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The Missings
Aspen Falls, Colorado.
Secrets.
Secrets within a community.
Secrets within a family.
Detective Chase Waters finds himself working the most interesting case of his career—one that comes closer to home than he could ever imagine.
Are the mutilated bodies of young men and women the result of cult… or commerce?
Secrets.
Secrets within a community.
Secrets within a family.
Detective Chase Waters finds himself working the most interesting case of his career—one that comes closer to home than he could ever imagine.
Are the mutilated bodies of young men and women the result of cult… or commerce?
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2012
207 people are currently reading
1494 people want to read
About the author
Peg Brantley
10 books143 followersAn award winning atuhor, Peg Brantley is proud to be a member of Sisters In Crime and Colorado Authors' League. She and her husband make their home southeast of Denver, and have shared it with the occasional pair of mallard ducks and their babies, snapping turtles, peacocks, assorted other birds, foxes, a deer named Cedric and a bichon named McKenzie.
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June 3, 2013
The Missings is a compelling mystery/suspense set in Aspen Falls, Colorado. The story starts with action and the discovery of mutilated bodies of young murder victims. Chase Waters, the likable lead detective on the case, sees the similarities between the victims and suspects the killings are either the work of a cult, or for commerce (per the book description).
Several subplots are woven into the main plot, giving the reader a chance to see different sides of several of the main characters. While this is a work of fiction, the main plot deals with important social issues such as immigration and prejudice. In The Missings, the author highlights the heartbreaking contrast between the disadvantaged and the powerful in society. The story deals with vulnerability, exploitation, corruption and greed.
The characters are well developed and rich, each with their own intriguing and painful histories. The pace is quick and the writing is excellent. An enjoyable read.
Several subplots are woven into the main plot, giving the reader a chance to see different sides of several of the main characters. While this is a work of fiction, the main plot deals with important social issues such as immigration and prejudice. In The Missings, the author highlights the heartbreaking contrast between the disadvantaged and the powerful in society. The story deals with vulnerability, exploitation, corruption and greed.
The characters are well developed and rich, each with their own intriguing and painful histories. The pace is quick and the writing is excellent. An enjoyable read.
November 3, 2012
After the critical success of Peg Brantley’s debut novel, Red Tide the challenge, as with most sophomore efforts, would be how to maintain that same level of writing. Most authors would, rightfully, choose to play it safe. Instead Brantley’s pulled out a story from an earlier effort, which itself was a reworking from one of her earliest efforts, and completely rewrote it. With that knowledge of the history of THE MISSINGS the reader might indeed think she was playing it safe. Not so.
A good story cannot be devised; it has to be distilled. -- Raymond Chandler
What she has managed to do is craft one of the most thoroughly engrossing suspense novels of the year. When I read a novel with the idea of writing a review I always have in the back of my mind the authors previous books, their style or writing, whether the book fits in with their previous work, how it stacks up, whether they have improved or stayed the same or have, god forbid dropped down the scale. I just couldn’t do that with The Missings. From the opening chapter I was so drawn into the story that I was Living The Story. I forgot the author. I forgot her marvelous debut novel, I forgot other books in the same genre, I forgot my yardstick – that unit of measure that makes you weigh the book by similar books from other authors working in the genre, that makes you watch for the writers craft, the story line, the plot, sense of place – I even forgot my nice warm cup of tea, which sat getting colder by the page, quite simply, the novel doesn’t measure up. It is so far off the top of the scale, it refused to be compared to her earlier works or other works in the same field.
And it accomplishes this on many levels. First, the prose are more than top-notch. The dialog is perfect. The story is so topical it seems as if it could be a breaking news item. The cast of characters – from the protagonist to the supporting cast and even the minor characters – are so real they seem like acquaintances, friends, and people you might run into everyday at the book store, the local coffee shop, walking in your neighborhood, at the doctors office. She also manages to capture and speak in the voice of different ethnic and social groups, and that goes beyond ‘speech or accent’, and takes you into the world of neighborhood concerns and mores and doesn’t just explore but makes the reader live with the reality of a minority group; their hopes and fears, their everyday comings and goings, family life – she takes you into kitchens in a Latino neighborhood and soon you’ll want to, no feel you must help with the ditches because you belong there. Simply put, suspense novels, police procedurals, detective stories just don’t get any better than this. I’m not sure any form of fiction does.
When this first mutilated body turns up in Aspen Falls, stuffed in a dumpster, its pretty clear this is no ordinary murder. The victim has been eviscerated, the internal organs removed. The only clue is that the body is a young Hispanic but with no reported missing persons, Detective Chase Waters can’t even identify the victim and with little forensic evidence, the investigation can barely get off the ground. But Aspen Falls is a small town, and dead bodies turning up are a bit unusual and just four days prior another was discovered along a hiking trail, cause of death undetermined. The only remarkable item of note. The young Hispanic man had been a little young for natural causes and he had undergone a nephrectomy – the removal of a kidney – sometime in the past. Other than the fact both dead bodies had been apparently young Hispanic males, yet unidentified, there isn’t much to tie the two cases together.
When a young Latino girl goes missing, this time the girls sister has called in the police, unusual that a possible crime, especially one as simple as a missing person, would be reported by someone in the Latino community. Members of the Latino community, with a large percentage of undocumented people, are understandably reluctant to call the police. But the missing girl and her family are legal, and the sister, Elizabeth is not one to be cowed by the authorities, especially with her love of her family, and especially her younger sister’s well being. Still, with the distrust of the police at the core of the community – legal or illegal – it is more than difficult for the police to garner any cooperation. Elizabeth breaking this ‘code of silence’ in the community isn’t the only unwritten rule she ignores. She contacts the police against her fathers wishes, bucking the male dominated inner society of Mexican tradition.
As Chase decides to look into the missing girl, Rachelle Benavides, even though she hasn’t been missing long enough to officially open a missing persons case, it is because he is grasping at straws on the case of the two dead bodies. The only fact that could possibly tie the cases together is that all three cases involve young Hispanics. Realizing that as a white cop going into the Latino community, he’ll be viewed with suspicion and likely get no cooperation from Rachelle and Elizabeth’s parents, let alone the community at large, he take young Mexican-American detective, Daniel Murillo with him as “eye candy”. hoping his presence will ease tensions.
But Daniel Murillo has tried so hard to fit into the ‘Anglo’ world that he has disassociated himself from the Latino community, especially from the recent immigrants, legal and illegal. He has become more white than the white world he tries to fit into, and in the process he is denying his heritage. Assigned to ‘keep an eye’ on Elizabeth, who has vowed to Chase that she will start her own investigation, if she isn’t allowed to work with the police. Chase Waters recognizes that she has more of a chance to get answers to questions in her own close knit community than the average policeman, even if that policeman is Latino.
Soon, on an out-lying Indian burial ground another young Latino female body is found mutilated in a similar way to the body in the dumpster. This time wild animals have chewed away most of her face, making it even more difficult to identify the victim. Can it be Rachelle? That is the fear that Chase Waters and his team wonder as they investigate the scene. But the coroner estimate that the victim has been dead for a week or longer and Rachelle only went missing two days ago.
With two victim eviscerated, and a third having had a kidney removed surgically but still dead under mysterious circumstances, Chase Waters and his team start to expect a cult. Chase follows this hunch to the local college campus which indeed leads him to a local ‘coven’ leader, at the same time Daniel and Elizabeth learn that some shabby white criminal types may have been soliciting poor young Latinos for organ donations for cash which leads one of Chase’s investigators, Terri Johnson to the local hospital, which is the only medical facility in the area that will treat patients without medical insurance. There, Terri Johnson pulls medical records on indigent patients treated at the hospital in the hopes of being able to I.D. the victims. What she finds may just lead them to future victims if they can’t solve the case quickly.
As Chase spends all his waking hours driven to find this serial killer, his home life suffers. His two daughters need fatherly attention and his wife, Bond, has some problems weighing on her mind. But the case, which seems to be accelerating quickly, consumes him. Mainly because he lost a son recently to a genetic disorder. He wonders if this, added to his long absences from home are what is bothering Bond. Then Rachelle’s body is discovered by her sister, Elizabeth, hidden in an abandoned mine shaft. Elizabeth received a phone tip, and a warning to back off if she didn’t want to be next.
As the investigative team follows the many possible trails that will hopefully find this killer they ask themselves are they searching for a deranged serial killer, preying on young illegals because they possibly won’t be reported by the community? Or is it something more sinister, like an actual doctor killing the victims to harvest their organs for monetary gain on the black market?
Brantley expertly weaves the plot elements; the danger of alienating minority sectors of society and how mainstream society can foster that code of silence to be found, not just in communities of illegal aliens but in minority sectors of society of all cultures. The illegal but existing black market for organs for transplant. Further, she details the tension inside of immigrants society - multi-generational Americans and the prejudice they can develop for the people of their own culture, the formation of that ‘code of silence’, the efforts put forth to live a decent life and to foment a better life for their children. Then, the details of organ harvesting, and she details both sides of the equation - Those who can be exploited and those who wait facing certain death if someone else doesn’t die and leave them with a healthy transplantable organ. Further, she goes in-depth into the ravages of certain genetic diseases, on the victim and on those who love them.
In short the knowledge and research are fascinating and drive the plot at a perfect pace, not too much detail and not too little. The character development – and there are a lot of characters to people the diverse plot sectors – is excellent. When Elizabeth and her parents and neighbors talk, the reader will become a Latino in an insulated neighborhood, when Terri Johnson talks, the reader will absolutely become a young single female cop looking forward to adopting a child as a single parent. When Daniel Murillo struggles with his heritage and relearning the culture his parents came from, the reader will become a second, third, forth generation minority American. And Chase Waters, driven to perfection as an investigator, struggling with a boss who is not only a bigot and misogynist but an ignorant insensitive man as well. Chase also wrestles with a wife who is becoming obviously scarred from something in her past and a teenage daughter who is at an age where she challenges authority, while her parents try and shield her and protector her knowing they have already lost one child. And when the hunt for the killer or killers gets a little too close to home, the reader will be in that police car pushing the gas pedal down and working the radio in the hopes of just being in time to stop the slaughter.
There are no faults in this book. Not in story or plot, not in character development or setting. Not in the detailing of racial stereotypes, and the interaction within those societies. Not in the heart wrenching exploration of the emotional challenges of patients hoping against hope for an organ donor and not a fault in the sinister exploitation of that hope.
As a novelist, Peg Brantley has done the equivalent of winning Rookie Of The Year with her debut, and MVP with her sophomore novel. It exceeds all expectations as a detective story, as a suspense thriller, and as a police procedural. I declared in the review of Red Tide that she was a force to be reckoned with. Now, with THE MISSINGS she has proven herself a nuclear super power of the thriller genre. The book is available now as an eBook, The paperback version is targeted for release the first part of November
The Dirty Lowdown
A good story cannot be devised; it has to be distilled. -- Raymond Chandler
What she has managed to do is craft one of the most thoroughly engrossing suspense novels of the year. When I read a novel with the idea of writing a review I always have in the back of my mind the authors previous books, their style or writing, whether the book fits in with their previous work, how it stacks up, whether they have improved or stayed the same or have, god forbid dropped down the scale. I just couldn’t do that with The Missings. From the opening chapter I was so drawn into the story that I was Living The Story. I forgot the author. I forgot her marvelous debut novel, I forgot other books in the same genre, I forgot my yardstick – that unit of measure that makes you weigh the book by similar books from other authors working in the genre, that makes you watch for the writers craft, the story line, the plot, sense of place – I even forgot my nice warm cup of tea, which sat getting colder by the page, quite simply, the novel doesn’t measure up. It is so far off the top of the scale, it refused to be compared to her earlier works or other works in the same field.
And it accomplishes this on many levels. First, the prose are more than top-notch. The dialog is perfect. The story is so topical it seems as if it could be a breaking news item. The cast of characters – from the protagonist to the supporting cast and even the minor characters – are so real they seem like acquaintances, friends, and people you might run into everyday at the book store, the local coffee shop, walking in your neighborhood, at the doctors office. She also manages to capture and speak in the voice of different ethnic and social groups, and that goes beyond ‘speech or accent’, and takes you into the world of neighborhood concerns and mores and doesn’t just explore but makes the reader live with the reality of a minority group; their hopes and fears, their everyday comings and goings, family life – she takes you into kitchens in a Latino neighborhood and soon you’ll want to, no feel you must help with the ditches because you belong there. Simply put, suspense novels, police procedurals, detective stories just don’t get any better than this. I’m not sure any form of fiction does.
When this first mutilated body turns up in Aspen Falls, stuffed in a dumpster, its pretty clear this is no ordinary murder. The victim has been eviscerated, the internal organs removed. The only clue is that the body is a young Hispanic but with no reported missing persons, Detective Chase Waters can’t even identify the victim and with little forensic evidence, the investigation can barely get off the ground. But Aspen Falls is a small town, and dead bodies turning up are a bit unusual and just four days prior another was discovered along a hiking trail, cause of death undetermined. The only remarkable item of note. The young Hispanic man had been a little young for natural causes and he had undergone a nephrectomy – the removal of a kidney – sometime in the past. Other than the fact both dead bodies had been apparently young Hispanic males, yet unidentified, there isn’t much to tie the two cases together.
When a young Latino girl goes missing, this time the girls sister has called in the police, unusual that a possible crime, especially one as simple as a missing person, would be reported by someone in the Latino community. Members of the Latino community, with a large percentage of undocumented people, are understandably reluctant to call the police. But the missing girl and her family are legal, and the sister, Elizabeth is not one to be cowed by the authorities, especially with her love of her family, and especially her younger sister’s well being. Still, with the distrust of the police at the core of the community – legal or illegal – it is more than difficult for the police to garner any cooperation. Elizabeth breaking this ‘code of silence’ in the community isn’t the only unwritten rule she ignores. She contacts the police against her fathers wishes, bucking the male dominated inner society of Mexican tradition.
As Chase decides to look into the missing girl, Rachelle Benavides, even though she hasn’t been missing long enough to officially open a missing persons case, it is because he is grasping at straws on the case of the two dead bodies. The only fact that could possibly tie the cases together is that all three cases involve young Hispanics. Realizing that as a white cop going into the Latino community, he’ll be viewed with suspicion and likely get no cooperation from Rachelle and Elizabeth’s parents, let alone the community at large, he take young Mexican-American detective, Daniel Murillo with him as “eye candy”. hoping his presence will ease tensions.
But Daniel Murillo has tried so hard to fit into the ‘Anglo’ world that he has disassociated himself from the Latino community, especially from the recent immigrants, legal and illegal. He has become more white than the white world he tries to fit into, and in the process he is denying his heritage. Assigned to ‘keep an eye’ on Elizabeth, who has vowed to Chase that she will start her own investigation, if she isn’t allowed to work with the police. Chase Waters recognizes that she has more of a chance to get answers to questions in her own close knit community than the average policeman, even if that policeman is Latino.
Soon, on an out-lying Indian burial ground another young Latino female body is found mutilated in a similar way to the body in the dumpster. This time wild animals have chewed away most of her face, making it even more difficult to identify the victim. Can it be Rachelle? That is the fear that Chase Waters and his team wonder as they investigate the scene. But the coroner estimate that the victim has been dead for a week or longer and Rachelle only went missing two days ago.
With two victim eviscerated, and a third having had a kidney removed surgically but still dead under mysterious circumstances, Chase Waters and his team start to expect a cult. Chase follows this hunch to the local college campus which indeed leads him to a local ‘coven’ leader, at the same time Daniel and Elizabeth learn that some shabby white criminal types may have been soliciting poor young Latinos for organ donations for cash which leads one of Chase’s investigators, Terri Johnson to the local hospital, which is the only medical facility in the area that will treat patients without medical insurance. There, Terri Johnson pulls medical records on indigent patients treated at the hospital in the hopes of being able to I.D. the victims. What she finds may just lead them to future victims if they can’t solve the case quickly.
As Chase spends all his waking hours driven to find this serial killer, his home life suffers. His two daughters need fatherly attention and his wife, Bond, has some problems weighing on her mind. But the case, which seems to be accelerating quickly, consumes him. Mainly because he lost a son recently to a genetic disorder. He wonders if this, added to his long absences from home are what is bothering Bond. Then Rachelle’s body is discovered by her sister, Elizabeth, hidden in an abandoned mine shaft. Elizabeth received a phone tip, and a warning to back off if she didn’t want to be next.
As the investigative team follows the many possible trails that will hopefully find this killer they ask themselves are they searching for a deranged serial killer, preying on young illegals because they possibly won’t be reported by the community? Or is it something more sinister, like an actual doctor killing the victims to harvest their organs for monetary gain on the black market?
Brantley expertly weaves the plot elements; the danger of alienating minority sectors of society and how mainstream society can foster that code of silence to be found, not just in communities of illegal aliens but in minority sectors of society of all cultures. The illegal but existing black market for organs for transplant. Further, she details the tension inside of immigrants society - multi-generational Americans and the prejudice they can develop for the people of their own culture, the formation of that ‘code of silence’, the efforts put forth to live a decent life and to foment a better life for their children. Then, the details of organ harvesting, and she details both sides of the equation - Those who can be exploited and those who wait facing certain death if someone else doesn’t die and leave them with a healthy transplantable organ. Further, she goes in-depth into the ravages of certain genetic diseases, on the victim and on those who love them.
In short the knowledge and research are fascinating and drive the plot at a perfect pace, not too much detail and not too little. The character development – and there are a lot of characters to people the diverse plot sectors – is excellent. When Elizabeth and her parents and neighbors talk, the reader will become a Latino in an insulated neighborhood, when Terri Johnson talks, the reader will absolutely become a young single female cop looking forward to adopting a child as a single parent. When Daniel Murillo struggles with his heritage and relearning the culture his parents came from, the reader will become a second, third, forth generation minority American. And Chase Waters, driven to perfection as an investigator, struggling with a boss who is not only a bigot and misogynist but an ignorant insensitive man as well. Chase also wrestles with a wife who is becoming obviously scarred from something in her past and a teenage daughter who is at an age where she challenges authority, while her parents try and shield her and protector her knowing they have already lost one child. And when the hunt for the killer or killers gets a little too close to home, the reader will be in that police car pushing the gas pedal down and working the radio in the hopes of just being in time to stop the slaughter.
There are no faults in this book. Not in story or plot, not in character development or setting. Not in the detailing of racial stereotypes, and the interaction within those societies. Not in the heart wrenching exploration of the emotional challenges of patients hoping against hope for an organ donor and not a fault in the sinister exploitation of that hope.
As a novelist, Peg Brantley has done the equivalent of winning Rookie Of The Year with her debut, and MVP with her sophomore novel. It exceeds all expectations as a detective story, as a suspense thriller, and as a police procedural. I declared in the review of Red Tide that she was a force to be reckoned with. Now, with THE MISSINGS she has proven herself a nuclear super power of the thriller genre. The book is available now as an eBook, The paperback version is targeted for release the first part of November
The Dirty Lowdown
November 7, 2012
Peg Brantley’s THE MISSINGS is a solid thriller with a lot of heart. A police procedural at its core, Brantley’s second novel takes a look at organ harvesting in a small town in the Colorado Rockies.
Chase Waters is a police detective in the bucolic town of Aspen Falls. When bodies turn up eviscerated, organs gone, Chase and the other two detectives in the department, Terri and Daniel, aren’t sure what to make of the killings, initially thinking they might be ritualistic cult killings. More ominous, all the victims are Hispanic. Clues quickly lead the investigative team to suspect organ harvesting as the reason behind the slayings, and dogged police work eventually leads to answers.
Brantley handles the polemics of race without ever getting preachy, and has a deft hand when it comes to character. She’s populated her book with a sympathetic, full-blooded cast, coloring the lives of the key players with detailed back stories. Chase and his wife Bond have lost their eldest child to a rare genetic condition, which ends up having a direct bearing on the case. Bond has her own secrets, which play out as the book goes along. And other characters have their own issues to deal with in addition to the grisly murders they’re trying to stop.
This is an ambitious novel. In fact, my only major complaint is that it may be too ambitious. Brantley introduces so many subplots involving her various characters readers may need a flow chart to keep them straight. At times I found this to be distracting. All of these characters’ stories are well-told, but they tend to slow the action, and aren’t always relevant to the main plot. Worse, their stories are ultimately trivialized by a short, almost brusque denouement that ties neat bows on each in a matter of a few lines or a paragraph at most.
My only minor nit with the book is that at times the amateurs in the novel know more about what’s going on than the professionals, making the cops look, yes, amateurish.
However, overall, Brantley writes with conviction and style that only occasionally gets in its own way (there are a few spots where readers might be able to tell how much Brantley loved how a certain passage sounded), and she tells a good story, ratcheting up the tension as the hunt for the killer(s) reaches its conclusion.
THE MISSINGS is a thoroughly enjoyable read and Peg Brantley is a writer to watch. Expect good things from her in the future.
Chase Waters is a police detective in the bucolic town of Aspen Falls. When bodies turn up eviscerated, organs gone, Chase and the other two detectives in the department, Terri and Daniel, aren’t sure what to make of the killings, initially thinking they might be ritualistic cult killings. More ominous, all the victims are Hispanic. Clues quickly lead the investigative team to suspect organ harvesting as the reason behind the slayings, and dogged police work eventually leads to answers.
Brantley handles the polemics of race without ever getting preachy, and has a deft hand when it comes to character. She’s populated her book with a sympathetic, full-blooded cast, coloring the lives of the key players with detailed back stories. Chase and his wife Bond have lost their eldest child to a rare genetic condition, which ends up having a direct bearing on the case. Bond has her own secrets, which play out as the book goes along. And other characters have their own issues to deal with in addition to the grisly murders they’re trying to stop.
This is an ambitious novel. In fact, my only major complaint is that it may be too ambitious. Brantley introduces so many subplots involving her various characters readers may need a flow chart to keep them straight. At times I found this to be distracting. All of these characters’ stories are well-told, but they tend to slow the action, and aren’t always relevant to the main plot. Worse, their stories are ultimately trivialized by a short, almost brusque denouement that ties neat bows on each in a matter of a few lines or a paragraph at most.
My only minor nit with the book is that at times the amateurs in the novel know more about what’s going on than the professionals, making the cops look, yes, amateurish.
However, overall, Brantley writes with conviction and style that only occasionally gets in its own way (there are a few spots where readers might be able to tell how much Brantley loved how a certain passage sounded), and she tells a good story, ratcheting up the tension as the hunt for the killer(s) reaches its conclusion.
THE MISSINGS is a thoroughly enjoyable read and Peg Brantley is a writer to watch. Expect good things from her in the future.
October 16, 2012
Review of "The Missings" by Peg Brantley
I proofread a preview copy of "The Missings" for Ms. Brantley with no intention of writing a review. I got so tied up in the story that I had to back up occasionally to force myself back into editing mode. Ms. Brantley's handling of the Latinos in this story is outstanding. I have discovered in my travels in Mexico that the poorer Mexicans would answer any questions with "sí" because if they gave a wrong answer they got jumped on my the more affluent in their society. This behavior has carried over into the US by the illegals who have formed the barrios in our country. Ms. Brantly captures this in her descriptions of the people on "the other side of the tracks" avoiding anything to do with law enforcement or even people outside their society. Her handling of bigotry against "those people" even by Mexican Americans is very well presented and adds to the plot.
Ms. Brantley also captures the deep depression of those who lose a loved one before their time, which is woven into the plot.
Besides the above, the story moves along swiftly. One does not want to wait to find out what happens in the next step. I am not well informed on law enforcement but it seemed to me to be very realistic. She actually points out that "hey, we are not on CIS here". Five stars all the way and as good as her "Red Tide" is, this one is even better, much better!
I proofread a preview copy of "The Missings" for Ms. Brantley with no intention of writing a review. I got so tied up in the story that I had to back up occasionally to force myself back into editing mode. Ms. Brantley's handling of the Latinos in this story is outstanding. I have discovered in my travels in Mexico that the poorer Mexicans would answer any questions with "sí" because if they gave a wrong answer they got jumped on my the more affluent in their society. This behavior has carried over into the US by the illegals who have formed the barrios in our country. Ms. Brantly captures this in her descriptions of the people on "the other side of the tracks" avoiding anything to do with law enforcement or even people outside their society. Her handling of bigotry against "those people" even by Mexican Americans is very well presented and adds to the plot.
Ms. Brantley also captures the deep depression of those who lose a loved one before their time, which is woven into the plot.
Besides the above, the story moves along swiftly. One does not want to wait to find out what happens in the next step. I am not well informed on law enforcement but it seemed to me to be very realistic. She actually points out that "hey, we are not on CIS here". Five stars all the way and as good as her "Red Tide" is, this one is even better, much better!
March 14, 2013
This police procedural (I'd call it a nail-biting thriller) grabbed me from the start and kept me anxiously turning the pages until the very satisfying ending. The premise is relevant, the main topic is controversial and heart-wrenching, and the characters are so real they jump off the page at you. With an issue that tears at your heart, Peg Brantley gives us an insight into a segment of society that needs to stand up for itself and be heard, or continue to be exploited and victimized. Besides the very likeable and determined Detective Chase Waters, many of the other characters that populate this story, for example Elizabeth Benavides, Detective Daniel Murillo, Chase's wife Bond, and the fascinating Mex Anderson, could easily star in their own tales--and I hope to read about all of them again! This book helped me become better informed about two important issues while entertaining me from start to finish. Can't wait to see what Peg Brantley comes up with next!
November 6, 2013
Please note: The ‘review’ of this book (which was donated to The Magnolia Blossom Review for the sole purpose of a review) was completed by Glen Marcus based on the rubric designed by the owner of The MBR, L. Avery Brown. If you would like to read the entire review which includes an in depth author interview – please visit The Magnolia Blossom Review’s site online today! Glen Marcus has given permission to L. Avery Brown to post the review to Goodreads.
1. Book Title ... 10 of 10
For the Reviewer: Did the title grab your attention right away? Was it ho hum? What do you think the author might consider for future book titles? (You should have plenty of space for each item on the form as I think I set it up for the boxes to 'grow'.
The Missings is a well deserved title that captures the concept of this novel from start to finish. The Hispanic community adopts this grim moniker to describe their loved ones that have been abducted and are turning up mutilated around the town of Aspen Falls, Colorado.
2. Book Cover ... 10 of 10
For the Reviewer: Did it grab your attention? Was it ho hum? What do you think the author might consider for future book covers? Did it help make the title more effective?
I feel the cover is designed perfectly and has all the correct elements. The scalpel dripping blood reflects the psychotic violence inflicted on its victims. The opaque vision of the angel-like corpse with an outstretched hand, seemingly in search of a savior. And finally, the title font is in a haphazard assembly of fading letters, resembling the life that has faded from her body.
3. First 500 ... 8 of 10
For the Reviewer: Thinking of the first 500 (usually about 2 pages) words of the book, do you think the author provided enough incentive to urge the reader to continue? What stood out to you the most? Were you captivated after a couple of paragraphs? Did the 1st sentence grab you? Did you get to around the 500 word mark and didn't have a clue where the story was going?
To be honest, the first five hundred words did not grab my immediate attention. You are drawn into a grisly crime scene and it takes the first two brief chapters to flesh out the details. This novel is a bit of a slow-starter for me, but I can understand the details in a work this size sometimes come at a snail's pace. if you are fortunate enough to pick this book up, stay with the story, I assure you it won't disappoint.
4. Age Recommendation/Genre Classification ... 10 of 10
For the Reviewer: This one is pretty straight forward - if the book is supposed to be for young teens and 'tweens does it hit the mark? Or is it entirely TOO mature? Is it really a suspense story or is it more of a romance with a few suspenseful moments?
Being listed as a 'crime' story, The Missings, was probably not intended for the younger audience. Graphic details of mutilations, some strong dialogue and the general premise of the disturbing images left by this piece of fiction would preclude me from recommending it to teens.
5. Presentation/Format ... 8 of 10
For the Reviewer: Did the 'innards' of the book follow a clear, concise, standard format throughout the book? Or did you have a hard time keeping up with paragraphs or dialogue? Were multiple fonts used? Were they distracting?
While I enjoyed the intensity of this book, I found one aspect of it that distracted me. Each of the ninety-one chapters begins with a notation where the "scene" is taking place and most emblazoned with a time and date stamp. While I understand the events are being related in 'real-time', I feel most accomplished readers of this genre can be trusted to realize where, and when the events are taking place by other means. If this were a screenplay, I would be more willing to concede to the concept. An occasional nudging of whereabouts goes a long way, rather than ninety-one full-fledged slaps to the face.
6. Theme/Originality .. 10 of 10
For the Reviewer: Was this book something you'd never read? Or was it formulaic and a 'rehash' of a popular tale/current 'pop' genre? If it was a retelling - did the author make it feel fresh and just different enough that it kept you involved?
The theme of the book was spot-on. I knew what to expect by looking at the cover and being introduced to a mutilated victim in the first few paragraphs. But to regard this as simply a 'crime' story does this work a grave injustice. The plot weaves the personal and professional life of the protagonist expertly into the vast array of other characters. We get an overview of the baffling murder case, but we also see the real life personal struggles public servants so often experience. Add to that, the author delving into prejudices inflicted on the immigrant Hispanic community and the result is a provocative and controversial thriller. As far as originality, I would say the atrocities associated with this story might well have happened in a third-world country. The same deviant behavior occurring in a small Colorado town, not so much. For that twist, Ms. Brantley gets my kudos.
7. Description/Enhancement ... 9 of 10
For the Reviewer: Did the author use descriptive language and 'all those extra little things' to make it the best it could be? Did you feel it was too sparse in description? Did the author go OVER board with the description?
I felt the main characters introduced in this work were developed wonderfully. They came to life slowly enough that the reader could be drawn into their lives through the backstories provided. On the other hand, some secondary characters lacked the depth I wanted to see in a novel of this size. The way prejudices were dealt with (even in the ranks of the police) were realistic and added depth to the intricate storyline. I also enjoyed the 'police speak', and while it was not as detailed as it could have been, I believe for the average reader works to a tee.
8. Intrigue ... 9 of 10
For the Reviewer: Did you want to turn the next page because it was SO good? (10) Was it interesting but you didn't quite have an urge to keep reading? (5) Did you think 'I wonder if we have Twinkies in the pantry? Mmmmm, Twinkies' while you read? (1)
This story is believable enough to be ripped from today's headlines. As I said above, the book is a tad slow at the start, but once the wheels get rolling the suspense is far from lacking. I found myself turning page after page to get to the next "scene" and my interest level grew as the story progressed. I also have a warning... just when you think you have a handle on the culprit, think again.
9. Grammar/Mechanics ... 10 of 10
For the Reviewer: Was the book pretty darn flawless? (10) Did you see more that 5 or 10 'jump out' at you mistakes in grammar or the actual mechanics (verb tense, noun/pronoun agreement, missued words) ? (5) Did you feel it was a chore to read because it was riddled with errors? (1)
Every grammatical detail was flawless. Insertions of how a character felt or a distinct action necessary to get a point or feeling across was delivered at just the right time. The dialogue was not overdone, and when it was used it worked precisely.
10. Overall Impression ... 10 of 10
For the Reviewer: When all is said in done - did you enjoy the book? Would you recommend it to others?
I found Ms. Brantley's book to be a pleasure to read. I could see the Chase Waters character being a protagonist the author could build a series around. With the multiple subplots of The Missings and the minor characters that drew my interest but fell short in development, I would heartily await the next installment from this up and coming author. After being chosen to review Peg Brantley's sophomore work The Missings, I wanted to plug her debut book, "Red Tide". I am currently perusing it and find it to be in the same caliber of this Five Blossom submission. Please go check it out!
The Bestowing of the Blossoms ...
As it turns out, Peg Brantley's The Missings has earned 94 points giving it a very strong 5 big beautiful blossoms! Congratulations, Peg. We hope this review helps convince others to check out your book! Here's wishing you much success not just with The Missings, but will all your work. The world may have just found its next great thrilling crime writer.
1. Book Title ... 10 of 10
For the Reviewer: Did the title grab your attention right away? Was it ho hum? What do you think the author might consider for future book titles? (You should have plenty of space for each item on the form as I think I set it up for the boxes to 'grow'.
The Missings is a well deserved title that captures the concept of this novel from start to finish. The Hispanic community adopts this grim moniker to describe their loved ones that have been abducted and are turning up mutilated around the town of Aspen Falls, Colorado.
2. Book Cover ... 10 of 10
For the Reviewer: Did it grab your attention? Was it ho hum? What do you think the author might consider for future book covers? Did it help make the title more effective?
I feel the cover is designed perfectly and has all the correct elements. The scalpel dripping blood reflects the psychotic violence inflicted on its victims. The opaque vision of the angel-like corpse with an outstretched hand, seemingly in search of a savior. And finally, the title font is in a haphazard assembly of fading letters, resembling the life that has faded from her body.
3. First 500 ... 8 of 10
For the Reviewer: Thinking of the first 500 (usually about 2 pages) words of the book, do you think the author provided enough incentive to urge the reader to continue? What stood out to you the most? Were you captivated after a couple of paragraphs? Did the 1st sentence grab you? Did you get to around the 500 word mark and didn't have a clue where the story was going?
To be honest, the first five hundred words did not grab my immediate attention. You are drawn into a grisly crime scene and it takes the first two brief chapters to flesh out the details. This novel is a bit of a slow-starter for me, but I can understand the details in a work this size sometimes come at a snail's pace. if you are fortunate enough to pick this book up, stay with the story, I assure you it won't disappoint.
4. Age Recommendation/Genre Classification ... 10 of 10
For the Reviewer: This one is pretty straight forward - if the book is supposed to be for young teens and 'tweens does it hit the mark? Or is it entirely TOO mature? Is it really a suspense story or is it more of a romance with a few suspenseful moments?
Being listed as a 'crime' story, The Missings, was probably not intended for the younger audience. Graphic details of mutilations, some strong dialogue and the general premise of the disturbing images left by this piece of fiction would preclude me from recommending it to teens.
5. Presentation/Format ... 8 of 10
For the Reviewer: Did the 'innards' of the book follow a clear, concise, standard format throughout the book? Or did you have a hard time keeping up with paragraphs or dialogue? Were multiple fonts used? Were they distracting?
While I enjoyed the intensity of this book, I found one aspect of it that distracted me. Each of the ninety-one chapters begins with a notation where the "scene" is taking place and most emblazoned with a time and date stamp. While I understand the events are being related in 'real-time', I feel most accomplished readers of this genre can be trusted to realize where, and when the events are taking place by other means. If this were a screenplay, I would be more willing to concede to the concept. An occasional nudging of whereabouts goes a long way, rather than ninety-one full-fledged slaps to the face.
6. Theme/Originality .. 10 of 10
For the Reviewer: Was this book something you'd never read? Or was it formulaic and a 'rehash' of a popular tale/current 'pop' genre? If it was a retelling - did the author make it feel fresh and just different enough that it kept you involved?
The theme of the book was spot-on. I knew what to expect by looking at the cover and being introduced to a mutilated victim in the first few paragraphs. But to regard this as simply a 'crime' story does this work a grave injustice. The plot weaves the personal and professional life of the protagonist expertly into the vast array of other characters. We get an overview of the baffling murder case, but we also see the real life personal struggles public servants so often experience. Add to that, the author delving into prejudices inflicted on the immigrant Hispanic community and the result is a provocative and controversial thriller. As far as originality, I would say the atrocities associated with this story might well have happened in a third-world country. The same deviant behavior occurring in a small Colorado town, not so much. For that twist, Ms. Brantley gets my kudos.
7. Description/Enhancement ... 9 of 10
For the Reviewer: Did the author use descriptive language and 'all those extra little things' to make it the best it could be? Did you feel it was too sparse in description? Did the author go OVER board with the description?
I felt the main characters introduced in this work were developed wonderfully. They came to life slowly enough that the reader could be drawn into their lives through the backstories provided. On the other hand, some secondary characters lacked the depth I wanted to see in a novel of this size. The way prejudices were dealt with (even in the ranks of the police) were realistic and added depth to the intricate storyline. I also enjoyed the 'police speak', and while it was not as detailed as it could have been, I believe for the average reader works to a tee.
8. Intrigue ... 9 of 10
For the Reviewer: Did you want to turn the next page because it was SO good? (10) Was it interesting but you didn't quite have an urge to keep reading? (5) Did you think 'I wonder if we have Twinkies in the pantry? Mmmmm, Twinkies' while you read? (1)
This story is believable enough to be ripped from today's headlines. As I said above, the book is a tad slow at the start, but once the wheels get rolling the suspense is far from lacking. I found myself turning page after page to get to the next "scene" and my interest level grew as the story progressed. I also have a warning... just when you think you have a handle on the culprit, think again.
9. Grammar/Mechanics ... 10 of 10
For the Reviewer: Was the book pretty darn flawless? (10) Did you see more that 5 or 10 'jump out' at you mistakes in grammar or the actual mechanics (verb tense, noun/pronoun agreement, missued words) ? (5) Did you feel it was a chore to read because it was riddled with errors? (1)
Every grammatical detail was flawless. Insertions of how a character felt or a distinct action necessary to get a point or feeling across was delivered at just the right time. The dialogue was not overdone, and when it was used it worked precisely.
10. Overall Impression ... 10 of 10
For the Reviewer: When all is said in done - did you enjoy the book? Would you recommend it to others?
I found Ms. Brantley's book to be a pleasure to read. I could see the Chase Waters character being a protagonist the author could build a series around. With the multiple subplots of The Missings and the minor characters that drew my interest but fell short in development, I would heartily await the next installment from this up and coming author. After being chosen to review Peg Brantley's sophomore work The Missings, I wanted to plug her debut book, "Red Tide". I am currently perusing it and find it to be in the same caliber of this Five Blossom submission. Please go check it out!
The Bestowing of the Blossoms ...
As it turns out, Peg Brantley's The Missings has earned 94 points giving it a very strong 5 big beautiful blossoms! Congratulations, Peg. We hope this review helps convince others to check out your book! Here's wishing you much success not just with The Missings, but will all your work. The world may have just found its next great thrilling crime writer.
April 10, 2017
Pretty fast read for a not-so-short book. Well-written and edited, characters that were likeable and believable and plenty of action. I rate this one 4.6 stars.
June 30, 2014
Peg Brantley's The Missings Narrated by Eric Nutting is a Mystery/Detective Procedural that takes place in the small Hispanic community of Aspen Falls, Colorado.
When some of the community go missing they are reluctant to go to the authorities out of fear and the legal status of many in the community.
When Elizebeth Benavides sister goes missing she challenges the communities silence and demands the authorities do something.
Senior Detective Chase Waters looks into the case and when the other missing people are brought to his attention he works all his contacts to solve, what truely is a mystery.
When Detective Waters investigation takes him to the doors of a private hospital for the Rich he looks for a connection. The one he finds brings the case much to close to home for him.
The Missings is a must read. It speaks to the Fear of the Police by law abiding and even legal citizens and the unreported crimes they face. This is a mystery where life and death lay in the balance.
Read this and other Audiobook Reviews at PerryMartinBookReviews.wordpress.com and follow me @PerryBookReview on twitter also read other reviews Monthly at AudiobookMonthly.com
When some of the community go missing they are reluctant to go to the authorities out of fear and the legal status of many in the community.
When Elizebeth Benavides sister goes missing she challenges the communities silence and demands the authorities do something.
Senior Detective Chase Waters looks into the case and when the other missing people are brought to his attention he works all his contacts to solve, what truely is a mystery.
When Detective Waters investigation takes him to the doors of a private hospital for the Rich he looks for a connection. The one he finds brings the case much to close to home for him.
The Missings is a must read. It speaks to the Fear of the Police by law abiding and even legal citizens and the unreported crimes they face. This is a mystery where life and death lay in the balance.
Read this and other Audiobook Reviews at PerryMartinBookReviews.wordpress.com and follow me @PerryBookReview on twitter also read other reviews Monthly at AudiobookMonthly.com
July 5, 2014
A police procedural with some twists.
Don’t confuse the fictional Aspen Falls with Aspen, second home of the beautiful people. If it really existed, it wouldn’t be too far away geographically, but much different culturally. Populated largely by middle and working class families, Aspen Falls might be Anytown, Colorado.
When Chase Waters, a detective for the Aspen Falls police, realizes the mutilated bodies showing up around the area aren’t typical murders and are almost surely related, he starts digging, soon discovering there may be others not yet discovered. The main story kept me guessing and even when I was sure what was happening, I was invested enough in the characters to wonder how Water’s was going to figure it out. Meanwhile, a few secondary story threads added depth, both to the characters and the tale. By the time we get to the climax, the case has struck closer to home than Waters would have ever anticipated.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
Don’t confuse the fictional Aspen Falls with Aspen, second home of the beautiful people. If it really existed, it wouldn’t be too far away geographically, but much different culturally. Populated largely by middle and working class families, Aspen Falls might be Anytown, Colorado.
When Chase Waters, a detective for the Aspen Falls police, realizes the mutilated bodies showing up around the area aren’t typical murders and are almost surely related, he starts digging, soon discovering there may be others not yet discovered. The main story kept me guessing and even when I was sure what was happening, I was invested enough in the characters to wonder how Water’s was going to figure it out. Meanwhile, a few secondary story threads added depth, both to the characters and the tale. By the time we get to the climax, the case has struck closer to home than Waters would have ever anticipated.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
July 4, 2014
"A Good Police Crime Drama"
I liked The Missings, especially some of the issues that were addressed. There were many issues that take place in this story and sadly within society. The Missings ranks as one of the good audiobooks I've listened to. I liked all the characters so I don't know that I had a favorite. I wanted there to be a character that I was more able to identify with. Eric Nutting was a fine narrator and I look forward to hearing more from him. Also I think that Peg Brantley is a very talented author and I will continue listening to her audiobooks. This one was a good take on an interesting subject matter. This was a book that I wanted to listen to all in one sitting but I had to take breaks. This was a book that I'm glad I listened to but I think it could have had more plot twists with the good storyline that it did have. I think this book is definitely worth listening to. I enjoyed it.
I liked The Missings, especially some of the issues that were addressed. There were many issues that take place in this story and sadly within society. The Missings ranks as one of the good audiobooks I've listened to. I liked all the characters so I don't know that I had a favorite. I wanted there to be a character that I was more able to identify with. Eric Nutting was a fine narrator and I look forward to hearing more from him. Also I think that Peg Brantley is a very talented author and I will continue listening to her audiobooks. This one was a good take on an interesting subject matter. This was a book that I wanted to listen to all in one sitting but I had to take breaks. This was a book that I'm glad I listened to but I think it could have had more plot twists with the good storyline that it did have. I think this book is definitely worth listening to. I enjoyed it.
March 13, 2017
I really enjoyed this book and now have the Red Tide book to read soon
May 20, 2013
Some years ago I began to read a mystery novel by a bestselling author whose previous work I had enjoyed. One of the plot points hinged on a certain urban legend. I don’t think I finished the book, and haven’t read another of that author’s books since. I felt he had “jumped the shark” with that one.
Fast forward, and I got the Kindle edition of Peg Brantley’s THE MISSINGS. It wasn’t long before I realized that the same plot point was central to her book. But – THE MISSINGS kept me reading to the very end, and I’m eagerly looking forward to more. She made it believable, suspenseful, and up-to-date. Furthermore, the characters in this police procedural were people I’d like to get to know a lot better, and the setting in a Colorado resort town rings true. Highly recommended!
Fast forward, and I got the Kindle edition of Peg Brantley’s THE MISSINGS. It wasn’t long before I realized that the same plot point was central to her book. But – THE MISSINGS kept me reading to the very end, and I’m eagerly looking forward to more. She made it believable, suspenseful, and up-to-date. Furthermore, the characters in this police procedural were people I’d like to get to know a lot better, and the setting in a Colorado resort town rings true. Highly recommended!
September 21, 2013
A very engaging and page turning read. I was totally involved in this story and ripped through the pages at a great pace and read in one sitting. I thoroughly enjoyed the main characters – Detective, husband and father Chase Waters and his team of fellow investigators, all were realistic, empathetic, diligent and courageous in their private and business lives.
This is a great police procedural where the main story and sub plots are interesting and contemporary. The language and conversations in this narrative flowed easily and authentically, the plot was interesting and the tension was palpable, the characters engaging, really what more could you want in a murder/thriller? I will certainly look for more books by this author
This is a great police procedural where the main story and sub plots are interesting and contemporary. The language and conversations in this narrative flowed easily and authentically, the plot was interesting and the tension was palpable, the characters engaging, really what more could you want in a murder/thriller? I will certainly look for more books by this author
June 19, 2013
Good Plot - Good Writing - Well-defined Characters. The Missings held my attention throughout. Every character was fully drawn and believable. As far as the plot, I know these things happen in Third World countries, and it wouldn't stretch credulity to find instances in the US. Money, power, and greed control the world. I particularly liked the relationships between Chase Waters and everyone else. He's the kind of lead character who doesn't grate on my nerves and would make a solid series protagonist. I applaud Ms. Brantley for a well-written, interesting book that I would highly recommend to my reader friends.
November 4, 2012
A suspenseful book about the investigation of missing/found Latino undocumented men, women and children who are kidnapped and murdered to support an illegal organ transplant business for the wealthy. It is an intense story of one young woman's determination to find out who killed her 17 year old sister. There are several story lines in the book that are equally compelling. Good writing and well paced. Along the way you are reminded of the perils of the undocumented and citizens who are of the same ethnicity.
April 16, 2013
This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. it captivated from the start, and I obviously had a hard time putting it down.
this boo has it all: intrigue, secrets, mystery, a beautiful Colorado backdrop, real flesh-and-blood characters with the kinds of human frailties and emotions with which one can daily identify.
it starts with the discovery of mutilated young. unidentified bodies....soon brings in the disappearance of a beautiful young woman with a bright future ahead of her, and before long the reader is captivated.
this boo has it all: intrigue, secrets, mystery, a beautiful Colorado backdrop, real flesh-and-blood characters with the kinds of human frailties and emotions with which one can daily identify.
it starts with the discovery of mutilated young. unidentified bodies....soon brings in the disappearance of a beautiful young woman with a bright future ahead of her, and before long the reader is captivated.
March 23, 2013
The beginning was very slow. I was in chapter twelve thinking..do I want to keep reading this. I stayed with it and it picks up. The ending had my heart pounding.
Hispanic bodies are piling up mutilated and harvested. Someone is collecting body organs. It's the detectives of Aspens Falls job to solve the case and figure out just what the cause of the body pile up is.
I'm torn about what to say about The Missings. There were parts that I really liked and there were parts I found completely unnecessary .
Hispanic bodies are piling up mutilated and harvested. Someone is collecting body organs. It's the detectives of Aspens Falls job to solve the case and figure out just what the cause of the body pile up is.
I'm torn about what to say about The Missings. There were parts that I really liked and there were parts I found completely unnecessary .
August 9, 2016
I read this book, I LOVED IT. How do you make something awesome better? I know, have one of the best voices I have ever heard read it to you! This is a fabulous book, I already did a review of the book after I read it, but the audio version is a truly great experience! Peg Brantley is a terrific storyteller, this audio version is one of the best I have ever heard...do yourself a favor, listen to this story...it's available at Audible.
February 24, 2013
This story is an eye opener and sheds light to a serious problem world wide of the lucrative and illegal "cash for organs" enterprise. As a Hispanic woman I empathized with the victims and although I am a US citizen, I do not condone the abuse perpetrated against the illegal Hispanics depicted in the story. Horrible to kill them for their body parts so wealthy people can live! Solid, good writing and the chapters are short making it a pleasure to read on the Kindle. Recommended!
December 2, 2014
Interesting mystery
Interesting mystery story about the illegal harvesting of human organs. This takes place in Colorado making it close to home. The mystery comes in on who are the victims and why they are targeted. Although it was a quick read it was filled with information. Could have used a little more mystery to keep the reader on their toes thinking of the motive or the next move. Still, I would recommend reading The Missings.
Interesting mystery story about the illegal harvesting of human organs. This takes place in Colorado making it close to home. The mystery comes in on who are the victims and why they are targeted. Although it was a quick read it was filled with information. Could have used a little more mystery to keep the reader on their toes thinking of the motive or the next move. Still, I would recommend reading The Missings.
February 16, 2013
When hispanic bodies are turning up mutilated and dumped, the detectives of Aspen Falls are in for a shocking discovery. This is a fast-paced, thrilling read that deals with something we'd probably rather not know about. The character's lives are intertwined to make the plot more compelling and full of suspense. I couldn't put it down once I started reading!
February 22, 2013
This book got me drawn in quickly, and kept me there. I love a good detective story, and this one had a good mix of characters, suspense and twists. There were a few attempts to dig deeper into the characters that had no bering on the story really, and could have been left out...but maybe that was the purpose...to keep me looking for something that tied into the story. I guess it worked.
February 17, 2017
The precise rating from me would be 3.5, but I am sure it would be higher for someone who enjoys this type of story more than I do. It is pretty well done for what it is, although I don't enjoy hopping heads this much. But the main thing is just that it is bloodier and scarier than I tend to like. Closer to thriller than mystery, in my opinion, and tend to prefer puzzle rather than fear.
June 2, 2013
This was a really interesting read and definitely started out at a quick pace...murder after murder start showing up in a small town and they're all connected. Chase Waters is on a mission to figure out what's going on. A good read that hits things right on the head in this genre. Great mystery and great detective work.
March 5, 2014
I don't read too many detective books but this one was really good.It was fast moving and I likes the way the author got you involved in all the characters.If you like murder mysteries this is a really good book to read. If your like me,not all that interested in this type of book you may change your mind after reading The Missings.
June 2, 2015
Great read!
I loved it! Couldn't put it down! Great mystery without the awkwardness of most stories that have sex thrown in.stayed strong with characters without adding too many that you couldn't keep them straight. The author did a great job on the topic of illegal immigrants without being preachy. I highly recommend this book.
I loved it! Couldn't put it down! Great mystery without the awkwardness of most stories that have sex thrown in.stayed strong with characters without adding too many that you couldn't keep them straight. The author did a great job on the topic of illegal immigrants without being preachy. I highly recommend this book.
November 30, 2012
I am not a detailed reviewer. I enjoyed this book. It held my interest and was easy to follow. It was a very exciting book to read, holding my interest. I am a bed reader for 30 mins at a time, so it does take me a while to read a book. I found myself looking forward to reading this book,
May 31, 2013
Enjoyed this story. Love anything written about Colorado. The story reminded me of the book "Coma". The entanglement of the really rich and the very poor undocumented gives the reader an opportunity to understand the depth of this situation. Glad the ending had the results I would have wanted.
February 26, 2015
Page Turner
Ms. Brantley does a wonderful job of story telling. She keeps the reader engaged and connected to her characters. I really enjoyed this book and will be anxious to read other books by this author.
Ms. Brantley does a wonderful job of story telling. She keeps the reader engaged and connected to her characters. I really enjoyed this book and will be anxious to read other books by this author.
Read
May 24, 2015Great story line
Finding bodies missing all their organs, send the detectives on a search of the illegal community. The story of people needing healthy organs can bring out both the good and bad in people.
Finding bodies missing all their organs, send the detectives on a search of the illegal community. The story of people needing healthy organs can bring out both the good and bad in people.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews