MY SEARCH FOR MADELEINE: One Reporter’s 14-Year Hunt To Solve Europe’s Most Harrowing Crime

by Jon Clarke

Jon Clarke was the first journalist on the scene when Madeleine McCann went missing in 2007… and 14 years later he’s still searching for the truth.This book charts his often-frightening journey from the Ocean Club holiday resort in Praia da Luz through many isolated parts of Portugal and Spain and finally into Germany. He meets numerous dark and unusual characters, some who live under the radar, and others who he believes hold the key to what happened to Maddie all those years ago.He points his finger firmly at the new prime suspect Christian Brueckner and explains, in detail and with the help of the people who knew Brueckner best, why he thinks he did it. He traces his grim upbringing, his ease of movement around Europe and also questions the integrity of the Portuguese police and asks if someone, somewhere is covering something up.With unrivalled access to official documents, exclusive interviews and confessions, no stone is left unturned as Jon searches for the truth, often putting himself in considerable danger in the process.This book is a must read for anyone interested in the case, or just someone planning a family holiday in Europe this year.WHAT THE CRITICS SAY SO FAR...“Tirelessly researched. Told me a lot of things I didn’t know about the case”

MARTIN BRUNT, SKY NEWS CRIME CORRESPONDENT“Jon is clearly about as steeped in the story as it’s possible to be, and it’s a fascinating account of the inner workings of what sounds like an extremely seedy place.”

SUSIE DOWDALL, DAILY MAIL“Jon Clarke is a remarkably experienced journalist who has dug deeply into the movements and life of German new-age traveler and fixated preferential sex offender Christian Brueckner, who should have been a prime suspect in 2007.

“This book breaks a lot of new ground on the case and is a real investigative trawl and deep dive into the world of organized child traffickers… and he has interviews with all the key players from all over Europe.

“It is an investigative man-hunt and Jon’s book is compelling. He has a long heritage in the story and his crusade is journalistically sound and his journalistic instincts are sharp.”

DONAL MACINTYRE, TV PRODUCER AND INVESTIGATOR“Jon Clarke’s book exposes the secret dark world behind the biggest mystery of the 21st century.”Mike Ridley, The Sun

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2021

Reviews

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating view into Jon’s biggest scoop and journalistic pursuit. He shows he’s very much the leading voice on McCann, and has scrupulously investigated and researched first hand Christian and his dark background and links to the case. I was certain he was involved before reading this but am now convinced. Strays a bit sometimes mostly in the first third but I saw that as Jon setting out the context. Let down only by the numerous errors and typos - what is it with amazon books not even being run through AI for copy edit!

[Christina Giscombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow start, gripping finish

The first third of the book seemed like a puff piece filler. Then from about a third of the way in, it became interesting and quite unputdownable.

I remain sceptical Brueckner did it but Clarke sets out a convincing argument that makes me wonder whether it is possible.

A good read. No photos in my copy.

[Mr Allan Goldie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have regularly thought of the disappearance of Madeleine McCann over the past 14 years. I have also thought about the parents and the torment they must have gone through and no doubt still going through. This is a valuable book to read which for me filled in some gaps I had relative to the possibilities as to what happened to Madeleine. It certainly made it clear in my mind as to what has happened to her. The things that are clear now to me are the following:-
The Portuguese police were very lacking in their investigations.
The parents were not hiding anything and had nothing to do with her disappearance.
The main suspect named as Christian B. certainly is in the focus for involvement in her disappearance……for that I am now very sure. Is she alive?……having read this book I now have doubt in my mind that she is alive. This is a good book to read if you want to get a full picture of what has been going on since the investigation progressed. I have another book now to read that goes further into the investigations and for me it keeps the name of Madeleine McCann going and I love for that day that we can get the answer as to what happened to her.

[Lily H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredibly insightful and shocking. Really hope Jon does make a second edition (?) just because so much time has passed and even more information has been coming/came out.