Synopsis: Some secrets are better left undiscovered.
When a nine-year-old girl goes missing in Harwood Forest, the search for her brings back memories of an unsolved double murder some forty years earlier. Could the key to Erin Jackson’s disappearance lie in the bloody fate of Elijah and Joanna Ingham, bludgeoned to death while their young daughters slept? Were the Inghams really the victims of opportunistic burglars—or a more sinister fate?
The woods are combed for signs of the child, but Erin’s brother, Jake, mounts his own investigation, uncovering evidence that puts the Inghams’ daughters—vanished Rachel and ‘crazy’ Mary—in the frame. Meanwhile, Erin’s father suspects that the ragtag army of eco-warriors besieging his quarry development may have something to hide.
As devastating secrets and betrayals are revealed, the Jackson family is brought to a breaking point. But time is running out. Erin is still missing and Jake’s unorthodox enquiries have left him dangerously exposed. They must find Erin and lay the past to rest—before they become its latest victims.
Kat’s Rating: 3/5
Kat’s Review: I have read one other Ben Cheetham and rather enjoyed it so had high hopes for this one. Sadly although it wasn’t a terrible book it wasn’t as good as his other I had read. I normally enjoy the missing persons kind of cases and this one features missing child Erin Jackson. Whilst out walking with her mother Amanda she literally vanishes into thin air. Amanda’s husband Tom is informed and he is beside himself with worry. There are elements of the story that will make the reader question a variety of characters as they all have hidden secrets and skeletons in the closet.
The story feels a little stilted in places but I think that is more because the culprit was pretty obvious to me, but then maybe that is just me. The pace seemed okay and the writing is certainly as decent as the last book I just didn’t gel as well with this story. Overall not a bad book, just not a favourite for me!
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