity to the narrative.

The dual storylines are masterfully woven, with Black’s meticulous pacing ensuring that each revelation lands with impact. The interplay between Ellie’s perilous undercover mission and Rachael’s personal quest creates a dynamic narrative that keeps readers on edge. The characters are richly developed, with Ellie’s courage and Rachael’s resilience shining through as they confront both external threats and internal demons.

Black’s writing is sharp and evocative, capturing the eerie atmosphere of the cult’s isolated retreat and the emotional weight of Rachael’s family secrets. The themes of trust, betrayal, and the search for identity resonate throughout the story, making ot a poignant exploration of human vulnerability and strength.

For fans of crime thrillers and psychological dramas, "Not Who We Expected" delivers a compelling blend of suspense, emotion, and thought-provoking themes. Lisa Black has crafted a story that lingers long after the final page, leaving readers to ponder the fine line between influence and control, and the lengths we go to uncover the truth.

This book has potential. There are a lot of little details, some clues and some distractions, so the reader gets a lot of little things to follow and remember. I’d recommend it to someone who likes to follow along closely and want to guess the end and see if they were right.

Enjoyed but fell a little flat for me. Did think the story was told well, the twists were good but it also felt like it drug on a bit. Overall liked and worth the recommendation

Great read. Lots of twists and turns. Love that it takes place near DC. Loved the characters.

Really loved the twist in the book at the end.
I really hope that the others in the series have a great twist like this one.

The cult aspect was really interesting and really really love Ellie and Rachel.

I think there are 3 or 4 others in the series so need to get to work on reading those.

Thank you NetGalley for the copy. Couldn’t put it down.

Thanks to NetGalley & Kensington publishing for the chance to read this book.

I took a chance on this book, not sure why, Lisa Black & I have never really gotten along, I could just never get into her books and unfortunately this one wasn't any different for me. I was hoping with it being more of a CSI kind of thing I would be able to get through it but I ended up DNFing this book. Not gonna put this review anywhere else, I will try again in the future. Hopefully i just tried to read it at the wrong time.

There are two storylines going on in this book - why is an aging rocker's daughter no longer in touch with him and the secret life of Rachel's sister (who has been dead for two years). The beginning part of the story where Ellie Carr goes undercover at a ranch in Nevada was slow paced as she was finding out how the ranch operated. Once the story got to the point where it was clear Galen was running a cult, things picked up.

For me, I'm not sure what the fact that Ellie and Rachael are forensic analysts has to do with the story. This read more like a thriller with plenty of danger thrown in and a few surprising twists.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Like the title, this story was not what I expected. It's different from previous books in the series. I love a good cult story. Action packed and full of tension, this is a page-turner.

Thank you to the author, Kensington Publishing and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is apparently the fourth in a series, and this first book I have read from this author. The title was appropriate insofar as this book wasn't what I expected. It's blurbed as being a cult-based thriller, but I found the pace too slow and the narrative bogged down in detail - not to mention the plot was very foreseeable, the villains were all but twirling their figurative mustaches every time they turned up. In the final third, there was a lot going on, but it was rushed, as though the author was anxious about getting all the loose ends resolved - and the epilogue was a bit too neat and tidy. While I love a strong female character, neitiher of the two main characters really popped here - there was too much hopping back and forth between their separate strands, which made the story overall hard to follow.

This is the 4th Locard Institute thriller but the first one I’ve read, and I had no problem reading it as a stand-alone. The story opens with Locard Institute forensic analyst Rachel Davies making a house call to see rock legend Billy Diamond. Billy wants to hire the institute to check in on his college-student daughter, Devon, who checked into a self-help retreat in the mountains of Nevada with her boyfriend. His daughter hasn’t checked in with her father in too long and he is worried but doesn’t want her to know he’s checking up on her. Rachel’s Locard colleague and former FBI agent, Ellie Carr, heads to the ranch undercover. Ellie finds Devon immersed in life at the ranch, but soon starts to question whether there is more going on than meets the eye at this retreat, where the director employs questionable methods that may or may not be aimed at brainwashing the participants. For me, this story was a bit of a slow-burn, but it has strong characters and some great twists!

Not Who We Expected by Lisa Black
Locard Institute Thrillers #4

Big time rockstar has a missing daughter so who does he call to find her? The Locard Institute’s Rachael and Ellie who have been successful so far in this series ~ Thought provoking and immersive read ~ Couldn’t put it down.

What I Liked:
* Dr. Rachel Davies: assistant director of Locard Institute, bright, single parent to deceased sister’s toddler, counts on her mother for childcare, left job as medical examiner to work at Locard Institute, divorced, learns about her sister’s true past in this book
* Dr. Ellie Carr: left FBI to work for Locard Institute, crime scene analyst, scientist, divorced, and from previous books know that she purchased a house, took in a rescue dog, had a difficult backstory, has worked undercover and does so again in this book, has some dicey moments
* Billy Diamond: rockstar, on a comeback journey, addict, loving father, generous
* Devon: Billy’s daughter, college student, victim and survivor
* The look into cults and how they operate ~ Terrifying to think about how they operate
* That I was immersed in the story, felt I got to know the characters, and cared about the outcome
* Rachael’s new information about her sister
* Ellie’s strength, compassion, knowledge, and resilience in this story
* The plot, pacing, setting and writing although there was less forensic focus this time and the story alternated between Ellie undercover and Rachael back at home
* Knowing that there is another book to look forward to

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about what might create a cult leader and how easy or difficult it would be to achieve such a title

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

Lisa Black has done it again! Suspense fills the fourth book in the Locard Institute Thriller series, Not Who We Expected, that features Dr. Ellie Carr and Dr. Rachael Davies. They’re forensic analysts, forensic instructors, and crime scene experts. Rock star Billy Diamon hires Rachael and Ellie to locate and ensure his daughter Devon is okay. She and her boyfriend left college for a career development retreat near Topaz, Nevada. Devon’s calls have stopped, and after learning that Carlos’ body was found a few miles from the ranch, Billy’s worried about her.

Ellie goes undercover at the ranch as a new client while Rachael works to learn more about Devon and find out how Billy knows her late sister Isis. Devon seems to be thriving, but no one is mentioning Carlos. However, the attendees follow the leader whether it’s in mind or body exercises, whether they’re dangerous or not. Is this a self-improvement and career development retreat or something more sinister?

Ellie is a complex character. She left her job with the FBI’s Evidence Response Team after divorcing a co-worker. She’s analytical, outwardly friendly and outgoing, but somewhat insecure at times. Rachel is empathetic, a former Washington D.C. medical examiner, and is currently the assistant dean of education at the Locard Institute and guardian of her nephew.

This riveting novel quickly grabbed my attention. It’s descriptive without slowing the pace, allowing me to easily visualize the home and venues for the rock star making a comeback as well as the rural area where the ranch was located. The tension level, unpredictable moments, and twists to the story, along with the action scenes interspersed with Ellie’s investigation, kept me engaged. The hidden undercurrents and possible dangers kept the suspense level high. I found the perceptions and actions around manipulation, indoctrination, loyalty, control, consequences for failure, and isolation disturbing. My biggest quibble is that there is very little forensics in this book. I also thought the pacing was a little slow at times.

Overall, this was a fascinating and captivating novel with great characterization and worldbuilding! There is the right amount of mystery, tension, and apprehensiveness to keep readers engrossed and wondering what will happen next. Themes include self-help, trust, betrayal, deception, misdirection, greed, murder, life of a rock star, and much more. This series is best read in order, although this one can be read as a standalone novel. The author’s note at the end is worth reading. Additionally, she has listed several sources she consulted during her research.

Kensington Publishing and Lisa Black provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for February 25, 2025. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.

Not Who We Expected Lisa Black is the fourth in the Locard Institute thriller series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Kensington Books, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


Series Background: (May contain spoilers from previous books)
Dr. Rachel Davies (a former forensic pathologist) is the assistant director of The Locard Institute which conducts research in forensic topics, from ballistics to DNA analysis, and trains scientists, technicians, and law enforcement personnel from around the world.  They have state-of-the-art technology available, and are often in demand.   Rachel is raising her late sister's little boy.  Dr. Ellie Carr, a forensic scientist for the FBI in DC, has joined the staff at Locard.   Her mother died when she was 4, and she lived with her grandmother til she was 9, then with her Aunt Rosalie until she was 12, her Uncle Terry & Aunt Katie until she was 16, then Uncle Paul and Aunt Joana until she married Adam, who she recently divorced.



My Synopsis:   (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Rachel is asked by legendary rock star Billy Diamond to locate his missing daughter.  Devon and her boyfriend Carlos went to a career development retreat in Nevada, and phone calls have become sparse, and are now non-existent.  He's been trying to give his daughter some space, but the body of Carlos has recently turned up in a damn close to Reno, and he's worried.  Billy is in the midst of a come-back tour, and can't (or won't) head out himself, but he's asking Rachel for help.  Billy knew Rachel's sister Isis, and Rachel is hoping he may know more about her death.

So, Ellie heads up to the retreat, and signs up.  She quickly finds Devon, who seems to be doing great!  But Ellie keeps mum about her identity, deciding quickly that something about this retreat is very wrong.    Everyone is very attached to their leader, Galen, and do everything they are told.  The charismatic leader seems to have everyone brain-washed.  Ellie starts to think she stumbled onto a cult instead of a retreat.  Unfortunately, she can't get cell phone service up in the mountains, so she can't tell Rachel what she suspects.

Meanwhile, Rachel is finding out some troubling things about her late sister.




My Opinions: 
This was really interesting as the two female protagonists are each working alone.  I really love their thought processes.  I think they both learned a little about themselves in this one.

One of the reasons I have been enjoying this series is for the technical forensic and medical issues that are used to solve the crimes.  This book had very little of either.  However, the plot was really good, and the author did a lot of research into cults (a topic which somewhat fascinates me).  She provided some interesting information in her notes at the end of the book.

There was a rather interesting twist at the end which I didn't see coming - that was fun!

Although these books are in a series, this one could probably be rad as a stand-alone....which I'm not sure I have ever said!  Anyway, I think this was the best in the series so far, but that could be because I really like books about cults.

Anyway, until next time....

The whole culture vibe is something so disturbing. And is sadly more and more relevant outside of the noted "cult" systems. Far too often in our everyday world right now we are seeing powerful and manipulitve man somehow coerce,infiltrate and manipulite certain people. Often cleverly done via playing on vulnerability, weakness or a need in those they essentially simply want power over.
This books shows details have been researched here. It's well done and woven into the plot well.
This books was my first by the author and is workable as a standalone.
It's easy to see how both our characters where involved in the case for more than just work.
The leader of the cult was described really well. Enough for me to despise him. And want to shake his followers more than a few times.
There is a personal investigation going on here to. Missing people. A dead boyfriend. And walled silence at every turn.
A good boom which was a different kind read for me which I liked.

I picked this book to read because I enjoy forensic thrillers and have a curious bent toward why intelligent people get caught up in cults. I received an e-copy of this book from Kensington Publishing through NetGalley. This is my own opinion about Not Who We Expected by Lisa Black.
I haven't read any of the books in the series. This worked for a stand-alone for me.
Rachel Davies is intrigued with the investigation that rock idol Billy Diamond asks to hire the Lockard Institute for. She finds he has a connection to her murdered sister and hopes to learn more. Billy's daughter, Devon is missing.
Ellie Carr goes undercover at the career development retreat where Devon had gone with her boyfriend, Carlos. Billy Diamond had learned that the young man had been found dead. He is worried about his daughter who has gone silent.
The retreat is run by a man named Galen. The author has certainly researched the cult leader characteristics and built a magnetic persona that is controlling and dangerous. (Sexual, financial and feeding on people's weaknesses.) It's scary and sad to see what a person is capable of and what others can subject themselves to. This character and his followers are weird, and his ranting was even boring to me at times. The followers just do what he says. I like how Ellie responds and even shows her own bit of weakness but also the strength in her intelligence and empathy for others.
This is really quiet a story. There are some 'wicked' twists and turns. I give it a 3.9 rating.
Triggers, sexual content not graphic. language, bullying, suicidal thoughts, addiction

Dr Ellie Carr goes undercover in a cult to find the daughter of rockstar Billy Diamond even as her partner Rachael hopes that Billy can help her resolve what happened to her own sister Isis. This latest in the series about two forensic experts will be perfectly readable as a standalone. This time out, Black has leaned back from the heavy forensics that have characterized the early books and focused more on people- a positive development, I think. The pacing is slow in spots but it did keep me turning the pages. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

Ellie Carr goes into a cult undercover to try and get out a rockstar Billie Diamond’s daughter Devon. She is almost killed in the process. Dangerous lurks as she to save the girl.

I didn't realize this was the forth of a series - but luckily it reads well as a stand alone (I will be reading the first three)!

This is a great read about an aged rock star on the cusp of a comeback and his daughter that has disappeared to a remote spa/life study/??
After having no luck contacting her - he insists the help of a friend's sister who happens to work at the institute.

Great storyline and characters. Good read!

Not Who We Expected takes you on a journey as Ellie Carr (a forensic analysts) is assigned to a case for Rock Start Hall of Famer Billy Diamond. Billy Diamond reached out to Rachael Davies who works at the Locard Institute and Ellie was assigned to work on his investigation. Ellie is tasked with checking on Billy's daughter Devon at a wellness facility she joined while taking a semester off from school. Billy has not been able to contact Devon like he would like to and has be come concerned about her well being. Ellie enrolls into the wellness program to get a first hand look at how Devon is doing. During Ellie's stay in the program she is forced to participate in the activities so no one becomes suspicious of her true reason that she is there.

This book brought me through an emotion rollercoaster. Sadness, fear, shock, and hope grew the deeper I read into this book. Lisa's writing style and character building was perfect, not too lengthy but enough details so you can follow the storyline. I truly had no idea where this book was headed and I was 100% ok with that and up to enjoy the ride. This book was a 4 out of 5 star read for me.

The title was somewhat appropriate, as this book wasn't what I expected. Something was lacking, particularly in regards to this being a cult-based thriller. The pace was too slow for the genre, and some of this was due to overdetailing. Also, the ending felt rushed. This appears to be part of a series, and readers could likely benefit from reading the books in order.