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David Raker #9
Žena mého života
Tři dny po Vánocích se na policejní stanici v Charing Crossu objeví žena. Nemá mobil ani žádný průkaz totožnosti, jen kousek papíru se jménem soukromého vyšetřovatele Davida Rakera. Představí se jako jeho manželka Derryn.
Když na stanici dorazí Raker, je v naprostém šoku. Neznámá žena vypadá jako Derryn, zná podrobnosti o jejich manželství, společných vzpomínkách, a dokonce popisuje i jejich soukromé rozhovory. Je tu ale jeden problém: Rakerova manželka je už osm let mrtvá.
Žena tvrdí, že se Raker psychicky zhroutil a podlehl iluzi, že zemřela, a její verzi potvrzuje i uznávaný psychiatr. Raker chce její slova vyvrátit Derryniným úmrtním listem a další dokumentací, jenže… všechno je pryč. A navíc se v případu brzy stává hlavním podezřelým.
Bylo jejich manželství skutečné? Nebo Raker celou dobu trpěl bludy? Opravdu je tohle žena, kterou miloval a oplakal? Raker se ocitá na útěku před policií a současně musí vypátrat pravdu dřív, než přijde o všechno – své vzpomínky, zdravý rozum i život…
Když na stanici dorazí Raker, je v naprostém šoku. Neznámá žena vypadá jako Derryn, zná podrobnosti o jejich manželství, společných vzpomínkách, a dokonce popisuje i jejich soukromé rozhovory. Je tu ale jeden problém: Rakerova manželka je už osm let mrtvá.
Žena tvrdí, že se Raker psychicky zhroutil a podlehl iluzi, že zemřela, a její verzi potvrzuje i uznávaný psychiatr. Raker chce její slova vyvrátit Derryniným úmrtním listem a další dokumentací, jenže… všechno je pryč. A navíc se v případu brzy stává hlavním podezřelým.
Bylo jejich manželství skutečné? Nebo Raker celou dobu trpěl bludy? Opravdu je tohle žena, kterou miloval a oplakal? Raker se ocitá na útěku před policií a současně musí vypátrat pravdu dřív, než přijde o všechno – své vzpomínky, zdravý rozum i život…
512 pages, Hardcover
First published May 17, 2018
519 people are currently reading
3811 people want to read
About the author
Tim Weaver
56 books1,604 followersTim Weaver is the Sunday Times Top 3 bestselling author of the David Raker missing persons series, the standalone thriller, Missing Pieces, and the novella collection, The Shadow at the Door. His novels have been selected for the Richard and Judy Book Club four times, and his work has been nominated for a National Book Award and the Ian Fleming Steel Dagger. He is currently developing an original TV drama with the team behind Line of Duty. He lives near Bath in the UK. Find out more about Tim and his writing at www.timweaverbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 626 reviews
March 20, 2018
Oh this book.
I love the Raker series – I tell anyone that listens that it is the best crime series out there that doesn’t involve Charlie Parker, how great it is to have a very different and highly engaging main protagonist and how each book gets better than the last with the twistiest plots, the most emotionally traumatic rollercoaster moments and well just really really good. Every time I read them so fast I can’t even think about anything else until I’m done because that’s how they get you. Then I’m cross with myself because I’m having to wait again.
This one though. Addictive much. I didn’t so much read it as I did devour it, kind of peeking through my fingers not sure if I wanted to know or not. Could our hero, patron (fictional) saint of the missing, actually be not so much saintly (a dark side kind of saintly) as quite quite mad? I couldn’t cope. His wife is dead. It has informed so much of his character, given us so much of his reality – BUT WHAT IF HE IS DELUSIONAL?? Seriously, having read the entire series so far and knowing how sneaky Mr Weaver is, it was entirely possible – it’s not like he wouldn’t go there…
Well I won’t tell you if he does or not but honestly this just rocks along with poor David doubting everyone and everything around him but still, even with all that, he’s going to get to the truth no matter what. Just as he always does. Once again you are pulled into his gravity and live there right with him for the entirety of the read – it is brilliantly plotted and always beautifully written. I loved it.
With an ending that promises so much and a distinctly edgy feel to it, You Were Gone is possibly the twistiest Raker novel yet and that is really saying something.
Highly Recommended. HIGHLY.
I love the Raker series – I tell anyone that listens that it is the best crime series out there that doesn’t involve Charlie Parker, how great it is to have a very different and highly engaging main protagonist and how each book gets better than the last with the twistiest plots, the most emotionally traumatic rollercoaster moments and well just really really good. Every time I read them so fast I can’t even think about anything else until I’m done because that’s how they get you. Then I’m cross with myself because I’m having to wait again.
This one though. Addictive much. I didn’t so much read it as I did devour it, kind of peeking through my fingers not sure if I wanted to know or not. Could our hero, patron (fictional) saint of the missing, actually be not so much saintly (a dark side kind of saintly) as quite quite mad? I couldn’t cope. His wife is dead. It has informed so much of his character, given us so much of his reality – BUT WHAT IF HE IS DELUSIONAL?? Seriously, having read the entire series so far and knowing how sneaky Mr Weaver is, it was entirely possible – it’s not like he wouldn’t go there…
Well I won’t tell you if he does or not but honestly this just rocks along with poor David doubting everyone and everything around him but still, even with all that, he’s going to get to the truth no matter what. Just as he always does. Once again you are pulled into his gravity and live there right with him for the entirety of the read – it is brilliantly plotted and always beautifully written. I loved it.
With an ending that promises so much and a distinctly edgy feel to it, You Were Gone is possibly the twistiest Raker novel yet and that is really saying something.
Highly Recommended. HIGHLY.
April 15, 2018
Tim Weaver's David Raker series should get a badge saying 'Guaranteed Good Time'. As an investigator of missing people, he gets himself involved in the kinds of bizarre situations and investigations that police officials just can't deal with. However, the problem this time isn't the missing, it's the returned- his wife, dead the last 8 years, is back and demanding to see him.
Thankfully, she's not a zombie. But someone here is crazy and even though we've been with Raker for 8 books now, you still find yourself wondering just who's telling the truth and if you've missed some massive clue over the series that the author is about to smack you round the face with. Tim Weaver's a twisty one.
Well, needless to say there's lots of conflicting evidence, paranoia, and cross purposes going on, all wrapped up in tight prose, and with an ending that hints at a darker future. If you're a newbie, you could easily start here, I need to catch up on a few in the backlist myself, but it looks like there's going to be some serious dark conspiracy things going on in the next book and we should all be ready.
ARC via Netgalley.
Thankfully, she's not a zombie. But someone here is crazy and even though we've been with Raker for 8 books now, you still find yourself wondering just who's telling the truth and if you've missed some massive clue over the series that the author is about to smack you round the face with. Tim Weaver's a twisty one.
Well, needless to say there's lots of conflicting evidence, paranoia, and cross purposes going on, all wrapped up in tight prose, and with an ending that hints at a darker future. If you're a newbie, you could easily start here, I need to catch up on a few in the backlist myself, but it looks like there's going to be some serious dark conspiracy things going on in the next book and we should all be ready.
ARC via Netgalley.
August 11, 2018
5 Stars
Arc Book Review
Release Date-17/5/18
I really loved You Were Gone (David Raker #9) like so much more than I was originally expecting, but had absolutely no bloody idea it was part of an ongoing series; no matter this can totally be read as a standalone no issues whatsoever.
So this was a mind-Eff of epic proportions and I couldn't put it down such an engrossing read this was.
This had me second guessing along with Raker everything I thought I knew to be true.
Could it be true? was David losing the threads of his very sanity? Who was this woman who claimed to be his wife? Where had she come from?
This had so many twists and turns throughout I felt lost in a maze with no clear exit.
So cleverly executed and with such finesse, this was a pleasure from start to finish.
Not my usual genre but so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone.
This will have you psychoanalysing and dissecting every actuality for hidden messages and meanings and when events eventually reached a conclusion I was seriously shocked at the identity of the puppet master himself.
This was a fabulous addictive Crime Mystery that was glued to my hand till the final curtain.
A complete surprise hit for me.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of "You Were Gone (David Raker #9)" of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm.
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
May 12, 2018
I chose to read this book without knowing it was #9 in the series about investigator David Raker. I can happily report that it worked fine as a standalone, however I now want to buy and binge read the first 8 books in this series while eagerly anticipating the 10th!
This book had me completely engrossed from the first chapter and that only increased with every page that I turned. I couldn’t wait to unravel this intricate, exciting heartbreaking, hugely suspense filled mystery but at the same time it is such a good book that I didn’t want it to end.
The story is amazingly well written, with surprising twists and turns throughout and each piece of new information raises more questions which are answered in one shocking, breathtaking, conclusion.
I am often good at working out what is happening in mysteries/ suspense/ thrillers but this blindsided me completely. This was a fantastic, outstandingly well developed book. Tim Weaver is a genius!
This book had me completely engrossed from the first chapter and that only increased with every page that I turned. I couldn’t wait to unravel this intricate, exciting heartbreaking, hugely suspense filled mystery but at the same time it is such a good book that I didn’t want it to end.
The story is amazingly well written, with surprising twists and turns throughout and each piece of new information raises more questions which are answered in one shocking, breathtaking, conclusion.
I am often good at working out what is happening in mysteries/ suspense/ thrillers but this blindsided me completely. This was a fantastic, outstandingly well developed book. Tim Weaver is a genius!
March 13, 2019
I don’t like starting book series midway through.
So I was quite surprised to find that this was the ninth in a series when logging it as reading on goodreads, as their was no indication that this was the case on the cover.
(I guess I’m answering my own question, as I wouldn’t have brought this title with an intriguing premise if I had known otherwise...)
I’m not sure how much of the previous eight novels and subsequent story arc’s I’d spoiled, but after the initial confusion I soon slipped into the story.
The main premises focuses on a woman who claims to be the main character of the series David Raker wife, arriving at at a police station without an ID.
The problem is David buried his wife eight years ago!
With this being the ninth in the series, I kept having that nagging doubt that the first book must have revolved around her death
So who do I believe? The main character that the series focuses on or the lady who both resembles and is very knowledgeable on David’s past.
In a way this was the perfect jumping on point, as I didn’t know who to trust.
This is the type of crime series that I really enjoy, the short chapters are ideal for reading during various breaks at work. I constantly wanted to find out the truth.
The best things is that I’ve now found another author that I really like and there’s a back catalogue to get through.
I’m definitely adding to first one onto my to read list...
So I was quite surprised to find that this was the ninth in a series when logging it as reading on goodreads, as their was no indication that this was the case on the cover.
(I guess I’m answering my own question, as I wouldn’t have brought this title with an intriguing premise if I had known otherwise...)
I’m not sure how much of the previous eight novels and subsequent story arc’s I’d spoiled, but after the initial confusion I soon slipped into the story.
The main premises focuses on a woman who claims to be the main character of the series David Raker wife, arriving at at a police station without an ID.
The problem is David buried his wife eight years ago!
With this being the ninth in the series, I kept having that nagging doubt that the first book must have revolved around her death
So who do I believe? The main character that the series focuses on or the lady who both resembles and is very knowledgeable on David’s past.
In a way this was the perfect jumping on point, as I didn’t know who to trust.
This is the type of crime series that I really enjoy, the short chapters are ideal for reading during various breaks at work. I constantly wanted to find out the truth.
The best things is that I’ve now found another author that I really like and there’s a back catalogue to get through.
I’m definitely adding to first one onto my to read list...
October 22, 2018
After her battle with cancer David Raker buried his wife, Derryn, eight years earlier. But then a woman turns up at a police station with no identification, just a piece of paper with David Raker’s name on it. What’s more, she claims to be David’s wife. She looks like Derryn, and knows things only Derryn and David would know. What is going on? Who is the mystery woman? David cannot believe she is Derryn. Derryn, the love of his life, is dead. Isn’t she? The police are suspicious of David, more so when David’s story does not match that of the woman or a renowned psychiatrist who insists he treated David for serious mental issues and blackouts. When things start to go missing from his home, David even begins to doubt himself. Is he delusional? Or is the woman an imposter? As a person who is used to looking for missing people, David is determined to use all his resources to uncover the truth.
I had no idea when I brought this book home that it was number 9 in a series about Raker. Nothing on the cover indicated this. It didn’t matter a bit that it was so far along in a series. From the beginning of this book to the end I was riveted. It keeps the reader on edge wavering, wondering just which story is true. Just when you think you have it figured out, another twist is added. I was up till all hours reading, because I simply could not stand to put the book down. I wanted to know what was going on. The characters had me absolutely enthralled, even when some of their actions seemed a little out of kilter or irresponsible. I will definitely look to read more books by this author and from some aspects of the ending it looks like there will be another Raker mystery to follow. I’m not always a fan of this type of novel but this is a highly recommended read.
I had no idea when I brought this book home that it was number 9 in a series about Raker. Nothing on the cover indicated this. It didn’t matter a bit that it was so far along in a series. From the beginning of this book to the end I was riveted. It keeps the reader on edge wavering, wondering just which story is true. Just when you think you have it figured out, another twist is added. I was up till all hours reading, because I simply could not stand to put the book down. I wanted to know what was going on. The characters had me absolutely enthralled, even when some of their actions seemed a little out of kilter or irresponsible. I will definitely look to read more books by this author and from some aspects of the ending it looks like there will be another Raker mystery to follow. I’m not always a fan of this type of novel but this is a highly recommended read.
May 27, 2018
This is the 9th book in the David Raker series by author Tim Weaver.
I was only recently introduced to the Tim Weaver books and have found them great reading, in fact before finishing this one I had already placed an order for 2 more books to fill in a few of my gaps in the series.
This is another excellent addition to the series and had me wondering do I really know the lead character David Raker. A woman walks into a police station with no identification and only a piece of paper with the name of investigator David Raker on it. She tells officers that David Raker is her husband. The woman looks exactly like his wife and knows things only the two of them shared but David Rakers wife has been dead for eight years. The woman explains that Raker had a breakdown which is confirmed by a respected doctor and events take a further turn when he is the prime suspect when she disappears.
Is Raker guilty of anything, is he delusional and this woman really is his wife. David Rakers life is thrown into turmoil and he needs to find out the truth before he loses his memories, his sanity, his life .
An excellent plot that makes even the avid David Raker readers question if they really can trust what they thought they knew about him.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Penguin UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I was only recently introduced to the Tim Weaver books and have found them great reading, in fact before finishing this one I had already placed an order for 2 more books to fill in a few of my gaps in the series.
This is another excellent addition to the series and had me wondering do I really know the lead character David Raker. A woman walks into a police station with no identification and only a piece of paper with the name of investigator David Raker on it. She tells officers that David Raker is her husband. The woman looks exactly like his wife and knows things only the two of them shared but David Rakers wife has been dead for eight years. The woman explains that Raker had a breakdown which is confirmed by a respected doctor and events take a further turn when he is the prime suspect when she disappears.
Is Raker guilty of anything, is he delusional and this woman really is his wife. David Rakers life is thrown into turmoil and he needs to find out the truth before he loses his memories, his sanity, his life .
An excellent plot that makes even the avid David Raker readers question if they really can trust what they thought they knew about him.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Penguin UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2018
Briefly - Extremely powerful - I would probably argue that this is the best David Raker book so far.
In full
You Were Gone starts with a great opening. David Raker's wife - dead for 8 years - apparently arrives at a London police station. She insist the police get hold of David Raker. I've read all of Tim Weaver's series of book on David Raker and I would advise anyone starting reading them to start with a much earlier book. However those who are fans will know just how affected by Derryn's death David was. To go to the police station and see someone who claims to be here and who says she lives with him has a profound effect on him. She even looks like Derryn. It sets the scene for a story I think is outstanding in what is an excellent series.
Initially I found it hard to see how this story could be sustained really. Alleged wife walks into police station, prove that she has died and is imposter, story ends... Nope - Tim Weaver is a far cleverer writer than that. The David Raker of this book is the same as he was before however someone is seriously messing with his mind. So often the phrase "psychological thriller" is used and often - for me - it isn't true. Parts of this one are deeply dark and psychological and troubling for Raker and the reader. Throw in the fact that, in general, the Metropolitan Police are not fans of Raker and Raker is very alone.
I've been a fan of David Raker since the first book I read over 5 years ago. He is one of my favourite characters without question. In this book Weaver digs even deeper into David's psyche and to great effect. The other characters work well in their parts too. Some new ones appear and some old ones are still around.
This is the usual standard of excellent tense writing. It's pacey and twists well. Raker's star rises and falls dramatically at times. It is a very well thought out book and well researched too. Tim Weaver's penchant for old deserted places is put to good use again. Weaver is one of a small handful of genuinely favourite authors. He has not disappointed me so far and to my joy it looks as though this is not the last David Raker book. I'm inclined to say that this may be the best of the series so far - no mean feat in the 9th book of the series. I'd be fairly certain that fans will love.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
http://viewson.org.uk/fiction/you-wer...
In full
You Were Gone starts with a great opening. David Raker's wife - dead for 8 years - apparently arrives at a London police station. She insist the police get hold of David Raker. I've read all of Tim Weaver's series of book on David Raker and I would advise anyone starting reading them to start with a much earlier book. However those who are fans will know just how affected by Derryn's death David was. To go to the police station and see someone who claims to be here and who says she lives with him has a profound effect on him. She even looks like Derryn. It sets the scene for a story I think is outstanding in what is an excellent series.
Initially I found it hard to see how this story could be sustained really. Alleged wife walks into police station, prove that she has died and is imposter, story ends... Nope - Tim Weaver is a far cleverer writer than that. The David Raker of this book is the same as he was before however someone is seriously messing with his mind. So often the phrase "psychological thriller" is used and often - for me - it isn't true. Parts of this one are deeply dark and psychological and troubling for Raker and the reader. Throw in the fact that, in general, the Metropolitan Police are not fans of Raker and Raker is very alone.
I've been a fan of David Raker since the first book I read over 5 years ago. He is one of my favourite characters without question. In this book Weaver digs even deeper into David's psyche and to great effect. The other characters work well in their parts too. Some new ones appear and some old ones are still around.
This is the usual standard of excellent tense writing. It's pacey and twists well. Raker's star rises and falls dramatically at times. It is a very well thought out book and well researched too. Tim Weaver's penchant for old deserted places is put to good use again. Weaver is one of a small handful of genuinely favourite authors. He has not disappointed me so far and to my joy it looks as though this is not the last David Raker book. I'm inclined to say that this may be the best of the series so far - no mean feat in the 9th book of the series. I'd be fairly certain that fans will love.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
http://viewson.org.uk/fiction/you-wer...
July 31, 2019
I’m a big fan of Tim Weaver’s David Raker series, but it is safe to say none of the prior books had me as eager as this one. Although You Were Gone can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, it certainly hits harder if you’ve read the prior books in the series. You see, one of the things I love most about David Raker is his commitment to his wife. With the twists thrown at us throughout You Were Gone, I was hooked.
As always, Tim Weaver delivers a gripping story. The book is filled with twists and turns, countless layers existing to keep you hooked throughout. The deeper into the story you get, the more elements that are introduced, making it difficult to work out every piece of information. I confess to working out some of the details, but there were certainly elements that caught me off-guard. It’s exactly what a good mystery should be, the thrills making it impossible to put down.
For long time readers, there’s also plenty added to the overall story in addition to this single mystery throughout. In fact, there were some lingering questions at the end of this one that I cannot wait to see come into play throughout the future books in the series. I’m not going to say what, due to spoilers, just know there are many things that will have long time fans eager for more.
Without a doubt, Tim Weaver delivered another fabulous read with You Were Gone.
As always, Tim Weaver delivers a gripping story. The book is filled with twists and turns, countless layers existing to keep you hooked throughout. The deeper into the story you get, the more elements that are introduced, making it difficult to work out every piece of information. I confess to working out some of the details, but there were certainly elements that caught me off-guard. It’s exactly what a good mystery should be, the thrills making it impossible to put down.
For long time readers, there’s also plenty added to the overall story in addition to this single mystery throughout. In fact, there were some lingering questions at the end of this one that I cannot wait to see come into play throughout the future books in the series. I’m not going to say what, due to spoilers, just know there are many things that will have long time fans eager for more.
Without a doubt, Tim Weaver delivered another fabulous read with You Were Gone.
April 27, 2022
Tim Weaver's "David Raker Missing Persons" series debuted in 2010.
"You Were Gone" is the 9th book in this series. Even though it's the 9th book in this series, it's a standalone read.
Three days after Christmas, a woman walks into a police station and claims she is David Raker's wife.
The problem with her claim? David Raker's wife has been dead (aka "missing") for eight years.
The woman tells police that Raker had a breakdown and fabricated her death.
Who is telling the truth?
The book is very well-written with strong characterizations. It's a thriller about obsessions, obsessions, and more obsessions.
Sometimes less is more. This 14-hour audiobook would have been better edited down to a 9-hour book.
Also, I felt that the ending was implausible and far-fetched. Even so, I was hooked on the storyline and, overall, the book was a winner for me.
I listened to the full-cast audiobook and the narration was outstanding.
It's always a real treat to discover a new series that is a cut above others in its genre.
A new Tim Weaver book is scheduled to be released in June 2022 and I look forward to reading additional books in this compelling series.
"You Were Gone" is the 9th book in this series. Even though it's the 9th book in this series, it's a standalone read.
Three days after Christmas, a woman walks into a police station and claims she is David Raker's wife.
The problem with her claim? David Raker's wife has been dead (aka "missing") for eight years.
The woman tells police that Raker had a breakdown and fabricated her death.
Who is telling the truth?
The book is very well-written with strong characterizations. It's a thriller about obsessions, obsessions, and more obsessions.
Sometimes less is more. This 14-hour audiobook would have been better edited down to a 9-hour book.
Also, I felt that the ending was implausible and far-fetched. Even so, I was hooked on the storyline and, overall, the book was a winner for me.
I listened to the full-cast audiobook and the narration was outstanding.
It's always a real treat to discover a new series that is a cut above others in its genre.
A new Tim Weaver book is scheduled to be released in June 2022 and I look forward to reading additional books in this compelling series.
April 22, 2018
Wow ! I couldn’t believe that I was being offered an ARC of “You Were Gone“, the latest David Raker book by Tim Weaver. Huge thanks to Netgalley.. I’ve mentioned this so that it’s understood that I’m very biased. Ever since I was sent a paperback version of his third book and was blown away and quickly caught up with the previous editions, I haven’t missed one . Tim Weaver has to be one of the best British thriller writers around today. But his latest offering turned out to be, for me, a huge disappointment.
We have the same hero, David Raker, a former journalist, who now specialises in finding missing people. Like all the best protagonists he has a messy and complicated back story that we learn about in previous novels although this book will stand alone. Raker’s beloved wife, Derryn, died eight years ago of cancer and he has been working, often dangerous missing person cases ever since, in an attempt to come to terms with her loss. Suddenly he gets a call from the police to say that a woman has walked into the station claiming to be his wife.. From then on the story just gets dafter and dafter. There is a fine line running through it that says that there’s an outside chance that these events or at least some of them could have happened. But it’s highly unlikely. I ‘m just thankful that I was reading a kindle version or I would probably have started scribbling angry notes in red all over a paper edition, something I would normally regard as sacrilege, Time and again improbable things happen that would constitute spoilers if I started listing them. But the worst has to be the savvy, astute, experienced David Raker agreeing to meet alone, an unknown psychiatric consultant, at night, in his hospital, when staff will have gone home, because this doctor is claiming that he has treated Raker as an in patient at his hospital for a serious condition. He is now offering to show him his patient record if he will come in. Well surprise, surprise ! Raker is captured. Take that episode out and the story would have a massive gapping hole in it. Tim Weaver says that he‘s been playing with Raker‘s mind. He‘s been playing with that of his readers too. I‘m angry that an author that I respected was expecting his readers to believe this rubbish. If I weren‘t reading it for review I would probably have given it up after checking the end to see what it was all supposed to be about..
The page or so in italics that appears every so often and runs through the book is a clever device that I appreciate. The author‘s writing is up to it‘s usual high standard with some wonderful descriptive passages that one has come to expect from him. A lesser writer couldn‘t have carried his reader into the heart of the action every time.. At the end the scene appears to be set for the next novel.. Kennedy, an ex policeman and long time friend of Rankers whom he has allowed to live in his parents old bungalow in hiding, says that he has found something that is really big. Let‘s hope it‘s a bit saner than this story. Mr Weaver really has gone too far this time..
We have the same hero, David Raker, a former journalist, who now specialises in finding missing people. Like all the best protagonists he has a messy and complicated back story that we learn about in previous novels although this book will stand alone. Raker’s beloved wife, Derryn, died eight years ago of cancer and he has been working, often dangerous missing person cases ever since, in an attempt to come to terms with her loss. Suddenly he gets a call from the police to say that a woman has walked into the station claiming to be his wife.. From then on the story just gets dafter and dafter. There is a fine line running through it that says that there’s an outside chance that these events or at least some of them could have happened. But it’s highly unlikely. I ‘m just thankful that I was reading a kindle version or I would probably have started scribbling angry notes in red all over a paper edition, something I would normally regard as sacrilege, Time and again improbable things happen that would constitute spoilers if I started listing them. But the worst has to be the savvy, astute, experienced David Raker agreeing to meet alone, an unknown psychiatric consultant, at night, in his hospital, when staff will have gone home, because this doctor is claiming that he has treated Raker as an in patient at his hospital for a serious condition. He is now offering to show him his patient record if he will come in. Well surprise, surprise ! Raker is captured. Take that episode out and the story would have a massive gapping hole in it. Tim Weaver says that he‘s been playing with Raker‘s mind. He‘s been playing with that of his readers too. I‘m angry that an author that I respected was expecting his readers to believe this rubbish. If I weren‘t reading it for review I would probably have given it up after checking the end to see what it was all supposed to be about..
The page or so in italics that appears every so often and runs through the book is a clever device that I appreciate. The author‘s writing is up to it‘s usual high standard with some wonderful descriptive passages that one has come to expect from him. A lesser writer couldn‘t have carried his reader into the heart of the action every time.. At the end the scene appears to be set for the next novel.. Kennedy, an ex policeman and long time friend of Rankers whom he has allowed to live in his parents old bungalow in hiding, says that he has found something that is really big. Let‘s hope it‘s a bit saner than this story. Mr Weaver really has gone too far this time..
July 2, 2018
Wow. What an absolutely twisted read. You Were Gone is the ninth David Raker story and sometimes an author can begin to waver a little when they have written about the same character for so long. Tim Weaver is not one of those authors. If only for the emotional response this story drew from me, You Were Gone might be Tim’s best book yet.
In not wanting to give away too much of the plot, I will say nothing other than that everything we know and understand about Raker from the past eight books has stemmed from the death of his beloved wife, Derryn. Had she not have passed, there wouldn’t be a Raker that felt compelled to find as many missing people as he could. There wouldn’t be a Raker that kept putting his own life in danger time and time again. How then would Raker react if he was told a woman had turned up at a police station claiming to be his dead wife Derryn? That is the basis for You Were Gone and all I will say about the plot is it is first class. Stunning. A real masterclass in how to write a truly thrilling and unforgettable mystery.
You Were Gone could be read as a stand-alone but I feel the interaction I had with it and how it affected me emotionally was because of how much I feel like I know Raker. His emotions throughout this story are palpable, from seeing his supposed dead wife in the police station to everything else that followed. Tim writes in a way that meant I was completely engrossed in this story, feeling everything that happened and standing alongside Raker as an invisible bystander. Raker’s confusion and pain is clear to see and as the story progresses I just had no idea how things would ultimately end and I couldn’t read quick enough to find out.
It’s sometimes hard to talk about a story when so much of what you enjoyed centres around the incredibly intricate and twisted plot, and that is the case here with You Were Gone. I was so invested in this story that by the end of it I felt like I’d been put through the wringer alongside Raker. The ending was nothing short of perfect and even almost made tears fall it was that good. This story had everything going for it and it isn’t one that I am going to be forgetting in a hurry. It’s a hugely chilling read with some powerful writing and storytelling that further cements my love for Tim Weaver’s books and means that once again I must now recommend them to anybody who will listen. Sometimes the best thing you can say in a review is READ IT. So go and get this book, read it and I guarantee that you too will be blown away by this unforgettable story.
In not wanting to give away too much of the plot, I will say nothing other than that everything we know and understand about Raker from the past eight books has stemmed from the death of his beloved wife, Derryn. Had she not have passed, there wouldn’t be a Raker that felt compelled to find as many missing people as he could. There wouldn’t be a Raker that kept putting his own life in danger time and time again. How then would Raker react if he was told a woman had turned up at a police station claiming to be his dead wife Derryn? That is the basis for You Were Gone and all I will say about the plot is it is first class. Stunning. A real masterclass in how to write a truly thrilling and unforgettable mystery.
You Were Gone could be read as a stand-alone but I feel the interaction I had with it and how it affected me emotionally was because of how much I feel like I know Raker. His emotions throughout this story are palpable, from seeing his supposed dead wife in the police station to everything else that followed. Tim writes in a way that meant I was completely engrossed in this story, feeling everything that happened and standing alongside Raker as an invisible bystander. Raker’s confusion and pain is clear to see and as the story progresses I just had no idea how things would ultimately end and I couldn’t read quick enough to find out.
It’s sometimes hard to talk about a story when so much of what you enjoyed centres around the incredibly intricate and twisted plot, and that is the case here with You Were Gone. I was so invested in this story that by the end of it I felt like I’d been put through the wringer alongside Raker. The ending was nothing short of perfect and even almost made tears fall it was that good. This story had everything going for it and it isn’t one that I am going to be forgetting in a hurry. It’s a hugely chilling read with some powerful writing and storytelling that further cements my love for Tim Weaver’s books and means that once again I must now recommend them to anybody who will listen. Sometimes the best thing you can say in a review is READ IT. So go and get this book, read it and I guarantee that you too will be blown away by this unforgettable story.
April 20, 2018
Where to start!!
You lose your wife to cancer 8 years ago.....you grieve and are still grieving....you are away at family for Christmas when you receive a call.....your wife has just stumbled into Charing Cross Police Station saying who she is and asking to see you.........you drive there, mind everywhere, emotions on full throttle as well as the car.....you are placed in a room where you are shown a cctv camera of your wife in the next room......you fully expect to see someone you don’t know...a bad ‘joke’ a cruel thing that someone has done to you as payback for your years as a Private Investigator....you look, you feel faint, you look again...and sitting there is your wife, the woman you buried.....or is it her?.......
There you go, thats enough to make you pre order this book!
Seriously though that is the start of a fascinating, in depth, thrilling and non stop action book, its a cliche to say ‘I was on the edge of my seat’ but literally I was as this wonderful piece of fiction continues in the vane it started
The characters are all brilliant and I would find it impossible for anyone to say they were not totally gripped by this tale
The only bad thing I can say is that I have missed 9 previous books by this author and I will be looking them up pronto
A really fabulous book that makes you pleased you love reading
10/10 5 stars
April 18, 2018
I have read a few of Tim weaver’s books so when I saw this on NetGalley and jumped at the chance to read it. The first thing I like about David Raker series as, even though it’s part of a series you can still read it as a standalone.
David Raker is a Missing Persons Investigator, quite an unorthodox one, but a good one. He never got over the death of his wife who died 8 years previously with cancer. So when David gets a call 3 days after Christmas that a woman has turned up at a Police station claiming to be the dead wife Derryn. David rushes down to the station to see what the hell is going on. David claims she’s dead but the police doesn’t believe him as she says that David Has been ill and he has been treated by a Doctor Erik McMillian, when the police investigate the doctor backs up the story. Is he losing his mind. Or she lying, who is telling the truth? Even in some instances David sometimes thinks that Derryn is still alive.
All I can say is that I loved this book. I couldn’t put it down from start to finish. It was very well planned out, great characters and good twists and turns in this book. I highly recommend.
Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC of this book.
David Raker is a Missing Persons Investigator, quite an unorthodox one, but a good one. He never got over the death of his wife who died 8 years previously with cancer. So when David gets a call 3 days after Christmas that a woman has turned up at a Police station claiming to be the dead wife Derryn. David rushes down to the station to see what the hell is going on. David claims she’s dead but the police doesn’t believe him as she says that David Has been ill and he has been treated by a Doctor Erik McMillian, when the police investigate the doctor backs up the story. Is he losing his mind. Or she lying, who is telling the truth? Even in some instances David sometimes thinks that Derryn is still alive.
All I can say is that I loved this book. I couldn’t put it down from start to finish. It was very well planned out, great characters and good twists and turns in this book. I highly recommend.
Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC of this book.
September 7, 2020
A compelling read - I know I sound like a strap line writer, but it is the best way of describing this excellent thriller. Every time I picked it up, I found it hard to put down. It is not at all like the other David Raker books in many ways, but it like them in that the plotting is intricate and, above all, believable. It twists and turns and keeps you intrigued - brilliant!
May 23, 2025
The book representation of the term gaslighting
This had me irked, I was dying to find out wtf was going on cause EXCUSE ME WHAT???
I felt crazy as hell the whole time & obvs this is like book 8 or 9 in the series so I know my guy David wasn’t the problem, but the author even had me questioning David like can I even trust this guy after 8 or 9 books of solving the toughest cases I’ve read?????
Brilliant as always I’m telling you.
This had me irked, I was dying to find out wtf was going on cause EXCUSE ME WHAT???
I felt crazy as hell the whole time & obvs this is like book 8 or 9 in the series so I know my guy David wasn’t the problem, but the author even had me questioning David like can I even trust this guy after 8 or 9 books of solving the toughest cases I’ve read?????
Brilliant as always I’m telling you.
April 9, 2019
I couldn’t put this book down. It gripped me from the beginning, was full of suspense and had many twists and turns right up to the very end. I liked that the chapters were short and easy to read as it allowed me to get through a fair few at a time. The main story like was unique and a breath of fresh air, as sometimes story lines are repeated that much it’s a bit like de ja vu. The only reason that it wasn’t a five was purely down to the irritation I had that the police didn’t visit Derryn’s grave or speak to her friends or former work colleagues about her battle with cancer and her death. I also don’t think that the imposter could have had the time to do what he did as well as his profession, surely with such a dedicated job he couldn’t have realistically lived a double life. However the slight unbelievable subjects aside I thoroughly enjoyed the book and I’d definitely recommend it.
April 12, 2018
Tim Weaver is an author whose work I really enjoy. His writing is precise reminiscent of storytelling from a bygone era, at times displaying shades of Agatha Christie but with a modern feel. The central character in his novels is David Raker, an investigator who markets himself as a locator of lost persons, those individuals who for their own personal reasons wish to disappear....or do they? Weaver uses real and imagined locations throughout London often creating a haunted or sinister backdrop adding to the mystical quality of his prose. Think of old wooden piers and the thrills and sounds of Victorian amusement arcades (What Remains, David Raker book 6) and underground abandoned tube/rail stations (Vanished, David Raker book 3)
Nine years ago Raker sadly lost his wife Derryn to cancer. He is naturally astounded when he receives a call from a local police station informing him that a woman purporting to be his wife has just presented herself at reception. Who is this woman? Is Raker's mind unravelling? Did the last 9 years never happen? What appears to be a simple case of I.D becomes something altogether more disturbing when the lady in question mysteriously disappears after visiting a flat in Chalks Farm. From this point in the novel the events that unravel become increasingly dark and threatening. As our investigator himself is drugged a race against time follows to locate the whereabouts of the missing woman. Raker is horrified to learn that both himself and his wife have been the subject of "stalking" for many years and unfortunately it appears the perpetrator is still active posing a very real and present threat. When the identity of the stalker is revealed the resulting shock and fallout will amaze not only those involved in the hunt but an unsuspecting reader!
I must admit that "You were gone" is not my favourite novel in the David Raker series. The plot is overly complex and at a page count of just under 500 it might have benefited from some close editing as I found myself really struggling to complete the last 20%. Having said that I am a great admirer of the writing of Tim Weaver and this is still a solid contender in the series. Many thanks to the good people at netgalley and the publisher Penguin UK - Michael Joseph for a gratis copy in exchange for an honest review and that is what I have written.
Nine years ago Raker sadly lost his wife Derryn to cancer. He is naturally astounded when he receives a call from a local police station informing him that a woman purporting to be his wife has just presented herself at reception. Who is this woman? Is Raker's mind unravelling? Did the last 9 years never happen? What appears to be a simple case of I.D becomes something altogether more disturbing when the lady in question mysteriously disappears after visiting a flat in Chalks Farm. From this point in the novel the events that unravel become increasingly dark and threatening. As our investigator himself is drugged a race against time follows to locate the whereabouts of the missing woman. Raker is horrified to learn that both himself and his wife have been the subject of "stalking" for many years and unfortunately it appears the perpetrator is still active posing a very real and present threat. When the identity of the stalker is revealed the resulting shock and fallout will amaze not only those involved in the hunt but an unsuspecting reader!
I must admit that "You were gone" is not my favourite novel in the David Raker series. The plot is overly complex and at a page count of just under 500 it might have benefited from some close editing as I found myself really struggling to complete the last 20%. Having said that I am a great admirer of the writing of Tim Weaver and this is still a solid contender in the series. Many thanks to the good people at netgalley and the publisher Penguin UK - Michael Joseph for a gratis copy in exchange for an honest review and that is what I have written.
June 19, 2018
I had read one previous book featuring David Raker and enjoyed it, but I hadn't read the whole series. However this sounded interesting and I hoped that not having read the whole of the series wouldn't matter. It didn't. I suppose if I'd read the series in order I might have a bit more insight to the character but it's hard to imagine enjoying it even more than I did. It certainly stands up perfectly as as a 'stand-alone'.
David Raker finds people. He has been in many a tight spot but is single minded in finding the missing. He is totally unprepared for the person who asks the police to find him! A woman walked into a police station saying she is Raker's wife. He doesn't accept that. His wife Derryn, died of cancer eight years ago. He was there at the end. He has never got over his loss.
In trying to find out the truth Raker finds himself caught up in a nightmare where he begins to question his sanity.
This is a well plotted and intriguing read. I loved it & am sorry I can only give five stars- it's worth more!
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this brilliant book!
David Raker finds people. He has been in many a tight spot but is single minded in finding the missing. He is totally unprepared for the person who asks the police to find him! A woman walked into a police station saying she is Raker's wife. He doesn't accept that. His wife Derryn, died of cancer eight years ago. He was there at the end. He has never got over his loss.
In trying to find out the truth Raker finds himself caught up in a nightmare where he begins to question his sanity.
This is a well plotted and intriguing read. I loved it & am sorry I can only give five stars- it's worth more!
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this brilliant book!
September 15, 2018
This is one I read recently. It is the ninth book in the David Raker series, I have read them all and given most five stars. They are that good, just addictive. The books are all very clever with twisty plots and suspense on steroids!
This one was a bit different. Raker is called to the police station. A confused sounding woman is claiming to be Derryn Raker, David's wife. Only Derryn died eight years ago from breast cancer. Sure, the woman has a strong resemblance to Derryn but there are subtle differences he sees immediately.of course he would love it to BE Derryn and this is what someone is counting on as they slowly drive Raker to the edges of his sanity with misdirection and outright deceit. He allows himself to sink into paranoia and finds himself under suspicion for a crime he didn't commit, or did he?
This is one twisty book indeed, and I can't say any more about the plot. So devilishly devious. I didn't read it, I devoured it as I have devoured them all. If you love a twisty suspenseful thriller and haven't tried this series yet, then what are you waiting for. Only please start at the beginning of the journey to get the full character development and backstory. Enjoy.
This one was a bit different. Raker is called to the police station. A confused sounding woman is claiming to be Derryn Raker, David's wife. Only Derryn died eight years ago from breast cancer. Sure, the woman has a strong resemblance to Derryn but there are subtle differences he sees immediately.of course he would love it to BE Derryn and this is what someone is counting on as they slowly drive Raker to the edges of his sanity with misdirection and outright deceit. He allows himself to sink into paranoia and finds himself under suspicion for a crime he didn't commit, or did he?
This is one twisty book indeed, and I can't say any more about the plot. So devilishly devious. I didn't read it, I devoured it as I have devoured them all. If you love a twisty suspenseful thriller and haven't tried this series yet, then what are you waiting for. Only please start at the beginning of the journey to get the full character development and backstory. Enjoy.
May 14, 2018
This is the first David Raker book that I’ve read and whilst it worked as a standalone, I did feel like I was missing out on what happened in his past.
This didn’t affect my enjoyment of the story and I can honestly say this was a real puzzler for me. I was really torn at several points in the book about whether or not he was losing his mind or whether someone was manipulating his life.
When David is called to the Police station as he has been asked for by name, by a woman claiming to be his wife, his world crumbles as his wife died eight years ago.
The woman looks like his wife and retells some of their most special moments together but in his mind he knows it can’t be her - can it?
David doubts everyone and everything around him but still, even with all that, he’s determined to get to the truth, no matter what.
This book had me doubting my own thoughts about possible scenarios and is really cleverly written.
This is a real brain teaser of a story and I really felt for David when there’s no-one he can trust and he has to take some risks to find out the truth.
This is a great book and I think I’ll be reading the past books in this series.
Thanks to Penguin and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
This didn’t affect my enjoyment of the story and I can honestly say this was a real puzzler for me. I was really torn at several points in the book about whether or not he was losing his mind or whether someone was manipulating his life.
When David is called to the Police station as he has been asked for by name, by a woman claiming to be his wife, his world crumbles as his wife died eight years ago.
The woman looks like his wife and retells some of their most special moments together but in his mind he knows it can’t be her - can it?
David doubts everyone and everything around him but still, even with all that, he’s determined to get to the truth, no matter what.
This book had me doubting my own thoughts about possible scenarios and is really cleverly written.
This is a real brain teaser of a story and I really felt for David when there’s no-one he can trust and he has to take some risks to find out the truth.
This is a great book and I think I’ll be reading the past books in this series.
Thanks to Penguin and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
October 20, 2019
This book confused me multiple times but then I guess it was supposed to! Lots of twists and turns - I didn’t know which way it was going and didn’t guess anything either before it happened, which I have done frequently with other books. A great read.
March 16, 2018
Thank you Netgalley and Penguin UK for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Let me take you back to Christmas 2017. My boyfriend got me an amazon gift card so I could buy a bunch of books for my kindle, since I am quite the avid reader.
I was browsing the website looking for a new series to dig my teeth into and I stumbled upon the David Raker series. I read a couple of descriptions, some reviews and decided to buy the entire series in one go.
I started reading straight away and I read all the books without stopping. I loved them. I love every single book.
So, when I saw that this book was available, I immediately went for it. I got the book a couple of hours ago and I read it, in one go, start to finish.
David Raker is a man that has been through a lot. 8 years ago he lost his wife Derryn to cancer and this is something that still haunts him to this day. In his daily life, David is a missing persons investigator, before this he was a journalist.
One day, David gets a phone call. It is the police station and they say that a woman walked in claiming to be Derryn. She is asking for them to get David and have him talk to her.
David is shocked and immediately goes over to the police station.
This is where the story really picks up. I won't give away any spoilers, but I can tell you that it is a really fast paced book.
The conclusion is quite shocking and I did not see it coming. In the end, there is a nice little build up towards the next book in the series.
All in all, I can highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys good crime thrillers with a very deep plot and greatly developed characters. You can read this book on its own, but I would suggest you start at the beginning of the series and go from there,
Let me take you back to Christmas 2017. My boyfriend got me an amazon gift card so I could buy a bunch of books for my kindle, since I am quite the avid reader.
I was browsing the website looking for a new series to dig my teeth into and I stumbled upon the David Raker series. I read a couple of descriptions, some reviews and decided to buy the entire series in one go.
I started reading straight away and I read all the books without stopping. I loved them. I love every single book.
So, when I saw that this book was available, I immediately went for it. I got the book a couple of hours ago and I read it, in one go, start to finish.
David Raker is a man that has been through a lot. 8 years ago he lost his wife Derryn to cancer and this is something that still haunts him to this day. In his daily life, David is a missing persons investigator, before this he was a journalist.
One day, David gets a phone call. It is the police station and they say that a woman walked in claiming to be Derryn. She is asking for them to get David and have him talk to her.
David is shocked and immediately goes over to the police station.
This is where the story really picks up. I won't give away any spoilers, but I can tell you that it is a really fast paced book.
The conclusion is quite shocking and I did not see it coming. In the end, there is a nice little build up towards the next book in the series.
All in all, I can highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys good crime thrillers with a very deep plot and greatly developed characters. You can read this book on its own, but I would suggest you start at the beginning of the series and go from there,
June 24, 2018
This book introduced me to Davis Raker, I hadn't realised there were other books but it didn't spoil my enjoyment. A woman walks into a police station and says she is lost and her name is Derryn and she was asking for David, when thy contacted him he was very confused as his wife Derryn died 8 years ago and when he gets to the station he is shown the woman on cctv from another room. He fully expected to be able to say that this woman was nothing like Derryn and she was obviously mistaken but to his surprise she was very much like his wife and to anyone who didn't know her they would assume it was her. He persisted with his story that she had died and she made him doubt his sanity and the police who already dislike Raker because of his work as a private eye dismiss his claims. It seems that his world is imploding and he doesn't know why this is happening. It's very difficult to give more detail without spoilers and I don't do that but suffice it to say I was on the edge of my seat and wondering who to trust and who is telling the truth. I loved this book and I am looking at the rest of the series.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.
August 3, 2018
I would have enjoyed this book more had I not picked up the 9th in the series instead of the first, which is entirely my fault. I felt like I couldn't get into the story. But thank god I stuck with it because it got good. A woman walks into a Police station and claims to be the dead wife of an Investigator who buried his wife years before. Who are we supposed to believe? 3 stars
June 5, 2020
I devoured this one! What a page turner. Having read all of the other books in the David Raker series ive grown to love this flawed yet brilliant man. I really felt for him as he battled with the re-appearance of his 'wife'. This series just get better and better! Honestly didn't want it to end. This author leaves you wanting more and more and more.
August 22, 2021
Reread as I’m now reading the series in order, I’d read this first.
I enjoyed this but my sticking point is still the police believing the woman is Raker’s dead wife. Surely they can access databases that show who’s dead such as National Insurance number ones? Or speak to friends who attended the funeral etc.
I enjoyed this but my sticking point is still the police believing the woman is Raker’s dead wife. Surely they can access databases that show who’s dead such as National Insurance number ones? Or speak to friends who attended the funeral etc.
October 4, 2024
3.5 Stars
March 18, 2021
First Tim Weaver book I have read and really enjoyed it. It was a page turner and you couldn't predict how it would pan out.
May 13, 2025
buddy read this with my friend emma and we flew through this
going into it neither of us knew it was part of a series but luckily enough you can read it as a standalone and it still makes sense
I guessed pretty early on "who done it" but non the less the book was very fast pace, with no filler chapters, which was surprising considering the length
only knocked a star off as I guessed alot of what was going to happen so the "wow" element wasn't there for me
going into it neither of us knew it was part of a series but luckily enough you can read it as a standalone and it still makes sense
I guessed pretty early on "who done it" but non the less the book was very fast pace, with no filler chapters, which was surprising considering the length
only knocked a star off as I guessed alot of what was going to happen so the "wow" element wasn't there for me
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