Jane Harper's standalone novel The Lost Man is a family drama and mystery set in the Outback of Australia. Two of the Bright brothers met at a remote fence line. Their third brother is there also, but he is dead at their feet. What brought this event to happen?
Their homes are a three-hour drive apart. They all know not to travel without supplies and plenty of water in this punishing Outback heat. So why is the third brother, Cameron, dead of dehydration? He is only a few miles away from his well-stocked vehicle. The two remaining brothers, Nathan and Bub, are baffled.
Cameron was always the well-liked brother. He ran the family ranch. He was the brother who always had it together. As Nathan and Bub retreat to the family ranch to grieve with their mother, Cameron's wife and children, and assorted ranch workers, suspicions arise. Their isolation in the Australian heat leaves only a few suspects if Cameron didn't just walk off to die.
To complicate matters, old allegations of Cameron's assault of a summer worker resurface. Family secrets are brought into the open, and Nathan must figure out just what did happen, not only with Cameron, but also in the past.
Harper does an excellent job of developing these characters and this setting. The reader quickly becomes immersed in this story, turning page after page to discover just what did happen to Cameron. Highly recommended!