Lost Cause + Giveaway

Working together is a challenge…
Detective Burke Ulrich is known for his unyielding dedication to justice and his methodical approach to solving crimes. When a valuable family heirloom is stolen from a recluse’s rundown estate on Lost Island, Burke is called in to investigate. Despite the theft appearing straightforward, Burke senses there is more to the case, especially given the homeowner’s mysterious history. But when he can’t prove it or find the heirloom, his supervisor tells him to move on.

But catching a killer is their priority.
Enter former sheriff Abby Day, a sharp and resourceful Lost Lake Locator hired by the recluse to find the missing heirloom. Abby’s involvement immediately irritates Burke, who is wary of private investigators interfering in police work. However, as the investigation progresses, Burke and Abby uncover a complex web of deceit involving long-buried family secrets, and a string of unsolved crimes connected to the estate, ultimately uncovering a murder. Burke orders Abby off the investigation to protect her, but will she listen, or will she risk her life and a potential relationship with Burke to catch a killer?

My Review:

I absolutely love the way Susan Sleeman builds a team! The rapport, banter, professionalism, eclectic mix of personalities able to work together — all brilliantly developed and so much fun!!!!! Not only do we get to enjoy the ‘Lost Lake Locators’ in this third book in the series, but we get to interact with some of the gang from ‘Cold Harbor‘ as well. Woohoo! (No worries if you aren’t up to date on either series – all of Sleeman’s books read well as standalones too.)

‘Lost Cause’ has a delightfully unexpected treasure hunt kind of vibe going on. As well as an isolated island setting in a house with some very interesting twists! Made the reading experience so much more exciting!

And then there’s the romance, though I will say this one has more of a mystery/suspense focus. The romance is there, but it’s more of a slow burn. Both Abby and Burke are reluctant to get involved. They’ve worked together before, felt a connection but didn’t pursue it. Now they are faced with the same attraction and another inopportune time.

Love that they were upfront about their feelings right from the start and talked about how they were going to deal with it going forward. There’s all kinds of energy crackling around them, but both have trust issues and know it so they aren’t willing to act on anything. Such a refreshing approach to a romance, because, of course, their stubborn resistance dissolves by the end of the book!

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Whitney Dykhouse who does an amazing job with these characters. She’s become a familiar voice in my audible listening, largely thanks to Susan Sleeman’s novels. I enjoy the energy she brings to her narrations and the way she captures the personalities of all the characters.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Of note: Lost Cause is currently available on Audible Plus (Canada, anyway) for members. Not sure about the US.

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – paperback, ebook or audible — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Lost Cause, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday February 21 2026.