Lost You

Libby loses her three-year-old son Ethan at a resort in Florida, triggering a desperate search through the hotel. Security footage reveals another woman leading him away, setting off an investigation that connects to events from years earlier. The narrative shifts between two perspectives: Libby, searching for her missing child in the present, and Anna, who details critical events from the past. Their stories intersect around questions of motherhood, surrogacy, and what defines a parent's right to a child. The plot moves between Naples, Florida and New York City as both women's histories and motivations come to light. At its core, this psychological thriller examines the bonds between mothers and children, and the lengths people will go to create or protect a family. The story explores themes of class, privilege, and the complex emotions surrounding fertility and parenthood.

Readers call Lost You a fast-paced psychological thriller that keeps them guessing until the end. Many note they finished it in one or two sittings. Readers praise: - The alternating perspectives that build tension - Complex mother characters with realistic motivations - The exploration of surrogacy and adoption ethics - Unexpected twists in the final third Common criticisms: - Some plot points require suspension of disbelief - The ending feels rushed to some readers - A few side characters lack development - First 50 pages move slowly for some Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (13,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (1,200+ ratings) Book Browse: 4/5 (89 ratings) Reader quote: "The moral ambiguity kept me thinking long after finishing. Both mothers' choices are understandable yet troubling." - Goodreads reviewer Another notes: "Great setup but the ending wrapped up too neatly given the complex situation." - Amazon reviewer

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🔍 "Lost You" was published under Haylen Beck, which is actually a pen name for acclaimed crime writer Stuart Neville 📚 The author chose to write under a pseudonym specifically for his American-set thrillers, while keeping his own name for his Irish-set works 👶 The book explores the complex legal and ethical issues surrounding surrogacy agreements in the United States, where laws vary significantly by state ✈️ The story's riveting hotel scene was inspired by a real-life incident where a child nearly fell from a hotel balcony in Florida 🏆 Stuart Neville (writing as Haylen Beck) has won multiple awards for his crime fiction, including the Los Angeles Times Book Prize and the Theakston's Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award