Book Review: Lost Souls

Reviewed By: Woodstock - RAM

Lost Souls     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Michael Collins
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Psychological Suspense   Police Procedural

"Lost Souls" is set in a small Indiana town which has been sinking into economic decline for the past several years. Lawrence is a cop on the local force, and his life has also been sinking into decline - his marriage has failed, his visitation rights with his son have been curtailed, he has maxed out several credit cards but continues to make rash expenditures.

On Halloween, the body of a three year old girl is found hidden in a pile of fallen leaves near her home, the apparent victim of a hit and run. Reports from witnesses provide information which leads the police to a popular high school football star, on the verge of leading the local team to glory in a state wide tournament. The local mayor and police chief urge Lawrence to visit the young quarterback, inspect his vehicle, and find a way to avoid charging him with any wrong doing. After all, if the team's quarterback is in jail, what will happen to the town? Won't a football victory restore the town's economic vitality?

Lacking any backbone which would lead him to refuse such an offer, Lawrence agrees. But he cannot let the issue rest, and as the story unfolds he must deal with continuing misery - for the town as a whole and for himself personally.

The title of the book really says it all here - "Lost Souls" indeed.

Very, very dark. Highly recommended.

Woodstock - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Woodstock - RAM