What do you think?
Rate this book
End of Innocence
Morgan O’Meara is waiting to hear whether Cineworks is going to take a chance on her and her new film script. Waiting patiently for anything to happen is definitely not Morgan’s strong suit, so when she’s offered a temporary position in the film department at Simon Fraser University, she accepts. Morgan’s boyfriend Lucas and her best friend Kate also work at SFU in the Criminology Department. The semester has barely begun when a young First Nations girl named Carey, close relative to one of Kate’s students, disappears from Terrace BC. There are no leads until a week later, when Carey is seen getting into a car in downtown Vancouver with obvious reluctance — 1,400 km from home. When Carey’s mom receives an anonymous call claiming that her daughter was seen entering a house in East Vancouver, Morgan and her friends pursue the lead on their own. The woman who answers the door is obviously drugged and denies having seen Carey. Morgan is suspicious, so she goes back and leaves a note in hopes of getting better answers. A few days later — Morgan vanishes.
- GenresFiction
384 pages, Paperback
First published May 16, 2018
12 people are currently reading
1591 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Van Clieaf
4 books26 followersThe author’s colourful work history includes being an outreach worker, a carpenter’s helper, a terrible short order cook, an okay waiter and a bartender who understood that a dry martini meant just a few drops of vermouth, or none. She taught first aid for a while, worked in dozens of offices and on a few factory floors, including a packaging facility for plastic wrap. That job ended when she stuck her hand in a pot of hot glue near the end of her third shift. She’s quick to point out it was the middle of the night. Fortunately, she already had the first aid training—and the promise of another, less treacherous job.
The author lives in British Columbia. She is of mixed European, Indigenous heritage. According to her father, when she first arrived on the planet, the bagpipes caused her to weep uncontrollably. Her grandson rocks the pipes now, and thankfully, she’s gotten over that.
The author lives in British Columbia. She is of mixed European, Indigenous heritage. According to her father, when she first arrived on the planet, the bagpipes caused her to weep uncontrollably. Her grandson rocks the pipes now, and thankfully, she’s gotten over that.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 6, 2018
A powerful story about a terrible subject. Kidnapping, rape, child trafficking and abuse. There are a lot of characters to keep track of and many unusual names which had me confused at times but the plot was riveting and fast-paced so I never lost the drive to pick it up and read some more. A definite pick from me.
December 17, 2020
In her gripping series opener, which introduces Detective Sergeant Alex Desocarras, an Indigenous RCMP officer stationed in the town of 100 Mile House in British Columbia’s beautiful and rugged South Cariboo, Van Clieaf captures the racial injustice, the pains and cruelties of rape, physical violence, and child trafficking.
A police officer for fifteen years, Alex Desocarras has earned his reputation owing to his strong work ethics, intelligence, and hard work. When he is assigned to investigate the disappearance of Eleven-year-old Carey Bolton, a Gits'ilaasü girl, he knows there’s more to girl’s disappearance than a simple kidnapping. Another kidnapping and sexual assault of Anishinaabe filmmaker, Morgan O’Meara, follows soon after. With a clear-cut connection between the two cases, Alex finds himself in a race against time to save the child.
The first-person narrative alternating between different characters is ripe with tension and relentless suspense in the back. At the same time, it works as social commentary, marking several insightful and intelligent points about racial and social disparity, discrimination against indigenous people, and the trauma of rape and physical violence.
Without delving into melodrama, Van Clieaf shows how children are affected by violence and abuse. While she handles intimate emotions with aplomb, the novel as a mystery falls a bit short of expectations because of greater emphasis on Carey and Morgon’s individual stories. Nonetheless, this tale of hope and resilience is a remarkable achievement.
Readers will wait to see what VanClieaf does next.
A police officer for fifteen years, Alex Desocarras has earned his reputation owing to his strong work ethics, intelligence, and hard work. When he is assigned to investigate the disappearance of Eleven-year-old Carey Bolton, a Gits'ilaasü girl, he knows there’s more to girl’s disappearance than a simple kidnapping. Another kidnapping and sexual assault of Anishinaabe filmmaker, Morgan O’Meara, follows soon after. With a clear-cut connection between the two cases, Alex finds himself in a race against time to save the child.
The first-person narrative alternating between different characters is ripe with tension and relentless suspense in the back. At the same time, it works as social commentary, marking several insightful and intelligent points about racial and social disparity, discrimination against indigenous people, and the trauma of rape and physical violence.
Without delving into melodrama, Van Clieaf shows how children are affected by violence and abuse. While she handles intimate emotions with aplomb, the novel as a mystery falls a bit short of expectations because of greater emphasis on Carey and Morgon’s individual stories. Nonetheless, this tale of hope and resilience is a remarkable achievement.
Readers will wait to see what VanClieaf does next.
May 10, 2018
Wow, this book was hard to read. I didn't realize the subject of the book until I was too far in. I don't enjoy reading about abused or kidnapped children and I especially did not enjoy the topic of sex trafficking in children or abusing someone because of race or gender.
Normally I would have abandoned the book, but as I received the book for free in exchange for my honest review, I felt obligated to finish the book. The first 20% or so of the book was challenging to read ... it felt disjointed and I had a difficult time following the story and the characters. I think the most difficult passages were those of Lucas's childhood memories ... I'm not sure how they were relevant to the overall story. Since there was no basis for knowing Morgan had been kidnapped or that she had escaped from her attackers, the chapter describing her inner thoughts as she escaped was very difficult to follow. Upon finishing the book, I now know she had been drugged and escaped a brutal attack.
I should also note that some additional editing would have made the reading easier. The reading became easier once I developed a feel for the writing style and the direction the story was going. To the authors credit, she did a very good jof of describing a complicated system of law enforcement. To an American reader, this is so outside our realm. Overall I give the book a 3-star rating.
Normally I would have abandoned the book, but as I received the book for free in exchange for my honest review, I felt obligated to finish the book. The first 20% or so of the book was challenging to read ... it felt disjointed and I had a difficult time following the story and the characters. I think the most difficult passages were those of Lucas's childhood memories ... I'm not sure how they were relevant to the overall story. Since there was no basis for knowing Morgan had been kidnapped or that she had escaped from her attackers, the chapter describing her inner thoughts as she escaped was very difficult to follow. Upon finishing the book, I now know she had been drugged and escaped a brutal attack.
I should also note that some additional editing would have made the reading easier. The reading became easier once I developed a feel for the writing style and the direction the story was going. To the authors credit, she did a very good jof of describing a complicated system of law enforcement. To an American reader, this is so outside our realm. Overall I give the book a 3-star rating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2018
**Received book from Voracious Readers Only in exchange for honest review**
So when I saw the premise for this book as a child that disappeared and then some friends of her cousin try to hunt her down. What I got, was so much more. It took me a little bit to understand what was actually happening and to connect the pieces, but I actually liked that. It made feel more true to real life when you don’t have these *aha!* moments. I also ended up googling more info about indigenous Canada as well in reading this as that piqued my interest. The shifting views in the middle of the chapters took a little bit to get used to but I came to figure out each characters voice per say. I feel like this book had layers to it and I really liked that; it wasn’t a beach read to me, I actually had to go back sometimes to make sure I was connecting people like I thought and as a result it took me a little bit longer to finish, but I really enjoyed this book. And I like the ending how yes, it is wrapped up in a way, but it’s not the ‘everyone gets a happy ending’ sort of thing. We don’t see the trial or find out the final end game to a few characters and we don’t get to see what happens to 2 major perps involved in the long run, although we can assume. I would read more from his author again, definitely
So when I saw the premise for this book as a child that disappeared and then some friends of her cousin try to hunt her down. What I got, was so much more. It took me a little bit to understand what was actually happening and to connect the pieces, but I actually liked that. It made feel more true to real life when you don’t have these *aha!* moments. I also ended up googling more info about indigenous Canada as well in reading this as that piqued my interest. The shifting views in the middle of the chapters took a little bit to get used to but I came to figure out each characters voice per say. I feel like this book had layers to it and I really liked that; it wasn’t a beach read to me, I actually had to go back sometimes to make sure I was connecting people like I thought and as a result it took me a little bit longer to finish, but I really enjoyed this book. And I like the ending how yes, it is wrapped up in a way, but it’s not the ‘everyone gets a happy ending’ sort of thing. We don’t see the trial or find out the final end game to a few characters and we don’t get to see what happens to 2 major perps involved in the long run, although we can assume. I would read more from his author again, definitely
September 27, 2018
3.5 stars
The subject matter of this story was heartbreaking and unfortunately, all too real and believable. Women and children everywhere are unfortunate victims of abuse and trafficking, and its heartbreaking how this story so accurately depicts what could be (and honestly, probably already is) happening all over the world. Yes, even and probably especially, in our "great" 1st world countries. I'm glad the author focused on the struggle indigenous people deal with, it's become too easy to say that enough time has passed (it hasn't) and that everyone is treated fairly (they're not). Too many people turn a blind eye to those they see as inferior because of age, gender or race/ethnicity.
While I enjoyed the story and had many teary moments where the words just got to me, this was a little hard to get in to. I'm not sure if it was editing or just the authors writing style, but I struggled at times to get into the story. There were a few grammatical errors that made it difficult to know what was being spoken vs what were thoughts or just descriptive parts. The conversations and passages as a whole, didn't seem to really flow for me either, and this could just be a style of writing I can't really get in to. Overall, the story being told made up for everything else.
The subject matter of this story was heartbreaking and unfortunately, all too real and believable. Women and children everywhere are unfortunate victims of abuse and trafficking, and its heartbreaking how this story so accurately depicts what could be (and honestly, probably already is) happening all over the world. Yes, even and probably especially, in our "great" 1st world countries. I'm glad the author focused on the struggle indigenous people deal with, it's become too easy to say that enough time has passed (it hasn't) and that everyone is treated fairly (they're not). Too many people turn a blind eye to those they see as inferior because of age, gender or race/ethnicity.
While I enjoyed the story and had many teary moments where the words just got to me, this was a little hard to get in to. I'm not sure if it was editing or just the authors writing style, but I struggled at times to get into the story. There were a few grammatical errors that made it difficult to know what was being spoken vs what were thoughts or just descriptive parts. The conversations and passages as a whole, didn't seem to really flow for me either, and this could just be a style of writing I can't really get in to. Overall, the story being told made up for everything else.
May 10, 2018
End of Innocence is a heartbreaking story about child trafficking and pedophilia. The author deals well with a hard subject, not detailing the atrocities the children suffer for which I for one was thankful.
There were a few instances where the writing was a little muddy but the overall story was well written.
The only thing I would change is the way the main child character seemed a bit too well adjusted during her ordeal. That didn’t ring true. Otherwise this was a well written book with a strong plot and good character development.
I received a complimentary copy from Voraciously Readers for an honest review.
There were a few instances where the writing was a little muddy but the overall story was well written.
The only thing I would change is the way the main child character seemed a bit too well adjusted during her ordeal. That didn’t ring true. Otherwise this was a well written book with a strong plot and good character development.
I received a complimentary copy from Voraciously Readers for an honest review.
August 25, 2018
I received this book as a goodreads giveaway. So thank you to Goodreads and the author. I found this book to be well written and sensitive about the subject matter that was presented. As most know by now, trafficking is a global concern for the families who have to suffer and endure what happens out in this world with the trafficking of people. It know's no color nor gender.
Though this was fiction it can serve as a good lead/knowledge into what does happen each and every day and bring awareness to people.
Though this was fiction it can serve as a good lead/knowledge into what does happen each and every day and bring awareness to people.
August 30, 2018
I would like to thank Goodreads for selecting me as a giveaway winner for this book. This was my first read by this author. I found this 1st part of the series compelling & sad while reading of the crimes taking place. Storyline detailed while discussing less fortunate citizens & their situations. While there were several characters, I was able to became familiar & keep up with the story. Overall good read
April 23, 2023
I thought that this was an okay read. The pace is okay and the story is gritty. The story would benefit from a little more editing and I found the context switching between narrators abrupt and a little difficult to follow at first. The detective Alex Desocarras plays a significant role in this story but did not seem central to the story.
The subject matter is handled well but covers dark topics that may be quite unsettling to some readers.
The subject matter is handled well but covers dark topics that may be quite unsettling to some readers.
February 12, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Not only is this a good West Coast Canadian mystery novel that kept me on the edge of my seat, but I enjoyed the strong female characters and found the background facts on the serious topics of human trafficking and struggles First Nations Peoples face particularly interesting, if not disturbing! A very good read indeed.
July 20, 2018
Dense novel, but a good West Coast Canadian mystery.
A heartbreaking story with kidnapping, rape, child trafficking and pedophilia. Author dealt well with a hard subject and am thankful it is not detailing the violations of which children suffer.
A very good read indeed.
A heartbreaking story with kidnapping, rape, child trafficking and pedophilia. Author dealt well with a hard subject and am thankful it is not detailing the violations of which children suffer.
A very good read indeed.
February 17, 2018
A very confronting book with a difficult subject, but the convoluted police setup in Canada was confusing, and the “native” Canadians was surprising for me.
February 28, 2018
Great book that is written well. Kept me interested to the end.
April 8, 2018
I enjoyed this gripping thriller about horrible crimes committed in British Columbia. My interest was sustained until the end. There are many characters and it can be confusing.
July 2, 2018
Excellent story with an important issue that is relevant to these times. I loved the strong female lead, she persevered in tough times to come out stronger.
September 4, 2018
Goodreads winner
It’s so hard to grasp why people do the things they do, especially to children. This book opened my eyes to human trafficking.
It’s so hard to grasp why people do the things they do, especially to children. This book opened my eyes to human trafficking.
September 2, 2020
DNF at 16%.
Just couldn’t get into it. I really do struggle with thrillers. Shame.
Just couldn’t get into it. I really do struggle with thrillers. Shame.
May 27, 2018
End of Innocence was a difficult read for me as it evoked so many emotions. But that is what a good book is supposed to do, isn't it? The topic of missing and murdered Indigenous girls and women in Canada is heartbreaking to contemplate. This book did a good job of leading us through a story that felt all too real. I am now more informed about prejudice that exists and the horrid reality of human trafficking. I particularly liked how the characters supported each other throughout the story.
This novel is very dense. There is a lot going on and the subject is challenging to stick with. It took me longer to read than usual. I had to put it down and come back to it, but come back to it I did, because the story is so compelling and I needed to know how it ended. I received this book from the author as a complimentary copy from the author via Voracious Readers Only. I might not have continued past the second sentence because of the grammatical error (her/she) so I suggest you put that aside rather than think it is reflective of the rest of the novel. End of Innocence is definitely worth the read.
This novel is very dense. There is a lot going on and the subject is challenging to stick with. It took me longer to read than usual. I had to put it down and come back to it, but come back to it I did, because the story is so compelling and I needed to know how it ended. I received this book from the author as a complimentary copy from the author via Voracious Readers Only. I might not have continued past the second sentence because of the grammatical error (her/she) so I suggest you put that aside rather than think it is reflective of the rest of the novel. End of Innocence is definitely worth the read.
December 11, 2017
I received an e-copy of this book from the author. The main story line was interesting and at times very suspenseful, which I enjoyed. There were lots of characters and I found it difficult to keep everyone straight and was a bit confusing. I look forward to another book by this author.
March 22, 2018
This is a gripping thriller which I couldn’t put down. Not only did it tell me a lot about different cultures in Canada I didn’t know about it had great characters and a horrific storyline that kept me hooked till the last page.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews