Although she’s been writing for a while, Maggie James is a new author to my bookshelves and a welcome addition. Her latest book had me practically dislocating my thumb as I was flipping through the pages faster than my joints liked thanks to her fast pace, exciting plot line and thrilling turns that had me racing to a beautifully written conclusion.

Admittedly I assumed this was going to be another template created mystery even though the story and characters were well written. Like I said, I’m new to James, but not new to the mystery genre and if you read enough mysteries you pick up on the template formula used for these books. I have been suitably schooled into not falling for the obvious because when the author’s twists started falling in place I discovered she is one hell of a writer.

Her characters seemed so realistic particularly as she wrote them flawed and approachable which really shown through powerful scenes that rose above a mere entertainment level.

Her fluent writing will compel and enchant you to stay glued to this book until you find out what happened and why. Fair warning, have Kleenex nearby because you’re going to need them as she gut punches you with some of the worst in humanity.

Lori Golden’s sister Jessie is killed at sixteen years of age. It pulls the family apart. Their mother, already suffering from kidney disease, falls to bits and her new partner’s son is arrested on suspicion of murder. Lori has always felt that Jessie was her own dad’s favourite and he, too, is shattered at the news. Lori’s suspicions range widely. So many of the people in her little circle seem to be hiding something or behaving suspiciously. She doesn’t believe the police have the right person.

Maggie James always writes fluently and eloquently and After She’s Gone is no exception. The story flows so well and the reader, through Lori’s thoughts, chases one theory after another as to why her sister was killed. You may guess who did it but the reason is a complete surprise. I found it a compelling story and read it very quickly. I could wait to find out!

There is a pyromaniac a large and lori's sister Jessie has gone missing her mum Dana Golden is going crazy . Spencer awakens out of a drugs and drunken fuelled sleep craving water he also smells a strange odour and a cracking noise he looks about the place trying to find his jacket with his mobile inside to alert the emergency services it maybe in the basement he thought , he was right he picks up his jacket he notices an arm on the floor as he gets nearer he sees the arm is attached to a female lying on her back with an electrical cord around her neck after a while he recognised the girl as Jessie . Spencer makes a fast exit forgetting all about ringing 999 all he wonted to do was get away as fast as possible I can't say much more without giving to many spoilers other than it's like a jigsaw that needs putting together to find out who the killer is . A book that will keep you turning pages till you get to the end just brilliant