Lost Girls

No this book is not perfect. I am not sure if its marketed correctly. By reading the cover, I thought the book was either a court case or a ghost story. After reading the book, I was pleased to discover this book is so much more. Overall, the book is more about a man and the investigation into his past that has made him a ruthless, cutt-throat lawyer. I'll admitt the ending does not have the pay-off of a great, climatic thriller but the journey was one of the best I have come across in a couple years. Andrew Pyper is an interesting new author. His writing is sharp, witty, humorous and compelling. If he impoves from this first book, its hard to imagine how good of a writer he will be.Treat yourself to Lost Girls.

Pyper's first outing is a slam dunk. Those reviewers who objected to the supernatural stuff didn't read very carefully. This guy's characters are so real, they breathe down your neck. The plot is absolutely original and purely wonderful. I cannot wait for his next book.

Having lived in small-town Ontario (cottage country) for 15 years of my life, Pyper's depiction of Murdoch is bang-on, particularly the hotel (where he spends most of his time), from his description of the bar right down to the telephone ringing in the middle of the night. As he rightly puts it, every Ontario town has a Queen's Hotel or an Arlington. His accurate descriptiveness aside, Pyper's interaction with his two law partners is side-splitting in its own right and, as such, it is easy to see where our Bartholomew comes by his cynical attitudes towards both his profession, his clients and practically everyone else he comes in contact with.The plot (sometimes) stretches, but on balance is a fine mystery and more than deserves the awards it has won in Canada. If I'm not mistaken, it's the authors first novel. A brilliant start.

A combination murder mystery, "lawyer book", and supernatural thriller, featuring (initially) a throughly despicable protagonist. Not your ordinary mystery, and not your ordinary first novel. Mr Pyper is one helluva writer. Do yourself a favor and read this book. You won't be disappointed.

Barth Crane is a high powered Toronto attorney who relishes the rush he receives when he wins a case. Ethics are not a problem, as Barth will do anything to triumph, including lying under oath, cheating, and tampering with witnesses.The tightly focused lawyer travels to Murdoch, Ontario on his first murder case. Local high school teacher Thomas Tripp is accused of killing two students. Barth expects an easy victory because the bodies of the victims were never recovered nor are there any witnesses that Tripp committed a crime. Circumstantial evidence links the suspect to the murder. The barrister settles in at the local hotel and begins to immerse himself in the life of the town in an effort to gain an edge for his client. Gradually, the legend of the Lady in the Lake begins to haunt him; changing him and making him take actions that will effect Barth for the rest of his life.LOST GIRLS is an atmospheric work that seems gothic in tone. The story line gradually builds up the tension level until the reader feels, like Barth, overwhelmed and anxious. Barth is a loathsome person, yet the audience will feel drawn to him, especially as he travels down a road nobody could have foreseen he would take. Andrew Pyper's ability to bring his story to life is brilliant and will leave readers clamoring for more works as soon as possible. Don't be surprised if this book hits the charts.Harriet Klausner