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Mistral
Adam’s wife, Maryanne, vanished without trace whilst on holiday in southern France, more than two years ago. Unexpectedly, he receives an enigmatic message. It prompts him to return to the scene of her disappearance. His efforts to piece together what happened force him to reexamine their relationship, coupled with his feelings of guilt.
Retracing events that led to that fateful day, he soon learns that his return has not gone unnoticed, and his efforts to find Maryanne are far from welcome. Adam is joined in his search by Abigail, Maryanne’s daughter from a previous marriage. It is February. The mistral is battering the streets and dark corners of the ancient towns across this area of France.
As more of Maryanne’s past is revealed, the search, enmeshed in a world of intrigue and deceit, with its past rooted in antiquity, becomes increasingly dangerous. They discover that some will do anything to stop them from uncovering the final, terrifying truth.
Retracing events that led to that fateful day, he soon learns that his return has not gone unnoticed, and his efforts to find Maryanne are far from welcome. Adam is joined in his search by Abigail, Maryanne’s daughter from a previous marriage. It is February. The mistral is battering the streets and dark corners of the ancient towns across this area of France.
As more of Maryanne’s past is revealed, the search, enmeshed in a world of intrigue and deceit, with its past rooted in antiquity, becomes increasingly dangerous. They discover that some will do anything to stop them from uncovering the final, terrifying truth.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 18, 2025
It's fantastic, I love the book. It was a strong concept and kept me on the edge of my seat.
I loved the cover. It is Mistral presented as a visual. A mistral is a strong, cold wind in France and other places. Great design job.
The book is very well written and flows nicely. I loved the descriptions and visuals. They definitely made this chilling. The twists and turns are excellent.
The book is set in the south of France and the little towns sound perfectly idyllic. The villages gave a slight cosy feel for me which I likes.
The characters are great and all fit perfectly into the story. I liked Adam. I felt a little sorry for him being sent on this wild good chase to find Maryanne. It was good seeing how his story unfolded and climaxed. Excellent job, Robert!!
I really recommend this book. It was a great read.
I loved the cover. It is Mistral presented as a visual. A mistral is a strong, cold wind in France and other places. Great design job.
The book is very well written and flows nicely. I loved the descriptions and visuals. They definitely made this chilling. The twists and turns are excellent.
The book is set in the south of France and the little towns sound perfectly idyllic. The villages gave a slight cosy feel for me which I likes.
The characters are great and all fit perfectly into the story. I liked Adam. I felt a little sorry for him being sent on this wild good chase to find Maryanne. It was good seeing how his story unfolded and climaxed. Excellent job, Robert!!
I really recommend this book. It was a great read.
July 2, 2025
I've not read this author before and so wasn't sure what to expect from this book - but I just couldn't help being drawn in by that gloriously dark and brooding front cover.
As depicted, this was a dark and brooding story with a tension that built throughout - almost taking us to breaking point.
Over two years ago, Maryanne mysteriously went missing when she was holidaying in France with her husband Adam.
Now, Adam receives a message that prompts him to return to the area to investigate further and understand what actually happened to his wife.
I really liked Adam, who had such a fierce determination to find out more about his wife's disappearance.
I feel like I'd be similar in that I just wouldn't be able to let things lie .....but Adam was such a calm presence amongst the chaos!
I liked the addition of Abigail, Maryanne's daughter from a previous relationship.
It was lovely to see the dynamic between her and Adam. She really understood where when was coming from and respected his way of working even though she was pretty strong-willed herself.
This was quite a steady pace for me, I often read very fast paced, get your heart racing thrillers - but it was nice to see this for a change as it allowed for more introspection and exploration of the topics.
A great read overall and I think I'd definitely read more by this author in the future.
As depicted, this was a dark and brooding story with a tension that built throughout - almost taking us to breaking point.
Over two years ago, Maryanne mysteriously went missing when she was holidaying in France with her husband Adam.
Now, Adam receives a message that prompts him to return to the area to investigate further and understand what actually happened to his wife.
I really liked Adam, who had such a fierce determination to find out more about his wife's disappearance.
I feel like I'd be similar in that I just wouldn't be able to let things lie .....but Adam was such a calm presence amongst the chaos!
I liked the addition of Abigail, Maryanne's daughter from a previous relationship.
It was lovely to see the dynamic between her and Adam. She really understood where when was coming from and respected his way of working even though she was pretty strong-willed herself.
This was quite a steady pace for me, I often read very fast paced, get your heart racing thrillers - but it was nice to see this for a change as it allowed for more introspection and exploration of the topics.
A great read overall and I think I'd definitely read more by this author in the future.
June 21, 2025
From the beginning, I was pulled into Adam’s search for the truth about his wife Maryanne’s disappearance. His quiet determination and calm nature made him easy to connect with, it was engaging to follow along as he followed the trail back to the small French village where it all began.
The book moves at a steady pace, which I liked—it gave me time to get to know the characters and really feel the atmosphere. The setting in the south of France was beautifully described, with quiet towns and eerie moments that added just the right level of tension.
Abigail, Maryanne’s daughter, was a standout character too. Her relationship with Adam was thoughtful and real. I liked how the book explored grief, secrets, and the need for closure in such a layered way.
A gentle but gripping story about loss, love, and finding peace after long-held silence. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy a reflective mystery with strong character focus.
The book moves at a steady pace, which I liked—it gave me time to get to know the characters and really feel the atmosphere. The setting in the south of France was beautifully described, with quiet towns and eerie moments that added just the right level of tension.
Abigail, Maryanne’s daughter, was a standout character too. Her relationship with Adam was thoughtful and real. I liked how the book explored grief, secrets, and the need for closure in such a layered way.
A gentle but gripping story about loss, love, and finding peace after long-held silence. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy a reflective mystery with strong character focus.
June 30, 2025
Mistral is a slow building psychological thriller that really excels in compelling characters and a tightly woven storyline. I particularly liked how dark and brooding this novel was, we uncover the story of Maryanne’s secrets slowly with Adam. Speaking of Adam he was a wonderful protagonist for a psychological thriller. He seemed very grounded and focused. This made him an easy character to ‘bond’ with throughout the novel.
I will say that the pace is slower and almost creeping, this I found mirrored real life and more importantly builds tension as you continue to the story. It’s definitely not in your face but it does keep you hooked.
If you are looking for a psychological thriller that is a little slow pace but packs a lot of amazing twists, turns and a brilliant cast of characters Mistral is the read for you.
As always thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours for the copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.
I will say that the pace is slower and almost creeping, this I found mirrored real life and more importantly builds tension as you continue to the story. It’s definitely not in your face but it does keep you hooked.
If you are looking for a psychological thriller that is a little slow pace but packs a lot of amazing twists, turns and a brilliant cast of characters Mistral is the read for you.
As always thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours for the copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.
June 29, 2025
I used to read a lot of books like this some years ago – thrillers with religious undertones – but it’s been quite a while. The Cathars, the Knights Templar and Mary Magdalene (think The Da Vinci Code). There are so many myths and legends that surround these things and I was always fascinated. In fact I did quite a bit of reading around the subject.
Adam had a relationship with Maryanne straight after university, where they were both reading law. But Maryanne ended the relationship and they both moved on. Then some fifteen or so years later, they meet again. This time they get married, but one day she disappears. No trace of her is found until Adam receives a message and returns to the last place they were together before she vanished.
He is joined by her daughter Abigail from a previous marriage and their quest takes them all over France, mainly to various locations known for their religious devotees and tourists.
The synopsis talks about Adam’s feelings of guilt, but I’m not sure what he feels so guilty about. We never really find out what was wrong with Maryanne, but her detachment from reality, her devotion to the cult (not a cult in the traditional sense, but still a cult) she becomes involved with, and her treatment of Abigail, all point to a mental illness of some sort.
However, I didn’t expect the story to become so dark and dangerous as Adam and Abigail (aided by Caroline who did not like Maryanne and who can blame her), try to find out what happened to her in those intervening years. But there are some who will do anything to stop them. And all set against a backdrop of the mistral, a strong, cold, dry wind that blows across parts of France.
An intriguing and well-written book which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Many thanks to @ZooloosBT for inviting me to be part of this blog tour.
Adam had a relationship with Maryanne straight after university, where they were both reading law. But Maryanne ended the relationship and they both moved on. Then some fifteen or so years later, they meet again. This time they get married, but one day she disappears. No trace of her is found until Adam receives a message and returns to the last place they were together before she vanished.
He is joined by her daughter Abigail from a previous marriage and their quest takes them all over France, mainly to various locations known for their religious devotees and tourists.
The synopsis talks about Adam’s feelings of guilt, but I’m not sure what he feels so guilty about. We never really find out what was wrong with Maryanne, but her detachment from reality, her devotion to the cult (not a cult in the traditional sense, but still a cult) she becomes involved with, and her treatment of Abigail, all point to a mental illness of some sort.
However, I didn’t expect the story to become so dark and dangerous as Adam and Abigail (aided by Caroline who did not like Maryanne and who can blame her), try to find out what happened to her in those intervening years. But there are some who will do anything to stop them. And all set against a backdrop of the mistral, a strong, cold, dry wind that blows across parts of France.
An intriguing and well-written book which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Many thanks to @ZooloosBT for inviting me to be part of this blog tour.
June 28, 2025
Mistral by Robert Cole.
This was a good read. It took me a few chapters to get into the story. was drawn to the cover. This is a new author for me. I liked the writing style and the story. I was rooting for Adam. That did surprise me. I did not expect that. I was surprised by the ending.
This was a good read. It took me a few chapters to get into the story. was drawn to the cover. This is a new author for me. I liked the writing style and the story. I was rooting for Adam. That did surprise me. I did not expect that. I was surprised by the ending.
June 22, 2025
A very slow burn, almost causing me to stop reading it as I felt not much was happening, but I'm glad I continued! I enjoyed the historical religion stories and the wonderful descriptions of the French villages visited throughout.
Following Adam searching for his missing wife, joined by her daughter Abigail, we experience what life was like for all of them over the years in Dublin, London and France. I found myself drawn in, rooting for them to find Maryanne to discover where she has been the last 2 years, and I did not see the ending coming. From a slow burner to a tension filled last few chapters, Mistral quickly became an enjoyable read.
Following Adam searching for his missing wife, joined by her daughter Abigail, we experience what life was like for all of them over the years in Dublin, London and France. I found myself drawn in, rooting for them to find Maryanne to discover where she has been the last 2 years, and I did not see the ending coming. From a slow burner to a tension filled last few chapters, Mistral quickly became an enjoyable read.
June 17, 2025
First off I love this cover, you can feel the movement in the image.
A story that follows the mysterious disappearance of Maryanne whilst on holiday. Her husband Adam returns to the last place she was seen trying to find out what happened.
I really liked how the story unfolded starting slowly then building tension right to the end. With secrets to find in order to solve this mystery it was a compelling read with a great set of characters woven through the story.
Throughly enjoyed I will be looking out for more from this author.
@zooloosbooktours #robertcole #mistral @blossom.spring.publishing #psychologicalthriller #bookstagram
A story that follows the mysterious disappearance of Maryanne whilst on holiday. Her husband Adam returns to the last place she was seen trying to find out what happened.
I really liked how the story unfolded starting slowly then building tension right to the end. With secrets to find in order to solve this mystery it was a compelling read with a great set of characters woven through the story.
Throughly enjoyed I will be looking out for more from this author.
@zooloosbooktours #robertcole #mistral @blossom.spring.publishing #psychologicalthriller #bookstagram
May 20, 2025
This book started as a slow burn for me, but I was soon wrapped up in the story. Adam has gone to France to find his wife, who disappeared a few years ago. Her daughter, Abigail, arrives to help with the search. Add in a few good friends, some mysterious characters from Maryanne and Abigail's past, and things become twisted.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read, and I will definitely look for more books by this author.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read, and I will definitely look for more books by this author.
July 1, 2025
Here is my review for Mistral by Robert Cole
I found this a truly intriguing story set in Southern France where Adam’s wife, Maryanne, vanished without trace more than two years ago and Adam has received a postcard with a surprise message on it. He decides to go back to the scene of Maryanne’s disappearance. He tries to piece together what could have happened and this forces him to examine their relationship which ends up with tinged feelings of guilt. When he goes to see a market stall holder who sells photographs who Maryanne spoke to for a while, he denies knowing her or seeing her before but he gets quite defensive and fearful so Adam leaves him. Later, Adam is pushed down into the road by a brute of a man and he ends up hurting his knee plus his hand is bleeding a lot. The man seems familiar though. Another stallholder, Vivienne, called him over and helped him sort his wounds. He asked her if she knew the photographer but she said only to wave to or say hello to but her husband might know him better. She took his number and the next day early in the morning, her husband called to arrange meeting Adam for lunch one market day. Adam agreed. This was a terrific story as it was very well written and thought out. Adam was a great character and played his part well, trying to find his wife, Maryanne. The plot was intriguing and interesting which kept me invested in the story. I believe the author did some research for this story as it shows in the story and the writing, it makes it better and more informed. I was hooked from the start of the story and I just couldn’t put the book down as I wanted to know what happened next. I liked the author’s writing and I found it really easy to get into. I would like to read more books by this author in the future.
Blurb :
Adam’s wife, Maryanne, vanished without trace whilst on holiday in southern France, more than two years ago.Unexpectedly, he receives an enigmatic message. It prompts him to return to the scene of her disappearance. His efforts to piece together what happened force him to reexamine their relationship, coupled with his feelings of guilt.
Retracing events that led to that fateful day, he soon learns that his return has not gone unnoticed, and his efforts to find Maryanne are far from welcome. Adam is joined in his search by Abigail, Maryanne’s daughter from a previous marriage. It is February. The mistral is battering the streets and dark corners of the ancient towns across this area of France.
As more of Maryanne’s past is revealed, the search, enmeshed in a world of intrigue and deceit, with its past rooted in antiquity, becomes increasingly dangerous. They discover that some will do anything to stop them from uncovering the final, terrifying truth.
I found this a truly intriguing story set in Southern France where Adam’s wife, Maryanne, vanished without trace more than two years ago and Adam has received a postcard with a surprise message on it. He decides to go back to the scene of Maryanne’s disappearance. He tries to piece together what could have happened and this forces him to examine their relationship which ends up with tinged feelings of guilt. When he goes to see a market stall holder who sells photographs who Maryanne spoke to for a while, he denies knowing her or seeing her before but he gets quite defensive and fearful so Adam leaves him. Later, Adam is pushed down into the road by a brute of a man and he ends up hurting his knee plus his hand is bleeding a lot. The man seems familiar though. Another stallholder, Vivienne, called him over and helped him sort his wounds. He asked her if she knew the photographer but she said only to wave to or say hello to but her husband might know him better. She took his number and the next day early in the morning, her husband called to arrange meeting Adam for lunch one market day. Adam agreed. This was a terrific story as it was very well written and thought out. Adam was a great character and played his part well, trying to find his wife, Maryanne. The plot was intriguing and interesting which kept me invested in the story. I believe the author did some research for this story as it shows in the story and the writing, it makes it better and more informed. I was hooked from the start of the story and I just couldn’t put the book down as I wanted to know what happened next. I liked the author’s writing and I found it really easy to get into. I would like to read more books by this author in the future.
Blurb :
Adam’s wife, Maryanne, vanished without trace whilst on holiday in southern France, more than two years ago.Unexpectedly, he receives an enigmatic message. It prompts him to return to the scene of her disappearance. His efforts to piece together what happened force him to reexamine their relationship, coupled with his feelings of guilt.
Retracing events that led to that fateful day, he soon learns that his return has not gone unnoticed, and his efforts to find Maryanne are far from welcome. Adam is joined in his search by Abigail, Maryanne’s daughter from a previous marriage. It is February. The mistral is battering the streets and dark corners of the ancient towns across this area of France.
As more of Maryanne’s past is revealed, the search, enmeshed in a world of intrigue and deceit, with its past rooted in antiquity, becomes increasingly dangerous. They discover that some will do anything to stop them from uncovering the final, terrifying truth.
June 4, 2025
I recently read Mistral by Robert Cole, and if you enjoy a slow-burning psychological mystery with emotional depth, this one might just be for you.
The pacing was steady throughout — not too fast, not too slow — but it definitely picked up towards the end, building tension just when I needed it. I found myself fully drawn into Adam’s world. He was such a grounded character, with this quiet resilience that really stayed with me. He couldn’t quite let go or move on, but instead, he brought calm to the chaos around him. He offered stability, carried himself with quiet dignity, and clung to hope, even when he had every reason not to. I really admired him for that — he felt like the emotional backbone of the story.
Abigail stood out too — independent, strong-willed, and sharp. You could sense the respect she had for Adam, and it was lovely to see how the sense of normality he brought to her mother’s life also made a difference to her own. Their dynamic added something special.
That said, I did find some of the sections around Maryanne — particularly her reluctance to open up about her past — a little repetitive at times. But I forgave that because the book had such rich historical detail woven through it, which I absolutely loved. It added depth and context, making the story feel rooted in something bigger than just the characters.
At its core, Mistral is about love, loss, and the search for answers — but it's also a story about the weight of things left unsaid and the ripple effects they can have. It was thoughtful, layered, and quietly powerful.
If you like character-driven mysteries with emotional threads and a touch of history, this one’s definitely worth a read.
The pacing was steady throughout — not too fast, not too slow — but it definitely picked up towards the end, building tension just when I needed it. I found myself fully drawn into Adam’s world. He was such a grounded character, with this quiet resilience that really stayed with me. He couldn’t quite let go or move on, but instead, he brought calm to the chaos around him. He offered stability, carried himself with quiet dignity, and clung to hope, even when he had every reason not to. I really admired him for that — he felt like the emotional backbone of the story.
Abigail stood out too — independent, strong-willed, and sharp. You could sense the respect she had for Adam, and it was lovely to see how the sense of normality he brought to her mother’s life also made a difference to her own. Their dynamic added something special.
That said, I did find some of the sections around Maryanne — particularly her reluctance to open up about her past — a little repetitive at times. But I forgave that because the book had such rich historical detail woven through it, which I absolutely loved. It added depth and context, making the story feel rooted in something bigger than just the characters.
At its core, Mistral is about love, loss, and the search for answers — but it's also a story about the weight of things left unsaid and the ripple effects they can have. It was thoughtful, layered, and quietly powerful.
If you like character-driven mysteries with emotional threads and a touch of history, this one’s definitely worth a read.
February 16, 2026
I was given this book (not a purchase). It interests me that the author decided to concentrate on writing novels (and traveling) after he retired and that this is his second. Other than the book being a pretty gripping and easy read, I liked that I learned some interesting facts while reading it, thanks to the backdrop. I appreciated the author's strong sense of place in and around Uzes in France, where a good part of the book is set (including where Van Gogh was "incarcerated" for a time). Having been there (not incarcernated!) it took me right back... What I didn't know about was the whole Catholic bit, the Mary Magdalene cave and Sainte-Baume "monastery" near Marseille, the history of the Dominicans... things woven through as part of the plot (that I could google and find more information on). Real stuff. I like a book that mixes facts with fiction. The author trained as a clinical psychologist. I felt this came into the dialogue and his "understanding" of the characters.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews