The Missing Ones

by Anita Waller

Preorder the BRAND NEW psychological thriller from the number 2 bestselling author of The Family at No. 12 Praise for Anita

‘Wow! Sit down and hold on for the ride!… Another one of Anita’s books that I didn't want to put down… Just as I love a psychological thriller to be and the ending was just perfect. Another stunningly compulsive read from a truly brilliant author!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I was hooked from the first page. Blown away. Wow… Twisted, dark and disturbing.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This is why I read novels! This book is everything!... I want to read ten more like it.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘WHAT A BRILLIANT READ… It gripped me from the first page, in fact it’s the book I've enjoyed reading the most so far this year.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Oh my goodness! I’m not a great reader but I devoured this book in a few days… Twists and turns a plenty… Suspense, thrilling, heart wrenching and what a conclusion. Had it all. Best book in a long time.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A superb contemporary psychological thriller that saw me gripped from the start… A very powerful and chilling tale, not for the faint hearted.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘What a read! Literally I couldn’t put it down… Extremely gripping.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Thoroughly gripping, compelling and definitely one for the shock factor!{::}… I can’t wait to see what Waller has up her sleeve for us next!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Gobsmacking… Kept me glued to the pages until the very last word!… The outcome shocked me – I didn’t see THAT coming but that wasn't the last surprise. A fantastic thriller.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Fiction, Audiobook, Crime, Novels, Thriller

280 pages, Paperback

Published May 16, 2025

About the author

I live in Sheffield, UK. I am retired and have recently fulfilled my lifelong ambition of becoming a published author with Bloodhound Books.
I am married (almost 50 years to Dave) with three children and seven grandchildren.
I am a patchwork and quilting tutor as well as a writer.
My first book was Beautiful and my second, a sequel to Beautiful, is called Angel.

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic read from Anita waller. I was hooked from the start.A brilliant crime read.. Ray Eke had a breakdown, and his job was too stressful. He decided to litter picking for the council.one day, he discovered a body of Lauren Pascoe, who disappeared three years earlier.DI Chris Chandler joined a new team and investigated the crime.another victim was taken,will she be found alive? I was engrossed with this read.im, and I am looking forward to reading her next book.I hope this book continues onto book two as I enjoyed the new police team.

[Beachcomber · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars rounded up - my first by Anita Waller, and this started out as a seemingly decent read when a litter picker worker finds a woman’s body… however I think a few things stopped this being a more enjoyable 4 star read for me sadly.

Firstly, the pacing was off. It dragged far too long on them investigating, and the policing didn’t quite ring true - you don’t just pop by the house of the man who found the body, for a chat because you like them. And surely you can’t just borrow a traffic beat cop and then magically make them a permanent member of the team with one simple form?

Secondly, the language just felt a little - I’m not quite sure how to describe it, but slightly trying too hard for me. It didn’t read as smoothly or as naturally, and almost felt like a debut book as a result. Added to which, was the dialogue feeling a bit stilted. The whole team seemed a bit to jolly happy perfect together all chums here, and not natural - I’ve never worked anywhere where there hasn’t been some friction or grumbles…

Thirdly, whodunnit. Lots of signposting here, and then at the end it all wraps up with a solution and then another and another… but without any explanation why. After a slow story, you at least want the satisfaction of knowing why… which we don’t get here.

I’d hoped to like this one, and I am happy that the majority of reviews do seem to give it 4 or 5 stars. I have seen a few others agree with me though, which is sometimes reassuring!

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ray Eke used to be a partner accountant in an accountancy business but after a lifetime of sending his days analysing numbers, he has a breakdown and leaves Accountancy far behind, his partner Mark to take over the business on his own. Ray takes up a job for the Council as a litter man, wandering the streets collecting what others discard. He lives with his mother who has shut up her house to move in and look after Ray and he thoroughly enjoys his major past time playing the piano, of which he is quite talented.

Ray is more than happy in his new role, that is until the day he finds a body. Lauren Pascoe has been missing for 3 years, and Ray instantly recognizes her. He makes a call to the local police, all who know him from seeing him on the streets working away. Soon another body is found, and the police have a major case in their hands.

The hunt is now on for the killer and as with all of Anita Waller’s books there are twists along the way leading that keep the reader thinking. I have to say the end came as a bit of a shock as I certainly did not pick it and was quite clever.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessed with The Missing Ones by Anita Waller! From the first page, this crime thriller is a total grabber with its fast pace and insane twists. The moment Lauren Pascoe's body turns up after three years missing, you're in for a dark ride. The Major Crime Unit in this book? Seriously good. Their teamwork, how professional they are, and how much they care about this awful case makes them so easy to root for. DI Chris Chandler and his team feel like old friends instantly. The suspense builds perfectly, keeping you on edge the whole time – I was up way past my bedtime turning pages. Waller is a master at unfolding this mystery, and the pacing is spot on. The writing puts you right there, with these eerie and sharp descriptions that add to the mood. Some things in this book completely blindsided me, and other parts I figured out, which made it so engaging. If you need a crime thriller with awesome characters and a story that won't let go, The Missing Ones is it. I'm already hoping for more from this Major Crime Unit – completely invested.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author of the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Cherise Isabella · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐ rounded down.

This was my first time reading Anita Waller, and it was an okay introduction. I liked the characters, the storyline, and the setting. It was a little more gruesome than I expected. Nonetheless, it was decent. I did enjoy some parts of the investigation and the chemistry the team had. Their banter with each other was entertaining. However, I am not sure I quite liked the writing style. It didn't flow naturally to me.

In addition, certain parts of the book dragged. I also figured out pretty early on who the killer was. That wasn't what let me down, though. I'm an avid thriller/mystery reader, so I can almost always guess the twist. What really disappointed me was how rushed it felt. There was no explanation for why they did it, what led them to it, and why they chose their victims. I felt like there was so much more that needed to be explained. I mean, there's ambiguity, and then there's plot holes...huge difference. The final line also threw me. It came out of nowhere, and I audibly said, "Huh?".

Overall, I wouldn't say I hated it, but I definitely had several issues with this book. I did, however, enjoy some of it, and I would give this author another try in the future.

Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and Anita Waller for my eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

[The Cookster · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rating: 1.0/5

"The Missing Ones" is my first experience of Anita Waller's work and, if this is typical of her writing style, then I suspect it will also be my last.

The story opens in a reasonably encouraging fashion - but it is all downhill from that point. You might generously describe the author's style as simplistic or, if you are feeling less kindly inclined, you may prefer to brand it as quite juvenile and reminiscent of the kind of stuff produced by Enid Blyton, but with some more adult content.

The dialogue is stilted and unnatural. The narrative contains so much padding that it is clearly only there to make up the writer's required word count. I appreciate that authors require dramatic licence at times, but the plot is inane and the police procedural elements bear little or no resemblance to real life. One to avoid.

As ever, I would still like to convey my thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review. It is a pity I was not in a position to pass more favourable comment on this occasion.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time I have read a book by this author, and I definitely want to read more of her work. From the very beginning, you are grabbed by the scruff of the neck and pulled into the story.

We are introduced to Ray, who makes a very unpleasant discovery while performing his job. The entire police team sees him as a friendly and helpful man, but I didn’t share that opinion. To be honest, I found him a bit creepy. Did the long arm of the law get it right, or was my female intuition more accurate?

The book has a perfect pace, and the author keeps you captivated by gradually unveiling the mystery and intensifying the suspense.

The writing style is immersive, and the atmosphere is eerie, partly due to the chilling descriptions of horror. Some things I figured out, while others completely surprised me.

For readers who enjoy dark, gripping stories, this is an absolute must-read. 5 stars

Thank you

[Becky 🐆 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sadly I didn’t love this book even though I’d seen it had been highly rated by others. It was readable for sure but I found certain parts of it to be a little frustrating and unrealistic. The police team in this book were unlike any I’ve ever known of or read about in other police procedurals, short working hours for one thing! Unrealistic procedures and thought processes and overall just not believable for me. I like books to have twists in them and although you could argue that this one did have a couple towards the end I found them to be very obvious. I’d already figured out the ending at 60% in. I’m grateful to have been provided an ARC copy to read and review but sadly I can’t rate this one very highly.

[Tanya · Rating 1 out of 5]

Amateurish and sloppy

This was an incredibly unbelievable book for the beginning, and not in a good way. A DI and his team acting like school kids, all laughing constantly (even after finding badly mutilated bodies), referring to a team member as “one smart cookie” over and over, the DI hugging witnesses and suspects, it was absurd.
Then there was a blatant error halfway through. The whole book starts with Ray Eke, a partner in an accounting firm, having a nervous breakdown in June 2021. He recovers in the hospital, and arranges with his partner to sell out his share of the company. Three years later a dead body is found—a woman who, we find out, went missing shortly before his breakdown. Ray remembers helping distribute posters to help find her at the time. At a certain point the team finds out she worked for just a day at the accounting office. So the detective goes to question him. But he says she was there in SEPTEMBER of 2021. At first I assumed it was a typo, but the author doubled down on it—Ray says he was out of the office and working on selling out to his partner. But if he was searching for her then it was BEFORE his breakdown and the buy out. Later, the author switches back to June, but that’s more than a typo, it’s completely wrong.
There was so much else wrong with it. Even the ending—made no sense in light of what we knew of the characters at the beginning. I cannot grasp how this book got published or got good reviews.

[bookloversclub2023 · Rating 4 out of 5]

AD/PR- Ray Eke has always found peace in his job, collecting litter for the city council. Until the day he finds the brutalized, bloodless body of a girl on his round. He recognizes her immediately too. Lauren Pascoe went missing three years before.

It’s also clear she hasn’t been lying on the roadside verge all this time. Someone’s clearly been holding her prisoner. Keeping her as their very special toy.

The police know it couldn’t have been Ray, whose gentle heart is obvious to all. But then another girl is taken. And she’s someone who Ray had a connection to, back in his previous job as an accountant, before his breakdown…

I enjoyed this one by Anita, the pacing was brilliant and the writing style made it so easy to follow and quick to read.

I did however guess the ending around who was involved and how it was intertwined.
The book lends itself to a sequel maybe more around why they carried out the murder as that seemed to be slightly missed.

The police team were engaging and it was nice to see them getting on for a new team
Instead of the usual friction.

Overall it was a good read but as I guessed the end it is a four star read for me. I would read more of Anita’s books for sure.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this copy.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fantastic read, and a perfect psychological thriller that I would recommend to any thriller fans! I’ve read a lot of books about serial kidnappings and serial killers, but this plot was definitely unique in it’s own way and I throughly enjoyed this story from start to finish!

A lot of thrillers are pretty predictable in terms of plot twists, but this one most definitely wasn’t predictable, and the twists in this book made me gasp out loud, which is rare as I usually guess plot twists early on! I adored everything about this book. The writing was brilliant and the story was so cleverly written, and all the characters were interesting to read about.

This was in a way kind of a police procedural, as we follow the detective team as they hunt to find the killer, and I loved the dynamic of all the team. I would absolutely love it if this turned into a police procedural series, following the team solving more crimes! I’m not sure if that’s on the cards, but I hope so!

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Susan Belman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was creepy good. I was instantly drawn in—especially curious about Rays breakdown and how he ended up living such a quiet, isolated life. The story unfolds with a haunting intensity, and the sorrow of the families with missing girls really hit hard. The torture details were unsettling and tough to read at times, but they added to the disturbing atmosphere. Even with the heavy content, I couldn’t put it down. Dark, emotional, and impossible to look away from. Twists and turns, suspicions about the identity of the predator, rage fueling my desire to see the reveal. Loved and Hated this book.

[Julie Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good crime thriller.
A woman’s naked, brutalised body is found by a local litter picker.
When the Police arrive they recognise Ray as he’s well known in the area as he used to be an accountant until he suffered a breakdown.
He now chooses to clear the streets as it’s a stress free life.
The investigating team are upset by the results of the post-mortem as it seems the woman was tortured for some time.
Soon another young woman goes missing and Chris and the team fear the worst.
This is a good read but had a bit of an abrupt ending with no explanation of why the attacks were carried out.
Thanks to Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this book.

[Zoe Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book took me so long to read it’s alright

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Missing Ones by Anita Waller, when the book begins we find Ray eek having a mental breakdown at his accounting firm that he shares with his best friend Mark. Cut to a few years later, he has given up accounting and finds his solace in picking up litter for the town of Sheffield and the first chance we get to see him doing this he also finds a dead body. It turns out it’s a girl who’s been missing for three years But they soon learned she only recently died. The new detective on the serious crimes unit DCI Chris Chandler hasn’t even learned the name of his team members yet but must find the murderer of Lauren Pascoe before he can even get the cause of death certificate back there’s another missing woman. her name is Hannah Wrightson and soon the team will learn Hannah and Lauren both have ties to the accounting firm but the answers don’t come as swiftly as the bodies do but are just as baffling. This was such a good book I hope this becomes a series because I thought DCI Chris Chandler in the gang works so well together and make for an interesting crew to follow not to mention would love to hear more about their lives especially Maria in DCI Chris just know when you think this book is over keep reading until you’re at the acknowledgments because trust me when I say you do not want to miss a word. #NetGalley,#BoldwoodBooks, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #AnitaWaller, #TheMissingOnes,m

[Karen Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review
I am obsessed with Anita's writing. This book had me hooked as have all her other ones and I flew through this one.

I had guessed so many characters to be the killer and I was very wrong. The twist at the end still has me reeling.
An easy 5⭐️ read.

[Claire Bailey · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise of this book was better than the reality. Poorly scripted, underdeveloped characters with a lot of repetition and a lack lustre finish.

I struggled to maintain pace of reading and interest in this book. Mostly down to its delivery and writing style which i found to be a bit clunky and not focused enough to build any tension. The repetition of certain statements was an odd thing. The statements themselves didn’t have much relevance to the storyline and yet the author chose to draw attention to them.

The characters within the task force were central to the whole plot and yet Nina of them felt believable or relatable. I struggled a lot with the new DI that came across as the opposite in most parts. Peppered throughout are mentions of his children and previous position but it felt like a tick in the box rather than something that led you to having a greater understanding of character.

Thanks to NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review. I think in this case the reviews were better than the reality.

[Hijabi_booklover · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Missing Ones is a psychological thriller that explores the lingering effects of childhood trauma, buried secrets, and the devastating ripple effects of one person’s disappearance. Anita Waller presents a tightly wound narrative that moves between past and present, slowly unraveling the truth behind long-held family pain.

What Worked:

The premise is gripping: a mysterious disappearance with emotional stakes tied deeply to a fractured family. Waller handles the core mystery well drip-feeding information at just the right pace to keep readers turning the pages. The dual timeline approach is a solid structure, allowing for tension to build as we piece together the truth.

Waller also shines in creating atmosphere. The rural English setting adds a layer of isolation that complements the novel’s tone of suspicion and grief. The feeling of claustrophobia both emotional and physical is ever-present.

Sadness, guilt, and loyalty run through each character’s arc, and Waller does attempt to give them depth. Some of the characters, especially the women, are portrayed with emotional sensitivity and realism, which was a highlight.

What Fell Short:

While the setup was strong, the execution felt uneven. The middle section dragged, with a lot of internal monologue and backstory that slowed the momentum. Key reveals were predictable, and some twists lacked the impact they were clearly meant to have.

Character development also felt thin in places. A few characters made decisions that didn’t quite align with their earlier behavior, and some dialogue came off as overly expository rather than natural.

Finally, while the book is marketed as a thriller, the suspense element was fairly subdued. Readers expecting a fast-paced or intensely suspenseful ride may be left underwhelmed.

Final Thoughts:

The Missing Ones is a solid read with emotional weight and an intriguing mystery at its core, but it didn’t fully deliver the punch I hoped for. Fans of slower-paced domestic thrillers with a focus on family dynamics may still enjoy it but don’t go in expecting edge-of-your-seat tension.

[Alyson Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ray Eke was an accountant until one day he had an almighty breakdown at his office and was hospitalized. Eventually allowed home into his mother’s care, he started to make a recovery after nine months and now this quiet gentle man has found peace working as a litter picker for the council. No more stress and numbers in his life, just his garden and piano. Peaceful, at least, until on his rounds he stumbles across the dead body of a young woman who simply vanished on her way home from work three years ago. He recognises her as Lauren Pascoe from the posters and searches at the time. Newly transferred DI Chris Chandler is also a quiet, methodical and introspective man who has hit the ground running with this case, especially when it is shown Lauren had been brutally treated for nearly three years and only died a matter of hours before she was discovered. So where has she been all this time and what sort of monster was involved in her abduction, incarceration, torture and finally death? Chris and his team are soon wading through all the reports from three years ago when the chilling news comes through – another young woman has disappeared from an accountancy firm and they have to consider the dreadful possibility that the killer has replaced Lauren with a new pet. Can they unravel the baffling clues to work out what befell Lauren and will it lead them to the missing Hannah before it is too late?
I loved all the team, especially Chris and Frank, and I would really like to read more stories featuring these detectives. This author always produces instantly likeable characters who gel together so well with some great conversations, warmth and humour. I also loved Janet and Philip and very savvy pensioner Marjorie! Despite the wit and great relationships within the team, this is a dark and sometimes gruesome story, impeccably told and completely engrossing which had me suspecting all manner of people and constantly changing my mind as the twists and shocking surprises flew from the pages right up to a killer ending that I just didn’t see coming but which all made perfect sense. I defy anyone to put this gripping book down once they start reading it!

[Joanne Hurley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review "The Missing Ones", the new suspense/mystery from Anita Waller.
Having read almost all of Ms. Waller's previous books, I jumped at the chance to read a new one, and I was not disappointed.
Three years ago, Ray Eke, a partner in a successful accounting firm, had a compete breakdown in front of one of his employees, and went away to recover. Just before this event was another event - the disappearance of Lauren Pascoe.
Three years on, Ray is putting his life back together: his mother left her home to move back in with him once he was released, and he's got a menial job; he's also beginning to show more interest in one of his previous loves, playing music and composing on the piano.
DI Chris Chandler has recently relocated and, fairly new to the job, is learning all about the strengths and weaknesses of his new team.
Then, on his litter-picking route, Ray Eke comes upon a body - which turns out to be that of the three-years missing Lauren. His daily route had taken him past the local police station, so it is to them that he reports his discovery, plunging DI Chandler and his team into a cold case - which quickly becomes a 'hot' case with the disappearance of another young woman in similar circumstances to Lauren's. The team really need to figure this one out, fearful that a serial killer may be operating on their patch.
There are a lot of twists and turns to this one, and Ms. Waller kept me guessing throughout. However, I must say that some of the vivid descriptions of what the women went through did make it a difficult read at times.
Recommended.

[Roroblu'sMum · Rating 3 out of 5]

3* Refreshing that it's set in good old UK, and not London at that, but there's lots of bad policing and an overemphasis on a certain character that gives the book away.

I liked that this tale was set in the north of England and that characters seemed on the whole, real. I didn't like the mantalk at times from the DCI, who it didn't sound like had had any DEI training, which isn't believable in 2025. Getting to know your team members' names is paramount, not associating females with their hair colour to remember them, or at least if that's your M.O., you don't say it out loud.

It felt like the person doing the real detecting was Maria, a bit of a side character. The others participated in briefings but didn't seem particularly effective. No door-to-door when another female is taken, immediately after a missing female is discovered, doesn't ring true. Realising there's a common theme and not going there 'cos you like a certain character and can't imagine them being a baddie, is a mix of wearing blinkers, making assumptions and just plain poor policing. Sheesh.

The ending wasn't at all believable because motives weren't explained for the actual killer, though it was for the accomplice, sort of. But the mates thing and partnership thing right at the very end? Where on earth did that come from??

Readable but it could've done with stronger input from an experienced editor in the murder-mystery genre.

ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Boldwood books for my reading pleasure.

[Ashley Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Missing Ones by Anita Waller is a twisty and nail biting mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

Ray Eke used to be an accountant in a firm, but after years of stress and crunching numbers he has had enough. After a breakdown, Ray leaves the business far behind, now spending his days working for the Council picking up garbage left behind in the streets. Everyone knows Ray as a friendly and hardworking, helpful guy. But when one day while he is picking up trash, Ray makes an unsettling discovery. He finds the body of Lauren Pascoe, a woman who has been missing for 3 years. It's obvious Lauren has been held prisoner somewhere, but where has she been, and who did this to her? Ray is cleared right away, there's no way he would be capable of something that brutal. But soon, another girl goes missing, and she has a connection to Ray. Is Ray truly the harmless garbage man everyone sees, or is he a monster hiding behind a mask?

I really enjoyed this book! I do think it would classify as a mystery or police procedural rather than a thriller though. The premise is tense and well written and I really enjoyed the atmospheric setting. This book does have some gruesome and dark moments so just be prepared. The pacing was steady and the way that Waller writes makes following along easy. I did guess the ending but I still loved the journey to get there! Overall a tense and dark mystery that I would recommend to fans of Claire Douglas and Lisa Jewell!

Thank you to NetGalley, Anita Waller, and Boldwood Books for this ARC!! Publication date was May 16th 2025.

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Missing Ones by Anita Waller is a very highly recommended thriller which features the search for a brutal killer.

Ray Eke was an accountant before his breakdown. Now he wants nothing to do with numbers anymore and spends his days collecting litter for the city council. When he finds the brutalized body of a woman on his rounds, he immediately calls the police. The victim is Lauren Pascoe, who went missing three years before. It clear that during those years someone kept her as a prisoner and tortured her. When a second young woman, Hannah Wrighton, disappears the police are sure the killer has abducted the next victim and the search is on.

The pages flew by in this well written, fast-paced thriller/procedural. Although the torture involved is gruesomely and graphically described which may be difficult for some to read, the main focus is the investigation. All the clues are logically followed and the search for the perpetrator is in high gear.

While reading, the clues will provide you with several suspects to keep in mind. All of the characters are realistically portrayed in the narrative. DI Chris Chandler is introduced in this novel. He has relocated and is learning about the strengths and weaknesses of his new team while trying to find a heinous killer.
Thanks to Boldwood Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2025/0...

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ray Eke is out doing his job of litter picking. It is something that brings him peace and comfort. Some time ago, he had been in business with his best friend, Matt. They owned and ran Eke, Griffiths and Company, an accountancy firm. One day, Ray suffered a complete breakdown and was hospitalized for some time. It appears he was just over working with numbers. Thus, his new job is better for him and he very happy. Matt is taking over the company but they remain good friends. Ray’s mother, Ziggy, lives with him and helps to care for him.

One day as Ray is picking up trash, he comes across the body of a woman he recognizes. It is Lauren Pascoe who went missing 3 years ago. He contacts the police who immediately seal off the area.

DI Chris Chandler has just become a new boss in his police department and his crew instantly likes and admires him. He and the group immediately begin investigating this crime. However, at the same time, another young woman Hannah Wrightson has gone missing and they have two huge problems to solve.

This story had me on the edge of my seat. I can’t imagine the horrors these two women faced and so wanted the perpetrator to be caught. I really liked the camaraderie of DI Chandler and his team. They worked so well together. While I thought I knew who was going to be caught, I was so wrong. Do read this book. It’s great!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Lesa Beach · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read most of Anita's books, had this on preorder.

Ray Eke was part of an accounting business, but had a breakdown and spent some time in the hospital. His partner Mark took over the business. When Ray was released, he goes back home, takes up his music, and his mother moves in to help him re-adapt. He takes up picking litter and it officially becomes his job. Ray is out picking one day and stumbles across a woman's body.

About this time DI Chris Chandler has been transferred in and has yet to get to fully know his staff. They're all pretty seasoned and the investigation heats up. The woman had been missing for 3 years, but where had she been kept alive? And is there a connection with the next dead woman that turns up?

So, Anita does get wordy. I do enjoy her writing and had been looking forward to her next book. I enjoyed the Kat & Mouse series, The Forrester Detective Agency series, the Connection Trilogy, as well as most of her stand alones. I've found in old age that cozy mysteries keep me entertained, especially with interesting characters.

This one was a shocker. Pretty graphic injuries to these young ladies and I wasn't ready for it. I didn't find the end to be a surprise as I'd figured it out but was waiting to see how she tied it up. Her characters are likeable and mostly compatible- they aren't at odds with each other like some I've read and find distracting. I enjoyed it and read it over 2 days.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ray Eke is a bachelor, and a partner in a successful accountancy business, with his colleague, Mark. One day, he has a severe mental health crisis in the office and realises that he can’t cope with the stress of his job any more. His mum closes up her own house nearby and moves in with Ray to look after him. He then finds a job that he really enjoys – litter picking for the local council.

One day, while he’s out picking up litter, he comes across the dead body of a young woman. He realises that it’s Lauren, who went missing from the area three years ago. She couldn’t have been in that spot very long otherwise she would’ve been noticed, so it seems that she’s been abducted and kept somewhere.

The local police are on the case but, before long, another young woman goes missing. Ray knows who this woman is because she was working in his office, but the police know that Ray can’t be involved as he’s a kind, gentle soul.

The book info says, “The twists in this novel are guaranteed to leave readers with their jaws on the floor. Just when you think you know who the killer is, you’ll have your mind blown!” It’s true, I was certain that I knew who the perpetrator was until just a few pages before the end, when there was a massive twist!

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ray Eke has always found peace in his job, collecting litter for the city council. Until the day he found the brutalised, bloodless body of a girl on his round. He recognises her too. Lauren Pascoe went missing three years ago. It's also clear that she hasn't been lying on the roadside verge all this time. Someone's clearly been holding her prisoner. Keeping her as their very special toy. The police know it couldn't have been Ray, whose gentle heart is obvious to all. But then another girl is taken. And she's someone who Ray had a connection with, back in his previous job as an accountant.

I was pulled into this story by the end of the first chapter. Ray Eke is known to the local police force as he waves to them while they pass them while he is litter picking. When Ray discovers the body of a woman who has been missing for three years, the police are desperate to find who had held her captive.

The pacing is perfect, and the twists kept coming in this gripping read. I did kind of guess who the killer was, but only just before it was revealed. The final twist I did not see coming at all.

Published 16th May 2025

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #AnitaWaller for my ARC of #TheMissingOnes in exchange for an honest review.

[Angel **Book Junkie** · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me entranced. From the very beginning, The Missing Ones pulled me into its chilling world and refused to let go. Anita Waller doesn't shy away from brutality — and while some scenes were hard to read, they were gripping, intense, and kept me completely locked into the story.

The pacing was excellent, with tension building steadily throughout. Every time I thought I had the mystery figured out, another twist would catch me off guard. I genuinely couldn’t put it down at times — I just had to know what happened next. The characters were well-developed, the emotional stakes were high, and the subject matter was dark but handled with care.

Now, why not 5 stars? The ending. After such a strong, suspenseful build-up, the conclusion felt like a letdown. It was too abrupt and didn’t give me the closure I was hoping for. It’s not that it ruined the whole book — but it definitely took the wind out of the sails for me. I wanted something that matched the intensity of the journey, and instead, it felt rushed and a bit underwhelming.

Still, this was a powerful, gritty read that absolutely delivered in terms of suspense and emotional impact. I’ll definitely be reading more from Anita Waller — I just hope the next ending hits harder.

[Carol Werner Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Missing Ones
by Anita Waller
Pub Date: May 16 2025

The Missing Ones is an utterly gripping psychological thriller which features the search for a brutal killer. It was nonstop reading from the first page until the last on this fast-paced thriller, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough! Full of twists and turns that leave you suspecting everyone as the killer! A jaw dropping ending for sure!

Synopsis: Ray Eke has always found peace in his job, collecting litter for the city council. Until the day he finds the brutalized, bloodless body of a girl on his round. He recognizes her immediately too. Lauren Pascoe went missing three years before. It’s also clear she hasn’t been lying on the roadside verge all this time. Someone’s clearly been holding her prisoner. Keeping her as their very special toy. The police know it couldn’t have been Ray, whose gentle heart is obvious to all. But then another girl is taken. And she’s someone who Ray had a connection to, back in his previous job as an accountant, before his breakdown…

Many thanks to #TheMissingOnes #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for providing me an E-ARC of this fantastic thriller!

[Tina J · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only thing wrong with this book is that I finished it far too quickly. I found it very hard not to race through the pages trying to outguess the author. But, then, I was left twiddling my thumbs because I was not ready to part with the indomitable Litter Picker.

Mrs. Waller writes with intelligence and expertise on police procedural matters. She depicts each member of the investigative team with meticulous precision, infusing them with distinct personalities and traits. The true brilliance lies in how her portrayal allowed me to grasp the team's dynamics, their thoughts, and their uncertainties about the progress of the investigation, along with an intense sense of urgency that drove them to dig deeper for answers. The lighthearted banter among the team members added realism and brought the story to life.

This is why I found it impossible to put the book down.

The conclusion, dear readers, is akin to coiled spring—so intricately twisted that I am still reeling!  
What a colossal imagination this author has!

Don’t miss out on this very dark twisted and cautionary tale of murder.