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Dark Place to Hide
She’s trying to tell you – if only you’d listen…
About to break the news to his wife, Diane, that he’s infertile, criminology expert, Harper Penn, gets a call to say she’s been rushed to hospital with a miscarriage. Five days later, when Diane fails to return from the village shop, police think she must have taken off with a secret lover, but Harper is convinced the online messages are not from her.
In the same Hampshire village, plucky seven-year-old Clara has retreated into a make-believe world after an accident. Then she, too, goes missing.
As Harper sets out on a desperate quest to find them both, he has no idea what he’s up against. Could the threat be closer than he thinks? And is there a hidden message in Clara’s fairy tales? DARK PLACE TO HIDE is a chilling psychological mystery with a cold-blooded deviant lurking at the core.
About to break the news to his wife, Diane, that he’s infertile, criminology expert, Harper Penn, gets a call to say she’s been rushed to hospital with a miscarriage. Five days later, when Diane fails to return from the village shop, police think she must have taken off with a secret lover, but Harper is convinced the online messages are not from her.
In the same Hampshire village, plucky seven-year-old Clara has retreated into a make-believe world after an accident. Then she, too, goes missing.
As Harper sets out on a desperate quest to find them both, he has no idea what he’s up against. Could the threat be closer than he thinks? And is there a hidden message in Clara’s fairy tales? DARK PLACE TO HIDE is a chilling psychological mystery with a cold-blooded deviant lurking at the core.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2015
264 people are currently reading
1969 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Waines
11 books482 followersAJ Waines writes Psychological Thrillers with *over half-a-million* copies sold worldwide. She's a #1 International Bestselling Author: GIRL ON A TRAIN topped the full UK and Australian Kindle Charts in 2015 & 2016.
Follow on Facebook, Instagram or AJ's Blog
All her books can be read in any order:
The Evil Beneath, Girl on a Train, Dark Place to Hide, No Longer Safe, Inside the Whispers, Lost in the Lake, Don't you Dare, Perfect Bones, Enemy at the Window, Cut you Dead Find them all at: AJ Waines' Books
Formerly a Psychotherapist for fifteen years, she has worked with ex-offenders from high-security institutions, giving her a rare insight into abnormal psychology. She is fascinated by secrets and lies, crimes of passion, devious motives and anything hidden under floorboards.
*A Kindle (KDP) TOP 10 'MOST-READ AUTHOR' in UK (2016)*
AJ has book deals in UK, France, Germany, Norway, Hungary, Czech Republic and Canada (audiobooks). She lives in Hampshire, UK, with her husband.
Follow on Facebook, Instagram or AJ's Blog
All her books can be read in any order:
The Evil Beneath, Girl on a Train, Dark Place to Hide, No Longer Safe, Inside the Whispers, Lost in the Lake, Don't you Dare, Perfect Bones, Enemy at the Window, Cut you Dead Find them all at: AJ Waines' Books
Formerly a Psychotherapist for fifteen years, she has worked with ex-offenders from high-security institutions, giving her a rare insight into abnormal psychology. She is fascinated by secrets and lies, crimes of passion, devious motives and anything hidden under floorboards.
*A Kindle (KDP) TOP 10 'MOST-READ AUTHOR' in UK (2016)*
AJ has book deals in UK, France, Germany, Norway, Hungary, Czech Republic and Canada (audiobooks). She lives in Hampshire, UK, with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
March 10, 2021
Another winner
This was the 8th book I had read by this author and have thoroughly enjoyed them all. Although this did take me a bit of time to get into this one. Partly because there were too many characters, (at least for my male brain!). I was struggling to remember who was who and how they related to each other. Although that may just be me. What I did like was the two seemingly unrelated deep mysteries running through it.
The pace is a little slower than her usual work. But I think it worked with the suspense of the storyline(s). It is a little bit unusual in that it is mainly narrated by the main male character. Although we also hear part of the story from his wife’s perspective which adds to the tension which is really well built throughout the novel.
I found the behaviour of his sister-in-law during one scene, a bit strange – would she really have acted like that? Can’t say too much, without giving away spoilers.
Overall another great book. I look forward to the new book in June.
This was the 8th book I had read by this author and have thoroughly enjoyed them all. Although this did take me a bit of time to get into this one. Partly because there were too many characters, (at least for my male brain!). I was struggling to remember who was who and how they related to each other. Although that may just be me. What I did like was the two seemingly unrelated deep mysteries running through it.
The pace is a little slower than her usual work. But I think it worked with the suspense of the storyline(s). It is a little bit unusual in that it is mainly narrated by the main male character. Although we also hear part of the story from his wife’s perspective which adds to the tension which is really well built throughout the novel.
I found the behaviour of his sister-in-law during one scene, a bit strange – would she really have acted like that? Can’t say too much, without giving away spoilers.
Overall another great book. I look forward to the new book in June.
September 13, 2019
Confusing start to this read,at first didn't know Harper was telling the story of his wife Diane gone missing did she leave on her own accord. Did she want to leave her husband.and a child goes missing.wasnt my favourite storyline from this author.looking forward to reading more of her books.
July 31, 2015
I had no idea what to expect when I started reading this novel, but I was sucked in right from the start! It definitely fits well in the ‘psychological mystery’ category and moves along at a great pace without being too fast.
The characters were really well developed. Harper was a great character in my opinion, partly because he wasn’t too perfect. He had his problems, but he was determined to find his wife and Clara and his troubled past and weaknesses only added to the richness of his personality. I really liked Clara as a character too and thought she was really sweet and charming! Despite the great characterization, it doesn’t feel like we learn a huge amount about Diane (but then, she is a missing person so that make sense really!) One character I actively disliked (and I’m pretty sure I, as the reader, was meant to) was Alexa. I found her so annoying, but felt she was also instrumental in a part of the book that I really didn’t like. It is one of her actions whilst her sister Diane was missing that I felt was quite ridiculous, and that is my only real criticism of this novel. I don’t want to specify what exactly or say much more so as not to give too much away, but reading it you may recognise which part I’m talking about and feel like I did, thinking ‘C’mon, would she really do that?’.
Most of the novel is told from Harper’s point of view, and we really see the desperation he endures with his wife missing. Hearing his thoughts and understanding what he is feeling allows the reader to understand him as a character on a much deeper level. We also see some of the story from Diane’s perspective and Clara’s too, both of which add to the tension which is really well built throughout the novel.
I really enjoyed this novel, and felt it was very well written. I would certainly like to read more of AJ Waines’ novels and would definitely recommend Dark Place To Hide as an entertaining, well-crafted read. Give it a go!
** Many thanks to the author who provided a copy of this novel in return for an honest review **
www.snazzybooks.com
The characters were really well developed. Harper was a great character in my opinion, partly because he wasn’t too perfect. He had his problems, but he was determined to find his wife and Clara and his troubled past and weaknesses only added to the richness of his personality. I really liked Clara as a character too and thought she was really sweet and charming! Despite the great characterization, it doesn’t feel like we learn a huge amount about Diane (but then, she is a missing person so that make sense really!) One character I actively disliked (and I’m pretty sure I, as the reader, was meant to) was Alexa. I found her so annoying, but felt she was also instrumental in a part of the book that I really didn’t like. It is one of her actions whilst her sister Diane was missing that I felt was quite ridiculous, and that is my only real criticism of this novel. I don’t want to specify what exactly or say much more so as not to give too much away, but reading it you may recognise which part I’m talking about and feel like I did, thinking ‘C’mon, would she really do that?’.
Most of the novel is told from Harper’s point of view, and we really see the desperation he endures with his wife missing. Hearing his thoughts and understanding what he is feeling allows the reader to understand him as a character on a much deeper level. We also see some of the story from Diane’s perspective and Clara’s too, both of which add to the tension which is really well built throughout the novel.
I really enjoyed this novel, and felt it was very well written. I would certainly like to read more of AJ Waines’ novels and would definitely recommend Dark Place To Hide as an entertaining, well-crafted read. Give it a go!
** Many thanks to the author who provided a copy of this novel in return for an honest review **
www.snazzybooks.com
December 12, 2015
I thought I'd have to leave home myself to find a quiet couple of hours to finish this because once started, it's very difficult to put down. I read a lot of thrillers of all flavours but what set this apart (and earned it the five stars) is how enjoyable a read it is.
Really well written and plotted (large sections are written by the male protagonist and it's a hugely effective way of storytelling - do we have an unreliable narrator?) with interesting and (mostly!) likeable main characters plus enough red herrings to open a stall at Billingsgate. I can't tell you how many times I was absolutely certain of one thing only to be foxed in the next chapter. There's also an enchanting seven year old and the weaving of a well known fairy tale into the narrative.
Best of all the one thing I'd hoped for from about page 30 comes to pass at the end. Can't say any more, spoiler alert.
Summing this up as "a good old fashioned thriller" sounds vaguely pejorative but for me, that describes a thumping good read with a beginning, a middle and a satisfying end. Dark Place to Hide delivers on all of the above and I've now bought all A J Waines' other novels as part of a Christmas holiday thriller-fest in front of the fire. Can't wait.
Really well written and plotted (large sections are written by the male protagonist and it's a hugely effective way of storytelling - do we have an unreliable narrator?) with interesting and (mostly!) likeable main characters plus enough red herrings to open a stall at Billingsgate. I can't tell you how many times I was absolutely certain of one thing only to be foxed in the next chapter. There's also an enchanting seven year old and the weaving of a well known fairy tale into the narrative.
Best of all the one thing I'd hoped for from about page 30 comes to pass at the end. Can't say any more, spoiler alert.
Summing this up as "a good old fashioned thriller" sounds vaguely pejorative but for me, that describes a thumping good read with a beginning, a middle and a satisfying end. Dark Place to Hide delivers on all of the above and I've now bought all A J Waines' other novels as part of a Christmas holiday thriller-fest in front of the fire. Can't wait.
Read
July 20, 2015AJ Waines in Conversation:
Where did the inspiration for Dark Place to Hide come from?
When I was starting to plot the novel, I’d just read a wonderful book by Claire King, The Night Rainbow, about a young child struggling to grow up when no one takes much notice of her. In Dark Place to Hide, I wanted to involve a child in different circumstances. For my sub-plot, I chose a plucky seven-year-old tomboy, Clara, who retreats into the world of fairy-tales – and no one is sure why. Then she disappears.
After that, I needed to consider my main plot. Like my two earlier books, The Evil Beneath and Girl on a Train, I wanted two deep mysteries running through seemingly unrelated stories. Most psychological thrillers have a female in the central role, but instead I wanted a male to narrate the story, so we can see heartbreak and vulnerability from his point of view. So centre stage comes criminologist, Harper Penn, who is devoted to his wife in a relationship that seems rock-solid. Except he has a secret. Then something devastating happens that makes him question everything – and his wife disappears. Harper has to try to piece everything together – desperate to find those who are missing - while the clock is ticking…
Secrets play a large role in Dark Place to Hide. Under what circumstances is keeping a secret acceptable?
I love secrets; most of us are hiding something, whether it’s as simple as a bad habit or as serious as a crime. As a psychotherapist, I was privileged to see inside the private worlds of many of my clients and was fascinated by the kinds of secrets people keep for years. It all comes down to motive. Are you keeping a secret because you want to protect someone else, or yourself? Is it shameful? Has it evolved into a lie? In Dark Place to Hide an initial secret leads to questions about trust, fidelity and betrayal.
Did you enjoy writing about the seven-year-old girl, Clara?
Clara’s voice came to me very early and I could picture her with long blonde hair, wearing an alice band and a cheeky grin. She was a delight to write about and came fairly fully formed into my mind – a little girl who loves freedom and draws sandals on her feet, so she doesn’t have to wear them. I used my therapy background to explore the ways in which children react to trauma and found a way for her to retreat into a particular fairy-tale to escape her fears. I love the way there are hints in her conversations about what is really going on for her – but no one is paying any attention – they are so used to her being ‘away with the fairies’. Eventually, Harper realises the significance and starts to pick up the clues.
Harper’s wife goes missing very early in the story, so how did you manage to bring her to life in the narrative, so that we care about her?
Diane has a ‘presence’ throughout the story and I decided to use first and second person narrative for Harper, so that right at the start, he’s addressing Diane – as ‘you’. When she goes missing, he recalls their life together, their move from London to a small village in Hampshire, the special, loveable details about her. In this way, we get to see a picture of Diane through his eyes, but also of Harper’s feelings for her as they bend and shift when, over time, facts about her disappearance emerge. There are also scenes which flash back to the past featuring Diane, so we get a sense of who she is without Harper’s rose-tinted glasses. Then, about half way through, something unexpected happens involving Diane, in terms of the structure of the novel – but I can’t give this away!
You started getting books published quite late in life? Did you always want to be a writer?
I think on one very subliminal level, I did. An editor friend of mine reminded me that I used to fill exercise books with Enid Blyton-style stories when I was about nine or ten. Most of my early years, however, were focused on music; I started the piano when I was four (and couldn’t reach the pedals), and the cello at aged nine.
I studied music at Music College and University and went on to play the cello professionally in my twenties, but I realised I wasn’t quite good enough to join one of the top orchestras and I floundered for a while. I did admin jobs, then became a Psychotherapist which took up another fifteen years. I’ve always enjoyed writing essays and I had two self-help books published during that time. I also wrote motivational features for Slimming World magazine.
I’d always thought writing a novel was beyond me and that ‘authors’ were very special and talented individuals! It was only when I read Stephen King’s book ‘On Writing’ in 2008 and started a short story that things developed. I went beyond the word-count he suggested, because I wanted to know what happened next. That first novel was therefore not plotted – a real make-it-up-as-you-go-along situation, but it got me a top crime-writing agent – and everything took off from there. I never dreamt I’d be published abroad and get to the top of the ebook charts. In the first six months of this year, I had sales of 30,000 books, which leaves me totally stunned!
Where did the inspiration for Dark Place to Hide come from?
When I was starting to plot the novel, I’d just read a wonderful book by Claire King, The Night Rainbow, about a young child struggling to grow up when no one takes much notice of her. In Dark Place to Hide, I wanted to involve a child in different circumstances. For my sub-plot, I chose a plucky seven-year-old tomboy, Clara, who retreats into the world of fairy-tales – and no one is sure why. Then she disappears.
After that, I needed to consider my main plot. Like my two earlier books, The Evil Beneath and Girl on a Train, I wanted two deep mysteries running through seemingly unrelated stories. Most psychological thrillers have a female in the central role, but instead I wanted a male to narrate the story, so we can see heartbreak and vulnerability from his point of view. So centre stage comes criminologist, Harper Penn, who is devoted to his wife in a relationship that seems rock-solid. Except he has a secret. Then something devastating happens that makes him question everything – and his wife disappears. Harper has to try to piece everything together – desperate to find those who are missing - while the clock is ticking…
Secrets play a large role in Dark Place to Hide. Under what circumstances is keeping a secret acceptable?
I love secrets; most of us are hiding something, whether it’s as simple as a bad habit or as serious as a crime. As a psychotherapist, I was privileged to see inside the private worlds of many of my clients and was fascinated by the kinds of secrets people keep for years. It all comes down to motive. Are you keeping a secret because you want to protect someone else, or yourself? Is it shameful? Has it evolved into a lie? In Dark Place to Hide an initial secret leads to questions about trust, fidelity and betrayal.
Did you enjoy writing about the seven-year-old girl, Clara?
Clara’s voice came to me very early and I could picture her with long blonde hair, wearing an alice band and a cheeky grin. She was a delight to write about and came fairly fully formed into my mind – a little girl who loves freedom and draws sandals on her feet, so she doesn’t have to wear them. I used my therapy background to explore the ways in which children react to trauma and found a way for her to retreat into a particular fairy-tale to escape her fears. I love the way there are hints in her conversations about what is really going on for her – but no one is paying any attention – they are so used to her being ‘away with the fairies’. Eventually, Harper realises the significance and starts to pick up the clues.
Harper’s wife goes missing very early in the story, so how did you manage to bring her to life in the narrative, so that we care about her?
Diane has a ‘presence’ throughout the story and I decided to use first and second person narrative for Harper, so that right at the start, he’s addressing Diane – as ‘you’. When she goes missing, he recalls their life together, their move from London to a small village in Hampshire, the special, loveable details about her. In this way, we get to see a picture of Diane through his eyes, but also of Harper’s feelings for her as they bend and shift when, over time, facts about her disappearance emerge. There are also scenes which flash back to the past featuring Diane, so we get a sense of who she is without Harper’s rose-tinted glasses. Then, about half way through, something unexpected happens involving Diane, in terms of the structure of the novel – but I can’t give this away!
You started getting books published quite late in life? Did you always want to be a writer?
I think on one very subliminal level, I did. An editor friend of mine reminded me that I used to fill exercise books with Enid Blyton-style stories when I was about nine or ten. Most of my early years, however, were focused on music; I started the piano when I was four (and couldn’t reach the pedals), and the cello at aged nine.
I studied music at Music College and University and went on to play the cello professionally in my twenties, but I realised I wasn’t quite good enough to join one of the top orchestras and I floundered for a while. I did admin jobs, then became a Psychotherapist which took up another fifteen years. I’ve always enjoyed writing essays and I had two self-help books published during that time. I also wrote motivational features for Slimming World magazine.
I’d always thought writing a novel was beyond me and that ‘authors’ were very special and talented individuals! It was only when I read Stephen King’s book ‘On Writing’ in 2008 and started a short story that things developed. I went beyond the word-count he suggested, because I wanted to know what happened next. That first novel was therefore not plotted – a real make-it-up-as-you-go-along situation, but it got me a top crime-writing agent – and everything took off from there. I never dreamt I’d be published abroad and get to the top of the ebook charts. In the first six months of this year, I had sales of 30,000 books, which leaves me totally stunned!
September 19, 2016
When Harper's wife Diane goes missing he is sure something has happened to her but the circumstances of her leaving are not suspicious to the police or her family. Unable to accept Diane may have left him or just needed space, Harper uses his skills of observation as a criminologist to find her. However, when seven year old Clara goes missing too, the hunt for both Diane and Clara turn up interesting secrets.
This is the second book I have read from this author and as intriguing as the premise of the story is I found this hard to get into in the first half. Connecting with both Harper and the missing Diane was not as easy as I expected and even though usually oddball characters strike a chord with me, Harper just didn't.
Despite my lack of connection with the characters I found it impossible to put the book aside as I really did want to know what happened to Diane. The second half of this psychological thriller picked up pace to be more interesting and the race against time at the end made it an exciting read overall.
Far from the best thriller from this author, this one is quite a slow burn of a thriller to begin with but got better as I read on.
This is the second book I have read from this author and as intriguing as the premise of the story is I found this hard to get into in the first half. Connecting with both Harper and the missing Diane was not as easy as I expected and even though usually oddball characters strike a chord with me, Harper just didn't.
Despite my lack of connection with the characters I found it impossible to put the book aside as I really did want to know what happened to Diane. The second half of this psychological thriller picked up pace to be more interesting and the race against time at the end made it an exciting read overall.
Far from the best thriller from this author, this one is quite a slow burn of a thriller to begin with but got better as I read on.
May 14, 2016
Maybe I've too many stories about disappearing spouses lately but this book didn't grab me that much. The plot is pretty straightforward - woman goes missing and husband tries frantically to find her. There's also a missing child which ties in later. Cue dramatic ending with surprise culprit. The story wasn't too bad but could have been a lot shorter. There was, IMHO, too much internal dialogue from the husband which got boring and repetitive. Nevertheless I read the whole book and more or less enjoyed it. I do admit to skim reading quite a bit though. Hmm Maybe its only worth 2.5 stars after all.
October 31, 2019
Told in a very confusing way, and the ending is neither surprising nor exciting.
April 30, 2017
This was my 4th Waines book and it was good. Not amazing, not bad - it was good.
As always, the whole idea was awesome. A.J. Waines came up with a great idea for a thriller - however, the way it was written took away some of the suspence in my opinion.
I feel like this is a frequent thing in almost all of her books that really bothers me (me - could be totally different for you): There is no real rising action leading to a climax. The part where “nothing really happens“ is way too long and the clues and bits of information aren't enough to get things going. We find out stuff but nothing “moves“. Because of that the climax is very sudden and not as enjoyable as it could be.
I still enjoyed this story and that way mainly for its characters.
If you don't mind a slow plot and are interested in reading about an abduction case and great characters I would recommend this to you. If you want a suspensful, fast-paced thriller - not so much.
As always, the whole idea was awesome. A.J. Waines came up with a great idea for a thriller - however, the way it was written took away some of the suspence in my opinion.
I feel like this is a frequent thing in almost all of her books that really bothers me (me - could be totally different for you): There is no real rising action leading to a climax. The part where “nothing really happens“ is way too long and the clues and bits of information aren't enough to get things going. We find out stuff but nothing “moves“. Because of that the climax is very sudden and not as enjoyable as it could be.
I still enjoyed this story and that way mainly for its characters.
If you don't mind a slow plot and are interested in reading about an abduction case and great characters I would recommend this to you. If you want a suspensful, fast-paced thriller - not so much.
August 13, 2016
Doesn't deliver
This story is told from a rather strange perspective. It reads as if the main character is reading from a diary he has written for his wife. It's easy to read but could be more engaging. The biggest reason for my low rating is because the book promises one small village with 2 big secrets, but only delivers on one and doesn't really give a whole lot of information about that one. I would not recommend this book to a friend. This is the 2nd book by this author I have read and she's just not my cup of tea.
This story is told from a rather strange perspective. It reads as if the main character is reading from a diary he has written for his wife. It's easy to read but could be more engaging. The biggest reason for my low rating is because the book promises one small village with 2 big secrets, but only delivers on one and doesn't really give a whole lot of information about that one. I would not recommend this book to a friend. This is the 2nd book by this author I have read and she's just not my cup of tea.
September 22, 2016
Fantastic character building. Only took me that long to read the book because I had a headache and couldn't manage it. A woman is missing. Where did she go? Nobody knows and the police aren't really looking. Then a child is missing. The police are scrambling. Are the cases related? Read and find out.
January 10, 2016
Dark Place t Hide
This story really kept me guessing. I didn't know until the end who the suspect was
It was a great ending.
This story really kept me guessing. I didn't know until the end who the suspect was
It was a great ending.
January 8, 2025
Dark Place to Hide starts with a mystery. Criminology expert, Harper Penn, is trying to pluck up the courage to tell his wife, Diane, he’s infertile when he gets a call from the hospital telling him she’s having a miscarriage.
When she goes missing a few days later, the police don’t take her disappearance seriously, assuming she’s run off with someone.
Then Clara, a delightful seven-year-old with a dying mother, who appears to have retreated into a world of fairy tales after an incident, goes missing from the same village.
Could the two be connected? Penn certainly thinks so.
This is a well-written novel told from several viewpoints. Penn’s is written as though he is talking to his wife, which I found unusual but effective. There are plenty of red herrings and you’re never quite sure who to trust, which keeps you on your toes. Certainly it’s a book I’m happy to recommend to readers who enjoy a good mystery.
When she goes missing a few days later, the police don’t take her disappearance seriously, assuming she’s run off with someone.
Then Clara, a delightful seven-year-old with a dying mother, who appears to have retreated into a world of fairy tales after an incident, goes missing from the same village.
Could the two be connected? Penn certainly thinks so.
This is a well-written novel told from several viewpoints. Penn’s is written as though he is talking to his wife, which I found unusual but effective. There are plenty of red herrings and you’re never quite sure who to trust, which keeps you on your toes. Certainly it’s a book I’m happy to recommend to readers who enjoy a good mystery.
September 1, 2018
Actual rating - 3.5
July 15, 2017
Almost stopped reading it because the characters are pretty dry and the author fails at really linking the two storylines together (missing girl & missing wife) enough for the reader to believe that a lot of the plot line of the book. Actually, I think the same can be said about many elements of the book . The author just didn't do enough for me to allow me to believe the characters motivation. It felt too intentionally "twisty ".
February 13, 2018
This was a rather enthralling read from start to finish, and is written in a format I have come to love - from the various perspectives of key characters. I love this style as it gives the reader snippets into each character's mind that other styles fail to do so. I find I am more and more drawn to books written in this format.
The story is one of Harper Penn, a criminologist with a PhD, told mostly from his perspective about what he thought, felt and believed about his wife Diane who at the beginning of the book was rushed to hospital with a hemorrhage, to find she had miscarried. Problem was, Harper had just discovered he was infertile. A few days after her return home, Diane pops out to the shops for some pain killers and never returns home, leaving Harper to think and tell himself that she must have run off with her lover and father of her baby, since he was unable to father one.
Another part of the story is about Clara. A vivacious young seven year old who has a high imagination and one day after being trapped for a night in an old castle, begins to talk and answer only quoting fairy tales refusing to engage with anyone. Her mother Marion, who also narrates as does Clara, has cancer and is being treated with chemo and quite often is too sick to get out of bed, leaving Clara to entertain herself which she is more than happy to do so.
Harper and Marion's stories meet one day when she collapses on the village green and he helps her home. Here a friendship forms. So when Clara inexplicably disappears, Harper is who Marion calls first.
The book's synopsis showed much promise about one village and two secrets. Unfortunately, the climax really only delved into one of them, although we do learn beforehand the other secret, it is really left by the wayside and failed to really be addressed in the end. It was merely revealed along the way whilst searching for Clara that the secret surrounding her was far greater than the one involving Diane, I felt it didn't really rate much of a mention. The other disappointing factor was the ending was really an anti-climax. In the end, there didn't seem to be much by way of explanation for Clara's disappearance even though the "secret" was obvious - what was the abductor planning to do with them? Let them die and be forgotten about. It was a pretty weak ending in my opinion, but it was still an incredibly enjoyable book. I loved the way Clara's fairytale conversation was telling in it's own way, despite it being Harper - who had no kids or no experience with kids to draw on - who made the connection. Slightly unbelievable on that score because it would really have to be someone who knew and understood kids and how they interacted and worked to understand how their minds worked to reveal what Clara was actually saying when she only quoted fairy tales and "Little Red Riding Hood" in answer to everything.
In all, it was a thoroughly enjoyable book and very enthralling but sadly with just a disappointing ending which really let it down. Otherwise, it was perfect.
The story is one of Harper Penn, a criminologist with a PhD, told mostly from his perspective about what he thought, felt and believed about his wife Diane who at the beginning of the book was rushed to hospital with a hemorrhage, to find she had miscarried. Problem was, Harper had just discovered he was infertile. A few days after her return home, Diane pops out to the shops for some pain killers and never returns home, leaving Harper to think and tell himself that she must have run off with her lover and father of her baby, since he was unable to father one.
Another part of the story is about Clara. A vivacious young seven year old who has a high imagination and one day after being trapped for a night in an old castle, begins to talk and answer only quoting fairy tales refusing to engage with anyone. Her mother Marion, who also narrates as does Clara, has cancer and is being treated with chemo and quite often is too sick to get out of bed, leaving Clara to entertain herself which she is more than happy to do so.
Harper and Marion's stories meet one day when she collapses on the village green and he helps her home. Here a friendship forms. So when Clara inexplicably disappears, Harper is who Marion calls first.
The book's synopsis showed much promise about one village and two secrets. Unfortunately, the climax really only delved into one of them, although we do learn beforehand the other secret, it is really left by the wayside and failed to really be addressed in the end. It was merely revealed along the way whilst searching for Clara that the secret surrounding her was far greater than the one involving Diane, I felt it didn't really rate much of a mention. The other disappointing factor was the ending was really an anti-climax. In the end, there didn't seem to be much by way of explanation for Clara's disappearance even though the "secret" was obvious - what was the abductor planning to do with them? Let them die and be forgotten about. It was a pretty weak ending in my opinion, but it was still an incredibly enjoyable book. I loved the way Clara's fairytale conversation was telling in it's own way, despite it being Harper - who had no kids or no experience with kids to draw on - who made the connection. Slightly unbelievable on that score because it would really have to be someone who knew and understood kids and how they interacted and worked to understand how their minds worked to reveal what Clara was actually saying when she only quoted fairy tales and "Little Red Riding Hood" in answer to everything.
In all, it was a thoroughly enjoyable book and very enthralling but sadly with just a disappointing ending which really let it down. Otherwise, it was perfect.
November 15, 2016
Wow, what a brilliant introductory chapter. Haven't read such an intriguing opening in awhile.
From there on out the book kept me captivated, ensuring I was reading when ever I had a gap. I loved the interweaving timeline, intricate character relationships, and the pace at which the story revealed itself.
Absolutely brilliantly written. Even the end, which could certainly have been foreseen, had me so emotionally invested that I practically ...., well let's say I was glad I was alone :).
Ah man, any more details which just be spoilers. Thank you for a great read, thank you for some great characters, and thank you that you have some more novels out there for me to read.
From there on out the book kept me captivated, ensuring I was reading when ever I had a gap. I loved the interweaving timeline, intricate character relationships, and the pace at which the story revealed itself.
Absolutely brilliantly written. Even the end, which could certainly have been foreseen, had me so emotionally invested that I practically ...., well let's say I was glad I was alone :).
Ah man, any more details which just be spoilers. Thank you for a great read, thank you for some great characters, and thank you that you have some more novels out there for me to read.
September 9, 2016
Wow!
I have never read any novels by this author, but that is now going to change! This is a very clever and thought provoking story that pulls at you from all angles. A young woman goes missing, and the husband is left in turmoil with unanswered questions, then a young girl goes missing and everything goes up a gear. It is a cleverly constructed story and I like how the author has written it from the husband's point of view. It really was a good read and I would highly recommend it for those who like a psychological read with a twist. I myself will be looking out for the authors other books.
I have never read any novels by this author, but that is now going to change! This is a very clever and thought provoking story that pulls at you from all angles. A young woman goes missing, and the husband is left in turmoil with unanswered questions, then a young girl goes missing and everything goes up a gear. It is a cleverly constructed story and I like how the author has written it from the husband's point of view. It really was a good read and I would highly recommend it for those who like a psychological read with a twist. I myself will be looking out for the authors other books.
October 29, 2015
This was a very well written book and I enjoyed the way the author wrote Harpers character and the way he spoke to his wife Diane, like he was writing her a letter. The story pulls you in from the beginning, Harper rushes to the hospital, when he is told his wife is there. He is a little shocked when he finds out that she has miscarried. This is virtually impossible, since he had secret tests that indicated that he was infertile. Then Diane goes missing and the story takes a huge twist.
February 15, 2016
My rule is if it's boring keep reading to 100 pages and then give up if u still want to. I had to give up at page 75,the plot is good and think it would have been interesting but the characters are so bland and boring,I don't like any of them so far n for me the characters in a book are what make it.
I feel no empathy with this lot nor do I care what happens to them.
It's just boringly bland n blah!
I feel no empathy with this lot nor do I care what happens to them.
It's just boringly bland n blah!
April 19, 2016
Overly long, unsatisfying ending i skimmed through much of it , i doubt iwill ever read anything
Overall long,unsatisfying ending, in all a big waste of time, it boggles my mind how this book got such good reviews. I skimmed much of it. It seemed that the author had a lot of time on his hands, so he kept writing and writing and writing.
Overall long,unsatisfying ending, in all a big waste of time, it boggles my mind how this book got such good reviews. I skimmed much of it. It seemed that the author had a lot of time on his hands, so he kept writing and writing and writing.
June 23, 2016
a true old fashioned thriller
I enjoyed this story so much. I actually did read it in a day an a half! it's extremely well written ( a real treat, these days). it's totally without grammatical errors, or any other writing mistakes, that tend to ruin a good story. and this is an excellent story! I recommend this little gem for anyone who just wants to enjoy a great story..
I enjoyed this story so much. I actually did read it in a day an a half! it's extremely well written ( a real treat, these days). it's totally without grammatical errors, or any other writing mistakes, that tend to ruin a good story. and this is an excellent story! I recommend this little gem for anyone who just wants to enjoy a great story..
August 2, 2016
Oooh! This was very good. Clare reminded me so much of my niece and her crazy imagination. The story was very good and I enjoyed the short chapters. I have 2 or 3 other of AJ Waines books ready to go!
September 5, 2015
Constant motion
Wariness starts right off with intensity. You have to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. Even when Harper is alone, his thoughts are always going...Constant movement toward the conclusion. Really enjoy her books.
Wariness starts right off with intensity. You have to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. Even when Harper is alone, his thoughts are always going...Constant movement toward the conclusion. Really enjoy her books.
January 3, 2016
Love it
Excellent story. Love a good mystery. Written by and in the London or England vein but easy to follow and understand. I have read some authors like this and had trouble understanding local jokes etc but not Waines already downloaded another book!!
Excellent story. Love a good mystery. Written by and in the London or England vein but easy to follow and understand. I have read some authors like this and had trouble understanding local jokes etc but not Waines already downloaded another book!!
March 25, 2016
Incredible
I could not put this book down. This story is told with intensity and depth, the characters alive and real. The struggles the characters were dealing with personally contributed to the drama as the mystery unraveled. Beautifully written, a must read.
I could not put this book down. This story is told with intensity and depth, the characters alive and real. The struggles the characters were dealing with personally contributed to the drama as the mystery unraveled. Beautifully written, a must read.
March 27, 2016
Do not try to guess
I loved reading this book. Every time I thought I knew what was going on, I soon discovered I could be wrong. This book would probably be good for anyone 14 years old or older.
I loved reading this book. Every time I thought I knew what was going on, I soon discovered I could be wrong. This book would probably be good for anyone 14 years old or older.
May 15, 2016
Unexpected plot twist
I really enjoyed this book. It had several different dimensions and kept me guessing until the very end. I went from suspecting the main character to other suspects but was wrong in the end so I definitely didn't see that coming...
I really enjoyed this book. It had several different dimensions and kept me guessing until the very end. I went from suspecting the main character to other suspects but was wrong in the end so I definitely didn't see that coming...
May 6, 2016
Fantastic read
Great story and just enough twists to make it a page turner. The characters are loveable and believable I hate the Dr just like we're supposed to and little Clara is special.
Great story and just enough twists to make it a page turner. The characters are loveable and believable I hate the Dr just like we're supposed to and little Clara is special.
October 12, 2016
Clever writing
Once started,I couldn't put this book down. I was only able to anticipate one element of the ending. The rest had so many twists and turns, it was a mystery till the end.
Once started,I couldn't put this book down. I was only able to anticipate one element of the ending. The rest had so many twists and turns, it was a mystery till the end.
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