The Disappearance of Peter Markham: DI Cora Snitton Book 1

DI Cora Snitton #1

by Donna Morfett

Do you believe in Karma? Peter Markham should have. The past has come tapping him on his shoulder with an appointment for a reckoning. There will be no tomorrow. The killer did everything to cover their tracks, but is that possible? Who is this mystery person to bear such a grudge, but more importantly, why? Is it possible to forgive the past?

DI Cora Snitton is new to the station and wants to make an impression. The pressure is on her to find Peter Markham and put the world back together again, at least for his wife. If Peter has a history, so have others. Secrets breed secrets while tragedy is only around the corner. It’s up to Cora and the officers on her team like rookie DC’s Darcey and Luke to solve the crime and deliver justice.

346 pages, Paperback

First published May 23, 2024

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A debut author and Book 1 in the D.I.Cora Snitton detective series

It would be easier to list which emotive subjects are NOT covered in this book, it is a hard hitting tale of revenge and people’s lives not just being affected but ruined by the actions of one….the repercussion’s of one mans evil deeds travel far

Peter Markham is missing and as we find out, brutally and with no holds barred, someone is torturing him and enjoying it, they are making him pay, second by second and pay dearly he is

The book then takes us on a journey as to why this is happening, what he did and to who to get to this point and the many lives affected by his actions

As said there are few subjects not covered by the story and D.I. Cora Snitton is facing a lot of scenarios and a lot of broken people to try and solve her case….I liked her and very much found intriguing her ‘out of office’ side line, unexpected and unique

The ending was tbh a shock and in part really moving and sad, I felt genuinely upset ( the sign of an authors job done well )

This was a brave debut, and a very good one from an author who writes with honesty and a genuineness that can be felt

Hard hitting, fast moving, emotive ( yep used it again but it is ) challenging and raw this is a book not easily forgotten

Well done to the author on achieving a goal that I can only admire

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in the D.I. Cora Snitton crime series The Disappearance of Peter Markham is by a debut author, Donna Morfett. I was very lucky to have an early copy of this book from the author.

The first chapter sets the scene well. I was under no illusion where this thriller was going. It definitely intrigued me to find out what was in store for all the characters. A man missing, D.I. Cora Snitton has the job of trying to locate him. Along with her D.C., Darcey, and Luke, they start investigating.

The author's characters had me invested pretty quickly. Cora is a woman who is determined to get the job done and done properly. Each character feels so real. Peter Markham himself is a man I wanted to finish off myself! Flawed is not the word!

Told from more than one point of view so the reader has the fuller picture. I did thoroughly love this as it explains why Peter Markham hasn't arrived home. Every chapter from the kidnapper's pov allows you into their mindset.

I just didn't want to put the book down. The only reason I did was to make sure my child didn't starve! I almost inhaled this book! The twists and turns of the investigation just had me guessing to the end. I have to say the last chapter or two had my heart in my mouth, and I am hoping against hope that the next book will cheer me up! Brilliant ending, though. Well done, and congratulations on a fantastic debut!
Thanks to Donna Morfett for gifting the book in exchange for my honest review.

[Bookworm86 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review for ' The Disappearance of Peter Markham' by Donna Morfett

This may be the first book I have read by this incredible author but it most certainly will not be my last!! It is also the first book in Donna's 'DI Cora Snitton Series' and what an absolutely explosive introduction to this new series it is!!

What an absolutely gripping, addictive and action packed page turner!! Clear your schedules and grab your copy now!!

Wow!!!! Just flipping wow!!!! What an absolutely epic page turner!!! Well done to Donna Morfett on an incredible and addictive read! I have absolutely NO idea whatsoever how on Earth I have never actually got around to reading any of your books before now but I am very pleased that that silly mistake has now been rectified and I have discovered your incredible storytelling talent. Absolutely smashed it!!!!!!! I must admit that I am mind blown as I could have sworn that I had read the second book in this series which is called 'Masquerade of Murder' but according to Goodreads I have not!! Well I shall soon be getting stuck into that I can tell you now!! It just goes to show how talented a writer that Donna is as it genuinely felt like I had met Cora and her team before and it was like meeting up with old friends again. It goes to show how a fantastic author really can bring characters to life. A I have previously mentioned this is the first book in Donna's 'DI Cora Snitton Series' with 'Masquerade of Murder' being book two. I would highly recommend you grab yourself a copy of both books while you are there as you will want to stuck straight into it after Donna has hooked you in!! I listened to the audible version of this book which was narrated by Alex Lee. I must admit that it did take me a while to get used to Alex's narration style but after I did I thoroughly enjoyed listening. Alex portrays the characters emotions through her voice perfectly. This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions creating the perfect atmosphere for the storyline. The book cover and synopsis works perfectly with the book plot and I am most definitely looking forward to reading more books by this fantastic author. WOW!!!! What can I say?!?! What you need to do now is stop wasting your time reading this, run, do not walk and grab your copy of this gripping page turner now. You also need to clear your schedules as once you start this book you will not be able to put it down! This book is fantastically written with vivid descriptions setting the picture perfectly in the readers mind. The title, description and cover works perfectly with the storyline. I absolutely loved the unique storyline which had me hooked from the very first page to the last. I will not say anything about the storyline as the publisher has done a fantastic job of this in the synopsis and I do not want to run the risk of giving anything away but if you want to know more then grab your copy of this gripping suspense packed thriller today and I can GUARANTEE you will not regret it!!! Donna has included the sensitive topic of r@pe in the storyline but does not go in to detail but I wanted to make futures aware. I must admit that I was incredibly surprised by how I felt for the "antagonist" as my heart went out for her and I actually thought that the "victim" got their karma! With a storyline absolutely RAM PACKED with drama, torture, action, suspense, emotion, tension, police procedural, strong characters, intrigue and so so much more! Seriously people, what are you waiting for?!! Donna's brilliantly evocative descriptions and Alex's narrative will have you feeling every emotion the characters are from anger to fear, shock to tension!! It is one of the most unforgettable and unputdownable books I have ever read!! Her brilliant storytelling and writing sucks the reader straight into the storyline with the characters and surroundings coming to life around them. This is just one of those rare books that words just cannot express how powerful and emotional it is. When I was reading this book I could feel my heartbeat speeding up as I was getting a dark sense of foreboding the deeper into the book I got!! It is one of those books that I just simply could not put down and I walked around everywhere with my Alexa device, car and phone playing the book everywhere I went and while I was cleaning constantly. Every chapter ended in a way that I had to know what was going to happen next and then it would move on to the next chapter and do the same so I blew through this in one sitting of just a few hours. The ending especially had my heart in my throat and my heart was breaking for the character who did not deserve that. Reading and listening to this book really does make you feel that you are standing with each of the characters and going through their anger, pain, sadness, fear and much more. Each of the characters were perfectly written and each had their own unique and strong personalities with individual strengths, weaknesses, quirks, flaws and more. You need to clear your schedules because you will not be able to put this book down. AN ABSOLUTE MUST READ!! The characters were all very strong and realistic and Donna's writing ensured they jumped off the pages at me. They all have their own unique personalities and I enjoyed discovering their histories as the story unravelled. I cannot wait to meet Cora and her team again in 'Masquerade of Murder'. Pick up your copy of this book today and meet these fantastic characters yourself. I cannot wait to read more books by this incredible author!!

Congratulations Donna on an absolutely gripping, gritty, addictive, action packed, explosive and must read page turner!!! I am looking forward to reading more of your previous and future books. I would absolutely love to see this book turned into a movie!!! This is why I would like to welcome you to my favourite author list and here is to your next guaranteed success!!

Overall an absolutely unputdownable, action packed, addictive and explosive MUST READ!!

#TheDisappearanceOfPeterMarkham #DICoraSnittonSeries #DonnaMorfett #DLMBookTours #DonnasTours

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[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s more of a 3.5 but I’m not ruining your ratings with a 3 when it’s a solid debut book :)

What spoilt it for me is there are a lot of errors that haven’t been picked up in proofreading, particularly towards the end. Sometimes what the character does is slightly repetitious too, such as Cora blushing each time she spoke to her boss, or a character saying pet at the start of each bit of their dialogue on the same page.

This aside, I enjoyed the book and the characters and I would read more :)

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75-4⭐️

DI Cora Snitton book 1

I had the audiobook of this debut crime thriller read by Alex Lake. She has a range of accents and tones for the main characters. It’s impressive for a indie author to have an audio option it opens the market audience as they are increasing popular.

It’s quite gritty with detailed scenes of torture, for me it sits in the middle of the cosy to gore score.
Cora has a different extra curricular activity/ interest which might get developed during the series. I didn’t gel with her, it can be difficult in the first book of a series as so much develops in the character arc through the series. I’m more into the compressed standalone instant gratification.

There are some areas that had a bit of a stilted feel, but generally felt it flowed well. Readers of UK crime will recognise a familiar name from this community although in a different role. I quite enjoy seeing that, it makes the reader feel like a part of the clique. I always enjoy hearing the antagonists perspective.

I think you’d enjoy this if UK based police procedurals with a bit of grit are your thing.

[Vicsta Dolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So after taking a big gasp and big breath after finishing this book here is my 5 star review.

A solid opening chapter very descriptive but to the point and we see the introduction to Peter Markham and his abduction.

Peter asks the questions as to who is doing these gruesome things to him and why? Someone wants revenge on Peter but what is the darkness that lies within him?

I loved the way the author captures the working relationship between two characters DI Cora Snitton and her side kick Darcey, with their lighthearted banter, it brought a real nice element to the story.

I also really liked the questions asked throughout the book it really keeps you guessing.

This is a really fresh current style book by this new author and what a fantastic debut. I was totally drawn in right from the start a really good paced book with solid characters all wrapped up in a brilliant ending. I think DI Cora Snitton is going to fast become one of my favourite detectives.

[Claire Birkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant debut novel from this author. The first in a series introduces our lead detective and her team. The pace of the story is brilliant and keeps you turning the page, the secrets of the victim being dished out bit by bit to help us understand how he ended up hated so much. Great cast of supporting characters most of whom I am intrigued to know more about with the next book from this author. One of the best police procedurals I've read. I look forward to the next book from Donna.

[Dee (readaholic_dee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW, what a debut, absolutely had me hooked from the first page.

The characters are really likeable and believable which helps you connect and understand how they operate. The story is brilliant, love the tag, secrets breed secrets, so true! This book is a real page turner, with plenty to keep you guessing and I cannot wait to see if there is more from this crew soon.

Highly recommend.

Happy Reading.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a terrific start to a series. Peter Markham has gone missing so Cora and her team are tasked to investigate. This soon turns into a murder investigation with the discovery of his brutally murdered corpse.

Cora is an interesting character, often outwardly cold but we see a softer and more vulnerable side to her at times throughout. I liked how the victim wasn't the clean-cut character he was portrayed. There's a couple of different threads here and I loved how both came together seemingly seamlessly and the reveals towards the end were quite shocking. The ending nearly had me in tears and I hope the next book doesn't take too long to come out.

[Gail Meath · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic, fast-paced debut novel! I don't normally read police procedural thrillers, so I was unprepared to be sucked right in from the very first page all the way through to the end. The Disappearance of Peter Markham is the first book in the D.I. Cora Snitton crime series, and what I loved most were the well-formed and engaging characters of Cora and her team as they skillfully hunt for a brutal killer. Meanwhile, the author expertly shifts the narrative to slowly unfold and expose the evil sides of the crime. And as others have mentioned, there were parts where I had to 'close my eyes', but the twists and turns kept me glued to the end. Well done!!!

[Alyson Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

DI Cora Snitton and her team, all working under DCI Felix Blackwell, have a new missing person’s case. Not usually the remit of the major crimes unit but this guy is a wealthy businessman and well-known face amongst charity bashes and the pressure is on to solve the disappearance of Peter Markham quickly. As they interview first his distraught wife and then the hotel where he usually stays on his monthly visits to his businesses in Lutterworth, the detectives hear very differing accounts. So, is he a home loving, one glass of wine family man, devoted to his wife of 30 years or a lover of escorts and boozy nights in the hotel? Of course, the reader has already heard how someone, a very clever and forensically aware person, has abducted and tortured Peter, but what happened in 2007 in the place where he used to live that means he has to atone in such a brutal terrible way, eventually lying carved up and dead below a disused shopping mall? And did this well planned and executed murder leave behind any clue as to the killer? That’s the job for Cora, Darcey, Luke, Dave and Beverlee to discover when they delve into the man’s life and history, as they wonder who could have such hatred for the man and why. All they need is a starting point, a little thread to pull to unravel the whole sordid case and when they do, it comes from the most unlikely of places.
Debut novel this may be but there’s very little sign of this as the author has already developed her own unique style. There’s just the right amount of intrigue surrounding all the main characters’ personal lives including Cora’s plans for a rather unusual second career and together they form a very likable and capable team of detectives. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this well put together and completely engrossing police procedural which had me gripped from start to staggering finish and look forward to more from this very promising author. 4.5*

[Lynsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘The Disappearance of Peter Markham’ is a debut novel that packs a punch! I'm always worried about picking up a debut writer sometimes but there is no need for that apprehension in this case as its a fantastic book! Donna has managed to create characters that linger in the mind and her story is deftly plotted. I can't wait to read more from her!

The book introduces us to the character of DI Cora Snitton and I can honestly say I am a fan of her already. Cora is still quite new to the department and is getting to know the team when they get the shout that a local businessman Peter Markham has gone missing after not returning from a work trip. Cora seems to think he has just done the normal of finding another woman but we the readers know otherwise! The baddie in this case is a woman and she has taken great pains to get her hands on Peter and ultimately kill him. Will Cora be able to find the killer and understand why Peter was taken?

Cora is a great protagonist and it was a pleasure to be introduced to her. She is intelligent, trying to interact with her team members, determined to get justice and to cap it all off she moonlights as a stand-up comic in her spare time! I really enjoyed Cora as a character and can't wait to get to know her even more in the coming books.

This book deals with hard-hitting issues yet it manages to do this with empathy and understanding. Since we see the narrative developing from multiple POVS the reader really manages to embrace and hold tight to the intertwined threads and they come to a stunning if heart-wrenching conclusion. I flew through this book in a couple of sittings and I did not want to put it down, always the sign of a good book! I am really looking forward to reading its follow-up.

Let me know if you pick this one up!

[T.A. Belshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Debut
I was delighted to receive a signed copy of the paperback version of this book.

Donna Morfett’s debut, The Disappearance of Peter Markham is a fast-paced roller coaster of a novel. This procedural, starring new lead detective, DI Cora Snitton takes us deep into an authentic police investigation. The author has obviously done a lot of research. She also knows her forensics, as we are given a detailed insight into how these things are done in a modern-day murder inquiry. There is no hanging around here. The reader is thrust into the dynamics from page one and the shocks continue to arrive until the final chapter. I won’t go into detail, as I don’t want to ruin the story with spoilers. I’ll just say, you might get more than a few surprises. This isn’t a book you read in short one or two chapter sessions. Get ready to lose most of the day when you pick it up. One piece of advice: don’t read it just before dinner. You might find you’re not hungry all of a sudden.
I liked the characters, (Peter aside,) from the off and I’m sure they’ll grow on me even more as the series progresses. As for the victim himself, the reader may start out feeling some sympathy towards him, but that feeling evaporates as we discover his true personality.
Definitely not for the fainthearted, the tension is sustained throughout, but this grisly murder mystery has flashes of genuine humour woven into the narrative which really brings the lead character, Cora, to life.
Written with the skills of a seasoned pro. You wouldn’t know this was a debut unless you were told. Excellent work. I’m looking forward to the next one. Well done Ms Morfett.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first in a new crime/police procedural series featuring DI Cora Snitton. The title says it all. Peter Markham has disappeared. A well respected and influential man who lives in Dunstable with his wife Yvonne, and has two grown up children who have flown the nest, Markham is a creature of habit and his wife is worried by his lack of contact on his business trip so reports him missing to the police. It’s clear from the first page that Peter Markham’s lot is not going to be a happy one and there are some fairly graphic scenes in the early part of the book. Written from multiple POV’s this is a very dark disturbing read.

Briefly, the book opens with a female assailant abducting and tying up Markham reading to start torturing him! She doesn’t hide her identity from him so he knows she intends to kill him. Cora and her team soon realise there is something strange going on but the only odd thing found at his house is a photo of a newborn baby hidden in a bible, open to a passage about revenge! Then two young boys out on their bikes find a badly mutilated corpse and this is now a murder investigation.

Cora is a great character. Strong and independent although she definitely seems to be rather taken with the new DCI Felix Blackwater and there are hints of vulnerability. A number of interesting threads in the book and they come together seamlessly as the book reaches its dramatic conclusion. Excellent debut novel and I look forward to meeting up with Cora again.

4.5⭐️

[M.J. Mallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blog tour review

What a page turner! Secrets, secrets, secrets! The mounting tension towards the end culminated in an ending which wasn't quite what I expected. But, given the underlying sense of the destruction, (and revenge killing,) it seemed in keeping with the tale to end the book in this way.

I believe this is a series, so there will be more to come.

So much to say about this book. It would make a great film, or detective drama!

The beginning made me ugh wince a lot! It's hard hitting. Though, the violence that occurs isn't gratuitous, it has meaning in this book (there is a valid reason it is there and the author does a great job in building up the character of the murderer.) And this is also true regarding the characterisation of the coppers in the story, particularly Cora and Darcy. I liked how Donna Morfatt showed the other side to Cora, revealing her comedic interest which gave the story a rounded, lighter touch.

I thoroughly enjoyed the sections about foster kids and the way this was so well plotted within the context of the murder story. Harrison, you must read about him, so sad.

Overall, this is a fabulous debut. 👌 Really impressed with Donna's storytelling abilities.

Highly recommended for those who like a well plotted, crime/detective series procedural but readers should be aware that there are triggers: violence, torture, rape.
https://mjmallon.com/2024/05/25/the-d...

[Sarah B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blurb
Do you believe in Karma? Peter Markham should have. The past has come tapping him on his shoulder with an appointment for a reckoning. There will be no tomorrow. The killer did everything to cover their tracks, but is that possible? Who is this mystery person to bear such a grudge, but more importantly, why? Is it possible to forgive the past?

DI Cora Snitton is new to the station and wants to make an impression. The pressure is on her to find Peter Markham and put the world back together again, at least for his wife. If Peter has a history, so have others. Secrets breed secrets while tragedy is only around the corner. It’s up to Cora and the officers on her team like rookie DC’s Darcey and Luke to solve the crime and deliver justice.

My review:
Why has Peter Markham gone missing? What has happened to him? Where is he? Who has him? All of these questions and more will be unveiled throughout the book. DI Cora Snitton and DC Darcy Clarke are called to an address by Yvonne, Peter's wife, when she doesn't get any response from him as we learn he follows a set routine. She wants to report him missing. Cora and Darcy soon discover all is not as it seems in Peter's life. The story is told with different character voices and over different timelines - 1999 and the present. It is well written and very descriptive. I highly recommend this book.

[Rebecca Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This detective novel had such a compelling story, I was hooked right from the start! I never wanted to put it down and was gripped until 4am one night (before sadly my battery died!) needing to know what happened and trying to piece things together. Some elements I managed to figure out and others I didn't which is always fun for me with crime thrillers like this! I liked our characters, mainly DI Cora Snitton and DCs Luke and Darcey who worked together and with the rest of the team. They were well-described characters and I'd love to hear more about Cora's childhood, maybe in the next book? I loved the way it told too, following lots of different characters as they each had important roles to play so we could see what was going on everywhere, but without giving away too much information. We got to see the killer at work but didn't know who they were, and some chapters following some of the side characters being investigated or some of the other police doing interviews. As well as lots following Cora of course.
There was, however, a lot of errors, some rather minor but a couple of bigger, more distracting ones. That's the only reason I've knocked it down from 5 stars though and with an editor and a bit of proofreading this would be such an excellent book. Even with the errors bothering me I was still hooked because the case was so intriguing!

[Pauline Render · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opening with an explosive start it then never let up. When Peter Markham is kidnapped I just knew from what was happening to him it wasn’t going to end well. But why? It’s up to DI Cora Snitton and her new team to uncover the truth of a man who at first seems to be the perfect husband. The further I went into this book, the more secrets are revealed, many which had me open mouthed with shock. There is a lot of violence but none of it is gratuitous and it is necessary to the story, and truth be told, I could easily understand the reason why the killer did what they did. Cora is a fabulous character, seeming at times to be unintentionally quite cold and standoffish with her colleagues, but she does have a vulnerable side which I loved. The secondary storyline is extremely well linked to the main one and I really felt for the person involved. The story had my emotions all over the place and in a couple of places had me almost in tears, while at the same time cursing the author for making me feel this way.
It’s difficult to believe that The Disappearance of Peter Markham is a debut novel. The detail is incredible and knowledgeable, especially the forensics. This book blew me away, shooting straight into my top five books of the year.

[Lauren Rea · Rating 5 out of 5]

DI Cora Snitton is new in her role as DI when a call comes in, businessman and entrepreneur Peter Markham has been reported missing by his wife after he failed to return home from his weekly business trip. As Cora and the team start to investigate, lies that have been woven for years and dark secrets bubble to the surface. But what has happened to Peter? And who would wish harm on this seemingly hard working family man? Someone is seeking revenge in the most deadly form, and with the help of her team including new recruits DC Darcey and Luke can they figure out the mystery as to why this has happened to Peter?

Jesus Donna! What a book! What a story! I can’t believe this is your debut!! Full of everything I like about police procedurals, action, gore, horror, mystery and a kick ass MC! Brilliantly written, and the plot was fantastic! Had me gripped from the first page! Loved every second of it, I had to leave the housework so I could find out what happens at the end! Perfect ending to lead in to the next book!

You go girl! Loved it can’t wait for the next one! I’ve followed your book blogging for a few years, you’re the most lovely person, so kind and complementary to other authors work, if anyone deserves success it’s you!

[Rosie Bray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A debut novel from an author, who has taken the police procedural genre and turned it on its head ~ I honestly don't think I've ever read a book where I was rooting for the killer rather than the victim and that increased as the book progressed.

Well-crafted, engaging characters and a fast-paced plot, and if I hadn't known better I would have sworn that this was written by an author with a host of releases under her belt.

I was pulled in from the first word and kept on tenterhooks until the very last ~ although I freely admit that after reading the last sentence I experienced a "WTF" moment and had to reread it to be sure of what I'd read. I then called the author some less-than-flattering names in my head before feeling relieved as it set things up for further novels.

Donna Morfett has always been a proud and passionate supporter of books (in whatever form) and is incredibly supportive of indie authors, spreading the word about their work and encouraging them when needed. Now is her time to shine, reading this gave me everything I love about a great crime thriller ~ except an indication of when the next one will be out

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Congratulations to Donna Morfett on a fabulous debut novel.

It seems we have been introduced to a great new crime series and I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Peter Markham has disappeared and now DI Cora Snitton and her team have a job on their hands to find the killer, his body has been found and he died a terrible death. No DNA evidence is found on the body and the family have only wonderful things to say about their husband and father. They have no idea as to why someone would commit such a terrible crime and tear their family apart. There is also a side story to the book that will eventually bring the two cases together which is executed beautifully.

Cora presents as a pretty tough woman who does not show a lot of emotion but as the book progresses we do see a more human side of her. Her team are now working together and Cora takes an instant liking to her constable Darcy who plays quite a large role in the book. I am sure as the books progress we will learn more about the other team members such as Luke, their is definitely potential for them all to grow.

I look forward to the next installment and highly recommend this book.

[Zoe Rosi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!

I've known Donna in the book community for a while and was intrigued to read her debut crime novel. I was genuinely blown away by how brilliant this book is. It immediately grabs your attention and layers of intrigue are added chapter by chapter, making it REALLY hard to put down! Donna knows how to keep you turning the pages! I finished this one in a couple of sittings, it is so addictive.

I was so impressed by Donna's writing, which feels really sophisticated, especially for a debut. I also really appreciated her characterization. I loved Cora, the DCI investigating Peter Markham's disappearance, and the cast of characters at the station. They were so well-drawn and felt so real. All the police procedures and investigative processes also felt real and credible too, which as a true crime junkie, I appreciate! It does annoy me when authors are sloppy with that side of things, but Donna knows her stuff and it all feels spot on.

If you're looking for a gripping, compelling and intelligent crime novel, this is the one. I'm really looking forward to book 2 and expect big things from Donna Morfett's career! She's one to watch for sure. Highly recommend!

[Misfits farm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! A debut novel that grabbed me from the outset and didn’t let go. Peter Markham is a prominent and well known figure in Dunstable where he lives happily with his wife and family. When he goes missing it’s well out of character and DI Cora Snitton and her team have little to go on to begin with. However Cora finds a photo at his house with a passage that doesn’t seem quite right. Who would take Peter and could the squeaky clean facade be hiding something more?

I loved this from the start and found myself turning more and more. It's an easy read which keeps the pages turning and I quickly liked Cora- there was just something special about her. Perhaps her determination and tenacity for justice, whilst dealing with her own shortcomings in a very professional way. I would like to think that this could be the start of a series as I feel there is more to Cora and her team to come. A well thought out, cleverly plotted novel. A wowser of a debut. Nice one Donna!

For more reviews please follow me on Twitter (X) or Threads @nickisbookblog
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[McBreakneck · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Disappearance Of Peter Markham opens with a bang, kicking and screaming straight into one of the most graphic m*rder scenes I’ve read in a while. Blood dripping, nerve-twitching, real pain, I’m talking Chris Carter level.

The k*ller has taken every possible care to cover their tracks making this one tough case for DI Cora Snitton to crack. There’s an impressive level of forensic detail, just the right amount to make you fully believe in the k*ller, the investigation and trust in the expertise of author Donna Morfett.

This is a solid police procedural with some nice flourishes, plenty of hidden secrets some shocking twists and my favourite - chapters from the k*ller’s perspective.

Donna’s done well here, polishing the police procedural formula with great forensic knowledge and psychological twists, this book is sure to appeal to a wide range of Crime and Thriller fans.

The Disappearance Of Peter Markham is included with kindle unlimited.

Thanks to Donna Morfett and Rampart Books

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blimey, Morfett doesn't hold back does she? Boom, straight away you're thrown into the torture of Peter Markham, it's not pretty I can tell you that much. So if you're of a squeamish disposition, skip the opening pages.

TDOPM is the debut by Morfett and is the first in a promising new series. The author is a forensic science graduate and draws on her knowledge to realistically describe scenes and situations.

I'm can definitely see myself becoming emotionally invested into Cora, Darcey and Luke as the series furthers.

A brilliant twisty plot narrated from several different POV including the kidnappers, which is always a win for me and an ending that although I didn't see it coming, was quite the shocker.

A great debut by an author whose future works I can't wait to read.

[Hilly Barmby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donna’s debut novel is a police procedural but with a difference. We follow DI Cora Snitton and her team as they investigate a grisly murder. We get to see the inner workings of the police force, and Donna puts her forensic knowledge to good use here. It was all fascinating. But this book is so much more than that. It covers people failed by the very systems meant to keep them safe. So, if the justice system has let you down so badly in your life, you can see why a person might resort to their own version of justice. This book covers revenge, greed, corruption, mental health, social services and what it takes to be a police officer in Britain today. The ending threw me, but I expect it will all become clear in book 2. Well done, Donna.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazing debut. A series is promised with DI Cora Snitton front & centre; I can’t wait, this book has set the bar high.

A graphic opening chapter introduces us to Peter Markham. His wife has reported him missing but he’s a bit preoccupied & very swiftly dead. Once his body is discovered this police procedural hits its stride. Details of Markham’s life are laid bare & all is not as it first appears. This family man has secrets. Costly secrets.

Cora is a great character. She holds things together but there is also hidden vulnerability which she succeeds in burying to all but a few. An easy read & although I had an inkling of where it was going, I wasn’t prepared for the conclusion. I wonder how book 2 will start?

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Disappearance of Peter Markham by Donna Morfett is the debut book in the DI Cora Snitton series. I was drawn in from the beginning when Peter was abducted. Really like Cora, and also her team. They are great characters. Revenge is a big part of the story and through it, you wonder who hated him so much that they would make him suffer so terribly. The story proceeds at a great pace and I really like how it unfolded, with chapters from different perspectives, including the killer’s. There were surprises along the way, right up until the end. Attention to detail is evident too. I loved the mention of Jimmy Bliss and Graham Bartlett in the book. It was a great read.

[Carly Rushforth · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨My Thoughts✨

I’ve been so excited to read this ever since i followed Donna on Twitter, I hope it does amazingly well.

The first two chapters jumped straight into the thick of it, I was engrossed but I also had a sense of dread that something terrible was about to happen but not to the victim but to the perpetrator. You’ll have to read the book to find out if I was right.

I’m honestly staggered that this is a debut as it’s just perfect, it’s got that perfect blend of a thrilling crime that you can’t work out because it’s so twisty and also the perfect detective in Cora backed by an amazing team, completed by a learning little about her private life.

It’s not for the faint hearted because it’s quite shocking/graphic and dark in places but that didn’t put me off at all and I thought it really added to the shock value in the storyline.

I’m really hoping that it’ll be a series because I could carry on reading them all week.

[A.A. Abbott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is written in a gritty, vernacular style, and features the sort of graphic violence that normally causes me to put a book down. Yet I stayed up all night reading it. Why? Quite simply, it's a cracking story. A prominent businessman, apparently loved by all, is found murdered. Given the torture to which he's been subjected, it's clearly personal. As police investigations unpeel layers of his character, it turns out that Peter Markham was rotten to the core. That doesn't make it easy to find his killer, though, and the story is a thrill ride until the last page.