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Looking for Leo
When young Leo disappears after leaving school, it sets a chain of events in motion that will change the lives of the residents of a quiet Yorkshire village forever.
Ashton returns home many years after committing a heinous crime as a child, and starts to teach an art class. Lynda, a stern secondary school teacher who unwillingly gave evidence against him, recognizes her tutor as the troubled boy from all those years ago, bringing him the unwelcome attention he fears.
When Sarah, a bored housewife, hears about Ashton’s return, she convinces herself he is responsible for Leo’s disappearance and reports him to the police.
Terrified, the boy remains locked in a soundproof room, growing ever more scared of his unpredictable captor.
But just who took Leo and why?
And will he be found before it’s too late?
Ashton returns home many years after committing a heinous crime as a child, and starts to teach an art class. Lynda, a stern secondary school teacher who unwillingly gave evidence against him, recognizes her tutor as the troubled boy from all those years ago, bringing him the unwelcome attention he fears.
When Sarah, a bored housewife, hears about Ashton’s return, she convinces herself he is responsible for Leo’s disappearance and reports him to the police.
Terrified, the boy remains locked in a soundproof room, growing ever more scared of his unpredictable captor.
But just who took Leo and why?
And will he be found before it’s too late?
- GenresMystery
296 pages, Paperback
First published January 19, 2021
498 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Baker
24 books342 followersJ. A. Baker was born and brought up in the North East of England.
When she's not writing and thinking up new and inventive ways of killing off her fictional characters, or looking after her young grandchildren, she can be found pottering around her garden with her madcap dog, Theo or in a coffee shop eating cake with her long suffering husband.
When she's not writing and thinking up new and inventive ways of killing off her fictional characters, or looking after her young grandchildren, she can be found pottering around her garden with her madcap dog, Theo or in a coffee shop eating cake with her long suffering husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
December 23, 2020
I read a lot ( no surprise there anno ) and I read a lot of books full of intrigue, this book deserves a capital I on intrigue as it’s jam packed with it and manages to keep you at the same level from the start until all is revealed near the end
Leo is missing and there are 4 people who it could possibly be ( although I would say there are more ), told chapter by chapter by these characters nothing is given away and you really are in the midst of a fab book mystery, just who is it? And why, how, when and what for
Time on time little bits are given away, very cleverly and I thought I had the answer a few times but no, I was side tracked and misled and LOVED IT
The characters are superb, just wonderful and the descriptive language used to describe them ( by themselves and others ) brill and their daily lives and interactions were honestly a joy to read, deliciously dark
At one scene I was, I have to admit, sat up and trying my hardest not to flick forward to see if.....well, thst woukd ruin it.....it was really tense and I had to stop and go back those few pages and calm myself
Another one of my favourite reads this year this brought together psychological, domestic, thriller and adventure all mixed in to make a truly good nay outstanding read
10/10
5 Stars
Leo is missing and there are 4 people who it could possibly be ( although I would say there are more ), told chapter by chapter by these characters nothing is given away and you really are in the midst of a fab book mystery, just who is it? And why, how, when and what for
Time on time little bits are given away, very cleverly and I thought I had the answer a few times but no, I was side tracked and misled and LOVED IT
The characters are superb, just wonderful and the descriptive language used to describe them ( by themselves and others ) brill and their daily lives and interactions were honestly a joy to read, deliciously dark
At one scene I was, I have to admit, sat up and trying my hardest not to flick forward to see if.....well, thst woukd ruin it.....it was really tense and I had to stop and go back those few pages and calm myself
Another one of my favourite reads this year this brought together psychological, domestic, thriller and adventure all mixed in to make a truly good nay outstanding read
10/10
5 Stars
May 2, 2021
After reading "Her Dark Retreat" and the fabulous "The Woman at Number 19", I was very eager to read more by the author J.A. Baker. After reading "Looking for Leo" I've decided that I will make it my mission to read everything she has written to date.
Over the course of the book we come to know four neighbours of a small village in North Yorkshire. Two are in late middle-age and are best friends. Two are younger and don't know each other very well. These women all have secrets and flaws, and their reactions to an eight-year old boy who goes missing in the next village are all unique to themselves.
Told from the points of view of several different characters, the narrative is well-rounded and rife with red-herrings. Just when you think you know what has taken place, you are forced to reassess your beliefs and ponder the next likely scenario.
I loved the North Yorkshire setting and the pacing of the story was just perfect. The ending revelations were memorable.
I urge all domestic thriller lovers to add this book to their TBRs. The sooner the better!
Over the course of the book we come to know four neighbours of a small village in North Yorkshire. Two are in late middle-age and are best friends. Two are younger and don't know each other very well. These women all have secrets and flaws, and their reactions to an eight-year old boy who goes missing in the next village are all unique to themselves.
Told from the points of view of several different characters, the narrative is well-rounded and rife with red-herrings. Just when you think you know what has taken place, you are forced to reassess your beliefs and ponder the next likely scenario.
I loved the North Yorkshire setting and the pacing of the story was just perfect. The ending revelations were memorable.
I urge all domestic thriller lovers to add this book to their TBRs. The sooner the better!
January 16, 2021
LOOKING FOR LEO is a psychological thriller/suspense novel by JA Baker.
Leo was the last boy standing at the school waiting to be picked up by his mother, who was running late. Then a friend of his mother approaches the boy, to say his mother is working late, and his mother will come and collect him as soon as she can get away. The abductor had been watching the boy, standing unaccompanied, late pick-up, left to fend for himself. Leo was bribed with her sports car and a Cola, laced with sleeping pills.
He was taken to a stranger’s house and locked in the basement in a sound-proof room.
The adductor now has Leo to herself, but refers to him as Timothy…she finally got her Timothy back, after all these years, where he belongs.
The chapters alternate between the following characters:
LYNDA-School teacher spinster approaching retirement in one year, set in her ways and counts the days welcoming retirement with open arms.
MOIRA-Lynda’s rich neighbour and friend.
SARAH-Lonely bored housewife, hung up on cleanliness married to useless husband, Malcolm, who works away from home as much as possible. Sarah spends her life staring out the window and analyzing the lives of other people.
EMILY-Single parent lives with her son Joel, in relationship with new man, Mo, a taxis driver.
ASHTON-Returns home many years after committing a heinous crime as a child, to live with his mum, working a factory job during the day, and teaching art classes to adults in the evening at the local community centre. A man with a hidden past.
THE ABDUCTOR-Tells Leo (Timothy) his/her name is Trent.
The press and the public blame the mother for Leo’s disappearance and not the perpetrator. When Sarah, hears about Ashton’s return, she convinces herself he is responsible for Leo’s disappearance and reports him to the police.
But just who took Leo and why?
And will he be found before it’s too late?
This is a nail-biting psychological thriller with lots of characters, detailed plot and high suspense level leading up to and unexpected ending. And did I figure out the identity of the culprit? No! This novel is loaded with lots of red herrings, to pull the reader in different directions on the path to expose the real culprit. Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for my digital copy.
Leo was the last boy standing at the school waiting to be picked up by his mother, who was running late. Then a friend of his mother approaches the boy, to say his mother is working late, and his mother will come and collect him as soon as she can get away. The abductor had been watching the boy, standing unaccompanied, late pick-up, left to fend for himself. Leo was bribed with her sports car and a Cola, laced with sleeping pills.
He was taken to a stranger’s house and locked in the basement in a sound-proof room.
The adductor now has Leo to herself, but refers to him as Timothy…she finally got her Timothy back, after all these years, where he belongs.
The chapters alternate between the following characters:
LYNDA-School teacher spinster approaching retirement in one year, set in her ways and counts the days welcoming retirement with open arms.
MOIRA-Lynda’s rich neighbour and friend.
SARAH-Lonely bored housewife, hung up on cleanliness married to useless husband, Malcolm, who works away from home as much as possible. Sarah spends her life staring out the window and analyzing the lives of other people.
EMILY-Single parent lives with her son Joel, in relationship with new man, Mo, a taxis driver.
ASHTON-Returns home many years after committing a heinous crime as a child, to live with his mum, working a factory job during the day, and teaching art classes to adults in the evening at the local community centre. A man with a hidden past.
THE ABDUCTOR-Tells Leo (Timothy) his/her name is Trent.
The press and the public blame the mother for Leo’s disappearance and not the perpetrator. When Sarah, hears about Ashton’s return, she convinces herself he is responsible for Leo’s disappearance and reports him to the police.
But just who took Leo and why?
And will he be found before it’s too late?
This is a nail-biting psychological thriller with lots of characters, detailed plot and high suspense level leading up to and unexpected ending. And did I figure out the identity of the culprit? No! This novel is loaded with lots of red herrings, to pull the reader in different directions on the path to expose the real culprit. Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for my digital copy.
January 1, 2021
Leo leaves school and once again, his mother is late in picking him up. Later, people will point fingers at the mother for not getting to the school to pick him up. He's standing alone when a friend of his mother's approaches him with a story of how his mother is working late and won't be able to pick him up right away. Bribing him with a cold can of cola .. which has been doctored.. young Leo finds himself later in a stranger's house ..locked in a soundproof room.
A man named Ashton returns to his hometown after being away for many years. He's just started to teach a beginner's art class. He's really nervous, but he's determined to do a good job. All goes pretty well, until he seems to remember one of those who signed up .... and he knows that she remembers him, as well.
Lynda, a school teacher one year from retirement, has grown somewhat bitter over the years. She remembers Ashton and the crimes Ashton committed as a child. Sarah, a bored housewife hears about Ashton and convinces herself that he is the one responsible for abducting Leo.
Another neighbor has a new boyfriend, a cab driver. This neighbor also has a young son ... could the boyfriend be responsible for Leo's absence? Everyone has heard of men getting close to a woman who has a young child, which is usually their primary target.
Could either of these men be responsible?
Lots of characters to follow in this one... a neighborhood of mostly women with nothing more going on in their lives except to watch all the others and pass the gossip around. Some were really unlikable .. which meant they were intriguing .. which is the goal reached by the author. The plot is intricate and the suspense is maintained throughout. The ending was totally unexpected.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Merged review:
Leo leaves school and once again, his mother is late in picking him up. Later, people will point fingers at the mother for not getting to the school to pick him up. He's standing alone when a friend of his mother's approaches him with a story of how his mother is working late and won't be able to pick him up right away. Bribing him with a cold can of cola .. which has been doctored.. young Leo finds himself later in a stranger's house ..locked in a soundproof room.
A man named Ashton returns to his hometown after being away for many years. He's just started to teach a beginner's art class. He's really nervous, but he's determined to do a good job. All goes pretty well, until he seems to remember one of those who signed up .... and he knows that she remembers him, as well.
Lynda, a school teacher one year from retirement, has grown somewhat bitter over the years. She remembers Ashton and the crimes Ashton committed as a child. Sarah, a bored housewife hears about Ashton and convinces herself that he is the one responsible for abducting Leo.
Another neighbor has a new boyfriend, a cab driver. This neighbor also has a young son ... could the boyfriend be responsible for Leo's absence? Everyone has heard of men getting close to a woman who has a young child, which is usually their primary target.
Could either of these men be responsible?
Lots of characters to follow in this one... a neighborhood of mostly women with nothing more going on in their lives except to watch all the others and pass the gossip around. Some were really unlikable .. which meant they were intriguing .. which is the goal reached by the author. The plot is intricate and the suspense is maintained throughout. The ending was totally unexpected.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
April 13, 2021
I think I'm missing something, looking at all the 4 and 5-star reviews. Did we read the same book? Pretty well written, although the constant perspective changing was not particularly well done. The characters were all pretty horrible, but that's not my struggle with Looking for Leo. There was really no "looking for Leo," was there? It was more a character study of the three women, one after another, one more horrible than the next. I'm not sure what the purpose of Ashton was as he appeared in about two or three chapters, with an incomplete backstory. This was just a meh for me; I doubt I'll be reading any more of this author.
January 19, 2021
The chapters of this enthralling thriller alternate between the perspectives of Lynda,Sarah and Emily, three women who despite living not far from each other in the small, picturesque village of Middleham had never had any reason to interact with each other. But,they find themselves drawn together after little Leo Fairland disappears from his school in the neighbouring village of Atenby. Suddenly a cloud of fear, suspicion and paranoia hangs over their quaint little village, feelings that only grow and intensity once news leaks about a newcomers shocking past. Each woman had her own unique personality and character traits and dealt with little Leo's disappearance in her own way. At times there was aspects of Lynda and Sarah's characters that I didn't like but as the story unfolded it was fascinating witnessing how their characters changed and ultimately caused my opinion of them to also alter and change.The author added depth to the women by given each of them their own personal,realistic issues to deal with.
Interspersed throughout the book was chapters that were voiced from the perspective of the newcomer Ashton, a individual who is doing his best to move on from his shocking past but as we all know, you can never outrun your past because it always finds a way of catching up with you. In life things are very often not what they appear to be,it's easy to judge someone when you don't know the truth about their background.
There was also chapters that were voiced from the perspective of the person who had abducted Leo, someone who had some serious mental health issues but had hidden their true identity behind a mask and was hiding within plain sight. Reading the treatment that Leo was subjected to and his pleas to return home to his mum was heart breaking and I couldn't help admiring his bravery when he stood up to his abductor. A intense feeling of unease permeated these chapters,a feeling that intensified as time passed, Leo spent more time in captivity and his captor's behaviour become increasingly more unhinged and unpredictable.
The Author cleverly manipulates the reader into believing that any one of the diverse characters could be Leo's kidnapper. Who had abducted him and what was the motive behind his abduction? The answer to these questions was such a genuine,unexpected shock that I was left reeling and sitting in my favourite reading chair doing a very bad impersonation of Omg cat.
This is a very cleverly written domestic drama/thriller that hooks the reader in from the first page. The twists,turns,clever misdirections and red herrings keep the reader guessing and glued to your kindle. I really enjoyed this captivating read, I haven't read any of this author's previous books and I look forward to reading more in the future.
Interspersed throughout the book was chapters that were voiced from the perspective of the newcomer Ashton, a individual who is doing his best to move on from his shocking past but as we all know, you can never outrun your past because it always finds a way of catching up with you. In life things are very often not what they appear to be,it's easy to judge someone when you don't know the truth about their background.
There was also chapters that were voiced from the perspective of the person who had abducted Leo, someone who had some serious mental health issues but had hidden their true identity behind a mask and was hiding within plain sight. Reading the treatment that Leo was subjected to and his pleas to return home to his mum was heart breaking and I couldn't help admiring his bravery when he stood up to his abductor. A intense feeling of unease permeated these chapters,a feeling that intensified as time passed, Leo spent more time in captivity and his captor's behaviour become increasingly more unhinged and unpredictable.
The Author cleverly manipulates the reader into believing that any one of the diverse characters could be Leo's kidnapper. Who had abducted him and what was the motive behind his abduction? The answer to these questions was such a genuine,unexpected shock that I was left reeling and sitting in my favourite reading chair doing a very bad impersonation of Omg cat.
This is a very cleverly written domestic drama/thriller that hooks the reader in from the first page. The twists,turns,clever misdirections and red herrings keep the reader guessing and glued to your kindle. I really enjoyed this captivating read, I haven't read any of this author's previous books and I look forward to reading more in the future.
December 26, 2020
A little boy is taken from outside his school..As the story goes to print it is unbelievable how cruel and vitriolic the comments are towards his mother who was just minutes away from collecting him ..But what happened to Leo ? And who could have taken him ..Emily who watches the news is horrified that something like this could happen in a quiet place like Alenby and becomes overprotective of her child .Sarah lives in a pristine home and is polite but not over friendly with her neighbours..Lynda is a teacher she has been teaching a long time and looking forward to a new art class at the community centre..But the night she registers and begins the class, there is a faint glimmer of recognition between herself and the new art teacher Ashton ..As a little boy begins to wander if he will see his mother again the doors to the past are flung open and come hurtling forward at full speed ...Gutwrenching, fast moving and cleverly plotted ..Looking for Leo is absolutely Stunning writing ..Couldn't put it down ...
December 26, 2020
A young boy is snatched from outside the school gates when his mother his late picking up.
What follows is not at all what you'd expect for this type of story. Instead of a police search and media frenzy, it follows the story of 4 women of varying wealth, status and happiness. They all have their own issues, in marriage or life.
An ex student that was convicted of a lewd act as a child also reappears to throw a spanner into the works.
It was interesting reading this story from a different angle. The pure delusion of the kidnapper but one you can understand to some extent. The build up is good, it ends with a bang. Brilliant.
What follows is not at all what you'd expect for this type of story. Instead of a police search and media frenzy, it follows the story of 4 women of varying wealth, status and happiness. They all have their own issues, in marriage or life.
An ex student that was convicted of a lewd act as a child also reappears to throw a spanner into the works.
It was interesting reading this story from a different angle. The pure delusion of the kidnapper but one you can understand to some extent. The build up is good, it ends with a bang. Brilliant.
January 19, 2021
Another fabulous book by J A Baker. A missing boy, a neurotic mum and a nosey parker.
Well constructed, great characters and settings for the book. An emotion grabbing story which will stay with me for some time.
Well constructed, great characters and settings for the book. An emotion grabbing story which will stay with me for some time.
December 26, 2020
Looking for Leo by JA Baker.
I really enjoyed this book. Good story and characters. I didn't have any favourite characters. I Did not like Sarah for what she said to Emily. I did not see that coming. 4*.
I really enjoyed this book. Good story and characters. I didn't have any favourite characters. I Did not like Sarah for what she said to Emily. I did not see that coming. 4*.
June 26, 2021
Oh dear
I know this is fiction , but goodness me. Totally TOTALLY unbelievable characters and situations. Contrived red herrings, melodramatic language … made me laugh out loud at times. Sorry to be so negative, but this novel is utter dross.
I know this is fiction , but goodness me. Totally TOTALLY unbelievable characters and situations. Contrived red herrings, melodramatic language … made me laugh out loud at times. Sorry to be so negative, but this novel is utter dross.
January 10, 2021
When Leo Fairland, age 8 is snatched outside his school gates in the North Yorkshire village of Atenby the locals are quick to denounce his mother, running late to collect her child. Whilst emotions and fears are running high the question on everyone’s lips is who could be responsible for this young boy’s abduction? What possible reason could there be for committing this crime? What harm could befall Leo and will he be found alive and well? Playing upon every parent’s worst nightmare the author reeled me into this storyline effortlessly and cleverly kept me guessing until the very end.
Although the kidnap takes place in another village, the author focuses her attention on some of the residents of nearby Middleham. Relayed from the perspective of four possible suspects the author strikes doubt into the reader’s mind with every snippet of detail she chooses to divulge so no one is immune from scrutiny. Emily, a single mother to Joel, is overly protective and fearful for her son’s safety so news of Leo’s kidnap fans the flames of her insecurities. Neighbour Lynda is a secondary school teacher approaching retirement and somewhat of a closed book. Unmarried and preferring to keep her private life just that, her only friend seems to be Moira, a middle aged single woman like herself. Together they enjoy attending various local clubs and a new art class at the community centre is another avenue for them to explore. Sarah who also lives close by is a stay at home housewife, childless and bored by her restrictive lifestyle. Her marriage to Malcolm is an unhappy one and they spend much time apart, with her husband often working away. Hardly surprisingly, like any law abiding citizen she’s aghast at news of Leo’s kidnap which appears to unhinge her, making her quick to denounce his mother, whilst escalating her belief that no child of hers would ever suffer such a fate. Ashton is the art teacher who will be leading the new class at the community centre, eager to put his past firmly behind him, having committed a crime which will forever taint him. As Sarah, whom I’d label an interfering busybody tries to initiate a friendship with Emily, Lynda and Moira and news of Ashton’s past becomes common knowledge their lives become intertwined as the search for Leo continues.
Suspicion is fuelled by whispers and rumours in a village where the gossip mongering machine is garnering pace. A slip of the tongue is all that is needed for information to fall into the wrong hands. This is a storyline that reflects what can happen when well meaning individuals use such information to cast suspicion upon the most obvious suspect, deflecting attention from other potential suspects,so that other avenues are left unexplored. No wonder then that assumptions are quickly formed about the type of person responsible for this heinous crime but is someone else deliberately pulling the wool over the eyes of these locals? With all three women displaying strange behaviour and Ashton taking a huge risk returning to the place where his own nightmare began this is a storyline to test your powers of deduction.
J A Baker isn’t an author I’ve encountered before but on the strength of this psychological thriller I’m keen to read more. Thanks to the storyline switching between four (or maybe more?) possible suspects the author constantly pulls the rug from under your feet so that I was discarding theory after theory resorting to wild guesses but maybe you will have more success in uncovering the true culprit? Red herrings are planted throughout so just when you think you’ve nailed the truth, a change of direction forces you to rethink! A split second before the final pieces slot into place, the fog cleared and realisation dawned but the reasons behind kidnapping Leo remained elusive.The tension keeps on building beautifully so that my heart was pounding, my curiosity piqued at how on earth the author would resolve these events. Why, I don’t know, but I wasn’t entirely convinced by this ending which is why I’ve opted for a 4 star review rather than a 5. Granted it is unexpected and one that is impossible to predict but it does satisfactorily consolidate the theory that monsters can come in all shapes and sizes! Looking For Leo is a great psychological thriller that will lure you in with ease; losing an afternoon to read this is a few hours well spent. My thanks to Bloodhound books for the opportunity to read.
Although the kidnap takes place in another village, the author focuses her attention on some of the residents of nearby Middleham. Relayed from the perspective of four possible suspects the author strikes doubt into the reader’s mind with every snippet of detail she chooses to divulge so no one is immune from scrutiny. Emily, a single mother to Joel, is overly protective and fearful for her son’s safety so news of Leo’s kidnap fans the flames of her insecurities. Neighbour Lynda is a secondary school teacher approaching retirement and somewhat of a closed book. Unmarried and preferring to keep her private life just that, her only friend seems to be Moira, a middle aged single woman like herself. Together they enjoy attending various local clubs and a new art class at the community centre is another avenue for them to explore. Sarah who also lives close by is a stay at home housewife, childless and bored by her restrictive lifestyle. Her marriage to Malcolm is an unhappy one and they spend much time apart, with her husband often working away. Hardly surprisingly, like any law abiding citizen she’s aghast at news of Leo’s kidnap which appears to unhinge her, making her quick to denounce his mother, whilst escalating her belief that no child of hers would ever suffer such a fate. Ashton is the art teacher who will be leading the new class at the community centre, eager to put his past firmly behind him, having committed a crime which will forever taint him. As Sarah, whom I’d label an interfering busybody tries to initiate a friendship with Emily, Lynda and Moira and news of Ashton’s past becomes common knowledge their lives become intertwined as the search for Leo continues.
Suspicion is fuelled by whispers and rumours in a village where the gossip mongering machine is garnering pace. A slip of the tongue is all that is needed for information to fall into the wrong hands. This is a storyline that reflects what can happen when well meaning individuals use such information to cast suspicion upon the most obvious suspect, deflecting attention from other potential suspects,so that other avenues are left unexplored. No wonder then that assumptions are quickly formed about the type of person responsible for this heinous crime but is someone else deliberately pulling the wool over the eyes of these locals? With all three women displaying strange behaviour and Ashton taking a huge risk returning to the place where his own nightmare began this is a storyline to test your powers of deduction.
J A Baker isn’t an author I’ve encountered before but on the strength of this psychological thriller I’m keen to read more. Thanks to the storyline switching between four (or maybe more?) possible suspects the author constantly pulls the rug from under your feet so that I was discarding theory after theory resorting to wild guesses but maybe you will have more success in uncovering the true culprit? Red herrings are planted throughout so just when you think you’ve nailed the truth, a change of direction forces you to rethink! A split second before the final pieces slot into place, the fog cleared and realisation dawned but the reasons behind kidnapping Leo remained elusive.The tension keeps on building beautifully so that my heart was pounding, my curiosity piqued at how on earth the author would resolve these events. Why, I don’t know, but I wasn’t entirely convinced by this ending which is why I’ve opted for a 4 star review rather than a 5. Granted it is unexpected and one that is impossible to predict but it does satisfactorily consolidate the theory that monsters can come in all shapes and sizes! Looking For Leo is a great psychological thriller that will lure you in with ease; losing an afternoon to read this is a few hours well spent. My thanks to Bloodhound books for the opportunity to read.
January 15, 2021
There were several times that I thought I had this book figured out, only to have some twist make me question everything a couple of chapter later. Turns out, I was wrong on all counts until the big reveal. Needless to say, this is a book which is told from several points of view and has several plot lines which come together nicely to create a well-written and intricate story which will keep you guessing throughout the book.
When a young boy, Leo, is abducted from a local school, the women of a nearby village find their minds often wondering what could have happened to him. Especially when one of the group, a close-to-retirement teacher named Lynda, reveals that the new art tutor in town is a former student of hers who was convicted of a serious crime 20 years before. Their lives end up on a collision course as the kidnapper tries desperately to hide their evil deed.
The women at the center of the novel are all really well drawn and I enjoyed getting to know them. I could picture each one and really felt like I got to know them by the end of the book. Each was not only struggling with the abduction nearby, but also personal issues which were complicating their lives and watching those issues play out was really interesting. It added great layers to the story - love, morality, friendship and society - it was all there!
As I said, I didn’t guess the ending to the story before it was revealed, though I did venture some guesses throughout. The author does a good job of leaving some red herrings throughout. There’s also some good twists and turns which really shake things up and throw you off during the book, which I enjoyed.
The author is clearly a very talented storyteller and I really look forward to reading more from her. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with in the future!
When a young boy, Leo, is abducted from a local school, the women of a nearby village find their minds often wondering what could have happened to him. Especially when one of the group, a close-to-retirement teacher named Lynda, reveals that the new art tutor in town is a former student of hers who was convicted of a serious crime 20 years before. Their lives end up on a collision course as the kidnapper tries desperately to hide their evil deed.
The women at the center of the novel are all really well drawn and I enjoyed getting to know them. I could picture each one and really felt like I got to know them by the end of the book. Each was not only struggling with the abduction nearby, but also personal issues which were complicating their lives and watching those issues play out was really interesting. It added great layers to the story - love, morality, friendship and society - it was all there!
As I said, I didn’t guess the ending to the story before it was revealed, though I did venture some guesses throughout. The author does a good job of leaving some red herrings throughout. There’s also some good twists and turns which really shake things up and throw you off during the book, which I enjoyed.
The author is clearly a very talented storyteller and I really look forward to reading more from her. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with in the future!
January 29, 2021
Looking for Leo is J.A. Baker's tenth published novel since she burst onto the scene with her amazing debut novel, Undercurrent in 2017. I just have to applaud such prolific writing and for all her novels to be completely different and still manage to shock and surprise the reader is nothing short of exceptional.
With a storyline about the abduction of an 8 year old boy, Looking for Leo is filled to the brim with tension and suspense. The suspects are set out before the reader like a game of Cluedo and I must have pointed my finger at all of them at one point or another but J.A. Baker still managed to surprise me.
The cover states that there are four possible suspects but the way that the story unfolds and the tension in the writing makes suspicion fall on everyone, so I had so many more characters in my sights. I love the way that J.A. Baker writes; drawing the reader in various directions, making you focus on different characters and hiding so many red herrings. It's so very gripping and intriguing and although I wouldn't say that this was a fast-paced book, it certainly had me hooked from the start.
With disturbing, jaw-dropping scenes that left me breathless, Looking for Leo is an absolutely outstanding novel from one of the best suspense authors around today. Highly recommended reading.
With a storyline about the abduction of an 8 year old boy, Looking for Leo is filled to the brim with tension and suspense. The suspects are set out before the reader like a game of Cluedo and I must have pointed my finger at all of them at one point or another but J.A. Baker still managed to surprise me.
The cover states that there are four possible suspects but the way that the story unfolds and the tension in the writing makes suspicion fall on everyone, so I had so many more characters in my sights. I love the way that J.A. Baker writes; drawing the reader in various directions, making you focus on different characters and hiding so many red herrings. It's so very gripping and intriguing and although I wouldn't say that this was a fast-paced book, it certainly had me hooked from the start.
With disturbing, jaw-dropping scenes that left me breathless, Looking for Leo is an absolutely outstanding novel from one of the best suspense authors around today. Highly recommended reading.
January 19, 2021
A small village is in turmoil when a young boy disappears after school waiting for his mother to pick him up. How was Leo to know that the stranger claiming to be a friend of his mom wasn’t who they said they were.
Is it just a coincidence that the disappearance coincides with Ashton’s return ‘home’ in the adjacent village after years of being away? He’s paid his dues, but he’s still a man with a criminal record who suffered a troubled childhood. Ashton’s old secondary school teacher, Lynda, can’t seem to shake the eerie possibility. But are her fears driven by the nosey, busybody neighbour Sarah?
With everybody at a breaking point and no leads will the police find little Leo before it’s too late?
This was a fantastic story! I loved how the characters intertwined to one hell of an ending!
Is it just a coincidence that the disappearance coincides with Ashton’s return ‘home’ in the adjacent village after years of being away? He’s paid his dues, but he’s still a man with a criminal record who suffered a troubled childhood. Ashton’s old secondary school teacher, Lynda, can’t seem to shake the eerie possibility. But are her fears driven by the nosey, busybody neighbour Sarah?
With everybody at a breaking point and no leads will the police find little Leo before it’s too late?
This was a fantastic story! I loved how the characters intertwined to one hell of an ending!
March 22, 2021
No doubt this author is an incredibly gifted writer. However I can see how this storytelling might not appeal to everyone. You are spending a lot of time inside the characters' headspace and mindset. I think the author excels at this type of storytelling and writing.....but admit it can get a bit stuffy and repetitive. The plot, the mystery as to who "Trent" is, was very obvious to me from the introduction of a certain character....but it didn't diminish the intrigue for me in the least. I devoured the story, wanting to see exactly how it played out. When we meet the real Trent, what happens is not rushed. The presentation set my heart pounding. It is extremely well written. And it doesn't just end abruptly there; everything is given a wrap up. A marvelous story.
January 4, 2021
What a wonderful book this is. Each chapter is written from the perspective of one character which I have previously found confusing in some novels. But not this one. Brilliant storyline with red herrings abounding.
Briefly, Leo has disappeared but no one knows if he wandered off or was snatched. However, we soon see that he is being kept in a soundproofed room by someone who doesn’t seem to wish him any harm. But his kidnapping affects a number of people in a nearby village even though they have never met him. Where is he and who has him?
A really good read and an easy 5* read for me.
Briefly, Leo has disappeared but no one knows if he wandered off or was snatched. However, we soon see that he is being kept in a soundproofed room by someone who doesn’t seem to wish him any harm. But his kidnapping affects a number of people in a nearby village even though they have never met him. Where is he and who has him?
A really good read and an easy 5* read for me.
January 10, 2021
This is a wonderful psychological suspense thriller that'll keep you guessing throughout. A young boy, Leo, is kidnapped from his school gates by a woman who is mentally unhinged but which woman? This author has a superb way of describing the crime and then apparently going off on a tangent with her story telling but then incredibly bringing it all back together again. It makes for a tremendous read. There quickly appears to be four suspects but who is guilty and will Leo be ok? When reading the book you will come up with more questions which will all be answered in due course.
Another excellent read from J A Baker
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the ARC which I've reviewed voluntarily
Another excellent read from J A Baker
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the ARC which I've reviewed voluntarily
January 11, 2021
8 year old Leo is taken from the school gate when his mother is late to pick him up. Fear abounds in the neighbouring village as four women speculate on who has kidnapped him; blame bounces from it being the mother’s fault to suspicions falling on a new art teacher at the community centre who has his own criminal background. The differences between the women highlight their own emotions, struggles and reactions to the story of the missing child.
It took me a little while to settle into the story as it moves quickly from character to character but the tension builds greatly to a cracking crescendo in this emotive thriller.
It took me a little while to settle into the story as it moves quickly from character to character but the tension builds greatly to a cracking crescendo in this emotive thriller.
January 17, 2021
Wow, if you want a book that will keep you guessing right up to the end then this is for you.
It will have you thinking, “I know what’s going on” ‘oh maybe I’m wrong” “didn’t see that coming” “omg really, noooo way”.
This had me going through so many emotions. I just couldn’t read fast enough.
It's fast-paced, so gripping, and totally edge of your seat stuff.
This has a fantastic “cast” of characters, each of them really brings their own personal story into the book to create one of the best psychological and suspenseful storylines that I’ve read in a while and I read a LOT!
It will have you thinking, “I know what’s going on” ‘oh maybe I’m wrong” “didn’t see that coming” “omg really, noooo way”.
This had me going through so many emotions. I just couldn’t read fast enough.
It's fast-paced, so gripping, and totally edge of your seat stuff.
This has a fantastic “cast” of characters, each of them really brings their own personal story into the book to create one of the best psychological and suspenseful storylines that I’ve read in a while and I read a LOT!
January 19, 2021
This is another fantastic thriller from the pen of J A Baker and a great read for the new year! It tells of Leo who as usual is left waiting for his mother to pick him up from school but is running late again. However Leo is collected only to go missing and the finger points to four suspects, each of whom relate their side of the story in turn, chapter by chapter. The clever part of this story is that when you read a chapter, you believe that "this is the one" only to be thwarted by the next chapter. You are kept guessing right to the end. Taut reading. Tight story. Highly recommended.
Thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.
Thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.
January 20, 2021
This is my first book by this author which I loved from beginning to end. This is a suspense thriller that is fast paced and engaging. This is a well written story about a boy who is missing and there are four people who are the suspects. Will he be found in time and why was he taken? The characters bring the story to life and made the story feel realistic. The twists and turns kept me guessing on who did it and why. Just when I thought I knew the answer another curve ball which had me second guessing. This was a great story which I highly recommend.
January 19, 2021
The use of multiple perspectives telling the events of what is going on combined with the twists and turns of the story made for an absolute page-turner of a book. The ending was a surprise for the most part to me and an interesting one. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book thanks to the publisher and author
January 20, 2021
A well written story about the disappearance of little Leo, and a small village where his disappearance has shook up the lives of a group of friends. But are they really friends, how well do they really know each other or is it more a mutual tolerance. The story is wrote from our leading characters perspective, each chapter told from Lynda, Sarah and Emily’s point of view and also our “captor” Trent. A good read that I thought I had sussed who it was, what was happening and how it would end, but no how wrong I was.
January 13, 2021
At first I thought this was a bit tame and wasn't going anywhere but then, from nowhere it picked up pace and by the final chapter I was on the edge of my seat. I really didn't see the twist coming at the end which made it all the more thrilling. I won't give any details for fear of spoiling the suprise but I will say it was an excellent read.
January 21, 2021
My first time reading this author's books and I was wonderfully surprised. Very well written, great characters and development, with an intense ending. It was especially interesting getting into the minds of the 4 women and trying to guess who the culprit was. Definitely recommend.
December 22, 2020
A little boy, Leo, has gone missing. He is safe and being looked after “until his mother finishes work”. Lynda has started a new art class at the local community centre with her friend and during the class can't help but feel that the instructor is familiar- possibly someone she had to testify against over twenty years ago. Ashton is new to doing this and would love to get into the world of art but his background prevents him from going down the traditional route. Sarah is a bored housewife who is now distrusting her husband Malcolm. He once had an affair and they “lived to tell the tale” but now he seems distant and she can’t help but feel as if something else is going on. Emily is a single mum to Joel and has just met a new man Mo. The women meet up to get to know each other for coffee and inevitably end up discussing the disappearance and the coincidence of Ashton being back in the village. I enjoyed this- there is so much more to this than “just a missing child” there are layers to the characters and depth which comes across really well. A brilliantly written book that had me turning the pages.
January 9, 2021
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for this ARC.
This is my first read by this author and I really, really enjoyed this. A young boy disappears on his way home from school. Who has taken him and why? The story is told through different characters (some nice, some not so nice) who live in a small village and seem to be keeping secrets of their own. I loved this book, really enjoyed the suspense, mystery, twists and turns in it. A couple of times I was certain I knew who had took Leo and was wrong. I was hooked from the beginning to the end, I really liked the authors writing style and at times was really on the edge of my seat reading this. And what an ending. Just brilliant. I will definitely be looking at the authors other books.
This is my first read by this author and I really, really enjoyed this. A young boy disappears on his way home from school. Who has taken him and why? The story is told through different characters (some nice, some not so nice) who live in a small village and seem to be keeping secrets of their own. I loved this book, really enjoyed the suspense, mystery, twists and turns in it. A couple of times I was certain I knew who had took Leo and was wrong. I was hooked from the beginning to the end, I really liked the authors writing style and at times was really on the edge of my seat reading this. And what an ending. Just brilliant. I will definitely be looking at the authors other books.
January 13, 2021
From the start of this book the tension and intrigue increased with every chapter and each character that was introduced. The characters were so believable and their actions, true to life. I had no idea who had taken Leo and why! A clever plot and written very well
February 4, 2021
Thrilling
Great read. Kept you on your toes. A definite suspense that had you wondering until the end. Would highly recommend.
Great read. Kept you on your toes. A definite suspense that had you wondering until the end. Would highly recommend.
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