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Detective Gaby Darin #1
Silent Cry
A MISSING BABY. A MOTHER’S NIGHTMARE.
When Izzy Grant’s newborn daughter Alys disappears, her world shatters around her. Despite an extensive search the police find no trace of the missing girl, but Izzy refuses to give up hope that her daughter will be found.
Then a note is pushed through her letterbox, warning her off.
For Izzy it’s a ray of hope, another lead for the police to follow. For DC Gaby Darin it’s another piece of the puzzle that just won’t fit. But as a long-lost friend returns to Izzy’s life with a shocking secret, Gaby realises the truth of who took Izzy’s daughter from her might lie in the past – and far closer to home than anyone could have imagined…
Gripping and unputdownable, this emotional thriller will have you racing through until the very last page. Perfect for fans of Cara Hunter, LJ Ross and Erin Kinsley.
Previously published as Missing in Wales. This edition contains significant editorial revisions.
When Izzy Grant’s newborn daughter Alys disappears, her world shatters around her. Despite an extensive search the police find no trace of the missing girl, but Izzy refuses to give up hope that her daughter will be found.
Then a note is pushed through her letterbox, warning her off.
For Izzy it’s a ray of hope, another lead for the police to follow. For DC Gaby Darin it’s another piece of the puzzle that just won’t fit. But as a long-lost friend returns to Izzy’s life with a shocking secret, Gaby realises the truth of who took Izzy’s daughter from her might lie in the past – and far closer to home than anyone could have imagined…
Gripping and unputdownable, this emotional thriller will have you racing through until the very last page. Perfect for fans of Cara Hunter, LJ Ross and Erin Kinsley.
Previously published as Missing in Wales. This edition contains significant editorial revisions.
304 pages, Paperback
First published July 20, 2019
1044 people are currently reading
1027 people want to read
About the author
Jenny O'Brien
30 books146 followersHi and thanks for stopping by.
I took up writing about twenty years ago when I first came up with a plot for a book, and I haven't stopped since. When I’m not writing, I’m ferrying around 3 teenagers or working as a nurse. I’m also an all-year-round sea swimmer.
I write what I love to read, which is romance and thrillers.
My next release, out February, 2026, is The Resistance Knitting Club, a World War 2 historical novel set in Guernsey, the UK and France. I am currently working on my third WW2 novel.
If you like my writing please get in touch - my social media links are below (I’m rarely on Goodreads so it’s best not to drop me a message here). I also have a newsletter, which you can sign up to via my website.
Jenny O
Facebook: Jenny O'Brien Guernsey Writer
Twitter: scribblerjb
Instagram: scribblerjb
I took up writing about twenty years ago when I first came up with a plot for a book, and I haven't stopped since. When I’m not writing, I’m ferrying around 3 teenagers or working as a nurse. I’m also an all-year-round sea swimmer.
I write what I love to read, which is romance and thrillers.
My next release, out February, 2026, is The Resistance Knitting Club, a World War 2 historical novel set in Guernsey, the UK and France. I am currently working on my third WW2 novel.
If you like my writing please get in touch - my social media links are below (I’m rarely on Goodreads so it’s best not to drop me a message here). I also have a newsletter, which you can sign up to via my website.
Jenny O
Facebook: Jenny O'Brien Guernsey Writer
Twitter: scribblerjb
Instagram: scribblerjb
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 241 reviews
May 25, 2020
Unexpected Killer Of An Ending!
Izzy Grant has a newborn baby and is exhausted by the all the sleepless nights and round the clock feedings, so her boyfriend Charlie decides to take baby Alys out for a few hours to give Izzy a well needed break and to get a little rest. Charlie and Alys never came home that day and they were never seen again, although Izzy did receive a postcard from Charlie that Alys was safe with him but they were not coming home. Days turned into weeks, then months of continuous searching and no sign of them or even their minivan Fast forward five years, Izzy is still grieving the loss of her child and has been in a depressed state of mind yet never giving up on finding her little girl again. One day she spots her old best friend Grace in the village but Grace doesn't acknowledge her and Izzy remembers how hurt and angry she was that Grace left town without a word the day or two after Alys and Charlie disappeared. Izzy reports the sighting to the hard-working and well respected DI Rhys Walker who worked endlessly trying to solve this case and now he will do everything in his power to help Izzy find out what happened to her precious daughter and the man who took her away.
This was a very good story taking place in Wales. The first half of the book moved a little slow but then picked up and there were twists that I didn't see coming. I really enjoyed this book and was really pleased with the unexpected ending. I hope to read other books by Jenny O'Brien in the near future.
I want to thank the publisher HQ and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this terrific detective mystery and any opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I highly recommend this book and have given a rating of 4 Unexpected 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
Izzy Grant has a newborn baby and is exhausted by the all the sleepless nights and round the clock feedings, so her boyfriend Charlie decides to take baby Alys out for a few hours to give Izzy a well needed break and to get a little rest. Charlie and Alys never came home that day and they were never seen again, although Izzy did receive a postcard from Charlie that Alys was safe with him but they were not coming home. Days turned into weeks, then months of continuous searching and no sign of them or even their minivan Fast forward five years, Izzy is still grieving the loss of her child and has been in a depressed state of mind yet never giving up on finding her little girl again. One day she spots her old best friend Grace in the village but Grace doesn't acknowledge her and Izzy remembers how hurt and angry she was that Grace left town without a word the day or two after Alys and Charlie disappeared. Izzy reports the sighting to the hard-working and well respected DI Rhys Walker who worked endlessly trying to solve this case and now he will do everything in his power to help Izzy find out what happened to her precious daughter and the man who took her away.
This was a very good story taking place in Wales. The first half of the book moved a little slow but then picked up and there were twists that I didn't see coming. I really enjoyed this book and was really pleased with the unexpected ending. I hope to read other books by Jenny O'Brien in the near future.
I want to thank the publisher HQ and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this terrific detective mystery and any opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I highly recommend this book and have given a rating of 4 Unexpected 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
October 24, 2019
Izzy Grant, her partner Charlie and their beautiful newborn daughter Alys were happy but exhausted – as all families with babies tend to be. But when Charlie drove away with Alys to give Izzy a couple of hours rest, she had no idea that would be the last time she would see them. The police did their best for the first year; but their best wasn’t enough. Five years later, Izzy’s grief hadn’t lessened – her shock when she received the postcard saying Alys was fine put her in more turmoil.
DC Gabriella Darin – Gaby – was newly arrived from Swansea and as she read up on the Grant case, she had the feeling that something didn’t quite mesh. The reopening of the case was essential when Izzy reported seeing an old friend from her past. Grace Madden had vanished around the same time as Charlie and Alys – were the two disappearances connected? Gaby was determined to find answers.
Missing in Wales is the 1st in the Gabriella Darin series by Jenny O’Brien and was an excellent crime novel. The mystery was intense; it was fast paced and gritty with plenty of tension as well as twists throughout. My only tiny niggle is that the last two words are unrealistic! My first by this author, I have the next waiting on my kindle – Stabbed in Wales – which I’ll be reading soon. Highly recommended.
DC Gabriella Darin – Gaby – was newly arrived from Swansea and as she read up on the Grant case, she had the feeling that something didn’t quite mesh. The reopening of the case was essential when Izzy reported seeing an old friend from her past. Grace Madden had vanished around the same time as Charlie and Alys – were the two disappearances connected? Gaby was determined to find answers.
Missing in Wales is the 1st in the Gabriella Darin series by Jenny O’Brien and was an excellent crime novel. The mystery was intense; it was fast paced and gritty with plenty of tension as well as twists throughout. My only tiny niggle is that the last two words are unrealistic! My first by this author, I have the next waiting on my kindle – Stabbed in Wales – which I’ll be reading soon. Highly recommended.
May 23, 2021
Unexpected Killer Of An Ending!
Izzy Grant has a newborn baby and is exhausted by the all the sleepless nights and round the clock feedings, so her boyfriend Charlie decides to take baby Alys out for a few hours to give Izzy a well needed break and to get a little rest. Charlie and Alys never came home that day and they were never seen again, although Izzy did receive a postcard from Charlie that Alys was safe with him but they were not coming home. Days turned into weeks, then months of continuous searching and no sign of them or even their minivan Fast forward five years, Izzy is still grieving the loss of her child and has been in a depressed state of mind yet never giving up on finding her little girl again. One day she spots her old best friend Grace in the village but Grace doesn't acknowledge her and Izzy remembers how hurt and angry she was that Grace left town without a word the day or two after Alys and Charlie disappeared. Izzy reports the sighting to the hard-working and we'll respected DI Rhys Walker who worked endlessly trying to solve this case and now he will do everything in his power to help Izzy find out what happened to her precious daughter and the man who took her away.
This was a very good story taking place in Wales. The first half of the book moved a little slow but then picked up and there were twists that I didn't see coming. I really enjoyed this book and was really pleased with the unexpected ending. I hope to read other books by Jenny O'Brien in the near future.
I want to thank the publisher HQ and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this terrific detective mystery and any opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I highly recommend this book and have given a rating of 4 Unexpected 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
Izzy Grant has a newborn baby and is exhausted by the all the sleepless nights and round the clock feedings, so her boyfriend Charlie decides to take baby Alys out for a few hours to give Izzy a well needed break and to get a little rest. Charlie and Alys never came home that day and they were never seen again, although Izzy did receive a postcard from Charlie that Alys was safe with him but they were not coming home. Days turned into weeks, then months of continuous searching and no sign of them or even their minivan Fast forward five years, Izzy is still grieving the loss of her child and has been in a depressed state of mind yet never giving up on finding her little girl again. One day she spots her old best friend Grace in the village but Grace doesn't acknowledge her and Izzy remembers how hurt and angry she was that Grace left town without a word the day or two after Alys and Charlie disappeared. Izzy reports the sighting to the hard-working and we'll respected DI Rhys Walker who worked endlessly trying to solve this case and now he will do everything in his power to help Izzy find out what happened to her precious daughter and the man who took her away.
This was a very good story taking place in Wales. The first half of the book moved a little slow but then picked up and there were twists that I didn't see coming. I really enjoyed this book and was really pleased with the unexpected ending. I hope to read other books by Jenny O'Brien in the near future.
I want to thank the publisher HQ and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this terrific detective mystery and any opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I highly recommend this book and have given a rating of 4 Unexpected 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
April 8, 2020
Izzy’s is devastated when her partner takes their newborn daughter out and never returns home.
Five years later she receives a note telling her that the baby is fine and to stop looking.
A slow moving story that failed to keep my interest.
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Five years later she receives a note telling her that the baby is fine and to stop looking.
A slow moving story that failed to keep my interest.
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2024
Missing in Wales, now retitled Silent Cry, is a mystery with a suspenseful storyline. Baby Alys and her father Charlie went out the shops one day and did not return. The party line was that Charlie took her and was living elsewhere. The police gave up the search and Izzy had to move on with her life. Fast forward five years and things start to happen. Izzy glimpses her friend Grace who also disappeared at the same time as Charlie and Alys, a postcard is delivered that tells Izzy that Alys is fine, but she needs to leave them alone to keep her safe and the Detective who was on the case five years earlier, DI Rhys Walker, is back on the case again. When DS Gaby Darin joins their team, she has her own insights that speed up the investigation.
This was a well plotted and paced police procedural. There is a lot of leg work, interviews and digging through old case file material to determine where to go with this case. Izzy is a heartbreaking character. She has tried to move on with her life, but will never stop hoping that she will find Alys. She doesn't have much of a life, does not trust men and just wants to be left alone to manage her business she developed after the disappearance. DS Gaby Darin is a smart and savvy copper with great instincts, but as in many other police stories, is treated poorly because of her gender. She does a great job biting her tongue on many occasions. As the story unfolds there were several twists that I did not see coming and few red herrings along the way. The more the police and Izzy found out, the more danger Izzy seemed to be in. The final plot twist was totally unexpected, but reflecting back on the story, there were clues. I am hoping that we will see more of DS Gaby Darin in future book. Not only is this the first book I have read by Jenny O'Brien, but it is the first book I have read set in Wales. I liked the setting, the cliffs, the rain and the isolated areas. It gave the story that gloomy vibe. I will watch for more books by Jenny O'Brien. I received this book from Rachel's Random Resources upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
This was a well plotted and paced police procedural. There is a lot of leg work, interviews and digging through old case file material to determine where to go with this case. Izzy is a heartbreaking character. She has tried to move on with her life, but will never stop hoping that she will find Alys. She doesn't have much of a life, does not trust men and just wants to be left alone to manage her business she developed after the disappearance. DS Gaby Darin is a smart and savvy copper with great instincts, but as in many other police stories, is treated poorly because of her gender. She does a great job biting her tongue on many occasions. As the story unfolds there were several twists that I did not see coming and few red herrings along the way. The more the police and Izzy found out, the more danger Izzy seemed to be in. The final plot twist was totally unexpected, but reflecting back on the story, there were clues. I am hoping that we will see more of DS Gaby Darin in future book. Not only is this the first book I have read by Jenny O'Brien, but it is the first book I have read set in Wales. I liked the setting, the cliffs, the rain and the isolated areas. It gave the story that gloomy vibe. I will watch for more books by Jenny O'Brien. I received this book from Rachel's Random Resources upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
October 6, 2019
Buckle up. This is going to be a bumpy review.
There aren't many crime books set in Wales. We don't have a Val McDermid or Ian Rankin with their evocations of Scotland. So when my bookclub chose this book, hopes were high. Sadly, the only person Missing in Wales is the author. For goodness sake, DO SOME RESEARCH BEFORE WRITING A NOVEL!
It started with little things. Grace takes a taxi on a busy St Mary's St and I'm thinking: but that's a pedestrian road. A taxi is taken from the station to the Central Library: let's hope in real-life Cardiff taxi drivers would have the kindness to point at the library and say 'you'd be quicker walking, love.'
But those are minor things that we could put down to artistic license. There are bigger problems.
The writer chose to set her story in St David's. Famously the smallest city in the UK, it is in fact a large village. Wikipedia will tell you this. Definitely too small for a CID unit.
Then the writer needed to LOOK AT A MAP. It's 93 miles from Cardiff but is presented as nearby. There's a bit where someone "gets the train" to Cardiff because she'll be working there all day. St David's is TOO SMALL TO EVEN HAVE A TRAIN STATION! You have to drive 40 minutes to get to the nearest station. The journey from St David's to Cardiff takes around 4 and a half hours. Each way. Any travel app will tell the author this. You can't pop in to 'do a bit of shopping.'
And once you are in central Cardiff no one would get the bus to Newport. Because Newport is about 20 mins away by train and they leave every 10 minutes.
And then there's the sentence on p116 about a character having a rare name: "It wasn't as if it was a popular Welsh name like Taffy Jones or Dai Thomas." I have never heard anyone called 'Taffy' in Wales. Ever. It's a pejorative nickname used by English people for Welsh people. It's borderline offensive (and some say definitely crosses the border). If there's a future edition of this book I hope it's changed.
Why does this matter? It's fiction isn't it? Writers make things up.
But it DOES matter when you have put a location's name in the title of the book. The writer could have made up a fictional place. To identify a location and then be so sloppy with research is insulting. Insulting to a fascinating and beautiful part of the world.
But could I have put this lack of sense of place to one side, and I thought better of this book? Sadly, no. It is very poorly written. It feels like a song being sung off-key. This book is the Florence Foster Jenkins of crime fiction.
The author seems to have gone on writing courses where you are taught things like "show, don't tell" and "end your chapter with a hook." You don't 'look' at a person, you "throw a glance." (And jeez, did I get sick of that cliche. Literally every other page. I started taking a note: pg 264, 266, 270, 275). You don't pick up a cup of coffee, you "grab" it.
But the book just doesn't work.
This is a police procedural novel so a writer of this genre needs to get that right. I just don't believe that professional police officers talk to each other in this way. They take Izzy in for questioning but no sign of a solicitor. They rule-in and rule-out suspects with no apparent rationale.
DC Darin ponders why the divers stayed overnight instead of driving from Manchester to St David's and going back the same day. That'll be because it's about 150 miles away and takes 5 hours to drive. Again, basic research on behalf of the author, but it made her central investigator look stupid.
I thought the writer might be a bit better with hospitals. But even then I was infuriated by Izzy's father being in "ICU" with things touch-and-go, next to a woman siting in bed drinking tea. It just doesn't happen! Intensive Care is always a separate unit. And it undermines the validity of the storytelling.
The central character Izzy is inconsistent, determined to find out what happened five years ago one page and the next has 'given up hope.' Her poor decision-making to have sex with a particular character felt really uncomfortable.
And even the story was obvious. The wicked twist? I spotted the murderer pretty early and am amazed by other reviewers who said there was a surprise at the end. Other than the final sentence, of course. Yeah, good luck with that. (Trying to avoid spoilers... should you read the book despite this review).
The one good thing? I had a real belly laugh at how Izzy managed to survive the final showdown. I'm picturing her, with her leg in plaster jammed into a crevice in the rocks, hanging above the cliffs. Makes me giggle even now.
I know this is a long and negative review. This seems to be a book written by an amateur writer and hat's off to anyone who has the gumption to sit down and write a whole novel. And the heart of this story is a good one. But even amateur writers need to do far more work before launching their labour of love on the world at large.
There aren't many crime books set in Wales. We don't have a Val McDermid or Ian Rankin with their evocations of Scotland. So when my bookclub chose this book, hopes were high. Sadly, the only person Missing in Wales is the author. For goodness sake, DO SOME RESEARCH BEFORE WRITING A NOVEL!
It started with little things. Grace takes a taxi on a busy St Mary's St and I'm thinking: but that's a pedestrian road. A taxi is taken from the station to the Central Library: let's hope in real-life Cardiff taxi drivers would have the kindness to point at the library and say 'you'd be quicker walking, love.'
But those are minor things that we could put down to artistic license. There are bigger problems.
The writer chose to set her story in St David's. Famously the smallest city in the UK, it is in fact a large village. Wikipedia will tell you this. Definitely too small for a CID unit.
Then the writer needed to LOOK AT A MAP. It's 93 miles from Cardiff but is presented as nearby. There's a bit where someone "gets the train" to Cardiff because she'll be working there all day. St David's is TOO SMALL TO EVEN HAVE A TRAIN STATION! You have to drive 40 minutes to get to the nearest station. The journey from St David's to Cardiff takes around 4 and a half hours. Each way. Any travel app will tell the author this. You can't pop in to 'do a bit of shopping.'
And once you are in central Cardiff no one would get the bus to Newport. Because Newport is about 20 mins away by train and they leave every 10 minutes.
And then there's the sentence on p116 about a character having a rare name: "It wasn't as if it was a popular Welsh name like Taffy Jones or Dai Thomas." I have never heard anyone called 'Taffy' in Wales. Ever. It's a pejorative nickname used by English people for Welsh people. It's borderline offensive (and some say definitely crosses the border). If there's a future edition of this book I hope it's changed.
Why does this matter? It's fiction isn't it? Writers make things up.
But it DOES matter when you have put a location's name in the title of the book. The writer could have made up a fictional place. To identify a location and then be so sloppy with research is insulting. Insulting to a fascinating and beautiful part of the world.
But could I have put this lack of sense of place to one side, and I thought better of this book? Sadly, no. It is very poorly written. It feels like a song being sung off-key. This book is the Florence Foster Jenkins of crime fiction.
The author seems to have gone on writing courses where you are taught things like "show, don't tell" and "end your chapter with a hook." You don't 'look' at a person, you "throw a glance." (And jeez, did I get sick of that cliche. Literally every other page. I started taking a note: pg 264, 266, 270, 275). You don't pick up a cup of coffee, you "grab" it.
But the book just doesn't work.
This is a police procedural novel so a writer of this genre needs to get that right. I just don't believe that professional police officers talk to each other in this way. They take Izzy in for questioning but no sign of a solicitor. They rule-in and rule-out suspects with no apparent rationale.
DC Darin ponders why the divers stayed overnight instead of driving from Manchester to St David's and going back the same day. That'll be because it's about 150 miles away and takes 5 hours to drive. Again, basic research on behalf of the author, but it made her central investigator look stupid.
I thought the writer might be a bit better with hospitals. But even then I was infuriated by Izzy's father being in "ICU" with things touch-and-go, next to a woman siting in bed drinking tea. It just doesn't happen! Intensive Care is always a separate unit. And it undermines the validity of the storytelling.
The central character Izzy is inconsistent, determined to find out what happened five years ago one page and the next has 'given up hope.' Her poor decision-making to have sex with a particular character felt really uncomfortable.
And even the story was obvious. The wicked twist? I spotted the murderer pretty early and am amazed by other reviewers who said there was a surprise at the end. Other than the final sentence, of course. Yeah, good luck with that. (Trying to avoid spoilers... should you read the book despite this review).
The one good thing? I had a real belly laugh at how Izzy managed to survive the final showdown. I'm picturing her, with her leg in plaster jammed into a crevice in the rocks, hanging above the cliffs. Makes me giggle even now.
I know this is a long and negative review. This seems to be a book written by an amateur writer and hat's off to anyone who has the gumption to sit down and write a whole novel. And the heart of this story is a good one. But even amateur writers need to do far more work before launching their labour of love on the world at large.
July 12, 2020
Izzy Grant and her boyfriend Charlie Dawson are the proud parents of their newborn baby Alys. To give Izzy a break, Charlie takes their daughter out on his own, only they do not return home. A search is started but Alys and Charlie are simply Missing in Wales.
This novel is a mystery approached from two viewpoints. Izzy tries all avenues available to her as an average member of the public to find Alys and Charlie. For the officers of Dyfed-Powys Police in Pembrokeshire, this is your usual missing person enquiry.
I really enjoyed reading Missing in Wales and loved the short chapters from Izzy or Detective Constable Gaby Darin. There were many leads to explore and many questions to ask. As the years passed neither the amateur mother or the professional police were able to solve the mystery of what happened to Alys and Charlie. From the many clues the reader will make their own mind as to what happened to a father and his daughter. This mystery made for a very entertaining read. The pace was steady and the doubts were plenty.
Character development was fine but it was the plot that set this book apart from your regular police procedural. When I got to page 159 which is 62% through this book, I had a light bulb moment and I thought I knew what had happened. But this did NOT spoil my enjoyment of this book because further doubts were put in my way to make my hunch NOT a certainty.
I think Missing in Wales is a great mystery that ticked all the boxes, so it gets the top score of 5 stars from me.
Missing in Wales is available as an Amazon Kindle eBook and was written in 2019 but republished in 2020 as Silent Cry.
This novel is a mystery approached from two viewpoints. Izzy tries all avenues available to her as an average member of the public to find Alys and Charlie. For the officers of Dyfed-Powys Police in Pembrokeshire, this is your usual missing person enquiry.
I really enjoyed reading Missing in Wales and loved the short chapters from Izzy or Detective Constable Gaby Darin. There were many leads to explore and many questions to ask. As the years passed neither the amateur mother or the professional police were able to solve the mystery of what happened to Alys and Charlie. From the many clues the reader will make their own mind as to what happened to a father and his daughter. This mystery made for a very entertaining read. The pace was steady and the doubts were plenty.
Character development was fine but it was the plot that set this book apart from your regular police procedural. When I got to page 159 which is 62% through this book, I had a light bulb moment and I thought I knew what had happened. But this did NOT spoil my enjoyment of this book because further doubts were put in my way to make my hunch NOT a certainty.
I think Missing in Wales is a great mystery that ticked all the boxes, so it gets the top score of 5 stars from me.
Missing in Wales is available as an Amazon Kindle eBook and was written in 2019 but republished in 2020 as Silent Cry.
March 16, 2020
My complete review can be found on my blog: https://fictionophile.com
DC Gaby Darin has just moved to Pembrokeshire, Wales after a difficult work-related experience in Swansea. She is teamed up with DCI Rhys Walker, a man who seems to have hidden secrets but is a copper that she respects.
Izzy Grant has tried to move on with her life. She now runs a cottage industry which supplies knitted goods. She lives alone with her rescue cat, Bucket. Five years ago, her partner and one week old daughter vanished without a trace. At the same time, her friend, Grace Madden disappeared. Now, while doing some Christmas shopping, Izzy spots Grace in a busy Cardiff street.
Naturally, Izzy tells the policeman who was on the case five years ago... DCI Rhys Walker. He and the new to the area DC Gaby Darin re-investigate the cold case.
Gaby is increasingly aware that her partner, DCI Rhys Walker has personal feelings for Izzy. She tries to keep this knowledge on the back burner whilst working the case.
Meanwhile, Izzy does more than a little amateur sleuthing herself.
Izzy receives a postcard from Charlie, her daughter's father. With renewed hope that her daughter might still be alive, Izzy makes every effort to determine what happened five years ago. Her efforts put her in grave danger.
MY THOUGHTS
I was pleased to make the acquaintance of a new female police protagonist. DC Gaby Darin was an interesting character. Bright, brash, overweight, lonely, and very good at her job.
The Pembrokeshire setting was well-described and the plot contained more than one 'red-herring' which will please most mystery readers. One of these had me thinking that I had the story all figured out - I was dead wrong. Another red-herring led the story down a path that I felt wasn't resolved as much as it should have been. Finally, I put my own brain in gear and guessed the outcome of the story. I was nearly at the end of the book, but as they say 'better late than never'. LOL
I am convinced that "Missing in Wales" will be well-received by all those readers who delight in a well-written police procedural mystery. I look forward to the sequel "" which has DC Gaby Darin starting out again at a new police station - this time in Llandudno.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel in order to participate in the blog tour presented by Rachel's Random Resources.
DC Gaby Darin has just moved to Pembrokeshire, Wales after a difficult work-related experience in Swansea. She is teamed up with DCI Rhys Walker, a man who seems to have hidden secrets but is a copper that she respects.
Izzy Grant has tried to move on with her life. She now runs a cottage industry which supplies knitted goods. She lives alone with her rescue cat, Bucket. Five years ago, her partner and one week old daughter vanished without a trace. At the same time, her friend, Grace Madden disappeared. Now, while doing some Christmas shopping, Izzy spots Grace in a busy Cardiff street.
Naturally, Izzy tells the policeman who was on the case five years ago... DCI Rhys Walker. He and the new to the area DC Gaby Darin re-investigate the cold case.
Gaby is increasingly aware that her partner, DCI Rhys Walker has personal feelings for Izzy. She tries to keep this knowledge on the back burner whilst working the case.
Meanwhile, Izzy does more than a little amateur sleuthing herself.
Izzy receives a postcard from Charlie, her daughter's father. With renewed hope that her daughter might still be alive, Izzy makes every effort to determine what happened five years ago. Her efforts put her in grave danger.
MY THOUGHTS
I was pleased to make the acquaintance of a new female police protagonist. DC Gaby Darin was an interesting character. Bright, brash, overweight, lonely, and very good at her job.
The Pembrokeshire setting was well-described and the plot contained more than one 'red-herring' which will please most mystery readers. One of these had me thinking that I had the story all figured out - I was dead wrong. Another red-herring led the story down a path that I felt wasn't resolved as much as it should have been. Finally, I put my own brain in gear and guessed the outcome of the story. I was nearly at the end of the book, but as they say 'better late than never'. LOL
I am convinced that "Missing in Wales" will be well-received by all those readers who delight in a well-written police procedural mystery. I look forward to the sequel "" which has DC Gaby Darin starting out again at a new police station - this time in Llandudno.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel in order to participate in the blog tour presented by Rachel's Random Resources.
June 15, 2019
This book tells the story of Izzy Grant finding happiness with Charlie Dawson and excited to be awaiting the arrival of their first child. But nothing is straight forward for Izzy as you read on. After the birth of baby Alys, Charlie takes her and goes missing. DI Rhys Walker on the case and five years on DS Gaby Darin joins the case with their disappearance. This book is full of twists and turns to the story. You will be gripped into it all. There's so much happening I recommend it to all reading genre's. This author has no doubt wrote a best seller with this book. LOVED IT
September 13, 2019
The general story idea is decent -- a newborn baby, the baby's parent, and a best friend go missing and, five years later, new evidence appears that starts the search again. But good lord, this book is drafts away from being ready for publication! It's so disorganized, and the mismatched pronouns don't help at all. Every other page, I had to mentally withdraw from the story to figure out what was happening in a given sentence. Not a smooth reading experience at all, and I eventually quit about 40% of the way through due to exhaustion.
May 24, 2020
Quite an exciting read with a missing child kidnapped by a boyfriend.
Izzy was mad with worry where 5 years on she saw a lost friend who didn't acknowledge her. Her only hope was the cop in charge of the investigation, Gaby.
My first book by this author, I was pulled in by the story. I didn't like the characters but the plot line kept my curiosity perked up. A missing child always piques my interest.
The writing though slow to begin with, soon sped up. Twists and turns made it more exciting. Quite a thrilling captivating read.
Izzy was mad with worry where 5 years on she saw a lost friend who didn't acknowledge her. Her only hope was the cop in charge of the investigation, Gaby.
My first book by this author, I was pulled in by the story. I didn't like the characters but the plot line kept my curiosity perked up. A missing child always piques my interest.
The writing though slow to begin with, soon sped up. Twists and turns made it more exciting. Quite a thrilling captivating read.
May 20, 2020
I love a gripping crime thriller, and Silent Cry by Jenny O’Brien certainly delivered on that front. This is the first book in O’Brien’s ‘Detective Gaby Darrin’ series. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I’m already looking forward to the second in the series, Darkest Night, which is due out in July. With such a bombshell of an opening, I was hooked from the get-go and I became completely invested in the investigation which unfolds within the pages, that of which spun me round and around with numerous red-herrings, and twists and turns in its unravelling. O’Brien writes a satisfyingly mysterious plot within Silent Cry, one which held my attention throughout and ensured that I, alongside the characters within, became desperate for the final conclusion. I couldn’t wait to discover what had really happened on that devastating day.
Silent Cry by Jenny O’Brien opens with a powerful prologue in which Izzy Grant awakes from a nap to find that her partner and baby daughter are still not home, and going out earlier in the day. With it being the first time Izzy has been away from Alys since her birth, she could of course be shrugged off as a paranoid, panicky first-time mother, but when she finds that a note has been pushed through the letterbox which says, ‘I’ve got Alys. Don’t try to find us, Charlie’, events swiftly take a terrifying turn for the worst and Izzy is left helpless while the police try to track down her missing child and partner.
O’Brien then brings us back to the present day, in which the investigation has died down, and trying to find Charlie and Alys are no longer at the top of their priority list. What kickstarts the search again is a familiar face spotted by Izzy one afternoon while out amongst Christmas shoppers. A face she recognises from the past. A face belonging to Grace Madden, a woman she was once close to but who seemed to vanish when Alys and Charlie went missing. Sure that Grace must have had some part to play in what happened to her daughter, Izzy attempts to raise the interest of the police once more, certain that she’s onto something.
What follows is a dramatic, dark and tension-fuelled search for information surrounding the disappearance of Alys and Charlie, and the hunt for Grace Madden, to see if perhaps she knows the truth about what happened to Izzy’s family that day. O’Brien creates a sharp and excellently paced plot with chapters that were short and punchy, moving the plot along swiftly, which I loved. It was an atmospheric story, with a deep sense of mystery throughout that ensured my interest remained high. I was on the edge of my seat, searching alongside the detectives for clues of my own, my suspicions in all directions because I really didn’t have a clue who could have been behind the tragic truth. O’Brien is skilled in keeping back what she doesn’t yet want you to know. There was so much that was hidden beneath the surface in this story, constantly simmering away as other events took your attention away.
The characterisation in Silent Cry by Jenny O’Brien was brilliant. From Izzy Grant, determined to find out what really happened to her family, to Rhys Walker, lead detective in the original investigation and with a bit of a crush on Izzy, to Gaby Darin, joining a brand-new team and working entirely on her own instincts. I loved getting to know them all, and watching as their separate lives intertwined in the search for Alys and Charlie. O’Brien ensures each character is believable and holds an important place within the plot. I also found the deeper bonds between certain characters enjoyable to discover and learn more about. O’Brien ensured there was a history to the characters which held them together just that little bit tighter, and which also brought on a new sense of intrigue.
Overall, Silent Cry by Jenny O’Brien was a sleek and tightly written thriller full of mystery, suspicion, and deceit. I could never be certain of where O’Brien was going to take her characters, but I definitely enjoyed finding out. From first page to last, I was absorbed within this story, and raced through it in my desperation for the truth to finally be revealed. This was a brilliantly addictive beginning to a brand-new series which I really can’t wait to read more of. O’Brien writes a confident and bold plot in Silent Cry, and I look forward to being reunited with Detective Gaby Darin in the very near future. The Book Babe will be giving a rating of four out of five stars for Silent Cry by Jenny O’Brien. Roll on July! I can’t wait to see what Gaby Darin will be tackling next.
Silent Cry by Jenny O’Brien opens with a powerful prologue in which Izzy Grant awakes from a nap to find that her partner and baby daughter are still not home, and going out earlier in the day. With it being the first time Izzy has been away from Alys since her birth, she could of course be shrugged off as a paranoid, panicky first-time mother, but when she finds that a note has been pushed through the letterbox which says, ‘I’ve got Alys. Don’t try to find us, Charlie’, events swiftly take a terrifying turn for the worst and Izzy is left helpless while the police try to track down her missing child and partner.
O’Brien then brings us back to the present day, in which the investigation has died down, and trying to find Charlie and Alys are no longer at the top of their priority list. What kickstarts the search again is a familiar face spotted by Izzy one afternoon while out amongst Christmas shoppers. A face she recognises from the past. A face belonging to Grace Madden, a woman she was once close to but who seemed to vanish when Alys and Charlie went missing. Sure that Grace must have had some part to play in what happened to her daughter, Izzy attempts to raise the interest of the police once more, certain that she’s onto something.
What follows is a dramatic, dark and tension-fuelled search for information surrounding the disappearance of Alys and Charlie, and the hunt for Grace Madden, to see if perhaps she knows the truth about what happened to Izzy’s family that day. O’Brien creates a sharp and excellently paced plot with chapters that were short and punchy, moving the plot along swiftly, which I loved. It was an atmospheric story, with a deep sense of mystery throughout that ensured my interest remained high. I was on the edge of my seat, searching alongside the detectives for clues of my own, my suspicions in all directions because I really didn’t have a clue who could have been behind the tragic truth. O’Brien is skilled in keeping back what she doesn’t yet want you to know. There was so much that was hidden beneath the surface in this story, constantly simmering away as other events took your attention away.
The characterisation in Silent Cry by Jenny O’Brien was brilliant. From Izzy Grant, determined to find out what really happened to her family, to Rhys Walker, lead detective in the original investigation and with a bit of a crush on Izzy, to Gaby Darin, joining a brand-new team and working entirely on her own instincts. I loved getting to know them all, and watching as their separate lives intertwined in the search for Alys and Charlie. O’Brien ensures each character is believable and holds an important place within the plot. I also found the deeper bonds between certain characters enjoyable to discover and learn more about. O’Brien ensured there was a history to the characters which held them together just that little bit tighter, and which also brought on a new sense of intrigue.
Overall, Silent Cry by Jenny O’Brien was a sleek and tightly written thriller full of mystery, suspicion, and deceit. I could never be certain of where O’Brien was going to take her characters, but I definitely enjoyed finding out. From first page to last, I was absorbed within this story, and raced through it in my desperation for the truth to finally be revealed. This was a brilliantly addictive beginning to a brand-new series which I really can’t wait to read more of. O’Brien writes a confident and bold plot in Silent Cry, and I look forward to being reunited with Detective Gaby Darin in the very near future. The Book Babe will be giving a rating of four out of five stars for Silent Cry by Jenny O’Brien. Roll on July! I can’t wait to see what Gaby Darin will be tackling next.
October 1, 2022
This is the first volume of a series but I didn't find that Gaby Darin, whose series it is meant to be, featured much in this book. The story is mainly told from two viewpoints. The first is that of Izzy who, five years before the story starts, had just had a baby. Her partner took the baby out for a drive to give her some quiet time as she was exhausted and never came home. Later, a postcard pushed through the door said that he had gone away with the child. The police were never able to locate him. Now another postcard arrives assuring her that the child is fine but she should never try to find them. Still grieving, Izzy sees Rhys, the detective who had been in charge of the case and tells him about the postcard. Most of the rest of the book is in the viewpoint of Rhys. Gaby has occasional appearances which increase in frequency towards the end of the story. The reader does get the gist of her backstory -she had to leave the force in Cardiff due to an extra marital affair and having acted as whistleblower regarding a colleague - but I never really took to her as a character. For me, this was an OK 2 star read but no more than that.
May 25, 2020
"I absolutely loved this thriller. I raced through it at breakneck speed in a single afternoon.
It was an intriguing read following the trials and tribulations of Izzy Grant. A young woman who wakes up one morning to find her newborn baby is missing. But the revelation who stole her child almost sends her over the edge.
Now years later, someone from her past comes back into her life and again her emotions spiral out of control. To say more would spoil a future readers' entertainment.
This was an absolute page-turner of a thriller which I have no hesitation in recommending.
It was an intriguing read following the trials and tribulations of Izzy Grant. A young woman who wakes up one morning to find her newborn baby is missing. But the revelation who stole her child almost sends her over the edge.
Now years later, someone from her past comes back into her life and again her emotions spiral out of control. To say more would spoil a future readers' entertainment.
This was an absolute page-turner of a thriller which I have no hesitation in recommending.
September 29, 2020
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This was just too slow for me and really dragged in places.
I was unable to feel any emotional attachment to the characters.
It was struggle to finish with the killer fairly obvious.
This was just too slow for me and really dragged in places.
I was unable to feel any emotional attachment to the characters.
It was struggle to finish with the killer fairly obvious.
April 8, 2020
Silent Cry is the first outing for DC Gabriella Darin, or Gaby as she is known. Gaby already has a chequered past in her police career but as the heroine of this crime drama Jenny O’Brien has made her an empathetic one. The story centres on Izzy whose partner Charlie and newborn daughter Alys disappeared without trace some five years previously. Izzy is trying to move on but she suddenly receives a card purportedly from Charlie. As events escalate the police in the form of DI Rhys Walker and his new partner Gaby head up the re-opened case. It’s a complicated plot with nothing as it seems and its fair share of red herrings but it’s both an engaging and a pacy read. I will definitely read Gaby’s. next case. Thanks to NetGalley and HQ Digital for the ARC.
August 25, 2019
I wont lie, I normally judge books by their covers. The Goodreads cover is pants. The Kindle cover is so much better. In fact I saw this book on book bub the other day for FREE and thought you know what I'll give it a go. It's free after all. I'm so glad I did. It was fab. Cant wait for the next 1.
August 25, 2019
This is a heart-breaking tale for Izzy when her partner, Charlie takes her one week old baby, Alys out to give her a rest and neither of them return. The police can find no sign of them anywhere and Izzy struggles to come to terms with the fact that she may never see her baby daughter again. Five years later, Izzy is still holding out hope that she will find Alys, and when she thinks she sees Grace, her heavily pregnant friend who also disappeared at the same time as Charlie and Alys, she persuades the police to look at the case again. DC Gaby Darin and DCI Rhys Walker reluctantly begin to look at the evidence but can they find anything to help Alys be bought back home.
This is my first book by this author. As a mother, I found Izzy’s story a particularly sad and upsetting story. How awful must it have been for her to find her one week old baby daughter missing? Shouldn’t she had been able to leave her with Charlie, the baby’s father, without having to worry about her….of course she should! My maternal heartstrings were well and truly pulled right from the beginning of the story and yet it was obvious that there was more to this story than meets the eye. I really liked DC Gaby Darin’s character. Recently transferred to the team, she gives a fresh set of eyes over Izzy’s case which gives the team new clues to work on. Darin is certainly a hard-working detective who has a definite knack of rooting out information which perhaps some of the previous detectives overlooked. I love how she doesn’t suffer fools gladly, but that she also had to bite her tongue on more than one occasion!!
The story was fast paced and exciting. There are lots of twists and turns and around every corner there was a dead end with more red herrings than you could shake a stick at!! Just when I thought I had it all worked out, I was proved wrong….and on more than one occasion! The location was perfect, with the Welsh atmosphere adding suspense to the story and keeping me hooked. I’d love to see more of DC Darin in another book, and will be keeping my eyes peeled for the next book in the series to follow on Darin’s storyline! Would definitely recommend this book.
This is my first book by this author. As a mother, I found Izzy’s story a particularly sad and upsetting story. How awful must it have been for her to find her one week old baby daughter missing? Shouldn’t she had been able to leave her with Charlie, the baby’s father, without having to worry about her….of course she should! My maternal heartstrings were well and truly pulled right from the beginning of the story and yet it was obvious that there was more to this story than meets the eye. I really liked DC Gaby Darin’s character. Recently transferred to the team, she gives a fresh set of eyes over Izzy’s case which gives the team new clues to work on. Darin is certainly a hard-working detective who has a definite knack of rooting out information which perhaps some of the previous detectives overlooked. I love how she doesn’t suffer fools gladly, but that she also had to bite her tongue on more than one occasion!!
The story was fast paced and exciting. There are lots of twists and turns and around every corner there was a dead end with more red herrings than you could shake a stick at!! Just when I thought I had it all worked out, I was proved wrong….and on more than one occasion! The location was perfect, with the Welsh atmosphere adding suspense to the story and keeping me hooked. I’d love to see more of DC Darin in another book, and will be keeping my eyes peeled for the next book in the series to follow on Darin’s storyline! Would definitely recommend this book.
September 11, 2019
Dear oh dear.....I tried, I really did, sticking with this till I was 40% done but in the end had to call it a day. Whilst the story was enjoyable, the editing is just non-existent !! Lost punctuation, some really frightful spelling mistakes and worst of all, for me, mixing your own characters up !! The publisher needs a kick up the backside as they've done a dreadful job putting this out in the state it's currently in. If I was the author I'd be heading elsewhere sharpish, where they might at least offer an editing and proofreading service !! To go to all this trouble only to put it in the hands of people who clearly don't have a clue is just nuts.
Even before I started the actual book and was reading through her list of previous books, one of the titles there is spelt wrong, which gave me pause, as it just doesn't bode well to see that before you've even started the story itself !!
Two repeated errors she makes are sticking apostrophes onto almost every word ending in s and also not capitalising brand names.....Maris Piper's, four Emily's, three Jack's and two Henry's, Graces', mini, diet coke, smarties and channel-swimmer......
There were way too many instances of speechmarks being missed off altogether as well. The spelling errors are horrible in some cases......she writes discrete not discreet, edition not addition, being not been, giving not given, dependant not dependent, distain not disdain, baby grow not gro, anyway not any way and the terrible one was writing Oscar and Gareth as opposed to Dylan and Gareth, since Oscar was the husband in this case, not one of the kids. Just frightful. I read this line, which I hope is self-explanatory, and I called it a day, "'No,' his smile brief. his word's a shock."
Looking through my notes and highlights they're ALL mistakes I've noted aside from a funny remark I found amusing, though I was enjoying the story. It was definitely holding my interest and was very mysterious but I just can't read anything this poorly presented.
Even before I started the actual book and was reading through her list of previous books, one of the titles there is spelt wrong, which gave me pause, as it just doesn't bode well to see that before you've even started the story itself !!
Two repeated errors she makes are sticking apostrophes onto almost every word ending in s and also not capitalising brand names.....Maris Piper's, four Emily's, three Jack's and two Henry's, Graces', mini, diet coke, smarties and channel-swimmer......
There were way too many instances of speechmarks being missed off altogether as well. The spelling errors are horrible in some cases......she writes discrete not discreet, edition not addition, being not been, giving not given, dependant not dependent, distain not disdain, baby grow not gro, anyway not any way and the terrible one was writing Oscar and Gareth as opposed to Dylan and Gareth, since Oscar was the husband in this case, not one of the kids. Just frightful. I read this line, which I hope is self-explanatory, and I called it a day, "'No,' his smile brief. his word's a shock."
Looking through my notes and highlights they're ALL mistakes I've noted aside from a funny remark I found amusing, though I was enjoying the story. It was definitely holding my interest and was very mysterious but I just can't read anything this poorly presented.
July 22, 2019
I absolutely loved The Stepsister by Jenny O’Brien so was really looking forward to Missing in Wales and I wasn’t disappointed! As soon as it landed on my kindle, I devoured it and wanted to read the next in the series immediately!! Yes, Missing in Wales is the start of a new series for this author featuring her newly created detective DC Gabriella Darin and I think that she’s onto a winner with this enthusiastic young detective. Gaby Darin is feisty and purposeful character that I took to immediately and that took this crime thriller to the next level for me!
I found the plot very emotional at times. Izzy has only recently become a mother to her new baby girl so she’s tired and emotionally exhausted. When her partner takes Alys out for a few hours, she is happy to have a few hours rest but her worst nightmare is about to begin when they don’t return home as expected. Five years later she receives a postcard telling her that they are both fine and not to look for them but as any mother will tell you, that is NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN! So when DC Gaby Darin is transferred from Swansea, her new eye is drawn to this cold case especially since Izzy thinks she has seen a face from the past who may be able to shed light on what happened five years ago.
The Welsh setting worked perfectly for this atmospheric mystery and the intriguing storyline kept me engrossed throughout. Add to the mix an engaging cast of characters and some brilliant twists and turns and this book becomes the first instalment in a must read series. The second book in the series, Stabbed in Wales, had a cover reveal this week which more than whet my appetite for things to come from Jenny O’Brien.
Highly recommended by me!
I found the plot very emotional at times. Izzy has only recently become a mother to her new baby girl so she’s tired and emotionally exhausted. When her partner takes Alys out for a few hours, she is happy to have a few hours rest but her worst nightmare is about to begin when they don’t return home as expected. Five years later she receives a postcard telling her that they are both fine and not to look for them but as any mother will tell you, that is NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN! So when DC Gaby Darin is transferred from Swansea, her new eye is drawn to this cold case especially since Izzy thinks she has seen a face from the past who may be able to shed light on what happened five years ago.
The Welsh setting worked perfectly for this atmospheric mystery and the intriguing storyline kept me engrossed throughout. Add to the mix an engaging cast of characters and some brilliant twists and turns and this book becomes the first instalment in a must read series. The second book in the series, Stabbed in Wales, had a cover reveal this week which more than whet my appetite for things to come from Jenny O’Brien.
Highly recommended by me!
August 26, 2019
A solid, well-written police procedural set in Wales
This is the second book of a series, but I was able to read it as a stand-alone. The missing-baby-and-father storyline is well-plotted, with twists that followed what seems to be coincidental turns. Protagonist DC Gaby Darin—who is intelligent, intuitive, outspoken, and tough—says she’s a fat girl with sturdy ankles and broad feet. I enjoyed following Gaby as she investigates a missing-baby cold case with DI Rhys Walker. It’s thought that Izzy Grant’s baby, named Alys, was kidnapped by Charlie Dawson—Izzy’s lover and her baby’s father. This case has haunted DI Walker for five years, and he’s kept an eye on Izzy, who still suffers from the loss of her baby.
I had difficulties warming to DI Walker and the other misogynistic murder cops. But he’s concerned about Izzy and protective of her, especially after an attempt on her life. As the case progressed, he seemed more and more taken with Izzy—to the point of obsession, even before another murder attempt. OTOH, I liked police FLO Amy Potter, who befriends Gaby, and also Gaby’s boss, DCI Brazil-North. I was leery of Grace Madden, Izzy’s once-close-friend who’s featured in a twisty subplot.
3.5 stars. I liked this solid police procedural, but the story needed more credible suspects instead of a limited pool, which made it easier to pick a culprit.
This is the second book of a series, but I was able to read it as a stand-alone. The missing-baby-and-father storyline is well-plotted, with twists that followed what seems to be coincidental turns. Protagonist DC Gaby Darin—who is intelligent, intuitive, outspoken, and tough—says she’s a fat girl with sturdy ankles and broad feet. I enjoyed following Gaby as she investigates a missing-baby cold case with DI Rhys Walker. It’s thought that Izzy Grant’s baby, named Alys, was kidnapped by Charlie Dawson—Izzy’s lover and her baby’s father. This case has haunted DI Walker for five years, and he’s kept an eye on Izzy, who still suffers from the loss of her baby.
I had difficulties warming to DI Walker and the other misogynistic murder cops. But he’s concerned about Izzy and protective of her, especially after an attempt on her life. As the case progressed, he seemed more and more taken with Izzy—to the point of obsession, even before another murder attempt. OTOH, I liked police FLO Amy Potter, who befriends Gaby, and also Gaby’s boss, DCI Brazil-North. I was leery of Grace Madden, Izzy’s once-close-friend who’s featured in a twisty subplot.
3.5 stars. I liked this solid police procedural, but the story needed more credible suspects instead of a limited pool, which made it easier to pick a culprit.
August 11, 2019
I received an ecopy of this book in order to review for the blog tour. All opinions are my own.
I’m always excited to see a book set in Wales. I’ve been burned before my books being to over the top about it, but the location here felt really natural and not at all forced which I was thrilled to see.
As for the mystery itself, it was really well done. There was plenty of twists and turns, and many things to lead you down the wrong path. I guess the ending, but that just goes to show that the final reveal was a natural one (I hate when it just comes out of nowhere). And despite guessing, I was still kept on the edge of my seat wanting to devour the story and find out what happened.
I really connected with Izzy (and that doesn’t always happen with crime novels) and I care about what happened to her which helped make for a gripping read.
Overall, I’m so pleased to see a well written mystery novel with the Welsh setting as an added bonus.
I’m always excited to see a book set in Wales. I’ve been burned before my books being to over the top about it, but the location here felt really natural and not at all forced which I was thrilled to see.
As for the mystery itself, it was really well done. There was plenty of twists and turns, and many things to lead you down the wrong path. I guess the ending, but that just goes to show that the final reveal was a natural one (I hate when it just comes out of nowhere). And despite guessing, I was still kept on the edge of my seat wanting to devour the story and find out what happened.
I really connected with Izzy (and that doesn’t always happen with crime novels) and I care about what happened to her which helped make for a gripping read.
Overall, I’m so pleased to see a well written mystery novel with the Welsh setting as an added bonus.
August 7, 2019
Izzy Grant had a horrible thing happen to her. Her baby daughter, Alys, disappeared with the baby's father. Everyone thought, how could her partner do this and why?? She is haunted for five years, her life almost ruined. She gets on with her life though, starts a small business and continues on the best she can. Then she sees a woman that she had befriended during her pregnancy. They went through the birthing classes together. Why is Grace suddenly back in town? The police, Rhy and Gaby is brash and dedicated, when the police force have stopped searching, she is determined to find out what happened to Alys and her father.
I found this book to be very well written, suspenseful and I kept wanting more. I did not expect the ending, to me that is the best that an author can do. Not let the reader figure it out. I hope to read more by this author! This author definitely has a future if she keeps writing. Plus I liked that it took place in Wales! I give it four stars!
I found this book to be very well written, suspenseful and I kept wanting more. I did not expect the ending, to me that is the best that an author can do. Not let the reader figure it out. I hope to read more by this author! This author definitely has a future if she keeps writing. Plus I liked that it took place in Wales! I give it four stars!
April 21, 2020
An atmospheric, emotional police procedural, with a refreshingly unique storyline, and a complex and interesting female detective.
Izzy's story is tragic, and the chance for closure, has her contacting the police again, even though it will mean revisiting her painful past. This is a character-driven story, and the players are believable. Izzy is easy to empathise. The pacing is a little slow in the first third of the story but picks up as the plot twists start.
DC Darin has secrets, but good instincts and insight, which prove to be pivotal in solving the case. The ending is suspenseful, and though I did guess who the antagonist is, the clues are there, if you look, the ending's impact resonates.
Definitely, a series I would like to read.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
Izzy's story is tragic, and the chance for closure, has her contacting the police again, even though it will mean revisiting her painful past. This is a character-driven story, and the players are believable. Izzy is easy to empathise. The pacing is a little slow in the first third of the story but picks up as the plot twists start.
DC Darin has secrets, but good instincts and insight, which prove to be pivotal in solving the case. The ending is suspenseful, and though I did guess who the antagonist is, the clues are there, if you look, the ending's impact resonates.
Definitely, a series I would like to read.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
June 20, 2019
what a story am still gobsmacked Izzy s partner Charlie took there little one out for the day but never came back 5years later she recives a postcard. gabriella becomes one of the police investigators with rhys . not saying no more but this a rollercoaster book once you start you want to finish very very gripping and twisty so cant wait for book 2 brilliant book so recommend
August 28, 2019
I have never reviewed any book that I have read. I had to review this one. I read it all only because once I start something I finish it.
Way to drawn out. Sometimes it was hard to follow. I just didn't like it. Sorry. I love a good mystery,just not this one.
Way to drawn out. Sometimes it was hard to follow. I just didn't like it. Sorry. I love a good mystery,just not this one.
May 15, 2020
Izzy’s boyfriend disappears with her newborn baby, leaving a note that says “don’t try to find us.” No clue or trace is found.
Five years later Izzy spots her former best friend Grace in Swansea. A best friend that vanished at the same time as her boyfriend and baby did. Have the 2 disappearances something to do with each other? It’s enough for the police to investigate again.
Suddenly, Grace also gets another postcard, from Paris this time, that says “Alys is safe, don’t look for her!”
In the beginning, the book jumps back and forth between past and present and I got the strong impression that there’s something fishy about ‘friend Grace’. Later the chapters alternate between the POV of the mother and that of DC Gaby Darin.
DC Darin has newly arrived from Cardiff, where she made a mess of both her personal and professional life. With new eyes on the case, she feels that something is off with this case. First, she suspects that the mother may have killed both. But later she becomes more sympathetic towards her.
At first, I didn’t like this police officer very much; I thought her a bit stuck up and quick to judge. But she is a character that has to grow on you. She’s stubborn, thorough, and dedicated to the case. Although she’s not used to forming friendships, she connects quickly with family liaison officer Amy. They’re both intelligent career women who won’t let a man interfere with their job. A job they both like very much.
Her boss DCI Rhys Walker is easier to like. He’s the strong silent type. He grew up with the mother of the baby, who’s the best friend of his sister and has a soft spot for her.
The writer expertly steers you in the wrong direction. From early on in the story, I had a strong feeling that I knew who was behind the crimes. There were times that I wanted to scream at the police and the victim turned sleuth: ‘don’t you see what’s right in front of you’! As the story progresses, I had to make little amends to my theory but was very sure that I had figured it all out. Oh boy, what was I wrong!!! DC Darin was the only one that kept her head cool and figured it out at the 11th hour. The twist at the end was completely unexpected and yet completely plausible. This is a strong series starter.
I thank HQ Digital and Netgalley for their free copy, this is my unbiased, honest review of it.
Five years later Izzy spots her former best friend Grace in Swansea. A best friend that vanished at the same time as her boyfriend and baby did. Have the 2 disappearances something to do with each other? It’s enough for the police to investigate again.
Suddenly, Grace also gets another postcard, from Paris this time, that says “Alys is safe, don’t look for her!”
In the beginning, the book jumps back and forth between past and present and I got the strong impression that there’s something fishy about ‘friend Grace’. Later the chapters alternate between the POV of the mother and that of DC Gaby Darin.
DC Darin has newly arrived from Cardiff, where she made a mess of both her personal and professional life. With new eyes on the case, she feels that something is off with this case. First, she suspects that the mother may have killed both. But later she becomes more sympathetic towards her.
At first, I didn’t like this police officer very much; I thought her a bit stuck up and quick to judge. But she is a character that has to grow on you. She’s stubborn, thorough, and dedicated to the case. Although she’s not used to forming friendships, she connects quickly with family liaison officer Amy. They’re both intelligent career women who won’t let a man interfere with their job. A job they both like very much.
Her boss DCI Rhys Walker is easier to like. He’s the strong silent type. He grew up with the mother of the baby, who’s the best friend of his sister and has a soft spot for her.
The writer expertly steers you in the wrong direction. From early on in the story, I had a strong feeling that I knew who was behind the crimes. There were times that I wanted to scream at the police and the victim turned sleuth: ‘don’t you see what’s right in front of you’! As the story progresses, I had to make little amends to my theory but was very sure that I had figured it all out. Oh boy, what was I wrong!!! DC Darin was the only one that kept her head cool and figured it out at the 11th hour. The twist at the end was completely unexpected and yet completely plausible. This is a strong series starter.
I thank HQ Digital and Netgalley for their free copy, this is my unbiased, honest review of it.
August 10, 2022
The unexpected twist ending was everything!
Izzy Grant has just had a baby and is exhausted from all the sleepless nights when Charlie, her boyfriend offers to take the baby out for a day and give her a moment to rest. Things turn dark when they don’t return and Izzy finds a note mentioning that Charlie has taken Alys away and to not look for them. Now it’s 5 years later and the mystery remains unsolved still.
Detective Gaby Darin has been transferred and given the 5 year old missing case and she needs to solve it to maintain her position.
I’ll be honest, for the first half I was frustrated by the lack of progress and nothing substantial happening, it took a major chunk of the book to get acquainted with everything that had happened in the past but the second half was absolutely marvelous. All the twists and turns in literally every chapter had me guessing until the very end and the killer’s identity shocked me to the core. I never in a million dreams could have guessed it and was thrilled by the reveal.
I do have an issue with how it’s marketed as #1 in Detective Gaby Darin series though because in this book, I felt like her role was only more prominent during the second half while the first half was all carried by Izzy and Rhys.
Izzy Grant has just had a baby and is exhausted from all the sleepless nights when Charlie, her boyfriend offers to take the baby out for a day and give her a moment to rest. Things turn dark when they don’t return and Izzy finds a note mentioning that Charlie has taken Alys away and to not look for them. Now it’s 5 years later and the mystery remains unsolved still.
Detective Gaby Darin has been transferred and given the 5 year old missing case and she needs to solve it to maintain her position.
I’ll be honest, for the first half I was frustrated by the lack of progress and nothing substantial happening, it took a major chunk of the book to get acquainted with everything that had happened in the past but the second half was absolutely marvelous. All the twists and turns in literally every chapter had me guessing until the very end and the killer’s identity shocked me to the core. I never in a million dreams could have guessed it and was thrilled by the reveal.
I do have an issue with how it’s marketed as #1 in Detective Gaby Darin series though because in this book, I felt like her role was only more prominent during the second half while the first half was all carried by Izzy and Rhys.
August 28, 2019
Brilliant
This book kept me reading into the small hours. The twists and turns where great with an unexpected twist at the end.
This book kept me reading into the small hours. The twists and turns where great with an unexpected twist at the end.
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