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Night Falls, Still Missing
THE STUNNING NEW PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER FROM THE AUTHOR OF DEAR AMY AND EVERYTHING IS LIES
'I read it almost in one sitting. It's totally compulsive' SABINE DURRANT
'An edge-of-your-seat, suspense-filled psychological thriller' 5***** READER REVIEW
_______
On a cold, windswept night, Fiona arrives on a tiny, isolated island in Orkney.
She accepted her old friend's invitation with some trepidation - her relationship with Madison has never been plain sailing.
But as she approaches Madison's cottage, she sees that the windows are dark. The place has been stripped bare.
No one knows where Madison has gone.
As Fiona tries to find out where Madison has vanished to, she begins to unravel a web of lies.
Madison didn't live the life she claimed to, and now Fiona's own life is in danger . . .
_______
'A gripping, atmospheric and dark thriller' Sun
'A masterclass in tension, coupled with the most atmospheric settings' Woman's Weekly
'I read it almost in one sitting. It's totally compulsive' SABINE DURRANT
'An edge-of-your-seat, suspense-filled psychological thriller' 5***** READER REVIEW
_______
On a cold, windswept night, Fiona arrives on a tiny, isolated island in Orkney.
She accepted her old friend's invitation with some trepidation - her relationship with Madison has never been plain sailing.
But as she approaches Madison's cottage, she sees that the windows are dark. The place has been stripped bare.
No one knows where Madison has gone.
As Fiona tries to find out where Madison has vanished to, she begins to unravel a web of lies.
Madison didn't live the life she claimed to, and now Fiona's own life is in danger . . .
_______
'A gripping, atmospheric and dark thriller' Sun
'A masterclass in tension, coupled with the most atmospheric settings' Woman's Weekly
386 pages, Paperback
First published July 23, 2020
48 people are currently reading
603 people want to read
About the author
Helen Callaghan
13 books281 followersMy name is Helen Callaghan and I write fiction whenever I’m left unsupervised. I live in Guildford amongst teetering piles of books.
I’ve always written, it’s my one constant. I was at various points a student nurse, barmaid and drama student. Eventually I settled into bookselling, working as a fiction specialist and buyer for a variety of bookshops, and did that for nearly ten years. In the end I became restless and studied for A-levels at night school. I achieved a place at Cambridge University as a mature student, where I studied Archaeology.
My debut novel, Dear Amy (2016), was a top ten Sunday Times bestseller. Everything is Lies followed in 2018 and Night Falls, Still Missing in 2020. My latest novel, The Drowning Girls, was published in 2023 by Penguin Michael Joseph.
I’ve always written, it’s my one constant. I was at various points a student nurse, barmaid and drama student. Eventually I settled into bookselling, working as a fiction specialist and buyer for a variety of bookshops, and did that for nearly ten years. In the end I became restless and studied for A-levels at night school. I achieved a place at Cambridge University as a mature student, where I studied Archaeology.
My debut novel, Dear Amy (2016), was a top ten Sunday Times bestseller. Everything is Lies followed in 2018 and Night Falls, Still Missing in 2020. My latest novel, The Drowning Girls, was published in 2023 by Penguin Michael Joseph.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
June 7, 2020
Madison Kowalczyk is on an archeological dig at Helly Holm, Orkney* led by renowned celebrity archaeologist Professor Iris Barclay in January 2020. One night she phones her oldest friend Fiona Grey and pleads with her to come to Orkney as she doesn’t feel safe. Fiona makes the long journey north from Cambridge but Madison doesn’t turn up at Stromness to meet her as arranged. Where is she? Does this have anything to do with a malicious, jaw dropping, nasty anonymous tweet about Madison posted from an anonymous account? The story is told in dual timelines in January 2020 in Orkney and backtracks to 2018 and 2019 in London and Cambridge.
First of all, Orkney is a magnificent backdrop and the cold, the snow and lashing wind and roiling seas you’d expect this far north in winter, adds to the atmosphere which the author uses effectively in the storytelling. Secondly, the archeological dig aspect of the novel is fascinating enhanced by the rich Norse heritage of the islands. This is a well written story, I like the plot and the pace matches the unfolding events. The mystery of Madisons whereabouts is intriguing and the ups and downs of the friendship between Fiona and Madison is well portrayed. The characters are clearly depicted although they are not all likeable and it becomes clear that Fiona is uncertain who to trust. There are interesting dynamics and tension between members of the archeological dig and none are entirely what they seem. There are some scary, tense and dangerous moments, twisty surprises and an exciting conclusion.
Overall, an enjoyable read. I love the Orkney setting, the archeological dig background and believable finds which is woven well into the mystery of Madisons disappearance.
* Orkney or Orkney Islands lies ten miles off the North Coast of Scotland. It has a rich and ancient history.
With thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Michael Joseph UK for the ARC.
First of all, Orkney is a magnificent backdrop and the cold, the snow and lashing wind and roiling seas you’d expect this far north in winter, adds to the atmosphere which the author uses effectively in the storytelling. Secondly, the archeological dig aspect of the novel is fascinating enhanced by the rich Norse heritage of the islands. This is a well written story, I like the plot and the pace matches the unfolding events. The mystery of Madisons whereabouts is intriguing and the ups and downs of the friendship between Fiona and Madison is well portrayed. The characters are clearly depicted although they are not all likeable and it becomes clear that Fiona is uncertain who to trust. There are interesting dynamics and tension between members of the archeological dig and none are entirely what they seem. There are some scary, tense and dangerous moments, twisty surprises and an exciting conclusion.
Overall, an enjoyable read. I love the Orkney setting, the archeological dig background and believable finds which is woven well into the mystery of Madisons disappearance.
* Orkney or Orkney Islands lies ten miles off the North Coast of Scotland. It has a rich and ancient history.
With thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Michael Joseph UK for the ARC.
October 7, 2022
The Orkney Islands of Scotland is the perfect setting for this atmospheric and curious mystery.
Fiona answers her friend Madison's call for help and travels all the way from Cambridge only to discover that she's nowhere to be found on the isolated island.
Madison had been part of team working on an archaeology dig but they'd assumed that she had become ill rather than missing.
Fiona's concern is that stalking ex-boyfriend is also on the remote island as various flashbacks fill in the details of Dominic and Madisons past.
The location was vividly described whilst following Fiona's journey initially on the ferry onto meeting the various members of the dig team set the scene perfectly.
Choosing to tag along for some drinks at the bar was the ideal way in which she could gain more information being practically memorable.
Whilst Dominic does seem the obvious candidate, Fiona realises that she needs to be guarded around a group she's only just meet.
The clash of an English cast of characters in a weather beaten setting really adds a nice air of mystery too, the Scottish landlords brilliantly amplifys it too.
Fiona answers her friend Madison's call for help and travels all the way from Cambridge only to discover that she's nowhere to be found on the isolated island.
Madison had been part of team working on an archaeology dig but they'd assumed that she had become ill rather than missing.
Fiona's concern is that stalking ex-boyfriend is also on the remote island as various flashbacks fill in the details of Dominic and Madisons past.
The location was vividly described whilst following Fiona's journey initially on the ferry onto meeting the various members of the dig team set the scene perfectly.
Choosing to tag along for some drinks at the bar was the ideal way in which she could gain more information being practically memorable.
Whilst Dominic does seem the obvious candidate, Fiona realises that she needs to be guarded around a group she's only just meet.
The clash of an English cast of characters in a weather beaten setting really adds a nice air of mystery too, the Scottish landlords brilliantly amplifys it too.
July 23, 2020
Rating 4.5/5*
This is an edge of your seat suspense filled psychological thriller, an enthralling page turner and a great read.
Madison Kowalczyk is on an archaeological dig on a remote Orkney island when she phones her best friend, Fiona Grey, demanding she travels from Cambridge to join her as she needs her help. They arrange to meet up en route but Madison isn't there when Fiona arrives and she's not where she's supposed to be staying, either. As Fiona gets increasingly concerned about Madison's whereabouts the other members of the dig don't seem as worried but something isn't right. As Fiona starts asking questions and notifies the police of her worries she also discovers aspects of Madison's life she'd been unaware of and puts herself in danger, too. Can she discover what happened to Madison? Can she keep herself safe whilst she seeks the truth about Madison's disappearance?
The setting for most of this story is Orkney, an archipelago off the northeastern coast of Scotland which is famous for its Neolithic and Viking remains, making it an ideal setting for the archaeological dig which is at the centre of this mystery. The action mainly takes place during January when the winter storms add to the ambiance and bleak atmosphere. The characters are multi-faceted, many are not likeable and Fiona is uncertain just who she can trust. The flashbacks give an insight into the somewhat fraught relationship between Madison and Fiona and between Madison and her family. There are tensions between the dig team that add to the mystique and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. It is an exciting read with lots of drama, dilemmas, revelations and surprises culminating in a thrilling conclusion.
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it - and not wanting to go to bed until I'd finished reading it!
This is an edge of your seat suspense filled psychological thriller, an enthralling page turner and a great read.
Madison Kowalczyk is on an archaeological dig on a remote Orkney island when she phones her best friend, Fiona Grey, demanding she travels from Cambridge to join her as she needs her help. They arrange to meet up en route but Madison isn't there when Fiona arrives and she's not where she's supposed to be staying, either. As Fiona gets increasingly concerned about Madison's whereabouts the other members of the dig don't seem as worried but something isn't right. As Fiona starts asking questions and notifies the police of her worries she also discovers aspects of Madison's life she'd been unaware of and puts herself in danger, too. Can she discover what happened to Madison? Can she keep herself safe whilst she seeks the truth about Madison's disappearance?
The setting for most of this story is Orkney, an archipelago off the northeastern coast of Scotland which is famous for its Neolithic and Viking remains, making it an ideal setting for the archaeological dig which is at the centre of this mystery. The action mainly takes place during January when the winter storms add to the ambiance and bleak atmosphere. The characters are multi-faceted, many are not likeable and Fiona is uncertain just who she can trust. The flashbacks give an insight into the somewhat fraught relationship between Madison and Fiona and between Madison and her family. There are tensions between the dig team that add to the mystique and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. It is an exciting read with lots of drama, dilemmas, revelations and surprises culminating in a thrilling conclusion.
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it - and not wanting to go to bed until I'd finished reading it!
March 12, 2021
3.5 stars. Had some problems with the end.
February 17, 2021
Night Falls, Still Missing is a really engaging, intriguing psychological thriller that is well plotted to keep it unpredictable and with some intriguing characters that made it a really terrific read.
I loved the setting too, I seem to have been spending a lot of time on remote islands in my recent reading life and if they are in the hands of a descriptively talented author as is the case here it really adds to the atmosphere. The archeology theme is fascinating in its own way, a refreshing set of possibilities opens up within it.
The mystery element is well imagined and addictive and I really wasn't sure where it was going until it got there. A really good read. Recommended.
I loved the setting too, I seem to have been spending a lot of time on remote islands in my recent reading life and if they are in the hands of a descriptively talented author as is the case here it really adds to the atmosphere. The archeology theme is fascinating in its own way, a refreshing set of possibilities opens up within it.
The mystery element is well imagined and addictive and I really wasn't sure where it was going until it got there. A really good read. Recommended.
July 23, 2020
This is a great mystery thriller.
The book begins with Fiona, a Cambridge professor on her way to the Orkney islands. Her friend Madison has called her asking for help - but she hasn't explained why. When Fiona arrives on the remote island there is no sign of Madison.
Fiona meets the people on the archaeological dig that Madison was working on, and they tell her they thought Madison just had the flu.
When it’s clear she’s not coming back, Fiona gets the Police involved.
I was hooked from the beginning as I like a good mystery, and it wasn’t clear if Madison would be found alive or dead.
I was a little disappointed with the ending but overall this is a good read.
Thanks to Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
The book begins with Fiona, a Cambridge professor on her way to the Orkney islands. Her friend Madison has called her asking for help - but she hasn't explained why. When Fiona arrives on the remote island there is no sign of Madison.
Fiona meets the people on the archaeological dig that Madison was working on, and they tell her they thought Madison just had the flu.
When it’s clear she’s not coming back, Fiona gets the Police involved.
I was hooked from the beginning as I like a good mystery, and it wasn’t clear if Madison would be found alive or dead.
I was a little disappointed with the ending but overall this is a good read.
Thanks to Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
March 15, 2020
Utterly, utterly brilliant! What an edge of your seat thriller!! There were moments when I wanted to read on, but was also apprehensive as to what might actually unfold - heart in my mouth moments!! Fantastic read, one that keeps you on your toes!!
January 7, 2021
Unsure how this has so many good reviews, I love psychological thrillers and this may be the very worst one I have ever read. Great narrator, ridiculous story line
July 30, 2020
This was an excellent thriller that kept me guessing throughout. The two main protagonists have been very close friends since childhood. Madison comes from a well-off family, Fiona from a poor family with a drunken father. Now, as adults, Fiona has become the more successful, as a senior lecturer in metal archaeology at Cambridge University. Madison is also an archaeologist, but working in the field on digs lead by other people.
Madison calls Fiona out of the blue, and insists she drop everything and come up to the dig in Orkney, where she is working, as there is something very important to see, that she cannot discuss on the phone. Reluctantly, Fiona decides to come. But when she arrives, Madison is nowhere to be seen, and none of her co-workers have seen her for several days. The person in charge is a TV personality, and renown archaeologist with a knack for picking excellent sites, and the dig they are working on, is shaping up to be something special. No-one has any idea what has happened to Madison, and all are bit narked that she has taken off when there is so much to do, and so little time before the bad winter weather destroys the site. There are a number of things that don’t add up. Madison has been uncharacteristically careless. Someone has been trolling her – who may or may not be her ex, the subject of a restraining order. Fiona is not sure who to trust.
I love the setting in Orkney. I had a wonderful holiday there in the late 1980s, visiting a lot of the archaeological sites, such as Skara Brae, Maeshowe and the Ring of Brodgar. Thankfully, that was in a week of full summer sun. The book takes place in the middle of winter. It is bitterly cold, wet and muddy – you cannot help but shiver when reading. Like Fiona, you have no inkling about what has – or will – occur, until right near the end. Has Madison been abducted or has she disappeared of her own free will? Is she still the same person that Fiona thinks she has always known? Is she alive or dead? And what did she want (need) to show Fiona?
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good atmospheric thriller – and I recommend Orkney for a fabulous and fascinating holiday destination.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Madison calls Fiona out of the blue, and insists she drop everything and come up to the dig in Orkney, where she is working, as there is something very important to see, that she cannot discuss on the phone. Reluctantly, Fiona decides to come. But when she arrives, Madison is nowhere to be seen, and none of her co-workers have seen her for several days. The person in charge is a TV personality, and renown archaeologist with a knack for picking excellent sites, and the dig they are working on, is shaping up to be something special. No-one has any idea what has happened to Madison, and all are bit narked that she has taken off when there is so much to do, and so little time before the bad winter weather destroys the site. There are a number of things that don’t add up. Madison has been uncharacteristically careless. Someone has been trolling her – who may or may not be her ex, the subject of a restraining order. Fiona is not sure who to trust.
I love the setting in Orkney. I had a wonderful holiday there in the late 1980s, visiting a lot of the archaeological sites, such as Skara Brae, Maeshowe and the Ring of Brodgar. Thankfully, that was in a week of full summer sun. The book takes place in the middle of winter. It is bitterly cold, wet and muddy – you cannot help but shiver when reading. Like Fiona, you have no inkling about what has – or will – occur, until right near the end. Has Madison been abducted or has she disappeared of her own free will? Is she still the same person that Fiona thinks she has always known? Is she alive or dead? And what did she want (need) to show Fiona?
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good atmospheric thriller – and I recommend Orkney for a fabulous and fascinating holiday destination.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
April 12, 2020
Archaeology lecturer Fiona Grey travels to Orkney, responding to a cryptic call for help from her old friend, Madison, who is working on a dig there, led by celebrity TV archaeologist Iris Barclay. When she arrives, though, Madison is nowhere to be found, her rented cottage deserted. Nobody seems to have a clue where she is, but Fiona’s sure Madison wouldn’t just take off without telling anyone. Worryingly, too, there are signs that her stalky ex-boyfriend is up to his old tricks again.
This was an absolutely cracking read which I thoroughly enjoyed. The windswept island setting is very well rendered and I could picture it quite well. Fiona was a really engaging character and I loved her tenacity, loyalty and courage as she strives to uncover what’s become of her friend, even to the point of putting herself in danger. I had a hunch who might be involved, which turned out to be correct - but it was no more than a hunch and I certainly didn’t have a clue where the plot was going. While we see little of Madison directly, her personality too emerges strongly through Fiona’s recollections and her interactions with the people around her. There’s a nail-biting denouement which had me glued to the page.
The island setting was a bit reminiscent of Ann Cleeves’ Shetland books (one of those featured an archaeological dig, too, I think). Helen Callaghan’s book compares very well - and that’s high praise.
This was an absolutely cracking read which I thoroughly enjoyed. The windswept island setting is very well rendered and I could picture it quite well. Fiona was a really engaging character and I loved her tenacity, loyalty and courage as she strives to uncover what’s become of her friend, even to the point of putting herself in danger. I had a hunch who might be involved, which turned out to be correct - but it was no more than a hunch and I certainly didn’t have a clue where the plot was going. While we see little of Madison directly, her personality too emerges strongly through Fiona’s recollections and her interactions with the people around her. There’s a nail-biting denouement which had me glued to the page.
The island setting was a bit reminiscent of Ann Cleeves’ Shetland books (one of those featured an archaeological dig, too, I think). Helen Callaghan’s book compares very well - and that’s high praise.
August 1, 2020
Night Falls, Still Missing is an extremely suspenseful story and kicks off with a tantalising prologue. The reader is first introduced to archaeology professor Fiona Grey as she arrives on a tiny, isolated island in Orkney, Stromness, one cold, windy night, after setting off from Cambridge. Having accepted her old friend, Madison Kowalczyk's invitation to stay at her cottage in Caithness, she is surprised to find it in darkness, bearing no sign of Madison. Her chum appears to have vanished into thin air, so Fiona sets out to find her... with startling consequences.
This compelling thriller had me hooked from the very first paragraph. In this chaotic whirl of lies and uneasiness, the abundant twists and turns kept me guessing. The complex characters and vivid descriptions of the locale - Orkney in January - and the bleak weather conditions all added weight to the mystery and quality of the story. Night Falls, Still Missing was an atmospheric and riveting read. For me, the cherry topping was the obvious ability of Helen Callaghan to create multi-faceted, though not particularly endearing, characters. With tensions running high, it was an exhilarating read with drama, dilemmas, revelations and surprises by the bucketload, all culminating in the unpredictable, astounding conclusion. This was my first read by Helen Callaghan and I highly recommend it to fans of the genre. 😊
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Penguin UK - Michael Joseph via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
This compelling thriller had me hooked from the very first paragraph. In this chaotic whirl of lies and uneasiness, the abundant twists and turns kept me guessing. The complex characters and vivid descriptions of the locale - Orkney in January - and the bleak weather conditions all added weight to the mystery and quality of the story. Night Falls, Still Missing was an atmospheric and riveting read. For me, the cherry topping was the obvious ability of Helen Callaghan to create multi-faceted, though not particularly endearing, characters. With tensions running high, it was an exhilarating read with drama, dilemmas, revelations and surprises by the bucketload, all culminating in the unpredictable, astounding conclusion. This was my first read by Helen Callaghan and I highly recommend it to fans of the genre. 😊
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Penguin UK - Michael Joseph via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
June 20, 2020
Another great read by Helen Callaghan! I really like her style of writing and her books keep your attention from the beginning to the end.
What would you do if you get a call from your best friend telling you she needs your help? Most of us would immediately jump on our horse and gallop off to save the day!
This is exactly what Fiona does when she gets a call from her bestie Madison telling her she has something to show her. Off she goes to the beautiful Orkney but there is no Madison to pick her up..... Madison has vanished into thin air. What happened to her and does it have something to do with her ex-boyfriend who stalked her or is it work-related?
I loved all the references to the Norse legends and thought it was a clever storyline. It makes you think.....do these things really happen?!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin UK Michael Joseph for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
What would you do if you get a call from your best friend telling you she needs your help? Most of us would immediately jump on our horse and gallop off to save the day!
This is exactly what Fiona does when she gets a call from her bestie Madison telling her she has something to show her. Off she goes to the beautiful Orkney but there is no Madison to pick her up..... Madison has vanished into thin air. What happened to her and does it have something to do with her ex-boyfriend who stalked her or is it work-related?
I loved all the references to the Norse legends and thought it was a clever storyline. It makes you think.....do these things really happen?!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin UK Michael Joseph for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 24, 2020
Fiona, a senior lecturer at Cambridge University gets a phone call from her friend, Madison, who is part of a team unearthing a Viking burial ship on the tidal island of Helly Holm, Orkney. Since Fiona and Madison have been friends since childhood, and both are now archaeologists, Madison's plea that her friend drops everything and hotfoots it up to the Orkney Islands because she has something important to show her — but can't reveal what over the phone — is a request that Fiona is unable to turn down.
On her journey north, Fiona receives a string of texts from her friend, but at the harbour where they are suppose to meet, Madison never turns up. In fact Madison is completely missing; the rented cottage where she is supposedly staying is deserted with no trace of Madison or her belongings, and the shattered mirror on the wardrobe door is a classic portent.
This is the premise for the plot which follows. Has Madison disappeared voluntarily for some inexplicably reason, or has she been a victim of some nefarious act? Fiona, of course, feels it's her duty to investigate.
From this promising start, the narrative descends into a laborious and repetitious read that is poorly structured and littered with totally irrelevant minutia.
The denouement requires a lengthy explanation, endeavoring to resolves all the mysteries and reasons for the actions which have been introduced as the plot unfolds. Unfortunately, it is a convoluted mix which achieves neither fully.
I've previously read "Dear Amy" by the same author and quite enjoyed it. This novel, though, was a massive disappointment. Certainly not what I expected.
Sorry, this book was not for me.
On her journey north, Fiona receives a string of texts from her friend, but at the harbour where they are suppose to meet, Madison never turns up. In fact Madison is completely missing; the rented cottage where she is supposedly staying is deserted with no trace of Madison or her belongings, and the shattered mirror on the wardrobe door is a classic portent.
This is the premise for the plot which follows. Has Madison disappeared voluntarily for some inexplicably reason, or has she been a victim of some nefarious act? Fiona, of course, feels it's her duty to investigate.
From this promising start, the narrative descends into a laborious and repetitious read that is poorly structured and littered with totally irrelevant minutia.
The denouement requires a lengthy explanation, endeavoring to resolves all the mysteries and reasons for the actions which have been introduced as the plot unfolds. Unfortunately, it is a convoluted mix which achieves neither fully.
I've previously read "Dear Amy" by the same author and quite enjoyed it. This novel, though, was a massive disappointment. Certainly not what I expected.
Sorry, this book was not for me.
January 4, 2021
Please don’t ever let me visit Orkney. Wet, cold, savagely fierce winds, an island surrounded by terrible seas. Main character Fiona is lured there by mysterious text messages from her friend Madison. The plot involves an archeological dig, rising seas, empty houses and growing panic about what’s happening among the group involved. Well written, I quite enjoyed it.
July 20, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and Penguin UK - Michael Joseph for an advance copy of Night Falls, Still Missing, a stand-alone thriller set on the Orkney Islands.
Fiona arrives on Orkney at the behest of her best friend, Madison, who has hinted that something is wrong at the archaeological dig she is working on and she has to show it to Fiona, but Madison has disappeared, her lodgings have been cleared out and her car is missing. Determined to find Madison Fiona starts to investigate and finds that Madison has been keeping secrets.
I enjoyed Night Falls, Still Missing which is a tense read with several twists, set in a picturesque location. It is told mostly from Fiona’s point of view with flashbacks to past events in her and Madison’s lives. These flashbacks round out Madison’s recent history (pre-Orkney of course) and add an extra dimension to her disappearance. They also cast a little light on the, at times, uneasy relationship between the two women.
The plot is well enough done to hold the interest. I must admit that I had a good idea of the motive within a couple of chapters, having read the same idea more than once before, but it fell away in the body of the novel as I got lost in various conflicting motives, only to resurface later on. I like the concept of the novel where there are few viable suspects and a limited geography as it allows a stronger emphasis on motive and motivation. It also makes it more plausible that Fiona could uncover the truth. It is an interesting contrast between the openness of the location and the claustrophobia of the relationships, although all are wild and untamed. I found it to be a tense read.
I didn’t take to either Fiona or Madison, who, despite being missing, dominates the novel with her secrets and poor decision making. Fiona is probably well drawn but she spends much of the novel either in tears or emotional turmoil, until the denouement where she suddenly becomes bold. It gets a bit wearing.
Being Scottish I like a slice of Tartan Noir but I was disappointed in this novel, not because of the location which seems well described, but because all the characters are English. I say this not from racism but because there is no Scottish feel to the novel in the dialogue so it could have been set on any island with wild weather and it wouldn’t make any difference.
Night Falls, Still Missing is a good read that I can recommend.
Fiona arrives on Orkney at the behest of her best friend, Madison, who has hinted that something is wrong at the archaeological dig she is working on and she has to show it to Fiona, but Madison has disappeared, her lodgings have been cleared out and her car is missing. Determined to find Madison Fiona starts to investigate and finds that Madison has been keeping secrets.
I enjoyed Night Falls, Still Missing which is a tense read with several twists, set in a picturesque location. It is told mostly from Fiona’s point of view with flashbacks to past events in her and Madison’s lives. These flashbacks round out Madison’s recent history (pre-Orkney of course) and add an extra dimension to her disappearance. They also cast a little light on the, at times, uneasy relationship between the two women.
The plot is well enough done to hold the interest. I must admit that I had a good idea of the motive within a couple of chapters, having read the same idea more than once before, but it fell away in the body of the novel as I got lost in various conflicting motives, only to resurface later on. I like the concept of the novel where there are few viable suspects and a limited geography as it allows a stronger emphasis on motive and motivation. It also makes it more plausible that Fiona could uncover the truth. It is an interesting contrast between the openness of the location and the claustrophobia of the relationships, although all are wild and untamed. I found it to be a tense read.
I didn’t take to either Fiona or Madison, who, despite being missing, dominates the novel with her secrets and poor decision making. Fiona is probably well drawn but she spends much of the novel either in tears or emotional turmoil, until the denouement where she suddenly becomes bold. It gets a bit wearing.
Being Scottish I like a slice of Tartan Noir but I was disappointed in this novel, not because of the location which seems well described, but because all the characters are English. I say this not from racism but because there is no Scottish feel to the novel in the dialogue so it could have been set on any island with wild weather and it wouldn’t make any difference.
Night Falls, Still Missing is a good read that I can recommend.
April 22, 2020
Thanks to Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#NightFallsStillMissing #NetGalley
The intriguing premise for this book, with its mixture of archaeology and intrigue, made this a must-read for me. 'Night Falls, Still Missing' certainly delivered on this promise, with some faultless execution on the part of Helen Callaghan. It simply oozes suspense, helped in no small part by the atmospheric setting of a tiny, isolated island in Orkney. The story revolves around the disappearance of Madison on an archaeological dig. Shortly before her disappearance she initiated a call for help from her friend, Fiona. Yet, when Fiona reaches the island, Madison is nowhere to be found. The prime suspect for Madison's disappearance is her ex-boyfriend and stalker. But all is not as it seems in this tautly-plotted, twisty thriller. Or, should I say, not everyone is who they purport to be. Friend or foe? That is for you to find out. The story was an engaging one from the get-go. Callaghan certainly knows how to hook her reader from the very first page of this fiendishly clever tale. I read this in one sitting. Thrilling stuff.
#NightFallsStillMissing #NetGalley
The intriguing premise for this book, with its mixture of archaeology and intrigue, made this a must-read for me. 'Night Falls, Still Missing' certainly delivered on this promise, with some faultless execution on the part of Helen Callaghan. It simply oozes suspense, helped in no small part by the atmospheric setting of a tiny, isolated island in Orkney. The story revolves around the disappearance of Madison on an archaeological dig. Shortly before her disappearance she initiated a call for help from her friend, Fiona. Yet, when Fiona reaches the island, Madison is nowhere to be found. The prime suspect for Madison's disappearance is her ex-boyfriend and stalker. But all is not as it seems in this tautly-plotted, twisty thriller. Or, should I say, not everyone is who they purport to be. Friend or foe? That is for you to find out. The story was an engaging one from the get-go. Callaghan certainly knows how to hook her reader from the very first page of this fiendishly clever tale. I read this in one sitting. Thrilling stuff.
April 2, 2020
Madison is missing. When Archeologist Fiona Gray receives a frantic call for help from her friend who is currently working on a dig in Orkney, she reluctantly leaves her work behind to meet Madison. After reaching there, however, Madison does not come to recieve her nor she is at her temp cottage. Where is Madison and what is she playing at? The friends have had their hard times in the past, and Madison has got her moments but this is something else. None of her co-workers know anything about where she is gone and Fiona is finding it harder to find the trust nor to trust anyone around her in this strange, remote islet where everything is so dark and gloomy.
If you are, like me, a fan of Archeology, then you'll find this book an interesting one. There is so much about the process of how they carry out a dig to excavate the buried treasures and how little the archeologists are funded for their vigorous hard work. The history is brilliantly linked with the findings on site and I completely loved those segments involving Archeology, which was a lot.
Fiona's own investigation to find Madison takes a journey back to when the two became friends, through their uni days and how they both ended up choosing the same profession. Typical friendship which has ego, jealousy, betrayal, deceival but they would never give up on each other. A very interesting premise for a crime thriller. As a reader I enjoyed the double dhamaka - the archeology and the mystery behind Madison's disappearance. I did, however see the ending turning out as I guessed a few chapters prior and it felt a bit disappointing to the brilliantly laid first half of the book. All around, I enjoyed the pacy, suspense-filled experience the book gave me. Thanks to the publisher for my digital galley. All opinions are solely mine.
4 stars for Archeology & Suspense. 1 star down for the climax.
If you are, like me, a fan of Archeology, then you'll find this book an interesting one. There is so much about the process of how they carry out a dig to excavate the buried treasures and how little the archeologists are funded for their vigorous hard work. The history is brilliantly linked with the findings on site and I completely loved those segments involving Archeology, which was a lot.
Fiona's own investigation to find Madison takes a journey back to when the two became friends, through their uni days and how they both ended up choosing the same profession. Typical friendship which has ego, jealousy, betrayal, deceival but they would never give up on each other. A very interesting premise for a crime thriller. As a reader I enjoyed the double dhamaka - the archeology and the mystery behind Madison's disappearance. I did, however see the ending turning out as I guessed a few chapters prior and it felt a bit disappointing to the brilliantly laid first half of the book. All around, I enjoyed the pacy, suspense-filled experience the book gave me. Thanks to the publisher for my digital galley. All opinions are solely mine.
4 stars for Archeology & Suspense. 1 star down for the climax.
July 25, 2020
I loved this book. Brilliant psychological thriller. It has everything to make the perfect gripping read. Great characters. Perfect remote location. Great writing. Plenty of twists and turns that has you doubting everyone! Definitely a recommend read.
Fiona arrives on a tiny isolated Orkney island in the depths of winter having accepted a last minute invitation to see her friend Madison who is there on an archeological dig. Fiona’s relationship with Madison has always been complicated but it is still unusual for her not to be there to meet at the ferry terminal as agreed and even stranger when Fiona arrives at her house for Madison not to be anywhere in sight. Madison has disappeared and no one knows where she is. And now Fiona's own life is in danger . . .
Fiona arrives on a tiny isolated Orkney island in the depths of winter having accepted a last minute invitation to see her friend Madison who is there on an archeological dig. Fiona’s relationship with Madison has always been complicated but it is still unusual for her not to be there to meet at the ferry terminal as agreed and even stranger when Fiona arrives at her house for Madison not to be anywhere in sight. Madison has disappeared and no one knows where she is. And now Fiona's own life is in danger . . .
July 16, 2020
What a brilliant story,full of suspense and so atmospheric I could almost smell the sea and feel the freezing wind !.The story is told in two time lines ,last year and the present .Madison is working at an archaeological dig in Orkney , she contacts her best friend Fiona to ask her to come over as she has something to show her ,then she disappears .Fiona is desperate to find out what has happened to her .This is a very intriguing and enjoyable story.Many thanks to the Publisher the Author and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review .
March 9, 2020
A missing person, a long list of suspects, an islet only accessible at high tide and a gathering storm. These are some of the components familiar to regular readers of murder mystery novels.
Here, Helen Callaghan combines the above to produce a gripping tale where the reader is constantly trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together.
The story's main character is Fiona Grey, who, in January 2020, at the urgent request of her best friend Madison, drives from Cambridge to Caithnes to catch the ferry boat to Orkney.
She does not know, what is behind it all, but it sounds pretty important and desperate. When she arrives in Stromness, Madison is not there to meet her and it transpires, that she has gone missing in mysterious circumstances. Could her disappearance be connected with her unbalanced ex-boyfriend, who after stalking her has now a restriction order against him?
Readers of books of this kind may assume, that this is maybe too straight forward an explanation. Add a scheming brother, a slightly creepy landlord and four members of an archeological dig, who all seem to be hiding something, then the plot thickens.
Fiona is faced with uncovering a mystery, where she finds out hidden secrets, that will ultimately put her own life in danger.
I always like about halfway through such books, to step back, examine the evidence, and pick a suspect and motive. I this case, I was wrong. I wonder if you will fare any better?
Well worth a read.
Here, Helen Callaghan combines the above to produce a gripping tale where the reader is constantly trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together.
The story's main character is Fiona Grey, who, in January 2020, at the urgent request of her best friend Madison, drives from Cambridge to Caithnes to catch the ferry boat to Orkney.
She does not know, what is behind it all, but it sounds pretty important and desperate. When she arrives in Stromness, Madison is not there to meet her and it transpires, that she has gone missing in mysterious circumstances. Could her disappearance be connected with her unbalanced ex-boyfriend, who after stalking her has now a restriction order against him?
Readers of books of this kind may assume, that this is maybe too straight forward an explanation. Add a scheming brother, a slightly creepy landlord and four members of an archeological dig, who all seem to be hiding something, then the plot thickens.
Fiona is faced with uncovering a mystery, where she finds out hidden secrets, that will ultimately put her own life in danger.
I always like about halfway through such books, to step back, examine the evidence, and pick a suspect and motive. I this case, I was wrong. I wonder if you will fare any better?
Well worth a read.
February 18, 2021
Although the twists and story didn’t blow me away, I really enjoyed this! The tension was unreal! Like I was desperate to find out what happened to Madison but I was also scared sh*tless!! The setting of the Scottish Highlands almost felt like a character itself with the remote landscapes and dramatic weather, it was perfect for the story! There was such a sense of foreboding and numerous occasions where my heart was in my mouth!
August 31, 2021
Brilliant book - couldn’t put it down. I read it in one go
August 30, 2021
Loved it, really good book. Can't wait to read more of Helens
May 13, 2020
This is a slow burner but well worthy of the read.
A very realistically written narrative, Fiona's best friend, Marisa, calls her and asks for her help but won't say why. When Fiona arrives in Orkney Marisa is gone but no one has seen or spoken to her directly for days. Fiona has only had texts for the last couple of days. Hence the title.
What we are given in flashbacks of Fiona's memories are the possible and very credible reasons for Marisa's absence as we find out she is not the most reliable friend. However Fiona's is driven to discover what happened to Marisa at the archeological dig Marisa has been working at before she disappears. All of these memories are beautifully woven into the story and fell totally natural. Are the landlords of the cottage Marisa stayed at behaving guiltlly? What are they not saying? Why do Marisa's dig companions look shifty when talking about her? What are they hiding? To Fiona everyone is a suspect and the narrative give very few hints away as we go with her on a journey of discovery.
A very effectively told suspense story that leaves the reader guessing along with Fiona and everyone else. Did Marisa really leave? Is she safe or did something horrible happen to her? What is going on at the dig and can Fiona trust anyone?
I was given the novel free by netgalley.com for my fair and honest review.
A very realistically written narrative, Fiona's best friend, Marisa, calls her and asks for her help but won't say why. When Fiona arrives in Orkney Marisa is gone but no one has seen or spoken to her directly for days. Fiona has only had texts for the last couple of days. Hence the title.
What we are given in flashbacks of Fiona's memories are the possible and very credible reasons for Marisa's absence as we find out she is not the most reliable friend. However Fiona's is driven to discover what happened to Marisa at the archeological dig Marisa has been working at before she disappears. All of these memories are beautifully woven into the story and fell totally natural. Are the landlords of the cottage Marisa stayed at behaving guiltlly? What are they not saying? Why do Marisa's dig companions look shifty when talking about her? What are they hiding? To Fiona everyone is a suspect and the narrative give very few hints away as we go with her on a journey of discovery.
A very effectively told suspense story that leaves the reader guessing along with Fiona and everyone else. Did Marisa really leave? Is she safe or did something horrible happen to her? What is going on at the dig and can Fiona trust anyone?
I was given the novel free by netgalley.com for my fair and honest review.
July 23, 2020
Having read and thoroughly enjoyed Helen Callaghan's previous book Everything is Lies, I was really looking forward to getting stuck in to her latest offering, Night Falls, Still Missing. I had very high hopes and it didn't disappoint. I've always loved history and archaeology so when I saw this book was based around an archaeological dig, I knew I had to read it.
I thought the Scottish islands setting with its harsh landscape and brutal weather created an exceptionally atmospheric and brooding story. The descriptions of its bleakness leave you feeling completely immersed as the plot unfolds. The author's storytelling is second to none and this, combined with excellent pacing and characterisation, made the book a thrilling read.
Book Source: Review copy from the publisher
I thought the Scottish islands setting with its harsh landscape and brutal weather created an exceptionally atmospheric and brooding story. The descriptions of its bleakness leave you feeling completely immersed as the plot unfolds. The author's storytelling is second to none and this, combined with excellent pacing and characterisation, made the book a thrilling read.
Book Source: Review copy from the publisher
March 6, 2021
Compared to the authors previous 2 books I didn't find myself turning the pages just as much.
April 30, 2022
Wonderful
March 6, 2020
With NIGHT FALLS, STILL MISSING we find Sunday Times bestselling author, Helen Callaghan doing what she does best. Delivering heart-stopping thrills against the backdrop of poignant human relationships and dilemmas.
There are plenty of things to love about NIGHT FALLS, STILL MISSING, starting right from the title and the cover art. The engine of the piece is the dynamic between the two main characters, Fiona and her best friend Madison (who has gone missing while working on an archaeological dig on Orkney). Both women are archaeologists, although with different skills sets. While Madison is used to digging in the wilds, Fiona is normally to be found working in a lab on items sent back from such digs. The pair are best friends with a long and varied shared history. But who are Fiona and Madison when no one else is looking? What drives them to get ahead, to fall in love, or get their own back? Is everything as it really should be between them? Who is keeping secrets and more importantly, why? Ms Callaghan never misses a chance to tease the reader through the twists and turns of these questions. By delving into the intricacies of this female relationship where they are by turns closer than family, yet by turns not always so sure, NIGHT FALLS, STILL MISSING more than delivers on its promise of being a ‘psychological’ thriller.
The story itself races along. Without wishing to risk any spoilers, the main thread is that when Fiona arrives on Orkney to visit Madison, she discovers that her friend has gone missing. Madison has been working on this highly sought after dig (think 'Time Team') which could lead to TV opportunities for all concerned. Has professional jealousy and ambition got the better of someone else on the dig? Or have some other aspects of Madison's chaotic personal and family life also followed all concerned to Orkney?
All of these threads would be more than enough in their own right to keep you turning pages well into the wee hours. But because they are all happening on Orkney, where the weather changes ten times per hour and the coming and goings of the tides can suddenly leave you stranded with nothing but the raging elements for company, Fiona finds herself juggling emotional and physical peril the whole time.
I always love it when the characters have interesting careers and in NIGHT FALLS, STILL MISSING, the nature of what it is to be an archaeologist is brought into service deftly. Helen Callaghan is an archaeologist by training and so it probably no surprise that she excels at bringing the present to bear on the past and vice versa. The moments in which the activities of the dig itself are brought to bear on the story are beautifully done and left me wishing I could visit the site myself. Something tells me I won't have long to wait. I'm sure NIGHT FALLS, STILL MISSING will make an amazing Netflix series, with (some of) the characters from this story ending up on troubling digs in other spectacular locations.
With thanks to Michael Josef and Netgalley for letting me see an advance copy of this title.
There are plenty of things to love about NIGHT FALLS, STILL MISSING, starting right from the title and the cover art. The engine of the piece is the dynamic between the two main characters, Fiona and her best friend Madison (who has gone missing while working on an archaeological dig on Orkney). Both women are archaeologists, although with different skills sets. While Madison is used to digging in the wilds, Fiona is normally to be found working in a lab on items sent back from such digs. The pair are best friends with a long and varied shared history. But who are Fiona and Madison when no one else is looking? What drives them to get ahead, to fall in love, or get their own back? Is everything as it really should be between them? Who is keeping secrets and more importantly, why? Ms Callaghan never misses a chance to tease the reader through the twists and turns of these questions. By delving into the intricacies of this female relationship where they are by turns closer than family, yet by turns not always so sure, NIGHT FALLS, STILL MISSING more than delivers on its promise of being a ‘psychological’ thriller.
The story itself races along. Without wishing to risk any spoilers, the main thread is that when Fiona arrives on Orkney to visit Madison, she discovers that her friend has gone missing. Madison has been working on this highly sought after dig (think 'Time Team') which could lead to TV opportunities for all concerned. Has professional jealousy and ambition got the better of someone else on the dig? Or have some other aspects of Madison's chaotic personal and family life also followed all concerned to Orkney?
All of these threads would be more than enough in their own right to keep you turning pages well into the wee hours. But because they are all happening on Orkney, where the weather changes ten times per hour and the coming and goings of the tides can suddenly leave you stranded with nothing but the raging elements for company, Fiona finds herself juggling emotional and physical peril the whole time.
I always love it when the characters have interesting careers and in NIGHT FALLS, STILL MISSING, the nature of what it is to be an archaeologist is brought into service deftly. Helen Callaghan is an archaeologist by training and so it probably no surprise that she excels at bringing the present to bear on the past and vice versa. The moments in which the activities of the dig itself are brought to bear on the story are beautifully done and left me wishing I could visit the site myself. Something tells me I won't have long to wait. I'm sure NIGHT FALLS, STILL MISSING will make an amazing Netflix series, with (some of) the characters from this story ending up on troubling digs in other spectacular locations.
With thanks to Michael Josef and Netgalley for letting me see an advance copy of this title.
February 7, 2021
Night Falls, Still Missing
When I heard the author reading out the first chapter of this book on social media, I was really keen to read it. ‘Dear Amy’, her first novel, genuinely impressed me with her masterful and sensitive handling of the subject matter.
Night Falls, Still Missing is set on the Orkney Islands as an archaeological dig begins to uncover exciting Viking artifacts.
Dr Fiona Grey has travelled up from Cambridge in response to a plea from her closest friend, Madison, for her help. They’ve been friends since childhood despite being complete opposites. Fiona is very definitely from the wrong side of the tracks and she feels that Madison’s family will never let her forget it. But they’ve stayed together despite travelling on different career paths. Fiona is studious and part of academia whereas Madison is much more lively and ‘up for it’. She is the Finds Manager on the dig.
But when Fiona arrives at the Stromness ferry terminal there’s no sign of Madison. There’s no reply to Fiona’s texts and she begins to have a feeling of unease at the tone of Madison’s texts. They just don’t feel right and when her phone goes to voicemail there’s definitely something wrong. It was disabled when an ex-boyfriend tuned into a stalker and she had to take out a restraining order against him. The cottage where Madison was living while working on the dig is empty of both her and her possessions. All that greets Fiona is a broken mirror in a wardrobe with blood smears on it. No one seems to know where she is; at the dig Fiona is told that she rang in sick but her ex-landlady says that she did a moonlight flit.
Even worse, at the dig there are suggestions that Madison was making expensive mistakes with the finds. But she got on so well with the charismatic, media savvy, Iris, the dig’s leader. An expert in her field and a TV presenter, she can make or break careers.
As Fiona tries to follow Madison’s tracks and find her, she begins to question their relationship and her feelings of martyrdom at having to drive up so far at Madison’s request. But, as she finally admits, Madison is her family and she won’t give up until she finds her. And then Madison’s car is found in the sea below a notorious suicide spot……
There’s a really unsettling atmosphere to this novel and this is largely due to its setting. The vast, not overly populated islands and their empty spaces. As one character says ‘You need your neighbours up here.’ But I could understand the attraction of living up there. The dig was well described with the group’s tensions and rivalries as they all know that working on it could be career defining and they might follow in Iris’s footsteps. After all, archaeology is hard work with, sometimes, not much to show for it.
But at the heart of the book is the relationship between Fiona and Madison who are complete opposites and yet have similar qualities. Fiona, out of her comfort zone in the wild landscape, but determined to find out what happened to her friend and Madison, gregarious and free spirited, who senses that something is wrong on the dig and risks her life to find out more.
A novel of jealousy, obsession, rivalry, but above all about friendship and how much it means when you think that you might have lost it forever. The title of the book is great and really sets the tone for the book.
When I heard the author reading out the first chapter of this book on social media, I was really keen to read it. ‘Dear Amy’, her first novel, genuinely impressed me with her masterful and sensitive handling of the subject matter.
Night Falls, Still Missing is set on the Orkney Islands as an archaeological dig begins to uncover exciting Viking artifacts.
Dr Fiona Grey has travelled up from Cambridge in response to a plea from her closest friend, Madison, for her help. They’ve been friends since childhood despite being complete opposites. Fiona is very definitely from the wrong side of the tracks and she feels that Madison’s family will never let her forget it. But they’ve stayed together despite travelling on different career paths. Fiona is studious and part of academia whereas Madison is much more lively and ‘up for it’. She is the Finds Manager on the dig.
But when Fiona arrives at the Stromness ferry terminal there’s no sign of Madison. There’s no reply to Fiona’s texts and she begins to have a feeling of unease at the tone of Madison’s texts. They just don’t feel right and when her phone goes to voicemail there’s definitely something wrong. It was disabled when an ex-boyfriend tuned into a stalker and she had to take out a restraining order against him. The cottage where Madison was living while working on the dig is empty of both her and her possessions. All that greets Fiona is a broken mirror in a wardrobe with blood smears on it. No one seems to know where she is; at the dig Fiona is told that she rang in sick but her ex-landlady says that she did a moonlight flit.
Even worse, at the dig there are suggestions that Madison was making expensive mistakes with the finds. But she got on so well with the charismatic, media savvy, Iris, the dig’s leader. An expert in her field and a TV presenter, she can make or break careers.
As Fiona tries to follow Madison’s tracks and find her, she begins to question their relationship and her feelings of martyrdom at having to drive up so far at Madison’s request. But, as she finally admits, Madison is her family and she won’t give up until she finds her. And then Madison’s car is found in the sea below a notorious suicide spot……
There’s a really unsettling atmosphere to this novel and this is largely due to its setting. The vast, not overly populated islands and their empty spaces. As one character says ‘You need your neighbours up here.’ But I could understand the attraction of living up there. The dig was well described with the group’s tensions and rivalries as they all know that working on it could be career defining and they might follow in Iris’s footsteps. After all, archaeology is hard work with, sometimes, not much to show for it.
But at the heart of the book is the relationship between Fiona and Madison who are complete opposites and yet have similar qualities. Fiona, out of her comfort zone in the wild landscape, but determined to find out what happened to her friend and Madison, gregarious and free spirited, who senses that something is wrong on the dig and risks her life to find out more.
A novel of jealousy, obsession, rivalry, but above all about friendship and how much it means when you think that you might have lost it forever. The title of the book is great and really sets the tone for the book.
March 20, 2021
Night Falls, Still Missing follows Fiona, who travels to a remote island in Orkney to see her best friend Madison. Madison is living on the island while she works on a dig with celebrity archeologist Iris and her team. But when Fiona arrives on the island, Madison is nowhere to be found. Terrified for the wellbeing of her friend, Fiona makes a series of shocking discoveries that suggest something awful has happened to Madison, and might soon happen to her...
Night Falls, Still Missing is a thoroughly enjoyable psychological thriller that keeps you on your toes. The remote location and deepening mystery of Madison’s disappearance combine to create an atmospheric story that is well paced and engaging from start to finish.
There are other things at play beneath the surface of this book, too. Helen Callaghan paints a very vivid picture of the relationship between Fiona and Madison. I’d imagine it’s a dynamic that many can relate to. The two women are bound together in the way that only childhood friends who’ve weathered the storms of growing up and dysfunctional families together can be. As adults, they are very different people but it is clear that Fiona can’t let go of Madison, no matter how easy it is to dislike her most of the time.
Every now and then, there are flashes of misogyny that are very deftly challenged by Fiona. We get the sense that both of the women this novel focuses on are or have been at the mercy of insidious patriarchal attitudes that have held them back, or even put them in danger. Having said that, Helen Callaghan doesn’t make this an all-consuming theme. It is not a book that is heavy on feminist ideas or notions, but it’s enough to have you waving the flag for the women in the story.
The twist, which comes hard and fast at the end, is hugely satisfying. I didn’t see it coming, not in all its glory anyway, and it was believable. Sometimes, with these kinds of novels, I find the endings a bit too larger than life, which is off-putting. But, without giving it away, I can understand why it plays out like it does and the motives behind it. Another thing that Callaghan does so well, which is a challenge for thrillers and mysteries, is the exposition required for the big reveal. The whole way through the book we are working out the mystery with Fiona, and it slowly reveals itself to us. There is no big dump of information, rather we figure it out at the same pace and everything is very nicely wrapped up.
All in all, I really enjoyed Night Falls, Still Missing. It has a depth to it beyond the mystery that I feel I could chew on for a good while after. It’s also really well written and researched. The little flashes of the archaeological dig and historical facts are enjoyable but not too overwhelming or heavy. Similarly, neither do we get too bogged down being in Fiona’s head all the time, although I did question her actions one or two times!
If you enjoy psychological thrillers set in atmospheric locations with plenty of twists and turns, I thoroughly recommend Night Falls, Still Missing.
Night Falls, Still Missing is a thoroughly enjoyable psychological thriller that keeps you on your toes. The remote location and deepening mystery of Madison’s disappearance combine to create an atmospheric story that is well paced and engaging from start to finish.
There are other things at play beneath the surface of this book, too. Helen Callaghan paints a very vivid picture of the relationship between Fiona and Madison. I’d imagine it’s a dynamic that many can relate to. The two women are bound together in the way that only childhood friends who’ve weathered the storms of growing up and dysfunctional families together can be. As adults, they are very different people but it is clear that Fiona can’t let go of Madison, no matter how easy it is to dislike her most of the time.
Every now and then, there are flashes of misogyny that are very deftly challenged by Fiona. We get the sense that both of the women this novel focuses on are or have been at the mercy of insidious patriarchal attitudes that have held them back, or even put them in danger. Having said that, Helen Callaghan doesn’t make this an all-consuming theme. It is not a book that is heavy on feminist ideas or notions, but it’s enough to have you waving the flag for the women in the story.
The twist, which comes hard and fast at the end, is hugely satisfying. I didn’t see it coming, not in all its glory anyway, and it was believable. Sometimes, with these kinds of novels, I find the endings a bit too larger than life, which is off-putting. But, without giving it away, I can understand why it plays out like it does and the motives behind it. Another thing that Callaghan does so well, which is a challenge for thrillers and mysteries, is the exposition required for the big reveal. The whole way through the book we are working out the mystery with Fiona, and it slowly reveals itself to us. There is no big dump of information, rather we figure it out at the same pace and everything is very nicely wrapped up.
All in all, I really enjoyed Night Falls, Still Missing. It has a depth to it beyond the mystery that I feel I could chew on for a good while after. It’s also really well written and researched. The little flashes of the archaeological dig and historical facts are enjoyable but not too overwhelming or heavy. Similarly, neither do we get too bogged down being in Fiona’s head all the time, although I did question her actions one or two times!
If you enjoy psychological thrillers set in atmospheric locations with plenty of twists and turns, I thoroughly recommend Night Falls, Still Missing.
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