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David Dunnigan #2
When She Was Gone
Criminologist David Dunnigan's niece has been missing for eighteen years without a trace -- until now.A HEART-STOPPING CLUESomeone has sent Dunnigan a shoe - one Beth was wearing the day she disappeared -- and the investigation is swiftly reignited, along with her uncle's hopes of finding her alive. But is he ready for what else he might find?A DANGEROUS JOURNEYAs new evidence starts to link Beth's abduction to a series of apparent suicides and a horrifying people-trafficking network, Dunnigan furiously chases down leads before the trail goes cold once more and Beth is lost forever. And when the search brings Dunnigan, accompanied by his loyal friend Miley and ex-soldier partner-in-crime Diane, to the frozen north of Greenland, the hunt starts to become more and more dangerous.BUT WHERE WILL IT END?Will it lead him to Beth, after all this time?
- GenresThriller
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2018
35 people are currently reading
345 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 14, 2020
This book is the second in a series but has no indication of that on the cover or blurb. It was extremely frustrating to discover this, especially with the libraries closed. It relies heavily on the previous narrative, so the reading was spoiled for me. However, it’s filled with intriguing characters and great levels of representation! If you start with the first book, I think you would become quite invested. Sadly I’m just disappointed!!
August 9, 2021
I found this book difficult to get into, several strong but damaged characters, who eventually were linked together. The move to Greenland became very farfetched, but l will still try and read the other two books in the series to try and tie it all together.
April 15, 2018
Long waited for and doesn’t disappoint
I literally couldn’t wait for each opportunity to read this book. The characters are very deep and troubled and described in detail. The plot takes you to where you would least expect it, far away from Ireland where it begins . I had bad dreams and goosebumps from this book and was very sorry when it came to an end and I no longer had it to look forward to. I have moved from memoirs and non fiction and thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I literally couldn’t wait for each opportunity to read this book. The characters are very deep and troubled and described in detail. The plot takes you to where you would least expect it, far away from Ireland where it begins . I had bad dreams and goosebumps from this book and was very sorry when it came to an end and I no longer had it to look forward to. I have moved from memoirs and non fiction and thoroughly enjoyed this book.
May 30, 2018
Eighteen-years-ago four-year-old Beth was kidnapped right under the nose of her Criminologist uncle, Davey Dunnigan. One day a package arrives at his door, and the cold case is brought back to painful life. Dunnigan and his friends, Miley a thirty-year-old man with Down Syndrome and Dianne his sort-of girlfriend and special forces nurse follow the clues first across Ireland to a secluded psychiatric hospital and then on to an Inuit village in northern Greenland, but are they too late? Can the trio outmaneuver the narcissistic and homicidal psychiatrist and his mangy sidekick or the local bigoted police in Greenland in time?
Dunphy’s novel felt similar to Stieg Larsson’s Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series, with subject matter revolving around gangsters, human trafficking, unusual characters, and an antagonist with something to prove. However, this is not a bad thing. Dunphy gives us a look at a world that most do not see when gazing out their front window. Thrilling and smart, once this book is started, it’ll take the Jaws of Life to put it down.
Dunphy’s novel felt similar to Stieg Larsson’s Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series, with subject matter revolving around gangsters, human trafficking, unusual characters, and an antagonist with something to prove. However, this is not a bad thing. Dunphy gives us a look at a world that most do not see when gazing out their front window. Thrilling and smart, once this book is started, it’ll take the Jaws of Life to put it down.
May 30, 2018
I picked this up from the library not knowing that it was a sequel. David's niece went missing 18 years and he has never given up hope that he will find her. He gets sent one of her shoes which takes him on a trail to find.
I did enjoy this and I was invested in the story. Whilst I don't think it is necessary to have read the first book as I understood what was happening in this book I do think it would have helped if I had read the first book. I think I may have been more connected with the characters if I had read the first book and I would have a better knowledge of their backgrounds.
Overall I would certainly read more from the author in the future and I will probably pick up the next book in the series so I can see how the story ends.
I did enjoy this and I was invested in the story. Whilst I don't think it is necessary to have read the first book as I understood what was happening in this book I do think it would have helped if I had read the first book. I think I may have been more connected with the characters if I had read the first book and I would have a better knowledge of their backgrounds.
Overall I would certainly read more from the author in the future and I will probably pick up the next book in the series so I can see how the story ends.
November 1, 2025
3.5 rounded up to 4. This crime series does remind me a bit of the superhero cartoon genre especially the ones where each character is a bit odd but brings a special power… here we have the ADHD criminologist with incredible attention to detail and left field thinking with low social skills due to trauma and mild sociopathic tendencies; the Downs Syndrome young adult with above average intelligence and super EQ, the damaged and widowed female ex-special forces nurse-turned therapist, the good-hearted but radical and sometimes violent priest… and somehow despite some far-fetched plotting it’s all very more-ish, and pulls you along. It feels like crime fiction so long as you remember that superhero cartoon undertone!
September 11, 2018
I was very disappointed with this book. I actually forced myself to finish it, because I had spent more than 15 euros on a paperback book - and I usually buy books on kindle, much cheaper.
Anyway, on my opinion, the plot is decent enough, but the facts are not presented to the reader properly. First because in the middle of the book the 'villain' kind of tells you the whole explanation behind the mystery. Then you read more 150 pages just to make sure that everything the villain has said is real.
Then, I also think that the book kind of exaggerated a bit about crime and violence in Dublin and on my personal perspective the whole thing was implausible, not realistic. Extremely unlikely. I live in Dublin (obviously) and for me the whole way crime is treated in the story is extremely unlikely and unbelievable, it's way too far from reality. This kind of disappointed me.
I also didn't like the way that there's too much information on the plot, including Inuits, people missing, asilum for people with mental health issues, slavery, down syndrome, a priest that was raised in poor neighborhoods and then pretends he is dead to investigate. It's way too much for one story. Kind of unrealistic.
Apart from this, the book finishes just like a series episode, so if you're not gonna read the next one - reading the first one is a complete waste of time. Very disappointed.
Anyway, on my opinion, the plot is decent enough, but the facts are not presented to the reader properly. First because in the middle of the book the 'villain' kind of tells you the whole explanation behind the mystery. Then you read more 150 pages just to make sure that everything the villain has said is real.
Then, I also think that the book kind of exaggerated a bit about crime and violence in Dublin and on my personal perspective the whole thing was implausible, not realistic. Extremely unlikely. I live in Dublin (obviously) and for me the whole way crime is treated in the story is extremely unlikely and unbelievable, it's way too far from reality. This kind of disappointed me.
I also didn't like the way that there's too much information on the plot, including Inuits, people missing, asilum for people with mental health issues, slavery, down syndrome, a priest that was raised in poor neighborhoods and then pretends he is dead to investigate. It's way too much for one story. Kind of unrealistic.
Apart from this, the book finishes just like a series episode, so if you're not gonna read the next one - reading the first one is a complete waste of time. Very disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2021
Criminologist David Dunnigan blames himself for his niece's disappearance all those years ago. Now, after years of trying to find someone responsible, David is sent a shoe - one his niece, Beth, was wearing the last time he saw her eighteen years ago. Determined to find out what happened to his family member, David takes this single clue and uncovers a terrifying tale that opens a lot of doors to criminal activity...
When She Was Gone posed as a decent thriller; from the cover and the blurb, yet it's definitely not my favourite. To begin with, I had no idea this book was part of a series, especially that it was the second in a series. From the cover and blurb, it didn't indicate this at all - and it wasn't until I reached the end of the book and read past the acknowledgements that I was made aware of this. Which explains why I really struggled to get into the characters to begin with. I felt like too many characters were being introduced so early on with no real backstory. Now, I can see that this is because they were previously introduced in a book prior to this one. However, the characters were still very intriguing and the large cast was a welcoming change from previous thrillers.
The plot of When She Was Gone seemed a little chaotic at times and sometimes became a bit much. Yes, there was a large amount of mystery and surprises, but they were also incredibly far-fetched moments that made me roll my eyes. I was also a little let down by the ending, but can now see this was a ploy to get you to read the next instalment.
Overall, When She Was Gone delivers a decent tale in the thriller and mystery world, but it also lacks some key ingredients that would make it addictive. I'll definitely keep my eye out for S A Dunphy in the future, but I'm in no rush to read the next book.
When She Was Gone posed as a decent thriller; from the cover and the blurb, yet it's definitely not my favourite. To begin with, I had no idea this book was part of a series, especially that it was the second in a series. From the cover and blurb, it didn't indicate this at all - and it wasn't until I reached the end of the book and read past the acknowledgements that I was made aware of this. Which explains why I really struggled to get into the characters to begin with. I felt like too many characters were being introduced so early on with no real backstory. Now, I can see that this is because they were previously introduced in a book prior to this one. However, the characters were still very intriguing and the large cast was a welcoming change from previous thrillers.
The plot of When She Was Gone seemed a little chaotic at times and sometimes became a bit much. Yes, there was a large amount of mystery and surprises, but they were also incredibly far-fetched moments that made me roll my eyes. I was also a little let down by the ending, but can now see this was a ploy to get you to read the next instalment.
Overall, When She Was Gone delivers a decent tale in the thriller and mystery world, but it also lacks some key ingredients that would make it addictive. I'll definitely keep my eye out for S A Dunphy in the future, but I'm in no rush to read the next book.
March 17, 2019
Another brilliant book. This is book 2 of the David Dunnigan series and it takes you on a darker journey as Davey and his friends Miley and Diane get into all sorts of danger. This book is definitely darker and creepier with some fantastic villains. Benjamin and Ressler and the psychiatric institute St. Judes. So much happens in this book. It's fast-paced and once again brilliantly written by the author. The plot moves along superbly and we get closer to finding out what happened to Beth. I finished this book in two days and now I'm on to book 3.
April 23, 2019
Happy to report I'm addicted to Shane Dunphy's series. It's pretty rare theses days that I can't put a book down but that's the case with these books. Davey Dunnigan, a criminologist, has a great bunch of unique and realistic friends to help him on his journey to find his niece that went missing under his care years before.
For whatever reason, (great writing, perhaps?) I got totally invested in the characters and story immediately and loved the locations and weird plot twists. I recommend this series to anyone who wants a great, immersive read. Well done, Mr Dunphy!
For whatever reason, (great writing, perhaps?) I got totally invested in the characters and story immediately and loved the locations and weird plot twists. I recommend this series to anyone who wants a great, immersive read. Well done, Mr Dunphy!
May 20, 2023
Initially not realising this was apart of a trilogy, I dived straight in and found having not read the first book, it didn’t make much difference to me.
I liked the book, but felt the constant changing between the characters a bit of an overkill, but at the same time I found myself wanting more with some of the key characters, i.e Dr Ressler & Diane. I also felt some of the plot a bit unbelievable, a bit far fetched. I also couldn’t warm to the main character but that was just my personal opinion. Overall the book was a good read, will defo like to read the next one.
I liked the book, but felt the constant changing between the characters a bit of an overkill, but at the same time I found myself wanting more with some of the key characters, i.e Dr Ressler & Diane. I also felt some of the plot a bit unbelievable, a bit far fetched. I also couldn’t warm to the main character but that was just my personal opinion. Overall the book was a good read, will defo like to read the next one.
May 27, 2018
This is book 2 of a series that I was anxiously awaiting. A criminologist lost his niece when she was very young and he has been looking for her or clues ever since. A shoe that could possibly be hers leads him ultimately to the arctic when his friends to find her. Pieces of the mystery were solved, but opened it up for the next book in the series. . . . .
April 15, 2019
Following on from, After She Vanished, this novel, When She Was Gone lives up to the author's high delivery of a gritty great story. I loved this too and it is even more edge of your seat stuff than most other novels I have read in the genre. Get yourself a copy and sit back and enjoy a roller-coaster ride you won't want to get off. Plus there is a third novel to move on to after this, yippee!!
February 24, 2019
I have read both books and love them. The characters are the type you are rooting for and want to succeed. The short chapters make It easy to go on a reading binge! I can't wait to get my hands on If She Returned!
February 18, 2021
4.5
This was definitely just as good as the first!
Although I have to admit, I felt like the characters weren’t delved into as much this time, and I liked Dunnigan a little less than in the first book.
The ending left me excited to start reading the next instalment though!!
This was definitely just as good as the first!
Although I have to admit, I felt like the characters weren’t delved into as much this time, and I liked Dunnigan a little less than in the first book.
The ending left me excited to start reading the next instalment though!!
January 4, 2022
Starts a bit slow, I was losing interest and wondered if it was even worth it finishing it but the really interesting part starts from the middle and then the twists are kinda unexpected - you think is one thing but you’ll be half right. The ending is good too 4/5 stars for me.
February 23, 2022
Only given it three stars as really struggled to get into it must have been about half way through before started enjoying it, nearly gave up but persevered and glad I did as turned out really good in the end.
January 9, 2019
Will have to wait now for the next book!!
September 15, 2019
Another excellent read. The 2nd in the series so now on to number 3.
October 27, 2019
Am I obsessed with this book series? Yes! Do I already have the next book waiting? You bet!
Gosh, I home Davey and Diane will make it, I'm entirely too invested in their happiness as a couple.
Gosh, I home Davey and Diane will make it, I'm entirely too invested in their happiness as a couple.
December 16, 2023
Obsessed with this series
May 8, 2024
Excellent gripping series
March 27, 2025
Took ages to get into. Turned into good book but had bad ending
September 16, 2019
Nail biting thriller
Loving this series. I’m not one for fiction or thriller but I’m finding these books hard to put down. An excellent sequel
Loving this series. I’m not one for fiction or thriller but I’m finding these books hard to put down. An excellent sequel
September 5, 2022
At first I didn't know After She Vanished was part of the David Dunnigan series until I read the reviews for When She Was Gone! I am so glad I did! The main characters are amazing! I finally finished reading the series when the given If She Returned and Why She Ran on my birthday! Totally worth the wait! An absolutely amazing ending! Miley has to be my favourite character!
February 11, 2020
Interesting book, enjoyed the story but was hoping for a better ending
September 8, 2020
Good book
November 28, 2020
loved the story , great follow on
addicted to keep reading
addicted to keep reading
March 3, 2018
Wow wow
They just keep getting better and better I loved this series one of the best crime fiction I have ever read
They just keep getting better and better I loved this series one of the best crime fiction I have ever read
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews