Prince of Lost Places

What a disturbing and haunting novel. The mother flees with her son after there's a killing at his school. She and the son are surviving in a cave when the husband's detective (who doesn't identify himself) finds her. The language is deep and dark to fit the plot which has an O. Henry ending that will surprise any reader. But, aren't the survivors of any tragedy also the victims whether their loved ones live or not! Astonishing!

A beautifully written tale of a mothers wish to protect her child, at all cost, and her unconditional love that surpasses reality to find comfort in an illusion. Unpredictable, mind-blowing conclusion.

In each of her three fine novels, Kathy Hepinstall shows readers that she's not only a talented writer - eloquent, imaginative and entertaining - but that she has a rare ability to find within each story an element of magic, something at the core of a character or a situation that transcends (and at the same time illuminates) the frail reality through which we, and her characters, pass. The characters themselves are always entirely believable, immediately acceptable to the reader, sounding a resonating chord of empathy almost from the moment they are introduced. The stories/situations in which her characters find themselves are equally grounded - even as they venture near the fantastic from time to time, there is nothing in them that is beyond belief. From time to time, I read a novel or story that stretches things a little too far - I find myself saying, `Oh, come on now...' I have never felt that way reading any of Kathy's books - they always draw me in rapidly, allowing me to feel myself pulled along by the characters and plots. Each one has made me more and more glad that THE HOUSE OF GENTLE MEN caught my eye that day in the bookstore.There is an element of madness within PRINCE OF LOST PLACES - it's a definite presence, but we're not sure for most of the book where to place it. It's a bit like a firefly that won't settle anywhere - when it finally lands (and Kathy plays the suspense element of this novel masterfully) it does so delicately, touching without tainting, without judging, without condemning or vilifying. We're left with the questions `Who is really mad', `What is reality' and `What would YOU have done?' echoing in our heads.Without going into the plot itself (it's been done in plenty of other places), I'll simply point out that the emotions experienced by the characters are deep and real - and they're emotions with which each and every reader should be able to empathize. The book is a brief one - and I have to agree with another reviewer below that the pace with which the story is told (as well as the multiple viewpoints) adds to the presence of `dysreality' (I love making up words...) within. I put off reading this wonderful novel for too long - now that I've experienced it, I'm sorry I didn't pick it up as soon as it came out. This one shouldn't be missed!

Someone once told me that to have a child is to forever have your heart walking around outside your body. It's true, and Ms. Hepinstall gets to the very soul of motherhood in this haunting, lyrical tale of loss, love and the fragility of sanity. I love the vivid descriptions of the caves and the fairy tale quality of the entire story. The ending brought tears to my eyes and literally made me gasp. God, I love a good surprise ending! Thanks, Ms. Hepinstall, for another keeper. Your books are treasures. I highly recommend this one.

My father hooked me onto Kathy's books with "The House of Gentle Men" and I have anxiously awaited each new publication. Her writing is clever, mystical, and fresh - it "shifts" my reading into fifth gear. Martha's desperation to protect her son from a devastating experience is poignant and heartbreaking. As a woman I see in Martha the instinct of a lioness defending that we have when it comes to our children. This expression of devotion and love opens the door that brings you into her world. You forget the early conversations between the doctor, the investigator, and her husband that allude to her mental illness. I truly could not let go of this story, both physically and mentally. I have passed on my recommendation to all my friends so that I can continue discussing the characters and events.Thank you for such a compelling read!-Woody's daughter