Better than average book so why my average rating?I listened to the book and was totally entertained, got to love a book with awesome twists, and this book has more than its fair share. But like the first book I cannot dig its reality. Meaning too many things don’t make sense but are still great theatre. When I read Jack Reacher, (and I imagine most who have read this book know Jack) I expect reality to bend as Jack is a larger than life character and the un-reality is in context with the Jack Reacher world. Minor Spoilers ahead, very minor so up to you …There were a number of situations where Lena should have called 911 … girl, armed dudes attacking? Girl, why not call for help? and a number of others etc. Why near the end of the book does one of the bad guys spill his guts in front of people when all he had to do was tell a little fib? I do like our Hannibal character though I think it is overplayed and a too obvious parody. Also near the end is a loving reunion and re-joining of shared beliefs, I just don’t trust the logic and hope future books extend from this. Sorry for the indirectness in the last statements, trying hard not to give anything away.All in all a great book, loved it, will read more of his books … but please get an experienced person to tighten up the un-reality bubbles. A good editor should have pointed this out. When someone has ascended to the top of a profession, others are compared to them, some deservidly, some not.With "The Lost Witness," Robert Ellis has been compared to Michael Connelly, and I believe that the comparison is correct.In this story, Lena Gamble, L.A. detective is given a case of a dismembered body found in a dumpster. Lena is disliked by her superiors because of a previous case where a police officer was involved. The result was that for the last six months, Lena has been doing administrative work. Now she gets a new case and she wonders if she is being set up.As she is investigating the murder, she is sent a drivers license identifying the Jane Doe as Jennifer McBride. Unfortunately, when she attempts to notify the next of kin, the woman tells Lena that her daughter has been dead for two years. Lena now has to find out who the Jane Doe is and why she stole Jennifer's identity.Lena and detective Rhodes follow the leads to a doctor who made a number of calls to the victim. They know that the doctor is hiding something but they're warned by their superiors to tread lightly.Ellis describes the hunt for the killers by having Lena weave through the clues until she knows what really happened. Throughout these pages there is excellent tension. Lena discovers the corruption and deceit within her department and fears that she might be the next target of those attempting to keep the facts from going public.I enjoyed the plot and the characters and recommend the novel strongly.
What do You think about Leichengift (2009)?
Love LAPD cop land novels? Then this one's for you. Every word counts.....no fluff.
—bree
Phew, what a convoluted and twisted tale. Do yourself a favour and read it.
—Karel
A great thriller... recommended by my other half, Crae.
—Mandy
Excellent book; love the Lena Gamble series
—Deena
