The Lost Years Book Review

The Lost Years: By Mary Higgins Clark

Summary from Goodreads: In The Lost Years, Mary Higgins Clark, America’s Queen of Suspense, has written her most astonishing novel to date. At its center is a discovery that, if authenticated, may be the most revered document in human history—“the holiest of the holy”—and certainly the most coveted and valuable object in the world. Biblical scholar Jonathan Lyons believes he has found the rarest of parchments—a letter that may have been written by Jesus Christ. Stolen from the Vatican Library in the 1500s, the letter was assumed to be lost forever. Now, under the promise of secrecy, Jonathan is able to confirm his findings with several other experts. But he also confides in a family friend his suspicion that someone he once trusted wants to sell the parchment and cash in. Within days Jonathan is found shot to death in his study. At the same time, his wife, Kathleen, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s, is found hiding in the study closet, incoherent and clutching the murder weapon. Even in her dementia, Kathleen has known that her husband was carrying on a long-term affair. Did Kathleen kill her husband in a jealous rage, as the police contend? Or is his death tied to the larger question: Who has possession of the priceless parchment that has now gone missing? It is up to their daughter, twenty-eight-year-old Mariah, to clear her mother of murder charges and unravel the real mystery behind her father’s death. Mary Higgins Clark’sThe Lost Years is at once a breathless murder mystery and a hunt for what may be the most precious religious and archaeological treasure of all time



Why Did I read this?: I read a blurb in People magazine about this new book from Clark. I enjoy her other mysteries and the religious tones in this one reminded me of the Da Vinci Code which I really enjoyed.

What I loved: First of all, this was not at all like the Da Vinci code. If you found that book too controversial you may enjoy this one. It is about a letter Jesus wrote, not about any religious secrets or controversies.  However, the mystery was still unique and engaging.

What I didn't like: I found Jonathan's friends (and the murder suspects) to be too similar. It was hard to tell who was who and what they were involved in. This made the mystery a little less exciting.

Would I recommend this: Yes! If you like mysteries especially ones that are not too gory you would probably enjoy this book.

Would I read more by this author?: Yes, in fact I have several of her books waiting on my bookshelf!