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Seven Years Missing
Missing for seven years, no one ever searched for Todd Byrne.
Until today.
Hired to locate the missing man, Pear Marquez traverses the globe.
But someone is working against her.
Who? And why?
Seven Years Missing is a standalone novel with characters familiar to those who've read Related By Murder. Elise is back. And so is book club.
Until today.
Hired to locate the missing man, Pear Marquez traverses the globe.
But someone is working against her.
Who? And why?
Seven Years Missing is a standalone novel with characters familiar to those who've read Related By Murder. Elise is back. And so is book club.
322 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2024
About the author
Robin Castle
5 books59 followersRobin Castle is the author of the standalone Pear mystery novels and an upcoming short story collection. Castle resides in Ireland, where she enjoys singing to the sheep and contemplating murder. For her next novel, of course!
Follow her on social media @robincastle55 and sign up for her monthly newsletter at www.robincastle.net
Follow her on social media @robincastle55 and sign up for her monthly newsletter at www.robincastle.net
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 17, 2023
It’s such a good book.
January 6, 2024
If you've been looking for a fresh take on cosy mystery/Private Investigator stories, Seven Years Missing could be just the book you've been searching for.
Instead of the cynical, middle-aged PI, grizzled by life and hardened by previous cases, Pearlita "Pear" Marquez is fresh to her career, camping out in a tiny, windowless office that has little more than a desk, an all-important coffeemaker, and a diploma with barely dry ink.
And at just 26 years old, she's not yet immune to the darkness her career will thrust upon her, despite personal tragedies that leave her with a complicated, often fraught relationship with her mother.
This is an aspect I especially enjoyed. It was interesting to see a “professional” sleuth still feeling all the heartache and worry a tough, emotional case brings.
But will Pear’s lack of experience be her undoing? Perhaps... but it hasn't dampened her enthusiasm for a case so cold it has frost on it.
Because not only has Todd Byrne been missing for seven long years, but no one even tried finding him. Not his wife, his parents, sister, in-laws, ex-colleagues... No one.
Is Todd alive or dead? Did he leave of his own free will, or was there something more sinister afoot? That is the question at the heart of this story, and the answer comes with a twist you will not see coming.
Which is such a cliched phrase I can practically hear you rolling your eyes at it, but I don't use such terms lightly. You will NOT see this twist coming. Trust me.
Despite an overall light-hearted tone, the author hasn't shied away from less savoury aspects of life, love, loss, and the hole left by a missing person when those left behind have only questions to fill the void. She has also treated such matters with a blend of sympathy and occasional humour that isn’t easy to pull off.
As a result, this isn’t so much as cozy mystery as a cozy-ish mystery. If you’re looking for a simple, straightforward mystery with plenty of laughs, a bit of romantic tension with a hot police officer, and nothing really too bad happening to anyone at any point, this may not be the right choice for you.
But if you're looking for an easy, enjoyable read with that light tone you love from cozies, but yearn for something with a little more darkness at the centre of all the sweetness, you'll love Seven Years Missing.
Instead of the cynical, middle-aged PI, grizzled by life and hardened by previous cases, Pearlita "Pear" Marquez is fresh to her career, camping out in a tiny, windowless office that has little more than a desk, an all-important coffeemaker, and a diploma with barely dry ink.
And at just 26 years old, she's not yet immune to the darkness her career will thrust upon her, despite personal tragedies that leave her with a complicated, often fraught relationship with her mother.
This is an aspect I especially enjoyed. It was interesting to see a “professional” sleuth still feeling all the heartache and worry a tough, emotional case brings.
But will Pear’s lack of experience be her undoing? Perhaps... but it hasn't dampened her enthusiasm for a case so cold it has frost on it.
Because not only has Todd Byrne been missing for seven long years, but no one even tried finding him. Not his wife, his parents, sister, in-laws, ex-colleagues... No one.
Is Todd alive or dead? Did he leave of his own free will, or was there something more sinister afoot? That is the question at the heart of this story, and the answer comes with a twist you will not see coming.
Which is such a cliched phrase I can practically hear you rolling your eyes at it, but I don't use such terms lightly. You will NOT see this twist coming. Trust me.
Despite an overall light-hearted tone, the author hasn't shied away from less savoury aspects of life, love, loss, and the hole left by a missing person when those left behind have only questions to fill the void. She has also treated such matters with a blend of sympathy and occasional humour that isn’t easy to pull off.
As a result, this isn’t so much as cozy mystery as a cozy-ish mystery. If you’re looking for a simple, straightforward mystery with plenty of laughs, a bit of romantic tension with a hot police officer, and nothing really too bad happening to anyone at any point, this may not be the right choice for you.
But if you're looking for an easy, enjoyable read with that light tone you love from cozies, but yearn for something with a little more darkness at the centre of all the sweetness, you'll love Seven Years Missing.
March 25, 2024
I loved this quirky, stream of consciousness mystery novel by Robin Castle.
I became addicted to Pear Marquez the private investigator, who is dedicated to her career and has a brilliant and unusual mind, her competence overshadowed only by self doubt and the long shadow of just one mistake…
Mamma is an inspired cameo character and I found myself completely immersed in the world Castle has created.
Pop it in your basket today.
I became addicted to Pear Marquez the private investigator, who is dedicated to her career and has a brilliant and unusual mind, her competence overshadowed only by self doubt and the long shadow of just one mistake…
Mamma is an inspired cameo character and I found myself completely immersed in the world Castle has created.
Pop it in your basket today.
December 18, 2023
Seven Years Missing follows private investigator "Pear" as she searches for a husband/son who disappeared - you guessed it - seven years ago. The catch? No one bothered to search for him before. I was so intrigued by this premise, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. What transpired was a traditional private eye storyline with a very interesting private eye.
"Pear" is like no other character I have met before in literature. I often wondered if she was on the spectrum somewhere, what with her social awkwardness and general dislike of people. But I think she is just maybe a little emotionally immature due to her what I believe is a codependent relationship with her mother. From Pear's POV (in which the book is written) "Mama" is intimidating and can be difficult at times. As a reader, I didn't really see her being anything other than a traditionally overprotective mother of a twentysomething, but Pear's constant fear of upsetting her made me think otherwise. But that's just a very small side bit where her search for the missing husband is the main story.
The search takes Pear and the readers on a whirlwind search and the author does a great job immersing the reader in the different settings. The mystery reveal really took me by surprise! I did NOT see that coming from a gazillion miles away! While the book appears to be a lighthearted perhaps even comical at times mystery, don't be fooled. It deals with heavy emotional themes as well (see codependent relationship).
Readers of traditional whodunnits will enjoy this book, and for those who do not gravitate toward traditional, you'll really love it!
WARNING: There is a content warning at the beginning of this book and I do advise readers to take heed! What seems like a funny, lighthearted and quirky read, isn't exactly as it seems and sensitive readers may be in for a shock.
"Pear" is like no other character I have met before in literature. I often wondered if she was on the spectrum somewhere, what with her social awkwardness and general dislike of people. But I think she is just maybe a little emotionally immature due to her what I believe is a codependent relationship with her mother. From Pear's POV (in which the book is written) "Mama" is intimidating and can be difficult at times. As a reader, I didn't really see her being anything other than a traditionally overprotective mother of a twentysomething, but Pear's constant fear of upsetting her made me think otherwise. But that's just a very small side bit where her search for the missing husband is the main story.
The search takes Pear and the readers on a whirlwind search and the author does a great job immersing the reader in the different settings. The mystery reveal really took me by surprise! I did NOT see that coming from a gazillion miles away! While the book appears to be a lighthearted perhaps even comical at times mystery, don't be fooled. It deals with heavy emotional themes as well (see codependent relationship).
Readers of traditional whodunnits will enjoy this book, and for those who do not gravitate toward traditional, you'll really love it!
WARNING: There is a content warning at the beginning of this book and I do advise readers to take heed! What seems like a funny, lighthearted and quirky read, isn't exactly as it seems and sensitive readers may be in for a shock.
January 8, 2024
ARC Review for Robin Castle's mystery novel: Seven Years Missing
3.5 stars - I'm rounding it up to 4 stars
I received an ARC version of the novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. Disclaimer: I have not read the first book in this series, so I am judging this novel as a standalone. My opinions of the characters are based on how they are presented in this book only, so it's possible more context was provided in book one to justify certain character beliefs/traits that I took some issue with in this reading - specifically around the main character Pear.
I love mysteries, and this mystery follows Pear as she investigates the disappearance of Hailie Li's husband 7 years after he is first reported missing and the case runs cold.
First off, this book is easy to read, with a tendency toward shorter sentences that lend to the novel's quick pacing. It definitely picks up toward the end in the last ten or so chapters and finishes on a one-page epilogue that addresses one later concern I had with the mystery plot that would have been a plot hole had it not been addressed (I won't say what it was, since that would be a major spoiler). There were a few grammatical errors but nothing too distracting. Overall, the novel doesn't get too dark and I'm glad the ending worked out the way it did. I was not disappointed.
The reason I'm giving this book an unofficial 3.5 and 4 stars as an official rating is because I strongly disliked Pear's character for a huge chunk of the novel, but overall it was a good read. She's kind of like her preferred beverage, coffee - an acquired taste and not for everyone. She certainly has potential to be more likable, but she tends to frame the investigation and her takes on each potential suspect in a black and white fashion (she did this until the big reveal at the end). I would think a more nuanced and well-rounded approach to each suspect would have made more sense and felt less jarring to read. However, I will say she has the tendency to view other characters with scarce nuance and only affords the benefit of the doubt to a couple individuals (including herself). So, while I found this quirk a bit annoying to read, it was consistent with her characterization throughout the book.
On a similar note but more egregious, she is a horrible friend to Sunny. Not even a friend, really, but a begrudging acquaintance to a woman who shows her more grace than she deserves. I don't think this is an actual spoiler for this novel, because it's based on events from the last novel. But to be safe and spoiler-free, let's just say Pear accused Sunny of something that has led to her unemployment and the community at large has been mocking her or avoiding her because of Pear's incorrect accusation. The one scene where Pear has the opportunity to apologize for screwing up Sunny's life, something comes up with Pear and then the scene is flipped around and Sunny apologizes ... It's disappointing because at no point does Pear ever fully self-reflect, and she only justifies her false accusation by minimizing to herself how it has impacted Sunny and consistently judging Sunny for having more money (mind you, Sunny also has three children, so it's not like the accusation only affected Sunny). Pear comes off as jealous of Sunny without being self-aware enough to realize she's actually jealous. Ironically, another integral character has been accused of a similar crime and she has also faced discrimination because of it, but Pear is more sympathetic to that situation ... kind of. All in all, my biggest issue with the novel was Pear and how she swings back and forth so easily in her investigating (in a way that doesn't come off as deliberating the truth with a full deck of cards) and how she judges others so harshly while making excuses for her own mistakes.
There were times where I thought she might be growing up and turning things around for the better, but those instances never followed through with action, so Pear still has a lot of room to grow into a better person - and a more enjoyable character. Also, importantly, she's not completely unlikable - I admire her work ethic and I think myself and a lot of people can relate in some way to her relationship with her mother and her love of coffee. I think readers who like critical protagonists (who may not always be the most trustworthy narrators, so you have to read between the lines a bit for a more accurate picture of what's going on) would enjoy Pear. I just tend to prefer characters who see more nuance, and are less hypocritical (or whose flaws are challenged more by the other characters, thereby forcing the protagonist to address the flaws, and some small or big change comes from them doing so).
Other things of note: There's a love interest who isn't really a love interest, but he comes up randomly, briefly, and it feels like there is no chemistry. Luckily, Pear seems more resolute to move on from him at the end of the story. As for Movad, a corrupt company that led to an environmental disaster, I enjoyed the story around it and the demonstrated long-term affects. I don't understand why more wasn't said about the impact on local animals, but I imagine it's nothing good. The main suspect in this novel is also a complex and fascinating character! So is Mama and Elise. The side characters in general were likeable and entertaining. I felt immersed while reading the story. The author does a great job painting a scene. All in all, I do think this novel is worth a read and I like the cast we have to work with. I just want to see Pear have more character development and have her flaws addressed in a way that really forces her to acknowledge them and respond appropriately.
3.5 stars - I'm rounding it up to 4 stars
I received an ARC version of the novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. Disclaimer: I have not read the first book in this series, so I am judging this novel as a standalone. My opinions of the characters are based on how they are presented in this book only, so it's possible more context was provided in book one to justify certain character beliefs/traits that I took some issue with in this reading - specifically around the main character Pear.
I love mysteries, and this mystery follows Pear as she investigates the disappearance of Hailie Li's husband 7 years after he is first reported missing and the case runs cold.
First off, this book is easy to read, with a tendency toward shorter sentences that lend to the novel's quick pacing. It definitely picks up toward the end in the last ten or so chapters and finishes on a one-page epilogue that addresses one later concern I had with the mystery plot that would have been a plot hole had it not been addressed (I won't say what it was, since that would be a major spoiler). There were a few grammatical errors but nothing too distracting. Overall, the novel doesn't get too dark and I'm glad the ending worked out the way it did. I was not disappointed.
The reason I'm giving this book an unofficial 3.5 and 4 stars as an official rating is because I strongly disliked Pear's character for a huge chunk of the novel, but overall it was a good read. She's kind of like her preferred beverage, coffee - an acquired taste and not for everyone. She certainly has potential to be more likable, but she tends to frame the investigation and her takes on each potential suspect in a black and white fashion (she did this until the big reveal at the end). I would think a more nuanced and well-rounded approach to each suspect would have made more sense and felt less jarring to read. However, I will say she has the tendency to view other characters with scarce nuance and only affords the benefit of the doubt to a couple individuals (including herself). So, while I found this quirk a bit annoying to read, it was consistent with her characterization throughout the book.
On a similar note but more egregious, she is a horrible friend to Sunny. Not even a friend, really, but a begrudging acquaintance to a woman who shows her more grace than she deserves. I don't think this is an actual spoiler for this novel, because it's based on events from the last novel. But to be safe and spoiler-free, let's just say Pear accused Sunny of something that has led to her unemployment and the community at large has been mocking her or avoiding her because of Pear's incorrect accusation. The one scene where Pear has the opportunity to apologize for screwing up Sunny's life, something comes up with Pear and then the scene is flipped around and Sunny apologizes ... It's disappointing because at no point does Pear ever fully self-reflect, and she only justifies her false accusation by minimizing to herself how it has impacted Sunny and consistently judging Sunny for having more money (mind you, Sunny also has three children, so it's not like the accusation only affected Sunny). Pear comes off as jealous of Sunny without being self-aware enough to realize she's actually jealous. Ironically, another integral character has been accused of a similar crime and she has also faced discrimination because of it, but Pear is more sympathetic to that situation ... kind of. All in all, my biggest issue with the novel was Pear and how she swings back and forth so easily in her investigating (in a way that doesn't come off as deliberating the truth with a full deck of cards) and how she judges others so harshly while making excuses for her own mistakes.
There were times where I thought she might be growing up and turning things around for the better, but those instances never followed through with action, so Pear still has a lot of room to grow into a better person - and a more enjoyable character. Also, importantly, she's not completely unlikable - I admire her work ethic and I think myself and a lot of people can relate in some way to her relationship with her mother and her love of coffee. I think readers who like critical protagonists (who may not always be the most trustworthy narrators, so you have to read between the lines a bit for a more accurate picture of what's going on) would enjoy Pear. I just tend to prefer characters who see more nuance, and are less hypocritical (or whose flaws are challenged more by the other characters, thereby forcing the protagonist to address the flaws, and some small or big change comes from them doing so).
Other things of note: There's a love interest who isn't really a love interest, but he comes up randomly, briefly, and it feels like there is no chemistry. Luckily, Pear seems more resolute to move on from him at the end of the story. As for Movad, a corrupt company that led to an environmental disaster, I enjoyed the story around it and the demonstrated long-term affects. I don't understand why more wasn't said about the impact on local animals, but I imagine it's nothing good. The main suspect in this novel is also a complex and fascinating character! So is Mama and Elise. The side characters in general were likeable and entertaining. I felt immersed while reading the story. The author does a great job painting a scene. All in all, I do think this novel is worth a read and I like the cast we have to work with. I just want to see Pear have more character development and have her flaws addressed in a way that really forces her to acknowledge them and respond appropriately.
January 8, 2024
Five Classic Mystery Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for Seven Years Missing by Robin Castle
If you love classic mysteries in Agatha Christie style, sprinkled with a bit of Y2K Charme, this book is definitely for you. Set in 2004, the PI Pear Márquez is tasked with a missing person case. The only problem- Hailie Byrne’s husband has already been missing for seven years.
As Pear starts digging, the case gets more mysterious. Every question asked brings forth a dozen new ones without answering the first.
❓Why didn’t Hailie start searching for her husband Todd seven years ago? Why are Hailie and her parents-in-law estranged, and why did they move halfway across the country right after their son’s disappearance? Does Todd’s former employer have a hand in his disappearance?
Only Pear’s diligence and tenacity keep her from quitting the case, even if she’s constantly running against walls or battling lies.
But she keeps exploring every dead end, from her hometown Harriettu to Florida to Ireland and back, while also fighting her own demons. Repercussions from a botched up previous case, fear of failure, and an overprotective mother, to name a few.
And one thing is for sure - I didn’t see THAT ending coming 😮
Because this is the second Detective Pear Mysteries Book, it took me a moment to get into the story. You eventually get all the information you need to understand this book as a standalone, but I would recommend reading Related By Murder first. Other than that, the narrative flows nicely and there was never a dull moment. Highly recommended for lovers of multi-layered mystery suspense.
If you love classic mysteries in Agatha Christie style, sprinkled with a bit of Y2K Charme, this book is definitely for you. Set in 2004, the PI Pear Márquez is tasked with a missing person case. The only problem- Hailie Byrne’s husband has already been missing for seven years.
As Pear starts digging, the case gets more mysterious. Every question asked brings forth a dozen new ones without answering the first.
❓Why didn’t Hailie start searching for her husband Todd seven years ago? Why are Hailie and her parents-in-law estranged, and why did they move halfway across the country right after their son’s disappearance? Does Todd’s former employer have a hand in his disappearance?
Only Pear’s diligence and tenacity keep her from quitting the case, even if she’s constantly running against walls or battling lies.
But she keeps exploring every dead end, from her hometown Harriettu to Florida to Ireland and back, while also fighting her own demons. Repercussions from a botched up previous case, fear of failure, and an overprotective mother, to name a few.
And one thing is for sure - I didn’t see THAT ending coming 😮
Because this is the second Detective Pear Mysteries Book, it took me a moment to get into the story. You eventually get all the information you need to understand this book as a standalone, but I would recommend reading Related By Murder first. Other than that, the narrative flows nicely and there was never a dull moment. Highly recommended for lovers of multi-layered mystery suspense.
February 14, 2024
Castle has a gift for creating complex three dimensional characters that immediately pull the reader into the intricacies of the both the plot and the characters' lives. In Seven Years Missing, we enter the world of Pear, who has embarked on a new career as a private investigator. The author is able to interweave a mystery while at the same time, clearly portraying the relationships between various family members, particularly the mother-daughter dynamics between Pear and her mother, and between friends who share common interests, such as writing. This book will keep you guessing all the way to the very last page. The author's witty use of language and the mystery of the missing character, will keep you hooked. You won't want to put this novel down, until you get to the very last page. Happy Reading!
January 12, 2024
I received an ARC copy of this and absolutely loved it. I'm not really one for mysteries but this book drew me in and really got me good on the big mystery reveal (won't say anything else so as not to spoil it). I'd say what I loved most was probably the settings, it bounced between New York, Florida, and Ireland and each setting was well described and felt so real like I was there. I definitely recommend it to anyone who loves whodunnits, it's a wonderful page turner.
January 13, 2024
It was an honour to be an ARC for this wonderfully written mystery. A refreshing read and one I couldn't put down. The author is a natural at this genre. The diversity and relateable prose added enrichment that had me laughing quite often. The story flows through the MC's test of character and strangely beautiful journey. The psychological twists and turns had me turning the pages, hoping I was right. A truly commendable and recommended read, one that should be on everyone's bookshelf.
January 1, 2024
Todd Byrne has been missing for 7 years and no one has bothered to look for him. Not until Pear Marquez is hired to find him. And find him she does! The twist in this story is superb. It's extremely unexpected and very well done.
I, however, struggled with Seven Years Missing for two reasons. I struggled to warm up to Pear - the main character. She has a toxic relationship with her mum and I just couldn't get over it. I can't believe that she wouldn't have done something about it.
My second struggle was perhaps of my own making. Although Seven Years Missing is reported to be a standalone read, there are obvious references to another book which I haven't read. I found myself a little lost at times and that affected my enjoyment while reading. It's frustrating because I meant to read the two books in order but somehow I ended up starting this one first.
Overall though, an excellent little mystery - light-hearted in places but with some big issues explored.
I, however, struggled with Seven Years Missing for two reasons. I struggled to warm up to Pear - the main character. She has a toxic relationship with her mum and I just couldn't get over it. I can't believe that she wouldn't have done something about it.
My second struggle was perhaps of my own making. Although Seven Years Missing is reported to be a standalone read, there are obvious references to another book which I haven't read. I found myself a little lost at times and that affected my enjoyment while reading. It's frustrating because I meant to read the two books in order but somehow I ended up starting this one first.
Overall though, an excellent little mystery - light-hearted in places but with some big issues explored.
December 30, 2023
I received an ARC of Seven Years Missing and dived in right away. I love myself a good mystery book, and this one did not disappoint.
Pear Marquez, private investigator, is hired to find Todd, a man that's been missing for seven years, during which nobody searched for him.
Where is he? Is he still alive? Was he kidnapped, or maybe killed?
We follow Pear as she tries to uncover the truth and as the story progresses, we get to know her as a person too. Pear is not that kind of investigator that will get everything right; what I like about her is that she makes mistakes and assumptions that are very "human."
I don't want to spoil anything but the final twist was great and heartbreaking.
This book is a standalone, but I recommend reading Related By Murder first as some events and characters are referenced often.
Pear Marquez, private investigator, is hired to find Todd, a man that's been missing for seven years, during which nobody searched for him.
Where is he? Is he still alive? Was he kidnapped, or maybe killed?
We follow Pear as she tries to uncover the truth and as the story progresses, we get to know her as a person too. Pear is not that kind of investigator that will get everything right; what I like about her is that she makes mistakes and assumptions that are very "human."
I don't want to spoil anything but the final twist was great and heartbreaking.
This book is a standalone, but I recommend reading Related By Murder first as some events and characters are referenced often.
January 15, 2024
Todd has been missing for 7 years, and until now no one has looked for him, until Pear travels from New York to abroad to unravel the mystery.
As mysteries go, I tend to gravitate towards dark-ish or hardboiled, but my key criteria are that it's queer and original/different in some way from the norm, just something for a bit of uniqueness. Seven Years Missing really meets these, with Pear quite a different protagonist from the standard detective, and I really enjoyed this aspect of the novel. The worldbuilding, too, I found strong and engaging, and the twists and turns of the mystery kept me on my toes throughout.
I had not read Related By Murder, and felt Seven Years Missing could be read and enjoyed as a standalone, but it makes me want to go back soon and try out the preceding novel!
I am grateful to have received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
As mysteries go, I tend to gravitate towards dark-ish or hardboiled, but my key criteria are that it's queer and original/different in some way from the norm, just something for a bit of uniqueness. Seven Years Missing really meets these, with Pear quite a different protagonist from the standard detective, and I really enjoyed this aspect of the novel. The worldbuilding, too, I found strong and engaging, and the twists and turns of the mystery kept me on my toes throughout.
I had not read Related By Murder, and felt Seven Years Missing could be read and enjoyed as a standalone, but it makes me want to go back soon and try out the preceding novel!
I am grateful to have received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews