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DCI Louisa Smith #2
Behind Closed Doors
Ten years ago, fifteen-year-old Scarlett Rainsford vanished while on a family holiday in Greece. Was she abducted, or did she run away? Lou Smith worked the case as a police constable, and failing to find Scarlett has been one of the biggest regrets of her career. No one is more shocked than Lou to learn that Scarlett has unexpectedly been found during a Special Branch raid of a brothel in Briarstone.
Lou and her Major Crimes team are already stretched working two troubling cases: nineteen-year-old Ian Palmer was found badly beaten; soon after, bar owner Carl McVey was found half-buried in the woods, his Rolex and money gone. While Lou tries to establish the links between the two cases, DS Sam Hollands works with Special Branch to question Scarlett. What happened to her? Where has she been until now? And why is her family—with the exception of her emotionally fragile younger sister, Juliette—less than enthusiastic about her return?
When another brutal assault and homicide are linked to the McVey murder, Lou's cases collide, and the clues all point in one terrifying direction. As the pressure and the danger mount, it becomes clear that the silent, secretive Scarlett holds the key to everything.
Lou and her Major Crimes team are already stretched working two troubling cases: nineteen-year-old Ian Palmer was found badly beaten; soon after, bar owner Carl McVey was found half-buried in the woods, his Rolex and money gone. While Lou tries to establish the links between the two cases, DS Sam Hollands works with Special Branch to question Scarlett. What happened to her? Where has she been until now? And why is her family—with the exception of her emotionally fragile younger sister, Juliette—less than enthusiastic about her return?
When another brutal assault and homicide are linked to the McVey murder, Lou's cases collide, and the clues all point in one terrifying direction. As the pressure and the danger mount, it becomes clear that the silent, secretive Scarlett holds the key to everything.
496 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
172 people are currently reading
4326 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Haynes
22 books2,057 followersElizabeth Haynes grew up in Seaford, Sussex and studied English, German and Art History at Leicester University.
She previously worked as a police intelligence analyst and lives in Norfolk with her husband and son.
She previously worked as a police intelligence analyst and lives in Norfolk with her husband and son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 350 reviews
September 10, 2016
"Sometimes you make mistakes. And if you don't own up to them, they turn into bigger mistakes and bigger ones....My name is Scarlett Rainsford...I'm from a town in Briarstone, in England. I was on holiday with my family when they took me......I hadn't wanted to come on holiday at all. I'd been dreading it. A whole week with my parents and my sister? I wouldn't be able to stand it. We'd end up killing each other. Who knew what would happen?"
DCI Lou (Louisa)Smith worked Scarlett's disappearance as a police constable, and failing to find Scarlett has been one of the biggest regrets of her career. No one is more shocked than Lou to learn that Scarlett has unexpectedly been found during a Special Branch raid of a brothel in Briarstone.
What had happened to her after her abduction in Greece, and where had she been? What was she doing back in Briarstone, and why had she not contacted her parents? Even more interesting, why are her parents in no great hurry to see their daughter?
Families are complicated. And none more so than this one.
There was a lot going on in this book, but it all tied together eventually in an interesting climax. My one 'dislike' of this book was the use of copies of reports, which at times were hard to read and comprehend. I felt it would have been far more beneficial to have the reports summarised, or discussed rather than just presented.
Other than that, it was a moving and engrossing read. Elizabeth Haynes has realistically portrayed the horror and bewilderment of a 15 year old girl abducted into a trafficking ring.
I will be looking for more from this author.
Thank you to The Mysteries & Crime Thriller Group of Goodreads for the gift of a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
DCI Lou (Louisa)Smith worked Scarlett's disappearance as a police constable, and failing to find Scarlett has been one of the biggest regrets of her career. No one is more shocked than Lou to learn that Scarlett has unexpectedly been found during a Special Branch raid of a brothel in Briarstone.
What had happened to her after her abduction in Greece, and where had she been? What was she doing back in Briarstone, and why had she not contacted her parents? Even more interesting, why are her parents in no great hurry to see their daughter?
Families are complicated. And none more so than this one.
There was a lot going on in this book, but it all tied together eventually in an interesting climax. My one 'dislike' of this book was the use of copies of reports, which at times were hard to read and comprehend. I felt it would have been far more beneficial to have the reports summarised, or discussed rather than just presented.
Other than that, it was a moving and engrossing read. Elizabeth Haynes has realistically portrayed the horror and bewilderment of a 15 year old girl abducted into a trafficking ring.
I will be looking for more from this author.
Thank you to The Mysteries & Crime Thriller Group of Goodreads for the gift of a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2016
Quite a page turner, Haynes displays slick prose in minute detail, the brutality of human trafficking is distressful. An unmistakably uneasy well crafted mystery.
A cast of memorable female protagonists. Two female protagonists standout - Lou, a dedicated officer of the law, empathetic, she's rigid yet flexible. Awkward in her romantic relationship she slowly manages to let her walls down. She faces an ongoing battle of balancing her professional and personal life. A smidgen of a romantic storyline adds to Lou's character as well as to the narrative, helps swallow the challenging elements of Scarlett's horrific ordeal. Scarlett's voice is sobering. The inhumanness she experienced, her dysfunctional family will cause you to cringe. Her intimacy with human trafficking is halting, a very realistic glimpse into the harsh reality of this insufferable international business.
Haynes takes on the weighty subject matter of human trafficking without exploiting this touchy topic with dramatics. A bread crumb trail harasses the peruser, keeping them on their toes as various players and back story's make for unexpected and expected twists. Haynes deftly supplies enough details in an honest an appropriate manner to convey the barbarity of this disgusting trade.
Evoking characters, charitable prose combined with a charged narrative produce a fearsome story.
A cast of memorable female protagonists. Two female protagonists standout - Lou, a dedicated officer of the law, empathetic, she's rigid yet flexible. Awkward in her romantic relationship she slowly manages to let her walls down. She faces an ongoing battle of balancing her professional and personal life. A smidgen of a romantic storyline adds to Lou's character as well as to the narrative, helps swallow the challenging elements of Scarlett's horrific ordeal. Scarlett's voice is sobering. The inhumanness she experienced, her dysfunctional family will cause you to cringe. Her intimacy with human trafficking is halting, a very realistic glimpse into the harsh reality of this insufferable international business.
Haynes takes on the weighty subject matter of human trafficking without exploiting this touchy topic with dramatics. A bread crumb trail harasses the peruser, keeping them on their toes as various players and back story's make for unexpected and expected twists. Haynes deftly supplies enough details in an honest an appropriate manner to convey the barbarity of this disgusting trade.
Evoking characters, charitable prose combined with a charged narrative produce a fearsome story.
March 30, 2015
So the second book in the “Louisa Smith” series and with this one, the character and the series comes into its own. The introduction (Under a Silent Moon) was a clever take on the Police Procedural, intelligently done and highly absorbing. With “Behind Closed Doors” Ms Haynes as taken it to the next level – a darker tale for sure, some emotional themes exploring a side of humanity we rather wish didnt exist, with another cast of superbly creative characters that keep you turning the pages.
When Scarlett went missing, Louisa was part of the team and the fact that she was never found has haunted her. Now however, Scarlett has turned up – what happened to her and why forms the main part of the novel and it is fascinating, disturbing and highly addictive stuff.
On top of that we learn more about Louisa and what makes her tick – leading on nicely from what we knew of her in “Moon” – she has a beautifully drawn emotive edge to her, her relationships and friendships are all intriguing and full of great depth so you really get a feel for her and her reactions to events around her.
It is difficult reading at times, covering as it does human trafficking and abuse, but it is highly authentic and absolutely believable – Elizabeth Haynes manages to keep a realistic slant to the tale even as she throws in some elegant little twists and turns to keep you on your toes. Scarlett is a captivating and thought provoking character, even now I’ve finished the story I’m still not sure what I think of her and some of the decisions she made. For a story to give you pause for thought and at the same time entertain you thoroughly this is spot on.
Overall then a gorgeously written slightly different slant for the Crime Fiction genre, a mix up of very interesting police procedural and character driven drama that comes highly recommended from me.
Happy Reading Folks!
When Scarlett went missing, Louisa was part of the team and the fact that she was never found has haunted her. Now however, Scarlett has turned up – what happened to her and why forms the main part of the novel and it is fascinating, disturbing and highly addictive stuff.
On top of that we learn more about Louisa and what makes her tick – leading on nicely from what we knew of her in “Moon” – she has a beautifully drawn emotive edge to her, her relationships and friendships are all intriguing and full of great depth so you really get a feel for her and her reactions to events around her.
It is difficult reading at times, covering as it does human trafficking and abuse, but it is highly authentic and absolutely believable – Elizabeth Haynes manages to keep a realistic slant to the tale even as she throws in some elegant little twists and turns to keep you on your toes. Scarlett is a captivating and thought provoking character, even now I’ve finished the story I’m still not sure what I think of her and some of the decisions she made. For a story to give you pause for thought and at the same time entertain you thoroughly this is spot on.
Overall then a gorgeously written slightly different slant for the Crime Fiction genre, a mix up of very interesting police procedural and character driven drama that comes highly recommended from me.
Happy Reading Folks!
January 13, 2016
Ever since reading Into the Darkest Corner I have thought Elizabeth Haynes ranks with Tana French & Sharon Bolton as a creator of crime fiction, but till now she’s not quite been able to bring all of her strengths to bear in one book. Into the Darkest Corner had a hugely affecting & lovable principal character & victim in Cathy, but by half-way compassion fatigue was beginning to overcome me watching her used as a doormat. Genevieve in Revenge of the Tide (aka Dark Tide) is truly admirable, endowed with intelligence, talent, athleticism (you’d not thought that way about pole-dancing, but reading it you will), as well as understanding the priorities of owning a boat (absolute devotion). But the plot ran out of energy too soon & I also thought Genevieve ended up with the wrong man. Human Remains provides a really creepy villain but the main character is even less assertive than Cathy, tho’ her sheer vulnerableness rendered her appealing. With Under the Silent Moon the reader embarked on a series of police procedurals featuring DCI Louise ‘Lou’ Smith. The details regarding policing were absolutely excellent & the villain both off-the-charts evil & very attractive. Lou’s taste in relationships lacked judgement - she seems a 30-something with the good sense of a 16 y.o (& I was most disappointed that the author passed up a marvellous opportunity to write Lou’s ex out of the series with extreme prejudice.)
But with Behind Closed Doors Elizabeth Haynes has realised her promise. Her principal victim, whose POV is half of the story, is Scarlett. She was abducted @ age 15 & has spent a decade experiencing horrible abuse from sex traffickers. I hope the sort of mealy-mouth bien-pensants who refer to ‘working in the sex industry’ or liked Laura Lippman’s And When She Was Good will read this for a reality check! This book’s moral & spiritual values are screwed on straight.
While she’s abused much worse than Cathy, Scarlett proves even braver & more daring than Genevieve. Her devotion to her sister, who seems to be suffering from something like Aspergers, was lovely as well. The principal villain - who was not one of the brothel-keepers or abductors (these are simply portrayed as mindless but sadistic brutes) - was the creepiest Elizabeth Haynes has given us thus far, & the most contemptible.
Lou’s relationships still seem adolescent to me. A little like Jane Casey’s Maeve Kerrigan, Lou seems more afraid of her own mum’s criticisms of her life choices than of mayhem @ the hands of the most frightful villains. She continues the relationship with Jason & we are assured that it’s anything but tepid. But though only five years younger than Lou, Jason seems to lack a complete frontal lobe like a 16 y/o too & expects Lou to attend his silly ice hockey matches. Surely prime grounds for the el dumpo & high-time Lou acquires a boyfriend with grown-up pursuits. Fortunately for those of us who read for the relationships, Lou’s DS Sam is a very loving & lovable character who befriends Scarlett even when Scarlett is @ her most refractory & ungrateful. It is obvious that Sam is herself in love with Scarlett, but she makes every effort to respect professional boundaries. I hope we shall see a lot more of her as the series progresses.
So with Behind Closed Doors Elizabeth Haynes has arrived @ the level her talent deserves. Scarlett’s backstory is @ least as affecting as Lacey Flint’s in Sharon Bolton’s Now You See Me & as in Tana French’s stories, we find real tragedy, where what is evolved for the characters by the Fates is unfair, excessive, cruel, yet @ the same time inevitable & unescapable. I expect to reflect on this one for a long time.
But with Behind Closed Doors Elizabeth Haynes has realised her promise. Her principal victim, whose POV is half of the story, is Scarlett. She was abducted @ age 15 & has spent a decade experiencing horrible abuse from sex traffickers. I hope the sort of mealy-mouth bien-pensants who refer to ‘working in the sex industry’ or liked Laura Lippman’s And When She Was Good will read this for a reality check! This book’s moral & spiritual values are screwed on straight.
While she’s abused much worse than Cathy, Scarlett proves even braver & more daring than Genevieve. Her devotion to her sister, who seems to be suffering from something like Aspergers, was lovely as well. The principal villain - who was not one of the brothel-keepers or abductors (these are simply portrayed as mindless but sadistic brutes) - was the creepiest Elizabeth Haynes has given us thus far, & the most contemptible.
Lou’s relationships still seem adolescent to me. A little like Jane Casey’s Maeve Kerrigan, Lou seems more afraid of her own mum’s criticisms of her life choices than of mayhem @ the hands of the most frightful villains. She continues the relationship with Jason & we are assured that it’s anything but tepid. But though only five years younger than Lou, Jason seems to lack a complete frontal lobe like a 16 y/o too & expects Lou to attend his silly ice hockey matches. Surely prime grounds for the el dumpo & high-time Lou acquires a boyfriend with grown-up pursuits. Fortunately for those of us who read for the relationships, Lou’s DS Sam is a very loving & lovable character who befriends Scarlett even when Scarlett is @ her most refractory & ungrateful. It is obvious that Sam is herself in love with Scarlett, but she makes every effort to respect professional boundaries. I hope we shall see a lot more of her as the series progresses.
So with Behind Closed Doors Elizabeth Haynes has arrived @ the level her talent deserves. Scarlett’s backstory is @ least as affecting as Lacey Flint’s in Sharon Bolton’s Now You See Me & as in Tana French’s stories, we find real tragedy, where what is evolved for the characters by the Fates is unfair, excessive, cruel, yet @ the same time inevitable & unescapable. I expect to reflect on this one for a long time.
October 1, 2015
In the second Louisa Smith novel, Lou is in for a shock when a case from the past is suddenly brought back to life. 10 years ago Scarlett Rainsford vanished whilst on holiday in Greece and Louisa, then a DC, worked on the case. Now, Scarlett has returned and Louisa and Sam Holland must work to gain her confidence and find out what happened to her 10 years ago and where she has been in the meantime. A job not made easier by the demands of her existing workload – investigating the beating of a young man and a subsequent murder which may or may not be linked. In addition, why does nobody feel comfortable around Scarlett’s family who do not seem to be acting as you would expect a family whose daughter has suddenly been returned to them to act.
The story is told in two timelines, the present day interspersed with Scarlett’s story from 2003 onwards. Scarlett’s story was fascinating and gripping to read, if extremely difficult at times. It is harrowing and a real eye opener into what goes on in the world of human trafficking. It will make you think and is quite shocking reading. If you have ever been to Amsterdam you will know that the red light district is a huge tourist attraction, but after reading this story, the thought of going somewhere like that “for the laughs” just leaves a sour taste in my mouth.
By contrast, although I enjoyed the other side of the story, I could quite happily have just read Scarlett’s story. The two stories do intertwine at the end, but I did find it hard to really engage in Lou’s existing investigation. I think this is mainly because an awful lot of names are bandied about which got a little confusing at times and we didn’t actually meet a lot of those people, they stayed just that – names, so it was hard to really care about them.
All in all though, this is a really good read. Many thanks to the publishers via Netgalley for the review copy.
The story is told in two timelines, the present day interspersed with Scarlett’s story from 2003 onwards. Scarlett’s story was fascinating and gripping to read, if extremely difficult at times. It is harrowing and a real eye opener into what goes on in the world of human trafficking. It will make you think and is quite shocking reading. If you have ever been to Amsterdam you will know that the red light district is a huge tourist attraction, but after reading this story, the thought of going somewhere like that “for the laughs” just leaves a sour taste in my mouth.
By contrast, although I enjoyed the other side of the story, I could quite happily have just read Scarlett’s story. The two stories do intertwine at the end, but I did find it hard to really engage in Lou’s existing investigation. I think this is mainly because an awful lot of names are bandied about which got a little confusing at times and we didn’t actually meet a lot of those people, they stayed just that – names, so it was hard to really care about them.
All in all though, this is a really good read. Many thanks to the publishers via Netgalley for the review copy.
May 31, 2015
After reading "Into the Darkest Corner" and really enjoying it, I was looking forward to this novel. I somehow missed the prequel to this one "Under a Silent Moon". However, I read that others read this novel only and that it may not be necessary to read the other novel first. I decided to read "Behind Closed Doors" as I was very interested in what appeared to be the main storyline. The case of 15 year old Scarlett Rainsford who vanished 10 years ago, while on a family vacation in Greece.
At first I was really enjoying the book. However, it started to confuse me a little with all of the moving back and forth between the two cases. There just seemed to be too much going on. Also there were quite a few police documents that while sometimes may have added to the book often seemed to dampen the momentum of the story.
The main plot about Scarlett is very well-written and while heartbreaking you can see the authors skill in writing about all of the things Scarlett went through but you can also see her resilience and strength.
As I stated before there were many parts of the book that I enjoyed. But I just couldn't get into the other organized crime case with all of the police documents and interviews.
Regardless, I feel that many of the topics covered were well written, realistic, informative and important to read about especially human trafficking, abuse and other exploitations against women.
I would still recommend Elizabeth Haynes and do look forward to her upcoming novels.
At first I was really enjoying the book. However, it started to confuse me a little with all of the moving back and forth between the two cases. There just seemed to be too much going on. Also there were quite a few police documents that while sometimes may have added to the book often seemed to dampen the momentum of the story.
The main plot about Scarlett is very well-written and while heartbreaking you can see the authors skill in writing about all of the things Scarlett went through but you can also see her resilience and strength.
As I stated before there were many parts of the book that I enjoyed. But I just couldn't get into the other organized crime case with all of the police documents and interviews.
Regardless, I feel that many of the topics covered were well written, realistic, informative and important to read about especially human trafficking, abuse and other exploitations against women.
I would still recommend Elizabeth Haynes and do look forward to her upcoming novels.
October 4, 2015
Unfortunately, I was unable to get into Behind Closed Doors, and gave up half way through. Although I was reasonably interested in Scarlett’s story, I wasn’t keen on other aspects of the novel. I didn’t find the police procedural sections very interesting, and felt it dragged me away from Scarlett’s story.
I also didn’t fully understand the point of the police intelligence reports. They just felt like they interrupted the flow of the story, and the witness statements were so tiny, they were quite hard to read on a basic Kindle.
Having said that, I loved Into the Darkest Corner, so I’m still interested in future books by this author. This one just wasn’t for me.
I would like to thank the publisher, Little, Brown Book Group UK, Sphere, for allowing me a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I also didn’t fully understand the point of the police intelligence reports. They just felt like they interrupted the flow of the story, and the witness statements were so tiny, they were quite hard to read on a basic Kindle.
Having said that, I loved Into the Darkest Corner, so I’m still interested in future books by this author. This one just wasn’t for me.
I would like to thank the publisher, Little, Brown Book Group UK, Sphere, for allowing me a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2015
3.5 Stars
14 year old Scarlett Rainsford disappears from Greece whilst on holiday with her parents and younger sister.
10 years later she is found working in a brothel back in her home town.
Where has she been for the last ten years?
DCI Lou Smith wants answers...
Do her parents know more than they lead the police to believe?
My thoughts....
I enjoyed the story of Scarlett and what happened to her. I found it believable and quite terrifying at times.
Although the story did engage me, I did at times find it confusing with the extra storylines. It did all come together in the end but the police statements and procedures did put me off, I'm not sure if that was needed.
I did however feel the story of Scarlett and her family was gripping and well told and kept me hooked to the last page..
Complimentary Copy provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
14 year old Scarlett Rainsford disappears from Greece whilst on holiday with her parents and younger sister.
10 years later she is found working in a brothel back in her home town.
Where has she been for the last ten years?
DCI Lou Smith wants answers...
Do her parents know more than they lead the police to believe?
My thoughts....
I enjoyed the story of Scarlett and what happened to her. I found it believable and quite terrifying at times.
Although the story did engage me, I did at times find it confusing with the extra storylines. It did all come together in the end but the police statements and procedures did put me off, I'm not sure if that was needed.
I did however feel the story of Scarlett and her family was gripping and well told and kept me hooked to the last page..
Complimentary Copy provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
September 3, 2019
It's a while since I read "Darkest Corner" which I loved. However a couple more books from this author left me less impressed. Coming across a 2nd hand copy of this I thought I'd give it a try. Glad I did because it kept me reading and I enjoyed it. The characters worked well, pace and tension was good and the overall story had some good twists and turns. Decent read.
April 6, 2015
I've been a fan of Elizabeth Haynes since I stumbled upon her first book - Into the Darkest Corner. She was quickly added to my list of 'must read every book they write' authors.
Behind Closed Doors is Haynes's fifth book and the second to feature Detective Inspector Louisa Smith of the Briarstone Major Crimes division.
Teenager Scarlett Rainford disappeared ten years ago while on vacation with her family in Greece. Was she taken? Or did she run away? She - or her body -was never found.
Until now. A raid on a local brothel with ties to organized crimes turns up a woman named Katie working there - and Katie says her real name is Scarlett Rainford.
Lou is shaken - she was a young constable who worked on the case ten years and she's always wondered what happened to Scarlett. Did they look hard enough? Did the Greek police follow every lead? And most frightening of all - what kind of life has Scarlett had for the last ten years?
Haynes employs a dual narrative in Behind Closed Doors. We discover what happened to Scarlett in her own voice from ten years ago, but we're also in present day with Louisa as she attempts to piece together what happened to Scarlett all those years ago - and why she is so reticent to reconnect with her family. This technique always guarantees a late night for me. I need to read just one more chapter (and then another 'one more') until I chase down the threads of a character's story. Scarlett's narrative was particularly addicting. (Despite the horrific nature of Scarlett's past, Haynes does not delve into unnecessary graphic detail)
I really like Lou as a character - she's driven, dedicated, not perfect and a bit vulnerable. Her personal storyline reveals a woman torn between job and partner. (Quite fun that her love interest is Canadian!)
The plot and subject matter of Behind Closed Doors is dark and difficult. Haynes handles the crimes, the procedures, the investigation and more with a practiced insider's eye, as she has worked as a police intelligence analyst. A number of these type of reports are part of the book and detail a parallel plot line revolving around organized crime mobs.
Now, I had my suspicions as the book moved towards resolution. I was right in some aspects, but wrong in others. Haynes's writing, plot and characters kept me fully engaged and compulsively reading until the last page was turned.
Behind Closed Doors is Haynes's fifth book and the second to feature Detective Inspector Louisa Smith of the Briarstone Major Crimes division.
Teenager Scarlett Rainford disappeared ten years ago while on vacation with her family in Greece. Was she taken? Or did she run away? She - or her body -was never found.
Until now. A raid on a local brothel with ties to organized crimes turns up a woman named Katie working there - and Katie says her real name is Scarlett Rainford.
Lou is shaken - she was a young constable who worked on the case ten years and she's always wondered what happened to Scarlett. Did they look hard enough? Did the Greek police follow every lead? And most frightening of all - what kind of life has Scarlett had for the last ten years?
Haynes employs a dual narrative in Behind Closed Doors. We discover what happened to Scarlett in her own voice from ten years ago, but we're also in present day with Louisa as she attempts to piece together what happened to Scarlett all those years ago - and why she is so reticent to reconnect with her family. This technique always guarantees a late night for me. I need to read just one more chapter (and then another 'one more') until I chase down the threads of a character's story. Scarlett's narrative was particularly addicting. (Despite the horrific nature of Scarlett's past, Haynes does not delve into unnecessary graphic detail)
I really like Lou as a character - she's driven, dedicated, not perfect and a bit vulnerable. Her personal storyline reveals a woman torn between job and partner. (Quite fun that her love interest is Canadian!)
The plot and subject matter of Behind Closed Doors is dark and difficult. Haynes handles the crimes, the procedures, the investigation and more with a practiced insider's eye, as she has worked as a police intelligence analyst. A number of these type of reports are part of the book and detail a parallel plot line revolving around organized crime mobs.
Now, I had my suspicions as the book moved towards resolution. I was right in some aspects, but wrong in others. Haynes's writing, plot and characters kept me fully engaged and compulsively reading until the last page was turned.
December 1, 2015
Behind Closed Doors is a pertinent title for this dark thriller which looks at the underbelly of the sex trafficking industry experienced by Scarlett,since she was kidnapped (as a 15 year old teenager) whilst on holiday with her dysfunctional family in Greece. Elizabeth Haynes has constructed a well crafted and meticulously researched police procedural delineated by real protocols, forms and reports.
A young Louisa had been part of the earlier police search to find Scarlett that failed. It begins with Scarlett being freed during a raid on a local brothel, and the police are seeking information on the human trafficking sex trade, particularly in Britain. Scarlett, however, is reluctant to talk. So DI Louisa Smith, Special Branch and, more specifically, DS Sam Holland try to find out exactly what happened to her. Running concurrently for Louisa, is another investigation into the death of McVey and the assault on Palmer, all of which appears to relate to two local gangs involved in drugs. The interweaving investigations find themselves converging in the final part of the story. In between, we find out what happened to Scarlett in her traumatic time in the sex industry. It is extremely ugly, both in the day to day activities, and the coercive characters that control the girls through murder, drugs, guns and grim tales of what happens to the girls that try to get away. It is Sam that forges a close relationship with Scarlett so that her story emerges for the police.
I found the story gripping, emotionally involving and realistic. For me, it was Scarlett that I was most interested in. What happens to Scarlett at the end made me angry, given what she has gone through. However, it smacked of the reality that a trafficked woman might experience. I hesitate to say that I loved this book, the subject matter precludes that. But I do think that it is a terrific book and that Ms Haynes has created another deservedly successful thriller. I would like to thank Little, Brown book group for a ebook copy via netgalley for an honest review.
A young Louisa had been part of the earlier police search to find Scarlett that failed. It begins with Scarlett being freed during a raid on a local brothel, and the police are seeking information on the human trafficking sex trade, particularly in Britain. Scarlett, however, is reluctant to talk. So DI Louisa Smith, Special Branch and, more specifically, DS Sam Holland try to find out exactly what happened to her. Running concurrently for Louisa, is another investigation into the death of McVey and the assault on Palmer, all of which appears to relate to two local gangs involved in drugs. The interweaving investigations find themselves converging in the final part of the story. In between, we find out what happened to Scarlett in her traumatic time in the sex industry. It is extremely ugly, both in the day to day activities, and the coercive characters that control the girls through murder, drugs, guns and grim tales of what happens to the girls that try to get away. It is Sam that forges a close relationship with Scarlett so that her story emerges for the police.
I found the story gripping, emotionally involving and realistic. For me, it was Scarlett that I was most interested in. What happens to Scarlett at the end made me angry, given what she has gone through. However, it smacked of the reality that a trafficked woman might experience. I hesitate to say that I loved this book, the subject matter precludes that. But I do think that it is a terrific book and that Ms Haynes has created another deservedly successful thriller. I would like to thank Little, Brown book group for a ebook copy via netgalley for an honest review.
May 31, 2019
An excellent police procedural - second in the series of DCI Louisa Smith - it features the mystery of what happened to Scarlett Rainsford 10 years ago in Greece and in present day when she reemerges on the police radar.
It's a multiple point of view and dual timeline book - easy to follow and so skillfully knitted together that you will garner much emotion for the characters involved.
I am a huge fan of Elizabeth Haynes and have loved every book she has written because a) she writes what she knows (check out her background) and b) she clearly understands the nature of people and how to write them.
I will read everything that this author writes - I am on a mission!
It's a multiple point of view and dual timeline book - easy to follow and so skillfully knitted together that you will garner much emotion for the characters involved.
I am a huge fan of Elizabeth Haynes and have loved every book she has written because a) she writes what she knows (check out her background) and b) she clearly understands the nature of people and how to write them.
I will read everything that this author writes - I am on a mission!
April 23, 2017
This seems to be the first book I have read by this author, but it's safe to say it wont be the last.
I hadn't realised when I started to read this that it was book 2. I hate reading books out of order.
It was an interesting read. I liked how we got to see past and present.
Scarlett disappeared while on holiday with her family. No trace of her, never to be seen again. Or so it seemed. 10 years later Scarlett turns up, but where can she have been for all this time and doing what, with whom?
After being part of the original case, Louisa Smith is determined to find out what has gone on, and wants answers. But will things be any that she expected.
What exactly is she going find.
This book seems to have been on my kindle for far to long, and I'm glad I finally got around to reading it. An interesting yet disturbing read.
I hadn't realised when I started to read this that it was book 2. I hate reading books out of order.
It was an interesting read. I liked how we got to see past and present.
Scarlett disappeared while on holiday with her family. No trace of her, never to be seen again. Or so it seemed. 10 years later Scarlett turns up, but where can she have been for all this time and doing what, with whom?
After being part of the original case, Louisa Smith is determined to find out what has gone on, and wants answers. But will things be any that she expected.
What exactly is she going find.
This book seems to have been on my kindle for far to long, and I'm glad I finally got around to reading it. An interesting yet disturbing read.
July 27, 2015
Behind Closed Doors by Elizabeth Haynes is an intense crime drama that at too many points seems to lose its way as it tells the story by flipping back and forth from the past to the present.
Ten years past fifteen year old Scarlett Rainsford vanished while on a family vacation in Greece. A constable at the time, Lou Smith worked the missing person case, never sure if Scarlett had been abducted or had run away. Ten years later, during a raid by Special Branch in Briarstone at a suspected brothel, Scarlett is found. Lou is now part of the Major Crimes team and is already over burdened with an assault case or possible murder case. Lou establishing links between the two cases and soon finds that they begin to have a link to Scarlett as well. Lou joins the questioning of Scarlett and little by little they peel back the truth of what had happened to her.
"...That was what they did to girls who became a liability. They didn't just kill them quickly, of course. They used them first-filmed it. High prices could be obtained for those sorts of films.
One day, that will happen to me, Scarlett had thought. One day, it will be my turn..."
Seduced and then abducted in Greece, teenage Scarlett is taken into Eastern Europe where she is used as part of its sex trade. Put on display, her handlers sell her daily. She is hopeless but as time passes, she realizes that there are fates even worse than what she is going through.
"...And then, without warning, muffled but still audible, a bang.
Silence for a second, other than the pounding of Scarlett's heart in her chest. She pressed her cheek to the metal, straining to hear what was going on.
Seconds passed. Another bang.
Silence.
Scarlett choked back a sob.
From the back wall of her crate, she heard her companion.
'Next time is us..."
As the cases begin to tie together, it is clear to all that Scarlett is not telling all she knows. That she is somehow even now protecting those around her and what is stranger still, is her family's response to her return.
The setting and tale of Behind Closed Doors is depressing and dark. Sexual exploitation of young girls and the harsh reality of the trade are on full display. From rape to snuff films. Haynes pulls few punches and the secrets of the victims she slowly unveils are even more powerfully disturbing. It just isn't written very well. It moves slowly and at times loses its way. The premise is strong but the delivery itself comes up lacking.
Ten years past fifteen year old Scarlett Rainsford vanished while on a family vacation in Greece. A constable at the time, Lou Smith worked the missing person case, never sure if Scarlett had been abducted or had run away. Ten years later, during a raid by Special Branch in Briarstone at a suspected brothel, Scarlett is found. Lou is now part of the Major Crimes team and is already over burdened with an assault case or possible murder case. Lou establishing links between the two cases and soon finds that they begin to have a link to Scarlett as well. Lou joins the questioning of Scarlett and little by little they peel back the truth of what had happened to her.
"...That was what they did to girls who became a liability. They didn't just kill them quickly, of course. They used them first-filmed it. High prices could be obtained for those sorts of films.
One day, that will happen to me, Scarlett had thought. One day, it will be my turn..."
Seduced and then abducted in Greece, teenage Scarlett is taken into Eastern Europe where she is used as part of its sex trade. Put on display, her handlers sell her daily. She is hopeless but as time passes, she realizes that there are fates even worse than what she is going through.
"...And then, without warning, muffled but still audible, a bang.
Silence for a second, other than the pounding of Scarlett's heart in her chest. She pressed her cheek to the metal, straining to hear what was going on.
Seconds passed. Another bang.
Silence.
Scarlett choked back a sob.
From the back wall of her crate, she heard her companion.
'Next time is us..."
As the cases begin to tie together, it is clear to all that Scarlett is not telling all she knows. That she is somehow even now protecting those around her and what is stranger still, is her family's response to her return.
The setting and tale of Behind Closed Doors is depressing and dark. Sexual exploitation of young girls and the harsh reality of the trade are on full display. From rape to snuff films. Haynes pulls few punches and the secrets of the victims she slowly unveils are even more powerfully disturbing. It just isn't written very well. It moves slowly and at times loses its way. The premise is strong but the delivery itself comes up lacking.
March 10, 2015
4.5 stars
A story no parent wants to read. Fortunately, if you're worried about becoming upset with the 'child abduction and prostitution' elements of the story, I found them leaning towards the less-graphic side. While there is plenty to be shocked and upset over, the details of some scenes that would be the worst are glossed over enough to give you the idea without dwelling on the more upsetting images of what is happening.
Still, it's dark, it's incredibly sad, and it's violent. Picking up with DCI Lou Smith, a 10-year-old abducted child case is reopened as the child herself, now 25, turns up, in her home town. Lou worked on the case originally, and the dual plot unfolds where we see what happened to teenage Scarlett on her family holiday in Greece a decade ago, and the police investigations now as they try to engage the silent Scarlett into telling them what happened to her, and who took her. It isn't easy reading.
Characters from the previous book (and short story set midway between them) reoccur here, and I enjoyed the detail of police investigations and procedure, with reports that made it official and life-like. Scarlett is impossible not to feel sympathy for, her trials unbelievably heart-breaking, even if a few coincidences happen that bring the story where it needs to be. Just who took her? Why? And how did she get home?
And the big question - why has she not been to see her family?
The identity of the men who kidnap and traffick Scarlett is a mystery - to them she is merchandise, barely human. The treatment of Scarlett and the other girls in her position is shocking and highly upsetting, but if you've read Haynes before, you should know what to expect - she doesn't pretty up the ugly side of humanity.
My favourite by Haynes are still her debut and Human Remains, but I will keep reading the Lou Smith series. I find the police's viewpoint refreshing, and the author's ability to write books that once you've started, are very hard to close.
A story no parent wants to read. Fortunately, if you're worried about becoming upset with the 'child abduction and prostitution' elements of the story, I found them leaning towards the less-graphic side. While there is plenty to be shocked and upset over, the details of some scenes that would be the worst are glossed over enough to give you the idea without dwelling on the more upsetting images of what is happening.
Still, it's dark, it's incredibly sad, and it's violent. Picking up with DCI Lou Smith, a 10-year-old abducted child case is reopened as the child herself, now 25, turns up, in her home town. Lou worked on the case originally, and the dual plot unfolds where we see what happened to teenage Scarlett on her family holiday in Greece a decade ago, and the police investigations now as they try to engage the silent Scarlett into telling them what happened to her, and who took her. It isn't easy reading.
Characters from the previous book (and short story set midway between them) reoccur here, and I enjoyed the detail of police investigations and procedure, with reports that made it official and life-like. Scarlett is impossible not to feel sympathy for, her trials unbelievably heart-breaking, even if a few coincidences happen that bring the story where it needs to be. Just who took her? Why? And how did she get home?
And the big question - why has she not been to see her family?
The identity of the men who kidnap and traffick Scarlett is a mystery - to them she is merchandise, barely human. The treatment of Scarlett and the other girls in her position is shocking and highly upsetting, but if you've read Haynes before, you should know what to expect - she doesn't pretty up the ugly side of humanity.
My favourite by Haynes are still her debut and Human Remains, but I will keep reading the Lou Smith series. I find the police's viewpoint refreshing, and the author's ability to write books that once you've started, are very hard to close.
July 31, 2023
Siek tiek istempta bet siaip gera knyga, tik labai nepatiko tos isegtos bylos, be ju butu greiciau susisksicius
October 5, 2015
Scarlett Rainsford has been missing since that morning ten years ago when her family woke up on the last day of their holiday in Greece to find her missing. DCI Louisa Smith was a DC at the time and worked on the case, it was one of those she never forgot, after all Scarlett was a vulnerable fifteen year old girl! When she receives the call to tell her not only is Scarlett alive but she is back in Briarstone, having been found by Lou’s colleagues during a raid on a local brothel, Louisa is keen to find out what has happened in the intervening ten years. But Scarlett is only a part of the investigation into local gangs but the police suspect some factions to be involved in people trafficking, if so are they linked to the reappearance of Scarlett?
This harrowing story which delves into the murky world of people trafficking is neatly told from two viewpoints, in the present day from Lou’s point of view detailing the investigation into what happened to Scarlett in order to take some of those involved in her disappearance off the streets, and then in the past from Scarlett’s point of view working from 2003 forward. I liked the format, with the questions raised by the police, who to be frank aren’t getting much cooperation from Scarlett despite their best officers, and best efforts, are answered in Scarlett’s story. Scarlett’s part is simply told, and all the more shocking for that, as she details how she was spirited away and how she made it back to Briarstone, the place where her family live. But lots of questions are raised early on, such as why she is refusing contact with her parents?
Elizabeth Haynes worked as a police analyst and the procedural part of this tale, as that in Under a Silent Moon, has intelligence forms inserted into the text, which gives the reader a feeling that they are in on the investigation, although at times I found it hard to work out the links between the names given in this documentation and the crimes being investigated, as that was all they were – pieces of information which is a far cry from actual characters.
Scarlett’s tale is horrifying, I’m not a squeamish reader and although there are minimal descriptions of gruesome violence, and the story is never ‘over-egged’, this is a difficult one to read, all the more powerful because it has such a feeling of reality.
The structure of the book alone begs the reader to do the ‘just one more chapter’ bit, but Elizabeth Haynes also manages to make us care about the characters. DCI Louisa Smith portrayal is everything that we hope are in charge of an investigation like this; tenacious, caring and thorough and as a plus she gets on really well with her team. OK, she may be a bit of a commitment-phobe in her personal life but she’s well-rounded and likeable. Conversely, although she has the role of the victim and we are able to empathise with Scarlett, we are also able to admire her too.
A well-told tale and I like author’s who deliver something different each time. Despite this being the second in the series, it had a unique feel with less emphasis on the roles of the police which dominated Under a Silent Moon. Although I would recommend starting at the beginning of the series, this story works perfectly well as a stand-alone read.
I’d like to thank the publishers Little, Brown Book Group UK who let me read a copy of this book ahead of the publication of the paperback on 8 October 2015.
This harrowing story which delves into the murky world of people trafficking is neatly told from two viewpoints, in the present day from Lou’s point of view detailing the investigation into what happened to Scarlett in order to take some of those involved in her disappearance off the streets, and then in the past from Scarlett’s point of view working from 2003 forward. I liked the format, with the questions raised by the police, who to be frank aren’t getting much cooperation from Scarlett despite their best officers, and best efforts, are answered in Scarlett’s story. Scarlett’s part is simply told, and all the more shocking for that, as she details how she was spirited away and how she made it back to Briarstone, the place where her family live. But lots of questions are raised early on, such as why she is refusing contact with her parents?
Elizabeth Haynes worked as a police analyst and the procedural part of this tale, as that in Under a Silent Moon, has intelligence forms inserted into the text, which gives the reader a feeling that they are in on the investigation, although at times I found it hard to work out the links between the names given in this documentation and the crimes being investigated, as that was all they were – pieces of information which is a far cry from actual characters.
Scarlett’s tale is horrifying, I’m not a squeamish reader and although there are minimal descriptions of gruesome violence, and the story is never ‘over-egged’, this is a difficult one to read, all the more powerful because it has such a feeling of reality.
The structure of the book alone begs the reader to do the ‘just one more chapter’ bit, but Elizabeth Haynes also manages to make us care about the characters. DCI Louisa Smith portrayal is everything that we hope are in charge of an investigation like this; tenacious, caring and thorough and as a plus she gets on really well with her team. OK, she may be a bit of a commitment-phobe in her personal life but she’s well-rounded and likeable. Conversely, although she has the role of the victim and we are able to empathise with Scarlett, we are also able to admire her too.
A well-told tale and I like author’s who deliver something different each time. Despite this being the second in the series, it had a unique feel with less emphasis on the roles of the police which dominated Under a Silent Moon. Although I would recommend starting at the beginning of the series, this story works perfectly well as a stand-alone read.
I’d like to thank the publishers Little, Brown Book Group UK who let me read a copy of this book ahead of the publication of the paperback on 8 October 2015.
October 8, 2015
Firstly I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book. This is the second book by this author that I have read, the first being Into the Darkest Corner which I felt was harrowing. This novel though played with every emotion I have and at one point it made me cry. When 15 year old Scarlett Rainsford goes missing while on a family holiday in Rhodes the Greek Police believe they will be looking for a dead body. Valuable hours are lost before the British Police can join the investigation and look into other possibilities. The local police have quickly dismissed the idea that Scarlett could have been abducted by a trafficking gang as other girls that have gone missing are of different nationalities and have been late teens early twenties. In the meantime a terrified Scarlett with hands and feet tied up is miles away in the back of a white van.
Ten years later during a raid by Special Branch at a house in Briarstone for drugs and human trafficking, Scarlett is found. She is not a prostitute but appears more of a receptionist. Lou Smith works for Major Crime and she has been looking at nailing Nigel Mainland, the owner of the property for about a year in connection with a woman's murder but 10 years before she was also a D.C on the missing Scarlett case. She is pulled into the case as she may be able to offer some expertise on the investigation. I liked the inclusion of the police detectives private lives, not just their role in solving the case. It made them real people with their own problems. The author Elizabeth Haynes in real life worked as a police analyst, this is very evident in her writing. Each of the detectives roles was clearly defined with their own expertise then collaborated to work on the 10 missing years of Scarlett's life. The use of the Intel Reports made it all more authentic. The novel travels back and forth over the ten years to unravel the mystery. As the years catch up to present day the changes in Scarlett are brilliantly written. The shock, the denial the hope, the breaking point and acceptance with one emotion present constantly, fear.
There is one answer everyone wants to know, why when Scarlett got back to England didn't she contact her family? This book is much more than just a story about a young girl being abducted and forced into prostitution or even murdered. There are many twists and turns with a very dramatic ending. A brilliant all round read.
Ten years later during a raid by Special Branch at a house in Briarstone for drugs and human trafficking, Scarlett is found. She is not a prostitute but appears more of a receptionist. Lou Smith works for Major Crime and she has been looking at nailing Nigel Mainland, the owner of the property for about a year in connection with a woman's murder but 10 years before she was also a D.C on the missing Scarlett case. She is pulled into the case as she may be able to offer some expertise on the investigation. I liked the inclusion of the police detectives private lives, not just their role in solving the case. It made them real people with their own problems. The author Elizabeth Haynes in real life worked as a police analyst, this is very evident in her writing. Each of the detectives roles was clearly defined with their own expertise then collaborated to work on the 10 missing years of Scarlett's life. The use of the Intel Reports made it all more authentic. The novel travels back and forth over the ten years to unravel the mystery. As the years catch up to present day the changes in Scarlett are brilliantly written. The shock, the denial the hope, the breaking point and acceptance with one emotion present constantly, fear.
There is one answer everyone wants to know, why when Scarlett got back to England didn't she contact her family? This book is much more than just a story about a young girl being abducted and forced into prostitution or even murdered. There are many twists and turns with a very dramatic ending. A brilliant all round read.
October 23, 2015
Reviewed at www.snazzybooks.com.
I've definitely become a little obsessed with thrillers recently; I've always loved reading them but can't get enough recently! I love the suspense and mystery of the genre and Behind Closed Doors certainly doesn't disappoint!
The story is actually the second in the DCI Louisa Smith series; I haven't read the first (Under A Silent Moon) but found that didn't impact my enjoyment. I might have picked up on certain additional things if I'd read the first in the series but nevertheless, I really enjoyed this as a stand-alone novel.
The writing is brilliant and really draws you in as you uncover more about what happened to Scarlet that night many years ago. The fact it all happened abroad in Europe reminded me of high-profile missing children cases we've all been shocked by in the UK over the years, and I felt quite unsettled reading some parts due to the disturbing, worrying subject nature. You really start to sympathize with Scarlet, as well as becoming a little frustrated with her (as DCI Smith does) as the investigation continues. I feel that the subject of human trafficking has been researched really well, and the story certainly feels convincing and very hard-hitting.
I really like the extra police documents and statements that Elizabeth Haynes includes, as I felt it reinforces the story that centers around the Police's investigation really well; some might feel it takes away from the storyline but personally I don't feel that it's detrimental at all.
As well as learning a lot about Scarlet, we also get to know Louisa Smith and her personal life and relationship with her partner, which was interesting and made her seem a more well-rounded, convincing character. I imagine this carries on from the first novel in the series. I now want to read this one and reflect on how it compares to Behind Closed Doors, and am looking forward to any future books in the series!
This is a hard-hitting, riveting mystery/ thriller which keeps you on your toes- recommended!
** Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this novel in return for an honest review **
I've definitely become a little obsessed with thrillers recently; I've always loved reading them but can't get enough recently! I love the suspense and mystery of the genre and Behind Closed Doors certainly doesn't disappoint!
The story is actually the second in the DCI Louisa Smith series; I haven't read the first (Under A Silent Moon) but found that didn't impact my enjoyment. I might have picked up on certain additional things if I'd read the first in the series but nevertheless, I really enjoyed this as a stand-alone novel.
The writing is brilliant and really draws you in as you uncover more about what happened to Scarlet that night many years ago. The fact it all happened abroad in Europe reminded me of high-profile missing children cases we've all been shocked by in the UK over the years, and I felt quite unsettled reading some parts due to the disturbing, worrying subject nature. You really start to sympathize with Scarlet, as well as becoming a little frustrated with her (as DCI Smith does) as the investigation continues. I feel that the subject of human trafficking has been researched really well, and the story certainly feels convincing and very hard-hitting.
I really like the extra police documents and statements that Elizabeth Haynes includes, as I felt it reinforces the story that centers around the Police's investigation really well; some might feel it takes away from the storyline but personally I don't feel that it's detrimental at all.
As well as learning a lot about Scarlet, we also get to know Louisa Smith and her personal life and relationship with her partner, which was interesting and made her seem a more well-rounded, convincing character. I imagine this carries on from the first novel in the series. I now want to read this one and reflect on how it compares to Behind Closed Doors, and am looking forward to any future books in the series!
This is a hard-hitting, riveting mystery/ thriller which keeps you on your toes- recommended!
** Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this novel in return for an honest review **
February 12, 2015
This book grabs you from the first page and doesn't let you go until the end. The pace is relentless for the most part, and I couldn't put it down.
This is the second in the DCI Louisa Smith series.
It starts off with the abduction of 15 year old Scarlett Rainsford who is on holiday with her parents and sister, Juliette, on the Greek island of Rhodes.
The story alternates between the start of the abduction in 2003 and the present day. Louisa had been a young DC in 2003 and was involved in trying to locate Scarlett. In the present day, Scarlett has been found after a brothel raid close to where she lived in her hometown in the UK.
Scarlett's father, Clive, is an horrendous and controlling man and I disliked him intensely. His much younger wife, Annie, is a cold and unloving mother.
When Scarlett is found, her father has no interest in visiting her and her mother reluctantly does so. Scarlett herself is equally resistant to any contact from her parents.
This is a sad and very tragic story of human trafficking and I felt so much love for this once naive young girl who was snatched from the arms of her (very dysfunctional) family into an awful life and who saw things a young girl should never have seen; there was no one she could trust and I felt so for her.
Louisa's relationship with the hunky Canadian, Jason, (whom she met during the first book) is still ongoing but Louisa is struggling in trying to deal with her ever demanding job and wanting Jason.
I have given this four stars as I felt the ending was a little flat after the initial pace of the book but otherwise I felt this was a thumping good read.
I can't wait for the next instalment with the great Lou Smith.
This is the second in the DCI Louisa Smith series.
It starts off with the abduction of 15 year old Scarlett Rainsford who is on holiday with her parents and sister, Juliette, on the Greek island of Rhodes.
The story alternates between the start of the abduction in 2003 and the present day. Louisa had been a young DC in 2003 and was involved in trying to locate Scarlett. In the present day, Scarlett has been found after a brothel raid close to where she lived in her hometown in the UK.
Scarlett's father, Clive, is an horrendous and controlling man and I disliked him intensely. His much younger wife, Annie, is a cold and unloving mother.
When Scarlett is found, her father has no interest in visiting her and her mother reluctantly does so. Scarlett herself is equally resistant to any contact from her parents.
This is a sad and very tragic story of human trafficking and I felt so much love for this once naive young girl who was snatched from the arms of her (very dysfunctional) family into an awful life and who saw things a young girl should never have seen; there was no one she could trust and I felt so for her.
Louisa's relationship with the hunky Canadian, Jason, (whom she met during the first book) is still ongoing but Louisa is struggling in trying to deal with her ever demanding job and wanting Jason.
I have given this four stars as I felt the ending was a little flat after the initial pace of the book but otherwise I felt this was a thumping good read.
I can't wait for the next instalment with the great Lou Smith.
September 17, 2015
I felt like I was really out of my element with this one. I love thrillers, and I love the dark and unsettling plot of Behind Closed Doors. The danger of human trafficking is believable and realistic, especially when we follow Scarlett's story and how she was abducted, and when she thought she was finally rescued, she found out that it was just a different type of hell. I shudder just thinking about it.
And the dynamics of her family is similarly disturbing. Being a fan of psychological thrillers, I wasn't surprised about the reveal about the Rainsford family (it's still disgusting though), and I can't help but be horrified to think this is actually happening in real life. So Scarlett has been suffering pretty much her entire life, her character was so helpless, so distrustful, and so true.
As I was reading this novel on my Kindle, I had difficulty with the police report images because they were so small and I can't really zoom in on them. Likewise, I found the constant use of acronyms and other intelligence reports dry, so I struggled to read them. There were also some sub-plots which I found unnecessary (e.g. Sam's story about Jo). I find myself enjoying the novel more when it focuses on Scarlett.
Thank you Net Galley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
And the dynamics of her family is similarly disturbing. Being a fan of psychological thrillers, I wasn't surprised about the reveal about the Rainsford family (it's still disgusting though), and I can't help but be horrified to think this is actually happening in real life. So Scarlett has been suffering pretty much her entire life, her character was so helpless, so distrustful, and so true.
As I was reading this novel on my Kindle, I had difficulty with the police report images because they were so small and I can't really zoom in on them. Likewise, I found the constant use of acronyms and other intelligence reports dry, so I struggled to read them. There were also some sub-plots which I found unnecessary (e.g. Sam's story about Jo). I find myself enjoying the novel more when it focuses on Scarlett.
Thank you Net Galley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 12, 2015
I would like to rate this book 2.5 stars because:
+ interesting plot, main plot line well executed and gripping
+ victim entirely believable and three-dimensional
+ overall engaging writing style, easy read, no irritations
It is not more than that because:
- good plot idea, but not very well executed, feels somehow incomplete
- way too many minor characters and perpetrators
- too many plot lines, too ambitious
- annoying procedural / protocols and such (read on a Kindle, some of these embedded mock-official protocol files are too small to read and cannot be enlarged)
- neither the original crime nor the "older" crime in the family are resolved properly, i.e. somewhat rushed
Pity. It is not a bad read overall, the main abduction plot line is interesting and haunting.
+ interesting plot, main plot line well executed and gripping
+ victim entirely believable and three-dimensional
+ overall engaging writing style, easy read, no irritations
It is not more than that because:
- good plot idea, but not very well executed, feels somehow incomplete
- way too many minor characters and perpetrators
- too many plot lines, too ambitious
- annoying procedural / protocols and such (read on a Kindle, some of these embedded mock-official protocol files are too small to read and cannot be enlarged)
- neither the original crime nor the "older" crime in the family are resolved properly, i.e. somewhat rushed
Pity. It is not a bad read overall, the main abduction plot line is interesting and haunting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2015
Through the first hundred or so pages of the book I believed I was really going to like it but then it all sort of bogged down for me. The book follows a detective named Louise Smith and two cases that she is working on (one current and one a dead case come back to life). I think she is trying to do too much here and the moving back and forth from one (missing woman) to the other (assault with drug implications) detracts. She also intersperses dozens of police documents that kill the momentum. After over 450 pages it kind of trickles to a conclusion.
February 16, 2016
I received this as an arc from net galley in exchange for an honest review.
Scarlett and her family are on holiday in Greece. Scarlett is taken from her family. DCI Lou and her team are on the case.
Very good read.
I liked the story and the characters.
It took me a while to get used to the way it was written.
Keep going to different characters. And keep going from past to present.
I really wanted to know what happened to Scarlett. A real page Turner,
and Wow what a twist at the end.
Didn't see that coming.
Highly recommended.
Scarlett and her family are on holiday in Greece. Scarlett is taken from her family. DCI Lou and her team are on the case.
Very good read.
I liked the story and the characters.
It took me a while to get used to the way it was written.
Keep going to different characters. And keep going from past to present.
I really wanted to know what happened to Scarlett. A real page Turner,
and Wow what a twist at the end.
Didn't see that coming.
Highly recommended.
March 18, 2019
Scarlett Rainsford is a typical teenager on vacation with her parents, embarrassed by them and petulant when in their presence. The only saving grace is that she has met a boy, a handsome Greek boy with an inviting smile. She makes secret plans to meet Nico after her parents have retired for the night. 15 year old Scarlett never returns.
Ten years later, she is found in a brothel in England. DCI Louisa Smith was part of the original team investigating Scarlett's disappearance. She is astounded to hear Scarlett is alive and gladly provides input on the original case to Special Branch.
Behind Closed Doors highlights a grim reality, the trafficking of young girls. Elizabeth Haynes handles the subject sensitively, but it will be difficult for many readers. While Lou is working with her colleagues in Special Branch, she is also in the midst of a case involving the murder of a local gangster. Haynes, a former intelligence analyst, includes copies of intelligence reports and witness statements in the book. I quite enjoy these types of inclusions; however, had a difficult time keeping track of who was who in the criminal world, likely because most of these characters were not fleshed out or even present in the narrative. Or maybe I'm just easily confused. That's a small gripe as this is a solid crime thriller despite its dark content.
Ten years later, she is found in a brothel in England. DCI Louisa Smith was part of the original team investigating Scarlett's disappearance. She is astounded to hear Scarlett is alive and gladly provides input on the original case to Special Branch.
Behind Closed Doors highlights a grim reality, the trafficking of young girls. Elizabeth Haynes handles the subject sensitively, but it will be difficult for many readers. While Lou is working with her colleagues in Special Branch, she is also in the midst of a case involving the murder of a local gangster. Haynes, a former intelligence analyst, includes copies of intelligence reports and witness statements in the book. I quite enjoy these types of inclusions; however, had a difficult time keeping track of who was who in the criminal world, likely because most of these characters were not fleshed out or even present in the narrative. Or maybe I'm just easily confused. That's a small gripe as this is a solid crime thriller despite its dark content.
April 10, 2015
Behind Closed Doors by Elizabeth Haynes
Harper, 2015
Crime Fiction; 496 pgs
Behind Closed Doors by Eizabeth Haynes is the author's second book in the Detective Inspector Louisa Smith series. Much like the first book in the series, Under a Silent Moon, Haynes takes the reader into the heart of a police investigation. Where this book differs, however, is in its presentation and intensity. Interspersed with the investigation is the third person narrative from young Scarlett, retelling her account of being kidnapped and her eventual return to her hometown ten years later. It is a harrowing story, one that feels all too real.
Louisa, or Lou as she is often called, is already in the middle of two other investigations (that of a 19 year old who was badly beaten and the murder of a bar owner found half buried in the woods) that may or may not be connected, when she is asked to assist with another investigation, that involving a 10 year old missing person case. Lou had been on the team initially investigating the disappearance of the 15 year old girl named Scarlett in the beginning. Scarlett disappeared while out of the country with her family on vacation. No evidence turned up, nor did the girl. Her family hadn't been especially forthcoming with information, which raised a lot of questions. Did the girl run away? Was she abducted? Or had she been killed? No one knew. At least not until Scarlett was discovered 10 years later in a brothel in Briarstone.
Interest in Scarlett is high given her ties to a human trafficking ring. The authorities would love it if she could provide them with key names and connections in order to finally bring down some major players in the industry. Only, Scarlett isn't talking. She holds her secrets close.
The reader gets a little more intimate look into the lives of two of the series' continuing characters. There is Louisa Smith, whose work is her life. She struggles with commitment issues and letting herself love. In some books, the love story lightens the overall story arch of the book, but in this case, it adds to the complicated person Louisa is and just how all consuming her work can be. I think Jason, her love interest, is a wonderful man--supportive and thoughtful. I also know that if Lou doesn't open herself more fully to him, she is going to lose him.
Then there is DS Sam Hollands who also played a prominent role in previous book. Lou trusts her and relies heavily in Sam's abilities in being able to connect with people, and with good reason. She is extremely capable. Lou assigns her to Scarlett in the hopes Sam can get Scarlett to open up about her experiences. Sam finds herself drawn to the other woman, who seems both fragile and strong at the the same time. Sam struggles internally with keeping her distance and getting too close. Haynes allows the reader to see a side of Hollands we haven't yet seen before--and may I say how much I love the character? I could easily see her as the main character in a book.
What most impressed me about Behind Closed Doors was how accurate and close to reality the novel was. I am sure the author's background as an analyst in law enforcement and her extensive research played a part in that. Scarlett's story of human trafficking is a familiar one for those who work with people who have been forced into that life, from her childhood background to the life she was forced to lead. As a parent the very idea of human trafficking chills me to the bone. I imagine it would even if I wasn't a parent. Using humans in that way . . . It's appalling and horrific. Human trafficking is very much a problem of today, and the more people become aware of it, perhaps there is a chance lives can be saved.
Scarlett is an incredibly strong woman who has been through a lot. It is hard to know whether one can trust her or not as the story continues. Why does she insist on keeping so many secrets? Is it fear? Or something else. She clearly is a victim--a survivor--and I, as the reader, could not help but feel for her and care about her. Her relationship with her family is not a good one, glimpses of which the reader gets throughout the novel.
Despite the fact that this novel stands very well on its own and does not require the reader having read the first book in the series, there are some continuing story threads which I especially liked and gave me, as the reader, a better sense of Briarstone and the community--at least the criminal side of it. Reading Behind Closed Doors made me appreciate Under a Silent Moon more (if that's possible) as a result.
As always, I enjoy being able to see the inner workings of an investigation, how seemingly random information can eventually come together to form a full picture and solve a crime. Haynes is an incredible writer who has the ability to make the minutest of information seem interesting and significant to the story. And she has a way of drawing out her characters that is both subtle and full. I have yet to be disappointed by one of her books, and this one is no different.
At almost 500 pages, I never felt the book needed less--it was just perfect. While the intensity in this novel was high, I admit there were moments I had to set it down for awhile, the darkness of it was too heavy, the reality of it too frightening. It's books like these that scare me more than any horror novel ever could because of how true to life it is. Elizabeth Haynes has officially become one of my all time favorite crime fiction writers. I hope you will give her books a try.
Harper, 2015
Crime Fiction; 496 pgs
Behind Closed Doors by Eizabeth Haynes is the author's second book in the Detective Inspector Louisa Smith series. Much like the first book in the series, Under a Silent Moon, Haynes takes the reader into the heart of a police investigation. Where this book differs, however, is in its presentation and intensity. Interspersed with the investigation is the third person narrative from young Scarlett, retelling her account of being kidnapped and her eventual return to her hometown ten years later. It is a harrowing story, one that feels all too real.
Louisa, or Lou as she is often called, is already in the middle of two other investigations (that of a 19 year old who was badly beaten and the murder of a bar owner found half buried in the woods) that may or may not be connected, when she is asked to assist with another investigation, that involving a 10 year old missing person case. Lou had been on the team initially investigating the disappearance of the 15 year old girl named Scarlett in the beginning. Scarlett disappeared while out of the country with her family on vacation. No evidence turned up, nor did the girl. Her family hadn't been especially forthcoming with information, which raised a lot of questions. Did the girl run away? Was she abducted? Or had she been killed? No one knew. At least not until Scarlett was discovered 10 years later in a brothel in Briarstone.
Interest in Scarlett is high given her ties to a human trafficking ring. The authorities would love it if she could provide them with key names and connections in order to finally bring down some major players in the industry. Only, Scarlett isn't talking. She holds her secrets close.
The reader gets a little more intimate look into the lives of two of the series' continuing characters. There is Louisa Smith, whose work is her life. She struggles with commitment issues and letting herself love. In some books, the love story lightens the overall story arch of the book, but in this case, it adds to the complicated person Louisa is and just how all consuming her work can be. I think Jason, her love interest, is a wonderful man--supportive and thoughtful. I also know that if Lou doesn't open herself more fully to him, she is going to lose him.
Then there is DS Sam Hollands who also played a prominent role in previous book. Lou trusts her and relies heavily in Sam's abilities in being able to connect with people, and with good reason. She is extremely capable. Lou assigns her to Scarlett in the hopes Sam can get Scarlett to open up about her experiences. Sam finds herself drawn to the other woman, who seems both fragile and strong at the the same time. Sam struggles internally with keeping her distance and getting too close. Haynes allows the reader to see a side of Hollands we haven't yet seen before--and may I say how much I love the character? I could easily see her as the main character in a book.
What most impressed me about Behind Closed Doors was how accurate and close to reality the novel was. I am sure the author's background as an analyst in law enforcement and her extensive research played a part in that. Scarlett's story of human trafficking is a familiar one for those who work with people who have been forced into that life, from her childhood background to the life she was forced to lead. As a parent the very idea of human trafficking chills me to the bone. I imagine it would even if I wasn't a parent. Using humans in that way . . . It's appalling and horrific. Human trafficking is very much a problem of today, and the more people become aware of it, perhaps there is a chance lives can be saved.
Scarlett is an incredibly strong woman who has been through a lot. It is hard to know whether one can trust her or not as the story continues. Why does she insist on keeping so many secrets? Is it fear? Or something else. She clearly is a victim--a survivor--and I, as the reader, could not help but feel for her and care about her. Her relationship with her family is not a good one, glimpses of which the reader gets throughout the novel.
Despite the fact that this novel stands very well on its own and does not require the reader having read the first book in the series, there are some continuing story threads which I especially liked and gave me, as the reader, a better sense of Briarstone and the community--at least the criminal side of it. Reading Behind Closed Doors made me appreciate Under a Silent Moon more (if that's possible) as a result.
As always, I enjoy being able to see the inner workings of an investigation, how seemingly random information can eventually come together to form a full picture and solve a crime. Haynes is an incredible writer who has the ability to make the minutest of information seem interesting and significant to the story. And she has a way of drawing out her characters that is both subtle and full. I have yet to be disappointed by one of her books, and this one is no different.
At almost 500 pages, I never felt the book needed less--it was just perfect. While the intensity in this novel was high, I admit there were moments I had to set it down for awhile, the darkness of it was too heavy, the reality of it too frightening. It's books like these that scare me more than any horror novel ever could because of how true to life it is. Elizabeth Haynes has officially become one of my all time favorite crime fiction writers. I hope you will give her books a try.
January 2, 2020
I really like Haynes’ writing and this story moved right along. But it was just sad and frustratingly solved without a single happy ending I could enjoy.
Scarlett and Juliette, sisters with terrible parents and lives of desperation. Scarlett is kidnapped, Juliette left to cope alone. Sad sad sad.
Scarlett and Juliette, sisters with terrible parents and lives of desperation. Scarlett is kidnapped, Juliette left to cope alone. Sad sad sad.
January 14, 2020
Scarlett Rainsford disappeared when she was 15 years old whilst on a family holiday in Greece, and DCI Louisa Smith was a detective constable who was part of this original investigation, so she was surprised when she turns up in a raid of a brothel in her home town. How did she get here? Lou is determined to find out what has happened to her, and why she has turned up in her home town now, is she part of the trafficking operation she is investigating? Lou is a conscientious investigator, who is tough but empathetic. She puts her personal life on hold as she is so committed to her work, but she may need to rethink that if she wants to keep her relationship with Jason. She is also supportive of one of her team, Sam, she is the only person to make a connection with Scarlet. A gripping read.
April 22, 2020
I am firmly entrenched in the British Police Drama stage of quarantine reading. Liked this one a lot too. Right up my alley with a story about a victim of kidnapping and sex trafficking. 2nd in a series and will there be more? Because I will read them.
March 26, 2017
really enjoyed this even though I hadn't read 1st one didn't matter. loved characters definitely worth a read.
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