The Missing Diary

Crime Scene Kosovo #1

by Tasmin Turner

Hidden words, forbidden love, and danger around every corner.

When lawyer Kit Chase loses her job, a three-month job with an international law team in post-conflict Kosovo seems like the perfect distraction from the boring comfort of her life—and fiancé—in New Zealand. But with her first case, hunting down the head of an organized crime group responsible for the politically motivated sexual assault on a local woman, Kit realizes the conflict in Kosovo is far from over. And she’s right in the middle of it.

Kit finds herself caught up in a dangerous investigation and increasingly attracted to the Russian liaison officer, Sergei Sokolov, who’s involved in the case. A diary kept by a former Kosovo policewoman holds the key to convicting the crime boss. However, the ruthless killer will stop at nothing to keep the diary hidden, and no one is safe, including Kit and her team.

Her life in New Zealand seems further and further away as a war rages around her. But in a country divided by political intrigue and religious tension, friends can be enemies, and enemies can be friends, and trusting the wrong person can be deadly.

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 21, 2023

About the author

I have a passion for writing thrilling legal dramas set in locations where I have lived and worked. I have several university degrees including in politics, law, and international relations. I've experienced life firsthand in the places that I write about.

I am currently living in New Zealand and write under a pen name for privacy. As well as writing, I enjoy volunteering for causes that I support, such as rehabilitation of native bird species. I keep up my European language skills, such as French and German, and enjoy frequenting the wonderful local cafes in the heartland of New Zealand.

I invite readers to explore my books and connect with me on social media to stay up-to-date on your latest writing projects.

Reviews

[The Cats’ Mother · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Missing Diary is a thriller about a naive young lawyer from New Zealand who travels to post-conflict Kosovo to work for an international agency coordinating prosecutions of war criminals, and gets caught up in the complicated and dangerous politics of the region. I liked the idea of learning more about Kosovo, a country I know little about, and the fact that the main character is a New Zealander. The story was good but the narrative was full of factual errors which spoiled my enjoyment of it as I kept wondering if I’d misunderstood what year the action was happening in, and who was who.

It’s mid 2000, and Caitlin “Kit” Chase is bored with life in Auckland, having been made redundant from her job, and with her fiancé Xander, so accepts a short term post with the Organisation for International Development and Coordination in Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, a country battling for independence from neighbouring Serbia. Working closely with the international police team, Kit and her new colleagues aim to prosecute a notorious gangster, and learn that key information is held in the diary of one of his associates. Kit is determined to prove her worth, but is drawn to a smooth Russian liaison officer. Can she survive the twisted games of factions she barely understands?

This had great potential - an interesting premise and an unusual setting, apparently inspired by the author’s own experiences overseas. Unfortunately it was riddled with errors that a competent editor or beta reader should’ve picked up on: in the year 2000, ordinary people didn’t have cameras or GPS tracking in their phones, Skype hadn’t been invented, and you certainly couldn’t have a casual video-call on your mobile. It’s like the author kept forgetting that her story was set in the past. Apparently the next book has her dealing with cryptocurrency - which Siri tells me was invented in 2009! Then there’s the casual Americanisms - Kiwis say Mum not Mom, and fringe not bangs. And towards the end Dubrovnik is referred to as featuring in several historical fantasy TV shows - not for another ten or so years it wasn’t!

I didn’t like Kit - she’s an impulsive loudmouth, throws herself into dangerous situations, a hypocrite -getting upset that her fiancé has been seeing someone else when she’s already snogged another man, and arrogant about her own skills when she has no idea what she’s dealing with. I also found all the diary entries confusing - each chapter opens with a snippet from Merita’s journal, mostly about her love life juggling two men, Razor and Wolf, but I’m not clear that we ever learned who they were and what happened to them. The importance attached to the diary made no sense, the reveal was no surprise, and the ending felt rushed and incomplete. I won’t be bothering with the sequel. Having said all of this, it’s a quick easy read, and other reviewers have not been bothered by these issues, so give it a go if you like the sound of it. Thanks to NetGalley and Wish Books for the post-publication ARC.

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

In the heart of post-conflict Kosovo, Tasmin Turner's "The Missing Diary" weaves a tale of intrigue and suspense that captures the reader's imagination from the first page. The novel introduces us to Kit Chase, a New Zealand lawyer whose mundane life is upended when she embarks on a three-month stint with an international law team in Kosovo. What begins as a distraction from her life and fiancé back home quickly spirals into a perilous journey through the remnants of war and the shadows of crime.

Turner's narrative is a masterful blend of legal drama and thriller, set against the backdrop of a nation grappling with the aftermath of conflict. The story is not just about the pursuit of justice but also explores the complexities of human relationships in times of turmoil. Kit's character is compelling and relatable, her resolve tested as she navigates the treacherous waters of political intrigue and cultural tension.

The heart of the plot revolves around a diary kept by a former Kosovo policewoman, which becomes the linchpin in convicting a notorious crime boss. Turner skillfully uses this diary as a narrative device to delve deeper into the psyche of her characters and the landscape of Kosovo. The stakes are high, and the tension is palpable as Kit and her team race against time, with danger lurking at every turn.

One of the novel's strengths is its richly painted backdrop, offering readers a glimpse into the life in Kosovo. Turner's attention to detail and her ability to evoke the setting is commendable, providing a vivid canvas for the unfolding drama. The romantic subplot between Kit and the Russian liaison officer, Sergei Sokolov, adds an extra layer of complexity to the narrative, challenging Kit's loyalties and desires.

However, the book is not without its flaws. Some readers have noted factual inaccuracies that can momentarily pull one out of the experience. Despite this, Turner's storytelling prowess is evident, and her passion for the subject matter shines through, making "The Missing Diary" a gripping read.

"The Missing Diary" is a thought-provoking and engaging novel that offers a window into a world that many are unfamiliar with, and Turner does an excellent job of bringing that world to life. With its mix of suspense, romance, and legal intrigue, the book stands out as a unique addition to the genre and promises to be a series worth following.

Recommended for fans of legal thrillers, and those interested in international drama.

[Staphy · Rating 2 out of 5]

REVIEW

English
It is the mid-2000s, and "Kit" Chase is feeling unfulfilled with her life after losing her job. Hence, she decided to accept a position with the Organisation for International Development and Coordination in Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, a country that is fighting for independence from Serbia. Kit and her new colleagues are trying to bring a notorious gangster to justice and while investigating they discover that essential information is held in the diary of one of the gangster's associates.

With that premise in mind, I expected the book to be more dynamic. The protagonist wasn't likable at all, I found myself too bored while reading the book and I would have preferred to only be focused on the premise and nothing else.

the book had a lot of potential but unfortunately wasn’t for me, however, I recommend it to lovers of mystery.

Español
Es a mediados de los 2000 y "Kit" Chase se siente insatisfecha con su vida después de perder su trabajo. Por lo que, decidió aceptar un puesto en la Organización para la Coordinación y el Desarrollo Internacional en Pristina, la capital de Kosovo, país que lucha por independizarse de Serbia. Kit y sus nuevos colegas están tratando de llevar ante la justicia a un famoso gángster y, mientras investigan, descubren que hay información esencial en el diario de uno de los asociados.

Con esa premisa en mente, esperaba que el libro fuera más dinámico. La protagonista no era nada agradable, me aburrí demasiado leyendo el libro y hubiera preferido que se centrase sólo en la premisa y nada más.

El libro tenía mucho potencial pero lamentablemente no era para mí, sin embargo, lo recomiendo a los amantes del misterio.

My thanks to the author Tasmin Turner, Wish Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to get this ARC for an unbiased review.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Missing Diary is an absolute thrill ride that had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. As an attorney named Kit Chase, I embarked on a three-month job in post-conflict Kosovo, seeking an escape from the monotony of my life and my impending marriage in New Zealand. Little did I know that my first case, involving the pursuit of a ruthless crime boss responsible for a politically motivated sexual assault, would throw me headfirst into the heart of danger.

Caught in a treacherous investigation, I found myself drawn to Sergei Sokolov, a Russian liaison officer who was deeply entangled in the case. With a former Kosovo policewoman's diary as our key to convicting the crime boss, the stakes were sky-high. But as the killer unleashed a relentless pursuit to keep the diary hidden, it became clear that no one was safe, including me and my team. Trust became a scarce commodity in a country torn apart by politics and religious tensions, where allies could turn into enemies in an instant.

The Missing Diary brilliantly combined suspense, drama, and mystery into a heart-pounding thriller. I was captivated by Kit's relentless pursuit of justice and her tangled web of relationships, especially with Sergei. The intricate plot kept me guessing, and the well-developed characters added depth and intrigue. This book was an absolute delight, immersing me in a world of danger and suspense that held me captive until the very last page.

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Missing Diary is an absolute thrill ride that had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. As an attorney named Kit Chase, I embarked on a three-month job in post-conflict Kosovo, seeking an escape from the monotony of my life and my impending marriage in New Zealand. Little did I know that my first case, involving the pursuit of a ruthless crime boss responsible for a politically motivated sexual assault, would throw me headfirst into the heart of danger.

Caught in a treacherous investigation, I found myself drawn to Sergei Sokolov, a Russian liaison officer who was deeply entangled in the case. With a former Kosovo policewoman's diary as our key to convicting the crime boss, the stakes were sky-high. But as the killer unleashed a relentless pursuit to keep the diary hidden, it became clear that no one was safe, including me and my team. Trust became a scarce commodity in a country torn apart by politics and religious tensions, where allies could turn into enemies in an instant.

The Missing Diary brilliantly combined suspense, drama, and mystery into a heart-pounding thriller. I was captivated by Kit's relentless pursuit of justice and her tangled web of relationships, especially with Sergei. The intricate plot kept me guessing, and the well-developed characters added depth and intrigue. This book was an absolute delight, immersing me in a world of danger and suspense that held me captive until the very last page.

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missing diary.
This book was interesting to me for many of the connections I felt to the scene. NZ, Kosovo (which I had previously researched as a holiday destination) and even the Faberge egg reference although I did miss the acute accent in the name. I also appreciated the chess references which I have played since I was 4.

The story line was simple with the main protagonist (Kit) starting off vain and immature. There was a steady flow of the outfits she wore which allowed some good visualisation but for me was slightly over done although she did get more practical as she grew into her role. Her immediate trust of a Russian government official seemed very naive but then it was before Ukraine and before the Putin machine truly got going, so not unreasonable, a different time perhaps? Still for an international legal prosecutor, a worry.

The plot picked up mid way through as did Kit’s thinking, in part to her Russian friend, a betrayal waiting to happen and then did, but that didn’t completely kill the connection. Seems there is more to come in the next book.

I liked that it did not blend into some deja vu English detective novel, and that the settings were unfamiliar, the characters multi-national. It had an average beginning, interesting middle, a good climax and tidied things up at the end. Perfect to idled away a few hours with.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book. Not my usual type of book. It did grab my interest though and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the ARC (Advance Reader Copy).
The book certainly had me engrossed and I looked forward to picking it up each time to continue on my journey. It was suspenseful and the plot of the book kept me guessing as to what would come next. I enjoyed the book and rated it as a 4 out of 5 stars and I would definitely recommend it to others.

[Leann Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a slow burn for me. It was dragging and I was in no rush to get back to the book. Certain elements of believability threw me off with certain technologies not being around in the time period for example. It wasn’t until I was over 50% thru that it held my interest and got exciting for me and then of course it was over in a rush, just when I was getting hooked. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. #CrimeSceneKosovo #NetGalley

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

book very good

I was interested to learn of the discord in Kosovo. The characters were well defined and you either liked or hated them.
Look forward to the sequel