The Search: Book One of The Identity Thieves Trilogy

by Karen Howard

Paperback

Published August 15, 2025

About the author

Karen Howard grew up roaming the Malvern Hills and sampling the delights of Wiltshire. Despite her early love of literature and history, she chose a scientific path, pursuing a career in environmental chemistry. She travelled widely and began to write creative fiction. In 2014 she published her first novel, 'The Gimmel Ring'. In 2022, she was awarded an invaluable Cinnamon Pencil creative writing mentorship. 'The Search', the first book of 'The Identity Thieves' trilogy, was shortlisted for the Cinnamon Press Literature Award 2023 and New Voices 2025. The second in the series, 'The Choice', has been drafted and she is now working on the concluding novel.

Karen devotes most of her time to writing, walking and travelling. She lives in Shropshire with her husband and Border Collie.

You can visit Karen on her website: https://www.karen-howard.com

Reviews

[Ivor Manfred · Rating 5 out of 5]

A shocking discovery – and its aftermath but written with an emotional sensitivity that almost denies that this is a story. Everyone who reads this first book of the Identity Thieves trilogy will be eagerly awaiting the birth of the other two triplets!

[Yvonne Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly immersive read, I got into the characters from the start and great that they worked in science occupations (makes a refreshing change!). Many families have skeletons in the cupboard and this was a big skeleton indeed. The plot was beautifully paced with twists and turns to keep you guessing. I just loved the description of the settings, really brought all the places to life in a style somewhat reminiscent of Hardy or Austen. Looking forward to the next instalment and finding out how the characters adapt to changing realities. Highly recommend!!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read with a suspenseful plot and a real sense of place; the golden light of Ullapool seafront; the wide vistas of the Malvern Hills; the sights and aromas of a medieval market town in southwest France; the rugged terraine of the Devon coast; a cosy old pub in Plymouth’s Elizabethan quarter.

The characters come to life through a complex tale of mystery, memory… and food!

The perfect choice for an absorbing summer read!

[Miss E-J · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read!

Intruiging from the start, with chapter one immediately providing an account that easily left me eager to find out more ...

Cue relationship struggles, love, lies, passion, deception, vulnerability, courage and adventure.

I was entirely invested in the story and can't wait to get my hands on the next one ... AND the next one!

[Emma Woodhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read, filled with family secrets and plot twists. Kept me hooked as I travelled with Sarah from the Highlands of Scotland to France, hunting down the twin she never knew she had. A real page turner that kept me hooked!