Books matching: investigation of missing children
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- #1
Save:In "The Girl on the Platform" by Bryony Pearce, exhausted new mother Bridget witnesses a young girl abduction while on her daily train run. Despite reporting it to the police, she faces disbelief due to her postnatal depression and strong medication. Bridget takes matters into her own hands, investigating the data on missing children, leading her to a case from twenty years ago that stirs something impossible in her memory. The gripping plot unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers on edge as Bridget delves deeper into the mystery, all while dealing with her own struggles and fears as a mother.
The book delves into themes of mental health, motherhood, and the challenges faced by women in society. It portrays Bridget's internal struggles and the gripping journey she embarks on to uncover the truth behind the abduction, balancing her own doubts and fears with a determination to seek justice for the missing girl. The writing style is described as detailed, visceral, and emotionally impactful, drawing readers into Bridget's world and her relentless pursuit of the truth amidst skepticism and danger.
- #2
Save:The Shut Eye by Belinda Bauer is a gripping mystery crime thriller revolving around the disappearance of a young boy named Daniel. The story follows the distraught mother, Anna, who clings to the last sign of her son by preserving his footprints in wet cement. As the investigation unfolds, DCI Marvel, a maverick detective, becomes involved in the case, which leads to unexpected connections with other missing children and a psychic known as the shut eye. Bauer's writing style is praised for its unique storytelling approach, blending elements of suspense, dark humor, and misdirection to keep readers engaged until the surprising conclusion.
It was eight thirty-seven, and he’d done the same thing less than a minute earlier. He had promised Debbie he would be home by nine. Normally it wouldn’t matter, but tonight it did, although he wasn’t... - #3
Save:'Kill the Father' by Sandrone Dazieri follows the story of Dante Torre, a man who was kidnapped as a child and held captive for eleven years by a mysterious figure known as The Father. Deputy Captain Colomba Caselli, a police officer on administrative leave, is brought back into the case to investigate Dante's kidnapper. The book intricately weaves together the past traumas of the characters, their complex relationship, and a gripping plot filled with twists and turns, creating a dark and gritty atmosphere. The writing style is described as propulsive, with vivid character descriptions and a compelling storyline that keeps readers engaged till the end.
The horror began at five in the afternoon on a Saturday in early September, with a man in shorts waving his arms, trying to flag down a car. The man had a T-shirt draped over his head to ward off the ... - #4
Save:'When the Stars Go Dark' by Paula McLain is a crime novel that follows the story of detective Anna Hart, who specializes in missing children cases. Set in the early 90s in northern California, the book intertwines a fictional missing person case with the real-life disappearance of Polly Klaas. Anna, a troubled and damaged woman, finds herself entangled in a dark and disturbing investigation that forces her to confront her own past traumas. The author, known for historical fiction, delves into themes of child abuse, adoption, and foster care, creating a gripping narrative that blends elements of psychological drama and true crime.
Anna Hart's journey in 'When the Stars Go Dark' is a haunting exploration of loss, redemption, and the complexities of human connection. The book beautifully captures the atmospheric setting of northern California and intricately weaves together multiple layers of mystery and emotional depth. Through Anna's character, McLain offers readers a compelling and immersive reading experience, as they follow her desperate quest for absolution while navigating through a dark and suspenseful investigation into missing girls.
The night feels shredded as I leave the city, through perforated mist, a crumbling September sky. Behind me, Potrero Hill is a stretch of dead beach, all of San Francisco unconscious or oblivious. Abo... - #5
Save:In "Foxglove Summer," Peter Grant, a policeman and apprentice wizard, leaves London to assist in the investigation of two missing children in rural Hertfordshire. As he delves into the case, he encounters a mix of police procedural elements, magic, and a collision between urban fantasy and rural folklore. The book offers a blend of light-hearted and dark tones, fast-paced paranormal mystery, excellent characterizations, and well-done world descriptions, all while maintaining a realistic touch even with fantastical elements. The story unfolds in a countryside setting, providing a different pace from the previous London-centric installments.
The narrative follows Peter Grant as he navigates through the search for the missing girls, uncovering supernatural elements like unicorns and fairies along the way. The book balances witty humor, gripping mystery, and fascinating English folklore elements, making it a refreshing addition to the series. Readers also witness Peter's emotional development, interactions with familiar characters like Beverly Brook, and the aftermath of previous betrayals, all while exploring the magical and mundane aspects of the British countryside.
I’d been hearing him off and on since stepping off the top of a tower block in Elephant and Castle. Not a real sound, you understand—an impression, an expression through the city itself—what we might ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Rivers of London ) - #6
Save:Echoes in the Darkness by Joseph Wambaugh is a true crime drama that delves into the chilling murder of Susan Reinert, a teacher at Upper Merion High School in Pennsylvania. The plot unfolds as it explores the bizarre and convoluted relationships between the suspects, including William Bradfield and Dr. Jay Smith, both diagnosed as sociopaths. The narrative takes readers through the monumental police work spanning almost seven years to unravel the complexities of the case, revealing shocking details of manipulation, murder, and hidden lives.
Wambaugh's writing style in Echoes in the Darkness is described as gripping and detailed, with a cop's eye for facts and storytelling. The book presents a fascinating yet disturbing account of a true crime case, where each page unfolds new revelations that twist the plot in unexpected directions. Despite some readers finding the second half slightly slower, the book remains a captivating and repellent read, shedding light on the dark and sinister events surrounding the Mainline Murder Case.
“I wasn’t the first colleague to fall for Bill Bradfield, not by a long shot,” Sue Myers said. “He had a way. He was intense yet boyish. He was articulate and erudite but wasn’t afraid to show affecti... - #7
Save:The Mirror Man is a gripping crime thriller in the Joona Linna series by Lars Kepler. The story follows investigator Joona Linna as he delves into the case of a teenage girl who was abducted and found hanged in a playground five years later. Joona's relentless pursuit of the serial killer responsible for these crimes leads him to dark places and intense confrontations, all while dealing with personal struggles and complex relationships. The book is known for its fast-paced narrative, multiple perspectives, and shocking plot twists that keep readers engaged until the very end.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Joona Linna ) - #8
Save:In "The Butterfly Girl" by Rene Denfeld, the story follows Naomi Cottle, a private investigator known as the Child Finder, who is on a relentless search for her missing younger sister. Set in Portland, Oregon, the novel delves into the heartbreaking reality of homeless children living on the streets, with young girls mysteriously disappearing. As Naomi befriends a 12-year-old girl named Celia, who is running from abuse, the plot unfolds to reveal themes of love, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit. Renowned for her lyrical storytelling, Denfeld weaves a narrative that explores the depths of trauma, hope, and the ties that bind individuals together.
Naomi's quest to find her sister intertwines with Celia's story, creating a poignant connection between the characters as they navigate the dangers of the streets and confront their pasts. Through the use of butterflies as a symbol of beauty and imagination amidst harsh realities, Denfeld crafts a gripping tale that showcases the strength and determination of her protagonists, offering a blend of mystery, suspense, and emotional depth that keeps readers captivated till the end.
The abandoned-looking house was in the industrial area next to skid row, where loading docks glistened with moisture and train tracks crossed the broken streets. The windows were covered with boards. ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Naomi Cottle ) - #9
Save:The Narrows by Ronald Malfi is a horror novel set in the decaying rural town of Stillwater, where unexpected horrors begin to unfold after a recent flood. The story follows a deputy sheriff as he investigates animal mutilations, people disappearing, dead cattle, and reports of bats and other unsettling events. The book weaves together a tale of monsters, both human and non-human, in a steadily paced narrative that immerses readers in the eerie atmosphere of the small town. The writing style is described as intricately worded, with a focus on creating a world that envelops the reader and makes them feel part of the characters within.
The students in Miss Sleet’s sixth-grade class were reading quietly to themselves when one of the girls in the back of the room screamed. Heads whirled in the girl’s direction—it was Cynthia Paterson,... - #10
Save:In 'Burn', part of the 'Anna Pigeon' series by Nevada Barr, Anna Pigeon is on leave in New Orleans, trying to recover from a traumatic case. She becomes involved in a dark and disturbing case involving child sex trafficking and a pedophile, exploring the underbelly of the city. The narrative is described as heartbreaking, realistic, and violent, showcasing a different side of Anna's character and her love life.
The story also follows another character, Claire, who is on a quest to find her missing children while being suspected of a crime. The book delves into the dark themes of child abuse, human trafficking, and police corruption, providing a gripping and suspenseful plot that intertwines the lives of Anna and Claire in a city plagued by crime and deception.
"Shit, Blackie, this one's dead, too. What're we gonna do?" The speaker, scarcely more than a boy--the lines cruelty would carve deep into his face not yet showing more than petulance--looked with dis...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Anna Pigeon )
