Book Review: The Night We Lost Him
Title: The Night We Lost Him
Author: Laura Dave
Length: 320 pages
Genre: Fiction
Plot Summary: When a charismatic, self-made hotel magnate tragically falls to his death from the cliff side of his California estate, the authorities quickly rule the incident a devastating accident. However, his estranged adult daughter and son (half-siblings who have grown apart over the years) suspect there is more to their father’s sudden death than meets the eye. Joining forces to investigate his final hours, they uncover a trail of hidden family secrets, past heartbreaks, and long-buried truths that force them to re-examine everything they thought they knew about their enigmatic father and the empire he built.
Review: This novel is far less a high-stakes mystery or thriller than it is a slow-burn family drama. While the story did manage to keep the pages turning, it ultimately centers on characters overcomplicating situations that should really be quite simple and intuitive.
Laura Dave’s prose stands out far more than the plot itself, offering nuanced writing throughout. Unfortunately, the characters aren’t nearly as relatable or engaging as the author seems to hope. Because they lack the depth or intrigue needed to carry a compelling character study, the story ultimately falls flat as both a mystery and a family portrait.
Rating: 3/5
