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Cora Lael #3
Leave No Trace
A disappearance
Ewan Stokes disappeared after a football match 15 years ago. No one knows where he went – or why – but every year on the anniversary of his disappearance, random mysterious sightings are reported across Europe.
A cult following
An online cult following has grown up around the mystery, sharing tips and sightings. Rumour has it that ‘Stokesy’ is coming back. And he wants revenge. Riled by the prospect of his return, unrest grows. His followers blame his ex-girlfriend, Maisie, for his disappearance and they want her to pay.
A woman in danger
As the 15th anniversary of Stokesy��s disappearance approaches, there are more sightings, followed by apparently random acts of violence. The campaign of intimidation against Maisie grows. Frightened, she reaches out to the police but she has long been the victim of the cult’s anger and her pleas for help have gone unheeded for years.
A psychologist with a special gift
Dr Cora Lael is brought in to help DS Minshull and South Suffolk CID before the situation gets out of hand. Can her special intuition unlock the key to Stokesy’s disappearance, save Maisie and stop Stokesy wreaking his revenge?
Ewan Stokes disappeared after a football match 15 years ago. No one knows where he went – or why – but every year on the anniversary of his disappearance, random mysterious sightings are reported across Europe.
A cult following
An online cult following has grown up around the mystery, sharing tips and sightings. Rumour has it that ‘Stokesy’ is coming back. And he wants revenge. Riled by the prospect of his return, unrest grows. His followers blame his ex-girlfriend, Maisie, for his disappearance and they want her to pay.
A woman in danger
As the 15th anniversary of Stokesy��s disappearance approaches, there are more sightings, followed by apparently random acts of violence. The campaign of intimidation against Maisie grows. Frightened, she reaches out to the police but she has long been the victim of the cult’s anger and her pleas for help have gone unheeded for years.
A psychologist with a special gift
Dr Cora Lael is brought in to help DS Minshull and South Suffolk CID before the situation gets out of hand. Can her special intuition unlock the key to Stokesy’s disappearance, save Maisie and stop Stokesy wreaking his revenge?
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2023
7 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 13, 2024
Another good story in the Cora Lael series. It took a bit longer to get into than the previous two, but once in, I was hooked. I can't wait to see how the author develops the characters, and also the relationship between Rob and Cora.
March 2, 2023
This is book #3 in the Cora Lael series. Whilst it is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone book, although I would recommend reading the books in series order. The Cora Lael books are crime books with an added twist thanks to Cora and her unique ability of sensing emotions which are attached to objects. This book focusses on the disappearance 15 years ago of Ewan Stokes. When someone resembling Ewan begins appearing in front of webcams in the area he went missing, a large fan following which has developed over the years believes he is returning for revenge!
I’ve read all the books in this series and have loved them all! Cora Lael is such a likeable character, and her unique ability makes her even more intriguing. I love her relationship with DS Rob Minshull, and to be honest I couldn’t want for a better pairing, but things do get a little tricky between them in this instalment. I really like Rob’s character, he’s always believed in Cora and never doubted what she can do, but I have to admit he did disappoint me (for reasons I won’t say!) in this book. I really hope they sort it out though as not only do they work well together, but I really want to see some romance between them!!
Cora and Minshull aside, the storyline was gripping with the return of the local legend Ewan Stokes. The reason why he disappeared all those years before has remained a mystery, and we are held in suspense with that mystery throughout the book! I was caught into the storyline very early on and loved following the investigation along with Minshull and his team. There are also a couple of other separate storylines running alongside the Stokes mystery, focussing on the investigation into a possible hit and run and visiting Cora’s new client, a young boy who doesn’t want to attend school. All these storylines slotted in and out of each other uncomplicatedly and, told from several characters perspectives, I was kept captivated by them all!
The author has done a fantastic job with this latest book. The storylines are captivating and keep you on your toes throughout the whole book! Cora’s unique ability does give great weight to the investigation, and I loved it when she was brought in to ‘do her thing’! Fast paced, cleverly thought out and gripping to the very end, if you want a police procedural crime read with that added something extra, then I would definitely recommend this!
I’ve read all the books in this series and have loved them all! Cora Lael is such a likeable character, and her unique ability makes her even more intriguing. I love her relationship with DS Rob Minshull, and to be honest I couldn’t want for a better pairing, but things do get a little tricky between them in this instalment. I really like Rob’s character, he’s always believed in Cora and never doubted what she can do, but I have to admit he did disappoint me (for reasons I won’t say!) in this book. I really hope they sort it out though as not only do they work well together, but I really want to see some romance between them!!
Cora and Minshull aside, the storyline was gripping with the return of the local legend Ewan Stokes. The reason why he disappeared all those years before has remained a mystery, and we are held in suspense with that mystery throughout the book! I was caught into the storyline very early on and loved following the investigation along with Minshull and his team. There are also a couple of other separate storylines running alongside the Stokes mystery, focussing on the investigation into a possible hit and run and visiting Cora’s new client, a young boy who doesn’t want to attend school. All these storylines slotted in and out of each other uncomplicatedly and, told from several characters perspectives, I was kept captivated by them all!
The author has done a fantastic job with this latest book. The storylines are captivating and keep you on your toes throughout the whole book! Cora’s unique ability does give great weight to the investigation, and I loved it when she was brought in to ‘do her thing’! Fast paced, cleverly thought out and gripping to the very end, if you want a police procedural crime read with that added something extra, then I would definitely recommend this!
February 22, 2024
Another fantastic instalment of the Dr Cora Lael series. I absolutely loved being back with Cora, Minsh and the rest of the South Suffolk CID team.
In Leave No Trace, the plot focuses on the disappearance of a man called Ewan Stokes, otherwise know as Stokesy, 15 years ago. As the 15th anniversary approaches, his so called ‘fans’ believe that he is coming back to get revenge on those who wronged him all those years ago and forced his disappearance. As random sightings that are supposedly Stokesy start to appear all over the country, is this some kind of sick hoax or are people genuinely in danger?
I love how Cora is now an integral part of the team, and how valued she is. I’m still really hoping that her and Minsh are going to take their relationship to the next level. They’re both so good for each other! 😍
I was completely hooked, I couldn’t wait to come home from work and read it each night. For me, it’s just everything I love about crime fiction. I really would love to see this series made into a TV series, it would be amazing. Lots of twist and turns, very unpredictable - I loved that I couldn’t work out the ending. Love how the chapters alternate to show points of views from all of the team. I just really love and I feel like my review doesn’t do justice how good this series is. I can’t wait for book four!!
In Leave No Trace, the plot focuses on the disappearance of a man called Ewan Stokes, otherwise know as Stokesy, 15 years ago. As the 15th anniversary approaches, his so called ‘fans’ believe that he is coming back to get revenge on those who wronged him all those years ago and forced his disappearance. As random sightings that are supposedly Stokesy start to appear all over the country, is this some kind of sick hoax or are people genuinely in danger?
I love how Cora is now an integral part of the team, and how valued she is. I’m still really hoping that her and Minsh are going to take their relationship to the next level. They’re both so good for each other! 😍
I was completely hooked, I couldn’t wait to come home from work and read it each night. For me, it’s just everything I love about crime fiction. I really would love to see this series made into a TV series, it would be amazing. Lots of twist and turns, very unpredictable - I loved that I couldn’t work out the ending. Love how the chapters alternate to show points of views from all of the team. I just really love and I feel like my review doesn’t do justice how good this series is. I can’t wait for book four!!
March 3, 2023
M.J. White is the pen name of bestselling author Miranda Dickinson, author of twelve books, including six Sunday Times bestsellers. Her books have been translated into ten languages, selling over a million copies worldwide. A long time lover of crime fiction, the Cora Lael Mysteries is her debut crime series. She is a singer-songwriter.
She created a soundtrack playlist that captures the emotion and the atmosphere of the story she writes, the list is included at the back of the book.
This story was surprising, in a positive way, and how better to start with a quote from my favourite play of mine!
The atmosphere at the start of the story is very sinister - on webcams all around Europe a dark, hooded man appears, holding up a board, saying HELP ME. These sightings are shared on the StokesyFans fansite internet forum, which awaits the return of Ewan Stokes, a young man who suddenly disappeared fifteen years ago. His family is distraught, and through this forum and a true crime documentary, they are trying to keep his case alive. Followers on this forum are confident that Stokesy is still alive and returning after all these years to bring order. (Stockey#15)
In the beginning, the writer certainly succeeded in setting a dark, almost supernatural atmosphere. Apart from Macbeth of course, I rarely read 'supernatural, psychic' stories, but here it seems to work.
I found the internet crimes, - as hate speech and harassing - very original and refreshing in what I initially thought of as traditional crime fiction narration. It is, after all, the world we live in today.
The CID team dealing with missing persons and the Stokesy sightings at various locations is joined by Cora Lael, a psychologist, who can pick up emotions and thoughts from people and objects found at a crime scene.
Although I rarely read books about mental 'gifts', I did find Cora's role fit the story well, she remains professional in everything she does, without it getting too being one of those touchy-feely-vibe 'airy-fairy’ types.
Only criticism I have is that it seems the story is going on for a wee bit too long. At first, of course, there is no real crime, there is no corpse, and most think Stokesy took off to build a better life somewhere. The story picks up when online threats increase and a victim actually falls.
I regretted that Cora was given such a small role in a subplot. Her story line eventually comes back together at the end of the story, but I would have liked to see her in a larger role.
Although I found it a good story, and enjoyed reading it, I still think the story about the return of the ‘prodigal son’ could have been a tad shorter. I really liked the link to the
Macbeth play, yet I sometimes felt that the story was unnecessarily stretched-out.
The writer has added a playlist at the end of the book, I listened to the music afterwards (nice choices :))
Overall, a good, solid story, I would love to read more by this author.
I received an arc from Netgalley and Hera Books. I leave this review voluntarily.
3.5 stars & a recommended read.
She created a soundtrack playlist that captures the emotion and the atmosphere of the story she writes, the list is included at the back of the book.
This story was surprising, in a positive way, and how better to start with a quote from my favourite play of mine!
The atmosphere at the start of the story is very sinister - on webcams all around Europe a dark, hooded man appears, holding up a board, saying HELP ME. These sightings are shared on the StokesyFans fansite internet forum, which awaits the return of Ewan Stokes, a young man who suddenly disappeared fifteen years ago. His family is distraught, and through this forum and a true crime documentary, they are trying to keep his case alive. Followers on this forum are confident that Stokesy is still alive and returning after all these years to bring order. (Stockey#15)
In the beginning, the writer certainly succeeded in setting a dark, almost supernatural atmosphere. Apart from Macbeth of course, I rarely read 'supernatural, psychic' stories, but here it seems to work.
I found the internet crimes, - as hate speech and harassing - very original and refreshing in what I initially thought of as traditional crime fiction narration. It is, after all, the world we live in today.
The CID team dealing with missing persons and the Stokesy sightings at various locations is joined by Cora Lael, a psychologist, who can pick up emotions and thoughts from people and objects found at a crime scene.
Although I rarely read books about mental 'gifts', I did find Cora's role fit the story well, she remains professional in everything she does, without it getting too being one of those touchy-feely-vibe 'airy-fairy’ types.
Only criticism I have is that it seems the story is going on for a wee bit too long. At first, of course, there is no real crime, there is no corpse, and most think Stokesy took off to build a better life somewhere. The story picks up when online threats increase and a victim actually falls.
I regretted that Cora was given such a small role in a subplot. Her story line eventually comes back together at the end of the story, but I would have liked to see her in a larger role.
Although I found it a good story, and enjoyed reading it, I still think the story about the return of the ‘prodigal son’ could have been a tad shorter. I really liked the link to the
Macbeth play, yet I sometimes felt that the story was unnecessarily stretched-out.
The writer has added a playlist at the end of the book, I listened to the music afterwards (nice choices :))
Overall, a good, solid story, I would love to read more by this author.
I received an arc from Netgalley and Hera Books. I leave this review voluntarily.
3.5 stars & a recommended read.
April 2, 2023
🏟⚽A group desperately in search of an avenging hero😟
A good, solid British-set police procedural with a ticking clock to an anniversary lending urgency and a few twists that intrigued me.
First, psychologist Cora Lael's unusual ability to read a people's thoughts and feelings through the objects they've touched.
It seems like she would be inundated constantly. But the author gave her the skill to access this talent when needed and it proves key in advancing the police investigation and in her work with troubled six year old Reed.
For me, the issue that really dominates the story is the way an online community forum is promoted around the disappearance of a minor league footballer and its users totally mold the missing man, his motives and thoughts, to their own fears and prejudices. It almost did not matter whether the missing man was really there! All too realistic in this day and age, especially post-pandemic. Threatening people they have never met and do not know on behalf of the mythical man they so want to believe in. And making it difficult for the police to protect the objects of their threats.
The writing, pace and plot kept me fully involved. I had just one niggle about the way the author inserted brief mentions of events that went before in previous stories in the series. I would prefer a complete explanation or no mention rather than a half-veiled hint.
Thanks to Hera Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
A good, solid British-set police procedural with a ticking clock to an anniversary lending urgency and a few twists that intrigued me.
First, psychologist Cora Lael's unusual ability to read a people's thoughts and feelings through the objects they've touched.
It seems like she would be inundated constantly. But the author gave her the skill to access this talent when needed and it proves key in advancing the police investigation and in her work with troubled six year old Reed.
For me, the issue that really dominates the story is the way an online community forum is promoted around the disappearance of a minor league footballer and its users totally mold the missing man, his motives and thoughts, to their own fears and prejudices. It almost did not matter whether the missing man was really there! All too realistic in this day and age, especially post-pandemic. Threatening people they have never met and do not know on behalf of the mythical man they so want to believe in. And making it difficult for the police to protect the objects of their threats.
The writing, pace and plot kept me fully involved. I had just one niggle about the way the author inserted brief mentions of events that went before in previous stories in the series. I would prefer a complete explanation or no mention rather than a half-veiled hint.
Thanks to Hera Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
March 2, 2023
A man goes missing after a local football match. Over time, true crime fans concoct a deep web of conspiracy theories about where he went, why he left and most chilling of all: who is to blame. As the fifteen year anniversary of his disappearance - and date of his prophecised return - draws nearer, sinister things start happening.
This was such a good case. If this was an episode of Law & Order or Criminal Minds, it would totally be the two-parter with an anxiety inducing cliffhanger over the mid-season break. As someone who has dipped their toes in online true crime forums and rapidly backtracked, the manic echo chamber of the Stokesy "fans" was horrifyingly real.
The only thing keeping this from being a 5-star read was the use of a psychic character to move the case along. It's my bad for jumping into a series at the third book where this is already accepted canon. But at the same time, if I'd realised from the outset, I wouldn't have read this at all. Psychics aren't my thing - especially in an otherwise mundane, non-fantastical world. Why does this rando get the only special powers going other than to be a Mary Sue? Personal taste aside, Cora never makes leaps beyond what more time, more forensics and closer questioning could have achieved. I enjoyed this immensely regardless.
I received this arc for free on netgalley in exchange for a review.
This was such a good case. If this was an episode of Law & Order or Criminal Minds, it would totally be the two-parter with an anxiety inducing cliffhanger over the mid-season break. As someone who has dipped their toes in online true crime forums and rapidly backtracked, the manic echo chamber of the Stokesy "fans" was horrifyingly real.
The only thing keeping this from being a 5-star read was the use of a psychic character to move the case along. It's my bad for jumping into a series at the third book where this is already accepted canon. But at the same time, if I'd realised from the outset, I wouldn't have read this at all. Psychics aren't my thing - especially in an otherwise mundane, non-fantastical world. Why does this rando get the only special powers going other than to be a Mary Sue? Personal taste aside, Cora never makes leaps beyond what more time, more forensics and closer questioning could have achieved. I enjoyed this immensely regardless.
I received this arc for free on netgalley in exchange for a review.
March 19, 2023
Miranda Dickinson is writing as M J White with her crime thriller series which debuted with book one, The Secret Voices, in 2022. Then we had dark and twisted, ‘The Silent Child’. Leave No Trace is book three and more titles in this series cannot come soon enough.
It’s no secret that I’ve absolutely adored every book of the Cora Lael series so far, and all for different reasons. M J White exploded onto the crime thriller scene in her debut, stunned us with book two, and very firmly brought in the full range of her writing in book three.
In Leave No Trace, M J White meets Miranda Dickinson and it makes for a brilliant book. You have the dark tones of crime, and the very accurate, carefully researched aspects of an epic police procedural. Then you have the back story, the hint of relationships, the domestic elements that bring this story to life. Miranda Dickinson has always had the perfect ingredients for writing a book, and she follows her own unique recipe to bring her talents together, to create something truly brilliant.
This is a series I am firmly invested in and will not stop reading just as long as there are books being written!
It’s no secret that I’ve absolutely adored every book of the Cora Lael series so far, and all for different reasons. M J White exploded onto the crime thriller scene in her debut, stunned us with book two, and very firmly brought in the full range of her writing in book three.
In Leave No Trace, M J White meets Miranda Dickinson and it makes for a brilliant book. You have the dark tones of crime, and the very accurate, carefully researched aspects of an epic police procedural. Then you have the back story, the hint of relationships, the domestic elements that bring this story to life. Miranda Dickinson has always had the perfect ingredients for writing a book, and she follows her own unique recipe to bring her talents together, to create something truly brilliant.
This is a series I am firmly invested in and will not stop reading just as long as there are books being written!
April 6, 2023
Fifteen years ago Ewan Stokes disappeared, creating something of a sensation online with people obsessing over what happened to him. They even believe that he is going to return on the anniversary of his disappearance to get revenge on his enemies. When a mysterious figure is spotted on CCTV word quickly gets round that Ewan Stokes is back. DS Rob Minshull and the team are racing against time to uncover the truth and protect those in danger.
Leave No Trace is another brilliant book in the Dr Cora Lael series.
I really enjoyed the premise of a missing person case which the plot centred around. This was especially intriguing as it wasn't clear what had happened to Ewan Stokes and it made me think about what kind of things can make a person just up and leave. The story was told from many different character perspectives which worked really well and added a lot of variety.
I have been a fan of Cora since day one and I will never get bored of her. I am fascinated by Cora's special ability and I instantly connected with her. MJ White has done a fantastic job in continuing to develop Cora's character as the books progress. I also loved seeing Cora at work as a psychologist and thought that it made for an intriguing storyline alongside her work with the CID team.
You would be making a huge mistake if you miss out on this gripping thriller!
Thank you NetGalley and Hera Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Leave No Trace is another brilliant book in the Dr Cora Lael series.
I really enjoyed the premise of a missing person case which the plot centred around. This was especially intriguing as it wasn't clear what had happened to Ewan Stokes and it made me think about what kind of things can make a person just up and leave. The story was told from many different character perspectives which worked really well and added a lot of variety.
I have been a fan of Cora since day one and I will never get bored of her. I am fascinated by Cora's special ability and I instantly connected with her. MJ White has done a fantastic job in continuing to develop Cora's character as the books progress. I also loved seeing Cora at work as a psychologist and thought that it made for an intriguing storyline alongside her work with the CID team.
You would be making a huge mistake if you miss out on this gripping thriller!
Thank you NetGalley and Hera Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
March 19, 2023
LEAVE NO TRACE, the third in M.J. White’s Cora Lael series, is a page-turning, twisty crime thriller. Fifteen years ago, Ewan Stokes mysteriously disappeared. A violent online cult following has grown up around the mystery, as members track sightings of “Stokesy” across Europe. Rumour has it, he is returning to take vengeance on those who wronged him. The appearances escalate into random acts of violence and Dr. Cora Lael is brought in to help the South Suffolk CID stop Stokesy from wreaking his revenge.
I love mysteries that delve into the emotions motivating the crime and White (aka. Miranda Dickinson) has an intriguing way of making this a focus of her plot. Cora is a psychologist who can sense the emotional fingerprints attached to objects and hears them as actual voices. It is this extraordinary ability that allows her to consult with the police department and solve dead end cases.
Leave No Trace is one of those weekend binge reads, you won’t be able to put down!
*I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
I love mysteries that delve into the emotions motivating the crime and White (aka. Miranda Dickinson) has an intriguing way of making this a focus of her plot. Cora is a psychologist who can sense the emotional fingerprints attached to objects and hears them as actual voices. It is this extraordinary ability that allows her to consult with the police department and solve dead end cases.
Leave No Trace is one of those weekend binge reads, you won’t be able to put down!
*I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
August 2, 2023
I greatly enjoyed this novel, the third in the series featuring Cora Lael. It's fascinating to discover the investigative procedures of the British Police, and the authoress demonstrates a deep understanding of them. The parallelism between Cora's activities and the police investigations is once again masterfully developed. However, I felt that there were a bit too many details and a slowdown in the plot, with situations that, instead of enriching the novel by providing content and pace, actually slowed it down. I'm especialòy referring to investigative procedures that were somewhat repetitive, while others that should logically have been carried out were introduced towards the end (specifically, I'm talking about delving deeper into the various hints at Stoksey's legal issues, which were only truly explored at the end of the novel, and this, in my opinion, is unrealistic).
Nevertheless, MJ White remains a truly talented authoress, whom I greatly admire for both her style and the description of the characters.
Nevertheless, MJ White remains a truly talented authoress, whom I greatly admire for both her style and the description of the characters.
February 23, 2023
Ewan Stokes disappeared fifteen years ago, but there have been sightings in Europe, and now there is a cult like following online.
Now there are CCTV images of Ewan holding a sign that says HELP ME. Has he escaped? Was there a kidnapping? Why has he come back now? Just in time for the anniversary of his disappearance?
Dr Cora Lael is assisting DS Minshull using her psychic powers to find Ewan before he gets revenge on his ex girlfriend.
This is the 3rd book with the same characters, and I feel that I have probably missed something by not reading the other books. I have missed out on the relationships and the character formation.
I just could not get 'into' this book, it was slow, oh so slow. Everything happened in the last couple of chapters, and by then I had just lost all interest.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Now there are CCTV images of Ewan holding a sign that says HELP ME. Has he escaped? Was there a kidnapping? Why has he come back now? Just in time for the anniversary of his disappearance?
Dr Cora Lael is assisting DS Minshull using her psychic powers to find Ewan before he gets revenge on his ex girlfriend.
This is the 3rd book with the same characters, and I feel that I have probably missed something by not reading the other books. I have missed out on the relationships and the character formation.
I just could not get 'into' this book, it was slow, oh so slow. Everything happened in the last couple of chapters, and by then I had just lost all interest.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2023
This is my first read of a MJ White book and won’t be the last!! I really enjoyed reading this mystery thriller, with the perfect mix of suspense, mystery and interesting plot keeping me constantly guessing and on the edge on my seat!!
I love the characters created and could totally visualise them clearly.
Ewan Stokes or Stokesy has become a legend on the internet and in Suffolk after disappearing 15 years ago after a football match. The rumours are rife about a return and potential revenge to the people who caused his vanishing. The followers are frightening, and the threats are real but who is behind it all?! There are a lot of questions but where do the police find the answers. Psychologist Cora is working with police with her specialist skills to try to solve this mystery.
Gripping from the first page to the last.
Fascinating, interesting, and highly recommended this is a brilliant book!!
Thank you NetGalley for the early opportunity to read, I loved it!
I love the characters created and could totally visualise them clearly.
Ewan Stokes or Stokesy has become a legend on the internet and in Suffolk after disappearing 15 years ago after a football match. The rumours are rife about a return and potential revenge to the people who caused his vanishing. The followers are frightening, and the threats are real but who is behind it all?! There are a lot of questions but where do the police find the answers. Psychologist Cora is working with police with her specialist skills to try to solve this mystery.
Gripping from the first page to the last.
Fascinating, interesting, and highly recommended this is a brilliant book!!
Thank you NetGalley for the early opportunity to read, I loved it!
April 26, 2023
Now that I have finished this book, my opinion is that is a great thriller. Plenty of action, certainly in the second half and an interesting and intricate plot . Plenty of twists and turns and likeable detectives, though this book is mostly about the investigation rather than their personal lives. In the first few chapters I found my attention wandering off at times, setting the scene was may be a little too drawn out and the story was a bit cryptic at times. Once the plot was well established, it took off and started to make more sense. I hadn't read more of the series featuring Cora Lael, so found the paranormal aspect a bit much at first, but as the book progressed, that too made more sense. If you have read other books in the series, it probably helps because you know the background better .
My thanks to Net Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
My thanks to Net Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
July 6, 2025
M.J. White’s Leave No Trace is a gripping, twist-laden detective thriller that marks the third installment in the Cora Lael series. Set fifteen years after a young footballer, Ewan Stokes— nicknamed “Stokesy”—disappears, the case resurfaces when mysterious sightings, violent acts, and an online cult all point toward his ominous return. Dr. Cora Lael, with her intuitive psychological insights, teams up with South Suffolk CID to unravel the mystery and protect Stokes’s ex-girlfriend from escalating danger
The novel strikes a compelling balance between police procedural pace and psychological depth, with short, suspenseful chapters that build tension steadily before a thrilling payoff .
Intense, character-driven crime fiction with a haunting atmosphere. A must-read for thriller fans looking for layered mysteries and unforgettable protagonists
The novel strikes a compelling balance between police procedural pace and psychological depth, with short, suspenseful chapters that build tension steadily before a thrilling payoff .
Intense, character-driven crime fiction with a haunting atmosphere. A must-read for thriller fans looking for layered mysteries and unforgettable protagonists
March 4, 2023
I received this eARC from Netgalley.com in exchange for an unbiased review.
This is the third book in the series of Dr. Cora Lael, and is able to read well as a stand-alone novel. It is set in the United Kingdom and Europe, so the world building was not familiar to me, yet the author was able to describe enough detail I could picture the events taking place. The plot of this thriller was a bit twisted, which helped keep my interest in the story. There is some relationship building/development going on as well that added some emotional issues to the story line. Overall I enjoyed the story, and will be looking up the two prior novels from this author.
This is the third book in the series of Dr. Cora Lael, and is able to read well as a stand-alone novel. It is set in the United Kingdom and Europe, so the world building was not familiar to me, yet the author was able to describe enough detail I could picture the events taking place. The plot of this thriller was a bit twisted, which helped keep my interest in the story. There is some relationship building/development going on as well that added some emotional issues to the story line. Overall I enjoyed the story, and will be looking up the two prior novels from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2025
Another cracker of a book in the Cora Lael series. It didn’t take many pages for me to be absorbed in to the new problems that Cora, Minsch and the team were facing. This is such a gripping series of books! Although each book can be read in isolation, I would suggest reading them in order as you will then understand the odd comment linked to previous cases but more importantly you will appreciate how the dynamics and relationships between the core characters grow and grow. If you have not yet started this series then please please do. You won’t regret it! Now whereabouts on my bookshelf is book 4…?
April 30, 2023
3rd book in this series and it just gets better with each book. The characters are relatable and the detailed storyline had me hooked from the first page. Fast paced and kept me interested until the last page. More Cora please!
May 8, 2023
Absolutely brilliantly written. I’ve only recently discovered mj white/Miranda Dickinson but this my 4th book. Can’t wait for book 4 in the series & I’ll definitely be checking more of Miranda’s books
May 25, 2023
Another stunning mystery solved
Loving this series of Coea Lael mysteries, such an interesting protagonist. The dynamic between Cora and the CID team, particularly Minshull, is developing nicely and I can't wait for Book 4. Please make it happen, Miranda
Loving this series of Coea Lael mysteries, such an interesting protagonist. The dynamic between Cora and the CID team, particularly Minshull, is developing nicely and I can't wait for Book 4. Please make it happen, Miranda
May 28, 2023
I am enjoying this series very much and can’t wait for the next book!
October 15, 2023
Interesting characters and unusual plot. Man missing for 15 years foreshadowing his return via online forums.
November 10, 2024
Kept me gripped to the end, highly recommend.
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