The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer
A Captivating World of Wonder
Spoiler Alert: This review contains plot details that some readers might prefer to discover on their own .
The Lost Story was my first introduction to this author, and it left quite an impression. The book begins with two teenage boys, Ralph (Rafe) Howell and Jeremy Cox, who mysteriously vanish during a field trip in West Virginia’s fictional Red Crow State Forest. After six months of exhaustive searching, hope fades, and they are presumed lost—until the unthinkable happens: they suddenly reappear.
Where have they been? One of the boys refuses to answer, while the other seems genuinely clueless. Even stranger is their condition—they don’t look like they’ve suffered at all. On the contrary, they appear stronger, healthier, even … changed.
Fast forward 15 years: Jeremy has become a specialist in finding missing girls and women, while Rafe, after a harder recovery, has pursued a career in art. Once inseparable, the two have drifted apart. When Emilie, a young woman searching for her missing sister Shannon, seeks Jeremy’s help, he knows he can’t solve the mystery alone. Jeremy reaches out to Rafe, the one person who might hold the key to unlocking the truth. Their search forces them to confront their shared past—and re-enter the magical, mysterious world they left behind: Shanandoah.
This story is an enchanting blend of heartwarming character development and a vividly magical setting. The author weaves humor and emotion seamlessly, creating a tale that’s as intelligent as it is heartfelt. The relationship between Jeremy and Rafe is especially poignant, and their journey of rediscovery—both of themselves and each other—is as gripping as the central mystery.
If you enjoy books with big heart, delightful characters, and a touch of magic, I highly recommend The Lost Story. The audiobook, narrated wonderfully by Jorjeana Marie, adds an extra layer of charm, though the story shines in any format. It’s such a rare gem that I found myself wishing it were longer—a true testament to the author’s skill.
