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The Missing Children Case Files #4
Discarded
Where better to hide a body than in someone else’s grave?
When a girl goes missing from the shores of Dorset in a crime eerily similar to one two decades earlier, her parents enlist investigative journalist and bestselling author Emma Hunter to find her.
Where better to bury the truth than in someone else’s lie?
But then Jack calls her saying they’ve found a suitcase of bones beneath the ash of the studio Freddie burned down in Berkshire eight months earlier. As Emma contends with the question of whether her worst fear has finally been realised, her agent Maddie calls her from London saying she’s been sent a message from the killers.
When monsters rise the children are the first to die…
They’ve not only noticed her string of solved cases, they’re watching her, warning her. Every day Emma fails to stop them could end with another child’s grave. All she knows for certain is that she has to find the faces in the videos or die in the attempt.
When a girl goes missing from the shores of Dorset in a crime eerily similar to one two decades earlier, her parents enlist investigative journalist and bestselling author Emma Hunter to find her.
Where better to bury the truth than in someone else’s lie?
But then Jack calls her saying they’ve found a suitcase of bones beneath the ash of the studio Freddie burned down in Berkshire eight months earlier. As Emma contends with the question of whether her worst fear has finally been realised, her agent Maddie calls her from London saying she’s been sent a message from the killers.
When monsters rise the children are the first to die…
They’ve not only noticed her string of solved cases, they’re watching her, warning her. Every day Emma fails to stop them could end with another child’s grave. All she knows for certain is that she has to find the faces in the videos or die in the attempt.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 12, 2021
Book 4 in the Missing Children Case Files series.
Another day, another missing child or, in this case, a clever bit of misdirection with two girls named Joanna! This book moves the narrative forward quite a bit in the hunt for Emma’s sister but I can’t say much about the plot this time as it would all be very spoilery. You do get the sense though that the paedophile ring Emma is hunting down is bigger than anyone thought, has been around for a long time and has some very important people protecting it.
The links between the former St Francis Home for Wayward Boys, Pendark Studios and the video files found on Arthur Turgood’s hard drive are now hard to deny. Emma’s friend Freddie, abused as a boy at the home, knows more than he has let on and the more Emma pushes the more he clams up. Jack is despondent as eight months of investigation by a 20 strong dedicated team has only resulted in one more child being identified from the videos on the hard drive. Emma also has a new admirer in Rick, a rather cheeky but charming PCSO (police community support officer) so her relationship with Jack is still yet to get off the ground.
I did enjoy this book and I’m getting a sense of what happened to Emma’s sister Anna but I can’t say anything about it. There are two more books to come and I hope I will get a chance to read them now that I am fully invested in the series. It does make you think though about how many children have been brutalised for the sick pleasure of some individuals with more money than morals. The more these things are brought into the light, hopefully the sooner we can end it. It I have to say though, when I hear about privileged people in my own country getting away with abusing women or children it doesn’t fill me with confidence. But I do know that it won’t end if we stay silent! My thanks to Netgalley, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and M.A. Hunter for providing a copy to review. My opinions are my own. This one and the previous 3 books are available now.
Another day, another missing child or, in this case, a clever bit of misdirection with two girls named Joanna! This book moves the narrative forward quite a bit in the hunt for Emma’s sister but I can’t say much about the plot this time as it would all be very spoilery. You do get the sense though that the paedophile ring Emma is hunting down is bigger than anyone thought, has been around for a long time and has some very important people protecting it.
The links between the former St Francis Home for Wayward Boys, Pendark Studios and the video files found on Arthur Turgood’s hard drive are now hard to deny. Emma’s friend Freddie, abused as a boy at the home, knows more than he has let on and the more Emma pushes the more he clams up. Jack is despondent as eight months of investigation by a 20 strong dedicated team has only resulted in one more child being identified from the videos on the hard drive. Emma also has a new admirer in Rick, a rather cheeky but charming PCSO (police community support officer) so her relationship with Jack is still yet to get off the ground.
I did enjoy this book and I’m getting a sense of what happened to Emma’s sister Anna but I can’t say anything about it. There are two more books to come and I hope I will get a chance to read them now that I am fully invested in the series. It does make you think though about how many children have been brutalised for the sick pleasure of some individuals with more money than morals. The more these things are brought into the light, hopefully the sooner we can end it. It I have to say though, when I hear about privileged people in my own country getting away with abusing women or children it doesn’t fill me with confidence. But I do know that it won’t end if we stay silent! My thanks to Netgalley, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and M.A. Hunter for providing a copy to review. My opinions are my own. This one and the previous 3 books are available now.
March 7, 2021
Discarded is the fourth instalment in The Missing Children Case Files series, featuring investigate journalist, bestselling author and expert in finding missing and abducted young people, Emma Hunter, which explores a paedophile ring and the methods they use to traffick young girls. Rick Underwood, a Police Community Support Officer, turns up one Sunday morning at Emma's door in Weymouth, Dorset claiming he has been sent to bring her into the police station on the island of Portland. Apparently, a nine-year-old girl went missing from her home in Portland yesterday afternoon and the parents have insisted she be brought in to assist the investigation due to her high success rate in bringing children home safely. She meets with DS Robyn Myers and is filled in about the missing girl. Joanna ”Jo-Jo” Neville was last seen yesterday afternoon by her younger step-sister around three o'clock. They head into the interview room where Tina and Trey Neville, Jo-Jo's parents, are waiting. It isn't long before she crosses paths with her old nemesis, DS Zoe Cavendish. Her contempt and disdain towards Emma has been evident since their first introduction to one another and she makes no attempt to hide her feelings or set them aside for the good of the case. Meanwhile, Emma's colleague and love interest DS Jack Serrovitz is investigating Pendark Film Studios; right before Freddie Mitchell set the Studios in Newbury ablaze, he extracted half a dozen filing cabinets filled with receipts and invoices tying hundreds of individuals to the place. They were now in Jack's possession.
The land on which the studio once stood was now under development and a suitcase had just been discovered containing remains that had now been taken to the morgue, and Emma realises it could be Anna, her older sister who disappeared twenty-one years ago at the tender age of nine and who had been spotted at the studios before she disappeared. When they arrive at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, forensic pathologist Dr V Chang takes a look at the bones but can't tell a great deal about the victim. On top of all of this, Emma has begun receiving emails of missing children sent to her via her agent, Maddie Travers and begins to believe that in the attached photos the victims appear to be older than the age they vanished and considers that the emails could be coming from a perpetrator who is taunting her about his crimes. Can she and DS Serrovitz find Jo-Jo, get to the bottom of who the bones belong to, find out who is sending the photographs and uncover evidence about what happened to Anna? This is a riveting, enthralling and darkly thrilling read with a tightly woven plot and characters you are now so invested in that they feel like old friends. The multiple plot threads have the potential to become confusing and convoluted but Hunter's precision plotting allows them all to be gripping and exceptionally easy to follow. I loved that we got to find out more about Anna's disappearance and the impact it's had on Emma and you really feel for her. There's tension, drama and reveals aplenty and Hunter's use of several superb twists and red herrings shake up the story whenever you think you have guessed its direction. A simply breathtaking procedural. Highly recommended.
The land on which the studio once stood was now under development and a suitcase had just been discovered containing remains that had now been taken to the morgue, and Emma realises it could be Anna, her older sister who disappeared twenty-one years ago at the tender age of nine and who had been spotted at the studios before she disappeared. When they arrive at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, forensic pathologist Dr V Chang takes a look at the bones but can't tell a great deal about the victim. On top of all of this, Emma has begun receiving emails of missing children sent to her via her agent, Maddie Travers and begins to believe that in the attached photos the victims appear to be older than the age they vanished and considers that the emails could be coming from a perpetrator who is taunting her about his crimes. Can she and DS Serrovitz find Jo-Jo, get to the bottom of who the bones belong to, find out who is sending the photographs and uncover evidence about what happened to Anna? This is a riveting, enthralling and darkly thrilling read with a tightly woven plot and characters you are now so invested in that they feel like old friends. The multiple plot threads have the potential to become confusing and convoluted but Hunter's precision plotting allows them all to be gripping and exceptionally easy to follow. I loved that we got to find out more about Anna's disappearance and the impact it's had on Emma and you really feel for her. There's tension, drama and reveals aplenty and Hunter's use of several superb twists and red herrings shake up the story whenever you think you have guessed its direction. A simply breathtaking procedural. Highly recommended.
June 14, 2021
Discarded by M.A Hunter is the fourth in The Missing Children Case Files series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Harper Collins UK (One More Chapter) - in particular Claire Fenby, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
Emma Hunter is an investigative journalist who is now a best-selling author. Her entire adult life has revolved around finding her sister who has been missing for over 20 years. Between her friend and literary agent Maddie, and her best friend from college Rachel, Emma has a good support team, although she wishes they got along. DC Jack Serrovitz is now working with a team in the National Crime Agency to uncover pedophiles and traffickers working in the UK. Emma's relationship with Jack is "strained".
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
It has been 8 months since Freddie burned down the abandoned video studio where, as a child, he had been forced to star in horrendous sex films. The judge was kind to him though, and gave him a short sentence, so he is now free.
Jack has been busy with the files that Freddie rescued from the building before he set it ablaze. The police did not allow Emma access to the files, and she has not seen Jack in months. When he does call, it is to let her know that the bones of a young girl were found in the ruins of that same building. The bones may be those of her missing sister.
When nine-year old Jo-Jo goes missing from Portland, her parents request Emma's presence, and insist that she find their daughter. Unfortunately, DI Zoe Cavendish is heading up the investigation, and she won't let Emma anywhere near her case. Another officer, Rick, keeps Emma in the loop.
Meanwhile, Maddie is receiving mail addressed to Emma. Pictures of missing children are showing up, and on investigation, these children are already dead. Who is sending Emma these pictures, and what is the link?
My Opinions:
I did not like the fact that DI Zoe Cavendish has returned in this book. I think her animosity towards Emma just detracts from the actual story, which as always, is quite good. Fortunately she didn't play as big a part as I was afraid she would. Actually, she sort of got dropped from the story all together. Strange.
Again, please read these books in order, as both the relationship building and the character's past are so important. As well, be aware that the topics covered in these books is a little dark, but knowing they are about missing children, it would have to be.
I still like the possibility of a relationship between Emma and Jack. Yes, I am the first to admit I don't like romance in my mystery novels, but this just works. Of course, I finally wrap my head around that, and Rick enters the picture. Go figure.
The book was told from different perspectives and time-lines. Emma's perspective is current, and a young girl who was kidnapped and groomed for a sex worker was told in the past. The identity of the girl was a shock.
So, there are to be two books after this, and I am looking forward to them!
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
March 1, 2021
This time, Emma Hunter has her plate more than just full. On the place where Freddie torched the film studios, a new development will arise and underneath the buildings, a suitcase with the body of an adolescent girl is found. There’s a good chance that it may be the body of Emma’s sister Anna who disappeared 21 years ago and who was seen there. The parents of a 9-year-old girl who’s gone missing from Portland want Emma brought into the investigation as if she’s a magical charm to bring her home safely. The SIO on the case is DI Zoe Cavendish who doesn’t want Emma anywhere near this investigation. Then there’s a mysterious photo from a girl who went missing in '98 that’s sent to Emma’s agent. In this photo, the girl looks a few years older than when she disappeared.
This is the 4th book in this series and although the story stands on its own, there are a lot of events that happened in the previous books that have consequences in this one. I think it’s best to read the series in order as it’s not ideal to step in here.
This story is a bit muddled with all the threads that are interwoven. Some of those have a totally different ending than we thought. Not everything is what it seems to be.
Jack gets competition where Emma is concerned. The misunderstanding about their botched kiss still lingers on and Jack assumes that she’s not into him despite the chemistry between them. The gorgeous CSO Rick also demonstrates his interest in her. When she seems to have trouble choosing between the two men, I can’t help but think that neither is the real one then. And why must it always be the bloke to set the first pass? If she wants Jack as she seemed to think, just grab him and kiss him! But now she goes on a date with this new and very attractive (and nice person as well!) other policeman. She certainly appears to have an appeal for law enforcement.
The end of the search for Anna and the paedophile ring that took her must come in the near future and the story accelerates into a higher gear. More and more details and secrets get exposed and I’ll be happy when we finally find out whether she is alive or not. It takes still 2 more books before we find out everything. I hate it when the main story is stretched over so many books! But I’m sure that there will be a few surprises hidden along the way. This was a swift read, and the suspense was that great that I finished the book before I knew.
The Alzheimer of Emma’s mother is also still part of the story, and the author handles that very respectfully and emphatically; she shows how hard that disease is on the families. One remark I must make though. In what nursing home or hospital do the nurses have time to bring cups of tea or coffee for the visitors? They have more than enough to do as it is than running around as waitresses!
I was invited by Harper Collins, One More Chapter to view this title and this is my honest, unbiased review of it.
This is the 4th book in this series and although the story stands on its own, there are a lot of events that happened in the previous books that have consequences in this one. I think it’s best to read the series in order as it’s not ideal to step in here.
This story is a bit muddled with all the threads that are interwoven. Some of those have a totally different ending than we thought. Not everything is what it seems to be.
Jack gets competition where Emma is concerned. The misunderstanding about their botched kiss still lingers on and Jack assumes that she’s not into him despite the chemistry between them. The gorgeous CSO Rick also demonstrates his interest in her. When she seems to have trouble choosing between the two men, I can’t help but think that neither is the real one then. And why must it always be the bloke to set the first pass? If she wants Jack as she seemed to think, just grab him and kiss him! But now she goes on a date with this new and very attractive (and nice person as well!) other policeman. She certainly appears to have an appeal for law enforcement.
The end of the search for Anna and the paedophile ring that took her must come in the near future and the story accelerates into a higher gear. More and more details and secrets get exposed and I’ll be happy when we finally find out whether she is alive or not. It takes still 2 more books before we find out everything. I hate it when the main story is stretched over so many books! But I’m sure that there will be a few surprises hidden along the way. This was a swift read, and the suspense was that great that I finished the book before I knew.
The Alzheimer of Emma’s mother is also still part of the story, and the author handles that very respectfully and emphatically; she shows how hard that disease is on the families. One remark I must make though. In what nursing home or hospital do the nurses have time to bring cups of tea or coffee for the visitors? They have more than enough to do as it is than running around as waitresses!
I was invited by Harper Collins, One More Chapter to view this title and this is my honest, unbiased review of it.
March 20, 2021
4.5 ⭐️ Discarded is the fourth instalment in an unmissable crime series featuring investigative journalist, and bestselling real crime author Emma Hunter. Emma doesn’t get an easy ride this time round, as well as her ongoing search for her sister Anna, a nine-year-old girl has gone missing. Eerily the case has many similarities to Anna’s disappearance two decades earlier. This is a hard-hitting, gritty series that deals with some difficult and potentially traumatising themes, but I should point out the author shows great sensitivity and there aren’t any descriptions that are explicit.
Each book in the series feels darker than the last and Discarded is the most hard-hitting in the series so far. The main and ongoing theme running through all these books is Anna’s disappearance, each book takes the reader one step closer to finding out what happened to her. This book is hard-hitting as it reveals the monsters who hide in plain sight. It also tells the heartbreaking and horrifying story of the victims that have been taken and find themselves in the clutches of a paedophile ring.
This series is such a brilliant read, and it’s incredible to think the author has written the whole series in just over a year, it’s obvious he has put a lot of effort into Anna’s story It’s been exceptionally well-thought-out, with an intriguing plot that combines suspense, tension and lashes of mystery. This series is turning out to be nerve-shredding M.A. Hunter is leading the reader a merry dance before we find out what happened actually happened to Anna, but thats what makes these books such an addictive read. Discarded ends on a HUGE cliffhanger which leaves me impatiently to wait for the last two books in the series. Highly recommended.
Each book in the series feels darker than the last and Discarded is the most hard-hitting in the series so far. The main and ongoing theme running through all these books is Anna’s disappearance, each book takes the reader one step closer to finding out what happened to her. This book is hard-hitting as it reveals the monsters who hide in plain sight. It also tells the heartbreaking and horrifying story of the victims that have been taken and find themselves in the clutches of a paedophile ring.
This series is such a brilliant read, and it’s incredible to think the author has written the whole series in just over a year, it’s obvious he has put a lot of effort into Anna’s story It’s been exceptionally well-thought-out, with an intriguing plot that combines suspense, tension and lashes of mystery. This series is turning out to be nerve-shredding M.A. Hunter is leading the reader a merry dance before we find out what happened actually happened to Anna, but thats what makes these books such an addictive read. Discarded ends on a HUGE cliffhanger which leaves me impatiently to wait for the last two books in the series. Highly recommended.
March 2, 2021
One of my absolutely favourite new series. The fourth book did not disappoint! The series is written in an extremely interesting way. The previous one always leaves me urging for more. It's a very addictive series. This time it digs deeper into the ground, and what actually happened to Anna on the day she disappeared is revealed. It is not easy to read about, especially since I've grown attached to her and her sister. Simply brilliant!
I find this subject being important though, and we need to understand it better to be able to fight it. This book also reveals a bit more about Emma's family in general. She really is carrying a lot on her shoulders. Her friend is released from prison, and he knows a lot more about these abusers, but he still can't tell Emma and the police everything. Someone is giving Emma clues in the forms of photographs of missing children, children who have been abducted by the evil men Emma is looking for. I really enjoyed this part. I found it to be very clever.
This book gives many answers, but there is still many things to figure out. This time it's a lot more personal for Emma in so many ways. Her fame is not always easy to live with, and she really ends up suffering from it. But, on the other hand her fame has gotten her closer to the truth. She has many intriguing things going on in her personal life, mostly good, and I found a lot more debt in her character in this book, even though her sister had a really big role in this book, it was from her sister's point of view, and Emma gets to have more of a life and personality of her own.
I don't know how Hunter does it, but he keeps on writing a fantastic story, and it just gets better and better. What more could you want?
I find this subject being important though, and we need to understand it better to be able to fight it. This book also reveals a bit more about Emma's family in general. She really is carrying a lot on her shoulders. Her friend is released from prison, and he knows a lot more about these abusers, but he still can't tell Emma and the police everything. Someone is giving Emma clues in the forms of photographs of missing children, children who have been abducted by the evil men Emma is looking for. I really enjoyed this part. I found it to be very clever.
This book gives many answers, but there is still many things to figure out. This time it's a lot more personal for Emma in so many ways. Her fame is not always easy to live with, and she really ends up suffering from it. But, on the other hand her fame has gotten her closer to the truth. She has many intriguing things going on in her personal life, mostly good, and I found a lot more debt in her character in this book, even though her sister had a really big role in this book, it was from her sister's point of view, and Emma gets to have more of a life and personality of her own.
I don't know how Hunter does it, but he keeps on writing a fantastic story, and it just gets better and better. What more could you want?
March 1, 2021
Another great book in this brilliant series.
Emma hasn’t heard from Jack for several weeks, then she gets a call from him out of the blue. They’ve found a girl’s remains at the site of the fire, and it could be Anna.
Emma and Jack go to speak to Freddie but he’s not too pleased to see them.
Emma is asked to help with another missing girl case but when she sees Zoe Cavendish there, she knows it’s going to be an uphill struggle.
Jack is struggling with his personal life but he’s there when photos are sent to Emma that seem to be missing children.
There’s a bit of a shock in store towards the end of this book and the final chapter left me speechless...
I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Thanks to One More Chapter and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Emma hasn’t heard from Jack for several weeks, then she gets a call from him out of the blue. They’ve found a girl’s remains at the site of the fire, and it could be Anna.
Emma and Jack go to speak to Freddie but he’s not too pleased to see them.
Emma is asked to help with another missing girl case but when she sees Zoe Cavendish there, she knows it’s going to be an uphill struggle.
Jack is struggling with his personal life but he’s there when photos are sent to Emma that seem to be missing children.
There’s a bit of a shock in store towards the end of this book and the final chapter left me speechless...
I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Thanks to One More Chapter and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
February 22, 2021
Book 4 in the series. Absolutely loving this series. I cannot wait for the next one. Wish I could read it RIGHT NOW! The drama and anticipation increases with each book. The ending of this one in particular, has me itching for more.
Emma continues her quest to find out what happened to missing children, especially her own sister Anna who has been gone for more than 20 years. Using her investigative journalist skills, along with help from others, Emma never gives up hope. M. A. Hunter is quickly becoming a favorite author.
Thanks to netgalley and One More Chapter for the excellent read.
Emma continues her quest to find out what happened to missing children, especially her own sister Anna who has been gone for more than 20 years. Using her investigative journalist skills, along with help from others, Emma never gives up hope. M. A. Hunter is quickly becoming a favorite author.
Thanks to netgalley and One More Chapter for the excellent read.
June 15, 2021
This was a difficult read for me as it dealt with a Paedopgilic ring.
Emma was back with cop Jack where she had a hint about her sister and was asked to help with a case of a missing child. This was a well developed dual plotline, book 4 in the series by author M. A. Hunter.
Parts of it were emotional and triggering for me, but suspense and well developed characters made it a good read.
Emma was back with cop Jack where she had a hint about her sister and was asked to help with a case of a missing child. This was a well developed dual plotline, book 4 in the series by author M. A. Hunter.
Parts of it were emotional and triggering for me, but suspense and well developed characters made it a good read.
June 27, 2021
Another brilliant book by M.A. Hunter. I’m really enjoying following Emma Hunters journey through the missing children’s case files series. I couldn’t put the book down and I’ve read the entire book today. The books definitely take you on an emotional rollercoaster knowing these things really happen, but maybe it’s important for us to be more aware of how they happen.
January 10, 2022
I’m really becoming a huge fan of MA Hunters books, I’ve read a few now and they have never failed to impress me. This was no exception, an intense and gripping thriller.
March 15, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and HarperCollins UK/One More Chapter for a review copy of of Discarded, the fourth novel set in Dorset to feature true crime author Emma Hunter.
Emma is still investigating the disappearance of her sister, Anna, 21 years ago when another local girl goes missing and her parents ask for her help. Then news comes that bones of a teenage girl have been found and they might be Anna’s. Is it a coincidence that she is sent a photograph of a missing girl at the same time?
I enjoyed Discarded which is an even darker novel than its predecessors, although I don’t feel the plot is as clear cut and it leaves many loose ends. The novel is once again split into two with the then dealing with the kidnap and grooming of a young girl and the now dealing with Emma’s current activities. The grooming is hard to read and I skim read some of it, preferring a big picture to the detail. Emma’s activities are much more focused on uncovering the paedophile ring and its victims hinted at in previous novels, rather than having two separate investigations. It gives the novel a more bitty feel and a much greater sense of unfinished business.
The other novels probably work as stand-alones, although as I read them in order it’s difficult to tell, but this one feels like a prelude to the remaining two. That’s a bit woolly, but there are definite developments in this novel and that’s the best way I can describe it without spoilers. These developments took me by surprise and I’m still puzzling over how to take them, but, whatever, they are an excellent appetiser for the next one.
Discarded is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Emma is still investigating the disappearance of her sister, Anna, 21 years ago when another local girl goes missing and her parents ask for her help. Then news comes that bones of a teenage girl have been found and they might be Anna’s. Is it a coincidence that she is sent a photograph of a missing girl at the same time?
I enjoyed Discarded which is an even darker novel than its predecessors, although I don’t feel the plot is as clear cut and it leaves many loose ends. The novel is once again split into two with the then dealing with the kidnap and grooming of a young girl and the now dealing with Emma’s current activities. The grooming is hard to read and I skim read some of it, preferring a big picture to the detail. Emma’s activities are much more focused on uncovering the paedophile ring and its victims hinted at in previous novels, rather than having two separate investigations. It gives the novel a more bitty feel and a much greater sense of unfinished business.
The other novels probably work as stand-alones, although as I read them in order it’s difficult to tell, but this one feels like a prelude to the remaining two. That’s a bit woolly, but there are definite developments in this novel and that’s the best way I can describe it without spoilers. These developments took me by surprise and I’m still puzzling over how to take them, but, whatever, they are an excellent appetiser for the next one.
Discarded is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
March 12, 2021
Not disappointed in the 4th installment. I really think we are one step closer to finding out what happened to Emma's sister, Anna.
This one really threw me as the twists and 'then' and 'now' were all mixed up name wise. I really thought we found Anna, but alas could it just be a play on names? I liked it.
This one was interesting in many ways, the cases are all starting to circle each other and I can't wait for Emma to uncover exactly how they all connect. And seriously, I'd like to jump in the book and help the woman sort her romantic life out. Ha.
I'm ready for the next one and so bummed it's not out yet. LOL.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK (One More Chapter) for this review copy.
Eagerly awaiting book 5!
This one really threw me as the twists and 'then' and 'now' were all mixed up name wise. I really thought we found Anna, but alas could it just be a play on names? I liked it.
This one was interesting in many ways, the cases are all starting to circle each other and I can't wait for Emma to uncover exactly how they all connect. And seriously, I'd like to jump in the book and help the woman sort her romantic life out. Ha.
I'm ready for the next one and so bummed it's not out yet. LOL.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK (One More Chapter) for this review copy.
Eagerly awaiting book 5!
June 21, 2021
I'm not really sure how I felt about this book, there were things I liked and some things I didn't like as much. I didn't realise it was part of series, but I think it can be read as a stand alone, which worked well for me.
The story flicks backwards and forwards between then and now which I did enjoy, the suspense factor was thrilling and I wanted to know more, I felt really sorry for Joanna's sister, Emma, losing her sister, her dad is departed and having a mother with Dementia must have been really harsh. She seemingly has nothing in her life, no spouse, just a loveless life, with only one friend, this existence is powered by the loss of her older sister who was taken by a paedophile ring. But the story with Emma, no matter how lovely she is, I am not particularly interested in, obviously it breaks the book up so there isn't just a lot of dark and disturbing details to read about how the children were abused and mistreated at such a young age, I understand the need for balance but I found myself skimming through the chapters about Emma and her love life, her need to make up with Freddie and aid another family with a supposedly missing child, I really wanted the deal on Joanna, and someone clearly wanted to make contact with Emma herself, letting her know who had been taken, who was lost, missing and who needed to connect the dots and follow up and make the connections to help the lost and the missing, their families and make those responsible accountable.
Obviously this paedophile ring is much bigger than I first realised thinking to start with it's just St Francis Home for Wayward Boys and Pendark Studios but these people mean business and are not just content with the children they have but wanting more are happy to take children off the street at regular every day stops, such as the News Agents Joanna stumbles into.
I struggled to gauge how old Joanna actually is at this point as she seems quite young but at other times she acts very grown up, it just makes me wonder what possessed her parents especially during a time where children actively went missing, I know it's a story but it just doesn't seem believable at times to reference many timelines, even in the 80s and 90s children went missing.
The story itself was quite dark but I enjoyed it, I really wanted Joanna/Kylie to get away and make it out like so many others hadn't before. I was really routing for her so I was somewhat disappointed that the book ended on a cliff hanger, but I also understand it's a series and so the story must continue but I do also think that if I had read from the beginning and this book being the fourth, I would have lost interest by now as I don't like series' that go on and on unnecessarily HOWEVER with that in mind the author has wrote this superbly and with great sensitivity when this book touches on some particularly horrific and deeply traumatising storylines and for that reason I give five stars!
I am now dying to read the next installment of this book and can't wait to get my paws on the next book! I've just got to find out what happens!
WIth thanks to Netgalley, HarperCollins UK and M. A. Hunter for this free ARC in return for my honest review, all opinions are my own.
I highly recommend!
The story flicks backwards and forwards between then and now which I did enjoy, the suspense factor was thrilling and I wanted to know more, I felt really sorry for Joanna's sister, Emma, losing her sister, her dad is departed and having a mother with Dementia must have been really harsh. She seemingly has nothing in her life, no spouse, just a loveless life, with only one friend, this existence is powered by the loss of her older sister who was taken by a paedophile ring. But the story with Emma, no matter how lovely she is, I am not particularly interested in, obviously it breaks the book up so there isn't just a lot of dark and disturbing details to read about how the children were abused and mistreated at such a young age, I understand the need for balance but I found myself skimming through the chapters about Emma and her love life, her need to make up with Freddie and aid another family with a supposedly missing child, I really wanted the deal on Joanna, and someone clearly wanted to make contact with Emma herself, letting her know who had been taken, who was lost, missing and who needed to connect the dots and follow up and make the connections to help the lost and the missing, their families and make those responsible accountable.
Obviously this paedophile ring is much bigger than I first realised thinking to start with it's just St Francis Home for Wayward Boys and Pendark Studios but these people mean business and are not just content with the children they have but wanting more are happy to take children off the street at regular every day stops, such as the News Agents Joanna stumbles into.
I struggled to gauge how old Joanna actually is at this point as she seems quite young but at other times she acts very grown up, it just makes me wonder what possessed her parents especially during a time where children actively went missing, I know it's a story but it just doesn't seem believable at times to reference many timelines, even in the 80s and 90s children went missing.
The story itself was quite dark but I enjoyed it, I really wanted Joanna/Kylie to get away and make it out like so many others hadn't before. I was really routing for her so I was somewhat disappointed that the book ended on a cliff hanger, but I also understand it's a series and so the story must continue but I do also think that if I had read from the beginning and this book being the fourth, I would have lost interest by now as I don't like series' that go on and on unnecessarily HOWEVER with that in mind the author has wrote this superbly and with great sensitivity when this book touches on some particularly horrific and deeply traumatising storylines and for that reason I give five stars!
I am now dying to read the next installment of this book and can't wait to get my paws on the next book! I've just got to find out what happens!
WIth thanks to Netgalley, HarperCollins UK and M. A. Hunter for this free ARC in return for my honest review, all opinions are my own.
I highly recommend!
June 15, 2021
Investigative journalist Emma Hunter is well known for her work locating abducted children and the subsequent books about her work so when the mother of a newly missing girl asks for her help she doesn't hesitate. Unfortunately this brings her into contact with a detective inspector who isn't one of her biggest fans and makes no attempt to hide her displeasure at Emma's inclusion in the investigation!
Emma is also celebrating the release of her friend from jail while trying to dampen down her fears after an old suitcase containing bones has been found in the rubble of a recently destroyed building. Along with her occasional colleague PC Jack Serrovitz, she waits for the results of the DNA tests; this couldn't really be all that's left of Anna, her sister who's been missing for over two decades could it?
This is the fourth novel in this series which needs to be read in the correct order and is, in some ways, ripped from the headlines. Emma is written sympathetically throughout but this time seems to have more backbone showing than usual. Maybe, because her best friend is away on holiday, she has to take the lead and protect those around her who desperately need her help.
There are return visits from all the main protagonists along with an interesting new character I'm not totally convinced about yet! As always Emma’s search for her missing older sister, Anna, runs throughout this book and we learn more about her and the life she shared so briefly with her family.
There is a cliffhanger at the end which makes me wish I could grab and read number five immediately. With only two books left in this excellent and original series I am looking forward to finding out what happens next, especially as Jack's investigation is definitely gathering pace.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. This series gets better and better and is a great read.
Emma is also celebrating the release of her friend from jail while trying to dampen down her fears after an old suitcase containing bones has been found in the rubble of a recently destroyed building. Along with her occasional colleague PC Jack Serrovitz, she waits for the results of the DNA tests; this couldn't really be all that's left of Anna, her sister who's been missing for over two decades could it?
This is the fourth novel in this series which needs to be read in the correct order and is, in some ways, ripped from the headlines. Emma is written sympathetically throughout but this time seems to have more backbone showing than usual. Maybe, because her best friend is away on holiday, she has to take the lead and protect those around her who desperately need her help.
There are return visits from all the main protagonists along with an interesting new character I'm not totally convinced about yet! As always Emma’s search for her missing older sister, Anna, runs throughout this book and we learn more about her and the life she shared so briefly with her family.
There is a cliffhanger at the end which makes me wish I could grab and read number five immediately. With only two books left in this excellent and original series I am looking forward to finding out what happens next, especially as Jack's investigation is definitely gathering pace.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. This series gets better and better and is a great read.
March 17, 2021
I’m absolutely loving this Missing Children Case Files series, but if you haven’t read the first three, don’t start here; you need to go back to the beginning and start with Ransomed. If you haven’t been following from the beginning, you really won’t have a full handle on true crime author Emma Hunter and the tragedy that has defined her; her sister Anna who has been missing for over twenty years. Everything Emma does, she does with Anna in mind, especially now that some clues to what really happened to Anna are starting to surface. Emma can tell she’s getting closer… and there’s a shocking twist in this book as it’s revealed to the reader (but not Emma) just how close she really is.
The series deals with some difficult and potentially traumatising themes, with abducted children forced into abusive situations and some of them, yes, discarded, as per the title. The discovery of a young girl’s long-buried bones in a suitcase trigger a new avenue of search for Emma and her friends in the police force, and then some photographs are emailed to Emma’s agent which point to conspiracy at a very high level, something which isn’t resolved here but is obviously going to be a focus later on.
I’m not always a huge fan of books which end without resolving all the major mysteries - it can feel like a con to get you to buy the next in the series - but each book in this series focuses on its own major case, tying up that one in the book while unlocking more parts of the overarching mystery of what happened to Anna. It’s cleverly done, and far from annoying me, it has me on the edge of my seat waiting for the next installment! Five stars for a great read - but make sure you start at the beginning of the series to get the full enjoyment out of it.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
The series deals with some difficult and potentially traumatising themes, with abducted children forced into abusive situations and some of them, yes, discarded, as per the title. The discovery of a young girl’s long-buried bones in a suitcase trigger a new avenue of search for Emma and her friends in the police force, and then some photographs are emailed to Emma’s agent which point to conspiracy at a very high level, something which isn’t resolved here but is obviously going to be a focus later on.
I’m not always a huge fan of books which end without resolving all the major mysteries - it can feel like a con to get you to buy the next in the series - but each book in this series focuses on its own major case, tying up that one in the book while unlocking more parts of the overarching mystery of what happened to Anna. It’s cleverly done, and far from annoying me, it has me on the edge of my seat waiting for the next installment! Five stars for a great read - but make sure you start at the beginning of the series to get the full enjoyment out of it.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
March 3, 2021
👤Not as coherent as Trafficked and inconclusive🤔
I started reading this series with Trafficked, the third and immediately preceding book (which I preferred). Discarded's plot, actually a past and present plot that intersect on occasion, was suspenseful and a solid read. But very little is resolved, new complications, like the rivalry for the heroine's affections between Rick and Jack, are introduced and then seem to stall without any hint as to where they will lead. I was left wondering: do the puzzle pieces ever come together?
The past plot involving the abduction and grooming of a nine year-old into abuse by paying pedophiles cast a useful light on some of the methods child traffickers employ to trap their prey and exploit them. But that part of the story is given no clear time period, just described as "Then." In truth, I never noticed the girl's abduction was in a different time period until I was well into the story. That vagueness of the timing left me bewildered as to how Joanna/Jojo's story related to investigative author Emma and her sister Anna who has been missing for decades. By the end of the book I was still clueless!
Since there are more volumes in the series to come, I can only hope by the end my aha moment will come. The part of the journey carved out in Discarded was informative and suspenseful. I just wish I felt some larger sense of progress in Emma's search for the masterminds of the child trafficking ring and her sister''s fate.
Thanks to One More Chapter/Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
I started reading this series with Trafficked, the third and immediately preceding book (which I preferred). Discarded's plot, actually a past and present plot that intersect on occasion, was suspenseful and a solid read. But very little is resolved, new complications, like the rivalry for the heroine's affections between Rick and Jack, are introduced and then seem to stall without any hint as to where they will lead. I was left wondering: do the puzzle pieces ever come together?
The past plot involving the abduction and grooming of a nine year-old into abuse by paying pedophiles cast a useful light on some of the methods child traffickers employ to trap their prey and exploit them. But that part of the story is given no clear time period, just described as "Then." In truth, I never noticed the girl's abduction was in a different time period until I was well into the story. That vagueness of the timing left me bewildered as to how Joanna/Jojo's story related to investigative author Emma and her sister Anna who has been missing for decades. By the end of the book I was still clueless!
Since there are more volumes in the series to come, I can only hope by the end my aha moment will come. The part of the journey carved out in Discarded was informative and suspenseful. I just wish I felt some larger sense of progress in Emma's search for the masterminds of the child trafficking ring and her sister''s fate.
Thanks to One More Chapter/Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
June 23, 2021
Discarded is the fourth book in the Missing Children’s Case Files, I have loved the previous 3 books and this one was no exception, I feel we are getting closer to the truth about what happened to Emma’s sister and I am 100% invested in the storyline.
It begins where we left off in the last book, bones of a young child were discovered at the grounds of the old recording studio that Freddie burned down, will this provide further clues as to the paedophile ring at play for decades?
As and aside, a 9 year old girl has gone missing and her parents have requested Emma to investigate as they have followed her career thus far and what she has managed to uncover when the police could not.
Maddie, Emma’s agent has been receiving photos addressed to Emma, old pictures of young children, is someone trying to tell her something and if so, who? Someone who escaped the paedophile ring?
The story was twofold, one from Emma’s perspective in the “now” and one from a young girl who had been kidnapped and groomed told in the “then”.
As always these books are a harrowing read about abduction, grooming, paedophilia. I do feel you need to read these books in order as there is so much back story that you need to follow and trust me you will be glad you did. Another engrossing story with plenty of twists and some shocking reveals which lead us nicely into Book 5…. I cannot wait! I have to know what happened to Anna Hunter!
It begins where we left off in the last book, bones of a young child were discovered at the grounds of the old recording studio that Freddie burned down, will this provide further clues as to the paedophile ring at play for decades?
As and aside, a 9 year old girl has gone missing and her parents have requested Emma to investigate as they have followed her career thus far and what she has managed to uncover when the police could not.
Maddie, Emma’s agent has been receiving photos addressed to Emma, old pictures of young children, is someone trying to tell her something and if so, who? Someone who escaped the paedophile ring?
The story was twofold, one from Emma’s perspective in the “now” and one from a young girl who had been kidnapped and groomed told in the “then”.
As always these books are a harrowing read about abduction, grooming, paedophilia. I do feel you need to read these books in order as there is so much back story that you need to follow and trust me you will be glad you did. Another engrossing story with plenty of twists and some shocking reveals which lead us nicely into Book 5…. I cannot wait! I have to know what happened to Anna Hunter!
May 12, 2021
I have loved all of the previous books in this series and this was no exception. Back with familiar characters, this book certainly led me up the garden path with a twist half way through.
The story, as is custom, is told in 2 different time spans. In the past, 9 year Joanne is abducted whilst on a trip to her local shop for sweets. She is convinced her parents and sister will find her although this is not the case and she becomes part of an on going paedophile ring.
In the present time, Freddie is released from prison following the arson attack on an old home for wayward boys. During the clear up from the fire a case is found holding human bones. Initially it is thought that maybe this is the remains of Anna, Emma's sister who went missing from her home over 20 years ago. Emma has suddenly received photos via her agent of missing children from around this time. Working with Jack, a police officer, they are able to identify the children in the photographs which adds further evidence to the long on going abuse cases.
At the same time, Emma is asked to help with another missing child callwd Jo Jo.
Absolute corker of a twist at the end.....highly recommend.
The story, as is custom, is told in 2 different time spans. In the past, 9 year Joanne is abducted whilst on a trip to her local shop for sweets. She is convinced her parents and sister will find her although this is not the case and she becomes part of an on going paedophile ring.
In the present time, Freddie is released from prison following the arson attack on an old home for wayward boys. During the clear up from the fire a case is found holding human bones. Initially it is thought that maybe this is the remains of Anna, Emma's sister who went missing from her home over 20 years ago. Emma has suddenly received photos via her agent of missing children from around this time. Working with Jack, a police officer, they are able to identify the children in the photographs which adds further evidence to the long on going abuse cases.
At the same time, Emma is asked to help with another missing child callwd Jo Jo.
Absolute corker of a twist at the end.....highly recommend.
March 4, 2021
Discarded is the fourth book in The Missing Children Case Files by M.A. Hunter. The story follows a dual timeline which switches between then and now. The then storyline focuses on a missing girl called Joanna while the now storyline follows Emma’s journey in the present day.
I really liked the fact that this book focused a lot more on Anna because the previous books left me needing to know more about what happened to her. I don’t know how Emma stays so strong especially which her mother’s declining health. My heart absolutely broke for everything that happened to Joanna and it was really painful to read at certain times.
The last chapter was absolutely mind blowing and I can honestly say that I never expected or saw it coming. I have to say that this was the best book from the series that I have read so far. It was intense, emotionally raw, intriguing, heartbreaking, twisted and absolutely breathtaking. I can’t wait to read the next book Repressed.
I recieved an advanced copy for free, and this is my honest opinion.
I really liked the fact that this book focused a lot more on Anna because the previous books left me needing to know more about what happened to her. I don’t know how Emma stays so strong especially which her mother’s declining health. My heart absolutely broke for everything that happened to Joanna and it was really painful to read at certain times.
The last chapter was absolutely mind blowing and I can honestly say that I never expected or saw it coming. I have to say that this was the best book from the series that I have read so far. It was intense, emotionally raw, intriguing, heartbreaking, twisted and absolutely breathtaking. I can’t wait to read the next book Repressed.
I recieved an advanced copy for free, and this is my honest opinion.
September 19, 2022
Reading Between the Wines book review #76/135 for 2022:
Rating: 4 ½ 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷
Book 📱: Discarded
Author: M.A. Hunter
Genre: General Fiction (Adult)
Available now!
Sipping thoughts: Wow this was one of the most disturbing books I have ever read and I know it is weird for me to say it but it was so good. I felt sick to my stomach reading some parts but could not wait to see how it played out. I did not realize this was part of a larger series when I decided to read it so I will be going back and reading all the ones before and after this book. I really have to know what happened to Emma’s sister.
Cheers and thank you to @NetGalley and @HarperCollinsUK for an advanced copy of @Discarded.
#Discarded #MAHunter #HarperCollinsUK #NetGalley #advancedreadercopy #ARC #Kindle #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookreview #bookreviewer #IHaveNoShelfControl #ReadingBetweenTheWines #fiction #thriller #suspense #mystery #MysteryAndThrillers #GeneralFictionAdult
Rating: 4 ½ 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷
Book 📱: Discarded
Author: M.A. Hunter
Genre: General Fiction (Adult)
Available now!
Sipping thoughts: Wow this was one of the most disturbing books I have ever read and I know it is weird for me to say it but it was so good. I felt sick to my stomach reading some parts but could not wait to see how it played out. I did not realize this was part of a larger series when I decided to read it so I will be going back and reading all the ones before and after this book. I really have to know what happened to Emma’s sister.
Cheers and thank you to @NetGalley and @HarperCollinsUK for an advanced copy of @Discarded.
#Discarded #MAHunter #HarperCollinsUK #NetGalley #advancedreadercopy #ARC #Kindle #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookreview #bookreviewer #IHaveNoShelfControl #ReadingBetweenTheWines #fiction #thriller #suspense #mystery #MysteryAndThrillers #GeneralFictionAdult
February 25, 2021
Discarded is the fourth novel in the fabulous series, The Missing Children Case Files and once again for investigative journalist Emma Hunter another heart wrenching investigation when she is approached by the parents of another missing child who beg her to help find their daughter.
I love the use of dual times lines Then and Now by the author and as always a nail biting, emotionally charged and utterly absorbing read as the layers of the plot unfold and a race against time begins.
It was great to catch up with past characters and also to meet some new ones. I couldn't turn the pages quick enough, wow that ending and can't wait to find out what's next for Emma, both in her professional capacity and her personal life too.
Many thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for an ARC for my honest review.
I love the use of dual times lines Then and Now by the author and as always a nail biting, emotionally charged and utterly absorbing read as the layers of the plot unfold and a race against time begins.
It was great to catch up with past characters and also to meet some new ones. I couldn't turn the pages quick enough, wow that ending and can't wait to find out what's next for Emma, both in her professional capacity and her personal life too.
Many thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for an ARC for my honest review.
February 26, 2021
The story of Emma and her search for the truth continues. This story is more about uncovering what Jack and Emma have found to be something much bigger than a child sex slave ring. Since the back story of all characters has been revealed in the last few books, M.A. Hunter focuses more on the main story. Even the side story that Emma was working on pale in comparison to the main event. I love that this is more focused on what I as a reader wanted to know more of, more of Anna and the past. The story did touch upon a little of Emma's personal life such as her relationship, but at this point. I wanted to know more about Anna. I hope this is the same trajectory for the next book. I can hardly wait.
Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for letting me read this amazing ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for letting me read this amazing ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2021
I would firstly like to thank Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
My favourite book yet! So many questions... Book 5 can't come quick enough!!
The whole book subject is a difficult one, but it is amazingly written from start to finish. Raw, captivating and riveting, I found myself constantly at the edge of my seat. Not only are the cases heart-stoppingly thrilling and dark, but Emma's search for Anna is still very much the heart of this book. I am firmly invested in Emma and her story!
With suspenseful tension, shocking twists and turns, and an ending reveal that made me very very excited for the next book, this is absolutely a must-read!
My favourite book yet! So many questions... Book 5 can't come quick enough!!
The whole book subject is a difficult one, but it is amazingly written from start to finish. Raw, captivating and riveting, I found myself constantly at the edge of my seat. Not only are the cases heart-stoppingly thrilling and dark, but Emma's search for Anna is still very much the heart of this book. I am firmly invested in Emma and her story!
With suspenseful tension, shocking twists and turns, and an ending reveal that made me very very excited for the next book, this is absolutely a must-read!
April 9, 2021
This is the fourth book in The Missing Children Case Files and it is the best one yet, in my opinion. The author continues to develop the main characters in this series, with Emma and Freddie showing us more about what has made them the way they are. This book has more than once twist two it and more than one narrator which adds to the excitement. I couldn’t put the book down and until the book was finished no matter the hour. This is an emotion packed book and the author does an amazing job of conveying the physical and emotional pain that the characters are forced to endure. I loved everything about this book, from the well developed characters to the suspense to the relationships.
I thank NetGalley and Avon Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.
I thank NetGalley and Avon Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.
May 6, 2021
This is book four in The missing Children case files with Emma Hunter as the main protagonist.
Police archivist Jack contacts Emma to say a case has been found in a burned out property within it are the bones of a young girl. Emma is also called in when a young girl goes missing.
The case is written in the time periods of then and now as you follow both cases.
This was the best story so far and was so glad that I finished it the day before book five was released and already know that I will be on tenterhooks to read book six which will hopefully finally give Emma the answers she craves.
Thanks to HarperCollinsUK, One more chapter and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Police archivist Jack contacts Emma to say a case has been found in a burned out property within it are the bones of a young girl. Emma is also called in when a young girl goes missing.
The case is written in the time periods of then and now as you follow both cases.
This was the best story so far and was so glad that I finished it the day before book five was released and already know that I will be on tenterhooks to read book six which will hopefully finally give Emma the answers she craves.
Thanks to HarperCollinsUK, One more chapter and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2023
This series has been amazing! This is book #4 in a series where each book centers on a missing child case. Yes, they are fiction. No, they don't FEEL like fiction while you are reading and the tension builds to the point you have to set your kindle aside for a few minutes.....but not too long. Emma Hunter, an investigative journalist who now assists with missing children's cases, keeps digging and things happen quickly. The characters and the community in which they live and operate seem so real, you almost know you've been there. The stories are heartbreaking, Hunter doesn't let up on the crime just to get more readers. So, be warned, the subjects are dark and the road to solving them at times gets scary, but at least in these books, the crime does get solved.
February 28, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.
Wow, this series is just going from strength to strength and in my opinion really starting to pick up its pace now. I found this to be another riveting read that had my attention all the way through. The story moved from past to present so effortlessly and flowed really well. I have so many questions that I hope will be answered in the next book(s). This is a very well, sensitively written book that literally had me on the edge of my seat and is a great addition to an excellent series so far. I can’t fault these books, I am really enjoying them and eagerly await the next one.
Wow, this series is just going from strength to strength and in my opinion really starting to pick up its pace now. I found this to be another riveting read that had my attention all the way through. The story moved from past to present so effortlessly and flowed really well. I have so many questions that I hope will be answered in the next book(s). This is a very well, sensitively written book that literally had me on the edge of my seat and is a great addition to an excellent series so far. I can’t fault these books, I am really enjoying them and eagerly await the next one.
March 14, 2021
I didn't think this series could get better but M.A Hunter always rises to the challenge.
Emma has a lot going on in this story. As well as her ongoing search for her sister bones have been found beneath a burnt out film studio, a 9 year old girl has gone missing and somone is sending Emma photos of missing children. Add to this her will they, won't they romance with Jack and a potential new love interest and you have a gripping story. I hope the author is writing quickly because I am on tenterhooks waiting for the next instalment.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book
Emma has a lot going on in this story. As well as her ongoing search for her sister bones have been found beneath a burnt out film studio, a 9 year old girl has gone missing and somone is sending Emma photos of missing children. Add to this her will they, won't they romance with Jack and a potential new love interest and you have a gripping story. I hope the author is writing quickly because I am on tenterhooks waiting for the next instalment.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book
April 4, 2021
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review.
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