Missing For Good

PI Hanlon #2

by Alex Coombs

When the estranged daughter of Scotland's premier art dealer goes missing, Private Investigator Hanlon is hired to find out where she is.

But what she thinks will be a straightforward job, soon turns dangerous. The missing girl, Aurora, has a troubled past but what made her suddenly pack her bags and disappear?

Hanlon has her work cut out for her. The stakes are rising and she needs to get to the bottom of the case before someone else is attacked.

And is Aurora still alive, or is she missing for good?

A gripping new case for feisty female Private Investigator, Hanlon. Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Robert Bryndza and Lisa Regan.
'Best book I have read for some time.'

'Oh my word, it took me next to no time to get into ‘Missing For Good’. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first few pages, I knew that I was going to be in for one hell of a read and I wasn’t wrong either.'

'A gripping, brutal and exciting crime thriller, that, yet again had me in the palm of it's 'hand' from the start.'

Genres: Audiobook, Crime, Thriller, Mystery, Scotland, Fiction, Mystery Thriller

338 pages, Paperback

First published September 24, 2020

About the author

Alex Coombs studied Arabic at Oxford and Edinburgh Universities and went on to work in adult education and then retrained to be a chef,

Alex Coombs was born in Lambeth in south London. Silenced for Good is the first of a new series of novels featuring Hanlon as a PI. He lives in South Bucks but has family in Scotland and spends a considerable amount of time in Edinburgh and Argyll.
He is the author of four previous novels featuring Hanlon in the police ( the DCI Hanlon series). He also writes light-hearted crime fiction as HVCoombs for One More Chapter/Harper Collins.
Visit his website at www.alexcoombs.co.uk or Facebook@AlexCoombsCrime

Reviews

[JulesGP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, solid mystery that takes place in Edinburgh, Scotland. I was so turned around, in a good way, that I had no idea who did what but it was entertaining finding out the truth. The main event is P.I. Hanlon and her harsh psychological makeup. I’m getting a sense that she is more brawn than brains but at least she has the tenacity of a dog with a bone. Her stories remind me of those 1970’s hardcore cop movies where the male detectives sometimes skirted the law to make sure the evil people got theirs. Wemyss the border collie co-stars. On Hoopla.

4.5 stars.

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 4 out of 5]

Missing For Good is the new instalment in the Private Investigator Hanlon series and is a cracking addition to this set of books. Former Detective Hanlon has now found work as a PI so is still employing and utilising the many tips and tricks she used when working as a cop. When Aurora, the 23-year-old daughter of a prominent local art dealer, vanishes off the face of the earth, her father, Hamish Cameron, enlists Hanlon’s expertise in order to locate her. After some careful investigation, Hanlon comes to the realisation that both father and daughter have skeletons in their closet just waiting for their time to emerge. There is the possibility that Aurora disappeared to escape from her father's clutches but it's difficult to get anything solid on the matter. Elsewhere, drug kingpin Graeme Miller and his goons are trying to find Jaime Macdonald and it ends up in fisticuffs. Hanlon believes there to be a connection between the drug gangs and Aurora’s sudden absence.

This is a captivating, exciting and intriguing crime thriller and it took no time at all for the plot to grab me and have me flying through the pages. It's gritty, suspenseful and full of drama and protagonist and central character Hanlon is a smart, tenacious investigator who trusts her instincts to be spot on during a case, but I hope in future we learn a little more about her as a person too. It pulls no punches in that it’s really quite brutal, profane and, at times, graphic so is by no means suitable for those who enjoy their thrillers tame as it’s not for the faint-hearted. This is a series that certainly shows promise and I indeed hope that Ms Coombs continues it and that it continues to progress and go from strength to strength. I look forward to the next instalment being even better. An addictive, fast-paced and well-plotted page-turner. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Boldwood Books for an ARC.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not the first PI Hanlon book, but there was enough background throughout the book, that I was not lost at all reading this one. This is a gritty, graphic and violent story. It is not my usual genre and there were parts that had me a bit squeamish, but the story itself was quite good. Hanlon is hired by a rich art dealer to find his missing daughter. The reader are aware that she is in hiding after escaping a hit that had been placed on her by a drug kingpin. What we don't know is why. Hanlon is one of those PIs that people have no problem talking to. She is able to get all kinds of information from people she questions. The more she finds out, the more she puts herself in danger. She is fearless and does not give up. She is a smart, tenacious investigator who trusts her instincts to guide her when working a case. There are some other characters that are an integral part of the story and they are all fleshed out well. I really liked Luke, Aurora's ex-boyfriend and Hanlon's dog Wemyss. She actually compares Luke to having another dog to take care of, which was kind of funny. This is an exciting and intriguing crime thriller and it took no time at all for the plot to grab me. It's gritty, suspenseful and full of drama. As I said earlier, it is brutal and graphic at times, so not for the faint hearted. While I enjoyed the plotline and several of the characters, it was a tough read for me. If you enjoy a gritty, graphic crime thriller, then you will probably love this one. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Private Investigator Hanlon is hired by a wealthy are dealer to find his daughter ... 23-year-old Aurora who has gone missing.

Hanlon is facing all kinds of dead ends, the people she talks to are more afraid of someone else. Is there someone else looking for Aurora? .. and why?

Well-written and action-packed, the plot is graphic and violent. The mystery is evident almost immediately. Suspense is nicely paced from start to finish. Characters are solidly drawn. Although second in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone. I do, however, recommend reading the books in order.

Many thanks to the author / Boldwood Books /Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Nila (digitalcreativepages) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A raw, gritty tale with some grisly scenes with PI Hanlon at the helm. When a 23-year-old disappeared, she was called to get to the truth. With secrets abounding, the story took its various twists down the pages.

Quite an intriguing tale it was. I quite liked the main character; she was determined and instinctive. The story was dark that caused me to skip those parts. the suspense was good.

A good read.

[Skyesmum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one as much as the previous audiobook and have just bought the next one in the series.
The story continues in Glasgow, again with henchmen, lots of violence and a strong back story rippling through it.
Strongly recommended.

[Jan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review of audiobook, narrated by Carolyn Bonnyman.

The second installment in this series left the small Scottish island location of the first book and is centered in Edinburgh. Though I enjoyed the development of PI Hanlon's character, this story was a little too violent for my taste and I really missed the remote island setting. I will probable listen the next one (which is the last in the series), since it takes place in Hanlon's island home and the narration of the audiobooks is stellar.

[Janice Lombardo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hanlon, an ex-cop and introvert, is now a PI. Her first case entails the missing 23 year old daughter (Aurora) of an affluent art dealer - Hamish Cameron. As Hanlon digs deeper into the case, she finds some not so pretty details about Aurora. Also, Hanlon finds evidence that Cameron is not quite the stand-up guy he shows to the "world".

Hanlon muses as to whether Aurora is alive. If so, did she disappear to get away from her father?

Meanwhile, Graeme Millar, the head of the drug scene in this area (and his thugs) are searching for a Jaime McDonald. They are not gentle about this in any way!

When the story began, Aurora was abducted by Jaime and a a guy named Jordan. Yet Aurora seemed to know Jaime well. (And did not fear him?)

What is the connection among all of the pieces of this puzzle? What will Hanlon find - or not?

Suspense - a good read

Many Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for a good story.

[kay · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too long and so much unnecessary bad language

[Corrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only a week after listening to Silenced for Good I dove straight into Alex Coombs’ follow up in the PI Hanlon Series named Missing for Good. I was hooked after one page. Back with superb narrator, Scottish Carolyn Bonnyman, who really makes this series extra special.

The story is set roughly 8 months after the previous book, and we catch up with PI Hanlon now living in an isolated location on Argyll with her dog Wemyss. She gets a missing person case through DI Murdo Campbell (see previous book). A wealthy art dealer wants her to locate his estranged daughter Aurora. Her investigation takes her to Edinburgh and on the path of psychotic drug lord Greame Miller. We get a whole new cast of characters to figure out, and what I love about Coombs writing is that he gives great depth to not only his heroine but his villains as well. If you’ve read the other book, you know there’s going to be a hefty dose of violence, strong dialogue and a marvelous clever and intricate plot. I love Hanlon!


The whole series is available on Scribd both as book and audio book although I would really encourage you to chose for the audio experience just so you don’t miss out on the marvelous Carolyn Bonnyman.

f/f, m/m fade to black

Themes: Dr. Morgan as her conscience, gangsters, drugs on campus, addict, artist, a tell all book that’s going to hurt a lot of people, a murky family history, who to believe.

5 Stars

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books on the arc of this book by Alex Coombs.

3 star read- this was a quick read for me within 24 hours, a well written, well structured book with great characters and plot too, recommend to all.
⭐⭐⭐

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting.
A darn good read. This is the second book I have read by Alex Coombs and have thoroughly enjoyed both. Great plotting, exciting and nail biting action. Twisty and intriguing throughout and I couldn't put in down. A satisfying experience....still biting my bloody nails!

[Garry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended reading this Hanlon is a brilliant character

[Catriona Kupper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gritty and complex, warning of foul language but its done in a realistic manner and in keeping with the modern criminal world

[Patti Vinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gritty violence and crime. Not really my thing but the mystery was good

[Paul Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

The books are quite violent, but I still enjoy the stories and the main character. Love listening to the reader.

[Tomas Tidén · Rating 4 out of 5]

A female Jack Ryan - with the same never say die attitude. A good read.

[Peter Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is she alive, or is she missing for good...?

When the estranged daughter of Scotland's premier art dealer goes missing, Private Investigator Hanlon is hired to find out where Aurora is

But what she thinks will be a relatively straightforward job, soon turns dangerous. The missing girl has a troubled past but what made Aurora suddenly pack her bags and disappear?

Hanlon has her work cut out for her. The stakes are rising and she needs to get to the bottom of the case before someone else is attacked.

And is Aurora still alive, or is she missing for good?

A former detective in the Met, Hanlon now finds herself living in splendid isolation in the wilds of Argyll with just her knackered Vauxhall Corsa and her trusty hound Weymss to keep her company.

I wasn’t familiar with the work of Alex Coombs but the setting of Scotland was the thing which tickled my fancy. I live locally to the setting, I like a good Tartan Noir: colour me intrigued.

And Coombs did intrigue. Hanlon is a smashing character: damaged and haunted; loving her dog, her only emotional attachment; adjusting to her new rural life.

The University of Edinburgh alumni renders some parts of Scotland well – he’s good on the capital and its various sub-districts, as well as describing those single track roads which wind their way down towards the hamlets and villages on the road to Campbelltown.

There are some odd lapses – Loch Lomand in the Highlands? – but actually that’s the sort of mistake which seems to fit with the characters’ perspectives which is nice.

Coombs also has a mind for engaging characters – coke-addicted, psychotic Glaswegian hard men aren’t exactly original, but his is a memorable specimen of the species.

His gay hitmen are refreshingly rendered also and he has a lovely turn of descriptive phrase. “‘One person, they get in the van with the girl. Two people…’ He shook his head irritably. He was tired of this. There could be endless permutations – what if she arrived riding a camel? ‘Fuck it, if there’s two or more with her, we dinnae do anything.’”

He is no less comfortable skewering the pretentions of the Edinburgh students Hanlon encounters. “Morag was studying Creative Writing; if anyone was likely to make a mountain out of a molehill it was probably an aspiring writer with an overactive imagination.”

And this equally applies to the lecturers, “‘Look, I am an Artist!’ his dress proclaimed. Hanlon thought it also proclaimed, ‘Look, I’m an arsehole’ but for now she would keep that to herself.”

There are some false notes in the dialogue, occasionally it sounds a little generic and not specific to individual characters and there can be that flaw of the crime novel – a lot of recapping of plot while the detective muses to herself. Hanlon is a loner – having only a dog does limit her opportunity for natural sounding exposition

However, ‘Missing for Good’ is a rattling good read, sprinting along with enjoyable gusto and building to a satisfying crescendo. All in all, thoroughly recommended – I’ll have to go back and read Mr Coomb’s other stuff now.

More content of this kind can be found at my blog: https://wp.me/p4pQjs-5X

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read, reviewed and thoroughly enjoyed reading Alex’s first book to feature Private Investigator Hanlon, which is called ‘Silenced For Good’ and it was released on 14th April 2020. It’s another cracking read by Alex Coombs, which I thoroughly enjoyed but more about that in a bit.
Private Investigator Hanlon is a bit of a mystery. She seems very much a longer with few friends, not that she really wants to be around people. Her best friend is her dog. She used to be in the police force but she left the force and is now working as a private investigator. She is still in touch with some of her former colleagues, which you can understand. In ‘Missing For Good’ Hanlon is asked to take on a case of a missing girl called Aurora, after her name was passed to the girl’s father. Unable to resist the challenge, Hanlon takes the case and gives it her full attention. I get the impression that Hanlon is a bit of a complicated soul with more layers to her character than you would find on a parcel during a game of ‘Pass The Parcel’. Unwrap one layer and another half dozen appear. Hanlon doesn’t suffer fools gladly, she doesn’t beat around the bush and she tells it like it is. At the same time she is very determined and she works very hard, giving 110% to her work.
Oh my word, it took me next to no time to get into ‘Missing For Good’. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first few pages, I knew that I was going to be in for one hell of a read and I wasn’t wrong either. I found it nigh on impossible to put this book down for any great length of time. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I simply couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. The pages turned increasingly quickly as my desperation to find out how the story concluded, grew and grew. All too quickly I reached the end of the story and I had to say farewell to Hanlon.
‘Missing For Good’ is extremely well written but then I thought that to be true about ‘Silenced For Good’ too. The author certainly knows how to grab your attention from the start and he then takes you one hell of an at times scary and unpredictable journey. For me, ‘Missing For Good’ was perfectly paced- the story hit the ground running and maintained the fast pace throughout. Twists and turns were introduced with ease and there were a few OMG moments as I worked my way through the book. For me, ‘Missing For Good’ is a tightly plotted and gripping read, which had me on the edge of my seat throughout.
In short, I really enjoyed reading ‘Missing For Good’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will be reading more of Alex’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Jéssica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although most people probably know my love for Historical romances and fantasy/paranormal, I do enjoy crime and thriller novels. Why? because it has always been something I had fun watching with my family, and now I enjoy reading the books.

Missing for Good, is the kind of novel I enjoy reading in the mornings, to wake up with a missing case book and mysteries that grabbed my attention. I knew I couldn't read it at night or I would sleep only after I uncovered the truth. So I decided to only read this book in the mornings to start my day with excitement and curiosity. Who doesn't want to start the day with something interesting?

This is the second book of the series and it's my introduction to PI Hanlon. I was already curious about the series and book one, so I decided to take a chance and begin with the second installment in the series. Let me say I now have to go read the precious book, because I enjoyed this one very much.

The characters had me going, Hanlon was a fantastic character and I love her attitude and seeing her at work. The kind of character I would enjoy seeing in the big screen because my brain just isn't enough. And the other characters and the interactions added to my curiosity.

Then there is the plot and that was just brilliant and all the elements in the book made sense with the plot. Drama and mystery. The excitement of figuring out or theorizing about the crime. very page turner for me.

Overall, it was fun - can I use that word for a crime/thriller novel? - and I enjoyed every page of it. I can't wait to read the previous book in the series so I can see the character's development and see how that crime resolves. I will keep my eyes open for the future books in the series.

[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, Alez Coombs and Boldwood Books for the eCopy of this book, via Netgaley. Thank you for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]

[Jo Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to toughen up to read this book. I’m the adult who can’t watch 18 rated movies because I find them too violent. I’m also the adult who sits with fingers in ears and eyes screwed shut, making “lalalalala” noises until someone nudges me to tell me the violence is over, if a 15 rated movie sneaks a surprise attack in from left field. I can usually cope much better with violence in books, although I wouldn’t go out of my way to look for one specifically for this.

Missing For Good starts violently and keeps up the attacks all the way through as Hanlon tries to track down the missing Aurora. Set in Scotland, it takes the reader to a dark place of gangland violence, revenge attacks and fear. Imagine if Irvine Welsh, Lee Child and Martina Cole shared their authorial genes: this book would be the product of that gene pool.

I must hold my hands up and admit that I had to skim read the violent parts but that’s purely because my imagination insists on taking whatever is written on the page and turning it into a super HD reel for me. And I can’t screw my eyes shut as easily when I’m reading… That being said, I was wrapped up in the plot, followed the red herrings (dead, of course) until the story began to draw all the threads ( garottes) together in a totally unexpected way. I didn’t see what happened coming at all, and I love that about a book.

Hanlon wasn’t my favourite character surprisingly; instead, I was drawn to the anti-hero Jamie McDonald, a violent criminal who is trying to stay one step ahead of a psychopathic gang boss. I enjoyed the relationships between Hanlon and other characters in the book and the different dynamics with them.

So, dear bookworm, if you like your red herrings with a pinch of murder and a dash of revenge, look no further than this book! 3.5 / 5 stars

[Liz Mistry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missing For Good is the second in the Hanlon series of books, but despite not having read the first in the series this read perfectly well as a standalone - however, I do have to warn you that if you read this one first, you'll definitely go back and read the first in the series - Silenced for Good - I certainly did and am now impatiently awaiting number three - get a move on Alex- Hanlon fan waiting book fix!

As a character I found Hanlon inspired - she's a bit of a violence junkie, yet Coombs manages to imbue her with a softer side that makes her on rare occasions almost motherly. I have to say that from the very first page I was hooked. Hanlon's character lured me forward and the pages just kept on turning.

Fearless, indomitable and with so many hidden depths I was with Hanlon from the start. Her ability to relate to a range of people, her internal running monologue with her thoughts about the people she meets and of course the secrets she refuses to share with her closest friends makes you want to know more about her. She is damaged, yet fighting back and not only surviving, but thriving. Her moral code and sense of responsibility smooth her rougher edges a little, exposing her vulnerability on occasion.

Then of course, we have the plot - a missing girl, a pervy father and layers upon layers of subterfuge, wonderfully drawn characters and a walk through parts of Edinburgh and Glasgow that the average tourist might miss - Loved it! The interweaving storyline exposes the disparity in lifestyles between the rich and poor in the two major cities and how these are exploited. With a range of characters with their own stories to tell, this is an addictive read and i highly recommend it.
All the stars from me!

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missing For Good by Alex Coombs is the second outing for Private Investigator Hanlon. The first being Silenced For Good, which I read and reviewed previously.I have been looking forward to another PI Hanlon book and hoping it would keep up the high standard that was set with Silenced For Good, good news for everyone...it definitely does that! If you haven't read the first you can just jump in with this book,but, be warned, you will most definitely want to return to the first.
Hanlon is still working as a Private investigator but as an ex-cop she has the tricks up her sleeve and people who will gibe her a hand from time to time. She is also still a violence junkie but with a softer side to her that Alex Coombs manages to convey very well. We see flashes of a more maternal side on the odd occasion, but don't be lulled into a false sense of security. Hanlon is still the fearless woman we met in the first book.I love the fact that she has a multitude of layers that are hidden from everyone, the fact that she is damaged with secrets she has told noone but can still thrive in her life shows what an amazing woman she still is.
This time there is a missing girl to be found which Hanlon begins to investigate and discovers the girls father may be a bit dodgier than is first expected and his daughter may have just disappeared to escape him. Hanlon deals with this in her inemitable way, revealing layers upon layers of lies and deceit.
A gripping, brutal and exciting crime thriller, that, yet again had me in the palm of it's 'hand' from the start. If you prefer a tamer book, this is not for you but if you love a gritty, violent story, try this out. You should not regret it!
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources Resources, Boldwood books and NetGalley for the book today.

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

( Format : Audiobook )
"You're only as sick as your secrets."
Hanlon, five months retired from the police and newly set up as a private investigator, has her first case: a wealthy art dealer wants her to find his missing only daughter. Intelligent, beautiful, Aurora had nevertheless become heavily involved in drug use and had vanished from her university and her accommodation, according to her room mate. Auroras and her father were estranged, though he still paid her credit card bills, so Hanlon agreed to attempt to find her only on the understanding that, should she succeed, she would report back only with a photo and news of her well being, not the woman herself: whether Aurora wanted to see her father would be up to her.
Meanwhile, DI Cambell is being troubled by a vicious gangster, Miller, seemingly trying to move into his area.
This is book two of the new Hanlon, PI series by Alex Coombs and I am even more impressed than with book one, and was again totally absorbed. As before, the characters build naturally, filling with life and the plot itself intrigued from the beginning. Again, narration by the deliciously soft Scottish accented Carolyn Bonnyman both further informs the characterisation and carries the story with fine pace, moulding her expression to the text. A good performance, most pleasant on the ear.

I was again fortunate in being able to download this book for free through the Audible Plus programme. Thank you, Audible. I now look forward to the publication of book three.
Definitely recommended.

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Possibly the world’s most oblivious detective. She first talks up the danger she’s in and then blithely walks into random houses or darks streets without a care or paying any attention, misses that she’s being tracked, avoids questioning anything that could clear things up a bit quicker, and makes friends with the very obvious red flag. Oh who could the baddie be out of these people apart from this one person I refuse to consider because that would end novel too early? There are a lot of references to potential depth in the character but we aren’t allowed to experience the depth in the book.

Had some interesting enough minor characters, but story itself could do with tightening up - goes into rambles about characters looks, or repeats info, or decides to insert video game action as if it’s part of plot violence, etc. I can see that some might enjoy some of these aspects I found enjoying so perhaps I’m just not the target audience.

Also, must say not a fan of the slightly off “me too” references as if it’s all a bit of a silly but fashionable thing ‘right now’. Especially in light of the plot. A bit of sensitivity wouldn’t go amiss.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the Hanlon series, now a private investigator she takes on her first case, not the simple missing person's case its first seems. Aurora has secrets and is hiding from her art dealer father who also is not the upstanding businessman he portrays. The story darkens as it progresses, as Hanlon comes up against drug dealers, gangs and people with secrets that they will kill to keep hidden.

Hanlon continues to have anger issues and remains a closed book to most her relationship with her dog shows her lighter side. She is an enigma but excellent at her role. This gritty, graphic ganglit but Hanlon isn't afraid of danger given her background at the Met and is determined to find out the truth.

If you like your crime fiction hard-boiled this will suit you.

I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listen to books mainly because I'm a dog walker which can be mind-numbingly boring, so to escape to another place is always such fun for me.
Unfortunately, Missing For Good didn't read its own title! If only it had been!
This is one of the many books I've started so I'll finish brigade I've fallen foul to this year. Always hopeful that 'it will get better' and 'the author spent hours putting pen to paper' let me save you the time and despair.
Firstly I'm no Miss Marple but I guessed who did it very quickly so by the time of the big reveal I simply rolled my eyes.
Secondly, it's a 'dragger', going on and on and on to the point where you actually couldn't care less who killed who with what nor when.
Scottish gangland murder at its worst.
So save your pennies and buy something more interesting, I wish I had.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a possible kidnapping, murder, disappearances and threats – and that’s in the first chapters – you’re in for a fast paced thrilling mystery for Hanlon, a Private Investigator, to solve in this Scottish gangland thriller. There are secrets to be uncovered, attacks to be prevented and justice to be sought in this page turner. Has Aurora been kidnapped or gone into hiding? Where is she?

This is a story with many parts, a jigsaw where finding where the pieces fit starts to reveal the whole picture. It is a gritty story with plenty of malice, menace, machinations and murder. It is the first case for ex-cop turned PI Hanlon and she has dogged determination in uncovering the various facets to reveal the truth and solve the case. The characters are well developed, their emotions dramatically portrayed. It isn’t a story for the those looking for a cosy mystery – this is a dark thriller, anything but cosy. Hang on to the edge of your seat and get ready for shocking revelations as this suspense-filled read progresses.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.

[Fee (Ebook Addicts) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading a book set in Scotland, I get to explore places I know and I love it when the author uses scots dialect as well.

Missing for Good takes us to Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Highlands as Private Investigator Hanlon takes a case from a prominent art dealer to find his missing daughter Aurora. As she delves deeper into the case it becomes clear that both father and daughter have a lot secrets to hide. I loved Hanlon as character, I found her to be such a strong female lead.

This was a gritty mystery with lots of twists and turn, and quite graphic and violent., which you will either love or hate - personally I loved it and it added to the authenticity of the tale that Coombs was weaving. I haven't read book one 'Silenced for Good' but there was enough of a backstory on Hanlon that this is easily a stand alone. This was my first foray with this author and it will not be my last - I loved the setting, the style and authenticity that he created.

4 stars

[Anna Kristín · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,2 - Fyrsta mál Hanlon eftir að hún hætti í lögreglunni eftir ásakanir um ofbeldi. Einkaspæjari er mikið meira hennar mál því nú getur hun stundað sitt ofbeldi í friði - en hún er samt alltaf að berjast við samviskuna í formi geðlæknisins sem fyrst sagði henni að hún væri háð ofbeldi. Eins og fyrri bókin er þessi hröð og mikið að gerast. Ég átti dálitið erfitt með allra þyngsta skoska hreiminn sem sumir glæpamennirnir höfðu og þurfti að hlusta oftar en einu sinni til að skilja hvað þeir voru að segja. Ég var samt dálítið fúl hvað hún er opin fyrir nýjum vinum eftir uppá komuna í fyrri bókinnni þar sem vinkona hennar reyndist vera flagð undir fögru skinni. Finnst hún ætti kannski aðeins að hafa augun opin.