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DI Martha Allen #1
Missing: A Novel
“Utterly gripping, intelligent, and haunting....A TRIUMPH.” —Will Dean, award-winning author of Adrift
In this unputdownable crime thriller for fans of Tana French, a detective returns to a thirty-year-old case—an infamous disappearance in London—that has haunted her entire career and now may jeopardize her future.
In August 1990, London is suffering through an unprecedented heatwave when baby Bella Carpenter is snatched through the open window of her hotel room. Detective Inspector Martha Allen is assigned the high-profile case and, knowing that it could make or break her career, is determined to find Bella.
When a young woman named Nell Beatty walks into the police station with a baby who appears to be Bella, and whom Nell claims she found on a bench, it seems that the mystery is solved. Her family, the police, and the press are overjoyed at her return. But DI Allen isn’t convinced, something about Nell’s story doesn’t ring true. As much as she wants to continue, however, now that the baby is safe, she’s ordered to close the investigation.
Thirty years later, Nell Beatty is found dead. Now a superintendent, Allen has never really gotten over her doubts about the Carpenter case and can’t resist doing a little digging on her own time, eager to find out what happened to Nell, and her involvement in the baby’s disappearance all those years ago. But will her efforts uncover something darker than she could have ever imagined? And what is she risking as she tries once and for all to reveal the truth?
In this unputdownable crime thriller for fans of Tana French, a detective returns to a thirty-year-old case—an infamous disappearance in London—that has haunted her entire career and now may jeopardize her future.
In August 1990, London is suffering through an unprecedented heatwave when baby Bella Carpenter is snatched through the open window of her hotel room. Detective Inspector Martha Allen is assigned the high-profile case and, knowing that it could make or break her career, is determined to find Bella.
When a young woman named Nell Beatty walks into the police station with a baby who appears to be Bella, and whom Nell claims she found on a bench, it seems that the mystery is solved. Her family, the police, and the press are overjoyed at her return. But DI Allen isn’t convinced, something about Nell’s story doesn’t ring true. As much as she wants to continue, however, now that the baby is safe, she’s ordered to close the investigation.
Thirty years later, Nell Beatty is found dead. Now a superintendent, Allen has never really gotten over her doubts about the Carpenter case and can’t resist doing a little digging on her own time, eager to find out what happened to Nell, and her involvement in the baby’s disappearance all those years ago. But will her efforts uncover something darker than she could have ever imagined? And what is she risking as she tries once and for all to reveal the truth?
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2026
34 people are currently reading
9002 people want to read
About the author
E.A. Jackson
1 book32 followersE.A. Jackson is an American transplanted to England. She was born in Philadelphia and lived in Iowa, Massachusetts, Arkansas, Cambridge, and Bristol before ending up in Exeter, where she now works as a senior lecturer at the University of Exeter.
source: Amazon
also see Emilia Bernhard
source: Amazon
also see Emilia Bernhard
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
November 17, 2025
This is a book I went into with very few expectations - it was an unfamiliar author and a storyline of a missing child so it all felt quite routine. However, I have to say, it was thoroughly enjoyable and I would definitely recommend it.
The synopsis on Netgalley doesn't give much away however the Goodreads synopsis tells a little bit more. I would actually recommend going into this one a little blind as I think the blurb on Goodreads actually gives too much away.
Ultimately, the book centres on the disappearance of baby Bella and the subsequent investigation from DI Martha Allen. Determined to find Bella, Martha will stop at nothing to make sure she is returned safely and despite the eventual outcome of the disappearance, Martha feels there is a lot more to the story than originally thought. The book is told over two time periods with the first part of the book telling the story of Bella's disappearance and the investigation however when a key person in the original investigation turns up dead 30 years later, Martha is keen to find out the real truth behind the disappearance once and for all.
This was a really impressive novel which deals not only with Bella's disappearance but many other issues including addiction, poverty, domestic abuse etc. but at its heart it is, for me, about the devotion of DI Allen as she seeks the truth over what really happened to baby Bella. Despite the case apparently being 'solved', her dogged determination to bring the real facts to life was really impressive (although not her superiors or those who would rather the truth stay hidden).
Thanks to Netgalley and Faber and Faber Ltd for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This is tagged on Netgalley as Book 1 of the DI Allen series so looking forward to seeing what comes next.
The synopsis on Netgalley doesn't give much away however the Goodreads synopsis tells a little bit more. I would actually recommend going into this one a little blind as I think the blurb on Goodreads actually gives too much away.
Ultimately, the book centres on the disappearance of baby Bella and the subsequent investigation from DI Martha Allen. Determined to find Bella, Martha will stop at nothing to make sure she is returned safely and despite the eventual outcome of the disappearance, Martha feels there is a lot more to the story than originally thought. The book is told over two time periods with the first part of the book telling the story of Bella's disappearance and the investigation however when a key person in the original investigation turns up dead 30 years later, Martha is keen to find out the real truth behind the disappearance once and for all.
This was a really impressive novel which deals not only with Bella's disappearance but many other issues including addiction, poverty, domestic abuse etc. but at its heart it is, for me, about the devotion of DI Allen as she seeks the truth over what really happened to baby Bella. Despite the case apparently being 'solved', her dogged determination to bring the real facts to life was really impressive (although not her superiors or those who would rather the truth stay hidden).
Thanks to Netgalley and Faber and Faber Ltd for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This is tagged on Netgalley as Book 1 of the DI Allen series so looking forward to seeing what comes next.
February 17, 2026
The first half of this book really did feel like it was written years and years ago (because it’s set years and years ago, 90s vibes accomplished) but for me, I enjoyed the future timeline more so than the 90s. The original mystery felt on the slower side, with no real interesting investigation. It was more establishing the characters. The later half felt more like a real investigation that I could be intrigued by. Overall I really enjoyed the end result for this one!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
December 15, 2025
3.5
that last chapter threw me for a LOOP!!!
that last chapter threw me for a LOOP!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was provided an advanced copy of this book by NetGalley and Atria in return for an honest review.
This book is written in two parts. Part one consists of the kidnapping of baby Bella from her home in London. Just a few days later, a woman finds Bella and returns her to a local police station.Although everyone should be happy and relieved, there are a lot of questions. At this point, the reader is introduced to DI Martha Allen, and the web of intrigue is further woven.
Part two of the book takes place 30 years later in present-day London. The good Samaritan returning Bella has been killed and Allen revives the case that has puzzled here all these years. DI Allen finally resolves the mystery of the death, and the web untangles itself for the reader. I must confess I never saw it coming!
I had a hard time getting through big parts of this book; it dragged. Too much time was spent with character introspection and atmosphere descriptions that were unnecessary, while more attention to character development would have been appreciated.
It's a good book, just not great. 3 stars.
This book is written in two parts. Part one consists of the kidnapping of baby Bella from her home in London. Just a few days later, a woman finds Bella and returns her to a local police station.Although everyone should be happy and relieved, there are a lot of questions. At this point, the reader is introduced to DI Martha Allen, and the web of intrigue is further woven.
Part two of the book takes place 30 years later in present-day London. The good Samaritan returning Bella has been killed and Allen revives the case that has puzzled here all these years. DI Allen finally resolves the mystery of the death, and the web untangles itself for the reader. I must confess I never saw it coming!
I had a hard time getting through big parts of this book; it dragged. Too much time was spent with character introspection and atmosphere descriptions that were unnecessary, while more attention to character development would have been appreciated.
It's a good book, just not great. 3 stars.
February 25, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this novel.
Wow, what a ride, and that ending shocked the heck out of me! You'll be on the edge of your seat with this one, for sure. My only other feedback is that is wish the book had been written where it flipped between 1990 and the present every few chapters, instead of block format that changes time periods in the middle. Personally, I feel like that book would've just been more fluid that way, but that's just my opinion.
Wow, what a ride, and that ending shocked the heck out of me! You'll be on the edge of your seat with this one, for sure. My only other feedback is that is wish the book had been written where it flipped between 1990 and the present every few chapters, instead of block format that changes time periods in the middle. Personally, I feel like that book would've just been more fluid that way, but that's just my opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Wow… I’m honestly stunned that this is a debut novel.
Missing is a gripping mystery thriller that held my attention from the very first chapter all the way to the final page. It’s the kind of story that refuses to let you go, I’d try to set it down, only to find myself still thinking about the characters and the case. More than once, I picked it back up because I simply had to know what happened next.
One of the standout elements for me was Allen’s character. Watching her career evolve over the years was incredibly compelling, and I appreciated how layered and human she felt. At the same time, there was something deeply poignant about seeing how one case could consume so much of her life for three decades. That long term emotional weight added real depth to the story.
The plot itself was cleverly constructed, with twists and reveals that felt earned rather than forced. I especially admired the unwavering determination at the heart of the novel, the powerful drive of one person who refuses to stop searching for the truth, no matter how much time passes.
This was a strong, confident debut that absolutely delivered on suspense and emotional impact.
Thank you to Atria Books for putting this incredible book on my radar, and to E.A. Jackson for the eARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Highly recommend!
Missing is a gripping mystery thriller that held my attention from the very first chapter all the way to the final page. It’s the kind of story that refuses to let you go, I’d try to set it down, only to find myself still thinking about the characters and the case. More than once, I picked it back up because I simply had to know what happened next.
One of the standout elements for me was Allen’s character. Watching her career evolve over the years was incredibly compelling, and I appreciated how layered and human she felt. At the same time, there was something deeply poignant about seeing how one case could consume so much of her life for three decades. That long term emotional weight added real depth to the story.
The plot itself was cleverly constructed, with twists and reveals that felt earned rather than forced. I especially admired the unwavering determination at the heart of the novel, the powerful drive of one person who refuses to stop searching for the truth, no matter how much time passes.
This was a strong, confident debut that absolutely delivered on suspense and emotional impact.
Thank you to Atria Books for putting this incredible book on my radar, and to E.A. Jackson for the eARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Highly recommend!
March 23, 2026
A baby goes missing in 1990. The case is closed when she's "found." But DI Martha Allen never believed the story. Thirty years later, she gets another chance at the truth.
This is a slow-burn mystery about obsession and following your gut instinct even when it takes years. I was riveted trying to figure out what really happened. The mood was consistently somber - something darker lurked beneath the surface.
Martha's painful journey with infertility made her feel human in this book, complex beyond just being the detective on the case. She's also navigating a workplace full of men who don't respect her opinions because she's a woman - they only gave her the abduction case for optics, assuming she'd be more empathetic to the mother.
Audio experience: Nicola Walker brought Martha Allen to life brilliantly. I could hear her competence, her restraint when being dismissed by colleagues, and the emotional weight she carried. Walker made this an intriguing listen.
The ending was both expected and unexpected - I knew Martha's instincts would be right, but the "why" behind everything caught me off guard.
You'll love this if: You want slow-burn cold case mysteries, female detectives fighting workplace sexism, and investigations driven by gut instinct.
Thanks to Atria Books, Simon & Schuster Audio, and NetGalley for the advance copies.
This is a slow-burn mystery about obsession and following your gut instinct even when it takes years. I was riveted trying to figure out what really happened. The mood was consistently somber - something darker lurked beneath the surface.
Martha's painful journey with infertility made her feel human in this book, complex beyond just being the detective on the case. She's also navigating a workplace full of men who don't respect her opinions because she's a woman - they only gave her the abduction case for optics, assuming she'd be more empathetic to the mother.
Audio experience: Nicola Walker brought Martha Allen to life brilliantly. I could hear her competence, her restraint when being dismissed by colleagues, and the emotional weight she carried. Walker made this an intriguing listen.
The ending was both expected and unexpected - I knew Martha's instincts would be right, but the "why" behind everything caught me off guard.
You'll love this if: You want slow-burn cold case mysteries, female detectives fighting workplace sexism, and investigations driven by gut instinct.
Thanks to Atria Books, Simon & Schuster Audio, and NetGalley for the advance copies.
October 19, 2025
I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
Missing was an enjoyable read. Maybe not one of my all-time favourites, but definitely a solid and satisfying thriller. The story begins with the disappearance of baby Bella and follows Detective Allen as she tries to unravel the mystery. The narrative is cleverly split into two timelines: one set at the time of Bella’s disappearance, and the other thirty years later, when old secrets start to resurface.
I really enjoyed the way the author built the atmosphere. That constant sense of uncertainty and quiet tension kept me intrigued. The characters felt grounded and believable, especially Detective Allen, whose determination adds a strong emotional layer to the investigation.
That said, there were moments when the story felt like it was slowing down a bit, with some parts not moving the plot forward as much as I hoped. Still, the final chapters made up for it completely. The ending was intense and genuinely shocking, tying the two timelines together in a way that caught me off guard.
Missing is a well-crafted, emotional mystery about loss, truth, and how the past never really stays buried. It’s a story that builds slowly but ends with a powerful punch. A rewarding read for fans of thoughtful, character-driven thrillers.
Missing was an enjoyable read. Maybe not one of my all-time favourites, but definitely a solid and satisfying thriller. The story begins with the disappearance of baby Bella and follows Detective Allen as she tries to unravel the mystery. The narrative is cleverly split into two timelines: one set at the time of Bella’s disappearance, and the other thirty years later, when old secrets start to resurface.
I really enjoyed the way the author built the atmosphere. That constant sense of uncertainty and quiet tension kept me intrigued. The characters felt grounded and believable, especially Detective Allen, whose determination adds a strong emotional layer to the investigation.
That said, there were moments when the story felt like it was slowing down a bit, with some parts not moving the plot forward as much as I hoped. Still, the final chapters made up for it completely. The ending was intense and genuinely shocking, tying the two timelines together in a way that caught me off guard.
Missing is a well-crafted, emotional mystery about loss, truth, and how the past never really stays buried. It’s a story that builds slowly but ends with a powerful punch. A rewarding read for fans of thoughtful, character-driven thrillers.
January 7, 2026
Set during the sweltering heatwave of August 1990, this novel opens with the abduction of baby Bella Carpenter, taken through the open window of her London hotel room. Detective Inspector Martha Allen is assigned to the high-profile investigation and is determined to solve the case, fully aware that its outcome could define her career. When a young woman named Nell Beatty walks into a police station carrying a baby who appears to be Bella—claiming she discovered the child abandoned on a bench—the case seems to be resolved. Bella’s family, the police, and the press are jubilant. Yet DI Allen remains unconvinced. Nell’s story doesn’t quite add up, and despite being ordered to close the investigation now that the child is home safely, Allen cannot fully silence her doubts.
Thirty years later, Nell Beatty is found dead. Now a superintendent, Allen has never truly let go of the lingering questions surrounding the Carpenter case. Nell’s death reignites her curiosity, and she begins to investigate quietly on her own time, hoping to uncover the truth about Nell’s past and her role in Bella’s disappearance. As Allen digs deeper, she is forced to confront unsettling possibilities—ones darker than she ever anticipated—and must decide how much she is willing to risk in pursuit of long-buried answers.
The narrative is divided into two parts. The first follows the 1990 investigation from Allen’s perspective, charting her determined efforts to piece together who took Bella and why. The second half moves to 2020, where an older, higher-ranking Allen is still haunted by unresolved questions. Nell Beatty’s death prompts her to unofficially reopen the case, gradually uncovering the events that led Nell to walk into the police station with the child. The final chapter shifts to Nell’s point of view, providing a compelling and emotional account of what truly happened.
The novel is well-written and thoroughly researched, making it both engaging and accessible. The pacing is steady and absorbing, and the characters are fully realized, encouraging emotional investment in their fates. The conclusion is satisfying—both anticipated in some respects and surprising in others, with twists that feel earned rather than contrived.
In addition to delivering a gripping crime narrative, Jackson thoughtfully explores complex social issues, including addiction, poverty, domestic abuse, racial intolerance, misogyny, miscarriage, and infertility. These themes are woven into the story with sensitivity and depth, enhancing rather than overwhelming the central mystery.
Overall, this is an excellent and compelling read—highly recommended for fans of crime fiction and suspense who appreciate nuanced characters and morally layered storytelling.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Simon & Schuster for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#NetGalley #Simon&Schuster #Missing
Thirty years later, Nell Beatty is found dead. Now a superintendent, Allen has never truly let go of the lingering questions surrounding the Carpenter case. Nell’s death reignites her curiosity, and she begins to investigate quietly on her own time, hoping to uncover the truth about Nell’s past and her role in Bella’s disappearance. As Allen digs deeper, she is forced to confront unsettling possibilities—ones darker than she ever anticipated—and must decide how much she is willing to risk in pursuit of long-buried answers.
The narrative is divided into two parts. The first follows the 1990 investigation from Allen’s perspective, charting her determined efforts to piece together who took Bella and why. The second half moves to 2020, where an older, higher-ranking Allen is still haunted by unresolved questions. Nell Beatty’s death prompts her to unofficially reopen the case, gradually uncovering the events that led Nell to walk into the police station with the child. The final chapter shifts to Nell’s point of view, providing a compelling and emotional account of what truly happened.
The novel is well-written and thoroughly researched, making it both engaging and accessible. The pacing is steady and absorbing, and the characters are fully realized, encouraging emotional investment in their fates. The conclusion is satisfying—both anticipated in some respects and surprising in others, with twists that feel earned rather than contrived.
In addition to delivering a gripping crime narrative, Jackson thoughtfully explores complex social issues, including addiction, poverty, domestic abuse, racial intolerance, misogyny, miscarriage, and infertility. These themes are woven into the story with sensitivity and depth, enhancing rather than overwhelming the central mystery.
Overall, this is an excellent and compelling read—highly recommended for fans of crime fiction and suspense who appreciate nuanced characters and morally layered storytelling.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Simon & Schuster for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#NetGalley #Simon&Schuster #Missing
March 8, 2026
I enjoy a good crime thriller and this one definitely surprised me on how much I enjoyed it. I was instantly drawn in from the beginning and found myself not wanting to put it down. I loved having both the past and present timelines and being able to see each investigation play out. I did enjoy the twists that happened throughout and even though it could be a little predictable at times, it was still an enjoyable read.
Overall, I enjoyed this one and recommend it to anyone who likes crime thrillers and police procedurals!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Overall, I enjoyed this one and recommend it to anyone who likes crime thrillers and police procedurals!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review!
March 17, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
Missing started out strong with the mysterious disappearance of a baby from a couple’s hotel room. The lead detective is a determined woman who doesn’t back away from challenges. The storyline details the investigation for a good chunk of the book and this is where it starts to drag for me. Finally, at the one-third mark, the focus turns to one of the parents. I enjoyed the storyline, and I usually love a slow-burn build-up in domestic suspense novels, but the pacing was off for me. Overall, this is a solid book and I look forward to reading more from this author! The narration was fantastic by one of my favorite actresses, Nicola Walker.
Missing started out strong with the mysterious disappearance of a baby from a couple’s hotel room. The lead detective is a determined woman who doesn’t back away from challenges. The storyline details the investigation for a good chunk of the book and this is where it starts to drag for me. Finally, at the one-third mark, the focus turns to one of the parents. I enjoyed the storyline, and I usually love a slow-burn build-up in domestic suspense novels, but the pacing was off for me. Overall, this is a solid book and I look forward to reading more from this author! The narration was fantastic by one of my favorite actresses, Nicola Walker.
March 24, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
March 17, 2026
I had to sit and take a beat after closing this book, my head still spinning after the fabulous ending.
What a terrific read. This book — a “maybe-murder” mystery— is a true slow burn, written with skill, and impeccable class, from the very first pages, all the way through to that dazzling finish.
Spanning two time periods separated by a span of thirty years, we are introduced to the 1990 world of our main protagonist, DI Martha Allen, a serious and sometimes obsessive London-based police inspector, who is dealing with the emotionally charged disappearance of a five-month old baby named Bella Carpenter. The case is complex, may or may not involve a heinous murder, and seems to center on a strange and beautiful woman named Nell Beatty.
Thirty years later and Martha is now a Detective Superintendent when she is unexpectedly drawn into the original baby Bella case again. This time, Martha will find herself travelling across the country to Bristol, where she will refuse to give the case up, until she has solved every shred of mystery still attached to it.
Reminiscent of a somewhat less verbose Elizabeth George (one of this reader’s all time favourite mystery writers), this is an immersive and detailed police procedural, written with such finesse that literally everything that happens makes perfect sense, — all leads are organized and followed through in a process that feels, well, real and sensible, with all of it adding up to what can only be seen as a tidy, tight, and a terrifically readable read.
Peopled with characters, every single one of them, who radiate with such a perfect degree of authenticity, in this book we are welcomed into lives, filled with experiences, hardships and yearnings that ring so true, with consequences so recognizable, that we the reader, will absolutely feel along with each character.
I adored this book, and cannot wait to read more of what I hope to be an upcoming series.
A great big thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
What a terrific read. This book — a “maybe-murder” mystery— is a true slow burn, written with skill, and impeccable class, from the very first pages, all the way through to that dazzling finish.
Spanning two time periods separated by a span of thirty years, we are introduced to the 1990 world of our main protagonist, DI Martha Allen, a serious and sometimes obsessive London-based police inspector, who is dealing with the emotionally charged disappearance of a five-month old baby named Bella Carpenter. The case is complex, may or may not involve a heinous murder, and seems to center on a strange and beautiful woman named Nell Beatty.
Thirty years later and Martha is now a Detective Superintendent when she is unexpectedly drawn into the original baby Bella case again. This time, Martha will find herself travelling across the country to Bristol, where she will refuse to give the case up, until she has solved every shred of mystery still attached to it.
Reminiscent of a somewhat less verbose Elizabeth George (one of this reader’s all time favourite mystery writers), this is an immersive and detailed police procedural, written with such finesse that literally everything that happens makes perfect sense, — all leads are organized and followed through in a process that feels, well, real and sensible, with all of it adding up to what can only be seen as a tidy, tight, and a terrifically readable read.
Peopled with characters, every single one of them, who radiate with such a perfect degree of authenticity, in this book we are welcomed into lives, filled with experiences, hardships and yearnings that ring so true, with consequences so recognizable, that we the reader, will absolutely feel along with each character.
I adored this book, and cannot wait to read more of what I hope to be an upcoming series.
A great big thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
March 18, 2026
I love a good police procedural and this one was really great, with lots of details. That being said, the first part of the book, set in the past and with the scenario of an infant being kidnapped, moved along quite slowly for me. I was interested in DI Martha Allen finding the baby but I felt bogged down with a lot of the tedious and repetitive parts of the investigation. There was not a lot of new discoveries made and I felt at times like I was plodding through a quagmire of checking all the boxes as this investigation continued. Once the murder happened and DI Allen began a side investigation into the connection between the kidnapping in the past and the current murder, I was totally absorbed in the story and captivated by the well-crafted story as well as the pacing. This story is one that is compelling, relevant in its treatment of topics like abuse and totally absorbing in the way DI Allen is so absolutely determined to find out the truth despite opposition from many around her. The characters were not especially relatable to me but they were believable, especially the way women investigators were set apart from the men and the way Norton, Allen’s fellow detective, resented her and treated her as less than worthy to hold her position. The plot was a compelling one, particularly the second half, and it kept me thoroughly engaged and ready to follow clues and help solve the mystery. The two stories dovetail perfectly in a meticulously plotted story that was remarkably clever. The expert plotting was one of the best and most satisfying ways to draw everything together that I have ever read, so will definitely look for more from this talented and intriguing author.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
March 23, 2026
I loved every second of this read. I do love a good British police procedural, and this gave me everything I was looking for. A plot that was deeply layered, twisty, and could be taken in so many different directions. The cast of characters are fantastically formed and have depth. Making me instantly connect with them. The story is about every parent's worst fear. A baby is taken from its basket in the wee hours of the morning. How can a five-month-old baby not wake its parents up while being taken down a fire escape? The mother is wracked with fear. The father is barely holding on. Will Baby Bella be found?
I loved that it is set in 1990 and thirty years later it is the case that has always stuck with Detective Inspector Martha Allen. She always believed that there was something off with the outcome of the case. It is the itch that she has never been able to scratch. Until one of officers that worked on the case with her contacts her to let her know Nell Beatty has been found dead. Nell was connected to the Baby Bella case. This is giving Allen a reason to finally really look back into the case that has haunted her all these years.
I do not want to go into must detail and give anything away. I loved the hunt and the search for new clues, new witnesses, and seeing how the puzzle pieces all finally come together. That last chapter threw me; my jaw was on the floor, my mouth gaping like a fish. I was beyond excited to find out that this is the first in its series, I cannot wait for book 2. Thank you to E.A. Jackson and Emily Bestler Books for my gifted copy!
I loved that it is set in 1990 and thirty years later it is the case that has always stuck with Detective Inspector Martha Allen. She always believed that there was something off with the outcome of the case. It is the itch that she has never been able to scratch. Until one of officers that worked on the case with her contacts her to let her know Nell Beatty has been found dead. Nell was connected to the Baby Bella case. This is giving Allen a reason to finally really look back into the case that has haunted her all these years.
I do not want to go into must detail and give anything away. I loved the hunt and the search for new clues, new witnesses, and seeing how the puzzle pieces all finally come together. That last chapter threw me; my jaw was on the floor, my mouth gaping like a fish. I was beyond excited to find out that this is the first in its series, I cannot wait for book 2. Thank you to E.A. Jackson and Emily Bestler Books for my gifted copy!
January 14, 2026
This was a very enjoyable thriller about a missing child that hooks you from the start. This story very closely follows Detective Inspector Martha Allen who watches as the case of a missing baby is wrapped up pretty quickly and the baby is seemingly returned to her parents unharmed after being left at the police station by an unknown woman, who disappears immediately after… but something about the whole situation doesn’t feel right to Martha, and we follow her 30 years on as she tries to figure out what happened that day once and for all.
I throughly enjoyed this mystery! I thought it was very cleverly written and I really liked the fact that the book is split into two parts. The first part is set in 1990 on the day of the kidnapping and the days that follow, and the second part is set in 2020 as Martha delves back into the case. I loved the character of Martha, and found myself getting very attached to her throughout the book.
I always really enjoy thrillers about kidnappings, but more often than not find them predictable, but I was definitely surprised by the outcome of this book, especially the last chapter and it left me speechless! This was a solid thriller and there’s definitely a few surprises along the way which I think thriller fans would enjoy!
Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I throughly enjoyed this mystery! I thought it was very cleverly written and I really liked the fact that the book is split into two parts. The first part is set in 1990 on the day of the kidnapping and the days that follow, and the second part is set in 2020 as Martha delves back into the case. I loved the character of Martha, and found myself getting very attached to her throughout the book.
I always really enjoy thrillers about kidnappings, but more often than not find them predictable, but I was definitely surprised by the outcome of this book, especially the last chapter and it left me speechless! This was a solid thriller and there’s definitely a few surprises along the way which I think thriller fans would enjoy!
Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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March 5, 2026I was super-excited to read Missing. Overall I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to fans of police procedurals and procedural series.
The narrative begins in 2020 as Martha Allen, a London DCI, gets a surprising call from a former colleague to report a murder case he's investigating in Bristol. The victim was a mysterious figure in a case they worked together back in the 1990s.
The narrative then moves back to 1990 as Allen is assigned to that case: a horrifying incident of infant snatched from her parents' hotel room in the middle of the night.
What I loved about this part of Missing was that there was NO dual timeline. I feel like most of the books I read have chapter to chapter timeline switching and it was so refreshing to just absorb myself in one time and place. This part of the book was extremely intense and gripping as Martha and her team try to locate the baby.
The last quarter of the book moved forward to 2020 and this is where things fell apart a little for me. The book's resolution went with the oddest possible connection between their victim and the former case, one that had me seriously scratching my head. For me, procedurals are often about working the most obvious solutions. Hearing hoofbeats and checking horses, cows, deer, etc. Not an addax.
That said, I really liked Jackson's writing, the characters, the colleague relationship between Martha and Desbury , and Martha's observations about being a female police officer in the 1990s through the 2020s. I will happily read her next book!
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
The narrative begins in 2020 as Martha Allen, a London DCI, gets a surprising call from a former colleague to report a murder case he's investigating in Bristol. The victim was a mysterious figure in a case they worked together back in the 1990s.
The narrative then moves back to 1990 as Allen is assigned to that case: a horrifying incident of infant snatched from her parents' hotel room in the middle of the night.
What I loved about this part of Missing was that there was NO dual timeline. I feel like most of the books I read have chapter to chapter timeline switching and it was so refreshing to just absorb myself in one time and place. This part of the book was extremely intense and gripping as Martha and her team try to locate the baby.
The last quarter of the book moved forward to 2020 and this is where things fell apart a little for me. The book's resolution went with the oddest possible connection between their victim and the former case, one that had me seriously scratching my head. For me, procedurals are often about working the most obvious solutions. Hearing hoofbeats and checking horses, cows, deer, etc. Not an addax.
That said, I really liked Jackson's writing, the characters, the colleague relationship between Martha and Desbury , and Martha's observations about being a female police officer in the 1990s through the 2020s. I will happily read her next book!
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
March 18, 2026
This debut novel from E.A Jackson is an interesting read for readers who love police procedural stories. I appreciated the slow and descriptive progress of looking through evidence, interviewing suspects, and detective work into the backgrounds of the characters. I felt like it was a slow and progressive build up and allowed the reader to think about the evidence. I do feel like there were times where details were not needed and filler words that could have been cut. The main character (DI Allen) was a likeable character. The story itself felt like I’ve seen it before (perhaps in a law and order: special victims episode), so not really surprising - but I thoroughly enjoyed the ending. It was predictable… but I enjoyed it nonetheless. 3.5 ⭐️
Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy. This review is based on my own opinions. Happy publication day!
Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy. This review is based on my own opinions. Happy publication day!
March 7, 2026
Some cases refuse to stay buried—and in Missing, the truth has been waiting thirty years to surface. 🔎📖
During a brutal heatwave in London in 1990, baby Bella Carpenter is snatched through the open window of a hotel room, launching a frantic, high-profile investigation led by Detective Inspector Martha Allen. When a young woman named Nell Beatty walks into a police station with a baby she claims to have found on a park bench, it seems like a miracle—the missing child has been returned.
But Martha Allen isn’t convinced.
Something about Nell’s story feels wrong. Still, with the baby safe and public pressure mounting, Allen is ordered to close the case—whether she believes it or not.
Thirty years later, Nell Beatty is found dead.
Now a police superintendent, Allen has never shaken the feeling that the Carpenter case was built on a lie. When she starts digging into the past, long-buried secrets begin to surface—secrets that could finally reveal what really happened to baby Bella… and why the truth was hidden for so long.
Dark, atmospheric, and impossible to put down, this twisty crime thriller is perfect for fans of Tana French who love cold cases, buried secrets, and detectives who refuse to let the past stay silent. 🕵️♀️✨
During a brutal heatwave in London in 1990, baby Bella Carpenter is snatched through the open window of a hotel room, launching a frantic, high-profile investigation led by Detective Inspector Martha Allen. When a young woman named Nell Beatty walks into a police station with a baby she claims to have found on a park bench, it seems like a miracle—the missing child has been returned.
But Martha Allen isn’t convinced.
Something about Nell’s story feels wrong. Still, with the baby safe and public pressure mounting, Allen is ordered to close the case—whether she believes it or not.
Thirty years later, Nell Beatty is found dead.
Now a police superintendent, Allen has never shaken the feeling that the Carpenter case was built on a lie. When she starts digging into the past, long-buried secrets begin to surface—secrets that could finally reveal what really happened to baby Bella… and why the truth was hidden for so long.
Dark, atmospheric, and impossible to put down, this twisty crime thriller is perfect for fans of Tana French who love cold cases, buried secrets, and detectives who refuse to let the past stay silent. 🕵️♀️✨
March 17, 2026
If you love a cold case procedural with a jaw-dropping twist, this one is for you.
Missing by E.A. Jackson publishes TODAY and it is such a solid debut. It follows DI Martha Allen, a sharp and tenacious detective who in 1990 is assigned to lead a high profile missing infant case in London. And this is the 1990s Met Police — still very much a boys club — so having a woman lead this investigation is a big deal.
Baby Bella Carpenter disappears from a hotel room. Martha works every lead, suspects the father, but before she can crack it — the baby turns up. A teenager named Nell brings her in, claiming she found the baby at a bus stop. Case closed. Except Martha never believed it. And that case haunts her for thirty years.
Flash forward to today. Nell is murdered. Martha isn’t investigating the murder — she’s finally going back to find the truth about what really happened to baby Bella. And the twist at the end? I did not see it coming.
And if you’re an audiobook listener, Nicola Walker’s narration is absolutely top notch. She brings Martha to life perfectly. Highly recommended. Thank you Simon & Schuster Audio for the gifted early listen.
Missing by E.A. Jackson publishes TODAY and it is such a solid debut. It follows DI Martha Allen, a sharp and tenacious detective who in 1990 is assigned to lead a high profile missing infant case in London. And this is the 1990s Met Police — still very much a boys club — so having a woman lead this investigation is a big deal.
Baby Bella Carpenter disappears from a hotel room. Martha works every lead, suspects the father, but before she can crack it — the baby turns up. A teenager named Nell brings her in, claiming she found the baby at a bus stop. Case closed. Except Martha never believed it. And that case haunts her for thirty years.
Flash forward to today. Nell is murdered. Martha isn’t investigating the murder — she’s finally going back to find the truth about what really happened to baby Bella. And the twist at the end? I did not see it coming.
And if you’re an audiobook listener, Nicola Walker’s narration is absolutely top notch. She brings Martha to life perfectly. Highly recommended. Thank you Simon & Schuster Audio for the gifted early listen.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A big thank you to NetGalley and Atria books for the ecopy in exchange for an honest review 💚
the premise of this book is excellent.
Unfortunately, it felt like it needed a good round of editing to cut down on some unnecessary information.
The main storyline remains interesting, I'm sure a lot of readers will enjoy this one nonetheless
the premise of this book is excellent.
Unfortunately, it felt like it needed a good round of editing to cut down on some unnecessary information.
The main storyline remains interesting, I'm sure a lot of readers will enjoy this one nonetheless
March 15, 2026
The story starts out strong with compelling characters and a gripping plot. Then the story slows up a bit, before picking up again for the ending. Overall, an engaging mystery.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
March 24, 2026
Excellent read. Could not put down! A story of a missing baby that haunted the lead detective for thirty years. Held your undivided attention thru to the unexpected ending. Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways and Atria Books for the ARC.
December 3, 2025
I was grateful to receive an advance copy of Missing by E.A. Jackson before its official release, and I appreciate the opportunity to read it early. Jackson’s storytelling has a compelling pulse, and the premise of this novel is strong—built around quiet tension, emotional undercurrents, and the unsettling awareness that something is deeply wrong beneath the surface.
What Missing does well is atmosphere. Jackson creates a sense of unease that grows chapter by chapter, and the setting often feels like its own character. There’s a steady push to uncover what’s really happening, which kept me engaged even when the pacing wavered.
The characters are interesting, though not always fully realized. Some motivations could have been explored more deeply, and a few emotional beats feel abrupt rather than earned. The middle section also drags slightly, as if the narrative is holding its breath for too long before moving forward.
Still, the final act delivers solid tension and a satisfying enough payoff. The book sits comfortably in the “good but not unforgettable” category—rewarding in moments, uneven in others. Readers who enjoy slow-burn mysteries with a moody tone will likely find enough here to appreciate.
Overall, Missing is a decent read with flashes of excellence, even if it doesn’t quite reach its full potential. A three-star experience: worthwhile, atmospheric, and intriguing, but not completely polished.
What Missing does well is atmosphere. Jackson creates a sense of unease that grows chapter by chapter, and the setting often feels like its own character. There’s a steady push to uncover what’s really happening, which kept me engaged even when the pacing wavered.
The characters are interesting, though not always fully realized. Some motivations could have been explored more deeply, and a few emotional beats feel abrupt rather than earned. The middle section also drags slightly, as if the narrative is holding its breath for too long before moving forward.
Still, the final act delivers solid tension and a satisfying enough payoff. The book sits comfortably in the “good but not unforgettable” category—rewarding in moments, uneven in others. Readers who enjoy slow-burn mysteries with a moody tone will likely find enough here to appreciate.
Overall, Missing is a decent read with flashes of excellence, even if it doesn’t quite reach its full potential. A three-star experience: worthwhile, atmospheric, and intriguing, but not completely polished.
November 10, 2025
Missing by EA Jackson
Thank you NetGalley for the arc
This is a clever little book.
A couple Tom and Vivienne and their new baby Bella go to London for a little break. Bella is perfect, the dream baby and Tom and Vivienne are besotted with her.
The weather is very warm and the hotel room has no air conditioning, they feed the baby and put her down for the night with the window open. When they wake in the morning, Bella is missing.
The policewoman on the case is Martha Allen and she knows the main suspect is lying, but can she prove it?
I loved this book, spanning over thirty years with a strong female character doing everything she can to solve the mystery of the missing baby.
Thank you NetGalley for the arc
This is a clever little book.
A couple Tom and Vivienne and their new baby Bella go to London for a little break. Bella is perfect, the dream baby and Tom and Vivienne are besotted with her.
The weather is very warm and the hotel room has no air conditioning, they feed the baby and put her down for the night with the window open. When they wake in the morning, Bella is missing.
The policewoman on the case is Martha Allen and she knows the main suspect is lying, but can she prove it?
I loved this book, spanning over thirty years with a strong female character doing everything she can to solve the mystery of the missing baby.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 Stars. Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the advance copy of this gripping police procedural and enjoyable crime drama. This was an impressive, well-written and plotted debut by author E.A. Jackson, and I will definitely be looking forward to future mystery books by the writer. Unravelling the mystery was compelling and kept me riveted to my seat. The intriguing characters kept me emotionally involved, and I was invested in the puzzling story. I thought its pace and momentum were uneven, but it is my favourite thriller so far in 2026. Descriptions and atmosphere were strong. The story involved the lead character's introspection rather than action.
In August 1990, there was a stifling heatwave in London. Five-month-old Bella Carpenter was taken through an open window in a hotel room while her frantic parents slept. No ransom was demanded, and her parents are distraught.
D.I. Martha Allen was assigned to the case. The detective is pregnant and finds herself empathizing with Bella's parents and anxious for the child's welfare. She is determined to solve the abduction and bring Bella home safely. Allen works in a male-dominated, misogynistic environment. She feels that finding Bella will give her greater acceptance within the police force and help establish her future as a detective. Soon, a young woman, Nell Beatty, brought the baby to the police station, stating she had found her on a park bench. She is returned to the Carpenters', and her parents are overjoyed. The police and press are delighted by the event. Allen was ordered to stop her investigation as the case is now closed. The detective relies on intuition, hunches, and instinct, and is uncomfortable. She had a strong feeling that something was not right, and the return of the baby was not as it seemed.
Moving forward to 2020, Allen is now a superintendent; she has had several miscarriages and has never forgotten the case of Bella. Nell has been murdered, and Allen is working on the case. She now has a chance to learn the truth and is determined to learn more about Nell's life before her murder. She is still obsessed with the Bella case and Nell's involvement. Her new dramatic investigation brings up issues of political squatters, the transgendered, miscarriages, infertility, postpartum depression, obsession, domestic violence, prostitution, anxiety, and misogyny, so beware.
Allen ponders the case, and her thoughts turn to possible solutions to the Bella case thirty years before, which she still believes was suspicious. Now, she is also guessing at motives for Nell's murder, and all her theories seem possible. The reader has the opportunity to try to solve both cases. Questioning people from Nell's past is difficult. Allen finds some have changed residences, moved away, changed their names, and even their gender. She learns that Nell was a drug addict and sex worker before her death, ruining her previous beauty and reputation. Who killed her and why? What secrets did she hold in connection with Bella? We have a final chapter from Nell's viewpoint, and a believable conclusion.
Missing is scheduled for publication on March 17/2026. It should appeal to readers who love a clever, multi-layered mystery that will keep them guessing.
In August 1990, there was a stifling heatwave in London. Five-month-old Bella Carpenter was taken through an open window in a hotel room while her frantic parents slept. No ransom was demanded, and her parents are distraught.
D.I. Martha Allen was assigned to the case. The detective is pregnant and finds herself empathizing with Bella's parents and anxious for the child's welfare. She is determined to solve the abduction and bring Bella home safely. Allen works in a male-dominated, misogynistic environment. She feels that finding Bella will give her greater acceptance within the police force and help establish her future as a detective. Soon, a young woman, Nell Beatty, brought the baby to the police station, stating she had found her on a park bench. She is returned to the Carpenters', and her parents are overjoyed. The police and press are delighted by the event. Allen was ordered to stop her investigation as the case is now closed. The detective relies on intuition, hunches, and instinct, and is uncomfortable. She had a strong feeling that something was not right, and the return of the baby was not as it seemed.
Moving forward to 2020, Allen is now a superintendent; she has had several miscarriages and has never forgotten the case of Bella. Nell has been murdered, and Allen is working on the case. She now has a chance to learn the truth and is determined to learn more about Nell's life before her murder. She is still obsessed with the Bella case and Nell's involvement. Her new dramatic investigation brings up issues of political squatters, the transgendered, miscarriages, infertility, postpartum depression, obsession, domestic violence, prostitution, anxiety, and misogyny, so beware.
Allen ponders the case, and her thoughts turn to possible solutions to the Bella case thirty years before, which she still believes was suspicious. Now, she is also guessing at motives for Nell's murder, and all her theories seem possible. The reader has the opportunity to try to solve both cases. Questioning people from Nell's past is difficult. Allen finds some have changed residences, moved away, changed their names, and even their gender. She learns that Nell was a drug addict and sex worker before her death, ruining her previous beauty and reputation. Who killed her and why? What secrets did she hold in connection with Bella? We have a final chapter from Nell's viewpoint, and a believable conclusion.
Missing is scheduled for publication on March 17/2026. It should appeal to readers who love a clever, multi-layered mystery that will keep them guessing.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
pecial thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Mar. 17, 2026
In 1990, a young couple is destroyed when their infant daughter, Bella, is kidnapped from the family’s hotel room during a vacation in London. Days later, a young woman named Nell enters the police station with an infant, claiming she found baby Bella on a park bench. Bella’s parents are overjoyed and confirm that the child is their beloved, Bella, and the young woman who found her disappears without a trace. Even though she was the lead on the case, police detective Martha Allen can’t celebrate, because she still feels like something is wrong, like the family is keeping secrets and that Nell was not completely honest about the truth of the events. Thirty years later, Martha has tried to forget about baby Bella, but when she discovers that a woman named Nell has been found deceased, she takes this as an invitation to reopen the case and find out once and for all what happened to baby Bella.
U.K author E.A. Jackson’s debut novel, “Missing”, is a sharp and suspenseful crime thriller. Told over the span of thirty years, from Bella’s abduction in the 1990s through to 2020, right before the pandemic, Jackson kept me guessing at every turn.
Martha is the protagonist, an overworked, underappreciated, dedicated and obsessed police detective who struggles to break the glass ceiling while trying to solve what could be the biggest case of her career. Initially, Martha is a new detective who struggles with infertility and later, she is looking down the barrel of retirement, hoping to finally find answers to a case that’s haunted her for years. Martha is the ultimate female protagonist, resilient and brave, while facing insurmountable personal and professional struggles. There was no way I wasn’t going to root for her, and Jackson’s readers will feel the same.
There are many suspenseful twists and turns throughout the novel, and as the story goes on, readers are left with any number of options as to what the true story actually is. The ending, of course, provides all of the answers, and even hits with an unexpected plot twist right at the very end of the novel, as we finally hear from Nell herself. The subject matter is tense and emotional, but it highlights important themes that will leave an indelible imprint.
“Missing” is a well-written debut, perfect for crime fiction fans. Jackson delivers top tier suspense, a dramatic police investigation, and delicious twists, all with a relatable and likable protagonist.
Expected publication date: Mar. 17, 2026
In 1990, a young couple is destroyed when their infant daughter, Bella, is kidnapped from the family’s hotel room during a vacation in London. Days later, a young woman named Nell enters the police station with an infant, claiming she found baby Bella on a park bench. Bella’s parents are overjoyed and confirm that the child is their beloved, Bella, and the young woman who found her disappears without a trace. Even though she was the lead on the case, police detective Martha Allen can’t celebrate, because she still feels like something is wrong, like the family is keeping secrets and that Nell was not completely honest about the truth of the events. Thirty years later, Martha has tried to forget about baby Bella, but when she discovers that a woman named Nell has been found deceased, she takes this as an invitation to reopen the case and find out once and for all what happened to baby Bella.
U.K author E.A. Jackson’s debut novel, “Missing”, is a sharp and suspenseful crime thriller. Told over the span of thirty years, from Bella’s abduction in the 1990s through to 2020, right before the pandemic, Jackson kept me guessing at every turn.
Martha is the protagonist, an overworked, underappreciated, dedicated and obsessed police detective who struggles to break the glass ceiling while trying to solve what could be the biggest case of her career. Initially, Martha is a new detective who struggles with infertility and later, she is looking down the barrel of retirement, hoping to finally find answers to a case that’s haunted her for years. Martha is the ultimate female protagonist, resilient and brave, while facing insurmountable personal and professional struggles. There was no way I wasn’t going to root for her, and Jackson’s readers will feel the same.
There are many suspenseful twists and turns throughout the novel, and as the story goes on, readers are left with any number of options as to what the true story actually is. The ending, of course, provides all of the answers, and even hits with an unexpected plot twist right at the very end of the novel, as we finally hear from Nell herself. The subject matter is tense and emotional, but it highlights important themes that will leave an indelible imprint.
“Missing” is a well-written debut, perfect for crime fiction fans. Jackson delivers top tier suspense, a dramatic police investigation, and delicious twists, all with a relatable and likable protagonist.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
2.5 stars. Sometimes I get mad more at the publicity team for a book for writing a bad summary than I do at the book. But this time it's both. This is compared to Tana French and I think the book really wants to be a Tana French book. But it isn't very good at being a Tana French book. This doesn't have to be bad, a lot of people find French too slow or too lost in character, I think Jackson has potential. But I think she should probably move more towards traditional thrillers, that feels more like where she wants to be.
A procedural has to keep things moving, you can't go too fast or too slow. It needs some complexity so things aren't solved too quickly. You can't get too caught up in red herrings or too distracted by a particular theory or you risk losing your audience. The pacing here doesn't fully work. Jackson is smart to have a two-crime storyline, and she even manages to pull off telling you the outcome of the first from the very beginning, a tricky stunt. But there just isn't enough there there for either story.
I think Jackson is trying to do both too much and not enough. The too much is giving us this story of a female detective trying to rise through the ranks in the 90s (not saying you can't do it because Prime Suspect already did it but Prime Suspect sets a very high bar) and have a pregnant detective investigating a baby's kidnapping and try to ask all these questions about race and class and gender. These are all hard things to pull off individually, and they all feel like they don't get quite enough attention or skill here. The modern storyline starts to feel a little like a showcase of interesting social issues Jackson wants to address (trans people! radical squatters! domestic violence! postpartum anxiety!) rather than real stories that intertwine organically.
The not enough is the tension and suspense that never feels like it's there. The past crime doesn't make much sense, which means it's either very bizarre or very obvious. The present crime isn't even a new crime, really, it's just an excuse for Allen to go back to her suspicions from the past. And her doggedness never really tracks just like the overly quick resolution of the past crime never made much sense either. The final chapter throwing a wrench in much of it is only more evidence for my request for Jackson to go thriller, because that is a thriller twist not a procedural one.
Ultimately I just didn't care enough about Allen for this to be a French-esque story. French grounds you so thoroughly in her characters that you care more about what happens to them than the crime. Allen is fine but she doesn't really get to be a full person. She seems to have had almost no life in the 30 years between the two stories, and has not changed much at all.
Going deep isn't really working for Jackson, but I think she could do a pretty good job at focusing more on plot and leaning in there.
A procedural has to keep things moving, you can't go too fast or too slow. It needs some complexity so things aren't solved too quickly. You can't get too caught up in red herrings or too distracted by a particular theory or you risk losing your audience. The pacing here doesn't fully work. Jackson is smart to have a two-crime storyline, and she even manages to pull off telling you the outcome of the first from the very beginning, a tricky stunt. But there just isn't enough there there for either story.
I think Jackson is trying to do both too much and not enough. The too much is giving us this story of a female detective trying to rise through the ranks in the 90s (not saying you can't do it because Prime Suspect already did it but Prime Suspect sets a very high bar) and have a pregnant detective investigating a baby's kidnapping and try to ask all these questions about race and class and gender. These are all hard things to pull off individually, and they all feel like they don't get quite enough attention or skill here. The modern storyline starts to feel a little like a showcase of interesting social issues Jackson wants to address (trans people! radical squatters! domestic violence! postpartum anxiety!) rather than real stories that intertwine organically.
The not enough is the tension and suspense that never feels like it's there. The past crime doesn't make much sense, which means it's either very bizarre or very obvious. The present crime isn't even a new crime, really, it's just an excuse for Allen to go back to her suspicions from the past. And her doggedness never really tracks just like the overly quick resolution of the past crime never made much sense either. The final chapter throwing a wrench in much of it is only more evidence for my request for Jackson to go thriller, because that is a thriller twist not a procedural one.
Ultimately I just didn't care enough about Allen for this to be a French-esque story. French grounds you so thoroughly in her characters that you care more about what happens to them than the crime. Allen is fine but she doesn't really get to be a full person. She seems to have had almost no life in the 30 years between the two stories, and has not changed much at all.
Going deep isn't really working for Jackson, but I think she could do a pretty good job at focusing more on plot and leaning in there.
Review of advance copy received from Author
MISSING by E.A. Jackson
Publication: March 2026 by Atria/ Emily Bestier Books
Grade: B+
A highly entertaining debut novel by E.A. Jackson. This marvelous British police procedural spans decades and juxtaposes the original investigation of the baby kidnapping in the sweltering heat of August 1990 with that of the re-investigation thirty years later due to the death of Nell Beatty. Six month old baby, Bella Carpenter, lies in her crib near the window of a London hotel. Her parents slightly raise the window due to the unbearable heat, and retire to bed, only to rise in the morning to a vacant crib. Detective Inspector Martha Allen is assigned to the case and embarks on an extensive investigation without any apparent objective clue to the kidnapping culprit. The crucial twenty-four time limit has passed, she is being pounded with media criticism as well as snipes from her supervisors. A couple of days have passed, and a young women, possibly 18 or 19, brings a baby to the station, saying she found it on a park bench. Before, Allen and complete her questioning, she opts to go to the restroom, and sneaks out. The baby’s parents return to the police and are overjoyed at the baby’s return.
Detective Allen remains suspicious of this apparent resolution, but is told to stand down by her superiors.. Thirty years later, Allen is notified by a colleague of the death of Nell Beatty. This leads to a just reason for her to reopen her investigation by delving into the history of Nell’s life leading up to her demise. Ultimately further evidence is uncovered referable to the original kidnapping. Multiple unexpected twists will be uncovered in regards to the motivations of most of the primary characters. Multiple themes will be explored, such as poverty, drug and spousal abuse, as well as truth and justice.
Even though the morally conflicted Detective Martha Allen’s career has slowly progressed to one of leadership in the police force, she remains haunted by the uneasy feeling that the original resolution of the case with the return of the baby was suspicious , and was told to refrain from further investigation. This character driven novel excelled in its extensive development of Allen’s psyche and psychological motivations. At points the narrative became bogged down in the realistic portrayal of the tedious nature of police investigation. However, it more than redeemed itself with plot twists and unexpected explorations of hidden motivations of the primary characters. This is a morally layered mystery which prioritizes realism and psychological depth over action. The author thoughtfully explores the realities of poverty, social marginalization, and criticism of the police investigative
system, along with the nature of guilt and innocence. I certainly look forward to E.A. Jackson’s next immersive offering.
Publication: March 2026 by Atria/ Emily Bestier Books
Grade: B+
A highly entertaining debut novel by E.A. Jackson. This marvelous British police procedural spans decades and juxtaposes the original investigation of the baby kidnapping in the sweltering heat of August 1990 with that of the re-investigation thirty years later due to the death of Nell Beatty. Six month old baby, Bella Carpenter, lies in her crib near the window of a London hotel. Her parents slightly raise the window due to the unbearable heat, and retire to bed, only to rise in the morning to a vacant crib. Detective Inspector Martha Allen is assigned to the case and embarks on an extensive investigation without any apparent objective clue to the kidnapping culprit. The crucial twenty-four time limit has passed, she is being pounded with media criticism as well as snipes from her supervisors. A couple of days have passed, and a young women, possibly 18 or 19, brings a baby to the station, saying she found it on a park bench. Before, Allen and complete her questioning, she opts to go to the restroom, and sneaks out. The baby’s parents return to the police and are overjoyed at the baby’s return.
Detective Allen remains suspicious of this apparent resolution, but is told to stand down by her superiors.. Thirty years later, Allen is notified by a colleague of the death of Nell Beatty. This leads to a just reason for her to reopen her investigation by delving into the history of Nell’s life leading up to her demise. Ultimately further evidence is uncovered referable to the original kidnapping. Multiple unexpected twists will be uncovered in regards to the motivations of most of the primary characters. Multiple themes will be explored, such as poverty, drug and spousal abuse, as well as truth and justice.
Even though the morally conflicted Detective Martha Allen’s career has slowly progressed to one of leadership in the police force, she remains haunted by the uneasy feeling that the original resolution of the case with the return of the baby was suspicious , and was told to refrain from further investigation. This character driven novel excelled in its extensive development of Allen’s psyche and psychological motivations. At points the narrative became bogged down in the realistic portrayal of the tedious nature of police investigation. However, it more than redeemed itself with plot twists and unexpected explorations of hidden motivations of the primary characters. This is a morally layered mystery which prioritizes realism and psychological depth over action. The author thoughtfully explores the realities of poverty, social marginalization, and criticism of the police investigative
system, along with the nature of guilt and innocence. I certainly look forward to E.A. Jackson’s next immersive offering.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was an unexpectedly wonderful read. Set in London, the book follows Detective Inspector Martha Allen, who catches the 1990 case of a missing baby in a somewhat sketchy London hotel. When the police arrive, the parents are utterly distraught (the mother has actually been sedated), and they go all out to find 5 month old Bella, who was snatched through an open window in the middle of the night, without waking the parents. This seems unlikely to DI Allen, but she and her team find clues, though most are frustrating dead ends.
Then, a few days into the search, a young woman walks into the police station with the missing baby. The parents are thrilled, and the higher ups are certain the case is closed. Somehow, though, Allen can’t let it go. She feels something is off about the dad but she’s warned to back off and she mostly does until 30 years later, when the young woman who brought the baby to the station is discovered dead on a park bench in a seedy section of London.
The character of Allen as much as the plot drives the story. Allen is a hard worker who has been herself obsessed with having her own child with no success. To a degree, it colors her view of the case. The book is also quite matter of fact about the sexism Allen encounters as she rises through the ranks. Her intelligence and professionalism cements her solid rise in job status but she’s never one of the guys, and to that degree, the skepticism the other cops feel toward her reactions hinders any progress she might have made on the baby Bella case.
However, when the dead woman turns up, she turns to an old colleague for help. The body has been discovered on his patch and with his help she begins to again take apart the puzzle of baby Bella. The police work is meticulous and well thought out but never dull. It’s a believable mix of routine and lucky discoveries. Allen works well with her old colleague who is one of the few men to take her more seriously, perhaps because she extended the same courtesy to him back when he was a fresh Detective Constable on the baby Bella case.
I always love a book that gets to the middle and I have no idea where it’s going next. Like Allen’s colleagues, I thought the case was settled, but as she continues to work it, more and more clues and facts emerge that paint a different picture. The solution was not what I’d expected either, and it even upends some of Allen’s assumptions about the way things went back in 1990, and how they’re going in 2020. Like all the best twists in a novel, the ending is both a surprise and a well set up solution by this intelligent author. I could not stop reading.
Then, a few days into the search, a young woman walks into the police station with the missing baby. The parents are thrilled, and the higher ups are certain the case is closed. Somehow, though, Allen can’t let it go. She feels something is off about the dad but she’s warned to back off and she mostly does until 30 years later, when the young woman who brought the baby to the station is discovered dead on a park bench in a seedy section of London.
The character of Allen as much as the plot drives the story. Allen is a hard worker who has been herself obsessed with having her own child with no success. To a degree, it colors her view of the case. The book is also quite matter of fact about the sexism Allen encounters as she rises through the ranks. Her intelligence and professionalism cements her solid rise in job status but she’s never one of the guys, and to that degree, the skepticism the other cops feel toward her reactions hinders any progress she might have made on the baby Bella case.
However, when the dead woman turns up, she turns to an old colleague for help. The body has been discovered on his patch and with his help she begins to again take apart the puzzle of baby Bella. The police work is meticulous and well thought out but never dull. It’s a believable mix of routine and lucky discoveries. Allen works well with her old colleague who is one of the few men to take her more seriously, perhaps because she extended the same courtesy to him back when he was a fresh Detective Constable on the baby Bella case.
I always love a book that gets to the middle and I have no idea where it’s going next. Like Allen’s colleagues, I thought the case was settled, but as she continues to work it, more and more clues and facts emerge that paint a different picture. The solution was not what I’d expected either, and it even upends some of Allen’s assumptions about the way things went back in 1990, and how they’re going in 2020. Like all the best twists in a novel, the ending is both a surprise and a well set up solution by this intelligent author. I could not stop reading.
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