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Every Missing Thing
One family. Two missing children. A lifetime of secrets.
Ten-year-old Ethan Clarke’s disappearance gripped the nation. Just as his parents are starting to piece together a life ‘after Ethan’, their world is ripped apart once more when their daughter, Robin, disappears in almost identical circumstances. They’ve lost two children within a decade … and now doubts about their innocence are setting in.
Detective Sam Maguire’s obsession with the first case cost him his own family, but he has unfinished business with the Clarkes. He is convinced that discovering what happened to Ethan holds the key to finding Robin. But what if the Clarkes know more than they’re letting on?
With the world watching eagerly, the clock is ticking for Sam as he embarks on an investigation that forces him to confront his own demons. To uncover the truth, he must follow a trail of devastating deception—but the truth always comes at a cost …
Ten-year-old Ethan Clarke’s disappearance gripped the nation. Just as his parents are starting to piece together a life ‘after Ethan’, their world is ripped apart once more when their daughter, Robin, disappears in almost identical circumstances. They’ve lost two children within a decade … and now doubts about their innocence are setting in.
Detective Sam Maguire’s obsession with the first case cost him his own family, but he has unfinished business with the Clarkes. He is convinced that discovering what happened to Ethan holds the key to finding Robin. But what if the Clarkes know more than they’re letting on?
With the world watching eagerly, the clock is ticking for Sam as he embarks on an investigation that forces him to confront his own demons. To uncover the truth, he must follow a trail of devastating deception—but the truth always comes at a cost …
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2020
1266 people are currently reading
3904 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
February 20, 2021
"Every Missing Thing" by Martyn Ford was not an enjoyable read for me!
It hasn't happened to me in ages where my eyes cross while I'm reading a book! No kidding! Literally my eyes cross, the words become a blurry fog and I can't focus on what I'm reading. I begin to re-read whole sections because of this craziness! Is it me or is it the book? At 30% it starts to pick up but this is a long way to push to before my interest kicks in. At 43% the pace doesn't escalate and it begins to feel somewhat disjointed. Am I going to be able to finish this book?
The character development finally kicks in at 56%, the back stories are piecing things together and it's moving along quite nicely! Now that's more like it! But, then it starts to get a little weird at 65% and continues to get a lot weirder (if that's a word) as the story progresses.
Just not quite sure how I feel about this one right now.........?!?!
The story-line of this book is a good one and that's why I started to read it. The character development is strong, too, creating many different emotions I felt for them while reading. However, the author begins to toss in so much of the 'bazaar' it becomes a "word salad", hence my eye crossing thing and 10 days reading time! All the pieces of this story did not come together as I would expect they should and left me bewildered and unsatisfied!
Although I did finish it, I struggled with where the author was leading me and I simply didn't enjoy the journey for this reason. I am sure there are others out there that would love this story, it's just simply not a book for me.
_______________________
Thank you to Goodreads and Amazon Publishing for a free Kindle copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
It hasn't happened to me in ages where my eyes cross while I'm reading a book! No kidding! Literally my eyes cross, the words become a blurry fog and I can't focus on what I'm reading. I begin to re-read whole sections because of this craziness! Is it me or is it the book? At 30% it starts to pick up but this is a long way to push to before my interest kicks in. At 43% the pace doesn't escalate and it begins to feel somewhat disjointed. Am I going to be able to finish this book?
The character development finally kicks in at 56%, the back stories are piecing things together and it's moving along quite nicely! Now that's more like it! But, then it starts to get a little weird at 65% and continues to get a lot weirder (if that's a word) as the story progresses.
Just not quite sure how I feel about this one right now.........?!?!
The story-line of this book is a good one and that's why I started to read it. The character development is strong, too, creating many different emotions I felt for them while reading. However, the author begins to toss in so much of the 'bazaar' it becomes a "word salad", hence my eye crossing thing and 10 days reading time! All the pieces of this story did not come together as I would expect they should and left me bewildered and unsatisfied!
Although I did finish it, I struggled with where the author was leading me and I simply didn't enjoy the journey for this reason. I am sure there are others out there that would love this story, it's just simply not a book for me.
_______________________
Thank you to Goodreads and Amazon Publishing for a free Kindle copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 1, 2020
I found this story gripping, a page turner to say the least. It’s every parents’ worst nightmare when their child goes missing, let alone when two go!
Quite a few twists towards the end of the book that I didn’t see coming so it was nice.
I loved the outlook that Sam has, and I felt for the guy. Hard working, dedicated to the cause but suffering badly too.
I enjoyed it, not sure why there are so many bad reviews. It was refreshing to read something a little different to the usual plot lines.
Quite a few twists towards the end of the book that I didn’t see coming so it was nice.
I loved the outlook that Sam has, and I felt for the guy. Hard working, dedicated to the cause but suffering badly too.
I enjoyed it, not sure why there are so many bad reviews. It was refreshing to read something a little different to the usual plot lines.
September 5, 2020
unpleasant read
The story started well - an attempt at art house movie mixed with personal narratives...but it fails. Falling into a messy spiral of unpleasant characters and unhappy lives, broken minds and drivel.
I did not enjoy this book.
The story started well - an attempt at art house movie mixed with personal narratives...but it fails. Falling into a messy spiral of unpleasant characters and unhappy lives, broken minds and drivel.
I did not enjoy this book.
September 15, 2020
This book has so many threads that the writer may have created a new tartan
There are many layers to this story ,the detective,the missing children and human relationships ,strength and weakness many human frailties.,none of which have been covered in such a way or so adeptly before. Not your run of the mill story and very enjoyable,fantastic debut in adult fiction.
There are many layers to this story ,the detective,the missing children and human relationships ,strength and weakness many human frailties.,none of which have been covered in such a way or so adeptly before. Not your run of the mill story and very enjoyable,fantastic debut in adult fiction.
September 9, 2020
Got a first read through Prime. The book is long winded and confusing and I’m surprised I stuck it out. The story is actually really good, but the way it is told not so good. Confusing at times I did find myself skipping parts as they was irrelevant or plain boring. Sorry.
September 17, 2020
It took me a few pages to get into this book but once I did I couldn't put it down. The main character is Sam an ex policemen who continues to investage an old missing person case, a child Ethan Clarke. Ten years later Ethans sister Robin is taken and children's father is arrested for the murders. Its well written and keeps you guessing right to the end, when all is revealed.
September 5, 2020
This was my Kindle First choice for September but it just isn't for me. It started with great promise and was just my type of story but then I got 31% in and it seemed to head off into some sort of sci-fi type of fantasyland and lost me altogether. I just glazed over and packed it in, then.
I was definitely with Isabelle when she'd roll her eyes at some of the claptrap Sam spoke about, yet, on the other hand, I totally agreed with his remarks on lying and liars. I really warmed to him in the beginning and was saddened to read about his condition. I have googled the Coriolis effect he mentioned and that sailed straight over my head as well. He met a chap on a beach who was also speaking in tongues and I gave up on it. It seemed like it may have been heading toward a religious bent as well and I find that off-putting as well.
I spotted one line that needed another comma, "I'm hard-working Isabelle, but I'm not delusional" and I didn't like his spelling Robin's name the male way and not as Robyn.....that was a bit distracting for me. But I also highlighted that he actually got hornets' nest written correctly and that's a rare thing indeed as authors always get this wrong !!
I was definitely with Isabelle when she'd roll her eyes at some of the claptrap Sam spoke about, yet, on the other hand, I totally agreed with his remarks on lying and liars. I really warmed to him in the beginning and was saddened to read about his condition. I have googled the Coriolis effect he mentioned and that sailed straight over my head as well. He met a chap on a beach who was also speaking in tongues and I gave up on it. It seemed like it may have been heading toward a religious bent as well and I find that off-putting as well.
I spotted one line that needed another comma, "I'm hard-working Isabelle, but I'm not delusional" and I didn't like his spelling Robin's name the male way and not as Robyn.....that was a bit distracting for me. But I also highlighted that he actually got hornets' nest written correctly and that's a rare thing indeed as authors always get this wrong !!
October 12, 2020
True Page Turner
This has to be the best book I've read in a long time. The characters were quirky, some sweet and others just pure wronguns, the way the Author wrote of them made me feel as though I knew them . The storyline was gripping and just when you think you know what happened and who done it....you don't . The ending ( NO SPOILERS) I would never have guessed in a million years. I am now eagerly awaiting Martyn Ford to release his next book .
This has to be the best book I've read in a long time. The characters were quirky, some sweet and others just pure wronguns, the way the Author wrote of them made me feel as though I knew them . The storyline was gripping and just when you think you know what happened and who done it....you don't . The ending ( NO SPOILERS) I would never have guessed in a million years. I am now eagerly awaiting Martyn Ford to release his next book .
September 6, 2020
Crazy mixed up writing.
I couldn’t concentrate on the story, because it kept jumping all over the place. Even at the end, I was unclear about what had happened. I forced myself to carry on reading it, hoping it would all reveal itself. It didn’t!
I couldn’t concentrate on the story, because it kept jumping all over the place. Even at the end, I was unclear about what had happened. I forced myself to carry on reading it, hoping it would all reveal itself. It didn’t!
October 10, 2020
One of the best books I've ever read.
Incredible plot, graphic detail and superbly descriptive, it's hard to believe that this is his first book for adults. I can't wait for the next book.
Incredible plot, graphic detail and superbly descriptive, it's hard to believe that this is his first book for adults. I can't wait for the next book.
October 29, 2020
Gripping
Very enjoyable story that has interesting characters and plot development. Has plenty of moments to make you pause and think about issues, which I like - good books should push us to think about such things.
Very enjoyable story that has interesting characters and plot development. Has plenty of moments to make you pause and think about issues, which I like - good books should push us to think about such things.
September 28, 2020
Brilliant
Recommend this highly. Fantastic jigsaw puzzle of a thriller. Kept me hooked. Fantastic debut, hope to read more from this author.
Recommend this highly. Fantastic jigsaw puzzle of a thriller. Kept me hooked. Fantastic debut, hope to read more from this author.
January 4, 2021
It started off well, but then the story got a bit confusing and went off into weird tangents. The idea for the plot was good but there were too many characters and lots of random violence, which meant it didn't really come together at the end.
September 23, 2020
For a book with an entirely implausible plot, some rather bizarre characters, and a shifting point of view which was not always easy to follow, this was a surprisingly entertaining read, simply because the premise of the book was riveting. Lose one child and it is seen as a tragic misfortune. But to lose a second child you start to see a pattern. And someone must be to blame.
There was a little too much outside distraction here, taking away the focus from our core set of characters, because for me, rather than being sidetracked by shady criminals and cultists, the book's strength came from the relationships at the centre of the novel - that of the jaded ex-cop Sam and the play-it-by-the-book cop Isabelle, as well as the parents of the missing children and their friend Daniel. Had the book kept the reader in the middle of all their turmoil, suspicion and fracturing friendships it would have been a far more solid read.
This sort of book is not my usual cup of tea. There is a reason for that. But for an easy, don't have to think about it too much type of a read, this book will do. I gave it 4 stars when I finished reading it, but on reflection, it is probably only worth three. I am glad I only have it in Kindle format rather than paperback. It really isn't worth making space on my bookshelf for.
There was a little too much outside distraction here, taking away the focus from our core set of characters, because for me, rather than being sidetracked by shady criminals and cultists, the book's strength came from the relationships at the centre of the novel - that of the jaded ex-cop Sam and the play-it-by-the-book cop Isabelle, as well as the parents of the missing children and their friend Daniel. Had the book kept the reader in the middle of all their turmoil, suspicion and fracturing friendships it would have been a far more solid read.
This sort of book is not my usual cup of tea. There is a reason for that. But for an easy, don't have to think about it too much type of a read, this book will do. I gave it 4 stars when I finished reading it, but on reflection, it is probably only worth three. I am glad I only have it in Kindle format rather than paperback. It really isn't worth making space on my bookshelf for.
December 13, 2020
A very different crime novel
I have to give this book 5 stars. I n spite of some mixed reviews I found the story and characters well written and intriguing. Their motivation, actions and the subsequent results are skilfully woven together to make a really complex plot. There are man twists and turns to the story and I found it soy difficult to put this book down. It kept me guessing until the end! If you're looking for an intelligent and thought provoking different read, then this is it! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED 😯
I have to give this book 5 stars. I n spite of some mixed reviews I found the story and characters well written and intriguing. Their motivation, actions and the subsequent results are skilfully woven together to make a really complex plot. There are man twists and turns to the story and I found it soy difficult to put this book down. It kept me guessing until the end! If you're looking for an intelligent and thought provoking different read, then this is it! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED 😯
September 25, 2020
Oh my god!
I loved this book. As the book says losing one child is bad enough, but to lose another under the same circumstances... Well.
"lightning doesn't strike twice"
So I read this as an ebook, and it starts off by telling you about the disappearance of a young boy, parents devastated obviously. They made a foundation in his honour. Cut to 8 years down the line, and their daughter disappears too! What the hell!
We are taken on quite the roller-coaster story... And I was enthralled the entire time...
What I did not see coming was the "bad man" who abducted the little girl to actually be a grown version of her brother!! To add to that we discover why he disappeared in the first place - did not see that coming at all!!!
Then there's a series of even more twists and turns, as if we needed more! To end the book with an almighty cliffhanger!
I loved this book. As the book says losing one child is bad enough, but to lose another under the same circumstances... Well.
"lightning doesn't strike twice"
So I read this as an ebook, and it starts off by telling you about the disappearance of a young boy, parents devastated obviously. They made a foundation in his honour. Cut to 8 years down the line, and their daughter disappears too! What the hell!
We are taken on quite the roller-coaster story... And I was enthralled the entire time...
What I did not see coming was the "bad man" who abducted the little girl to actually be a grown version of her brother!! To add to that we discover why he disappeared in the first place - did not see that coming at all!!!
Then there's a series of even more twists and turns, as if we needed more! To end the book with an almighty cliffhanger!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2020
A Double Kidnapping Same Family
When i first started reading the book i found it hard. The subject matter, the second kidnapping. A family and detective torn apart. I found the boòk very wordy. Describing the charcters in great depth but not understanding why. Sad situations for both main characters. Then it began to make some sense. This is not a happy book. Well written but i was glad when i had finished it.
When i first started reading the book i found it hard. The subject matter, the second kidnapping. A family and detective torn apart. I found the boòk very wordy. Describing the charcters in great depth but not understanding why. Sad situations for both main characters. Then it began to make some sense. This is not a happy book. Well written but i was glad when i had finished it.
November 7, 2020
Started off well, a page turner. At about a quarter of the way through I found myself skipping whole paragraphs to escape the boring over descriptions of irrelevant features. The premise of the story was great, but the actual storytelling left me lukewarm. I finished it, but felt disappointed after such a great beginning.
October 6, 2020
Three words: A page turner!
I have read quite a few good books, but this has to be one of my top few. I was absolutely enthralled with the writing the whole way through.
The story, along with all the twists and turns, kept me aching to get to each new chapter.
Highly recommend!
I have read quite a few good books, but this has to be one of my top few. I was absolutely enthralled with the writing the whole way through.
The story, along with all the twists and turns, kept me aching to get to each new chapter.
Highly recommend!
October 23, 2020
Just... wow
Cannot believe where this story went... very dark twists. Really didn't want it to end. The format bugged.me a little to begin with but it was more.compelling as the story progressed.
Cannot believe where this story went... very dark twists. Really didn't want it to end. The format bugged.me a little to begin with but it was more.compelling as the story progressed.
September 6, 2020
Absolute page turner!
This is the best book I've read in ages! The plot is genius and I can't wait to read the next one of Martyn Ford - just hope it with be long
This is the best book I've read in ages! The plot is genius and I can't wait to read the next one of Martyn Ford - just hope it with be long
November 8, 2020
Thrilling with unexpected twists
Really enjoyed this, first time in a long time I didn’t see the twist coming. Excellent story, looking forward to more from this author.
Really enjoyed this, first time in a long time I didn’t see the twist coming. Excellent story, looking forward to more from this author.
November 23, 2020
(4.5)
I am really not very impressed with this.
Most of the plot was stupid and predictable, I'm only giving this three stars bc I enjoyed the bits w Robin and I quite liked the end reveal. (UPDATE - thinking back on this book my mind is overwhelmed by all the cliches and bizarre decisions people made so I'm relegating it to the two star club.)
Sam was just such a weirdly presented character who made terrible decisions.
Yeah... no.
I am really not very impressed with this.
Most of the plot was stupid and predictable, I'm only giving this three stars bc I enjoyed the bits w Robin and I quite liked the end reveal. (UPDATE - thinking back on this book my mind is overwhelmed by all the cliches and bizarre decisions people made so I'm relegating it to the two star club.)
Sam was just such a weirdly presented character who made terrible decisions.
Yeah... no.
September 16, 2024
What dribble
September 28, 2020
Although quite a slow-moving story, Every Missing Thing is well-written with brilliant descriptions and, most notably, it takes a few risks. However, it is a slightly bumpy ride and needed a little smoothing out to fully appreciate the effect of its final punches.
Although the characters and story are set up well, it needed more context in the beginning. One of the Clarkes’ children went missing eight years ago, and now their daughter has been taken too. But to simply state the facts doesn’t make it a compelling case. We needed a reason to care. What were the emotions at the time of Ethan’s disappearance? How was everybody involved feeling now that history was repeating itself? Most importantly, why is Detective Sam Maguire so caught up in this case?
The trouble with Sam as our lead character is that he is so self-destructive that he’s difficult to relate to. But I did feel some empathy towards him at times. He makes plenty of insightful comments, but his actions are by no means justifiable. He certainly has a lot of good qualities as he’s determined to find out the truth about the Clarkes. But at what cost? His reasons for going to the extreme are clear, but it’s not enough to make his efforts seem valid or even worthwhile.
It isn’t the easiest of stories to follow as the plot feels quite jumpy so it didn’t grip me, but there were definitely a lot of aspects that kept me interested. I like the scenes that were described from the points of view of webcams and CCTV cameras as this felt original, although I was expecting it to build up to something bigger so it didn’t completely come together, for me.
In the end, it just felt like another distraction, and with so much going on, it was easy to get lost in the plot. I really liked the concept and story, and the final revelations were definitely worth the wait, but I do think that it could have been tightened up better to give more of an impact. Most of all, I was missing the emotional connection.
Still, Every Missing Thing is a well-written book with some original ideas, one that is daring enough to do things differently which is definitely worth some praise.
Although the characters and story are set up well, it needed more context in the beginning. One of the Clarkes’ children went missing eight years ago, and now their daughter has been taken too. But to simply state the facts doesn’t make it a compelling case. We needed a reason to care. What were the emotions at the time of Ethan’s disappearance? How was everybody involved feeling now that history was repeating itself? Most importantly, why is Detective Sam Maguire so caught up in this case?
The trouble with Sam as our lead character is that he is so self-destructive that he’s difficult to relate to. But I did feel some empathy towards him at times. He makes plenty of insightful comments, but his actions are by no means justifiable. He certainly has a lot of good qualities as he’s determined to find out the truth about the Clarkes. But at what cost? His reasons for going to the extreme are clear, but it’s not enough to make his efforts seem valid or even worthwhile.
It isn’t the easiest of stories to follow as the plot feels quite jumpy so it didn’t grip me, but there were definitely a lot of aspects that kept me interested. I like the scenes that were described from the points of view of webcams and CCTV cameras as this felt original, although I was expecting it to build up to something bigger so it didn’t completely come together, for me.
In the end, it just felt like another distraction, and with so much going on, it was easy to get lost in the plot. I really liked the concept and story, and the final revelations were definitely worth the wait, but I do think that it could have been tightened up better to give more of an impact. Most of all, I was missing the emotional connection.
Still, Every Missing Thing is a well-written book with some original ideas, one that is daring enough to do things differently which is definitely worth some praise.
December 27, 2020
I enjoyed this book but I felt like it left some threads undone. A complex book that leaves you feeling a bit uncomfortable.
October 9, 2020
The writing style of this book is quite different to what I have read before and it does tend to jump around a bit. I had read other reviews but once I start a book I cant just leave it - I have to finish it in the hope it will get better.
I was gripped towards the end of the book and I did find that I couldnt put it down which is the type of book I like.
However, the twists at the end were a nice touch but I just dont really get the final ending.
I was gripped towards the end of the book and I did find that I couldnt put it down which is the type of book I like.
However, the twists at the end were a nice touch but I just dont really get the final ending.
September 12, 2020
Grippimg!
This book is fast paced and creepy, with so many clever twists and turns. You've got to concentrate to keep up with the plot! A well-written and dynamic book - well worth a read.
This book is fast paced and creepy, with so many clever twists and turns. You've got to concentrate to keep up with the plot! A well-written and dynamic book - well worth a read.
September 22, 2020
Really wanted to like this book, I did finish but it took an effort. Good story line except it really did include every little thing. Too descriptive which took away from the actual story, was very confusing and distracting. Ending unclear.
September 8, 2020
There is a lot to like about this psychological mystery novel. Eight years previously, ten year old Ethan Clarke disappeared from his family home. There was a lot of sympathy for his parents, Anna and Francis, but, as is often the case when time rolls by and no trace of Ethan was ever found, fingers have been pointed at the parents. To keep the story fresh in people’s minds, Anna and Francis had used the talents of their old friend and film maker, Daniel Aiden. The film he made called simply The Clarke’s made his name internationally and he’s continued to have a good career. The same can’t be said of the detective assigned to the case, Sam Maguire. Sam’s obsession with finding out what happened to Ethan has cost his his job, when he beat up a suspect who proved to be a time waster; his marriage when his wife said that he simply wasn’t there anymore; his relationship with his son as he continues to put his obsession over seeing Freddie; his health too. Sam is on a clock to crack his case while he is still able. The clock is ticking faster when Ethan’s younger sister, Robin, disappears from home too. The circumstances are strikingly similar. There were no signs of a break in or a struggle a in either case. However, in Robin’s case some of her blood is found on the passenger seat of Francis’s car and more of her blood on one of his screwdrivers in the garage. Now Sam has two missing children to find. Although no longer a policeman, the police force in the shape of Detective Sergeant Isabelle Lewin, reach out to him for his take on the past. Sam and Isabelle strike up a rapport which appears to give Sam access to all sorts of things he probably shouldn’t have. However, it’s Sam’s chance finding of a strange doll that persuades he and Isabelle to keep looking for an outsider when all the circumstantial evidence points to Francis being guilty this time. That and Sam’s belief in the truth. Sam believes that telling the truth is the most important thing and that he can spot when someone’s lying. Sam is on a road to discover that other people don’t agree with his dedication to the truth and that his lie-da isn’t as fool proof as he supposed.
I was surprised when Sam bowed out of the novel before the end. He always felt like the main character so it seemed odd that he wasn’t there. However, I did not see the last events coming at all and was on the edge of my seat with each revelation.
I wasn’t quite sure what the regular scene setting written as though it was the set up for a programme or film was about. I know Daniel Aden is a film maker but those bits mostly had nothing to do with him so it wasn’t meant to point the finger at him. These sections were written in an italic font and were different in style to the rest of the writing. I kept expecting to work out what their significance was but I never did.
I was surprised when Sam bowed out of the novel before the end. He always felt like the main character so it seemed odd that he wasn’t there. However, I did not see the last events coming at all and was on the edge of my seat with each revelation.
I wasn’t quite sure what the regular scene setting written as though it was the set up for a programme or film was about. I know Daniel Aden is a film maker but those bits mostly had nothing to do with him so it wasn’t meant to point the finger at him. These sections were written in an italic font and were different in style to the rest of the writing. I kept expecting to work out what their significance was but I never did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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