Review: Quick and compelling
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 12, 2013
This mystery novel is based on the intriguing concept of a privately-run missing persons hotline set up by two former cops in a mid-sized city in England. It is one part hotline and another part private detective agency, as for a fee, the former cops will investigate the missing person cases. The local cop shop seems anemic, unwilling to investigate anything less than murder, giving impetus to the private hotline. The main character is Ellen Brazil, a tough cookie of an ex-cop who is able to shrug off her own personal issues, her mother's bad life choices, and scary threats, because she is doggedly focused on the job at hand.The missing wife of a pro body builder leads fairly quickly to a string of missing women who look alike. Ellen Brazil sets the course with an early serial kidnapping theory. The story unfolds in a straight linear fashion--no red herrings, secondary suspects, or side investigations.  The ending is satisfying, giving both former cops a chance to show their stuff. Some of the scariest scenes were those written from the kidnapper's point of view. Recommended for those who like fast-paced stories and strong female protagonists.