You know those times when you're "on vacation" but somehow still working because you can't resist? (Looking at you, people who check their work email from the beach.) Well, Long Lost by Linda Castillo is basically the crime thriller version of that, and honestly, I loved it.
This novella introduces readers to Kate Burkholder, the chief of police who somehow manages to be a total badass and still have the occasional emotional breakdown. (Relatable.) She's on vacation with her love interest, John Tomasetti — but of course, because they’re both wired that way, they can't help but get involved in a cold case about a missing girl. Some people collect souvenir magnets. Kate and John collect trauma. Different strokes.
I’d definitely recommend Long Lost to thriller fans. It's short, fast-moving, and hooks you right from the start — kind of like that one bag of chips you tell yourself you’ll just have a few of, but then the next thing you know it’s gone and so is your dignity. Castillo’s writing is easy to get into and keeps you turning pages without feeling like you’re running a literary marathon.
Kate continues to be one of my favorite characters — strong but human, tough but emotional, the kind of cop who’ll throw down if she needs to but will also cry afterward. (Again, relatable.) No characters particularly annoyed me, which is always a win because there’s usually someone I want to yell at in thrillers. Not here!
Emotionally, this book had me invested right away. I found myself hoping hard for a happy ending — and for once, thank you, Linda Castillo, because we actually get one. I knew absolutely nothing about the plot going in, other than it was written by Castillo, which basically guaranteed it wouldn’t be a waste of my time. And it wasn’t.
No frustrations, no big revelations, no grand life lessons — just a solid, fast-paced mystery with a satisfying ending. Sometimes that’s exactly what you want. Sometimes you don’t need a book to change your life. Sometimes you just need it to give you an excuse to ignore your laundry for an hour and a half. (Long Lost totally delivered.)
Would I turn this one into a movie? Probably not. It's too short, and Hollywood would probably just find a way to ruin it with unnecessary explosions and Kate wearing heels while chasing a perp through a field. No, thanks.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give Long Lost a solid 10. It’s engaging, fast-moving, and had a happy ending. And as a certified Happy Ending Enthusiast™, that always earns extra points from me.
