A Fabulous Read

Missing by Erin Kinsley is a marvellous contemporary crime novel that consumed me from the start.

As the book opened I immediately had questions – what had happened to a character to make her arrive at that point? As the story unfolded, I had more questions but they were all answered by the end.

A twenty five year old cold case is re-opened as a detective needs to find the answers to a terrible crime. As the action unfolds, the reader becomes more horrified – someone must know the truth of one fateful night. The miracles of modern science provide answers to some of the questions.

Family is important. Family are those who love us. Sometimes families hide deep secrets that are too much to face.

Houses are important. They become homes and hold memories and ties to those who have gone before. A home is not necessarily bricks and mortar. “Home is the people who love you.”

The innocents need to be protected. Characters do what they can in order to protect and ensure safety. Sometimes it is not enough.

A family unit drifted apart over the years. Things have gone unsaid. Characters live through regrets and guilt but they need to find a pathway through grief.

There are the difficult topics of abuse and miscarriage. Both are sensitively portrayed.

The plotline was complex and well thought out. Missing would translate perfectly into a Netflix series – any producers out there please take note.

Missing was a fabulous read.

I received a free copy from the publishers via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON