The Search Party by Simon Lelic

 

They Said:-

'HUGELY GRIPPING' Mark Billingham
'HEART-STOPPING' Elly Griffiths
'CLEVER AND ATMOSPHERIC' Mark Edwards

16-year-old Sadie Saunders is missing.

Five friends set out into the woods to find her.

But they're not just friends...

THEY'RE SUSPECTS.

You see, this was never a search party.

It's a witch hunt.

And not everyone will make it home alive...

THE CHALK MAN meets THE HUNTING PARTY in this gripping story; witness four suspects as, alongside DI Fleet, you attempt to discover the truth about what happened to Sadie..

What I thought:-

Such an intensely suspenseful, twisty and engrossing story this is.  I have been in thrall to Simon Lelic's writing for the last few days, enjoying the images he creates of the woodland setting and experiencing events from the viewpoints of his well-drawn characters.  

The situation of a missing teenage girl is the nightmare of most parents and it is easy to suspect the worst  possible outcome; yet with no body, there is no certainty and there is also the possibility of other explanations for the disappearance.  Sadie is popular, but within her group of friends there is ambivalence which surfaces when we follow the narrative via their different perspectives. Each relationship has its strengths and weaknesses, and these are not adults. An added twist is that the primary detective involved in the investigation has had past experience of a missing family member of his own, and he also has powerful instincts for truth.  Further, the parents of the missing girl are not the most involved or caring.  So many different strands present themselves, the truth is elusive, and the story is truly a web of possibilities.  Gradually what happened is revealed and the conclusion is poignant, surprising and moving.  The plot has been very cleverly crafted: Simon Lelic has created a stupendous novel which deserves to be widely read and enjoyed.  I really hope that this is not the last time we meet  DI Fleet and Nicky, his DS work partner, because I would love to spend more time alongside them on another case.

Just Like The Other Girls by Claire Douglas

 

This was a really engrossing story, set in my local area so I can confirm that the locations are authentic and well-drawn.  Ageing but spry Elspeth feels safer with someone living in as a carer/companion in her Clifton mansion, and recruits Una to this role.  It is a strange set up - Aggie comes in daily to cook and there is a gardener and a cleaner, too.  Newly bereft Una is in need of a home and the good rate of pay is attractive so that she can save up to realise her dreams.  She is to have two days off per week, and on those two days Kathryn, Elspeth's daughter, who lives nearby with her husband and sons, provides the support that Elspeth requires.  She also manages Elspeth's art gallery in the arcade in Clifton Village, so she's a busy lady.

Una is thrilled to find that her room is in fact a suite of rooms in the attic and has never enjoyed so much space to herself.  However, it soon transpires that this household also holds secrets and all is not as it seems.

This psychological thriller is probably Claire Douglas's finest work so far, an absolute joy to read as the suspense and mystery increase and danger threatens.  There are twists and surprises as the story unfolds and the characters are interesting and engaging.  I am very happy to recommend this book and look forward with pleasure to reading Claire Douglas's next offering.