Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Lost & Found Cafe by Steven W. Horn is a compelling mystery steeped in atmosphere and emotional resonance, set against the stark backdrop of rural eastern Wyoming. We’re with Sam Dawson and his daughter, Sidney, when they stop at an unmarked roadside cafe during a photographic detour. We see them drawn into the haunting stories of five strangers, each hiding deep secrets. From a vengeful dishwasher and an abused waitress to a woman on a quest to find her father, every character’s past threatens to collide with the present. As a violent storm brews and two murders shake the cafe, secrets unravel with gripping intensity. With Sidney grappling with her challenges, including vision loss and heartbreak, the stakes become deeply personal. Horn masterfully blends suspense with soul-searching drama, exploring how far people will go to protect those they love.

Author Steven W. Horn keeps the reader on edge, and there are so many well-penned clues and compelling, emotional twists in this haunting, character-driven mystery that make it rich with tension and depth of feeling. I was hooked from cover to cover by the intriguing premise as the mysteries of the strange cafegoers intensify, and the blend of dark secrets and quiet moments is both moving and suspenseful as we get to know each one and the secrets they hold. This is an author who knows his genres well, mixing all the suspense of classic noir with beautifully crafted sleuth dialogue and a setting that evokes a gritty, cinematic ambiance to suit mystery fans. The challenges that Sam goes through and learns from are immense on the emotional scale, too, making this a standout entry in the series, filled with psychological insight and humanity. Overall, I would certainly recommend Lost & Found Cafe to mystery fans everywhere, and I can’t wait to read more sleuthing adventures from this talented writer.