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Laughton Rees #2
The Clearing
In this gripping suspense novel from the bestselling author of the Sanctus trilogy, lead forensic expert Laughton Rees is back, this time investigating a series of missing women in a small town near the Forest of Dean--where she uncovers a dark and sinister plot, decades in the making.
Adele Friar knows better than most that something dangerous lurks in the forest. So when her sister Maddie goes missing, she fears that the woods may hold the answers. After all, Maddie isn't the only one who has disappeared recently.
Locals put the unusually high number of missing persons in the area down to inexperienced hikers getting lost in the forest's depths, or girls abandoning their sleepy rural town for the excitement of city life. Some even blame the Cinderman, a legend who haunts the woods looking for unsuspecting victims.
Forensic specialist Laughton Rees doesn't believe in legends, she believes in facts. With help from Adele and DCI Tannahill Khan back in London, she is determined to find Maddie and dispel the dangerous ghost stories once and for all.
But something strange is going on in the forest--the police seem reluctant to investigate the disappearances, and the locals aren't talking. What if the monster in the woods isn't a myth after all, and a cold-blooded killer is stalking his victims from the shadowy safety of the trees?
As Laughton and Adele question everyone, from the gruff leader of an off-grid commune to the mysterious Earl who presides over the crumbling abbey in the heart of the forest, they slowly begin to unravel the legend of the Cinderman--and discover the truth is far uglier, and far more dangerous, than any mythical monster.
Adele Friar knows better than most that something dangerous lurks in the forest. So when her sister Maddie goes missing, she fears that the woods may hold the answers. After all, Maddie isn't the only one who has disappeared recently.
Locals put the unusually high number of missing persons in the area down to inexperienced hikers getting lost in the forest's depths, or girls abandoning their sleepy rural town for the excitement of city life. Some even blame the Cinderman, a legend who haunts the woods looking for unsuspecting victims.
Forensic specialist Laughton Rees doesn't believe in legends, she believes in facts. With help from Adele and DCI Tannahill Khan back in London, she is determined to find Maddie and dispel the dangerous ghost stories once and for all.
But something strange is going on in the forest--the police seem reluctant to investigate the disappearances, and the locals aren't talking. What if the monster in the woods isn't a myth after all, and a cold-blooded killer is stalking his victims from the shadowy safety of the trees?
As Laughton and Adele question everyone, from the gruff leader of an off-grid commune to the mysterious Earl who presides over the crumbling abbey in the heart of the forest, they slowly begin to unravel the legend of the Cinderman--and discover the truth is far uglier, and far more dangerous, than any mythical monster.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published July 11, 2023
126 people are currently reading
7116 people want to read
About the author
Simon Toyne
30 books792 followersSimon Toyne was born February 29th, 1968 in Cleethorpes, England, but spent his formative years in Peterborough. He moved further south, to Goldsmiths College, part of the University of London, to study English and Drama then ended up working as a producer, director in commercial television for almost twenty years.
He quit in 2007, just shy of his fortieth birthday, to try and focus more on writing. His first book, Sanctus, became the biggest selling debut thriller of 2011 in the UK and also an international bestseller, translated into 27 languages and published in over 50 countries.
Simon lives with his wife and three children and splits his time between Brighton, the South of France and various cafes and bookshops in between and wherever his books are sold.
He quit in 2007, just shy of his fortieth birthday, to try and focus more on writing. His first book, Sanctus, became the biggest selling debut thriller of 2011 in the UK and also an international bestseller, translated into 27 languages and published in over 50 countries.
Simon lives with his wife and three children and splits his time between Brighton, the South of France and various cafes and bookshops in between and wherever his books are sold.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
July 15, 2023
Set in Cinderfield, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire the story begins when Adele Friar’s older sister Maddie disappears without a trace on Midsummer’s Eve. The next day Adele frantically searches for Maddie and reports her missing to local law enforcement who initially tries to brush her off citing Maddie’s record for minor offenses, but Adele persists and manages to file a report. Maddie was last seen headed for “The Clearing” in the forest, common land inhabited by settlers who live in a community of their own making, with their own set of laws, enforced by a domineering matriarchal figure. Adele and Maddie had a traumatic childhood and have a history with the forest community. They usually avoid the area on account of past experiences and Adele cannot fathom why Maddie would be headed for a party in that location.
The missing persons alert reaches the ears of London-based forensic scientist Dr. Laughton Rees, who has an open file on the Cinderfield disappearances. Maddie's disappearance is not an isolated incident. Laughton’s research points to a total of 58 missing persons cases dating back twenty years, that have neither been solved nor investigated further. Locals often attribute the disappearances to “The Cinderman” a mythical figure from local folklore - a “forest phantom who’s believed to prey on young women”- but Laughton correctly assumes there is more to these cases than meets the eye. The lack of urgency on the part of local law enforcement indicates negligence and/or obvious cover-up and corruption within local enforcement. But how deep does this go? Laughton leaves for Cinderfield, determined to help Adele locate Maddie and get to the truth behind the disappearances. She is aided (from a distance) by DCI Tannahill Khan who is away attending a conference. It soon becomes evident that multiple entities are actively trying to create obstacles in Laughton and Adele’s search for Maddie and the truth. What follows is a complicated web of lies, corruption, crime and cover-ups. Will Maddie be found? Who is behind the disappearances and how far will they go to prevent Laughton from discovering the truth?
I truly enjoyed Simon Toyne’s writing in Dark Objects and with The Clearing the author does not disappoint! Dark, complex and suspenseful, the intriguing plot, the characters and the even pacing made for a riveting read. I really liked the atmospheric setting, the incorporation of a folklore (fictional) element into the plot and how the plot is structured. The narrative is presented from multiple perspectives, seamlessly woven into a cohesive narrative. Though I could guess a few of the revelations along the way, I couldn’t wait for the final reveal and remained hooked till the very last page. On that note (I don’t want to give too much away), one thread of the story did leave me with a few questions but that did not detract from the overall reading experience. Additionally, I like how the author is portraying the evolving relationship between Tannahill and Laughton. I wish Tannahill Khan had a larger role to play in this installment and would love to see Laughton and Tannahill team up again in the future.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed The Clearing by Simon Toyne and look forward to future installments in this series. Many thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
My Rating: 3.75⭐️
The missing persons alert reaches the ears of London-based forensic scientist Dr. Laughton Rees, who has an open file on the Cinderfield disappearances. Maddie's disappearance is not an isolated incident. Laughton’s research points to a total of 58 missing persons cases dating back twenty years, that have neither been solved nor investigated further. Locals often attribute the disappearances to “The Cinderman” a mythical figure from local folklore - a “forest phantom who’s believed to prey on young women”- but Laughton correctly assumes there is more to these cases than meets the eye. The lack of urgency on the part of local law enforcement indicates negligence and/or obvious cover-up and corruption within local enforcement. But how deep does this go? Laughton leaves for Cinderfield, determined to help Adele locate Maddie and get to the truth behind the disappearances. She is aided (from a distance) by DCI Tannahill Khan who is away attending a conference. It soon becomes evident that multiple entities are actively trying to create obstacles in Laughton and Adele’s search for Maddie and the truth. What follows is a complicated web of lies, corruption, crime and cover-ups. Will Maddie be found? Who is behind the disappearances and how far will they go to prevent Laughton from discovering the truth?
I truly enjoyed Simon Toyne’s writing in Dark Objects and with The Clearing the author does not disappoint! Dark, complex and suspenseful, the intriguing plot, the characters and the even pacing made for a riveting read. I really liked the atmospheric setting, the incorporation of a folklore (fictional) element into the plot and how the plot is structured. The narrative is presented from multiple perspectives, seamlessly woven into a cohesive narrative. Though I could guess a few of the revelations along the way, I couldn’t wait for the final reveal and remained hooked till the very last page. On that note (I don’t want to give too much away), one thread of the story did leave me with a few questions but that did not detract from the overall reading experience. Additionally, I like how the author is portraying the evolving relationship between Tannahill and Laughton. I wish Tannahill Khan had a larger role to play in this installment and would love to see Laughton and Tannahill team up again in the future.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed The Clearing by Simon Toyne and look forward to future installments in this series. Many thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
My Rating: 3.75⭐️
July 17, 2023
My thanks to William Morrow, Simon Toyne and Netgalley.
Yep, Simon now has a new fan. The dude can write a damn fine story.
I really enjoyed this story, while hating on it too.
I must say that the last 25% of it ended up shocking the crap out of me.
Much like the main character, I was also stunned when it came to that ending.
Simon Toyne is now on my watch list of author's. Believe me, at my age I don't add many new authors! Keep your eye on this guy because he's going places.
Yep, Simon now has a new fan. The dude can write a damn fine story.
I really enjoyed this story, while hating on it too.
I must say that the last 25% of it ended up shocking the crap out of me.
Much like the main character, I was also stunned when it came to that ending.
Simon Toyne is now on my watch list of author's. Believe me, at my age I don't add many new authors! Keep your eye on this guy because he's going places.
November 6, 2023
The morning after Midsummer’s Eve, Adele Friar is alarmed when her older sister, Maddie, vanishes without a trace. Living on the outskirts of a forest filled with rumors of evil happenings, she’s terrified that Maddie’s disappearance could be linked to their dark, shadowy depths. After all, she’s far from the first woman to go missing from town.
The locals have long since rumored that the unusually high number of missing people in the area could be something as mundane as girls running away from home or hikers getting lost in the forest. Others even lay stock in the local bogeyman long since coined the Cinderman, a man said to roam the deepest parts of the forest searching for those he can claim as his own.
For Laughton Rees, however, a forensic specialist who often partners up with the police, folklore is far from reality. Instead, she places her faith in cold, hard facts. So when she learns of the long trail of missing people, many of whom have been women, she’s determined to figure out what real life monster could be behind the phenomenon. With the help of Maddie’s sister and DCI Tannahill Khan, she sets out to banish the Cinderman’s grip on the area once and for all.
Once on the scene in the sleepy town of Cinderfield, Laughton has to admit that there is something decidedly odd about the place. With the police negligently refusing to investigate what has happened to Maddie—or anyone else—Laughton can’t quite work out what’s going on. After all, they’re not the only ones strangely silent about the matter, as even the townspeople want nothing to do with the search for the missing girl. What if the myths have, in fact, been covering up a very real killer who has been hiding out in the forest all of these years?
Refusing to let a few grumpy townsfolk put them off the search for Maddie and the truth, Laughton and Adele dig into the case. But as their questions take them from a forest community deep in the woods to the dilapidated manor of the local Earl, they begin to sketch out the horrifying facts of what has really been going on year after year. What they find is a truth that is far more sinister and dangerous than anyone could have ever imagined. Can Maddie be saved? Or has her fate already been sealed?
Simon Toyne, you are simply a master of the written word. I honestly don’t know of a better way to start my review of The Clearing than that statement. A dark yet also surprisingly easy read, I found myself flying through the pages from the very first word. In fact, the prologue itself spoke of both of those details. Filled with evocative prose that crafted pictures in my head as if my magic, the topic was also equally hard to stomach. At the same time, it wasn’t graphic in the least and merely pushed me onto the next chapter with speed.
Just like the first book in the series, Dark Objects, I was stunned yet again by the brilliance of the main character, Laughton Rees. Strong and intelligent but also harboring what could be a paralyzing disorder, she tackled Maddie’s disappearance in a way only she could. In this newest installment, however, Toyne took her up a notch through a burgeoning love affair with DCI Khan. That and her love for her daughter humanized her and took what could have been a hard character and made her instead into someone I cheered on from the sidelines.
But it was the plot that had me ripping through the pages. With a somewhat slow burn buildup typical of crime fiction (that felt decidedly more like a thriller), the suspense ratcheted higher and higher in an inchmeal fashion until the gasp-inducing twist revealed an altogether pulse-pounding climax. From there on out, it was all I could do to simply inhale each page faster and faster. Shrewd and well-written, the multiple POVs and deftly hidden clues kept me firmly in the dark. A fact that I was ever so happy about.
Then there were those twists and turns. One of which felt entirely out of left field, but only in the best possible way. Maybe a better armchair sleuth could’ve sniffed it out, but somehow I doubt it as it was so well hidden within the plot that it literally caused by jaw to drop. That was just the first one, though. Unfortunately, while just as well done, I had just the teeniest, tiniest inkling about one of the following revelations. But instead of ruining the book, it merely made me pat myself on the back for seeing anything coming in this complex and intricate plot.
Atmospheric but also proving to be one heck of a ride, I just could not get enough of this one. Thanks to several misleading red herrings, an eerie and sinister setting, and a truly epic cat-and-mouse game, my love for Toyne has grown leaps and bounds. In fact, all said and done, he has firmly managed to ensconce his name on my auto-buy author list. By the way, while this one could be read as a stand-alone, I definitely don’t recommend it as the first book in this series was just as good plus you’d miss out on some truly top-notch character development. Ultimately, I simply cannot rave about The Clearing enough and beg of you to rush out and grab your copy today! Rating of 5+ stars.
Thank you to Simon Toyne, William Morrow, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Note about the TW: while it is a lengthy list, none of them were particularly graphic. So unless you’re particularly triggered by any of them, I wouldn’t worry about reading this book.
Scroll down for a potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: disappearance of a family member, kidnapping, forced captivity, stalking, death of a sibling, threatening driving, arson, mental illness, police corruption, mention of: homelessness, social services, child abuse, sex trafficking, suicide
The locals have long since rumored that the unusually high number of missing people in the area could be something as mundane as girls running away from home or hikers getting lost in the forest. Others even lay stock in the local bogeyman long since coined the Cinderman, a man said to roam the deepest parts of the forest searching for those he can claim as his own.
For Laughton Rees, however, a forensic specialist who often partners up with the police, folklore is far from reality. Instead, she places her faith in cold, hard facts. So when she learns of the long trail of missing people, many of whom have been women, she’s determined to figure out what real life monster could be behind the phenomenon. With the help of Maddie’s sister and DCI Tannahill Khan, she sets out to banish the Cinderman’s grip on the area once and for all.
Once on the scene in the sleepy town of Cinderfield, Laughton has to admit that there is something decidedly odd about the place. With the police negligently refusing to investigate what has happened to Maddie—or anyone else—Laughton can’t quite work out what’s going on. After all, they’re not the only ones strangely silent about the matter, as even the townspeople want nothing to do with the search for the missing girl. What if the myths have, in fact, been covering up a very real killer who has been hiding out in the forest all of these years?
Refusing to let a few grumpy townsfolk put them off the search for Maddie and the truth, Laughton and Adele dig into the case. But as their questions take them from a forest community deep in the woods to the dilapidated manor of the local Earl, they begin to sketch out the horrifying facts of what has really been going on year after year. What they find is a truth that is far more sinister and dangerous than anyone could have ever imagined. Can Maddie be saved? Or has her fate already been sealed?
Simon Toyne, you are simply a master of the written word. I honestly don’t know of a better way to start my review of The Clearing than that statement. A dark yet also surprisingly easy read, I found myself flying through the pages from the very first word. In fact, the prologue itself spoke of both of those details. Filled with evocative prose that crafted pictures in my head as if my magic, the topic was also equally hard to stomach. At the same time, it wasn’t graphic in the least and merely pushed me onto the next chapter with speed.
Just like the first book in the series, Dark Objects, I was stunned yet again by the brilliance of the main character, Laughton Rees. Strong and intelligent but also harboring what could be a paralyzing disorder, she tackled Maddie’s disappearance in a way only she could. In this newest installment, however, Toyne took her up a notch through a burgeoning love affair with DCI Khan. That and her love for her daughter humanized her and took what could have been a hard character and made her instead into someone I cheered on from the sidelines.
But it was the plot that had me ripping through the pages. With a somewhat slow burn buildup typical of crime fiction (that felt decidedly more like a thriller), the suspense ratcheted higher and higher in an inchmeal fashion until the gasp-inducing twist revealed an altogether pulse-pounding climax. From there on out, it was all I could do to simply inhale each page faster and faster. Shrewd and well-written, the multiple POVs and deftly hidden clues kept me firmly in the dark. A fact that I was ever so happy about.
Then there were those twists and turns. One of which felt entirely out of left field, but only in the best possible way. Maybe a better armchair sleuth could’ve sniffed it out, but somehow I doubt it as it was so well hidden within the plot that it literally caused by jaw to drop. That was just the first one, though. Unfortunately, while just as well done, I had just the teeniest, tiniest inkling about one of the following revelations. But instead of ruining the book, it merely made me pat myself on the back for seeing anything coming in this complex and intricate plot.
Atmospheric but also proving to be one heck of a ride, I just could not get enough of this one. Thanks to several misleading red herrings, an eerie and sinister setting, and a truly epic cat-and-mouse game, my love for Toyne has grown leaps and bounds. In fact, all said and done, he has firmly managed to ensconce his name on my auto-buy author list. By the way, while this one could be read as a stand-alone, I definitely don’t recommend it as the first book in this series was just as good plus you’d miss out on some truly top-notch character development. Ultimately, I simply cannot rave about The Clearing enough and beg of you to rush out and grab your copy today! Rating of 5+ stars.
Thank you to Simon Toyne, William Morrow, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Note about the TW: while it is a lengthy list, none of them were particularly graphic. So unless you’re particularly triggered by any of them, I wouldn’t worry about reading this book.
Scroll down for a potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: disappearance of a family member, kidnapping, forced captivity, stalking, death of a sibling, threatening driving, arson, mental illness, police corruption, mention of: homelessness, social services, child abuse, sex trafficking, suicide
May 13, 2023
4+
Laughton Rees/DCI Tannahill Khan #2
Cinderfield, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
It’s Midsummer Day and Adele Friar is growing increasingly concerned about the whereabouts of her sister Maddie and so she reports her missing. Is Maddie one of the many females who have disappeared in this area which is blamed on the local legend of The Cinderman? He is said to lurk deep in the forest seeking the unwary. Maddie’s disappearance comes to the attention of Dr Laughton Rees of the National Crime Agency and currently seconded to the Met. She is researching the connections between real crime and folklore and decides she will make her way to Cinderfield. Will she be able to break down the wall of secrecy that surrounds the area? She will certainly need all the help she can get from Tannahill.
First of all, the setting is so well described that the atmosphere positively oozes from the pages and you feel the chill as soon as feet enter the forest which seems to be a living thing. There’s a real stink of rottenness in the area and it’s creepy, spooky, sinister and at times horrifying so shivers go up and down my spine. It seems there’s evil, corruption and ruthlessness which depends the mystery which is all wrapped up in fascinating supernatural folklore elements. The area and the timescale of Midsummer Eve and Day gives the author such scope which he utilises to the max. It’s totally immersive, exciting, fast paced and the tension is the scarcely breathe variety.
In addition to the very likeable character of Laughton there are some ‘colourful ‘ characters who have definitely strayed to the dark side and she is sure up against it. Tannahill is more peripheral in this though he does play an important role.
Overall. I thoroughly enjoy the second in this very good series with its great blend of a detective story with local superstition. It can easily be read as a stand-alone.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Laughton Rees/DCI Tannahill Khan #2
Cinderfield, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
It’s Midsummer Day and Adele Friar is growing increasingly concerned about the whereabouts of her sister Maddie and so she reports her missing. Is Maddie one of the many females who have disappeared in this area which is blamed on the local legend of The Cinderman? He is said to lurk deep in the forest seeking the unwary. Maddie’s disappearance comes to the attention of Dr Laughton Rees of the National Crime Agency and currently seconded to the Met. She is researching the connections between real crime and folklore and decides she will make her way to Cinderfield. Will she be able to break down the wall of secrecy that surrounds the area? She will certainly need all the help she can get from Tannahill.
First of all, the setting is so well described that the atmosphere positively oozes from the pages and you feel the chill as soon as feet enter the forest which seems to be a living thing. There’s a real stink of rottenness in the area and it’s creepy, spooky, sinister and at times horrifying so shivers go up and down my spine. It seems there’s evil, corruption and ruthlessness which depends the mystery which is all wrapped up in fascinating supernatural folklore elements. The area and the timescale of Midsummer Eve and Day gives the author such scope which he utilises to the max. It’s totally immersive, exciting, fast paced and the tension is the scarcely breathe variety.
In addition to the very likeable character of Laughton there are some ‘colourful ‘ characters who have definitely strayed to the dark side and she is sure up against it. Tannahill is more peripheral in this though he does play an important role.
Overall. I thoroughly enjoy the second in this very good series with its great blend of a detective story with local superstition. It can easily be read as a stand-alone.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
February 10, 2023
Adele Friars sister Maddie goes missing in a forest steeped in legend and superstition. Is the Cinderman just folklore or real?
Laughton Rees investigates the mysterious disappearance. She finds dangerous family secrets that people want to remain hidden.
This was a creepy read that had me glued to the pages. I hated to put it down.
Thanks NetGalley and William Morrow for this ARC that will be released July 11, 2023!
Laughton Rees investigates the mysterious disappearance. She finds dangerous family secrets that people want to remain hidden.
This was a creepy read that had me glued to the pages. I hated to put it down.
Thanks NetGalley and William Morrow for this ARC that will be released July 11, 2023!
September 3, 2023
Maddie has gone missing and the police don’t seem to care when her younger sister Adele reports her as a missing person. Laughton Rees is a forensics expert and a professor who is researching the disappearances of 58 women over 2 decades. Maddie’s disappearance is the most recent case that fits the pattern, so Laughton contacts Adele. When the police refuse to get involved, Laughton simply declares that she is taking over the investigation. Seemed odd that a civilian could just show up and take over for the police, but maybe English law enforcement is peculiar.
There is a legend of a Cinderman lurking in the woods to abscond with women. But some of the villains in this book are so obvious from the beginning that we know that we don’t have to worry about any legends (the blurb also gives that away). However, there are multiple villains in this book, and one in particular really comes out of left field, and involves a huge coincidence. I am a little tired of “women-in-jeopardy��� books and I need to take a break from them, but this book was ok. In addition to the missing women, both Adele and Laughton wind up in trouble in this book, but the only action takes place at the end. This is the second book in a series, but it is not necessary to read the first book. 3.5 stars
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
There is a legend of a Cinderman lurking in the woods to abscond with women. But some of the villains in this book are so obvious from the beginning that we know that we don’t have to worry about any legends (the blurb also gives that away). However, there are multiple villains in this book, and one in particular really comes out of left field, and involves a huge coincidence. I am a little tired of “women-in-jeopardy��� books and I need to take a break from them, but this book was ok. In addition to the missing women, both Adele and Laughton wind up in trouble in this book, but the only action takes place at the end. This is the second book in a series, but it is not necessary to read the first book. 3.5 stars
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
February 10, 2023
Adele Friars sister Maddie goes missing in a forest steeped in legend and superstition. Is the Cinderman just folklore or real?
Laughton Rees investigates the mysterious disappearance. She finds dangerous family secrets that people want to remain hidden.
This was a creepy read that had me glued to the pages. I hated to put it down.
Thanks NetGalley and William Morrow for this ARC that will be released July 11, 2023!
Laughton Rees investigates the mysterious disappearance. She finds dangerous family secrets that people want to remain hidden.
This was a creepy read that had me glued to the pages. I hated to put it down.
Thanks NetGalley and William Morrow for this ARC that will be released July 11, 2023!
December 14, 2023
3.75 / 5
Set in Cinderfield Gloucestershire there’s a history of women going missing over a period of years. Locals have suggested that it’s the Cinderman a local legend rumoured to haunt the woods looking for victims. After midsummer eve, Adele Friar’s older sister Maggie goes missing. And when she begins to raise the alarm bells and let the authorise know everyone is not paying attention. Forensic specialist Laughton Rees is currently writing a paper about the comment between a history of missing women and folklore. When Maddie goes missing, Laughton takes it upon herself to investigate and find out what’s happening and try to break the historic trend.
This is one intriguing book that I have to admit, was unpredictable. I was taken aback by the writing style of Toyne and reminded of how well he is able to create a creepy, claustrophobic atmosphere. To make things more interesting, Rees is humanised more with her relationship with DCI Tannerhill Khan and shown more of her relationship with her daughter. Things like this adds a level of credibility to the book and character development which is rarely seen now. A fast paced thriller, which I definitely deserves a read!
Set in Cinderfield Gloucestershire there’s a history of women going missing over a period of years. Locals have suggested that it’s the Cinderman a local legend rumoured to haunt the woods looking for victims. After midsummer eve, Adele Friar’s older sister Maggie goes missing. And when she begins to raise the alarm bells and let the authorise know everyone is not paying attention. Forensic specialist Laughton Rees is currently writing a paper about the comment between a history of missing women and folklore. When Maddie goes missing, Laughton takes it upon herself to investigate and find out what’s happening and try to break the historic trend.
This is one intriguing book that I have to admit, was unpredictable. I was taken aback by the writing style of Toyne and reminded of how well he is able to create a creepy, claustrophobic atmosphere. To make things more interesting, Rees is humanised more with her relationship with DCI Tannerhill Khan and shown more of her relationship with her daughter. Things like this adds a level of credibility to the book and character development which is rarely seen now. A fast paced thriller, which I definitely deserves a read!
August 2, 2023
This is the 2nd book in the series, I think it could be read as a stand alone, but I’m glad I read Dark Objects first and got a feel for the characters. In a nut shell its about Laughton Rees, a forensic specialist who links a missing girl to a file she has been investigating with unsolved women who have disappeared in the region over a twenty year period.
Toyne does what I love in thrillers - Full of atmospheric, clever writing that gave me chills! A twisty, creepy, sinister plot, great (unique) character development and an ending that left me speechless!
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 rounded up.
Toyne does what I love in thrillers - Full of atmospheric, clever writing that gave me chills! A twisty, creepy, sinister plot, great (unique) character development and an ending that left me speechless!
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 rounded up.
March 13, 2023
Thank you for allowing me to read this!
This book really feel short. I finished it but I was really glad when it ended.
This book really feel short. I finished it but I was really glad when it ended.
March 30, 2023
Thank you William Morrow and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this eARC of The Clearing.
This was a fun read. It's fast paced and entertaining. That's what I'm looking for in a book. Reading is my escape and this book did just that for me.
Sometimes, we come across characters that we love to hate or just characters that we're indifferent to. This was not the case with Laughton Rees, who is the forensic specialist and a main character. I just adored her approach to everything.
Rees is brought in when a girl Maddie disappears. Adele is adamant that she just wouldn't up and leave. The sisters are way too close. The both up and changed their names to escape a horrible situation they were in. Laughton Rees is brought in to help investigate. Locals swear it's this mysterious mythic Cinderman. The story unfolds and gets wild Rees starts to unravel the case of Cinderman and just that it's not a myth and so much worse than is speculated around town. He's real and it's who is The Cinderman.
This was a fun read. It's fast paced and entertaining. That's what I'm looking for in a book. Reading is my escape and this book did just that for me.
Sometimes, we come across characters that we love to hate or just characters that we're indifferent to. This was not the case with Laughton Rees, who is the forensic specialist and a main character. I just adored her approach to everything.
Rees is brought in when a girl Maddie disappears. Adele is adamant that she just wouldn't up and leave. The sisters are way too close. The both up and changed their names to escape a horrible situation they were in. Laughton Rees is brought in to help investigate. Locals swear it's this mysterious mythic Cinderman. The story unfolds and gets wild Rees starts to unravel the case of Cinderman and just that it's not a myth and so much worse than is speculated around town. He's real and it's who is The Cinderman.
July 23, 2023
WOW!!!! What a brilliant READ! Definitely one of my favourite reads of the year so far! One of my easiest five-star ratings.
I discovered Simon Toyne when I read Dark Objects, which was the first installment where we met dr Laughton
Rees and DCI Tannahill Khan,
and I was an instant fan.
This book was even better and it had me mesmerized from the first page to the last!
I had to will myself to read slower so that I can make the book last longer.
It is a high-paced thriller; eerie at times and it gave me vibes of The Memory Man.
Maddie and Adele had a tough life growing up. They had to look out for each other but then Maddie disappears and Adele is desperate to find out what happened. Nobody is interested in helping her, not even the police.
Are there more sinister things at play here or is it just a young girl going off having a good time?
Does it have anything to do with the Cinderman folklore because this is not the first young girl to disappear in this area; a total of 58 girls have gone missing in the last 20 years.
In steps dr Laughton Rees whose interest is piqued by the tale of the Cinderman but also the fact that nothing is being done about the woman who's gone missing. Will she be able to get to the truth, especially with so many people trying to stop her?
" Deep, deep in the forest where almost no one ever goes he stands in a shaft of sunlight, the smoke from the smoulder pile thickening the air and clinging to the branches..."
Absolutely brilliant! A definite must-read!
Thank you to Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for this treat!
I discovered Simon Toyne when I read Dark Objects, which was the first installment where we met dr Laughton
Rees and DCI Tannahill Khan,
and I was an instant fan.
This book was even better and it had me mesmerized from the first page to the last!
I had to will myself to read slower so that I can make the book last longer.
It is a high-paced thriller; eerie at times and it gave me vibes of The Memory Man.
Maddie and Adele had a tough life growing up. They had to look out for each other but then Maddie disappears and Adele is desperate to find out what happened. Nobody is interested in helping her, not even the police.
Are there more sinister things at play here or is it just a young girl going off having a good time?
Does it have anything to do with the Cinderman folklore because this is not the first young girl to disappear in this area; a total of 58 girls have gone missing in the last 20 years.
In steps dr Laughton Rees whose interest is piqued by the tale of the Cinderman but also the fact that nothing is being done about the woman who's gone missing. Will she be able to get to the truth, especially with so many people trying to stop her?
" Deep, deep in the forest where almost no one ever goes he stands in a shaft of sunlight, the smoke from the smoulder pile thickening the air and clinging to the branches..."
Absolutely brilliant! A definite must-read!
Thank you to Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for this treat!
July 10, 2023
Thank you to @thrillerbookloverspromotions and @williammorrowbooks for my gifted copy! I first became familiar with Toyne reading Dark Objects.
This book is extremely atmospheric. It really helps to keep up the creep factor. All of the ominous trees and dark spooky corners. You are literally hooked from the first page, as it drips with rot and decay. You can just tell there is evil in the area. The added essence of the folklore and the “Cinderman” was done so well. It made the story/mystery that much better in my opinion.
Just like Dark Objects, we have some pretty loveable characters. I loved Laughton. She is smart, tough and brave. I loved her perusal for the truth and her “Take no for an answer” attitude. There is quite a bit of character development but not so much it ruins the suspense.
There is one major twist that literally caused me to go back and re-read a section. It blew me away and I wasn’t expecting it at all. Well done Toyne, Well Done!
This book is extremely atmospheric. It really helps to keep up the creep factor. All of the ominous trees and dark spooky corners. You are literally hooked from the first page, as it drips with rot and decay. You can just tell there is evil in the area. The added essence of the folklore and the “Cinderman” was done so well. It made the story/mystery that much better in my opinion.
Just like Dark Objects, we have some pretty loveable characters. I loved Laughton. She is smart, tough and brave. I loved her perusal for the truth and her “Take no for an answer” attitude. There is quite a bit of character development but not so much it ruins the suspense.
There is one major twist that literally caused me to go back and re-read a section. It blew me away and I wasn’t expecting it at all. Well done Toyne, Well Done!
July 19, 2023
This book is amazing, a proper mystery with a mixture of folklore, superstition and psychopathic tendencies. The author decided not to concentrate so much on Laughton’s OCD like in book one. Laughton is unrecognizable, a really welcomed change.
The proofreader needed to pay more attention, the names Maddie and Adele were used interchangeably in chapter 20 and at the end. Nothing major but it disrupts the illusion.
The plot kept getting weirder and stranger toward the end. You won’t see the resolution coming but that does not mean is surprising or plausible. The relationship between Maddie and Adele kept me engaged in the storyline.
A lot of work was put into Laughton’s deciphering of the mystery at hand and I appreciated it. Another plus for me was the absence of Tannahill, we really needed to read about Laughton’s ability to work instead of being “emotionally” hand held by Khan.
The proofreader needed to pay more attention, the names Maddie and Adele were used interchangeably in chapter 20 and at the end. Nothing major but it disrupts the illusion.
The plot kept getting weirder and stranger toward the end. You won’t see the resolution coming but that does not mean is surprising or plausible. The relationship between Maddie and Adele kept me engaged in the storyline.
A lot of work was put into Laughton’s deciphering of the mystery at hand and I appreciated it. Another plus for me was the absence of Tannahill, we really needed to read about Laughton’s ability to work instead of being “emotionally” hand held by Khan.
April 29, 2023
Laughton Rees is a forensic expert and investigating a series of missing women in a small town near the Forest of Dean in Cindertown. Locals believe the latest missing woman, as well as many before her could be due to the legend of Cinderman, a haunting ghost of the forrest.
Laughton uncovers much more thatn that when she interacts with a commune leader; Before long, her own life is at stake as she unravels the truth of what happens in the clearing #WilliamMorrow #TheClearing #SimonToyne
Laughton uncovers much more thatn that when she interacts with a commune leader; Before long, her own life is at stake as she unravels the truth of what happens in the clearing #WilliamMorrow #TheClearing #SimonToyne
July 25, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I loved this one! It is creepy and I still think about it weeks later!
It’s book 2 in a series, but makes complete sense on its own.
It’s about a forensic specialist named Laughton Rees. She discovers a pattern of an unusually high number of girls going missing in a small village. She goes to investigate and becomes involved in something more dangerous than she could have imagined.
I loved this one! It is creepy and I still think about it weeks later!
It’s book 2 in a series, but makes complete sense on its own.
It’s about a forensic specialist named Laughton Rees. She discovers a pattern of an unusually high number of girls going missing in a small village. She goes to investigate and becomes involved in something more dangerous than she could have imagined.
April 30, 2025
A really enjoyable audiobook. Only read one of the previous Laughton Rees books, but it didn't matter. I raced through this book.
July 7, 2023
Simon Toyne, must drink the secret sauce before gliding his hands across the keyboard.
I can't think of any other explanation as to how time and time again, this author pumps out 5 star hits that leave my jaw permanently on the floor.
Fun fact about Toyne, not only is he an internationally bestselling author of the Sanctus trilogy (Sanctus, The Key and The Tower), but he has also worked in the British television industry for more than twenty years. As a writer, director and producer he’s made several award-winning shows, one of which won a BAFTA!
Ok, back to The Clearing.
This book right here was a doozie and one heck of a ride.
The best part of forming a bond with an author is that there is no need to read the back of the book, you know you trust the author will deliver so you just purchase it and come on, isn't it more fun to go into a book not knowing what to expect?
I loved this book, I loved it so much I felt the instant tingles as soon as I read the first page. This book right here is literary gold and I can not wait for the rest of y'all to read it!
Now, I don't want to ruin this book for you if you choose to go in blind like I did, but I will tell you its 100 percent worth it and you will not be disappointed, in fact, it will be the opposite, this book is going to set your soul on fire.
Don't believe me?
Check out this teaser :
Adele Friar knows better than most that something dangerous lurks in the forest. So when her sister Maddie goes missing, she fears that the woods may hold the answers. After all, Maddie isn’t the only one who has disappeared recently.
Locals put the unusually high number of missing persons in the area down to inexperienced hikers getting lost in the forest’s depths, or girls abandoning their sleepy rural town for the excitement of city life. Some even blame the Cinderman, a legend who haunts the woods looking for unsuspecting victims.
Forensic specialist Laughton Rees doesn’t believe in legends, she believes in facts. With help from Adele and DCI Tannahill Khan back in London, she is determined to find Maddie and dispel the dangerous ghost stories once and for all.
But something strange is going on in the forest—the police seem reluctant to investigate the disappearances, and the locals aren’t talking. What if the monster in the woods isn’t a myth after all, and a cold-blooded killer is stalking his victims from the shadowy safety of the trees?
As Laughton and Adele question everyone, from the gruff leader of an off-grid commune to the mysterious Earl who presides over the crumbling abbey in the heart of the forest, they slowly begin to unravel the legend of the Cinderman—and discover the truth is far uglier, and far more dangerous, than any mythical monster.
I can't think of any other explanation as to how time and time again, this author pumps out 5 star hits that leave my jaw permanently on the floor.
Fun fact about Toyne, not only is he an internationally bestselling author of the Sanctus trilogy (Sanctus, The Key and The Tower), but he has also worked in the British television industry for more than twenty years. As a writer, director and producer he’s made several award-winning shows, one of which won a BAFTA!
Ok, back to The Clearing.
This book right here was a doozie and one heck of a ride.
The best part of forming a bond with an author is that there is no need to read the back of the book, you know you trust the author will deliver so you just purchase it and come on, isn't it more fun to go into a book not knowing what to expect?
I loved this book, I loved it so much I felt the instant tingles as soon as I read the first page. This book right here is literary gold and I can not wait for the rest of y'all to read it!
Now, I don't want to ruin this book for you if you choose to go in blind like I did, but I will tell you its 100 percent worth it and you will not be disappointed, in fact, it will be the opposite, this book is going to set your soul on fire.
Don't believe me?
Check out this teaser :
Adele Friar knows better than most that something dangerous lurks in the forest. So when her sister Maddie goes missing, she fears that the woods may hold the answers. After all, Maddie isn’t the only one who has disappeared recently.
Locals put the unusually high number of missing persons in the area down to inexperienced hikers getting lost in the forest’s depths, or girls abandoning their sleepy rural town for the excitement of city life. Some even blame the Cinderman, a legend who haunts the woods looking for unsuspecting victims.
Forensic specialist Laughton Rees doesn’t believe in legends, she believes in facts. With help from Adele and DCI Tannahill Khan back in London, she is determined to find Maddie and dispel the dangerous ghost stories once and for all.
But something strange is going on in the forest—the police seem reluctant to investigate the disappearances, and the locals aren’t talking. What if the monster in the woods isn’t a myth after all, and a cold-blooded killer is stalking his victims from the shadowy safety of the trees?
As Laughton and Adele question everyone, from the gruff leader of an off-grid commune to the mysterious Earl who presides over the crumbling abbey in the heart of the forest, they slowly begin to unravel the legend of the Cinderman—and discover the truth is far uglier, and far more dangerous, than any mythical monster.
October 29, 2023
The Clearing is one of those crime novels that are on a middle ground for me. Not bad, but not good enough that I find myself engrossed with the book. Don't take me wrong, the book isn't bad, I had the same feeling with the first book. I wanted to like it more than I did because the story in both this one and the first one, Dark Objects, is not bad. Stowrywise I do want to learn what's going on. In the end, I think it's that I find the main character, Laughton Rees, and those around her not especially interested. Her past trauma etc, and her problems aren't rocking my boat. Will I read more in this series if there are more books? Perhaps, but it will not be high on my agenda.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
March 15, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It had so many twists and turns. I felt anxious the whole time I was reading it but I couldn’t put it down. I loved how Adele and Laughton Reese worked together to figure out what happened to Maddie. I would definitely recommend this book!
Thank you NetGalley, William Morrow and Simon Toyne for this ARC!
Thank you NetGalley, William Morrow and Simon Toyne for this ARC!
May 21, 2023
I'm not saying that I enjoyed this book, but it did disappear in just one single afternoon and evening .... That's what you want from a book really, isn't it. Something that holds your attention from the very beginning and doesn't let go. And that is what Simon Toyne has once again delivered with The Clearing, the second book in his Laughton Rees/Tannahill Khan series. With an undulating tension, an eeriness which cannot be attributed wholly to the setting (ominous woods, tight knit community ...), and a whole series of characters who you know, instinctively, you cannot trust even as far as you could throw the book (which you should not do - never throw books), this was another absolute winner and, the more I read, the more I find I am loving this series and, especially, Laughton Rees.
Now Laughton is a character with a few, how should I put this ... quirks. She's not the most naturally and demonstrably loving character, aside from the tenderness and concern she has by the bucket load for her daughter, and she suffers OCD, although that is more pronounced when under undue stress. But she is fiercely determined, focused and, when all is said and done, exactly the kind of person you'd want on your side. All good news for Adele, who is trying to track down her missing sister, Maddie, with little to no help from the police. Thankfully, Laughton is on the case as she is researching strange disappearances around Cinderfield, and especially their connection to local lore and legend. Is there an innocent explanation, or is something far more sinister, and perhaps even supernatural going on?
I really liked the way in which the author opened the book, even from those very early pages showing us some of his hand and the trickery that is going to pass over the course of the rest of the book. Moving between the points of view of the central characters, we are both present in the action as Adele and Laughton, and their antagonists, try to uncover/cover up the truth, as well as with another person whose perspective adds a real skin crawling and heart thumping edge to the narrative. That's not to say that the rest of the book doesn't contain moments which really set you on edge - it does and it will - but those moments when we follow the point of view of the missing young woman really do paint a very stark and disturbing picture. Each moment is played perfectly, the tension building slowly but surely, and yet when the full truth is exposed it still had the capacity to catch me unawares, leaving me wondering just how I missed it. Well played Mr Toyne.
This is a real story of hunter and prey, with so many untrustworthy characters trying to derail Laughton's investigation, it's hard to know which of them is the ultimate antagonist. Even those not caught up in the subterfuge directly, work against her, the victim dismissed in the local community as being a troubled soul and her disappearance nothing to worry about. But the further we move into the story, the darker it becomes, and I did find that in the latter stages of the book my reading pace picked up and I was powering through the final scenes, my attention rapt. There are some tender moments in the book too, as well as many that will make you smile. But it is the emotional toll on Adele due to Maddie's disappearance, and the realisation of the young women's past that really made it's mark with me, expressed with care by the author, providing just enough detail to explain without taking readers too far into the darkness.
If you loved Dark Objects, this is filled with as much mystery and suspense, supported by characters who I am growing to love more with each book. Another absolutely brilliant thriller and most definitely recommended.
Now Laughton is a character with a few, how should I put this ... quirks. She's not the most naturally and demonstrably loving character, aside from the tenderness and concern she has by the bucket load for her daughter, and she suffers OCD, although that is more pronounced when under undue stress. But she is fiercely determined, focused and, when all is said and done, exactly the kind of person you'd want on your side. All good news for Adele, who is trying to track down her missing sister, Maddie, with little to no help from the police. Thankfully, Laughton is on the case as she is researching strange disappearances around Cinderfield, and especially their connection to local lore and legend. Is there an innocent explanation, or is something far more sinister, and perhaps even supernatural going on?
I really liked the way in which the author opened the book, even from those very early pages showing us some of his hand and the trickery that is going to pass over the course of the rest of the book. Moving between the points of view of the central characters, we are both present in the action as Adele and Laughton, and their antagonists, try to uncover/cover up the truth, as well as with another person whose perspective adds a real skin crawling and heart thumping edge to the narrative. That's not to say that the rest of the book doesn't contain moments which really set you on edge - it does and it will - but those moments when we follow the point of view of the missing young woman really do paint a very stark and disturbing picture. Each moment is played perfectly, the tension building slowly but surely, and yet when the full truth is exposed it still had the capacity to catch me unawares, leaving me wondering just how I missed it. Well played Mr Toyne.
This is a real story of hunter and prey, with so many untrustworthy characters trying to derail Laughton's investigation, it's hard to know which of them is the ultimate antagonist. Even those not caught up in the subterfuge directly, work against her, the victim dismissed in the local community as being a troubled soul and her disappearance nothing to worry about. But the further we move into the story, the darker it becomes, and I did find that in the latter stages of the book my reading pace picked up and I was powering through the final scenes, my attention rapt. There are some tender moments in the book too, as well as many that will make you smile. But it is the emotional toll on Adele due to Maddie's disappearance, and the realisation of the young women's past that really made it's mark with me, expressed with care by the author, providing just enough detail to explain without taking readers too far into the darkness.
If you loved Dark Objects, this is filled with as much mystery and suspense, supported by characters who I am growing to love more with each book. Another absolutely brilliant thriller and most definitely recommended.
May 17, 2023
I received an ARC for this one, not realising it was the second in the series. Although most reviews indicated that it could be read as a standalone, I decided to read Dark Objects first and I am glad I did.
Whilst I agree that most series like these can be read as standalones, I always feel more invested in the book and characters when I have followed them from the start.
In this book, we follow the blossoming relationship, both personal and professional, between Laughton Rees and Tannahill Khan as they seek to investigate the disappearance of a number of young women in an area 'haunted' by folklore legend 'The Cinderman'. Whilst the disappearance of these other women has hitherto gone unnoticed by most, Laughton, through the course of her academic research goes in search of Maddie who has recently gone missing.
Laughton pairs up with Maddie's sister, Adele, but soon uncovers secrets related to both the missing girl as well as some local individuals.
This was another solid outing for Rees and Khan. Toyne's sense of place and setting was excellent again and I was really impressed with his writing. I like the slow burn sense of the relationship between Rees and Khan and look forward to seeing how this develops in future novels.
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Whilst I agree that most series like these can be read as standalones, I always feel more invested in the book and characters when I have followed them from the start.
In this book, we follow the blossoming relationship, both personal and professional, between Laughton Rees and Tannahill Khan as they seek to investigate the disappearance of a number of young women in an area 'haunted' by folklore legend 'The Cinderman'. Whilst the disappearance of these other women has hitherto gone unnoticed by most, Laughton, through the course of her academic research goes in search of Maddie who has recently gone missing.
Laughton pairs up with Maddie's sister, Adele, but soon uncovers secrets related to both the missing girl as well as some local individuals.
This was another solid outing for Rees and Khan. Toyne's sense of place and setting was excellent again and I was really impressed with his writing. I like the slow burn sense of the relationship between Rees and Khan and look forward to seeing how this develops in future novels.
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
August 19, 2023
I now have this book in my possession, and I’m soooo excited!! But also it’s really short and that makes me sad 🫤
June 16, 2023
For the life of me I couldn't get into this book. To be fully honest if it wasn't a Netgalley read I would have DNF'ed it. This is indeed one of my top favorite genres so I know that wasn't it. I couldn't find myself to care about any characters or the story. Or even the ending.
June 19, 2023
I found myself looking for anything to do other than read this book. The pacing seemed to be rather slow throughout the majority of the book and there was a lack of tension or suspense. The characters lacked depth or interest and the plot was weak.
August 29, 2023
Got 3/4 of the way through and realized I just didn't care anymore. DNF
June 28, 2023
Laughton Rees Discovers A Gripping Complex Case
A man is standing very still in the forest. He is standing upwind so even his scent cannot be smelled. The forest’s secrets are his now, and his are theirs. He is the forest, and the forest is him. He knows what nourishes, what poisons, what gives life — and what brings death. A rabbit appears and then a doe. He sees a mark on the doe's neck. The rabbit approaches the man, rabbit does not notice him. He sees the blue ink mark on its neck also. He follows the rabbit with a tube in his mouth. With a strong breath, the dart hits the rabbit who tries to get away then collapses. As a man approaches the rabbit, he hears a buzzing. A rectangle near the rabbit's paw is displaying the word, Mum. He crushes the phone with his boot and kicks it into the brush. He drags the rabbit off the trail, and they disappear into the forest. From this strange start, this novel proceeds
This novel is a very complex novel as shown the numerous main storyline threads. First, there are two interrelated investigations, into recent abduction and into a 20-year history of uninvestigated missing person cases. On the antagonist side there are several closely related threads by individuals/groups. There is a woman held in captivity, Lastly, one thread is for the folkloric serial killer called Cinderman. Each of the threads had their own and at times multiple narrators. The author weaved them together so well that I was not confused at all and was provided multiple viewpoints into the main storyline. My interest was captured and maintained by wanting to learn the next clue discovered by Rees, and trying so sort out all the relationships on the protagonists’ side. There was a major revelation that changed my understanding of a major aspect of this novel. Maybe more astute readers will anticipate this, but it caught me by a complete surprise.
A significant evolution of Rees’s character is revealed in this novel. This change is seen in some very frank personally revealing discussions with Adele whose missing person report for her sister is this novel’s genesis. Also, Rees talks with a detective from the first novel, Tannahill Khan, constantly throughout this novel. These conversations also show a major change in relationship. This may be not as noticeable without reading the first novel, but if you have, a very enjoying insight is provided. Let me say here that reading the first novel is not required to read this one. There are not any undocumented references that needed knowledge of events from the first novel. This aspect of the novel enhanced my reading enjoyment of this novel.
For the aspects that cause some readers to stop readers, there are not any intimate scenes. There is noticeable level of rude language. There is a little less vulgar and impious language. Violence generally described in the more edgy as it occurs. The level of all of these should not be an issue for most readers.
Overall, there was only one aspect with which I had a problem. It was with the strange aspects of the prologue. They were the referring to the woman as a rabbit and the blue marks on the neck. After reading the novel, I believe I know why, but the author did not explain why in the novel. The reasons that I really enjoyed reading this novel are that I provided above. My previous reading of this author was only the previous novel in this series. Based upon my great enjoyment in reading both novels, this author is cemented in my Must-Read category. I am looking forward to reading further books/series by the author. This was an easy five-star rating for this novel. I recommend reading this novel if you are interested in this genre.
I received a free prepublication e-book version of this novel through NetGalley from William Morrow. My review is based only on my own reading experience of this book. I wish to thank William Morrow for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.
A man is standing very still in the forest. He is standing upwind so even his scent cannot be smelled. The forest’s secrets are his now, and his are theirs. He is the forest, and the forest is him. He knows what nourishes, what poisons, what gives life — and what brings death. A rabbit appears and then a doe. He sees a mark on the doe's neck. The rabbit approaches the man, rabbit does not notice him. He sees the blue ink mark on its neck also. He follows the rabbit with a tube in his mouth. With a strong breath, the dart hits the rabbit who tries to get away then collapses. As a man approaches the rabbit, he hears a buzzing. A rectangle near the rabbit's paw is displaying the word, Mum. He crushes the phone with his boot and kicks it into the brush. He drags the rabbit off the trail, and they disappear into the forest. From this strange start, this novel proceeds
This novel is a very complex novel as shown the numerous main storyline threads. First, there are two interrelated investigations, into recent abduction and into a 20-year history of uninvestigated missing person cases. On the antagonist side there are several closely related threads by individuals/groups. There is a woman held in captivity, Lastly, one thread is for the folkloric serial killer called Cinderman. Each of the threads had their own and at times multiple narrators. The author weaved them together so well that I was not confused at all and was provided multiple viewpoints into the main storyline. My interest was captured and maintained by wanting to learn the next clue discovered by Rees, and trying so sort out all the relationships on the protagonists’ side. There was a major revelation that changed my understanding of a major aspect of this novel. Maybe more astute readers will anticipate this, but it caught me by a complete surprise.
A significant evolution of Rees’s character is revealed in this novel. This change is seen in some very frank personally revealing discussions with Adele whose missing person report for her sister is this novel’s genesis. Also, Rees talks with a detective from the first novel, Tannahill Khan, constantly throughout this novel. These conversations also show a major change in relationship. This may be not as noticeable without reading the first novel, but if you have, a very enjoying insight is provided. Let me say here that reading the first novel is not required to read this one. There are not any undocumented references that needed knowledge of events from the first novel. This aspect of the novel enhanced my reading enjoyment of this novel.
For the aspects that cause some readers to stop readers, there are not any intimate scenes. There is noticeable level of rude language. There is a little less vulgar and impious language. Violence generally described in the more edgy as it occurs. The level of all of these should not be an issue for most readers.
Overall, there was only one aspect with which I had a problem. It was with the strange aspects of the prologue. They were the referring to the woman as a rabbit and the blue marks on the neck. After reading the novel, I believe I know why, but the author did not explain why in the novel. The reasons that I really enjoyed reading this novel are that I provided above. My previous reading of this author was only the previous novel in this series. Based upon my great enjoyment in reading both novels, this author is cemented in my Must-Read category. I am looking forward to reading further books/series by the author. This was an easy five-star rating for this novel. I recommend reading this novel if you are interested in this genre.
I received a free prepublication e-book version of this novel through NetGalley from William Morrow. My review is based only on my own reading experience of this book. I wish to thank William Morrow for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.
July 7, 2023
The Clearing is the second entry in Simon Toyne's Laughton Rees series. It can absolutely be read as a stand alone though.
Laughton is an academic, but she is also a forensic expert with ties to the Met. Her latest research has uncovered a large number of missing women - far too many - for the small village near the Forest of Dean. Another woman has just been listed as missing, so she decides to visit the area herself.
What does she run into you ask? A town steeped in folklore and legends, unhelpful police, a lord of the manor with his own agenda and a hostile settlement in the forest. Laughton and the missing woman's sister start their own investigation.
I really liked Laughton as a lead character - she's tenacious, highly intelligent and brave. She has a way words - she can easily tie up someone with her speaking. And she's somewhat rash, often acting before she thinks. A protagonist that's easy to like. Toyne has given her a personal life that rounds out the character.
Toyne does a great job building the setting. The forest descriptors gave me shivers and the town and it's residents had me looking over my shoulder.
The plot uses some familiar elements, but Toyne puts his own spin on things. He also gives the reader many choices for the final whodunit. Lots of red herrings had me changing my final answer more than once on the way. Lots of suspense scenes as well that gave me goosebumps.
I quite enjoyed The Clearing. I look forward the next book in this series.
Laughton is an academic, but she is also a forensic expert with ties to the Met. Her latest research has uncovered a large number of missing women - far too many - for the small village near the Forest of Dean. Another woman has just been listed as missing, so she decides to visit the area herself.
What does she run into you ask? A town steeped in folklore and legends, unhelpful police, a lord of the manor with his own agenda and a hostile settlement in the forest. Laughton and the missing woman's sister start their own investigation.
I really liked Laughton as a lead character - she's tenacious, highly intelligent and brave. She has a way words - she can easily tie up someone with her speaking. And she's somewhat rash, often acting before she thinks. A protagonist that's easy to like. Toyne has given her a personal life that rounds out the character.
Toyne does a great job building the setting. The forest descriptors gave me shivers and the town and it's residents had me looking over my shoulder.
The plot uses some familiar elements, but Toyne puts his own spin on things. He also gives the reader many choices for the final whodunit. Lots of red herrings had me changing my final answer more than once on the way. Lots of suspense scenes as well that gave me goosebumps.
I quite enjoyed The Clearing. I look forward the next book in this series.
July 5, 2023
When a young women goes missing on the summer solstice the only person who seems concerned is her sister. Local police show little interest in investigating it. Dr Laughton Rees becomes involved when a missing person report is eventually filed and there are links to local folklore about The Cinderman.
Laughton Rees is a forensic expert and is investigating a series of missing women in a small town near the Forest of Dean in Cindertown. Locals believe the latest missing woman, as well as many before her could be due to the legend of ‘The Cinderman’, a ghost that haunts the forest . From the opening chapter there is a creepiness to this novel.
I enjoyed the storyline and all of the twists right up until the last chapter. The underlying storyline was on point for our current time (unfortunately) from the flaws in the foster care system to the trouble with human trafficking. I loved how the author took a folklore spin and combined it with a police investigation. All of the evil happening in the story was brought back to the power of powerful people's ability to cover things up if desired.
I received an ARC for this one, not realizing it was the second in the DCI Laughton Rees series. Dark Objects was book #1. I did not read Dark Objects, but I feel like this could be read as a stand-alone.
I like the slow burn sense of the relationship between Rees and Khan and look forward to seeing how this develops in future novels.
Laughton Rees is a forensic expert and is investigating a series of missing women in a small town near the Forest of Dean in Cindertown. Locals believe the latest missing woman, as well as many before her could be due to the legend of ‘The Cinderman’, a ghost that haunts the forest . From the opening chapter there is a creepiness to this novel.
I enjoyed the storyline and all of the twists right up until the last chapter. The underlying storyline was on point for our current time (unfortunately) from the flaws in the foster care system to the trouble with human trafficking. I loved how the author took a folklore spin and combined it with a police investigation. All of the evil happening in the story was brought back to the power of powerful people's ability to cover things up if desired.
I received an ARC for this one, not realizing it was the second in the DCI Laughton Rees series. Dark Objects was book #1. I did not read Dark Objects, but I feel like this could be read as a stand-alone.
I like the slow burn sense of the relationship between Rees and Khan and look forward to seeing how this develops in future novels.
July 27, 2023
Ahh, now this is more like it. The second Laughton Rees mystery by Mr. Toyne dips slightly back into his fantasy roots, while also specifically going for the sort of folkloric West Country vibe that influenced Tolkien. (No seriously, there’s a lot of hobbit and orc jokes throughout this book, even in the internal monologue lament of an Earl whose historic house would require repair work from a very old fashioned blacksmith.) Far away from the humdrum city life of the first book (though thankfully DCI Tannahill Khan is only a phone call away), Rees now goes forth to investigate a disappearance around Midsummer’s Eve, leading her to a string of similarly vanished women, a cult based on the evil Cinderman spirits of the local legends, and a twist ending that reminds me of at least one Jack the Ripper theory (which I believe Will Thomas used as the basis for one of his Barker & Llewelyn mysteries.) Shorter and punchier than its predecessor, this book will hopefully be only the next in a long line for Mr. Toyne and his newest protagonist.
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