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Missing Clayton

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Five-year-old Clayton Kingsley was in his backyard building a sandcastle two minutes ago. Now the sandbox is empty, so is the swing. And the gate that kept the world at bay is open...

His mother Jenny, recently divorced, has left behind a controlling mother and an abusive husband, who thought more of his buddies and the bottle than being a father to his son. Now that son is missing. Is Jenny’s ex really the distraught parent he seems or is he the culprit?

As the days go by with no sign of Clayton, Jenny searches frantically for her son. Who could have taken him? If not his father, could it be her sexy, secretive neighbor, a man suspected for the disappearance of another child? Or is there a serial predator in the serene bedroom community that Jenny thought would be the perfect place to raise her son?

296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 25, 2012

2 people are currently reading
12 people want to read

About the author

Bev Irwin

9 books12 followers
Award-winning author Bev Irwin began her writing career at the tender age of eight with the publication of her poem about daffodils. She continued to write poetry for many years while she became a registered nurse, married, had three children, and worked in several hospitals and several areas of nursing. She has always been an avid reader. When an injury gave her the time to delve into writing, she began her first novel, pausing to write several children's books. She loves to attend writing conferences and meet other writers and fans.

Bev likes to add a touch of medical to her romance and mystery novels. She also writes YA, children's and of course, still some poetry. She lives in London Ontario with two cats, and a mischievous puppy. Her three children have flown the coop but her granddaughter Jasmine is a frequent visitor. She prefers spending time anywhere but in the kitchen

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5 stars
8 (50%)
4 stars
4 (25%)
3 stars
2 (12%)
2 stars
1 (6%)
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1 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Profile Image for Zrinka Jelic.
Author 26 books82 followers
November 7, 2012
Missing Clayton by Bev Irving is a thrilling story about a five year old boy taken from his backyard in the middle of day. We are taken for a emotional as well as nails biting ride along with his mother, Jenny who is caught up in the whirlwind of hell. She will stop at nothing to find her boy dead or alive. With the boy's disappearance the entire town (a small community) seems to relive the horrors of their own and everyone knows something, but is afraid to say it. Media has a field day, bringing out the worst of Jenny's life, accusing her of harming her own child then claiming he's gone missing. Police officer on the power trip harasses the usual suspect, Jenny's neighbour Steve, and her one light point and rock to lean on. The reader also gets to see the horror little Clayton is experiencing. And while his kidnapper has no intention to really hurt him as long as he is co-operating, one can't help but shudder in fear.
Bev Irvin has managed to capture the mentality of a small town in the middle of the farming county so well, every character jumps off the page and becomes alive, even the bloodhound Missy I highly recommend this book to all and especially parents and grandparents.
Profile Image for ReadAlongWithSue ★⋆. ࿐࿔catching up.
2,892 reviews433 followers
September 12, 2014
This was an absolutely absorbing book. When a child goes missing from his safe back garden whilst playing in his sand pit and his mom just rustling up some sandwiches for lunch, where did he go?
Although of course based on Clayton missing, it also has other avenues of a story in it which I found really good. it wasn't just about Clayton, other people who were involved and the quiet place she moved to, it all evolved superbly. I'm not one to give out too many spoilers, read the blurb.

This had me engrossed from beginning to end, I would definitely read more of her books, actually, I do have more!!!
The author was new to me, I chose this to read when a kind author wanted to buy me a book just for my pleasure as I read a lot, but mostly for helping other authors with reviews. It was a lovely gesture which I reluctantly accepted as I do what I do for no gain. I'm glad I chose this book to read, thoroughly superbly written and thought out plots by this author.
Profile Image for Lavada.
39 reviews11 followers
July 27, 2014
Whatever you do, do NOT miss reading a Bev Irwin book! I received Missing Clayton for my review. This is the 2nd book of Ms Irwin's I have read and I cannot wait to read another one! Missing Clayton kept me spellbound and I couldn't wait to find out what happened! After I finished I was sad that I didn't have more! This book, as with Ms Irwin's other books will keep you on your toes throughout the entire book! Her writing style pulls you into the book where you can feel this mother's pain and fear in searching for her son. I don't want to give a spoiler on this book, so Go, Get this book NOW and read it! While you are at it get another Bev Irwin book! This book along with her others are heading for best sellers! I can also see movies in the future! Keep up the wonderful reads, Bev!
Profile Image for Sophie Bristow Harris.
377 reviews56 followers
December 3, 2013
A good read.

I'd like to thank the author Bev Irwin for gifting me a copy of "Missing Clayton" in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I found this a great read, a change to the usual missing child novels I have read before, fresh and uplifting.

However I did find the story very repetitive in places and this got a bit frustrating at times! As for the tea towel Jenny (the mum) was holding and wringing constantly for quite some time ~ I just wanted to take it out of her hands and fold it up and put it down for her!!

The characters were well rounded and mostly likeable. I enjoyed the way how they all connected and formed relationships with one another.

I look forward to reading more from this author as I love a good suspense story and this author writes it well.
Profile Image for Gina Basham.
592 reviews4 followers
September 5, 2013
Bev brings the most terrifying situations to life with compassion and thoroughness. You could feel a mother's angst and terror over losing her son. How often do we see an Amber alert and think - oh how terrible - but not realizing how the family feels. Her characters are so well written you think you know them. I cannot imagine how losing a child would feel but learned an inkling by reading this book. As with her other books this was very well written, fast paced and easy to read. I would highly recommend.
Profile Image for Monica.
307 reviews48 followers
April 29, 2013
Missing Clayton is about a child abduction and the related trauma.

I had a sort of love/hate relationship with this one as it was just too realistically horrible and painful experiencing so much through the mother's and the son's eyes. However, this does show how well written the book is.

Overall, it is a very vivid, fast past ride!
Profile Image for Janet Scott.
49 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2020
Great book

A child is missing and a mother who doesnt give up looking. A story filled with suspense. You really care about the characters. I highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Bouke Sieperda.
84 reviews3 followers
June 5, 2018
Missing Clayton,a suspence trhiller!
Actually a very tragic story about kidnapping ,wich is the worst that can happen to parents and in this case the mainly the mother! Very actual theme this one, as nowadays its happening so much , especial after divorses!

A very sad story full of tension and twist!
The authors know how describe these situations very well and in very detailed manner!
but everytime see manages to get the reader back in to the story with full interest when some unexpected happens again and keepes the tension high until the last page!
for lovers of drama a must read , its not directty a page turner but sure good enough story to keep you reading!
thanks to the author for letting me read this book!
for me worth a 4,6 star which results nito a 5
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews

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