The Lost Keats

Author Terence Faherty in his third novel provides readers of the now well established Owen Keane mystery series with a "prequel" to his first two novels in "The Lost Keats". The young seminarian Keane continues his struggles with his own sense of direction as he attempts to solve a riveting mystery of a missing fellow student that has a multitude of plot twists and delightful diversions. Keane's travels throughout the small towns and backroads of rural Indiana and description of it's inhabitants are very much on target. The pace quickens to an exciting ending that has Keane finding answers to the mystery while still searching for his own identity and sense of purpose. Terence Faherty's skillful development of characters, description of human frailties and story-weaving makes this novel a mystery of first rank. Readers will find themselves ready for the next Faherty offering in this very interesting evolution of "investigator" Owen Kea! ! ne !!

If you are a serial mystery fan I would recommend the Owen Keane books. The Lost Keats is by far the best of the group and although it is the 3rd in the series it is a prequel to the first 2 written. You will be best served starting the series with this book. Terence Faherty's writing style is only slightly above average but never condesending and the references to poet John Keats elevate this book above your basic mystery. This book's strongest attribute though is its protagonist- Owen Keane, a seminarian with more questions than answers, still longing for the woman he may or may not have ever really had. Told from Owen's self-depricating point of view, Faherty pulls off a difficult accomplishment- creating a character you feel sorry for but never totally pity. Although this book is not great literature by far, it's plot twists will hold your interest and you will find yourself rooting for its main character. In short, an easy but absorbing read.