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DCI Tom Douglas #4.5
Nowhere Child
A short novel featuring the same characters as Rachel Abbott’s bestselling novel Stranger Child
Someone is looking for Tasha. But does she want to be found?
Eight months ago Tasha Joseph ran away, and her stepmother, Emma, has been searching for her ever since. She is desperate to give Tasha the home and security she deserves.
The problem is, Emma isn’t the only one looking for Tasha. The police are keen to find her too. She could be a vital witness in a criminal trial, and DCI Tom Douglas has a team constantly on the lookout for her. But Tasha remains hidden, and nobody appears to have seen her.
Suddenly, the stakes are raised. Somebody is offering money – a lot of money – for information about Tasha’s whereabouts.
Tom and Emma know they have never been closer to finding the young girl. But they also recognise that she has never been closer to danger. Can they find her first?
She can run – but for how long can she hide?
Praise for Rachel Abbott’s books
“Pure Genius: A Masterclass in the Perfect Thriller!!” – Love Books
"Absorbing, complex and brilliantly planned, I loved this book. 10/10." Novelicious
"The characters are believable and the crimes credible. Contemporary issues, grief and desperation are well handled. The pace is good, the twists credible and it can easily be read as a stand alone. Enjoy." Crime Thriller Hound
"I was left speechless in the first chapter and couldn't put it down for hours. Rachel is amazing at building tension and keeping you turning page after page." Crime Book Club
"Stranger Child was the PERFECT thriller. I couldn't get enough of this shocking story." Bookaholic Confessions
"Ms. Abbott writes complex and yet very believable thrillers and this book was no exception. You will be on the edge of your seat constantly. 5 stars. A very strong thriller." Books, Reviews, Etc.
"Prose is taut, wholly believable locations and a full cast bursting with engaging characters." Crime Fiction Lover
"I loved this book! What I loved the most about this book was the plot. There are a few 'curve balls' in this story, which definitely kept me on my toes. I really could not put this down." Debra's Book Cafe
"Set against the opposing realities of harsh, crime-ridden gangs and cosy, well-off, Middle-England families, Abbott seamlessly weaves three separate narratives together into one barn-stormer of a thriller. ...a well-rounded, and fulfilling novel, that still manages to keep you guessing right to the very end." If These Books Could Talk
“I have resented the intrusion of real people while my mind grappled with the events in Sleep Tight” Cleo Loves Books
Someone is looking for Tasha. But does she want to be found?
Eight months ago Tasha Joseph ran away, and her stepmother, Emma, has been searching for her ever since. She is desperate to give Tasha the home and security she deserves.
The problem is, Emma isn’t the only one looking for Tasha. The police are keen to find her too. She could be a vital witness in a criminal trial, and DCI Tom Douglas has a team constantly on the lookout for her. But Tasha remains hidden, and nobody appears to have seen her.
Suddenly, the stakes are raised. Somebody is offering money – a lot of money – for information about Tasha’s whereabouts.
Tom and Emma know they have never been closer to finding the young girl. But they also recognise that she has never been closer to danger. Can they find her first?
She can run – but for how long can she hide?
Praise for Rachel Abbott’s books
“Pure Genius: A Masterclass in the Perfect Thriller!!” – Love Books
"Absorbing, complex and brilliantly planned, I loved this book. 10/10." Novelicious
"The characters are believable and the crimes credible. Contemporary issues, grief and desperation are well handled. The pace is good, the twists credible and it can easily be read as a stand alone. Enjoy." Crime Thriller Hound
"I was left speechless in the first chapter and couldn't put it down for hours. Rachel is amazing at building tension and keeping you turning page after page." Crime Book Club
"Stranger Child was the PERFECT thriller. I couldn't get enough of this shocking story." Bookaholic Confessions
"Ms. Abbott writes complex and yet very believable thrillers and this book was no exception. You will be on the edge of your seat constantly. 5 stars. A very strong thriller." Books, Reviews, Etc.
"Prose is taut, wholly believable locations and a full cast bursting with engaging characters." Crime Fiction Lover
"I loved this book! What I loved the most about this book was the plot. There are a few 'curve balls' in this story, which definitely kept me on my toes. I really could not put this down." Debra's Book Cafe
"Set against the opposing realities of harsh, crime-ridden gangs and cosy, well-off, Middle-England families, Abbott seamlessly weaves three separate narratives together into one barn-stormer of a thriller. ...a well-rounded, and fulfilling novel, that still manages to keep you guessing right to the very end." If These Books Could Talk
“I have resented the intrusion of real people while my mind grappled with the events in Sleep Tight” Cleo Loves Books
179 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2015
1517 people are currently reading
1485 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Abbott
50 books2,696 followersI was born and brought up in the north of England, and worked for many years as the managing director of an interactive media company. I wrote every day - everything from creative proposals to user manuals - but most exciting of all was writing interactive dramas - including for the Cluedo (Clue in the US) interactive games. I was fortunate enough to sell my company in 2000 and we moved to Italy where we bought and restored an old country house.
I have published six full length novels and one novella, and my seventh Come a Little Closer is due for release in 2018. I now live on the beautiful island of Alderney in the Channel Islands, where I write full time.
Find out more on my website.
I have published six full length novels and one novella, and my seventh Come a Little Closer is due for release in 2018. I now live on the beautiful island of Alderney in the Channel Islands, where I write full time.
Find out more on my website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 323 reviews
May 20, 2016
Oh no - I feel like everyone loved this except me.
I just couldn't get on with it all. Even though it's a novella it felt way too long (?) because Tasha was so draining with her ultra limited view of the world and what is happening - Ahhhhh - it drove me mad!
Sorry but this dragged for me and all I felt was frustration.
I have liked other books by this author so I think it's just this subject/format.
I just couldn't get on with it all. Even though it's a novella it felt way too long (?) because Tasha was so draining with her ultra limited view of the world and what is happening - Ahhhhh - it drove me mad!
Sorry but this dragged for me and all I felt was frustration.
I have liked other books by this author so I think it's just this subject/format.
March 11, 2018
What an excellent conclusion to Stranger Child. While this was a short story, it was packed full of emotions and intrigue.
In Nowhere Child, we learn what happens to Tasha, where's she's been living since her disappearance on the tragic night her father was murdered, and her baby brother, Ollie, was finally returned to her stepmother, Emma. Since that day, Emma has not stopped looking for Tasha, but she's not the only one that's been looking for Tasha. Someone is currently offering a reward for Tasha, if it's not Emma, and it's not the Police, then it can only be one other, Finn McGuinness and his crew.
Tasha has been in hiding, disguising herself as a young boy, going by the alias of Harry with the help of her new friend Andy, she has managed to stay alive and out of trouble. Only now, the search for her is getting too close and her close friend, Andy, the one she owes her life to, is now at risk. After a desperate and convincing plea from Andy, Tasha returns home to Emma, but this doesn't mean that Tasha is safe, not yet.
I enjoyed the conclusion to Stranger Child, only I must admit, the ending was wrapped up very abruptly. I found the reunion between Tasha and Emma was very emotional and well written, but the "happy ending" the readers are given is just a bit too unceremonious. That aside, it was a nice addition to the Tom Douglas series. I think that in ways it helped create a softer, more nurturing side to his character that we haven't really seen in the past.
In Nowhere Child, we learn what happens to Tasha, where's she's been living since her disappearance on the tragic night her father was murdered, and her baby brother, Ollie, was finally returned to her stepmother, Emma. Since that day, Emma has not stopped looking for Tasha, but she's not the only one that's been looking for Tasha. Someone is currently offering a reward for Tasha, if it's not Emma, and it's not the Police, then it can only be one other, Finn McGuinness and his crew.
Tasha has been in hiding, disguising herself as a young boy, going by the alias of Harry with the help of her new friend Andy, she has managed to stay alive and out of trouble. Only now, the search for her is getting too close and her close friend, Andy, the one she owes her life to, is now at risk. After a desperate and convincing plea from Andy, Tasha returns home to Emma, but this doesn't mean that Tasha is safe, not yet.
I enjoyed the conclusion to Stranger Child, only I must admit, the ending was wrapped up very abruptly. I found the reunion between Tasha and Emma was very emotional and well written, but the "happy ending" the readers are given is just a bit too unceremonious. That aside, it was a nice addition to the Tom Douglas series. I think that in ways it helped create a softer, more nurturing side to his character that we haven't really seen in the past.
March 25, 2018
A good quick read with some wonderful characters and unexpected ending!
December 6, 2017
Listened to in audio format.
Nowhere Child is the sequel to Rachel Abbott's previous book Stranger Child. The story has moved on 8 months since Tash Joseph ran away from the man who abducted her 6 years earlier to live in the underground tunnels in Manchester. Ever since her Stepmum Emma and half brother Ollie have been coming to Manchester twice a week to look after her.
Tash is safe and looked after in the tunnel by another teenager called Andy. One night a man is seen looking for Tash, offering a reward if they know where she is. Scared Tash goes to find Emma but gets scared and runs off. Emma sees Tash but loses her in the crowd. Excited Emma contacts her old friend DCI Tom Douglas to inform him. Later Tash rings Emma asking her to stop the reward because it is attracting unwanted attention. When she finds out Emma could not afford to put up an award she knows her captors are looking for her.
She runs again putting herself and Andy in trouble. As I mentioned in my last review Stranger Child has been the best story in the DCI Douglas story. I am so glad all the loose ends have been tied up. My favourite character was Tash's loyal, brave friend Andy who had his own sad story to hide. Maybe Leo and Tom could foster Andy in the next book.
I liked Emma and her young family. I hope in the future Rachel might give us an update on Emma and Tom's brother Jack in a storyline.
Nowhere Child is the sequel to Rachel Abbott's previous book Stranger Child. The story has moved on 8 months since Tash Joseph ran away from the man who abducted her 6 years earlier to live in the underground tunnels in Manchester. Ever since her Stepmum Emma and half brother Ollie have been coming to Manchester twice a week to look after her.
Tash is safe and looked after in the tunnel by another teenager called Andy. One night a man is seen looking for Tash, offering a reward if they know where she is. Scared Tash goes to find Emma but gets scared and runs off. Emma sees Tash but loses her in the crowd. Excited Emma contacts her old friend DCI Tom Douglas to inform him. Later Tash rings Emma asking her to stop the reward because it is attracting unwanted attention. When she finds out Emma could not afford to put up an award she knows her captors are looking for her.
She runs again putting herself and Andy in trouble. As I mentioned in my last review Stranger Child has been the best story in the DCI Douglas story. I am so glad all the loose ends have been tied up. My favourite character was Tash's loyal, brave friend Andy who had his own sad story to hide. Maybe Leo and Tom could foster Andy in the next book.
I liked Emma and her young family. I hope in the future Rachel might give us an update on Emma and Tom's brother Jack in a storyline.
March 23, 2017
It’s a short story, but it gives you the answers to all the questions left hanging out after reading “Stranger child”. Maybe not quite as interesting as her previous one, though. But it keeps the reader wishing to know what happens next, so I’m happy to have spent just a couple of hours reading this.
February 16, 2016
Ever read a book where the ending left you wondering about the future of those characters who have just shared their lives with you? This book provides the "what happened next" question. But I must tell you .... you definitely have to read STRANGER CHILD (my review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ) first.
STRANGER CHILD tells the story of Tasha ... who was kidnapped when she was 6 and returned home when she was 12. Without spilling any secrets, Tasha believes that everyone hates her for the things she's done. When the reader last sees her ... she's walking away with nothing but the clothes on her back.
NOWHERE CHILD continues as she spends several months living on the streets, or in the sewers. She's befriended by a young boy who has his own story to tell of abuse. But they must both be very careful. There are bad people looking for Tasha ..offering a huge reward for any information leading to her.
And from there it gets frantic. So much action and mystery is packed into this short story. I felt like I had a vested interest in this family and was very satisfied at this ending.
STRANGER CHILD tells the story of Tasha ... who was kidnapped when she was 6 and returned home when she was 12. Without spilling any secrets, Tasha believes that everyone hates her for the things she's done. When the reader last sees her ... she's walking away with nothing but the clothes on her back.
NOWHERE CHILD continues as she spends several months living on the streets, or in the sewers. She's befriended by a young boy who has his own story to tell of abuse. But they must both be very careful. There are bad people looking for Tasha ..offering a huge reward for any information leading to her.
And from there it gets frantic. So much action and mystery is packed into this short story. I felt like I had a vested interest in this family and was very satisfied at this ending.
May 29, 2017
This novella by Rachel Abbott picks up the story of Tasha Joseph where Stranger Child left off. Tasha is on the run, certain that her family hate her for what happened to little Ollie and knowing that if she stays still, her old family, the gang she used to work for, will find her. The best she could hope for would be to put to work in a brothel, the wort could mean her death. People are searching for her, but she doesn't know if the are friend or foe and she cannot take any chances. Her only option is to stay hidden.
This is a great short story in which we learn more about Tasha, about the life she is living now on the streets and that which she lived before under the control of the gang that used her for shoplifting and drug running. She is a feisty character for sure but she is also just a teenager and she is scared. Having spent so long being beaten down she sees nothing good in herself and although she has found a friend on the streets, she will never truly be safe.
Tapping into the plight of the homeless people of Manchester, Rachel Abbott manages to create a tense, compelling and fraught read which feels authentic but also ties up a lot of loose ends for both Tasha and Emma. I really felt for Tasha, and some sections were hard to read, or in m case listen to as I chose the audio book option, but it was till compelling. Although this isn't really a Tom Douglas story he does still feature, albeit in a much smaller role. Still, it's nice to see him stop by. And the ending brings hope for both Emma and Tasha. Whether we hear from either again I don't know but they are going to be characters that are hard to forget.
This is a great short story in which we learn more about Tasha, about the life she is living now on the streets and that which she lived before under the control of the gang that used her for shoplifting and drug running. She is a feisty character for sure but she is also just a teenager and she is scared. Having spent so long being beaten down she sees nothing good in herself and although she has found a friend on the streets, she will never truly be safe.
Tapping into the plight of the homeless people of Manchester, Rachel Abbott manages to create a tense, compelling and fraught read which feels authentic but also ties up a lot of loose ends for both Tasha and Emma. I really felt for Tasha, and some sections were hard to read, or in m case listen to as I chose the audio book option, but it was till compelling. Although this isn't really a Tom Douglas story he does still feature, albeit in a much smaller role. Still, it's nice to see him stop by. And the ending brings hope for both Emma and Tasha. Whether we hear from either again I don't know but they are going to be characters that are hard to forget.
February 2, 2022
Dziecko znikąd to kontynuacja wydarzeń z Obcego dziecka. Akcja dzieje się osiem miesięcy po wydarzeniach z ostatniego rozdziału i stanowi zakończenie bolesnej historii. To kontynuacja, której w sumie nie chciałam i nie miałam w planach, ale okazało się, że zwyczajnie jej potrzebuję, bo podstawowa historia nie odpowiedziała na pytanie, co właściwie stało się z Tashą, tylko pozostawiła nas z milionem pytań. Mimo wszystko polecam sięgnąć!
February 19, 2016
So pleased I have finally been able to read this. Stranger Child was one of my favourite holiday reads last year and this novella has finally picked up from where that finished to tie up all the loose ends. I decided to read it just before Rachel's newest book release to get myself in the mood for more Tom Douglas which doesn't take much!! Love this detective!
March 29, 2025
A shorter sequel to Stranger Child which I have read in just a few hours. It was just what I needed after finishing Stranger Child. I'm glad I read it first before continuing with the Tom Douglas series. It tied some (not necessarily) loose ends up very nicely, with a few twist and turns along the way. Very good.
May 26, 2016
Good but nothing extra special
I appreciate this book wrapping up where Stranger Child left off. The book was an easy read and while I anticipated the twists it was well-written and enjoyable.
I appreciate this book wrapping up where Stranger Child left off. The book was an easy read and while I anticipated the twists it was well-written and enjoyable.
October 19, 2016
I adored this book!
This is the continuation and ending of Stranger Child, and this is best ending to such an amazing story!! So freaking genius!!!!
This is the continuation and ending of Stranger Child, and this is best ending to such an amazing story!! So freaking genius!!!!
February 25, 2020
I was somewhat disappointed. This short novel from author Rachel Abbott features the return of Natasha "Tasha" Joseph. Picking up from DCI Tom Douglas #4, "Stranger Child", Emma is desperate to find the missing Tasha. Tasha is living on the streets because gangsters working for crime boss Finbar "Fin" McGuinness want to prevent Tasha from becoming a star witness. Fin's henchmen are desperately searching to silence Tasha so that Fin will beat the rap. Tasha meanwhile is determined to hide out on the streets to avoid testifying against Fin. Eventually Tasha returns to Emma to the delight of Emma's son Ollie. However it becomes a battle of wills with DCI Tom Douglas trying to keep Emma and her two kids safe from the clutches of the evil McGuiness gang. Running about 180 pages Kindle, this was for sure an extremely fast read. I read about 30 % in each of three reads. Although I really liked the opening I really felt the middle sagged and the the conclusion was far too improbable. I rated, "Stanger Child", a solid five out of five stars. Upon completion of, "Nowhere Child", I was just not all that favorable with this tale. Author Rachel Abbott has crafted and incredible good series with her Tom Douglas protagonist. Every one of her full length novels were easily five star reads. Read this one after completing all of Abbott's Tom Douglas features. Check it out !
February 15, 2018
Read in one morning!
I don't think I have ever read a book in one morning! After finishing Stranger Child last night I was keen to see what was next for Tasha and where she went. I wondered if being a short story that there would be no real depth to it but the author didn't disappoint. It was great how it didn't just branch out to Tasha in another place, tell a story and finish. Oh no it was much more than that bringing some of the characters from Stranger Child back into it. Couldn't believe I had tears in my eyes at several points in the story, the raw emotions were very well written. I won't spoil it for others but loved the ending and can't wait to now start the next Rachel Abbott book.
I don't think I have ever read a book in one morning! After finishing Stranger Child last night I was keen to see what was next for Tasha and where she went. I wondered if being a short story that there would be no real depth to it but the author didn't disappoint. It was great how it didn't just branch out to Tasha in another place, tell a story and finish. Oh no it was much more than that bringing some of the characters from Stranger Child back into it. Couldn't believe I had tears in my eyes at several points in the story, the raw emotions were very well written. I won't spoil it for others but loved the ending and can't wait to now start the next Rachel Abbott book.
May 22, 2017
I can't say enough good things about this series - decent plot line, largely realistic, imperfect characters and great writing style. I will do a longer review once I finish book six, which is recently out. Recommend for anyone into the crime/psychological thriller scene.
June 14, 2017
If you've read Rachel Abbott's Stranger Child you need to read this as it follows Tash after she disappears. Although only a novella it ties up a lot of loose ends and is a story of love and trust. My only criticism is that I would like to have known what happened to Andy, Tash's friend and saviour, after been in hospital. All in all another brilliant DI Tom Douglass book.
October 17, 2015
In Rachel Abbott’s fourth book, Stranger Child, published earlier this year we met Natasha Joseph, or Tash as she is more normally called. Tash had returned to the home of her father, six years after she had disappeared without trace where she meets her father’s second wife Emma. In this short follow up Rachel Abbott, after calls from her many fans, allows the reader learn what happened to Tash after the open ending as far as her part of the story is concerned.
Rachel has managed to keep up the high standards and weave an evocative tale for Tash who we first meet sheltering in a tunnel, cold and hungry, but she has a most appealing friend Andy who is helping to keep her safe on the streets of Manchester, unaware that she was caught up in the kidnap of her father’s son, Ollie, a dear little baby who got caught up in a plot that began when Tash’s mother died and she disappeared for six years.
DI Tom Douglas of course, plays his role to perfection, I admit I am becoming increasingly fond of this decent policeman who features in all of Rachel’s books. Emma is out on the streets offering cake to the homeless in the hope that someone will tell her where to find Tash but nine months on and she is no closer to finding her. Then someone offers Andy serious money to tell them where she is. Tash wonders if the police are offering money so that she can be arrested or perhaps they want her to testify at the trial of the man arrested following the kidnap plot. Or even more terrifying perhaps her original captors want her back! With Andy’s help Tash makes more concerted efforts to hide, but will she succeed?
This short book paints a picture of life on the streets for young teens, which felt realistic, the descriptions of hunger cold made me feel guilty as I was curled up in my nice warm house with a plentiful supply of food. Despite being an addition to the previous book, this one doesn’t have a pedestrian feel, the tension mounts to a high level as the hunted Tash desperately tries to avoid being captured.
To enjoy Nowhere Child, you really do need to have read Stranger Child, but if you haven’t you can read this back to back for a fully rounded tale although I’m almost tempted to ask Rachel to give us Andy’s backstory – a wonderful secondary character, bought to life in a few but well-chosen words.
Rachel has managed to keep up the high standards and weave an evocative tale for Tash who we first meet sheltering in a tunnel, cold and hungry, but she has a most appealing friend Andy who is helping to keep her safe on the streets of Manchester, unaware that she was caught up in the kidnap of her father’s son, Ollie, a dear little baby who got caught up in a plot that began when Tash’s mother died and she disappeared for six years.
DI Tom Douglas of course, plays his role to perfection, I admit I am becoming increasingly fond of this decent policeman who features in all of Rachel’s books. Emma is out on the streets offering cake to the homeless in the hope that someone will tell her where to find Tash but nine months on and she is no closer to finding her. Then someone offers Andy serious money to tell them where she is. Tash wonders if the police are offering money so that she can be arrested or perhaps they want her to testify at the trial of the man arrested following the kidnap plot. Or even more terrifying perhaps her original captors want her back! With Andy’s help Tash makes more concerted efforts to hide, but will she succeed?
This short book paints a picture of life on the streets for young teens, which felt realistic, the descriptions of hunger cold made me feel guilty as I was curled up in my nice warm house with a plentiful supply of food. Despite being an addition to the previous book, this one doesn’t have a pedestrian feel, the tension mounts to a high level as the hunted Tash desperately tries to avoid being captured.
To enjoy Nowhere Child, you really do need to have read Stranger Child, but if you haven’t you can read this back to back for a fully rounded tale although I’m almost tempted to ask Rachel to give us Andy’s backstory – a wonderful secondary character, bought to life in a few but well-chosen words.
October 14, 2015
I suspect most of us reading Nowhere Child will have already read Stranger Child and been left with – not an incomplete story, but one with a few dangling edges. Tasha has deliberately made herself homeless and Emma won’t rest until she finds her. The problem is, Tasha doesn’t want to be found. She fears that Emma hates her. After something happens to the young man who shares her homeless state and looks after her, she begins to fear that she brings misfortune on those whose lives she touches.
This novella has some very exciting points which I can’t tell you for fear of spoiling it. The characters all feel real to me, with their good points and their annoyances. We get closer to finding out what happened to her mother and meet Tom Douglas and his mysterious brother Jack again. It all ties in beautifully and it’s a delight to watch Tasha, the child victim, opening up when she finds that people actually do love her.
I received a pre-publication copy of this book for review purposes.
This novella has some very exciting points which I can’t tell you for fear of spoiling it. The characters all feel real to me, with their good points and their annoyances. We get closer to finding out what happened to her mother and meet Tom Douglas and his mysterious brother Jack again. It all ties in beautifully and it’s a delight to watch Tasha, the child victim, opening up when she finds that people actually do love her.
I received a pre-publication copy of this book for review purposes.
January 17, 2016
Really disappointed in this. Felt like it spent too long recapping what we already knew from Stranger Child to the point where I was skim reading passages. It picked up around 60% through and I enjoyed the last few chapters.
May 1, 2019
I’m not sure why I didn’t read this novella after finishing Stranger Child but better late then never! I enjoyed finding out what happened to Tasha, Emma and Ollie and it helped to explain a few things mentioned in subsequent books.
December 1, 2021
A brilliant story followed from the stranger child. I love how the books link with each other. And seems like a small world when Toms brother Jack is involved. Tom has such a kind heart and does what’s best for the family than his job.
October 16, 2015
Another great read by a very talented writer.
November 4, 2015
Nice conclusion
After I read "Stranger Child" I was eager to find out what happened to Tasha. Great conclusion to a good story.
After I read "Stranger Child" I was eager to find out what happened to Tasha. Great conclusion to a good story.
February 28, 2016
A fantastic short story that tells you what happens to the characters after the end of Stranger Child, thanks for letting me know about this Jayne.
January 27, 2016
A great short read that tied up loose ends from Stranger Child. Great to find out what happened to the characters.
November 22, 2015
Excellent read
Loved the suspense and the outcome of this book. Glad Tasha finally got her family and safety!! Will be reading more by Rachel Abbot.
Loved the suspense and the outcome of this book. Glad Tasha finally got her family and safety!! Will be reading more by Rachel Abbot.
November 26, 2015
A short novella finishing off the story from the previous Stranger Child and tying up loose ends.
January 15, 2017
It was like a few extra chapters to Stranger Child...tied up the loose ends and explained a lot...nice ending. Short book.
October 18, 2021
Je poursuis mon exploration de l’œuvre prolifique de Rachel Abbott par Ceux qui doivent périr, qui est la suite de La Disparue de Noël, non lu en ce qui me concerne. Pour éviter toute déconvenue, je vous conseille de commencer par le premier tome car je me suis retrouvée quelque peu désorientée devant le nombre de personnages, leurs liens alambiqués et leur passé plutôt complexe: les relations intrafamiliales de l’inspecteur Tom Douglas sont compliquées, j’ai d’ailleurs failli en faire un arbre généalogique par crainte de me perdre, mais malgré tout je suis parvenue à suivre le fil de cette novella dans laquelle une jeune fille (la fille presque adoptive de l’ex-belle soeur de Tom…) est poursuivie par de dangereux meurtriers.
Natasha, treize ans vit dans les souterrains de Manchester, elle a fui sa famille, notamment Emma sa belle-mère qui souhaite l’adopter, et qui la recherche activement. Avec l’aide d’Andy, un adolescent handicapé, elle parvient à survivre loin des adultes qui l’ont trahie. Au hasard de ses sorties faites dans la plus grande discrétion elle apprend que sa tête est mise à prix. Entre une belle-mère qui pourrait lui en vouloir d’avoir enlevé son enfant quelques mois plus tôt, la police qui veut lui faire payer quelques petits larcins, et les membres du gang dans lequel elle a été élevée, Tasha ignore qui souhaite sa mort, mais sait qu’elle doit fuir absolument.
Enlevée à six ans, Tasha a vécu ses jeunes années au sein d’un réseau du crime organisé, le gang Finn MacGuiness, dans lequel elle a été témoin de crimes sordides. Elle est donc susceptible de les dénoncer. Tasha doute, de tout et de tout le monde, trop souvent trahie, par son propre père notamment, elle n’a plus confiance et a été amené à commettre des actes qui la dépassent et qu’elle regrette. Son personnage est attachant mais aurait pu être approfondi. J’ai lu ce livre très rapidement, en comprenant la trame du récit même si je n’avais pas les bases, mais ma lecture terminée je garde en tête mon impression première : ce roman aurait mérité soit d’être développé, soit peut-être d’être intégré, en raison de sa brièveté, au précédent tome. Mais cette lecture loin d’être désagréable m’a fait passé un bon moment, grâce à ses personnages sympathiques. Je remercie les Editions Belfond et NetGalley pour ce partenariat.
Natasha, treize ans vit dans les souterrains de Manchester, elle a fui sa famille, notamment Emma sa belle-mère qui souhaite l’adopter, et qui la recherche activement. Avec l’aide d’Andy, un adolescent handicapé, elle parvient à survivre loin des adultes qui l’ont trahie. Au hasard de ses sorties faites dans la plus grande discrétion elle apprend que sa tête est mise à prix. Entre une belle-mère qui pourrait lui en vouloir d’avoir enlevé son enfant quelques mois plus tôt, la police qui veut lui faire payer quelques petits larcins, et les membres du gang dans lequel elle a été élevée, Tasha ignore qui souhaite sa mort, mais sait qu’elle doit fuir absolument.
Enlevée à six ans, Tasha a vécu ses jeunes années au sein d’un réseau du crime organisé, le gang Finn MacGuiness, dans lequel elle a été témoin de crimes sordides. Elle est donc susceptible de les dénoncer. Tasha doute, de tout et de tout le monde, trop souvent trahie, par son propre père notamment, elle n’a plus confiance et a été amené à commettre des actes qui la dépassent et qu’elle regrette. Son personnage est attachant mais aurait pu être approfondi. J’ai lu ce livre très rapidement, en comprenant la trame du récit même si je n’avais pas les bases, mais ma lecture terminée je garde en tête mon impression première : ce roman aurait mérité soit d’être développé, soit peut-être d’être intégré, en raison de sa brièveté, au précédent tome. Mais cette lecture loin d’être désagréable m’a fait passé un bon moment, grâce à ses personnages sympathiques. Je remercie les Editions Belfond et NetGalley pour ce partenariat.
September 10, 2018
Nowhere Child is a novella and stand alone novel. It is also a follow on book from Stranger Child. I haven’t read Stranger Child and it did not matter at all. There are enough details that you don’t need any extra background reading.
Tasha is a runaway child, living on the streets of Manchester (UK). I do enjoy crime thriller books based in places close to me. American and Scandi ones are fab too, but it makes a difference when you have a knowledge of the area and the law where the book is based. Tasha has a lot of people looking for her, but she doesn’t know what they will do to her if they find her. With the help of her friend Andy from the streets, she tries to survive and hide.
This is a novella with plenty of plot, characterisation and tension packed into 179 pages. Although Tasha is the main character, the book is labeled as a DCI Douglas book. It took me a while to get an impression of DCI Douglas (Tom), at first I wasn’t sure whether or not to trust him. As a serial crime thriller reader, I have learnt not to trust anybody in fiction at first! You know what I mean crime lovers? However, since reading other reviews of this Author’s books, it seems that Detective Tom is a very likeable character. I’m sure when I read more books with him in, I will feel foolish for doubting his intent.
Nowhere Child read easily, with constant tension and concern for Tasha’s safety. It is very obvious that the Author knows the vast difference between the classes in Manchester, how the middle class see “dirty runaways”. This is no more clear than when Tasha needs help in a street of ‘regular’ people, but needs to take what should be unneccesssary action in order to be listened to.
I really enjoyed this read. Although I don’t feel inclined to go back to read Stranger Child, as it feels like I would already know the end, I do feel excited to read more of Rachel Abbott’s books. While looking into this Author and her books, I see she has a new book coming out in November called ‘And So It Begins’.
Tasha is a runaway child, living on the streets of Manchester (UK). I do enjoy crime thriller books based in places close to me. American and Scandi ones are fab too, but it makes a difference when you have a knowledge of the area and the law where the book is based. Tasha has a lot of people looking for her, but she doesn’t know what they will do to her if they find her. With the help of her friend Andy from the streets, she tries to survive and hide.
This is a novella with plenty of plot, characterisation and tension packed into 179 pages. Although Tasha is the main character, the book is labeled as a DCI Douglas book. It took me a while to get an impression of DCI Douglas (Tom), at first I wasn’t sure whether or not to trust him. As a serial crime thriller reader, I have learnt not to trust anybody in fiction at first! You know what I mean crime lovers? However, since reading other reviews of this Author’s books, it seems that Detective Tom is a very likeable character. I’m sure when I read more books with him in, I will feel foolish for doubting his intent.
Nowhere Child read easily, with constant tension and concern for Tasha’s safety. It is very obvious that the Author knows the vast difference between the classes in Manchester, how the middle class see “dirty runaways”. This is no more clear than when Tasha needs help in a street of ‘regular’ people, but needs to take what should be unneccesssary action in order to be listened to.
I really enjoyed this read. Although I don’t feel inclined to go back to read Stranger Child, as it feels like I would already know the end, I do feel excited to read more of Rachel Abbott’s books. While looking into this Author and her books, I see she has a new book coming out in November called ‘And So It Begins’.
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