## Trail of the Lost: The Relentless Search to Bring Home the Missing Hikers of the Pacific Crest Trail
**A gripping true crime adventure by award-winning former park ranger Andrea Lankford, *Trail of the Lost* delves into the haunting disappearances plaguing the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,650-mile path made famous by Cheryl Strayed's *Wild*.**
Driven by a relentless need for justice and haunted by the unsolved cases, Lankford embarks on a quest that leads her deep into the heart of the hiking community and the digital world that shadows it. The trail, once a symbol of self-discovery and escape, reveals a darker side: a breeding ground for sinister secrets, lurking dangers, and the devastating consequences of venturing into the wild alone.
Lankford, no stranger to danger and the intricacies of search and rescue, finds herself navigating a new kind of wilderness - the chaotic realm of online missing person groups. It is here she encounters her unlikely team of amateur sleuths: a mother consumed by grief, seeking answers for her missing son; a meticulous retired pharmacy manager with a keen eye for detail; and a tech-savvy mapmaker whose expertise lies in tracking terrorist activity.
Bound by a shared purpose, their search leads them on a harrowing journey, unraveling a web of mystery and confronting the darkest corners of humanity. They encounter potential kidnappers and murderers, navigate the complexities of a secretive cult, and even find themselves rescuing a psychic in peril. Along the way, they encounter a fascinating cast of characters, including an unconventional scientist and an international fugitive yearning for redemption.
*Trail of the Lost* is more than just a true crime thriller. It's a profound exploration of human resilience, the unwavering strength of hope in the face of tragedy, and the extraordinary lengths individuals will go to for closure and justice. Lankford masterfully interweaves the beauty and brutality of the natural world with the ever-growing influence of technology, reminding us that even in our digitally connected age, some secrets remain buried deep within the wilderness.
**Through gripping narrative and intimate accounts, Lankford delivers a powerful message: even on the loneliest paths, hope persists, and the pursuit of truth can unearth unexpected consequences.**
**FAQs:**
**Q: Is this book based on a true story?**
**A:** Yes, *Trail of the Lost* is a true crime account based on real missing person cases on the Pacific Crest Trail.
**Q: Who is the target audience for this book?**
**A:** This book appeals to a wide audience, including readers interested in true crime, hiking and the outdoors, investigative journalism, and human interest stories.
**Q: Does the book provide answers to the disappearances?**
**A:** While the synopsis doesn’t reveal all the details, it suggests that the search for answers takes unexpected turns. The journey itself, with its inherent challenges and discoveries, is as much a part of the story as the ultimate outcome.
**Q: What makes this book unique?**
**A:** *Trail of the Lost* stands out due to the author's unique background as a former park ranger and investigator, her personal connection to the wilderness, and the blend of true crime with the captivating backdrop of the Pacific Crest Trail. The focus on the online world of missing person groups and the diverse team of amateur detectives adds another layer of intrigue.
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