Reviewer: Gillian Hamer, author of The Charter, Closure, Complicit, Crimson Shore & False Lights (www.gillianhamer.com)
What we thought: A thoroughly entertaining crime novel, maybe not as gruesome as the title would suggest, and more of an adventure story than a hard-edge crime thriller, but still a really intriguing read which for me had echoes of an adult-version of an Enid Blyton story with missing persons, remote beaches and deserted cottages.
When city girl Emma Peterson travels to Cornwall to meet up with her friend, Charlie (who had recently been bequeathed a cottage by the sea in a relative’s will) she is distressed to find the cottage abandoned and no signs Charlie had ever arrived. Less than hospitable locals seem determined to force Emma to leave, but determined to make the police set up a serious attempt at finding her friend, Emma digs in her heels and stays. And soon wishes she hadn’t …
The author does an excellent job of balancing Emma’s fear and frustration against the wonderful backdrop of the Cornish coast, and it’s not long before the reader is as on edge as the characters!
I’d not read any of Chrissie Loveday’s writing beforehand, but found myself totally immersed in the story and desperate to find out the ending – always the best sign of a good crime novel. There are no blood, guts and gore in this novel, but it’s certainly worth a read for anyone who enjoys a well-woven crime story.
You’ll enjoy this if you like: MC Beaton, Enid Blyton, JJ Marsh.
Avoid if you don’t like: Creepy locals and deserted cottages.
Ideal accompaniments: Cornish pasty with cloudy cider.
Genre: Crime Fiction.
Available from Amazon
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