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The Missing Place
Twenty-year-old Taylor Capparelli and Paul Mitchell go missing in Lawton, North Dakota, where they have been working on rigs owned by Hunter-Cole Energy. The boys stayed in Black Creek Lodge, a "man camp" providing room and board. The mothers of the two boys come to Lawton to find out what happened to their sons and form an uneasy alliance. Shay Capparelli, a 41-year-old single grandmother, has more grit than resources; for wealthy suburban housewife Colleen Mitchell, the opposite is true. Overtaxed by worry, exhaustion, and fear, they question each others' methods and motivations - but there is no one else to help, and they must learn to work together if they are to have any chance of breaking through the barriers put up by their sons employer, the indifference of an overtaxed police department, and a town of strangers with their own secrets against a backdrop of a modern day gold rush.
384 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2014
30 people are currently reading
2058 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Littlefield
37 books798 followersCalled a “writing machine” by the New York Times and a “master storyteller” by the Midwest Book Review, Sophie Littlefield has written dozens of novels for adults and teens. She has won Anthony and RT Book Awards and been shortlisted for Edgar, Barry, Crimespree, Macavity, and Goodreads Choice Awards.
Sophie also writes under the pen name Sofia Grant.
Sophie also writes under the pen name Sofia Grant.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
June 8, 2016
Two Mums, two sons, both not knowing each other who work on the Oil Riggs but have gone missing.
What would you do?
Well I am sure after going frantic you would want to go and see what is what. So they both travel and stay in the same place where they're sons stayed.
Black Creek Lodge,
What are the company doing to find them? zilch. Its shocking.
There are a lot of characters you will dislike and some you won't.
The discovery is unraveled by the Moms who form an bond in the same heartrending saga of where are they.
Its well written, page turner indeed.
This isn't the first book I have read by this author I like her style and I liked this storyline.
I received this book from Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books via Net Galley.
What would you do?
Well I am sure after going frantic you would want to go and see what is what. So they both travel and stay in the same place where they're sons stayed.
Black Creek Lodge,
What are the company doing to find them? zilch. Its shocking.
There are a lot of characters you will dislike and some you won't.
The discovery is unraveled by the Moms who form an bond in the same heartrending saga of where are they.
Its well written, page turner indeed.
This isn't the first book I have read by this author I like her style and I liked this storyline.
I received this book from Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books via Net Galley.
July 15, 2015
I enjoyed reading THE MISSING PLACE. I liked the mystery element and I liked the interaction between uptight Colleen and laid back Shay. I'll look for the rest of Sophie Littlefield's books based on how much I loved THE MISSING PLACE. Once I started reading, I was so invested in these two moms that I was turning the pages like a mad woman. I just had to know what happened to these two boys. Sophie Littlefield doesn’t pull any punches in her writing. Brutal and honest, this is a disturbing tale of what a mother will do to protect her child. As a mother myself, I can not imagine what I would feel like if this was my child that had gone missing.
Note: I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Note: I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2015
A special thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Missing Place by Sophie Littlefield, an intense, page-turner mystery of two strong and opposite female protagonists; willing to risk it all, in order to save their sons from the cold dark town and oil fields in North Dakota. If you are seeking a weekend book to curl up with, for a guaranteed intriguing, satisfying and engaging ride, this is it!
Two boys (Taylor and Paul) go missing the same day in Lawton, North Dakota where they are working on an oil rig and staying at the Black Creek Lodge. All the hotels are full due to the workers, and the size of the small town. (Think a big Walmart, a few hotels, trailer parks, and truck stops). When two mothers cannot get any answers from the local authorities or the energy company, they both set out a dangerous quest to attain answers about their sons. (stuck in a small trailer)
Two mothers (have never met one another): Shay, (mother of Taylor), is an in your face, brash, passionate, single mom; street smart, low on cash, from the wrong side of the tracks in California. She has an honest and open relationship with her son and they are very close. She will do anything to find him (and boy, is she creative and resourceful).
Colleen, (mother of ADHD dyslexic son, Paul), wealthy housewife from Boston, with her classic pearls and cashmere sweaters, and perfect hair-married to Andy, a successful attorney, has connections and money and level headed. She can open doors Shay cannot. Each have their own strengths. She and her son have a “not so close” and strained relationship. She is overprotective and controlling, due to Paul’s past behavior issues.
First, let me say, I loved the front cover, and the summary, as I knew this would be a book, I had to read and have been saving it. It exceeded my expectations and more. A definite 5 Star +. This was my first book by Littlefield and cannot wait to read more, as love her style! Told from three POV (Shay, Colleen, and T.L), which I enjoyed as you learn the intimate thoughts, actions, reactions, and raw feelings from different viewpoints.
There is sooooo much to this story, as a former whistleblower, I love uncovering misdeeds of large corporations as root for the underdog and those threatened. However, this was not just a story about the mishaps, cover-ups, and corruption of Hunter-Cole Energy.
There is the Indian Reservation and land leases, and how these people have been taken advantage of. An innocent boy, with sins of the father and a past history of characters from the sheriff’s office to the Indian Reservation, which have been passed down to the next generation.
Most importantly is the human interest side of the novel, written with great depth and vivid settings and descriptions, pulling the reader into this unsure world, not knowing who they can trust. This is no ordinary crime mystery. It is thought-provoking in so many ways and much left to the reader to draw conclusions.
Littlefield skillfully crafts a riveting suspense which keeps you glued to the page with her well-developed characters. (A read in one setting kind of book). Block out the time, it is worth it!
The dynamics between these two women (Shay and Colleen)—Award-winning! These two women could not be any different – two mothers stuck in a small trailer with no restroom or kitchen, in the cold of winter, going to the truck stop to dine and take their showers, their differences in clothes, the disagreements, not knowing what the other will do next, their different ways of child rearing, and personalities. Full of wit and humor as the scene with Shay, the attorney, the camera in the hotel room was priceless! And the scene at the landlord's trailer. What they go through to get answers – highly creative on the author’s part.
Yes, agree with some of the other reviewers, the first 75% of the book was intense and then you wonder what is to come in the last 25%. The pace slows down. However, this is not a bad thing. During the last 25% of the book, these two women are now figuring out how to live with the past, the fallout, and learning from one another- their strengths and weaknesses. It turns into a human interest story – how things would have been different, what brought them to this place. The stages from grief, anger, forgiveness, to acceptance. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The part each character played through desperation, fear, and survival.
Shay is definitely the stronger of the two, as she is a spitfire; however, Colleen is strong in her own way as she has put focus and energy into protecting and sheltering her son, while not allowing him to really live and experience life, to fail and learn from the experience.
For Colleen, it is always about clean up, cover it up, save face. However, Colleen keeps Shay level headed at times and Shay helps Colleen see life as living and enjoying, not so much about money and appearances, (learned behavior traits Colleen inherited from her mom).
I realize you can only fit so much in one book; however, thinking it could almost be a sequel, with another story of Andy and his work to help the Indian Reservation, and TL; also more about the family dynamics of Elizabeth (as what brought her to do what she did), her family, and connection with TL’s family history.
Highly recommend THE MISSING PLACE, and fans of intense drama, mystery, suspense, female dynamics, and rich characters will enjoy, as well as fans of authors, Diane Chamberlain, Sandra Brown, Heather Gudenkauf, Emilie Richards, and Kristin Hannah.
Looking forward to reading more from this talented author! An ideal book for book clubs, groups and discussions!
Judith D. Collins Must Read Books
TOP 30 BOOKS OF 2014
The Missing Place by Sophie Littlefield, an intense, page-turner mystery of two strong and opposite female protagonists; willing to risk it all, in order to save their sons from the cold dark town and oil fields in North Dakota. If you are seeking a weekend book to curl up with, for a guaranteed intriguing, satisfying and engaging ride, this is it!
Two boys (Taylor and Paul) go missing the same day in Lawton, North Dakota where they are working on an oil rig and staying at the Black Creek Lodge. All the hotels are full due to the workers, and the size of the small town. (Think a big Walmart, a few hotels, trailer parks, and truck stops). When two mothers cannot get any answers from the local authorities or the energy company, they both set out a dangerous quest to attain answers about their sons. (stuck in a small trailer)
Two mothers (have never met one another): Shay, (mother of Taylor), is an in your face, brash, passionate, single mom; street smart, low on cash, from the wrong side of the tracks in California. She has an honest and open relationship with her son and they are very close. She will do anything to find him (and boy, is she creative and resourceful).
Colleen, (mother of ADHD dyslexic son, Paul), wealthy housewife from Boston, with her classic pearls and cashmere sweaters, and perfect hair-married to Andy, a successful attorney, has connections and money and level headed. She can open doors Shay cannot. Each have their own strengths. She and her son have a “not so close” and strained relationship. She is overprotective and controlling, due to Paul’s past behavior issues.
First, let me say, I loved the front cover, and the summary, as I knew this would be a book, I had to read and have been saving it. It exceeded my expectations and more. A definite 5 Star +. This was my first book by Littlefield and cannot wait to read more, as love her style! Told from three POV (Shay, Colleen, and T.L), which I enjoyed as you learn the intimate thoughts, actions, reactions, and raw feelings from different viewpoints.
There is sooooo much to this story, as a former whistleblower, I love uncovering misdeeds of large corporations as root for the underdog and those threatened. However, this was not just a story about the mishaps, cover-ups, and corruption of Hunter-Cole Energy.
There is the Indian Reservation and land leases, and how these people have been taken advantage of. An innocent boy, with sins of the father and a past history of characters from the sheriff’s office to the Indian Reservation, which have been passed down to the next generation.
Most importantly is the human interest side of the novel, written with great depth and vivid settings and descriptions, pulling the reader into this unsure world, not knowing who they can trust. This is no ordinary crime mystery. It is thought-provoking in so many ways and much left to the reader to draw conclusions.
Littlefield skillfully crafts a riveting suspense which keeps you glued to the page with her well-developed characters. (A read in one setting kind of book). Block out the time, it is worth it!
The dynamics between these two women (Shay and Colleen)—Award-winning! These two women could not be any different – two mothers stuck in a small trailer with no restroom or kitchen, in the cold of winter, going to the truck stop to dine and take their showers, their differences in clothes, the disagreements, not knowing what the other will do next, their different ways of child rearing, and personalities. Full of wit and humor as the scene with Shay, the attorney, the camera in the hotel room was priceless! And the scene at the landlord's trailer. What they go through to get answers – highly creative on the author’s part.
Yes, agree with some of the other reviewers, the first 75% of the book was intense and then you wonder what is to come in the last 25%. The pace slows down. However, this is not a bad thing. During the last 25% of the book, these two women are now figuring out how to live with the past, the fallout, and learning from one another- their strengths and weaknesses. It turns into a human interest story – how things would have been different, what brought them to this place. The stages from grief, anger, forgiveness, to acceptance. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The part each character played through desperation, fear, and survival.
Shay is definitely the stronger of the two, as she is a spitfire; however, Colleen is strong in her own way as she has put focus and energy into protecting and sheltering her son, while not allowing him to really live and experience life, to fail and learn from the experience.
For Colleen, it is always about clean up, cover it up, save face. However, Colleen keeps Shay level headed at times and Shay helps Colleen see life as living and enjoying, not so much about money and appearances, (learned behavior traits Colleen inherited from her mom).
I realize you can only fit so much in one book; however, thinking it could almost be a sequel, with another story of Andy and his work to help the Indian Reservation, and TL; also more about the family dynamics of Elizabeth (as what brought her to do what she did), her family, and connection with TL’s family history.
Highly recommend THE MISSING PLACE, and fans of intense drama, mystery, suspense, female dynamics, and rich characters will enjoy, as well as fans of authors, Diane Chamberlain, Sandra Brown, Heather Gudenkauf, Emilie Richards, and Kristin Hannah.
Looking forward to reading more from this talented author! An ideal book for book clubs, groups and discussions!
Judith D. Collins Must Read Books
TOP 30 BOOKS OF 2014
November 23, 2014
This book has such potential, and I am sad that it didn’t live up to it. The beginning of the book is great. Colleen Mitchell flies to remote Lawton, ND, to search for her missing son, Paul, who has been working for one of the oil companies in the area, Hunter-Cole Energy. She immediately hooks up with Shay Capparelli, the mother of Taylor, Paul’s best friend, who is also missing. The two women start investigating the disappearance, taking on the local police, the oil workers and higher-ups, and even the folks on the nearby Indian reservation.
This part of the book is great. The writing is evocative. You really get a sense of the place, the people, and can appreciate the two women’s franticness to find their sons. The relationship between the women is complicated but interesting to watch develop. I loved this part of the book and the story.
Then, at about 70% of the way into the book, the fate of the two young men is discovered. And the book takes a hard left turn into WTF territory. Not WTF as in an implausible plot, actions, resolution, etc, but WTF as in “what the heck happened to the gritty mystery I was reading and why am I suddenly in a dull family drama?” All of the interesting elements of the problems surrounding Hunter-Cole, local tensions with the Native Americans, etc., are simply jettisoned, and the final 30% of the book meanders around (mostly) Colleen’s life in Boston in the aftermath, and the two women coming to terms with what happened. If felt like a huge bait-and-switch.
The first 70% of the book gets a hearty five stars. However, because of the side tracked, meandering ending, the final overall rating is 3-stars.
This part of the book is great. The writing is evocative. You really get a sense of the place, the people, and can appreciate the two women’s franticness to find their sons. The relationship between the women is complicated but interesting to watch develop. I loved this part of the book and the story.
Then, at about 70% of the way into the book, the fate of the two young men is discovered. And the book takes a hard left turn into WTF territory. Not WTF as in an implausible plot, actions, resolution, etc, but WTF as in “what the heck happened to the gritty mystery I was reading and why am I suddenly in a dull family drama?” All of the interesting elements of the problems surrounding Hunter-Cole, local tensions with the Native Americans, etc., are simply jettisoned, and the final 30% of the book meanders around (mostly) Colleen’s life in Boston in the aftermath, and the two women coming to terms with what happened. If felt like a huge bait-and-switch.
The first 70% of the book gets a hearty five stars. However, because of the side tracked, meandering ending, the final overall rating is 3-stars.
September 1, 2014
This story of two mothers searching for their lost sons, started out with promise. The premise was interesting and the mystery intriguing. But, once the mystery is solved, the book devolves into a strange and maudlin character study. The relationship between the two mothers which was strange and annoying but tolerable at the beginning becomes grating toward the end. The characters are thinly drawn and stereotypical. Feels like a freshman book. Good but could have been stronger.
September 14, 2014
I have been a fan of this author's for a long time. After reading Garden of Stones, I was looking forward to reading this book. I have to say that while I did like this book, I was not in love with it like I was Garden of Stones. I felt Colleen and Shay's pain as mothers on a mission to find the truth about their sons. I just felt that the story lacked a stronger plot or maybe it was the secondary characters. They were not as likable as Colleen and Shay. Plus, I really felt like the first half of this book was way drawn out and the second half of the book felt rushed. Rushed in a way to get all the details out regarding what happened to the two boys. When I did find out the truth I wish I could say I had an "Ah Ha" moment but I did not. It was more of an "That was it" moment. While this book was not one of my favorites, I am still a fan of this author's.
March 5, 2015
There were times when I was reading that I thought about quitting the book. Things were slow and quite honestly very depressing. I had a hard time finding anything to like about the "moms" and hated the town and the community where things went down, no one seemed nice there. By the time we got to the end of the book and found out what happened and why I had a hard time even caring, just glad to be done.
December 22, 2014
The Missing Place by Sophie Littlefield is a novel about two very different mothers who travel to the oil fields of Williston, ND to find out what has happened to their two missing sons. The women each bring their own strength to the search while trying to learn to get along with each other as well as the harsh environment of North Dakota.
I really enjoyed this book since my son lives and works in Fargo, ND and that city has been influenced by the new, fast money coming in from the oil fields. Jobs are plentiful in Williston and the money is amazing. Author Littlefield describes the living conditions of ‘man camps’ where the workers live and how the money flows causing a major increase in the population of this once small town.
This is a character-study driven novel as the two mothers have very different backgrounds/perspectives and have to learn to embrace the others view without taking it personal. All in all, a good book.
I really enjoyed this book since my son lives and works in Fargo, ND and that city has been influenced by the new, fast money coming in from the oil fields. Jobs are plentiful in Williston and the money is amazing. Author Littlefield describes the living conditions of ‘man camps’ where the workers live and how the money flows causing a major increase in the population of this once small town.
This is a character-study driven novel as the two mothers have very different backgrounds/perspectives and have to learn to embrace the others view without taking it personal. All in all, a good book.
December 28, 2017
More like a 3.5
December 20, 2014
"The Missing Place," by Sophie Littlefield, provides a fascinating glimpse into the challenging conditions surrounding the current North Dakota oil boom. Often described as a modern day, "Wild West," this novel delves into the economic, social, and political issues facing the many individuals seeking to, "cash in," on the second gold rush.
However, instead of focusing on the never ending quest for the almighty dollar, this story is told from the perspectives of two women who come to North Dakota desperately seeking the whereabouts of their missing adult sons. Each woman on a personal quest for answers, rather than income. A reader is made instantly aware of the vast differences between these characters. Ultimately, I was surprised at the bond these women formed with each other while fighting not only brutal weather conditions, but a "tight lipped", male dominated community.
It was this surprise that made me enjoy, "The Missing Place," as much as I did. Rather than taking the inspirational path of character above crisis, this story examined a relationship that was far from stoic. In this reader's opinion the author, Sophie Littlefield, took an extremely realistic approach portraying these opposite characters as just that, different. In many scenarios, it's these differences that become the biggest challenge threatening the success of their search.
Overall I found, "The Missing Place," to be an interesting look into a very unique and specific division of working class America. Even more so, I was impressed by this author's thoughtful approach toward the character development of two women facing every mother's worst nightmare. This novel exemplifies how some of the strongest bonds formed in life can, at times, be the ugliest.
However, instead of focusing on the never ending quest for the almighty dollar, this story is told from the perspectives of two women who come to North Dakota desperately seeking the whereabouts of their missing adult sons. Each woman on a personal quest for answers, rather than income. A reader is made instantly aware of the vast differences between these characters. Ultimately, I was surprised at the bond these women formed with each other while fighting not only brutal weather conditions, but a "tight lipped", male dominated community.
It was this surprise that made me enjoy, "The Missing Place," as much as I did. Rather than taking the inspirational path of character above crisis, this story examined a relationship that was far from stoic. In this reader's opinion the author, Sophie Littlefield, took an extremely realistic approach portraying these opposite characters as just that, different. In many scenarios, it's these differences that become the biggest challenge threatening the success of their search.
Overall I found, "The Missing Place," to be an interesting look into a very unique and specific division of working class America. Even more so, I was impressed by this author's thoughtful approach toward the character development of two women facing every mother's worst nightmare. This novel exemplifies how some of the strongest bonds formed in life can, at times, be the ugliest.
October 13, 2014
I have read bits and pieces about the strange culture of man camps that is forming in North Dakota around the oil boom that is making boat loads of money and was interested to pick up this mystery about two missing men set in this culture.
I found that the mystery was sufficiently twisty enough to keep me from guessing the ending. I also enjoyed the exploration of the various facets of the oil boom including the companies that are eager to keep the oil rigs pumping and are willing to cover up injuries to keep it going, the men who are willing to turn their heads the other way because of the money they can't make anywhere else, and the Native American population who has had the mineral rights to their land stolen out from underneath them.
I think the characterizations were a bit too formulaic. The mom who is poor is the no-nonsense, tough one who knows how to get things done. The mom who is rich wears fancy clothes, throws money at problems and doesn't know how to talk to people without being condescending.
I found that the mystery was sufficiently twisty enough to keep me from guessing the ending. I also enjoyed the exploration of the various facets of the oil boom including the companies that are eager to keep the oil rigs pumping and are willing to cover up injuries to keep it going, the men who are willing to turn their heads the other way because of the money they can't make anywhere else, and the Native American population who has had the mineral rights to their land stolen out from underneath them.
I think the characterizations were a bit too formulaic. The mom who is poor is the no-nonsense, tough one who knows how to get things done. The mom who is rich wears fancy clothes, throws money at problems and doesn't know how to talk to people without being condescending.
October 10, 2014
I gave up on this one at 52%, as it is quite possibly the dullest book I have read in a long while. I quite enjoyed House of Glass by Sophie Littlefield so had high hopes for this one – the story of two very dissimilar women who join forces to find out what has happened when their sons disappear from an oil “boom town” in North Dakota. I didn’t feel any drama, chills or suspense, just complete boredom as two middle aged women drive around in the snow bickering. Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
August 20, 2014
After her son goes missing from the oil rig in North Dakota where he has been working, a pampered woman from Boston goes out there to look for him, ending up teaming up with the mother of another missing young man, who is quite different from her. As much a character study as a mystery, with interestingly flawed characters. Note: I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
July 29, 2016
disappointing!! have really liked some of her other books. this was not suspenseful. this was stereotypical upper class lady buying off her one kids problems and the other a lower income barely getting by mom.
October 22, 2017
~See more of my reviews on Beyond My Bookshelf
Two mothers: Colleen and Shay. Both trying to find their sons that have disappeared from an oil rig camp they were both working at. As both mothers begin to work together, they are met with silence from anyone who works for the oil company, anyone who might know of the whereabouts of either young man, and even the people in the North Dakota community fighting to retake their land from the oil company to give back to the native people.
The Missing Place is a good mystery that kept me engaged. The clash of the two mothers throughout the investigation led to a nice climax that had me feeling for both women. Without the sons actually being active within the first two-thirds of the book, Sophie Littlefield does a wonderful job of showing who these two young men are. From memories the women have to the few stories that are put together we get a good sense of who Paul and Taylor were as workers, friends, and sons.
This was an enjoyable read and I will be looking for more to read from Sophie Littlefield.
Cross-posted at Beyond My Bookshelf
Two mothers: Colleen and Shay. Both trying to find their sons that have disappeared from an oil rig camp they were both working at. As both mothers begin to work together, they are met with silence from anyone who works for the oil company, anyone who might know of the whereabouts of either young man, and even the people in the North Dakota community fighting to retake their land from the oil company to give back to the native people.
The Missing Place is a good mystery that kept me engaged. The clash of the two mothers throughout the investigation led to a nice climax that had me feeling for both women. Without the sons actually being active within the first two-thirds of the book, Sophie Littlefield does a wonderful job of showing who these two young men are. From memories the women have to the few stories that are put together we get a good sense of who Paul and Taylor were as workers, friends, and sons.
This was an enjoyable read and I will be looking for more to read from Sophie Littlefield.
Cross-posted at Beyond My Bookshelf
September 20, 2014
Colleen and Shay are about as different as two women can be. Colleen is a wealthy woman from Massachusetts, who uses money to get whatever she wants. Shay is an unsophisticated woman from California who uses her looks and tough demeanor to get what she wants. These two women are thrown together when their sons, who were working on an oil rig in North Dakota, go missing. They realize they have to work together to find their boys, since no one else seems to want to help.
The Missing Place by Sophie Littlefield is a mystery that explores the lengths two mothers will go to in order to find their children. When they start digging around, they realize the oil company has been implicated in several accidents and injuries that have been covered up. They start to wonder if the company did something to their boys to keep them quiet. There's also a question as to whether the boys just took off, since the work is hard and some men just can't cut it.
I enjoyed the mystery aspect of The Missing Place, and was glad that the truth of the boys' disappearance wasn't obvious until the women learn about it themselves. The characters seemed real and I found myself caring about both mothers as they tried to find their sons. There were some aspects of the story, though, that didn't tie together so well. And there were quite a few loose ends that weren't tied up at the end of the novel. This wasn't too bothersome to me, but if you're a reader who likes complete closure at the end of a novel, you won't get it here (although the mystery of the boys' disappearance is one aspect that is tied up well by the end).
Overall, it was an interesting mystery with a cold, harsh setting that Littlefield brought to life.
The Missing Place by Sophie Littlefield is a mystery that explores the lengths two mothers will go to in order to find their children. When they start digging around, they realize the oil company has been implicated in several accidents and injuries that have been covered up. They start to wonder if the company did something to their boys to keep them quiet. There's also a question as to whether the boys just took off, since the work is hard and some men just can't cut it.
I enjoyed the mystery aspect of The Missing Place, and was glad that the truth of the boys' disappearance wasn't obvious until the women learn about it themselves. The characters seemed real and I found myself caring about both mothers as they tried to find their sons. There were some aspects of the story, though, that didn't tie together so well. And there were quite a few loose ends that weren't tied up at the end of the novel. This wasn't too bothersome to me, but if you're a reader who likes complete closure at the end of a novel, you won't get it here (although the mystery of the boys' disappearance is one aspect that is tied up well by the end).
Overall, it was an interesting mystery with a cold, harsh setting that Littlefield brought to life.
August 21, 2014
After reading and thoroughly enjoying House of Glass quite recently, it’s with great excitement that I picked up Littlefield’s latest. She reels in her readers from this book’s first pages. Colleen’s son is missing. After leaving college, Paul moves to North Dakota, abandoning the life of privilege that his parents have provided for him in order to take a job on an oil rig. But when Paul stops turning up for work, his mother makes the journey there desperate for news. It’s only when she arrives that she discovers that another young man has gone missing at the same time.
Shay, the other boy’s mother, takes Colleen under her wing at first. The two women have little in common other than their deep love for their sons. Together, they will stop at nothing to uncover the truth. Littlefield offers several possibilities into the boys’ fates to keep readers guessing until the end. But, these various possibilities do slow down the book’s overall pacing. The characters all have a genuine edge to them (except perhaps for Andy - he feels woefully underdeveloped - to remove him would not impact the story much except to make things less convenient). Weaving in the oil industry sets this book apart from other family dramas, along with its setting. It is not my favorite book of the author’s but I will continue to keep an eye out for her books in the future.
Shay, the other boy’s mother, takes Colleen under her wing at first. The two women have little in common other than their deep love for their sons. Together, they will stop at nothing to uncover the truth. Littlefield offers several possibilities into the boys’ fates to keep readers guessing until the end. But, these various possibilities do slow down the book’s overall pacing. The characters all have a genuine edge to them (except perhaps for Andy - he feels woefully underdeveloped - to remove him would not impact the story much except to make things less convenient). Weaving in the oil industry sets this book apart from other family dramas, along with its setting. It is not my favorite book of the author’s but I will continue to keep an eye out for her books in the future.
August 8, 2015
This novel drew me in with its unique setting in the North Dakota oil patch. Two mothers from opposite coasts and completely different socio-economic backgrounds come together by chance in a search for their sons who've gone missing from their jobs on the oil rigs. There are some meaty issues here. The temporary and often dangerous way of life of the predominantly male workers, the impact on the local community of this mad dash to drain as much oil from the ground as quickly as possible, the double-dealing of big energy companies in swindling mineral rights from the Indian reserves who own them, the lax safety standards and resulting accidents and fatalities that are hushed up to prevent bad publicity. The problem is - while these issues are explored in the book, they fall to the wayside and the book becomes more of a story about mothers and parenting styles. This is where Littlefield excels. Her portrayal of two mothers desperate to find their sons is raw and harrowing. Also the uneven and rocky friendship between the two women is realistic and gritty. As a mother I found much to admire in this book and it really held my interest, though I felt the ending could have been stronger and more relevant to the setting and the issues raised. I would definitely read another book by Sophie Littlefield.
February 17, 2015
The Missing Place is a story of two woman who are vastly different and both caught up in the struggle it takes to find their missing boys. Both woman are determined, strong and weak all at the same time. They both have demons, hang ups and different ways to solve their problems. Ultimately, they will both come together in order to help each other and in turn, help themselves.
Once I started reading, I was so invested in these two moms that I was turning the pages like a mad woman. I just had to know what happened to these two boys. Sophie Littlefield doesn’t pull any punches in her writing. Brutal and honest, this is a disturbing tale of what a mother will do to protect her child. As a mother myself, I can not imagine what I would feel like if this was my child that had gone missing.
The author does an amazing job at telling the story of what goes on in two different moms heads, when their children are missing. I really enjoyed getting to know both moms even though they were far from similar.
An amazing novel that was such a great story to tell and one everyone should pick up to read.
Once I started reading, I was so invested in these two moms that I was turning the pages like a mad woman. I just had to know what happened to these two boys. Sophie Littlefield doesn’t pull any punches in her writing. Brutal and honest, this is a disturbing tale of what a mother will do to protect her child. As a mother myself, I can not imagine what I would feel like if this was my child that had gone missing.
The author does an amazing job at telling the story of what goes on in two different moms heads, when their children are missing. I really enjoyed getting to know both moms even though they were far from similar.
An amazing novel that was such a great story to tell and one everyone should pick up to read.
January 6, 2015
From the moment I picked up The Missing Place, I was drawn into the story of the disappearances of Taylor and Paul and the odd way of life on an oil rig in a tiny, remote town.
The plot kept me turning the pages.
Early on in the story, you discover that there are safety issues on the oil rigs and the companies that own them have been paying off the victims’ families to keep the stories out of the press. This could possibly have something to do with the boys’ disappearance. But, as you learn more and more about the boys’ lives, other possibilities arise. I kept thinking I’d figured out where the story was going to go, only to find out I was wrong…again and again. I thought the final explanation was a bit of a letdown, but this didn’t bother me too much because…
To continue reading, visit my blog, www.sarahsbookshelves.com.
The plot kept me turning the pages.
Early on in the story, you discover that there are safety issues on the oil rigs and the companies that own them have been paying off the victims’ families to keep the stories out of the press. This could possibly have something to do with the boys’ disappearance. But, as you learn more and more about the boys’ lives, other possibilities arise. I kept thinking I’d figured out where the story was going to go, only to find out I was wrong…again and again. I thought the final explanation was a bit of a letdown, but this didn’t bother me too much because…
To continue reading, visit my blog, www.sarahsbookshelves.com.
December 17, 2014
I enjoy the A Bad Day For series by this author and was happy to see she has something new out. I like this, but get the feeling I am not the target audience. I have no children, and most of this book is about the mother-son bond. Two young men go missing from an oil camp, and their mothers come to find out what happened. No one else seems to care, the oil company has little to say, and the police won't investigate without proof of a crime.
I enjoyed the descriptions of those far north places during the boom time, but was saddened by the bleakness of the lives described. The moms are interesting, although I wonder if anyone in real life lacks self-awareness the way Colleen does.
No spoilers. You need to come to this one with no preconceived ideas.
I enjoyed the descriptions of those far north places during the boom time, but was saddened by the bleakness of the lives described. The moms are interesting, although I wonder if anyone in real life lacks self-awareness the way Colleen does.
No spoilers. You need to come to this one with no preconceived ideas.
December 24, 2014
The story about two mothers who are trying to find out what happened to their 20-something boys is disjointed, the plot scattered. The only reason I finished the book was to find out what happened to the boys.Part of the focus of the book was on a big oil company, and their safety negligence. The reader is lead into thinking that the boys have somehow had an accident on an oil rig that was covered up. But that was not the case at all, so I felt like I wasted my time on the first half of the book. Two characters were introduced, T.L. and Myron, but not fully explained. I did not even pay attention to their chapters until the mystery was finally solved. There were sub plots all over the place that never went anywhere. This book was a big disappointment.
October 19, 2014
Book received for free from Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
I enjoyed this book. It was a quick read about 2 mothers who come together to search for their missing sons. I tend to guess the endings of books like this long before the end, but this one kept me guessing the entire time. My only critique is that the mothers, at times, were so appallingly horrible to each other that it made it hard to sympathize with them. Despite that, I still enjoyed the story.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
I enjoyed this book. It was a quick read about 2 mothers who come together to search for their missing sons. I tend to guess the endings of books like this long before the end, but this one kept me guessing the entire time. My only critique is that the mothers, at times, were so appallingly horrible to each other that it made it hard to sympathize with them. Despite that, I still enjoyed the story.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
March 8, 2015
After almost abandoning this book 1/3 of the way through, because it was dragging with the corporate oil company cover ups, I'm glad I kept going. About 1/2 way in, it began to pick up with the arrival of the girls and their relationships to Taylor and Paul. I spent the day turning pages to find out what happened to the boys, and the relationship between the 2 Moms. Glad I didn't give up on it!
December 27, 2014
I was absolutely blown away by THE MISSING PLACE. From it’s beautiful writing, to the characters that perfectly balance each other out – it was amazing start to finish.
See the rest of the review here: http://www.memyshelfandi.com/2014/10/...
See the rest of the review here: http://www.memyshelfandi.com/2014/10/...
January 10, 2015
I really enjoyed the intensity of this novel. A really good suspense story.
April 8, 2015
It moved kind of slowly at times. I liked the characters of the two mothers. There were some good plot twists, but they were kind of stretched out.
June 9, 2018
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
The booming North Dakota oil business is spawning “man camps,” shantytowns full of men hired to work on the rigs, in towns without enough housing to accommodate them. In such twilight spaces, it’s easy for a person to vanish. And when two young men in their first year on the job disappear without a trace, only their mothers believe there’s hope of finding them. Despite reassurances that the police are on the case, the two women think the oil company is covering up the disappearances—and maybe something more.
Colleen, used to her decorous life in a wealthy Massachusetts suburb, is determined to find her son. And hard-bitten Shay, from the wrong side of the California tracks, is the only person in town even willing to deal with her—because she’s on the same mission. Overtaxed by worry, exhaustion, and fear, these two unlikely partners question each other’s methods and motivations, but must work together against the town of strangers if they want any chance of finding their lost boys. But what they uncover could destroy them both...
I remember reading her book, Gardens of Stone, and thinking at the end of it just how much I enjoyed connecting with the main characters. There was something about the way they were written that held me in the story and, if they weren't as well crafted, the story would have been a bit of a bust.
I think the same is true here too.
What we have here is a typical mystery - two young men disappear without a trace from the shantytown where they live while working on an oil rig. The company doesn't seem to want to help - in fact, they seem to be covering something up, the police are a little overwhelmed and indifferent to the missing persons, and the town full of strangers all seem like they have something to hide. All pretty run of the mill stuff...
But the characters of Colleen and Shay, the mothers of the two missing men, are the absolute highlight of this book for me. While there was a bit of cliché involved in their creation (both come from different sides of the tracks, if you get my meaning), they way the author blended them together, forced them to work together, to find their kids, was just about perfect for me. Ultimately, this is a story about how far a mother will go for her child, but it is also a story of two women who must work together, despite their differences, to achieve their aim. And that goes through some pretty wild moments - there is a scene at the landlord's trailor that will live with me for a long time!
I can quite happily recommend this story based solely on Colleen and Shay - they make this book a joy to read.
Paul
ARH
The booming North Dakota oil business is spawning “man camps,” shantytowns full of men hired to work on the rigs, in towns without enough housing to accommodate them. In such twilight spaces, it’s easy for a person to vanish. And when two young men in their first year on the job disappear without a trace, only their mothers believe there’s hope of finding them. Despite reassurances that the police are on the case, the two women think the oil company is covering up the disappearances—and maybe something more.
Colleen, used to her decorous life in a wealthy Massachusetts suburb, is determined to find her son. And hard-bitten Shay, from the wrong side of the California tracks, is the only person in town even willing to deal with her—because she’s on the same mission. Overtaxed by worry, exhaustion, and fear, these two unlikely partners question each other’s methods and motivations, but must work together against the town of strangers if they want any chance of finding their lost boys. But what they uncover could destroy them both...
I remember reading her book, Gardens of Stone, and thinking at the end of it just how much I enjoyed connecting with the main characters. There was something about the way they were written that held me in the story and, if they weren't as well crafted, the story would have been a bit of a bust.
I think the same is true here too.
What we have here is a typical mystery - two young men disappear without a trace from the shantytown where they live while working on an oil rig. The company doesn't seem to want to help - in fact, they seem to be covering something up, the police are a little overwhelmed and indifferent to the missing persons, and the town full of strangers all seem like they have something to hide. All pretty run of the mill stuff...
But the characters of Colleen and Shay, the mothers of the two missing men, are the absolute highlight of this book for me. While there was a bit of cliché involved in their creation (both come from different sides of the tracks, if you get my meaning), they way the author blended them together, forced them to work together, to find their kids, was just about perfect for me. Ultimately, this is a story about how far a mother will go for her child, but it is also a story of two women who must work together, despite their differences, to achieve their aim. And that goes through some pretty wild moments - there is a scene at the landlord's trailor that will live with me for a long time!
I can quite happily recommend this story based solely on Colleen and Shay - they make this book a joy to read.
Paul
ARH
November 3, 2017
*CONTAINS SPOILERS. This was an unusually fast read for me, but there are several things I'd say about the book. First of all, I don't understand the choice of title; the only "place" in the story was the oil rig or the town, and neither is missing. But the author used an effective technique of putting in elements that trick us into thinking we know something --- hints that the big corporation might be hiding things, the introduction of a third boy who's not telling something. But for me, the main theme in this story is the relationship between the two very different women, and I really related to it. When two adult women have very different economic situations, there's just no getting around the resentment that can grow. One is trying to prove she can do everything herself, and the other is trying to utilize her resources where she thinks they might help. I think this dichotomy could provide a rich discussion among women friends. Overall, I had a good roll with this book and am about to take a look at another by her called "The Guilty One".
November 17, 2023
I had a hard time giving this book 1 star as I was actually wanting to give a negative rating. It truly was one of the most dismal pieces of non-writing I have ever had the misfortune to have to read for book club. The author puts together two stereotypical opposites for main characters and then places them in a cold winter setting, a setting that is also dealing with the ravages of an oil boom. There were many plot threads that were never well developed or explained and then after the mystery is solved, life goes back to normal for the two main characters, surprising since so many things hinted that life could never be normal again. The book is also nothing but conversation with the use of the f word and "knocked up" also thrown in liberally. If this is the best a writer can do, then I say forget it. These words do not give writing authenticity or any merit and are an insult to the reader. Take my advice and do not bother to read this one friends.
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