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Maud O’Connor Mysteries #1
Has anyone seen charlotte salter?
She’s loved by all who meet her. But someone wants her gone . . .
1990
When beautiful and vivacious Charlotte Salter fails to turn up to her husband Alec’s 50th birthday party, her kids are worried, but Alec is not. As the days pass and there’s still no word from Charlie, her daughter, Etty, and her sons, Niall, Paul and Ollie, all struggle to come to terms with her disappearance.
How can anyone just vanish without a trace?
Left with no answers and in limbo, the Salter children try and go on with their lives, all the while thinking that their mother’s killer is potentially very close to home.
Now
After years away, Etty returns home to the small East Anglian village where she grew up to help move her father into a care home. Now in his eighties, Alec has dementia and often mistakes his daughter for her mother.
Etty is a changed woman from the trouble-free girl she was when Charlie was still around - all the Salter children have spent decades running and hiding from their mother’s disappearance.
But when their childhood friends, Greg and Morgen Ackerley, decide to do a podcast about Charlotte’s disappearance, it seems like the town’s buried secrets – and the Salters’ – might finally come to light.
After all this time, will they finally find out what really happened to Charlotte Salter?
1990
When beautiful and vivacious Charlotte Salter fails to turn up to her husband Alec’s 50th birthday party, her kids are worried, but Alec is not. As the days pass and there’s still no word from Charlie, her daughter, Etty, and her sons, Niall, Paul and Ollie, all struggle to come to terms with her disappearance.
How can anyone just vanish without a trace?
Left with no answers and in limbo, the Salter children try and go on with their lives, all the while thinking that their mother’s killer is potentially very close to home.
Now
After years away, Etty returns home to the small East Anglian village where she grew up to help move her father into a care home. Now in his eighties, Alec has dementia and often mistakes his daughter for her mother.
Etty is a changed woman from the trouble-free girl she was when Charlie was still around - all the Salter children have spent decades running and hiding from their mother’s disappearance.
But when their childhood friends, Greg and Morgen Ackerley, decide to do a podcast about Charlotte’s disappearance, it seems like the town’s buried secrets – and the Salters’ – might finally come to light.
After all this time, will they finally find out what really happened to Charlotte Salter?
534 pages, Paperback
First published February 29, 2024
2053 people are currently reading
22745 people want to read
About the author
Nicci French
81 books3,659 followersNote: (Nicci Gerrard and Sean French also write separately.)
Nicci Gerrard was born in June 1958 in Worcestershire. After graduating with a first class honours degree in English Literature from Oxford University, she began her first job, working with emotionally disturbed children in Sheffield. In that same year she married journalist Colin Hughes.
In the early eighties she taught English Literature in Sheffield, London and Los Angeles, but moved into publishing in 1985 with the launch of Women's Review, a magazine for women on art, literature and female issues.
In 1987 Nicci had a son, Edgar, followed by a daughter, Anna, in 1988, but a year later her marriage to Colin Hughes broke down.
In 1989 she became acting literary editor at the New Statesman, before moving to the Observer, where she was deputy literary editor for five years, and then a feature writer and executive editor.
It was while she was at the New Statesman that she met Sean French.
Sean French was born in May 1959 in Bristol, to a British father and Swedish mother. He too studied English Literature at Oxford University at the same time as Nicci, also graduating with a first class degree, but their paths didn't cross until 1990. In 1981 he won Vogue magazine's Writing Talent Contest, and from 1981 to 1986 he was their theatre critic. During that time he also worked at the Sunday Times as deputy literary editor and television critic, and was the film critic for Marie Claire and deputy editor of New Society.
Sean and Nicci were married in Hackney in October 1990. Their daughters, Hadley and Molly, were born in 1991 and 1993.
By the mid-nineties Sean had had two novels published, The Imaginary Monkey and The Dreamer of Dreams, as well as numerous non-fiction books, including biographies of Jane Fonda and Brigitte Bardot.
In 1995 Nicci and Sean began work on their first joint novel and adopted the pseudonym of Nicci French. The Memory Game was published to great acclaim in 1997 followed by The Safe House (1998), Killing Me Softly (1999), Beneath the Skin (2000), The Red Room (2001), Land of the Living (2002), Secret Smile (2003), Catch Me When I Fall (2005), Losing You (2006) and Until It's Over (2008). Their latest novel together is What To Do When Someone Dies (2009).
Nicci and Sean also continue to write separately. Nicci still works as a journalist for the Observer, covering high-profile trials including those of Fred and Rose West, and Ian Huntley and Maxine Carr. Novels include Things We Knew Were True (2003), Solace (2005) and The Moment You Were Gone (2007). Sean's last novel is Start From Here (2004).
Nicci Gerrard was born in June 1958 in Worcestershire. After graduating with a first class honours degree in English Literature from Oxford University, she began her first job, working with emotionally disturbed children in Sheffield. In that same year she married journalist Colin Hughes.
In the early eighties she taught English Literature in Sheffield, London and Los Angeles, but moved into publishing in 1985 with the launch of Women's Review, a magazine for women on art, literature and female issues.
In 1987 Nicci had a son, Edgar, followed by a daughter, Anna, in 1988, but a year later her marriage to Colin Hughes broke down.
In 1989 she became acting literary editor at the New Statesman, before moving to the Observer, where she was deputy literary editor for five years, and then a feature writer and executive editor.
It was while she was at the New Statesman that she met Sean French.
Sean French was born in May 1959 in Bristol, to a British father and Swedish mother. He too studied English Literature at Oxford University at the same time as Nicci, also graduating with a first class degree, but their paths didn't cross until 1990. In 1981 he won Vogue magazine's Writing Talent Contest, and from 1981 to 1986 he was their theatre critic. During that time he also worked at the Sunday Times as deputy literary editor and television critic, and was the film critic for Marie Claire and deputy editor of New Society.
Sean and Nicci were married in Hackney in October 1990. Their daughters, Hadley and Molly, were born in 1991 and 1993.
By the mid-nineties Sean had had two novels published, The Imaginary Monkey and The Dreamer of Dreams, as well as numerous non-fiction books, including biographies of Jane Fonda and Brigitte Bardot.
In 1995 Nicci and Sean began work on their first joint novel and adopted the pseudonym of Nicci French. The Memory Game was published to great acclaim in 1997 followed by The Safe House (1998), Killing Me Softly (1999), Beneath the Skin (2000), The Red Room (2001), Land of the Living (2002), Secret Smile (2003), Catch Me When I Fall (2005), Losing You (2006) and Until It's Over (2008). Their latest novel together is What To Do When Someone Dies (2009).
Nicci and Sean also continue to write separately. Nicci still works as a journalist for the Observer, covering high-profile trials including those of Fred and Rose West, and Ian Huntley and Maxine Carr. Novels include Things We Knew Were True (2003), Solace (2005) and The Moment You Were Gone (2007). Sean's last novel is Start From Here (2004).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,695 reviews
March 19, 2024
Told in three parts, this story read more like a FAMILY DRAMA than a thriller for the first two parts, and a POLICE PROCEDURAL for part three.
1990: Part One
Two families will never be the same when on the day of Alec Salter’s fiftieth birthday party, just before Christmas 1990, his wife Charlotte (Charlie) vanishes. Fifteen year old, Etty Salter is the only one who seems concerned that her mother has failed to show up at the party. Then, while searching for her-Etty and her neighbor Morgan, find another body floating in the river-that of Morgan’s father- Duncan Ackerley.
Not wanting their Christmas plans to be ruined, the police quickly “conclude” that Duncan and Charlotte must have been having an affair before he killed her and committed suicide.
Case Closed despite having no body for Charlotte.
2022: Part Two
Thirty years later, Morgan Ackerley, a successful documentarian, has returned to Glensted with his older brother Greg to make podcast based on their shared tragedy with the Salters. Alec, stricken with dementia, is entering an elder care facility and Etty is back to help clear the house and put her father’s affairs in order.
When secrets get exposed-tragedy will strike again-and it seems to be related to the past.
Part Three:
With the podcast making national news, London sends Detective Inspector Maud O’Connor to Glensted to take over the investigation. Even with a messy personal life, she is clearly more competent than anyone who has worked the cases before. And, she has zero tolerance for her colleagues incompetence-or their sexism.
Needing an ally, she enlists the help Carrie Kessler, a friend and colleague who is currently on maternity leave in London.
Up until part three, this story has been a SLOW BURN, but the pace definitely picks up with these two on the case. Unfortunately, part three doesn’t begin until the 60% mark. I might have enjoyed this book more if these two women had made an earlier appearance.
Nicci French is a husband/wife writing duo (Nicci Gerard and Sean French) who has published many books and has countless fans, BUT this is my second time trying their work, and again they will earn only a three star rating. (average)
I failed to become emotionally invested at any point in the story, and found myself wanting to skim to get to the end-their work just doesn’t resonate with me.
Be sure to read a sample of reviews to determine if this might be a better fit for you.
If you are a fan, you can pick this up today.
Thank You to William Morrow for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley in exchange for a candid review.
1990: Part One
Two families will never be the same when on the day of Alec Salter’s fiftieth birthday party, just before Christmas 1990, his wife Charlotte (Charlie) vanishes. Fifteen year old, Etty Salter is the only one who seems concerned that her mother has failed to show up at the party. Then, while searching for her-Etty and her neighbor Morgan, find another body floating in the river-that of Morgan’s father- Duncan Ackerley.
Not wanting their Christmas plans to be ruined, the police quickly “conclude” that Duncan and Charlotte must have been having an affair before he killed her and committed suicide.
Case Closed despite having no body for Charlotte.
2022: Part Two
Thirty years later, Morgan Ackerley, a successful documentarian, has returned to Glensted with his older brother Greg to make podcast based on their shared tragedy with the Salters. Alec, stricken with dementia, is entering an elder care facility and Etty is back to help clear the house and put her father’s affairs in order.
When secrets get exposed-tragedy will strike again-and it seems to be related to the past.
Part Three:
With the podcast making national news, London sends Detective Inspector Maud O’Connor to Glensted to take over the investigation. Even with a messy personal life, she is clearly more competent than anyone who has worked the cases before. And, she has zero tolerance for her colleagues incompetence-or their sexism.
Needing an ally, she enlists the help Carrie Kessler, a friend and colleague who is currently on maternity leave in London.
Up until part three, this story has been a SLOW BURN, but the pace definitely picks up with these two on the case. Unfortunately, part three doesn’t begin until the 60% mark. I might have enjoyed this book more if these two women had made an earlier appearance.
Nicci French is a husband/wife writing duo (Nicci Gerard and Sean French) who has published many books and has countless fans, BUT this is my second time trying their work, and again they will earn only a three star rating. (average)
I failed to become emotionally invested at any point in the story, and found myself wanting to skim to get to the end-their work just doesn’t resonate with me.
Be sure to read a sample of reviews to determine if this might be a better fit for you.
If you are a fan, you can pick this up today.
Thank You to William Morrow for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley in exchange for a candid review.
September 16, 2024
Another book has left an indelible emotional scar on my soul, shaking me to the core with its profoundly sad, brutally honest, and heart-wrenching narrative about families torn asunder by the mysterious disappearance of their loved ones.
The story unfolds in a tranquil village in East Anglia, where a woman went missing thirty years ago, forever altering the lives of two families. It all started on a midwinter evening, near Christmas, in a barn on the village's outskirts. People had gathered to celebrate Alec Saltzer's 50th birthday, including his four children: three sons and a daughter, the youngest of the siblings. However, one person failed to arrive, and from that moment, life took a dark and irreversible turn in the otherwise unremarkable village. Her vanishing marked the beginning of a series of tragic events that haunted the lives of both families for over three decades.
This is the story of a remarkable woman. She was a wife, a mother, and a confidante. Described with adjectives like radiant, vital, generous, and optimistic, she was a woman with an insatiable appetite for life. Her loves included food, red wine, long hot baths, dancing, jigsaw puzzles, gossip, weepy films, nice clothes, crumpets, marmalade, chance encounters, peonies, sweet peas, candles, mangy dogs, and lost causes. She cherished life, adored people, and, above all, loved her four children.
Her name was Charlotte Salter. Her disappearance, lasting for three decades, left behind four grief-stricken children unable to move on. Her husband, already grappling with a problematic marriage, became the prime suspect due to a lack of evidence and his influential connections that helped him escape conviction. The case took a sinister turn with the apparent suicide of a close family friend, Duncan Ackerley, found drowned in the river. Law enforcement, seeking closure, linked Charlotte Salter's disappearance and Duncan Ackerley's presumed suicide to a tumultuous extramarital relationship, portraying the incidents as a lovers' quarrel that culminated in Charlotte's demise and Duncan's remorseful suicide.
The Salter children struggled to heal, as their mother's body was never found, slowly extinguishing their hope of her return. Evidences discovered included new clothes Charlotte had bought for her daughter Etty, the only child who stayed in the family home, while her brothers pursued their own paths. A letter addressed to Charlotte, hinting at a job interview in London, raised questions about her sudden departure. These findings suggested that Charlotte hadn't walked away from her family without taking her daughter with her and hadn't taken her own life, despite the items found near the riverside. Despite these discrepancies, her case appeared to be hastily closed, denying anyone the closure they desperately needed.
As we fast forward 30 years, the Salter children, now middle-aged adults, reunite in their family home to clear it before relocating their ailing father, who suffers from dementia, to a care facility. Etty, once vibrant and full of life, has become emotionally distant and now works as a formidable attorney. She instructs her two brothers, Niall and Ollie, to handle their father's care and business, respectively. However, when Etty discovers that the Ackerley brothers are producing a true crime podcast about their mother's disappearance and their father's death, she can't help but be drawn into the investigation. Morgan Ackerley, a popular television personality, is determined to clear his father's name by conducting interviews with townspeople to tie up loose ends.
Their investigation uncovers a Pandora's box of intertwined lives, leading to yet another tragic event. Thirty years later, an outsider detective arrives in their town, bringing the potential for closure and answers that have eluded both families for decades. Could she examine the overlooked evidence with fresh eyes and objectivity, shedding light on the motives of those involved?
The heartrending conclusion left me utterly speechless. Etty/Elizabeth, both young and middle-aged, emerged as one of my favorite characters, while Maud and Cassie, the inspectors who made a late appearance, stole the scenes they were in. I hope that the author duo brings these remarkable characters to life in their future works. Although Charlotte Salter doesn't make an appearance in our reading journey, her presence is palpable, casting a long shadow over each chapter, evoking genuine sadness and profound grief in her struggling children, who refuse to let her memory fade.
Of course, I wholeheartedly award this book a well-deserved five stars and highly recommend it. I eagerly anticipate reading more collaborations from Nicci Gerard and Sean French in the near future.
A special thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing me with this incredible digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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The story unfolds in a tranquil village in East Anglia, where a woman went missing thirty years ago, forever altering the lives of two families. It all started on a midwinter evening, near Christmas, in a barn on the village's outskirts. People had gathered to celebrate Alec Saltzer's 50th birthday, including his four children: three sons and a daughter, the youngest of the siblings. However, one person failed to arrive, and from that moment, life took a dark and irreversible turn in the otherwise unremarkable village. Her vanishing marked the beginning of a series of tragic events that haunted the lives of both families for over three decades.
This is the story of a remarkable woman. She was a wife, a mother, and a confidante. Described with adjectives like radiant, vital, generous, and optimistic, she was a woman with an insatiable appetite for life. Her loves included food, red wine, long hot baths, dancing, jigsaw puzzles, gossip, weepy films, nice clothes, crumpets, marmalade, chance encounters, peonies, sweet peas, candles, mangy dogs, and lost causes. She cherished life, adored people, and, above all, loved her four children.
Her name was Charlotte Salter. Her disappearance, lasting for three decades, left behind four grief-stricken children unable to move on. Her husband, already grappling with a problematic marriage, became the prime suspect due to a lack of evidence and his influential connections that helped him escape conviction. The case took a sinister turn with the apparent suicide of a close family friend, Duncan Ackerley, found drowned in the river. Law enforcement, seeking closure, linked Charlotte Salter's disappearance and Duncan Ackerley's presumed suicide to a tumultuous extramarital relationship, portraying the incidents as a lovers' quarrel that culminated in Charlotte's demise and Duncan's remorseful suicide.
The Salter children struggled to heal, as their mother's body was never found, slowly extinguishing their hope of her return. Evidences discovered included new clothes Charlotte had bought for her daughter Etty, the only child who stayed in the family home, while her brothers pursued their own paths. A letter addressed to Charlotte, hinting at a job interview in London, raised questions about her sudden departure. These findings suggested that Charlotte hadn't walked away from her family without taking her daughter with her and hadn't taken her own life, despite the items found near the riverside. Despite these discrepancies, her case appeared to be hastily closed, denying anyone the closure they desperately needed.
As we fast forward 30 years, the Salter children, now middle-aged adults, reunite in their family home to clear it before relocating their ailing father, who suffers from dementia, to a care facility. Etty, once vibrant and full of life, has become emotionally distant and now works as a formidable attorney. She instructs her two brothers, Niall and Ollie, to handle their father's care and business, respectively. However, when Etty discovers that the Ackerley brothers are producing a true crime podcast about their mother's disappearance and their father's death, she can't help but be drawn into the investigation. Morgan Ackerley, a popular television personality, is determined to clear his father's name by conducting interviews with townspeople to tie up loose ends.
Their investigation uncovers a Pandora's box of intertwined lives, leading to yet another tragic event. Thirty years later, an outsider detective arrives in their town, bringing the potential for closure and answers that have eluded both families for decades. Could she examine the overlooked evidence with fresh eyes and objectivity, shedding light on the motives of those involved?
The heartrending conclusion left me utterly speechless. Etty/Elizabeth, both young and middle-aged, emerged as one of my favorite characters, while Maud and Cassie, the inspectors who made a late appearance, stole the scenes they were in. I hope that the author duo brings these remarkable characters to life in their future works. Although Charlotte Salter doesn't make an appearance in our reading journey, her presence is palpable, casting a long shadow over each chapter, evoking genuine sadness and profound grief in her struggling children, who refuse to let her memory fade.
Of course, I wholeheartedly award this book a well-deserved five stars and highly recommend it. I eagerly anticipate reading more collaborations from Nicci Gerard and Sean French in the near future.
A special thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing me with this incredible digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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January 8, 2024
4-5 stars rounded down
Thirty years ago in 1990 in an East Anglian village a party is being prepared in a barn which now looks beautiful. The 22nd December pre-Christmas bash is the 50th birthday party for Alec Salter but one person never makes it to the celebrations. This is the story of Charlotte Salter, the story of a mother of four, a lover of life and people, vibrant, colourful and much liked. Her four children wait and wonder where she’s got to as this is so out of character and as time ticks on 15 year old Etty (Elizabeth) becomes more and more concerned. Eventually she leaves the party and goes to a telephone box and dials 999. The novel is divided into three parts, Part One is 1990 and is principally told through the eyes of Etty. Part Two is set in 2022, where the story unexpectedly advances and Part Three is via the character of DI Maude O’Connor who is drafted into East Anglia from London to lead the investigation. Will Charlotte Salter ever be found? Only time will tell.
I’ve been reading the books of this dynamic writing duo for years as they rarely ever disappoint, and I do like the direction that their recent novels have taken. I think this character driven, domestic/mystery thriller is one I’ll remember because it’s written with such sympathy, compassion and understanding of the Salter siblings, whose portrayal is excellent. Right from the start the novel is also full of atmosphere with the East Anglian setting adding to this. The 1990 timeline reveals a dysfunctional household, chiefly because of the character of Alec, whose morose, angry, personality sets a terrible tone in the Salter household. The heartbreaking desperation of the siblings, especially young Etty makes you feel so sad and you empathise with their unfolding nightmare. Etty seems so alone, but what she does so well is to bring her mother to life and it’s clear that Charlotte is a much loved parent.
The writing in part one is very poignant and this contrasts so jarringly with the incompetent and misogynistic police investigation which beggars belief as they assume way too much. Part two is also tough to read as you witness how the loss of Charlotte has impacted and continued to impact on the siblings lives. Etty is a very different person now, she’s changed so dramatically because of it and it’s such a stark contrast to the Etty that you meet in part one. Part three is equally strong and that’s as much as anything down to the character of Maude who is an admirable, strong female lead. There are multiple twists especially in part three, it’s suspenseful as well as emotional and when you’ve view all three parts as a whole, the storytelling is complex and multilayered. I really like the short sharp chapters which delivers plenty of tension.
Overall, I think this is an ambitious novel and the talented pair have really pulled it off. I daresay years of writing together leads to a multitude of storytelling skills. It’s another winner for me.
A great cover too.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Simon and Schuster for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Thirty years ago in 1990 in an East Anglian village a party is being prepared in a barn which now looks beautiful. The 22nd December pre-Christmas bash is the 50th birthday party for Alec Salter but one person never makes it to the celebrations. This is the story of Charlotte Salter, the story of a mother of four, a lover of life and people, vibrant, colourful and much liked. Her four children wait and wonder where she’s got to as this is so out of character and as time ticks on 15 year old Etty (Elizabeth) becomes more and more concerned. Eventually she leaves the party and goes to a telephone box and dials 999. The novel is divided into three parts, Part One is 1990 and is principally told through the eyes of Etty. Part Two is set in 2022, where the story unexpectedly advances and Part Three is via the character of DI Maude O’Connor who is drafted into East Anglia from London to lead the investigation. Will Charlotte Salter ever be found? Only time will tell.
I’ve been reading the books of this dynamic writing duo for years as they rarely ever disappoint, and I do like the direction that their recent novels have taken. I think this character driven, domestic/mystery thriller is one I’ll remember because it’s written with such sympathy, compassion and understanding of the Salter siblings, whose portrayal is excellent. Right from the start the novel is also full of atmosphere with the East Anglian setting adding to this. The 1990 timeline reveals a dysfunctional household, chiefly because of the character of Alec, whose morose, angry, personality sets a terrible tone in the Salter household. The heartbreaking desperation of the siblings, especially young Etty makes you feel so sad and you empathise with their unfolding nightmare. Etty seems so alone, but what she does so well is to bring her mother to life and it’s clear that Charlotte is a much loved parent.
The writing in part one is very poignant and this contrasts so jarringly with the incompetent and misogynistic police investigation which beggars belief as they assume way too much. Part two is also tough to read as you witness how the loss of Charlotte has impacted and continued to impact on the siblings lives. Etty is a very different person now, she’s changed so dramatically because of it and it’s such a stark contrast to the Etty that you meet in part one. Part three is equally strong and that’s as much as anything down to the character of Maude who is an admirable, strong female lead. There are multiple twists especially in part three, it’s suspenseful as well as emotional and when you’ve view all three parts as a whole, the storytelling is complex and multilayered. I really like the short sharp chapters which delivers plenty of tension.
Overall, I think this is an ambitious novel and the talented pair have really pulled it off. I daresay years of writing together leads to a multitude of storytelling skills. It’s another winner for me.
A great cover too.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Simon and Schuster for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
December 15, 2024
Charlotte Salter—otherwise known as Charlie to her friends—has spent all day preparing for her husband’s fiftieth birthday party. When festivities get underway, however, Charlie’s nowhere to be found. Alec, the man of the hour, blows off her absence, but as the hours pass with no sign of her mother, fifteen-year-old Etty becomes positive that something is wrong. After all, Charlie wouldn’t just leave her children without even a goodbye. Especially right before Christmas.
Hours turn to days. And then the other shoe drops when Etty and her friend, Greg, find the body of Greg’s father, Duncan, floating in the river. A close friend of Charlie’s, Duncan is quickly viewed with suspicion. With rumors swirling around the small village of Glensted, the police decide that the two had been having an affair. Otherwise at loggerheads about what could have happened, they rule that Duncan killed Charlie and then—overwhelmed with remorse—committed suicide by throwing himself off of a bridge.
Thirty years later, Etty and her siblings have returned to Glensted to settle their father into an elder care home after his diagnosis of dementia. At the same time, Greg and his younger brother, Morgan, have come back to town as well. Now a famous documentarian, Morgan is set on making a podcast in order to reveal once and for all what happened to both Charlie and Duncan. The Salters, however, have no desire to see the past raked up again after all of these years.
Despite Etty’s distaste for Morgan’s new investigation, the town quickly gets sucked back in to Charlie’s disappearance. Allegations are revived and secrets are revealed. Just as the podcast is getting close to the truth, a suspicious fire leads to a woman’s death—one that’s quickly deemed murder. Hoping to wrest some control over the situation, Detective Inspector Maud O’Connor is sent down from London. As she digs into the events of thirty years ago, however, a disturbing picture starts to form. One that will wreck even more havoc for all concerned.
What a profoundly powerful story. Told in three parts, Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter? charted the disappearance, impact, and resolution of the case of a much loved, missing woman. And while I wouldn’t quite characterize the interwoven plot as a thriller, the suspense and poignancy instead revealed a complicated story that crossed genres with grace. A blend of family drama, mystery/suspense, and police procedural, the plot was something quite special to behold.
More than anything, the characters were where this story shined. With beautiful arcs to their personas, each individual were deeply touched by Charlie’s disappearance. Moving from teenagers to trauma-hardened adults, they each came alive on the page as one fateful night left its mark on them all. It was the sense of sympathy and compassion as the characters were handled with care that allowed the story to make a deep impact on me. All I know is that my thoughts are sure to remain with all characters involved for quite some time.
The plot itself was told from an omniscient perspective over two timelines. In part one, we witness the day-to-day events following Charlie’s disappearance and then, from part two onward, jump thirty years into the future for the remainder of the book. Reacquainted with all those involved, a podcast plot line is woven in as the truth of what happened is sought out. It was part three, however, when the strong, dynamic character of Maud entered the picture that I was won over hook, line, and sinker. Filled with shocking twists, a heartbreaking reveal, and one stellar conclusion, it was the perfect end to a dynamite story.
I do have to add, though, that, at times, the book felt stilted in its reading. Filled with too much detail about locations, behaviors, and unnecessary thoughts, I felt somewhat removed from the action. I don’t know whether I acclimated to this style of writing or it stopped by the last third, but I thankfully fell in love by the end. The only other teeny, tiny fly in the ointment was that some trimming could’ve been done in part one and two. But then, even that didn’t put me off even the slightest.
Done and dusted, the impressive storytelling duo of Nicci Gerrard and Sean French managed to put together a suspenseful and emotional read that quite literally took my breath away. Perfect for fans of slow burn mysteries, family dramas, crime fiction, or all of the above, I’m immensely glad that I stepped outside of my comfort zone to request this thought-provoking tale. After all, with the even pacing, short chapters, and perfect narration, there simply wasn’t much missing. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Nicci French and William Morrow for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 19, 2024
Trigger warning: disappearance of a parent, drug and alcohol use, death of a parent, dementia, house fire, mention of: infidelity, suicide, depression
Hours turn to days. And then the other shoe drops when Etty and her friend, Greg, find the body of Greg’s father, Duncan, floating in the river. A close friend of Charlie’s, Duncan is quickly viewed with suspicion. With rumors swirling around the small village of Glensted, the police decide that the two had been having an affair. Otherwise at loggerheads about what could have happened, they rule that Duncan killed Charlie and then—overwhelmed with remorse—committed suicide by throwing himself off of a bridge.
Thirty years later, Etty and her siblings have returned to Glensted to settle their father into an elder care home after his diagnosis of dementia. At the same time, Greg and his younger brother, Morgan, have come back to town as well. Now a famous documentarian, Morgan is set on making a podcast in order to reveal once and for all what happened to both Charlie and Duncan. The Salters, however, have no desire to see the past raked up again after all of these years.
Despite Etty’s distaste for Morgan’s new investigation, the town quickly gets sucked back in to Charlie’s disappearance. Allegations are revived and secrets are revealed. Just as the podcast is getting close to the truth, a suspicious fire leads to a woman’s death—one that’s quickly deemed murder. Hoping to wrest some control over the situation, Detective Inspector Maud O’Connor is sent down from London. As she digs into the events of thirty years ago, however, a disturbing picture starts to form. One that will wreck even more havoc for all concerned.
What a profoundly powerful story. Told in three parts, Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter? charted the disappearance, impact, and resolution of the case of a much loved, missing woman. And while I wouldn’t quite characterize the interwoven plot as a thriller, the suspense and poignancy instead revealed a complicated story that crossed genres with grace. A blend of family drama, mystery/suspense, and police procedural, the plot was something quite special to behold.
More than anything, the characters were where this story shined. With beautiful arcs to their personas, each individual were deeply touched by Charlie’s disappearance. Moving from teenagers to trauma-hardened adults, they each came alive on the page as one fateful night left its mark on them all. It was the sense of sympathy and compassion as the characters were handled with care that allowed the story to make a deep impact on me. All I know is that my thoughts are sure to remain with all characters involved for quite some time.
The plot itself was told from an omniscient perspective over two timelines. In part one, we witness the day-to-day events following Charlie’s disappearance and then, from part two onward, jump thirty years into the future for the remainder of the book. Reacquainted with all those involved, a podcast plot line is woven in as the truth of what happened is sought out. It was part three, however, when the strong, dynamic character of Maud entered the picture that I was won over hook, line, and sinker. Filled with shocking twists, a heartbreaking reveal, and one stellar conclusion, it was the perfect end to a dynamite story.
I do have to add, though, that, at times, the book felt stilted in its reading. Filled with too much detail about locations, behaviors, and unnecessary thoughts, I felt somewhat removed from the action. I don’t know whether I acclimated to this style of writing or it stopped by the last third, but I thankfully fell in love by the end. The only other teeny, tiny fly in the ointment was that some trimming could’ve been done in part one and two. But then, even that didn’t put me off even the slightest.
Done and dusted, the impressive storytelling duo of Nicci Gerrard and Sean French managed to put together a suspenseful and emotional read that quite literally took my breath away. Perfect for fans of slow burn mysteries, family dramas, crime fiction, or all of the above, I’m immensely glad that I stepped outside of my comfort zone to request this thought-provoking tale. After all, with the even pacing, short chapters, and perfect narration, there simply wasn’t much missing. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Nicci French and William Morrow for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 19, 2024
Trigger warning: disappearance of a parent, drug and alcohol use, death of a parent, dementia, house fire, mention of: infidelity, suicide, depression
May 3, 2024
EXCERPT: Thirty years ago in a village in East Anglia where the land is swallowed up by mudflats and marshes and a hard wind blows in from the sea, a woman went missing.
It was midwinter, sleety and dark, but Christmas was coming. There were festive lights in the high street, decorated trees in the windows, smoke curling from the chimneys of the houses. And in a barn on the edge of the village, people were gathering for a party.
But one person never arrived, and life was changed forever in that ordinary little village. Her disappearance was the start of a chain of terrible events that for more than three decades blighted the lives of two families.
This is a story of dark secrets that were buried a life-time ago, but which never lost their power, and of the grip that past has upon the present.
It is the story of the people whose lives unravelled from that winter day: sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, partners and friends.
It is the story of a woman. She is a wife, a mother, a confidante. She is impulsive and warm-hearted and full of life. when people describe her, they use words like 'radiant', 'vital', 'generous', 'optimistic'. She is a woman of appetites: she loves food, red wine, long hot baths. She loves dancing. Walking in all weathers. Jigsaw puzzles. Gossip. Weepy films. Nice clothes. Crumpets. Marmalade. Chance encounters. Peonies and sweet peas. Candles, Mangy dogs. Lost causes.
She loves life. She loves people. Above all, she loves her four children.
He name is Charlotte Salter.
He looked up.
'Does that seem all right?'
'It was fine. More than fine. It was good.'
'Then it's a wrap.'
ABOUT 'HAS ANYONE SEEN CHARLOTTE SALTER?': 1990
When beautiful and vivacious Charlotte Salter fails to turn up to her husband Alec's fiftieth birthday party, her children are worried, but Alec is not.
As the days pass, Etty, Niall, Paul and Ollie all struggle to come to terms with their mother's disappearance. How can anyone vanish without a trace?
NOW
Etty returns home after years away to help move her father into a care home. Now in his eighties, Alec has dementia and often mistakes his daughter for her mother.
Etty is a changed woman from the trouble-free girl she was when Charlie was still around - all the Salter children have spent decades running and hiding from their mother's disappearance.
But when their childhood friends, Greg and Morgan Ackerley, decide to do a podcast about Charlie's disappearance, it seems like the town's buried secrets - and the Salters' - might finally come to light.
After all this time, will they finally find out what really happened to Charlotte Salter?
MY THOUGHTS: If you are looking for a great character-based mystery, pick this up!
It's hard to beat the French duo - Nicci Gerard and Sean French - when it comes to creating an enticing atmosphere and relatable mesmerizing characters.
Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter is a slow-burn; it is quietly absorbing and addictive. I put everything else aside to immerse myself in this. I felt Etty's pain as her fears for her mother were brushed aside, disregarded. Everyone else just seems to get on with their lives; but Etty's true north has disappeared. She is devastated and struggles to cope.
But while it may appear that everyone else just gets on with their lives; it is not true. Paul, already a victim of depression, flounders even further, falls into an even deeper chasm. Niall, the eldest, falls back into the arms of the girl he broke up with on the day of the party and remains in the family business which he had been planning to leave. Ollie continues on his booze and drug filled way. And Alec? He really is a reprehensible character. He blusters and bombasts and continues on his adulterous way.
And so the family drifts, untethered and apart, for thirty odd years until two catalysts occur: Alec needs to be put into full-time care, and Morgan and Greg Ackerley announce their intention to make a podcast about the disappearance of Charlotte Salter, the woman their father is said to have murdered; the woman he supposedly killed himself over.
Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter is written in three distinct parts - 1990 the party and its aftermath; 2022 Etty and Ollie return home to help clear out their father's house, and Morgan announces his intention to make a podcast on Charlie's disappearance with the aid of his brother Greg; 2022 with a further death involving the Salters, DI Maud O'Connor from London is brought in to investigate.
Let the fun begin . . . and it does. Maud is a fresh pair of eyes and resented by the local force - in fact some of them are downright hostile toward her. They are obstructive and even rude. Lazy and slapdash, something Maud won't tolerate. Maud is appalled by the way they failed to fully investigate Charlotte Salter's disappearance, taking the easy way out, tying it to Duncan Ackerley's apparent suicide to wrap it all up - quick and easy. But something doesn't sit right with Maud - she is sure that all three deaths are linked and brings in her own reinforcements.
I loved this book. I loved the atmosphere Nicci French created - the pain, the grief, the bewilderment, the lost souls, the devastation of not one, but two families. The plot is cleverly constructed, linear, and contains some red herrings, plausible and well-constructed.
And did I solve the mystery? - No, but I loved every moment.
The Nicci French duo never fails to please me and Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter is right up there with the best of their work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#HasAnyoneSeenCharlotteSalter? #WaitomoDistrictLibrary
It was midwinter, sleety and dark, but Christmas was coming. There were festive lights in the high street, decorated trees in the windows, smoke curling from the chimneys of the houses. And in a barn on the edge of the village, people were gathering for a party.
But one person never arrived, and life was changed forever in that ordinary little village. Her disappearance was the start of a chain of terrible events that for more than three decades blighted the lives of two families.
This is a story of dark secrets that were buried a life-time ago, but which never lost their power, and of the grip that past has upon the present.
It is the story of the people whose lives unravelled from that winter day: sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, partners and friends.
It is the story of a woman. She is a wife, a mother, a confidante. She is impulsive and warm-hearted and full of life. when people describe her, they use words like 'radiant', 'vital', 'generous', 'optimistic'. She is a woman of appetites: she loves food, red wine, long hot baths. She loves dancing. Walking in all weathers. Jigsaw puzzles. Gossip. Weepy films. Nice clothes. Crumpets. Marmalade. Chance encounters. Peonies and sweet peas. Candles, Mangy dogs. Lost causes.
She loves life. She loves people. Above all, she loves her four children.
He name is Charlotte Salter.
He looked up.
'Does that seem all right?'
'It was fine. More than fine. It was good.'
'Then it's a wrap.'
ABOUT 'HAS ANYONE SEEN CHARLOTTE SALTER?': 1990
When beautiful and vivacious Charlotte Salter fails to turn up to her husband Alec's fiftieth birthday party, her children are worried, but Alec is not.
As the days pass, Etty, Niall, Paul and Ollie all struggle to come to terms with their mother's disappearance. How can anyone vanish without a trace?
NOW
Etty returns home after years away to help move her father into a care home. Now in his eighties, Alec has dementia and often mistakes his daughter for her mother.
Etty is a changed woman from the trouble-free girl she was when Charlie was still around - all the Salter children have spent decades running and hiding from their mother's disappearance.
But when their childhood friends, Greg and Morgan Ackerley, decide to do a podcast about Charlie's disappearance, it seems like the town's buried secrets - and the Salters' - might finally come to light.
After all this time, will they finally find out what really happened to Charlotte Salter?
MY THOUGHTS: If you are looking for a great character-based mystery, pick this up!
It's hard to beat the French duo - Nicci Gerard and Sean French - when it comes to creating an enticing atmosphere and relatable mesmerizing characters.
Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter is a slow-burn; it is quietly absorbing and addictive. I put everything else aside to immerse myself in this. I felt Etty's pain as her fears for her mother were brushed aside, disregarded. Everyone else just seems to get on with their lives; but Etty's true north has disappeared. She is devastated and struggles to cope.
But while it may appear that everyone else just gets on with their lives; it is not true. Paul, already a victim of depression, flounders even further, falls into an even deeper chasm. Niall, the eldest, falls back into the arms of the girl he broke up with on the day of the party and remains in the family business which he had been planning to leave. Ollie continues on his booze and drug filled way. And Alec? He really is a reprehensible character. He blusters and bombasts and continues on his adulterous way.
And so the family drifts, untethered and apart, for thirty odd years until two catalysts occur: Alec needs to be put into full-time care, and Morgan and Greg Ackerley announce their intention to make a podcast about the disappearance of Charlotte Salter, the woman their father is said to have murdered; the woman he supposedly killed himself over.
Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter is written in three distinct parts - 1990 the party and its aftermath; 2022 Etty and Ollie return home to help clear out their father's house, and Morgan announces his intention to make a podcast on Charlie's disappearance with the aid of his brother Greg; 2022 with a further death involving the Salters, DI Maud O'Connor from London is brought in to investigate.
Let the fun begin . . . and it does. Maud is a fresh pair of eyes and resented by the local force - in fact some of them are downright hostile toward her. They are obstructive and even rude. Lazy and slapdash, something Maud won't tolerate. Maud is appalled by the way they failed to fully investigate Charlotte Salter's disappearance, taking the easy way out, tying it to Duncan Ackerley's apparent suicide to wrap it all up - quick and easy. But something doesn't sit right with Maud - she is sure that all three deaths are linked and brings in her own reinforcements.
I loved this book. I loved the atmosphere Nicci French created - the pain, the grief, the bewilderment, the lost souls, the devastation of not one, but two families. The plot is cleverly constructed, linear, and contains some red herrings, plausible and well-constructed.
And did I solve the mystery? - No, but I loved every moment.
The Nicci French duo never fails to please me and Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter is right up there with the best of their work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#HasAnyoneSeenCharlotteSalter? #WaitomoDistrictLibrary
August 27, 2024
Pov when you set out to write an emotionally compelling tale of a daughter who was traumatized by her mother's disappearance but lost steam and pivoted to a police procedural (lite) to wrap it up.
April 6, 2024
On the night of Alec Salter’s fiftieth birthday party, his wife Charlotte goes missing. How can this happen? She planned this party herself. Alec doesn’t seem to be worried. Her four children are frantic especially her 15-year-old daughter Elizabeth (Etty). Who last saw Charlotte and what happened to her?
It is Christmas time 1990, everyone is having a good time at Alec’s party. She will eventually show up. Etty is very worried. She called the police, but Charlotte still had not showed up the next day.
Three days later the body of Duncan Ackerley is found floating in the river. Is his death related to Charlotte’s disappearance? Life goes on for everyone but the Salter siblings. The police do a poor job of investigating Charlotte’s disappearance.
Thirty years later, Alec has dementia. Morgan and Greg Ackerley are doing a podcast and interviewing people about what they remember about that night that Charlotte disappeared and the death of their father. The pot gets stirred. New secrets and revelations are discovered, as a new detective from London is assigned to the case.
Compelling story a real page turner even though it is 500+ pages.
Thank you to Harper Collin’s for this finished copy of this book.
It is Christmas time 1990, everyone is having a good time at Alec’s party. She will eventually show up. Etty is very worried. She called the police, but Charlotte still had not showed up the next day.
Three days later the body of Duncan Ackerley is found floating in the river. Is his death related to Charlotte’s disappearance? Life goes on for everyone but the Salter siblings. The police do a poor job of investigating Charlotte’s disappearance.
Thirty years later, Alec has dementia. Morgan and Greg Ackerley are doing a podcast and interviewing people about what they remember about that night that Charlotte disappeared and the death of their father. The pot gets stirred. New secrets and revelations are discovered, as a new detective from London is assigned to the case.
Compelling story a real page turner even though it is 500+ pages.
Thank you to Harper Collin’s for this finished copy of this book.
April 9, 2025
This was my first Nicci French read & I loved it I 🎧 listened to the audio version perfectly narrated by Jane Collingwood, she brought the trope to life the plot pulled me in from the very first chapter, there were many secrets that were not to be revealed, twists & turns everywhere you looked this was awesome. 🤩
The setting was Glenstead a village where everyone knew each others business Alec Salter was celebrating his 50th birthday the whole town was there except for his wife Charlotte (aka Charli) her kids were wondering where she was especially Ettie her daughter they were very close.
The police got involved they looked everywhere but to no avail BUT when Duncan Ackerley’s body turns up in the river it puts another riddle to the crimes.
The Ackerley boys decide to put a podcast together on what happened to Charlotte Salter people are rushing to have their say but Ettie is dead against it!
A highly recommended read will be reading more from this author all the compelling stars 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟
The setting was Glenstead a village where everyone knew each others business Alec Salter was celebrating his 50th birthday the whole town was there except for his wife Charlotte (aka Charli) her kids were wondering where she was especially Ettie her daughter they were very close.
The police got involved they looked everywhere but to no avail BUT when Duncan Ackerley’s body turns up in the river it puts another riddle to the crimes.
The Ackerley boys decide to put a podcast together on what happened to Charlotte Salter people are rushing to have their say but Ettie is dead against it!
A highly recommended read will be reading more from this author all the compelling stars 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟
March 19, 2024
HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!!!!!!!!
Stunning stunning stunning! I loved reading this, a good mystery where two families intertwined through loss, heartbreak and murder!
Charlotte Salter goes missing and then a family friend ends up dead, days after her disappearance. This stays a mystery for thirty years till someone starts to stir the hornets nest and you know the outcome from that can never be good, especially when another person ends up dead again!
I rated 4 starts only because in my humble opinion book was long but I also understand why. I would have liked to also see how the culprits family dealt with the revelation. (And here I am complaining about the length of the book) 😂.
Solid 4.5 stars!!!!
Can't wait for you to enjoy this, thanks to Harper Collins for the ARC!
Stunning stunning stunning! I loved reading this, a good mystery where two families intertwined through loss, heartbreak and murder!
Charlotte Salter goes missing and then a family friend ends up dead, days after her disappearance. This stays a mystery for thirty years till someone starts to stir the hornets nest and you know the outcome from that can never be good, especially when another person ends up dead again!
I rated 4 starts only because in my humble opinion book was long but I also understand why. I would have liked to also see how the culprits family dealt with the revelation. (And here I am complaining about the length of the book) 😂.
Solid 4.5 stars!!!!
Can't wait for you to enjoy this, thanks to Harper Collins for the ARC!
March 16, 2024
For me, I found that it was an exceptionally slow start, but once Maud as the lead inspector comes into trouble shoot the disappearance of Charlotte Slater, the death of Duncan Ackerley, and the murder of Bridget Wolfe who died in a fire, the story ramps up. If the beginning was shorter, this would be a super read, so if you can get past the first part of the book, you will be glad you persevered. The initial investigation was flawed, and the police ineptitude was well written. So I'm in two minds for a scoring as a 3.5 would seem fair, It's not a 4 star for me, so I settled on a 3. In summary, the ending was superb, making up for the slow start. I will read more from the author.
Thanks to netgalley and Tracy's book of the month for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to netgalley and Tracy's book of the month for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
February 25, 2024
My Rating: 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ build up was slow but good… ending was a let down!!!
The GoodReads synopsis gives a quite in-depth overview of this one so I recommend reading that before you go in… it will probably annoy a lot of people going in blind because this one is a slow burn.
I personally didn’t mind the slow burn… it was quite slow at times with a lot of Where is Charlotte talk as you can imagine but I don’t mind a build up. It was also split into three parts the 1990 section of when Charlotte disappeared, Thirty years later when Charlotte still hasn’t been found and part three is still in the present but from the police department’s perspective.
I found the split really interesting and I liked all three of the POV’s and timelines… it was interesting to see how different things were (in the story) thirty years prior and how poorly the police handled the storyline. The writing was quite good I didn’t really have any qualms with that.
Why you ask did I only give this three stars… well mostly it was because of two reasons, some red herrings were really laboured and leant on to steer you in the wrong direction way to heavily and the ending. The ending didn’t work for me.
I didn’t understand why it happened… I mean I do get it but after all those pages and all that backstory and history the reason behind the why Charlotte disappeared was breezed over in a matter of the last 10% and then see ya later we are done. There was no insights, no flashback to that night…after all the angst and sadness to just blast through it and wrap it up felt disrespectful to the reader.
I was also really sick and tired of all the red herrings… this person surely did it… and it became super obvious that they didn’t cause it was being shoved so far down our throats that it would be too obvious.
Overall it was good… but for a book that was highly anticipated for me it fell flat and it took me ages to read partially because I was busy, but mainly because it wasn’t grabbing my attention enough. If you have it on your list and you feel that you must read it… then definitely read it its not bad… its just not one of those novels that I will ever think about again unfortunately. I would like to try some of the authors other work. I do hope its a bit shorter because I feel like this could have been 100 pages shorter.
Thank you to William Morrow Paperbacks, NetGalley and Nicci French for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
The GoodReads synopsis gives a quite in-depth overview of this one so I recommend reading that before you go in… it will probably annoy a lot of people going in blind because this one is a slow burn.
I personally didn’t mind the slow burn… it was quite slow at times with a lot of Where is Charlotte talk as you can imagine but I don’t mind a build up. It was also split into three parts the 1990 section of when Charlotte disappeared, Thirty years later when Charlotte still hasn’t been found and part three is still in the present but from the police department’s perspective.
I found the split really interesting and I liked all three of the POV’s and timelines… it was interesting to see how different things were (in the story) thirty years prior and how poorly the police handled the storyline. The writing was quite good I didn’t really have any qualms with that.
Why you ask did I only give this three stars… well mostly it was because of two reasons, some red herrings were really laboured and leant on to steer you in the wrong direction way to heavily and the ending. The ending didn’t work for me.
I didn’t understand why it happened… I mean I do get it but after all those pages and all that backstory and history the reason behind the why Charlotte disappeared was breezed over in a matter of the last 10% and then see ya later we are done. There was no insights, no flashback to that night…after all the angst and sadness to just blast through it and wrap it up felt disrespectful to the reader.
I was also really sick and tired of all the red herrings… this person surely did it… and it became super obvious that they didn’t cause it was being shoved so far down our throats that it would be too obvious.
Overall it was good… but for a book that was highly anticipated for me it fell flat and it took me ages to read partially because I was busy, but mainly because it wasn’t grabbing my attention enough. If you have it on your list and you feel that you must read it… then definitely read it its not bad… its just not one of those novels that I will ever think about again unfortunately. I would like to try some of the authors other work. I do hope its a bit shorter because I feel like this could have been 100 pages shorter.
Thank you to William Morrow Paperbacks, NetGalley and Nicci French for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 6, 2024
A thriller told in three parts by this new to me author writing duo definitely grabbed my attention. Missing person, murders, small rural community, family ties and secrets. So many secrets.........
March 17, 2024
Nicci French is a new author for me. I was surprised to discover that this name is a pseudonym for a husband and wife team, Sean and Nicci French who are known for their suspense novels. They have written quite a few.
Description:
A nerve-tingling and atmospheric thriller from master of suspense Nicci French about two families shattered by tragedy and the secrets that have been waiting decades to be revealed. On the day of Alec Salter’s fiftieth birthday party, just before Christmas 1990, his wife Charlotte vanishes. Most of the small English village of Glensted is at the party for hours before anyone realizes Charlotte is missing. While Alec brushes off her disappearance, their four children—especially fifteen-year-old Etty—grow increasingly anxious as the cold winter hours become days and she doesn’t return. When Charlotte’s coat is found by the river, they fear the worst. Then the body of the Salters’ neighbor, Duncan Ackerley, is found floating in the river by his son Morgan and Etty. The police investigate and conclude that Duncan and Charlotte were having an affair before he killed her and committed suicide. Thirty years later, Morgan Ackerley, a successful documentarian, has returned to Glensted with his older brother Greg to make podcast based on their shared tragedy with the Salters. Alec, stricken with dementia, is entering an elder care facility while Etty helps put his affairs in order. But as the Ackerleys ask to interview the Salters, the entire town gets caught up in the unresolved cases. Allegations are made, secrets are revealed, and a suspicious fire leads to a murder. With the podcast making national news, London sends Detective Inspector Maud O’Connor to Glensted to take over the investigation. Resented by her mostly male colleagues, she has no tolerance for either their sexism or their incompetence. And she will stop at nothing to uncover the truth as a new and terrifying picture of what really happened to Charlotte Salter and Duncan Ackerley emerges.
My Thoughts:
This is an emotional novel with families torn apart by the disappearance of Charlotte Salter and the death of Duncan Ackerley soon after Charlotte disappeared. No one seemed to know what really happened. Thirty years later the children were all back in town and Morgan Ackerley (Duncan's son) stirred everything up again by making a podcast and talking with everyone in the families and in the community about the disappearance of Charlotte Salter. When the detective from London becomes involved the investigation is on again. My heart broke for the children, especially Etty. Charlotte's husband Alec was easy to dislike - did he do something to Charlotte to make her run away, or did he kill het maybe? This was a complex and difficult case and there were definitely some surprises. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a good mystery.
Thanks to William Morrow through Netgalley for an advance copy. Expected publication on March 19, 2024.
Description:
A nerve-tingling and atmospheric thriller from master of suspense Nicci French about two families shattered by tragedy and the secrets that have been waiting decades to be revealed. On the day of Alec Salter’s fiftieth birthday party, just before Christmas 1990, his wife Charlotte vanishes. Most of the small English village of Glensted is at the party for hours before anyone realizes Charlotte is missing. While Alec brushes off her disappearance, their four children—especially fifteen-year-old Etty—grow increasingly anxious as the cold winter hours become days and she doesn’t return. When Charlotte’s coat is found by the river, they fear the worst. Then the body of the Salters’ neighbor, Duncan Ackerley, is found floating in the river by his son Morgan and Etty. The police investigate and conclude that Duncan and Charlotte were having an affair before he killed her and committed suicide. Thirty years later, Morgan Ackerley, a successful documentarian, has returned to Glensted with his older brother Greg to make podcast based on their shared tragedy with the Salters. Alec, stricken with dementia, is entering an elder care facility while Etty helps put his affairs in order. But as the Ackerleys ask to interview the Salters, the entire town gets caught up in the unresolved cases. Allegations are made, secrets are revealed, and a suspicious fire leads to a murder. With the podcast making national news, London sends Detective Inspector Maud O’Connor to Glensted to take over the investigation. Resented by her mostly male colleagues, she has no tolerance for either their sexism or their incompetence. And she will stop at nothing to uncover the truth as a new and terrifying picture of what really happened to Charlotte Salter and Duncan Ackerley emerges.
My Thoughts:
This is an emotional novel with families torn apart by the disappearance of Charlotte Salter and the death of Duncan Ackerley soon after Charlotte disappeared. No one seemed to know what really happened. Thirty years later the children were all back in town and Morgan Ackerley (Duncan's son) stirred everything up again by making a podcast and talking with everyone in the families and in the community about the disappearance of Charlotte Salter. When the detective from London becomes involved the investigation is on again. My heart broke for the children, especially Etty. Charlotte's husband Alec was easy to dislike - did he do something to Charlotte to make her run away, or did he kill het maybe? This was a complex and difficult case and there were definitely some surprises. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a good mystery.
Thanks to William Morrow through Netgalley for an advance copy. Expected publication on March 19, 2024.
February 12, 2025
Никой не е виждал Шарлот Солтър: https://knigolandia.info/nyakoi-vijda...
За разлика от много други трилъри, в които двете сюжетни линии в миналото и настоящето се движат паралелно, тук те са поставени последователно – и на миналото е дадено правото да бъде не просто подготовка за основните събития, а да има самостойна и важна роля. Това е времето, когато Шарлот Солтър е блестяла като ярко слънце и е правела неотразимо впечатление на всички. Но и когато нейният студен съпруг очевидно не я е оценявал достатъчно, а още по-малко е оценявал четирите им деца, за които има саркастични думи пред публика още в първите страници. Това се случва по време на парти за рождения му ден, на който се събират близки и приятели, но едно отсъствие е повече от очевидно. Шарлот, наричана Чарли от близките ѝ, я няма. И никой не я е виждал. Или ще я види.
AMG Publishing
https://knigolandia.info/nyakoi-vijda...
За разлика от много други трилъри, в които двете сюжетни линии в миналото и настоящето се движат паралелно, тук те са поставени последователно – и на миналото е дадено правото да бъде не просто подготовка за основните събития, а да има самостойна и важна роля. Това е времето, когато Шарлот Солтър е блестяла като ярко слънце и е правела неотразимо впечатление на всички. Но и когато нейният студен съпруг очевидно не я е оценявал достатъчно, а още по-малко е оценявал четирите им деца, за които има саркастични думи пред публика още в първите страници. Това се случва по време на парти за рождения му ден, на който се събират близки и приятели, но едно отсъствие е повече от очевидно. Шарлот, наричана Чарли от близките ѝ, я няма. И никой не я е виждал. Или ще я види.
AMG Publishing
https://knigolandia.info/nyakoi-vijda...
June 5, 2024
I will be going against popular opinion here.
I found the book to be dull, dragged out, and an absolute chore to read. I can normally sit down and inhale a book of this size in a few hours. This book took days because I was very happy to be interrupted by housework, and I didn't itch to get back to it.
The progression was slow, but not in a good slow boil kind of way. Just slow, and repetitive, and boring.
The characters were not engaging. I didn't like them, I didn't hate them, and I didn't get frustrated by them. I simply didn't care about them or what might happen to them, or what they might have done.
At the end, I really did not care if anyone had seen Charlotte Salter. I didn't care if she was dead or alive. I didn't care who did what, or why. I was just glad it was over. I will admit to skimming the last half of the book just to get to the end.
This book may have made a fascinating novella. Cut out at least 150 pages and hone it down to the few interesting conversations, the few interesting plot devices, and it might have been more interesting. Maybe.
Yes, I know, a lot people really liked this book, and maybe you will too, but I didn't.
I found the book to be dull, dragged out, and an absolute chore to read. I can normally sit down and inhale a book of this size in a few hours. This book took days because I was very happy to be interrupted by housework, and I didn't itch to get back to it.
The progression was slow, but not in a good slow boil kind of way. Just slow, and repetitive, and boring.
The characters were not engaging. I didn't like them, I didn't hate them, and I didn't get frustrated by them. I simply didn't care about them or what might happen to them, or what they might have done.
At the end, I really did not care if anyone had seen Charlotte Salter. I didn't care if she was dead or alive. I didn't care who did what, or why. I was just glad it was over. I will admit to skimming the last half of the book just to get to the end.
This book may have made a fascinating novella. Cut out at least 150 pages and hone it down to the few interesting conversations, the few interesting plot devices, and it might have been more interesting. Maybe.
Yes, I know, a lot people really liked this book, and maybe you will too, but I didn't.
April 4, 2024
First time reading this husband and wife collaboration and now wondering why noy read any before?
There is no Crash, Bang, Wallop here but a seriously good immersive strong story about an unhappy Mum of 4 teens/young adults who goes missing the night of her Hubby’s 50th
30 years later and the Slater’s are re united at the village and home they grew up in, none the wiser to the fete that befell their Mum
Then another murder occurs ( making it 3 but will leave it for you to read about the 2nd ) and suspicions start to rise and a new ‘set of eyes’ start investigating
A really, really good police procedural and Whodunit combined with family saga and an underbelly of ‘all is not right, but why?’ made this a relaxing yet invigorating read that was simply a very good book
There is no Crash, Bang, Wallop here but a seriously good immersive strong story about an unhappy Mum of 4 teens/young adults who goes missing the night of her Hubby’s 50th
30 years later and the Slater’s are re united at the village and home they grew up in, none the wiser to the fete that befell their Mum
Then another murder occurs ( making it 3 but will leave it for you to read about the 2nd ) and suspicions start to rise and a new ‘set of eyes’ start investigating
A really, really good police procedural and Whodunit combined with family saga and an underbelly of ‘all is not right, but why?’ made this a relaxing yet invigorating read that was simply a very good book
March 15, 2024
Ettys mother, Charlotte Salter went missing 30 years ago before a Christmas party and was never found. Days later Duncan Ackerley is found dead floating in the river. Many think the two were having an affair. Duncan’s son Morgan who is a podcaster has returned with his brother Greg to interview people and bring up new evidence.
This was a gripping story with many interesting characters that had me quickly flipping the pages.
Thanks NetGalley and William Morrow for this eARC that will be released March 19, 2024!
This was a gripping story with many interesting characters that had me quickly flipping the pages.
Thanks NetGalley and William Morrow for this eARC that will be released March 19, 2024!
December 7, 2023
⭐️⭐️ 2 stars. ⭐️⭐️
What would you do if your mother disappeared on your father’s 50th birthday party? How would you react if the only thing police could find was her favorite coat? Who would you suspect?
This was an interesting premise, however I felt that the book could have been about 100 pages shorter. As is, the book is 381 pages. I really think part one should have been only 25-45 pages. There were a few times during part one where I thought about DNF’ing. I just was bored.
Part two picked up the pace a fair bit which I appreciated. For a mystery, this book was very character driven. I definitely prefer plot driven.
Read this book if you like:
🩵Reading about family dynamics.
🩵Female detectives.
🩵Multiple mysteries.
🩵Character driven stories.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an eARC of this book. This book was not for me, but it may be for you!
What would you do if your mother disappeared on your father’s 50th birthday party? How would you react if the only thing police could find was her favorite coat? Who would you suspect?
This was an interesting premise, however I felt that the book could have been about 100 pages shorter. As is, the book is 381 pages. I really think part one should have been only 25-45 pages. There were a few times during part one where I thought about DNF’ing. I just was bored.
Part two picked up the pace a fair bit which I appreciated. For a mystery, this book was very character driven. I definitely prefer plot driven.
Read this book if you like:
🩵Reading about family dynamics.
🩵Female detectives.
🩵Multiple mysteries.
🩵Character driven stories.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an eARC of this book. This book was not for me, but it may be for you!
March 22, 2024
Set in Suffolk, East Anglia, this novel has a very atmospheric tone. December's chill on the marshes... the old house near the river...
The Salter family are readying themselves to celebrate the father's fiftieth birthday on December 23rd. When the mother of the family doesn't turn up to the party, it begins a years long search for closure by her four children. She was kind, vivacious, warm, loving, and desperately missed by all - with the possible exception of her unfaithful husband.
With the Christmas season, coupled with police incompetence/corruption, Charlotte's disappearance is not investigated as thoroughly as it should have been. On Christmas Day, the Salter's neighbour and friend Duncan Ackerley is found dead in the river.
Jump ahead three decades. One of the Ackerley brothers decides to make a podcast about the two cases.
The remaining Salter siblings return to the house to clear it out. Their father is suffering from dementia and needs to move to a care home. Since they are home again, they are all interviewed in the podcast bringing back unwanted memories of that fateful December... The Salters hire a woman named Bridget Wolfe to help clear out their family home. When Bridget is murdered, the case comes to the attention of Scotland Yard. A female policewoman, Detective Inspector Maud O'Connor is sent to Suffolk to investigate. Young, intelligent, and sharp, Maud quickly realizes that the current case is intrinsically linked to the two cases from 1990.
If there is a star of the novel, for me it was Detective Inspector Maud O'Connor. If the authors decide to feature her in future books, I will be first in line to read them.
A steadily paced domestic thriller/police procedural that kept me engrossed throughout, "Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter?" is another superbly written novel by the writing team of Nicci Gerrard and Sean French. Suspenseful, poignant, atmospheric and twisty, the story has themes of loss, sibling relationships, dark secrets, murder and deception.
Highly recommended!
The Salter family are readying themselves to celebrate the father's fiftieth birthday on December 23rd. When the mother of the family doesn't turn up to the party, it begins a years long search for closure by her four children. She was kind, vivacious, warm, loving, and desperately missed by all - with the possible exception of her unfaithful husband.
With the Christmas season, coupled with police incompetence/corruption, Charlotte's disappearance is not investigated as thoroughly as it should have been. On Christmas Day, the Salter's neighbour and friend Duncan Ackerley is found dead in the river.
Jump ahead three decades. One of the Ackerley brothers decides to make a podcast about the two cases.
The remaining Salter siblings return to the house to clear it out. Their father is suffering from dementia and needs to move to a care home. Since they are home again, they are all interviewed in the podcast bringing back unwanted memories of that fateful December... The Salters hire a woman named Bridget Wolfe to help clear out their family home. When Bridget is murdered, the case comes to the attention of Scotland Yard. A female policewoman, Detective Inspector Maud O'Connor is sent to Suffolk to investigate. Young, intelligent, and sharp, Maud quickly realizes that the current case is intrinsically linked to the two cases from 1990.
If there is a star of the novel, for me it was Detective Inspector Maud O'Connor. If the authors decide to feature her in future books, I will be first in line to read them.
A steadily paced domestic thriller/police procedural that kept me engrossed throughout, "Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter?" is another superbly written novel by the writing team of Nicci Gerrard and Sean French. Suspenseful, poignant, atmospheric and twisty, the story has themes of loss, sibling relationships, dark secrets, murder and deception.
Highly recommended!
March 11, 2024
A cold case missing person inquiry resurfaces!
1990 December, Etty Salter walked to a family friend’s barn where they were holding a fiftieth birthday party for her father Alec. She was looking for her mother Charlie. Etty is concerned. She looks everywhere and finally contacts the local police.
Charlie never arrived. Her children never saw her again
A few days later Duncan Ackerley disappeared and was found in the river against a buoy. Suicide was the verdict. The general consensus is that Duncan murdered Charlie and then killed himself.
Now, thirty years later the case is being looked at again. Police procedure had not been followed and basically mistakes—many missteps had happened
Now it’s 2022 and Detective Inspector Maude has been asked to reopen the case. Difficulties arise with lost evidence and files, and the attitude of the local police
Another deadly occurrence happens that’s possibly linked to the 1990 case. The woman who was clearing out the Slater home because the family was putting Alec into care, (he has dementia) dies in a house fire
Are the three connected?
A very readable mystery that sucked me in. The reveal at the end is a surprise
Another deft mystery from the partnership that is Nicci French.
A William Morrow ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
1990 December, Etty Salter walked to a family friend’s barn where they were holding a fiftieth birthday party for her father Alec. She was looking for her mother Charlie. Etty is concerned. She looks everywhere and finally contacts the local police.
Charlie never arrived. Her children never saw her again
A few days later Duncan Ackerley disappeared and was found in the river against a buoy. Suicide was the verdict. The general consensus is that Duncan murdered Charlie and then killed himself.
Now, thirty years later the case is being looked at again. Police procedure had not been followed and basically mistakes—many missteps had happened
Now it’s 2022 and Detective Inspector Maude has been asked to reopen the case. Difficulties arise with lost evidence and files, and the attitude of the local police
Another deadly occurrence happens that’s possibly linked to the 1990 case. The woman who was clearing out the Slater home because the family was putting Alec into care, (he has dementia) dies in a house fire
Are the three connected?
A very readable mystery that sucked me in. The reveal at the end is a surprise
Another deft mystery from the partnership that is Nicci French.
A William Morrow ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
January 4, 2024
Won this uncorrected proof, due to be released in March 2024, in a Goodreads giveaway. After a slow start, I must confess that I’ve completely immersed myself in and enjoyed this over 500 page New Years read over the past 3 days.
I’m not one to write synopsis in my reviews. I will say that I was unable to figure out what happened to Charlotte Salter (et al), even as the big reveal began. The authors kept me on my toes, challenging me while I sorted out facts, red herrings, and emotions.
My first by team author Nicci French. But certainly not my last. 4 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I’m not one to write synopsis in my reviews. I will say that I was unable to figure out what happened to Charlotte Salter (et al), even as the big reveal began. The authors kept me on my toes, challenging me while I sorted out facts, red herrings, and emotions.
My first by team author Nicci French. But certainly not my last. 4 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
March 25, 2024
Dit boek is opgedeeld in drie delen, waarvan de eerste twee delen vooral aanvoelden als een familiedrama, die zich langzaam steeds meer ontvouwt. Pas in het laatste deel, komt Maud O'Connor in beeld als rechercheur en dat stuk vliegt juist voorbij alsof er een trein gehaald moet worden. Voor mij ontbrak voor het grootste gedeelte de spanning, het middenstuk kabbelde nogal. De spanningsbogen en de snelheid waren in dit boek niet in evenwicht. Ik denk niet dat ik dit verhaal lang zal onthouden.
April 28, 2023
Charlotte Salter komt niet opdagen op het grote feest voor de verjaardag van haar man, Alec. Hij blijft onverstoord, maar hun dochter Etty raakt er naarmate de avond vordert steeds meer van overtuigd dat haar moeder iets vreselijks is overkomen. De politie wordt ingeschakeld, maar er zijn geen aanknopingspunten. Dan wordt het lichaam van een dorpsgenoot gevonden. Houdt dit verband met de verdwijning?
Jaren later komen Etty en haar broers bijeen om het ouderlijk huis leeg te ruimen omdat Alec naar een verpleeghuis moet. Het hele gezin is getekend door de gebeurtenissen van al die jaren daarvoor. Weer wordt er een misdrijf gepleegd in het dorp. Rechercheur Maud Grey wordt op de zaak gezet. Aan haar de taak om een onwillige politiemacht mee te krijgen oud zeer op te rakelen om niet alleen dit misdrijf maar ook de twee zaken uit het verleden op te lossen. Want niemand heeft Charlotte Salter ooit nog gezien…
Dit verhaal is opgedeeld in drie delen. Het eerste deel speelt zich af in 1990 en gaat over de dag dat Charlotte (Lottie) Salter verdwijnt. Haar dochter Etty voelt dat er iets vreselijk mis is en niet veel later wordt er een lichaam gevonden...
Vervolgens maak je een sprong naar het heden. Hun vader is ondertussen dement geraakt en de kinderen komen nu het huis leeghalen. Ondertussen wordt er ook een podcast gemaakt over de mysterieuze verdwijning die dertig jaar geleden heeft plaats gevonden. Oud verdriet wordt weer aangeraakt...
Tenslotte gaat het laatste deel over het verder uitzoeken van deze vreemde zaak. Rechercheur Maud speelt een grote rol en je leest ook over haar privéleven.
Dit verhaal komt erg traag op gang. Het eerste deel vond ik het beste, want dit riep heel veel vragen bij mij op en hier was ook enige spanning voelbaar. Daarna gaat het voornamelijk over het uitzoeken van deze zaak en was voor mij de spanning niet heel erg voelbaar. Het laatste stukje vond ik dan wel weer wat beter en ontroerend.
Helaas viel dit verhaal mij toch een klein beetje tegen, maar sommige stukken waren wel mooi, boeiend en oké. Verwacht alleen geen spannende thriller...
Beoordeling: 3,5 ⭐️
Jaren later komen Etty en haar broers bijeen om het ouderlijk huis leeg te ruimen omdat Alec naar een verpleeghuis moet. Het hele gezin is getekend door de gebeurtenissen van al die jaren daarvoor. Weer wordt er een misdrijf gepleegd in het dorp. Rechercheur Maud Grey wordt op de zaak gezet. Aan haar de taak om een onwillige politiemacht mee te krijgen oud zeer op te rakelen om niet alleen dit misdrijf maar ook de twee zaken uit het verleden op te lossen. Want niemand heeft Charlotte Salter ooit nog gezien…
Dit verhaal is opgedeeld in drie delen. Het eerste deel speelt zich af in 1990 en gaat over de dag dat Charlotte (Lottie) Salter verdwijnt. Haar dochter Etty voelt dat er iets vreselijk mis is en niet veel later wordt er een lichaam gevonden...
Vervolgens maak je een sprong naar het heden. Hun vader is ondertussen dement geraakt en de kinderen komen nu het huis leeghalen. Ondertussen wordt er ook een podcast gemaakt over de mysterieuze verdwijning die dertig jaar geleden heeft plaats gevonden. Oud verdriet wordt weer aangeraakt...
Tenslotte gaat het laatste deel over het verder uitzoeken van deze vreemde zaak. Rechercheur Maud speelt een grote rol en je leest ook over haar privéleven.
Dit verhaal komt erg traag op gang. Het eerste deel vond ik het beste, want dit riep heel veel vragen bij mij op en hier was ook enige spanning voelbaar. Daarna gaat het voornamelijk over het uitzoeken van deze zaak en was voor mij de spanning niet heel erg voelbaar. Het laatste stukje vond ik dan wel weer wat beter en ontroerend.
Helaas viel dit verhaal mij toch een klein beetje tegen, maar sommige stukken waren wel mooi, boeiend en oké. Verwacht alleen geen spannende thriller...
Beoordeling: 3,5 ⭐️
December 12, 2024
Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter is the twenty-fifth novel by bets-selling British writing duo, Nicci French. On December 22nd, 1990, East Anglia mother of four, Charlotte Salter failed to turn up at her husband, Alec’s 50th birthday party, and was never seen again. Everyone who knew her knew that Charlotte loved life, loved people and loved her children. She has a particular talent for making everybody with whom she interacted feel special.
The inexperience of the young constable who initially handled the report led to gross errors that hampered the investigation. Three days later, the body of her friend and neighbour, tree surgeon Duncan Ackerley was found in the river.
The DI sent to lead the investigation into both cases proved not only incompetent, but also disorganised, arrogant, ageist, and especially sexist when a smart female constable made some pertinent points. She saw that “There were too many strands, a mess of false leads and disconnected fragments, and no-one was keeping an eye on the big picture.”
After a lacklustre effort by that DI, it was concluded by police that Ackerley killed Charlotte, then committed suicide in remorse, and the press release vaguely implied this. Both families were left wondering.
Almost thirty-two years on, Morgan Ackerley, younger son of Duncan and now a famous TV personality, has come back to Glensted to interview those who were around at the time for a podcast about the two cases which he reasons is necessary because ”It’s the tragedy of two families, it’s the tragedy of a village, and it’s the tragedy of a system that failed us all.” Is he hoping to reveal what really happened, or just gain some closure?
Meanwhile, Etty Salter and her two surviving brothers are in Glensted to clear out the family home so that Alec, now demented, can go into a care facility. They engage the services of a local woman skilled at clearing homes in these circumstances, but perhaps a bit more careless about confidentiality than they might expect.
While plenty of locals do consent to take part, Etty declines to participate in the podcast, but when someone is murdered, it is quickly apparent that not everyone is happy that this long-buried topic is again being exposed to the light. Or, was it maybe getting too close to the truth?
Even though Hemingford Police have detained someone for this latest death, the Met sends DI Maud O’Connor from London to take over the case. She meets resentment and a lack of cooperation from most who are meant to be helping solve the case. When she brings in her very pregnant colleague, Carrie Kessler to look over the facts and share an opinion, she tells her: “I’d like to do what the ancient Romans did to their opponents. I’d like to get rid of the whole department, demolish the police station, plough the ground where it stood, put salt in the earth so that nothing will grow there and then start all over again.”
But Maud is determined, and soon has the unwilling team reviewing all three cases. When they start getting results, she gains the grudging respect of the Hemingford team.
Another cleverly-plotted piece of crime fiction in which, even if the astute reader works out early on where Charlotte might be, the who, how and why, and the occasional red herring, will keep the reader guessing and the pages turning right up to the final reveal. The writing talent of this duo is unmatched and they never disappoint.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Australia.
The inexperience of the young constable who initially handled the report led to gross errors that hampered the investigation. Three days later, the body of her friend and neighbour, tree surgeon Duncan Ackerley was found in the river.
The DI sent to lead the investigation into both cases proved not only incompetent, but also disorganised, arrogant, ageist, and especially sexist when a smart female constable made some pertinent points. She saw that “There were too many strands, a mess of false leads and disconnected fragments, and no-one was keeping an eye on the big picture.”
After a lacklustre effort by that DI, it was concluded by police that Ackerley killed Charlotte, then committed suicide in remorse, and the press release vaguely implied this. Both families were left wondering.
Almost thirty-two years on, Morgan Ackerley, younger son of Duncan and now a famous TV personality, has come back to Glensted to interview those who were around at the time for a podcast about the two cases which he reasons is necessary because ”It’s the tragedy of two families, it’s the tragedy of a village, and it’s the tragedy of a system that failed us all.” Is he hoping to reveal what really happened, or just gain some closure?
Meanwhile, Etty Salter and her two surviving brothers are in Glensted to clear out the family home so that Alec, now demented, can go into a care facility. They engage the services of a local woman skilled at clearing homes in these circumstances, but perhaps a bit more careless about confidentiality than they might expect.
While plenty of locals do consent to take part, Etty declines to participate in the podcast, but when someone is murdered, it is quickly apparent that not everyone is happy that this long-buried topic is again being exposed to the light. Or, was it maybe getting too close to the truth?
Even though Hemingford Police have detained someone for this latest death, the Met sends DI Maud O’Connor from London to take over the case. She meets resentment and a lack of cooperation from most who are meant to be helping solve the case. When she brings in her very pregnant colleague, Carrie Kessler to look over the facts and share an opinion, she tells her: “I’d like to do what the ancient Romans did to their opponents. I’d like to get rid of the whole department, demolish the police station, plough the ground where it stood, put salt in the earth so that nothing will grow there and then start all over again.”
But Maud is determined, and soon has the unwilling team reviewing all three cases. When they start getting results, she gains the grudging respect of the Hemingford team.
Another cleverly-plotted piece of crime fiction in which, even if the astute reader works out early on where Charlotte might be, the who, how and why, and the occasional red herring, will keep the reader guessing and the pages turning right up to the final reveal. The writing talent of this duo is unmatched and they never disappoint.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Australia.
June 22, 2024
Just before Christmas 1990, Alec Salter is hosting his 50th birthday party in an old barn on the outskirts of the small Suffolk coastal village of Glensted. It would appear the whole village is in attendance; the only notable absentee being Alec’s wife Charlotte. Their children, Niall, Paul, Ollie and Etty are all worried about their mother’s absence although Alec appears indifferent. Charlotte’s coat is found by the side of the local river the following day but the woman herself never reappears. On Christmas Day the body of Charlotte’s friend Duncan Ackerley is found in the same river. A death ruled as suicide.
30 years later, after having carved out a career as a lawyer in London, Etty returns home to help sort out her dying father’s affairs. At the same time, Duncan’s son Morgan, assisted by his brother Greg, is beginning a podcast to re-examine Charlotte’s disappearance and his father’s death. However, soon after beginning the podcast, a woman assisting the Salters in their house clearance is killed in a house fire.
Two deaths and one unsolved disappearance in such a small village is too much for the locals to handle, so enter the true hero of the novel, Detective Inspector Maud O’Connor of the Metropolitan Police. It soon become obvious to Maud that the local police have been beyond incompetent in solving any of the crimes but, after dismissing a couple of deadbeats, she manages to get them onside in helping her unravel the three cases she’s convinced are connected. She does so by piecing together fragments of information such as a ladle containing cigarette butts, tide tables and a misdelivered wreath.
This is a mystery thriller cum police procedural of the highest order. Meticulously plotted with a huge range of memorable characters. It’s always a thrill to read crime novels set in my home county and, at the moment, no one does it better than Nicci French.
30 years later, after having carved out a career as a lawyer in London, Etty returns home to help sort out her dying father’s affairs. At the same time, Duncan’s son Morgan, assisted by his brother Greg, is beginning a podcast to re-examine Charlotte’s disappearance and his father’s death. However, soon after beginning the podcast, a woman assisting the Salters in their house clearance is killed in a house fire.
Two deaths and one unsolved disappearance in such a small village is too much for the locals to handle, so enter the true hero of the novel, Detective Inspector Maud O’Connor of the Metropolitan Police. It soon become obvious to Maud that the local police have been beyond incompetent in solving any of the crimes but, after dismissing a couple of deadbeats, she manages to get them onside in helping her unravel the three cases she’s convinced are connected. She does so by piecing together fragments of information such as a ladle containing cigarette butts, tide tables and a misdelivered wreath.
This is a mystery thriller cum police procedural of the highest order. Meticulously plotted with a huge range of memorable characters. It’s always a thrill to read crime novels set in my home county and, at the moment, no one does it better than Nicci French.
October 25, 2024
Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Narrated by: Jane Collingwood. Length: 12 hrs and 34 mins
Publication date : March 19, 2024
The premise was intriguing and at first I was interested in finding out what had happened to Charlotte Salter and how her family coped with her dissapearance. Sadly at some point when different POVs were added, I started to skim as not much seemed to happen except of authors introducing loads of differenct characters, adding pointless descriptions that didn't give anything to the plot. The story dragged on and seemed to lack clear focus.
It seemed that there could have been much more development with these characters, and with the plot itself. As the story wasn't unique, then the characters and storyline should have been strong and gripping. For me this story fell flat and sad. I just wanted to know how authors wrap the story up and be done with it.
If you don't mind slower-paced books that are involving tangled family relationships and secrets, loads of characters, switching POVs, then you will probably enjoy this story more than I did.
Narrated by: Jane Collingwood. Length: 12 hrs and 34 mins
Publication date : March 19, 2024
The premise was intriguing and at first I was interested in finding out what had happened to Charlotte Salter and how her family coped with her dissapearance. Sadly at some point when different POVs were added, I started to skim as not much seemed to happen except of authors introducing loads of differenct characters, adding pointless descriptions that didn't give anything to the plot. The story dragged on and seemed to lack clear focus.
It seemed that there could have been much more development with these characters, and with the plot itself. As the story wasn't unique, then the characters and storyline should have been strong and gripping. For me this story fell flat and sad. I just wanted to know how authors wrap the story up and be done with it.
If you don't mind slower-paced books that are involving tangled family relationships and secrets, loads of characters, switching POVs, then you will probably enjoy this story more than I did.
June 23, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
“My brother and I are standing by the River Heming on a beautiful May day. It’s a river with a history. We used to study it at school. Twelve hundred years ago, the Vikings came up in their longships and plundered and pillaged and settled here. Six hundred years ago, they used to load wool on to ships and send them over to Belgium and Holland. This was the richest part of England. It paid for the building of churches and manor houses. And thirty years ago, Greg and our friend, Etty Salter, found the body of our father, Duncan, just down there in front of us. This is where everything started and nothing was ever the same again.”
(…)
“It’s a tragedy. Is it also a crime? Both of us ran away from Glensted. For this series we’ve come back to try and make sense of it all. Who knows what we’ll find?”
- Morgan Ackerley
“My brother and I are standing by the River Heming on a beautiful May day. It’s a river with a history. We used to study it at school. Twelve hundred years ago, the Vikings came up in their longships and plundered and pillaged and settled here. Six hundred years ago, they used to load wool on to ships and send them over to Belgium and Holland. This was the richest part of England. It paid for the building of churches and manor houses. And thirty years ago, Greg and our friend, Etty Salter, found the body of our father, Duncan, just down there in front of us. This is where everything started and nothing was ever the same again.”
(…)
“It’s a tragedy. Is it also a crime? Both of us ran away from Glensted. For this series we’ve come back to try and make sense of it all. Who knows what we’ll find?”
- Morgan Ackerley
April 8, 2024
This book was entertaining, but confusing as it’s told in dueling timelines and reads much like a drama for the first parts and then a true crime for the last part. Overall, it held my attention as I really wanted to know what happened, but it wasn’t a 5 star read!
December 8, 2024
Αγανάκτησα.
Όχι.
1/5.
Όχι.
1/5.
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