Missing

City Streets Mysteries #1

by D.E. Beckler, David Beckler

When a woman disappears, a homeless man is the only person who can find her.

On a cold Manchester night, Victor Mitchum and his loyal-ish dog witness something they were never meant to see. Living on the streets has made Victor good at watching people—which is exactly why private investigator Kasper Dąbrowski recruits him to help find a missing woman.

But as Victor watches from the shadows, he realises he has stumbled into something far more dangerous. Working alongside Kasper and his sister, Victor discovers he’s not just tracking kidnappers—he’s watching killers. And now they know someone is watching them.

With time running out for their victims, Victor must rally his unlikely allies—the forgotten people of Manchester’s streets—in a desperate fight for survival. But in a city where the powerful prey on the vulnerable, can a man society has chosen to ignore become the hero these families need?

Genres: Crime, Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Audiobook

368 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2026

Reviews

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this one!

Victor is a man who lives on the streets of Manchester. BUT…He didn’t always. At one time he had a good job, and a family… until all of that changed. And now, here he is. On the streets. Trying to stay warm, stay healthy, and stay alive!

One day he sees a guy taking pictures… until he’s caught, and chased by some thugs. Victor sees what’s happening, and notices the guy pitch his camera into a dumpster… and then, after the guy leaves, he grabs the camera.

A little while later, the guy returns looking for his camera. But it’s not in the dumpster. He wanders into the homeless community and stumbles upon Victor… and asks if he’s seen anyone around… going thru the dumpster? Or, has he seen his camera? Victor sees a chance to make some money… but it doesn’t go quite as planned.

But, the guy, Kasper, asks him to come home with him. Offers him a change of clothes and a hot shower… Victor is thrilled. But when he comes out of the shower, Kasper is holding his camera and wants to know why he lied?!!

They actually do work through this, and Victor learns that Kasper is a PI and is looking for a woman. He says he can help, because nobody will notice him. After all, the homeless are invisible to the general public… and, he’s kind of correct. 🤔

Later, Victor meets his sister, who works with him as a PI. He begins to help them, and agrees to get paid for the help! He’s hoping to build up his savings and get off of the streets.

But he soon finds out that the guys who likely took this missing woman are thugs… trained killers… and his life might just be on the line!

It is definitely on the ‘scary’ side, but also so relatable and true…

And, Victor has a Standard Schnauzer named Oscar… who he seriously talks to! And, well, I just fell in love with both of them! 🩷

This was just such a different take on a book… and I loved it! And, it’s part of a series… so I’m looking forward to reading book #2!

#Missing by @DEBeckler and @DavidBedkler. Narrated nicely by @SimonMattacks.

5 scary, creepy, bullish, thug-like stars for me! ⭐️🌟⭐️🌟⭐️

It has NOT BEEN RELEASED YET! But, it’s coming out soon… on 2/1/26! So, look 👀 for it then!

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #BrilliancePublishing and #BrillianceAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!!

You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

[Alison Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not my normal book

Not my usual genre of book. But from the moment I started i couldn't stop reading it and did it in one day. I loved having a dog feature in it. It gripped you from start to finish.
Looking forward to reading more in this series.

[Corallie Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it. Got so involved in the characters. A murder mystery with a difference, that’s for sure. A homeless man helps two PI’s solve murders and find missing people. Couldn’t put it down. Already preordered the next two in the series. Got this as an Amazon first reads.

[Lauren Scott-Wilson · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

⭐ 3.5/5 STARS ⭐

👀 WHO DID WHAT?! WHO CAN I TRUST?! AND WHAT ON EARTH IS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT?! 🤯🔎

This one had such a great premise, and I absolutely loved playing detective throughout!

📖 A little about the story…

Set on the streets of Manchester, we follow Victor Mitchum, a homeless man whose ability to go unnoticed makes him the perfect person to help private investigator Kasper Dąbrowski search for a missing woman.

But what starts as a missing-person investigation soon turns into something much darker, with dangerous criminals, killers and lives on the line. And Victor, along with his loyal dog Oscar 🐾, finds himself right in the middle of it all!

I really liked that the story was told from a different perspective, showing how people who are often overlooked can notice so much more than we realise.

Now, I do love a good mystery, and this one definitely had me putting my detective hat on! 🕵️‍♀️

I was constantly guessing what was coming next, questioning who was responsible for what and trying to piece everything together. Just when I thought I'd worked something out, I'd be questioning myself all over again! 😂

SO WHY ONLY 3.5 STARS?! ⭐

As much as I enjoyed the premise and the guessing game, I felt the pacing was a little uneven in places. There were moments where I was completely invested, but others where I wanted the story to move along a little quicker.

I also felt that some parts could have been explored in a little more depth. With such an interesting storyline, I just wanted that extra something to really push it into 4 or 5-star territory!

That being said, I still really enjoyed the mystery, the different perspective and trying to work out how everything connected.

Overall, a solid 3.5-star read! A great concept with plenty of twists, turns and moments that had me questioning EVERYTHING! 👀

💬 Are you the type of reader who tries to solve the mystery before the big reveal, or do you just sit back and enjoy the chaos?! 🤭📚

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this title. It reminded me of JD Kirks, Robert Hoon series. Both have aspects to the stories that should shock you, but both provide believable and loveable characters.

I was left a bit confused by the storyline for the female copper as it didn't seem to flow, it felt a bit disjointed like something had possibly been taken out? That or I missed something, but the story kept me engrossed, so I don't think it did. It felt like they were trying to develop her character but forgot and then remembered again at the end as I'm guessing shes going to appear in future books maybe?

I absolutely loved Victor and Oscar's relationship! It helped to give the book it's own unique spin and I was imagining loyalty and camaraderie, amongst Manchester's homeless community and their dogs.

I will definitely be reading the next installment once it's released, can't wait!

[Steph Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by David Beckler, from the Amazon first reads promo.
I met David a few years ago at a blogger/author meet up in Stoke, he attended with Caroline England who is in the same writing group.
I can't believe I waited so long to read one of his books.
I loved it, and recognised many of the settings in Manchester city centre. Well written and perfectly paced. I'll definitely seeking out more of his books.

[Maureen Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping read!

Literally couldn't put this down. It showed how vulnerable the homeless are but how supportive they can be to each other. The relationship between the three main characters grew as the investigation developed. Look forward to the next books

[Brenda Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn’t realise it was set in Manchester

Love that it’s set in Manchester, and that I know most of the places. Love that it gives you a different perspective on the homeless.

Great plot line also. Love the mention of the High Peak accent ( didn’t know we had one) altogether a real good read

[M Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

I really enjoyed this book. I really felt for the homeless people after reading this. I don’t think people appreciate how hard their lives are. Will definitely read the next in the series and recommend it as a great read!

[Shahdan Hanafi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Missing by D.E. Beckler (City Streets Mysteries #1)
Date Read: 6 Aug 26 - 6 Aug 26
Source: Kindle
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Song: The Hills by The Weeknd ♫

Rating breakdown:-
Crime & Investigation: ● ● ● ○ ○
Suspense & Tension: ● ● ● ● ○
Plot Complexity: ● ● ● ● ○
Character Engagement: ● ● ● ● ○
Ending Satisfaction: ● ● ● ○ ○

To be honest, reading Missing by D.E. Beckler feels like stepping into the cold, unforgiving alleyways of Manchester where the city's forgotten shadows conceal a deadly conspiracy. It is a gritty and suspenseful crime novel that excels at maintaining strong page-turning tension and intricate plotting, transforming a desperate search for a missing woman into a high-stakes battle for survival.

The suspense and crime investigation here are expertly handled. D.E. Beckler creates a stark and atmospheric urban setting that keeps you on edge, making the hidden dangers of the city streets feel charged with immediate peril. It is a powerful and gripping experience that explores the heavy burden of societal neglect and hidden motives, perfectly capturing how observation and resilience can become deadly weapons. The momentum remains fiercely compelling throughout, making every step of the investigation feel urgent and vital.

The characters are driven by survival instincts, loyalty, and a fierce determination to protect the vulnerable. Victor Mitchum anchors the story with raw grit, a homeless man whose keen eye for watching people makes him an unlikely asset when private investigator Kasper Dąbrowski recruits him to find a missing woman. Working alongside Kasper and his sister, Victor relies on the forgotten people of the streets to uncover a network of killers. Their complex dynamics and desperate fight provide an unforgettable emotional core, making their journey a masterclass in character-driven crime fiction.

The plot is a masterclass in complexity and suspense. The narrative moves with a calculated, relentless rhythm that allows gritty street-level realism and intricate secrets to blend seamlessly. By linking a simple missing person case to a far more dangerous conspiracy where the powerful prey on the vulnerable, the story creates a compelling puzzle of survival. The ending carries a decent, satisfying resolution, serving as a reminder that those society chooses to ignore are often the ones who see everything.

Missing is a thrilling and satisfying work of crime fiction that uses its atmospheric Manchester setting to explore themes of survival, loyalty, and justice. It is a chilling reminder that when you watch from the shadows, you might just find yourself in a killer's crosshairs.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know Manchester well and that probably aided my enjoyment of this twisty mystery.

A homeless man and two Polish-born private detectives get embroiled in a major crime gang and the killing of young sex-workers and other homeless peopled.

Believable? Mostly - although the A Team of elite paramilitary homeless folk is fun if a bit of a stretch to the imagination.

I'd read this writer again.

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’ve ever thought, “Hey, what this murder mystery needs is less trench coat detective and more emotionally wounded man yelling at pigeons,” then congratulations, you’re gonna eat up Missing by D. E. Beckler like it’s your last Greggs sausage roll. It’s gritty, smart, occasionally bonkers, and sneakily heartfelt in that “oh no, I care about these scrappy weirdos now” kind of way.

Victor Mitchum, our main guy, is homeless. But not in that sanitized, Nicholas Sparks way where he’s just rugged and misunderstood. Nah, Victor is really out there, living rough on the streets of Manchester, trying to stay warm, stay out of trouble, and keep his dog Oscar from starting fights. And I swear to you, Oscar talks. Not like Homeward Bound, mouth-moving CGI nonsense, but in Victor’s head... which is somehow weirder. And yet? It works. It's giving Fleabag's Hot Priest breaking the fourth wall, but canine and probably smells worse.

Enter Kasper and Gosia Dąbrowski, the Polish sibling PIs who are definitely winging it, vibes first, credentials optional. Kasper’s got messy energy and the kind of bad judgment that screams “I can fix it” while actively making things worse. Gosia feels like she was written to be more competent but then accidentally got left in a subplot draft that never fully arrived. It’s fine. They’re a good time. Mostly. They pull Victor into their missing persons case because he's invisible to the world, which makes him the perfect spy... or bait, depending on how cynical you're feeling.

The case itself? Dark. We’re talking sex trafficking, murder, people being stuffed in bins, and a very real sense that Manchester is one bad day away from a Children of Men reboot. But it never veers into misery porn. The stakes are high, but Victor's voice (and Oscar’s weird little commentary) keep the tone from sinking into total despair. The best trick this book pulls is letting you laugh with Victor, never at him.

The found family vibes start rolling in the back half and I won’t lie... when Victor starts rallying the other unhoused folks in Manchester like he’s building a grimy, emotionally scarred Avengers squad? I lost my entire mind. Was it completely believable? Nope. Was I absolutely cheering? Also yes. Give me a homeless rebellion with makeshift walkie-talkies and bad attitudes over another army of clean-shaven ex-cops with daddy issues any day.

Simon Mattacks’ narration in the audiobook version is straight-up excellent. He nails Victor’s sarcasm, Oscar’s dry sass (yes, the dog has sass), and somehow doesn’t make you want to slap any of the PI dialogue, which is a feat considering how often Kasper says things that feel legally actionable.

Still. It's a wild ride with a giant heart and a genuinely fresh lead character. I’m already side-eyeing book two like, you better protect Oscar or I riot. Four stars.

Whodunity Award: For Making Me Cheer When a Homeless Guy Assembled His Own Crime-Fighting Street Team.

Massive thanks to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for the ALC, you absolute legends. You handed me a mystery with a talking dog and emotional damage like it was a gift basket, and I will never forget it.

[Tini · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gritty thriller with an unlikely hero - and his dog.

When a woman vanishes on the streets of Manchester, the only witness is someone no one's looking to for answers: a homeless man named Victor, whose only real companion is his scrappy, semi-loyal dog, Oscar. But when Victor's quiet life of survival on the streets collides with a private investigator's search for the missing woman, he finds himself drawn into something far bigger -and far deadlier - than he ever imagined. What begins as a simple missing-person case soon unravels into a dark web of exploitation and power, as Victor realizes the people he's watching aren’t kidnappers - they're killers. Forced to confront both his past and his own self-worth, Victor becomes an unlikely hero in a city that's long stopped seeing him at all.

In "Missing", D.E. Beckler gives readers a fresh and surprisingly emotional twist on the gritty crime thriller. His writing is gripping and both Victor and Oscar make for stellar, complex, and refreshingly unconventional protagonists. The depiction of homelessness never feels tokenistic or sentimentalized; instead, Victor's perspective provides sharp social commentary . While the plot veers into slightly over-the-top territory during the finale, it's hard to mind when the pacing and character work are this strong.

The expertly produced audiobook, narrated by Simon Mattacks, elevates the story even further. Mattacks brings nuance and empathy to Victor's narration, capturing anger, confusion, exhaustion, and those flickers of humor that make him so endearing. His command of tone and timing is superb, nailing the subtle sarcasm and the banter between Victor and Oscar, and his performance grounds the novel's darker moments.

"Missing" is both a propulsive mystery and a quietly moving character study - a reminder that sometimes the people society ignores are the ones most capable of seeing the truth. Gritty, heartfelt, and thoroughly engaging, this is a fantastic start to what promises to be a standout new series.

Many thanks to Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for providing me with an advance copy of the audiobook via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

"Missing" is slated to be published on February 1, 2026.

[Lynda Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

My other Kindle First offering for January.....the first was a dud but this one is superb. I enjoyed it SO much and I'm definitely going to read more by him. Interesting to read his little bio as he hails from Ethiopia, I believe it said. Now, if he'd used his real name I probably would've given it a big old swerve, thinking that he'd be writing about where he comes from. That's probably terrible of me but that honestly wouldn't have interested me. Whereas I know Manchester a little and it's only a 40 minute drive from me so can identify with it, which I prefer in my reading content.
Kudos goes to the people who convinced him of Oscar's inclusion. That's a sterling move. I just LOVED his little chats with him. I would assume he has a dog himself cos' he knows they smile !! Usually, as soon as a dog is included in a book, I tense up cos' they're usually going to perish. If that had happened here I'd have been finished with him !! I was decidedly touched and a bit sniffy at Craig's daily colours for Trixie as well. To imagine this-a guy on the streets with nothing but changing his little dog's little ribbon for her every day. That really captured my heart. Bigtime.
Now he needs to ensure Miles and his little gang of toffs get their comeuppance in the next story, I reckon. I don't know if I missed something but I read it as 2 people being killed that were homeless and didn't know who one of them was. But I might've got confused there.
I'm not a speed reader but at one point I glanced at the page and read testicles when what he was writing about was acoustic tiles.....I made myself giggle at that !! Though, on the same subject he writes bollox and not bollocks in the usual way.....he also uses question marks where he's supposed to which was a joy to see. and no spelling or punctuation mistakes so it ticks ALL my boxes.
He mentions his cover art in the acknowledgements but, although it is nice it has nothing to do with the actual story so I'm not sure why he chose it at all !!
I'm greatly looking forward to the other 2 stories in this planned trilogy and highly recommend this. A cracking book.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚Missing
✍🏻D.E. Beckler
Blurb:
When a woman disappears, a homeless man is the only person who can find her.

On a cold Manchester night, Victor Mitchum and his loyal-ish dog witness something they were never meant to see. Living on the streets has made Victor good at watching people—which is exactly why private investigator Kasper Dąbrowski recruits him to help find a missing woman.

But as Victor watches from the shadows, he realises he has stumbled into something far more dangerous. Working alongside Kasper and his sister, Victor discovers he’s not just tracking kidnappers—he’s watching killers. And now they know someone is watching them.

With time running out for their victims, Victor must rally his unlikely allies—the forgotten people of Manchester’s streets—in a desperate fight for survival. But in a city where the powerful prey on the vulnerable, can a man society has chosen to ignore become the hero these families need?
My Thoughts::
In MISSING, a brother-sister private investigative team enlist the help of a homeless man, Victor, in their search for a missing woman. Victor is intelligent and articulate, and observes one of the poorly disguised PIs on a stakeout. When he offers to help—as homeless people are often ignored and can hide in plain sight,Victor is a man who lives on the streets of Manchester. but …He didn’t always. At one time he had a good job, and a family… until all of that changed. And now, here he is. On the streets. Trying to stay warm, stay healthy, and stay alive!I really enjoyed this book. I really felt for the homeless people after reading this.
Thanks NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Author D.E. Beckler for the complimentary copy of "Missing" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#Thomas&Mercer
#D.EBeckler
#Missing
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Missing is one of those crime novels that immediately stands out because it dares to shift the spotlight. Instead of following the usual detectives and polished investigators, D. E. Beckler gives centre stage to Victor Mitchum—a homeless man whose life on the streets has made him observant, resourceful, and far more capable than anyone realises. It’s a refreshing, deeply human perspective that adds real emotional weight to the story.

Victor is a wonderfully drawn character: vulnerable yet resilient, wary yet quietly hopeful, and accompanied by his loyal‑ish dog, who brings moments of warmth to an otherwise tense narrative. When he witnesses something he shouldn’t and is pulled into a missing‑person case by PI Kasper Dąbrowski, the story takes on a gritty, compelling energy. Watching Victor navigate the shadows of Manchester—both literal and societal—is one of the book’s greatest strengths.

The investigation itself is tightly plotted, with danger escalating as Victor realises he’s not just tracking kidnappers but killers who are frighteningly aware of their surroundings. The dynamic between Victor, Kasper, and Kasper’s sister adds texture and heart, forming an unlikely team you can’t help but root for.

What elevates the novel is its compassion. Beckler shines a light on the forgotten corners of the city and the people who live there, turning them into unexpected allies and heroes. The tension is real, the stakes are high, and the pacing keeps you fully invested.

A gripping, atmospheric thriller with a standout protagonist and a beating heart beneath the suspense. I was hooked from the first page.

With thanks to DE Beckler, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you think you've read every plot within the genre of mystery/thriller, think again!

This is my first introduction to D.E. Beckler, and I was genuinely impressed. I was so intrigued to see how this story would unfold that I ended up reading it in a single day.

What makes this story so unique is Victor, a homeless man with a keen eye and great observational skills, who, along with his dog, teams up with two sibling detectives to investigate a sinister sex club. However, they quickly learn that there's much more at play than they originally thought. Set in Manchester, with creepy, gritty vibes, this book had me turning every page and looking over my shoulder waiting for something to happen next.

This storyline is so unique and I ate it up. I loved the stripped down casual approach of Victor (with help from his four-legged sounding board, Oscar) being the one to really unravel what is going on. For those of us who play armchair detectives, it felt like one of our own got their big break. I was rooting for him!

The pace was consistent, the twists and turns were expertly revealed, the plot was distinct, and the acknowledgment of often overlooked members of society was refreshing. It definitely set the stage for book #2 in the series. I'm already looking forward to reading it!

A great introduction to D.E. Beckler, and I will definitely be back for more.

A big thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Ciara Hartman · Rating 3 out of 5]

🎧 Audio Review: The audio was enjoyable to listen to. The story probably would feel a bit drier without the audio.

📝 Story Review: While I found this decently intriguing, nothing that happened blew my socks off/surprised me. I found the backstory of the homeless man that the PI’s brought on to help them in their missing persons’ case, to be rather interesting. I enjoyed how some of the homeless, less fortunate ones, banded together to try and aid him in his rescue mission at the end. And I was confused by the fact that his dog was talking to him…. Like I assume it was just in his head since no one else could hear the dog talking, but since this was not a fantasy or magical realism story, it felt very odd and kept pulling my focus. So overall, a rather predictable mystery with some odd elements.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5

Tropes 👇

- Amateur sleuthing & PI
- Rescue & Reconnaissance missions

CW’s 👇

- Mention of prostitution
- Mention of drugs/illegal deals
- Homicide/Torture
- Abduction
- Shoot out
- Rival gangs

Audio Release Date: February 1, 2026
Audio Run Time: 8 hrs, 51 mins
Narrated By: Simon Mattacks
Genre: Mystery
Series: A City Streets Mystery, book 1.
POV: First Person; Multi.

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for this ALC in return for my honest review.

[Ivona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some thrillers rely on twists.
This one leans on something sharper. Who gets seen and who gets ignored.

A missing woman starts the story. But that is not the real hook. The real hook is Victor Mitchum. He is homeless. Invisible to most people. That is exactly why he works so well. He notices what others don’t. When he witnesses something he shouldn’t, he gets pulled into a case that quickly turns darker than it first appears.

The writing feels grounded. The streets are not softened or romanticised. You feel the grit. You feel the tension building without the need for constant shocks. The partnership between Victor and Kasper adds balance. One sees everything. The other brings structure. It works.

Victor carries this book. He is rough, observant, and human. Not polished. Not heroic in the usual way. That makes every choice he makes feel real. When the stakes rise, you feel it more because of him.

It is not perfect. The pacing slows in the middle. Some twists are easy to see coming if you read a lot of crime fiction. A few side characters needed more depth. The story never drags, but it also does not always push as hard as it could.

The tone stays dark and grounded. This is a story about people society overlooks and what happens when they refuse to stay invisible.

A strong start to a series with a fresh angle. Not groundbreaking, but tense and engaging.

You come for the case.
You stay for Victor.

[Tricia Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't normally review my husband's books  (partiality declared!) but as a reader who's been listening to audio books for over 20 years (remember cassette tapes from the library?), I wanted to highlight how well this particular book is narrated.  I like a narrator to confidently inhabit the characters and tell the tale without intruding on the story.  I was definitely in safe hands with Simon Mattacks. He conveys so well the emotions and moods of the characters at each point, their anger or exasperation, confusion or frustration and, particularly pleasingly, he gets the tones of sarcasm and the humour just right.  He confidently conveys the communication between Victor, our main character who's trying to survive on the streets of Manchester, and his once pampered pet dog Oscar, who is also struggling to come to terms with his new reality.  Oscar is not best pleased and lets his feelings be known, even if Oscar's backchat is really only going on in Victor's head, it adds to the humour  that is an enjoyable feature of what is quite a gritty thriller.  The excellent narration really helps you to get lost in this engrossing story. Simon Mattacks is going on the list of my searched for narrators. TriciaX

[Caryl Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay so THIS was a bit different from the usual thrillers I binge, and honestly? I loved that 😍🇬🇧 A British author, Manchester setting, gritty city vibes… it gave the story a rawness that felt way more real than the polished, glossy thrillers I usually pick up 🌧️🏙️

Victor isn’t your typical hero either. Homeless, overlooked, rough around the edges, but weirdly compelling. Watching him get pulled into this dark missing persons case had me completely hooked 👀📖 And the fact he basically becomes “invisible” to society so he can spy and gather information? Such a clever twist on the usual detective trope.

There’s something about the Manchester backdrop too… cold streets, tension simmering, that constant feeling something bad is just around the corner. Proper atmospheric ❄️🌫️

I would have liked a tad more depth in places, but honestly the heart, the uniqueness, and the voice carried it for me ❤️✨

Also Oscar 😭🐕 the dog having that almost voice/inner commentary thing added such a unique layer. Weird? Yes. Did it somehow work? Also yes. Protect him at all costs.

And… the found family vibes? Unexpected. And I ate that up 🥹🤍

Definitely a solid 4⭐ read for me, different, gritty, and memorable. I’ll absolutely be continuing the series because I need to see where this goes next 📚🔥

[Roroblu'sMum · Rating 4 out of 5]

4* Very good intro to this author, in a tale, refreshingly set in Manchester UK.

What made this tale for me was Victor's relationship with his 'talking' dog, but also, that it wasn't a faux-US-mafia tale set in the Bronx, that's been done far too often to the point of 'here we go again'. The down-to-earth feel of the storyline and characters made them believable, especially the brother in the PI duo, who was the weaker link, the one who's gotten them into the situation with their unwanted Scottish customer, who's clearly going to be trouble in book 2.

The gritty feel of the Manchester underworld was kept real by not making it OTT. The bad guys felt menacing, as did the discovery of the situation with the blue bin. A bit of a syrong stomach was needed in parts. The posse that got assembled for the final fight didn't quite feel believable, nor did how quickly they came together and coordinated and planned so well - that's where the tale lost 1* for me. They were strangers made to look a bit The A-Team, which felt passé.

Still, I'd read more of this series and this author.

[Kerry Garrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was not as fast paced as I had expected. The story follows a homeless man Victor and his dog Oscar. Victor starts working for private investigator siblings Zofia and Kaspa.

The homeless aspect was an interested part to this book. I can’t remember reading a book where one of the MMC is homeless. It evokes emotions towards the homeless community and the struggles they face.

The background of how Victor became homeless left me feeling extremely sad for his unfortunate predicament.

I struggled with the setting of this book. Although there are a few main places, Victor wonders the streets to different places and I found this really hard to keep track of.

I enjoyed the characters and Victor being able to speak to his dog was a brilliant concept. I’m sure any dog lover can relate to this!

I didn’t find this book to be a page turner, and nothing about the plot surprised me. I was easily able to guess where the story was heading and there wasn’t any twists that shocked me.

Having said that, I think it is well written and I did enjoy it. I look forward to the next book in this series.

[Erin Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Missing by D.E. Beckler is a gritty, and highly immersive crime thriller that balances a dark, high-stakes kidnapping case with an unforgettable, down-at-heel central partnership. The book relies heavily on character development. While the tension builds naturally, the pacing noticeably decelerates in the middle chapters before speeding up for the climax. A few of the plot twists felt predictable. However, the unique social perspective more than compensates for the predictable narrative in sections. The author uses the framework of a standard missing-person case to explore deeper social issues, giving the book more weight than a typical thriller. The central plot revolves around abduction and a human trafficking ring. While it focuses on the investigation, the implied and stated treatment of the victims is highly distressing. There are descriptions of physical violence, assault, knife threats, and multiple murders. A few scenes involve the lethal targeting of vulnerable characters. This book is an immersive page-turner packed with suspenseful, twists that kept me hooked until the final pages.

[Tameka P · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of Advance copy received from Net Galley
Missing is not your typical crime thriller.

In MISSING, a brother-sister private investigative team enlist the help of a homeless man, Victor, in their search of a missing woman. The investigative team is clearly unequipped and under qualified for the situation and reluctantly accepts the help of Victor after he argues he is often ignored and can hide in plain sight.

Victor’s history is shared sporadically throughout the book which kept my attention. His former family dog accompanies him on the streets. This is my first book from this author from the synopsis I was expecting a crime thriller. The book suddenly has Victor speaking with his dog and the dog speaking back. This was a twist I was not expecting. I found the start of the book pretty slow, however found the middle and ending to be more intriguing and kept my attention. The ending leads perfectly into setting up for a second book.

Special thank you to Net Galley and D.E. Beckler for access to this book for my honest review.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kasper, a PI, hires Victor, a homeless guy, to help him and his coworker/sister, Zofia, find a missing female. Victor agrees because he needs money and wants to get off the street. Soon they realize there's much more involved and the kidnappers are actually traffickers and murderers and the random attacks might not be so random.

After a series of events, they are able to find the missing girl and things get even more eventful from there. With the help of Victor, some of his homeless friends, and friends of friends, they execute a rescue plan, but let's just say things don't go as planned.

There is a lot of action going on in this book and I enjoyed every minute of it. I especially loved the banter between Victor and his dog Oscar and the fact that they understood each other was priceless! Be sure to read the three chapter preview of Hunted at the end of the book. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

[Andi · Rating 3 out of 5]

In MISSING, a brother-sister private investigative team enlist the help of a homeless man, Victor, in their search for a missing woman. Victor is intelligent and articulate, and observes one of the poorly disguised PIs on a stakeout. When he offers to help—as homeless people are often ignored and can hide in plain sight—the PI team reluctantly agrees.

No details are shared initially about Victor’s situation and how he landed on the streets, but readers learn of his plight through the story. His former family dog has followed him on the streets, and sometimes “talks” to him. This was one thing that annoyed me about the story.

However, the plot was compelling and the narrator was excellent. It was unique having a homeless person as the lead and sharing the world from their perspective. The ending was good, and I’ll likely continue the series.

🌟Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.🌟

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC of the audiobook Missing by D.E. Becker. What a great storyline with a diverse cast of characters who drew me in from the first page. Victor has become homeless, through no fault of his own and whilst at his favourite pitch gets entwined in the case of a missing girl. With plenty of time on his hands, he ends up supporting a local private investigator, Kasper and his sister, who have been hired to solve the case. The story unfolds beautifully, and if I could have listened in one sitting I would have. The plotline and characters are perfectly pitched to explore this case of a missing girl, Victor's wish to make a difference and earn enough money to start again whilst also building the tension and angst of having a missing child. The narration was on point, and the range of characters that are revisited throughout the book really help to add to the storyline. Particular recognition must go to the non-human speaking part. When is the next book out!

[Wioletta Maj · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really gripping and emotional thriller. The story follows Victor, a homeless man who unexpectedly becomes involved in a missing person case, and from the first pages I felt curious to know what will happen next.
I liked how the book shows the life of people we often don’t notice, and it added a deeper, more human feeling to the mystery.
The atmosphere is dark and tense, but the writing is easy to read and keeps you turning pages. I especially enjoyed the slow uncovering of secrets and the feeling that danger is always close.
Overall, this was a strong and interesting crime story, and I would love to read more in this series.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for your trust. It was my first advanced copy request. I hope my thoughts here and across other book platforms help other readers discover this great book.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

😳Thrill a minute on Manchester streets😍

A fantastic, fast-paced adventure, exciting and with high degree of suspense. I loved the idea of a down on his luck homeless man agreeing to work surveillance for a not so great private investigator and getting in way too deep in a gang war. The way that a band of homeless brothers came together to help Victor when the situation got really dire was an excellent twist since Victor originally appeared as a loner, only really close to his dog Oscar and mostly just civil to the sizable community of homeless who call Manchester their "patch", their home.

Honestly, not a boring or superfluous scene and well written. I was impressed. Definitely an author whose work I'd seek again.

Thanks to Amazon Publishing UK, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.