I'm not sure what to make of this. It's a well researched and pretty well written book. Andrea Lankford has clearly been heavily involved in the missing cases of all 3 hikers featured in this book for quite some time. She covers each missing person in great detail, explains a lot of the quirks of thru hiking, and highlights different search techniques that are being used to try and find missing persons and the merits of each.

This book was a higly anticpated read for me, and it did not disappoint. Andrea Lankfrod does an excellent job telling this story in a way that truly engages the reader. This book is very educational, and has been very eye opening for me about the realities of this intense level of hiking. This book is very raw and gritty, dark but also so very human and captivating. It explores the best and worst of human emotions. I loved this read, and would highly recomment it to both patrons and friends. Thanks for the opporutnity to read it in exchange for an honest review.

Deep dive into the PCT, conditions, stories of the 3 lost hikers.
I wish there had been more maps and/or photos. As a reader from FL, the mountains are very unknown to me.
Sad that there wasn't closure for the families.

There have been people attempting to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail since it was first established, and where people congregate there is also always some amount of tragedy. But when three young man vanish from the trail in a three-year period, former park ranger Andrea Lankford gets fascinated by the search for them.

For a person who one day wants to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail (after a lot of preparation, mind you), I find myself reading a lot about wilderness disaster and crime stories. Maybe a bit as a cautionary tale, but also because in stories like these, so outside of civilization, the remoteness of the place adds a further complication to everything, even just reaching the scene of the crime in the first place.

Lankford was in a former life a park ranger who worked in search and rescue and wilderness medicine, and her expertise definitely shows in the way she approaches the subject – especially since the book focuses on amateur search efforts undertaken by friends, family, and complete strangers, it makes for a good contrast. I appreciated how Lankford also discussed hiker culture and what it was like out on the trail, really driving home the scope of the situation and the mystery of what fates might have befallen the hikers.

However, I did think the book was confusingly organized in places. We follow the stories of the searches for three hikers who disappeared in different years, but by continually and haphazardly flipping back and forth between their stories and the search efforts for them, it’s easy to get unmoored in time. I also found myself disappointed by how much page space was taken up by the stories of the psychic and the (pretty clearly) fraudulent “doctor” with his DNA scouting device. They add color to the story, but since it’s pretty clear to both Lankford and the reader that it’s going to be a waste of time, I wish she hadn’t devoted so much of the book to them.

This compilation of stories of missing hikers on the PCT is downright eerie at times. The searches are harrowing, costly and time consuming and often fruitless. The elements can be scary and the author's experience as a park ranger and nurse provides the suspense and expertise that brings this home. The location, the personalities, and the grief of the searches stand out. perfect for those readers drawn to true crime and nature.

Thank You to NetGalley for the e-ARC.

I loved this book! I was drawn in by the cover and the summary. I love True Crime and this was an interesting angle to approach a story. Andrea Lankford worked as a park ranger with the National Park Service's law enforcement team. She headed many search and rescue missions across the United State. Until one day, she got tired of all the bureaucratic red tape and left. She moved on until years later she comes across the mystery of the three men who have gone missing on the Pacific Crest Trail. Andrea is pulled back in and she tries to find the men and others who have gone missing.

Although there are a lot of names, it is not confusing. It is broken down into various mysteries, but they all connect and fit seamlessly into the storyline. The book is definitely well written and once I started I couldn't put it down. I am hoping she writes another one.

I wanted to love this more than I did!

I will say that I liked the concept of Trail of the Lost and understand what the author, Andrea Lankford is going for.

The more information about missing hikers is a good thing!
Knowing the names and investigations for Kris Fowler, David O'Sullivan and Chris Sylvia is a subject matter that needs more recognition.

I loved the parts in the book that speak about the reality of hiking and the culture behind it.
Especially about the dangers of hiking; not being physically prepared for it, drastically changing weather or terrain, or predators lurking on hiking trails.

I think what I struggled with the most in Trail of the Lost was how poorly organized the book was put together.

I would have rated this higher if Lankford separated the book into each separate case of the missing hiker instead of lumping all three of them together into a hodgepodge of confusion.

It was hard to follow at times.

Missing Hikers of Pacific Crest Trail

Trail of the Lost: The Relentless Search to Bring Home the Missing Hikers of the Pacific Crest Trail by Andrea Lankford is a gripping narrative that delves into the mysterious disappearances of three hikers—Chris Sylvia, David O'Sullivan, and Kris Fowler—along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) between 2015 and 2017. The book not only explores the intense search efforts but also the culture, history, and subculture surrounding the PCT. Lankford, a former law enforcement park ranger, combines her investigative prowess with a deep empathy for the missing hikers and their families.

Trail of the Lost is a compelling read that combines the intrigue of a true crime story with the beauty and danger of wilderness exploration. Lankford's narrative is both informative and emotionally resonant, making it a must-read for fans of true crime, outdoor adventure, and human interest stories. Its strengths lie in its detailed research, empathetic storytelling, and the author's unique perspective. However, the unresolved nature of the cases might leave some readers yearning for closure.

Overall, Trail of the Lost is a powerful testament to human resilience and the enduring mystery of nature

In "Trail of the Lost," Andrea Lankford, a former park ranger and search and rescue expert, takes readers on a gripping and emotional journey as she delves into the mysterious disappearances of three hikers along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Lankford's personal investment in these cases and her relentless pursuit of answers make this book a captivating read.
The author skillfully weaves together the stories of Chris Sylvia, Kris Fowler, and David O'Sullivan, three young men who vanished without a trace while hiking the PCT. Lankford's meticulous research and her collaboration with a team of amateur sleuths paint a vivid picture of the challenges and obstacles faced in these types of investigations.
One of the book's strengths lies in Lankford's ability to humanize the missing hikers, giving readers a deeper understanding of their lives, motivations, and the impact their disappearances have had on their loved ones. The author's compassion and empathy shine through as she navigates the complex web of clues, theories, and the frustrations of the search efforts.
The book also serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the inherent dangers and unpredictability of the wilderness, even for experienced hikers. Lankford's insights into the challenges faced by search and rescue teams, the limitations of technology, and the harsh realities of the PCT provide valuable information for anyone considering long-distance hiking.
"Trail of the Lost" is not just a true crime narrative; it is a testament to the resilience and determination of the families and communities affected by these tragic events. Lankford's book serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preparedness, communication, and the power of community in the face of such overwhelming adversity.
Overall, "Trail of the Lost" is a must-read for fans of true crime, outdoor adventure, and stories of human perseverance. Lankford's meticulous research, empathetic storytelling, and unwavering commitment to finding answers make this book a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the dark side of the wilderness.

This book read like a very purposive podcast. It feel interesting but also human and showed the family and emotions of a missing person. Overall, I think the author did a lovely job of telling the story but also honoring the lost.

The inclusion of maps, Facebook posts, missing posters, and photos added to the experience.

DNF @ 41%. While I’m interested in the basic idea of this book - the search for missing hikers of the PCT - I found this book mostly tedious and vaguely boring. There were fascinating details about hiking life, but I feel this needed to be better edited to make it more cohesive.

Liked it a lot. I really want to hike the trail now. Made me want to get outside. Will buy for my personal library.

Trail of the Lost by Andrea Lankford is a gripping non-fiction book focusing on the disappearances of three Pacific Crest Trail hikers between the years of 2015 - 2017. As someone who loves to hike my local state park and national park trails, listener of true crime, and someone fascinated with missing persons and search and rescue stories, this book was an immediate yes for me.

Written by former National Park Service ranger Andrea Lankford, she brings her wilderness search and rescue expertise to the story as she tries to find these three men who have disappear without a trace. I loved the beginning where Ms. Lankford describes her credentials and experience working as a law enforcement agent with the NPS. I think I will have to go back and read her book Ranger Confidential to get a deeper look at her work before leaving the force. After the background info about her life, the history of the trail, and explanations of the thousands of thru-hikers that attempt the 2,650 mile trail, we get into the gripping and frustrating story of the amateur sleuths that are determined to find answers to what has happened to three specific hikers. I think that true-crime lovers, podcast listeners, and those that love hiking/the outdoors will really enjoy this book.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book in exchage for my honest thoughts.

A story about three lost hikers. First, the author goes into the history of the trial and how it came to be and also into the disappearances that have been happening in recent years. Also, drug activity which also has led to more problems and disappearances. I will say I lot has changed since I went backpacking on parts of the trail in the seventies. Here the story picks up with a Park Service Ranger Andrea Lankford, who she is looking for, and into the disappearance of the three hikers. A made-for podcast nowadays this is a sad story about everything in general. Well written.

Trail of the Lost is an account of former National Park Service Ranger Andrea Lankford and her search for three lost hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail who disappeared without a trace. Exceptionally well written, this book will appeal to true crime fans and people who are into nature stories.

Trail of the Lost by Andrea Lankford is a well-researched and well-written book about the history of the Pacific Coast Trail (PCT), the individuals who sought to establish it, and three hikers who went missing on it in recent years.

Lankford describes the trail and its dangers, everything from drug dealers to four-leggeds to threatening weather. She tells the reader about what’s necessary to undertake such a hike and how some hikers react to the reality that is not what the Wild experience expected of them. She’s also describes in great detail the missing.

The book echoes real life more than TV in that reality sometimes doesn’t bring you the closure that you’re hoping for while TV always manages to. I did feel a bit of disappointment that the end came without a neatly tied bow, which we so often expect. Why? I wondered. Why did she write a book in which the reader received no closure? Is the trail all of the experience until . . .

I did feel dismayed at the ending but not relating to the book. If that makes sense. I felt more dismayed that we are not yet to a point where people can go missing and we don’t achieve answers. The book is part of a process that oftentimes gives no answers.

A compelling read.

Many thanks to the publisher for a copy.

3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This books tells the story of the author’s drive to find some missing pieces to the story of many who have disappeared while hiking the Pacific Crest trail. I was intrigued by this story and the unfortunate mishaps so many people encountered while adventuring the great unknown. I was excited to learn more about these adventures and the danger that lies within the trial but overall I found the story line very hrad to follow and confusing at times

Fascinating read! I loved this one.

I'm not a hiker, but I can understand the pull of those seeking connection with the natural world. Andrea Lankford did a thorough job with her research about three missing hikers and the search to find out what happened to them. She delves into the culture around the hiking world and doesn't shy away from discussing the terrible accidents that can easily claim a hiker's life.

I try no to give non fiction stories a rating as it isn't up for interpretation. I am a fan of true crime stories, hiking stories, and disappearance stories. This book checked all those boxes. I enjoyed the way the story was told. We really got to feel how it was to search for people in this unforgiving wilderness. I recommend this for sure if you pick up a non-fiction soon

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

I kept getting sad about all the stories of people finding their loved ones dead after ages of searching for them and then realizing that's pretty much the whole point of the book. Lol. So if you're interested in that (and a very tactful exploration of the amazingly resilient people who are looking for folks lost on the PCT... check it out! If that sounds like a bummer to you... it will be.