Thanks for the early review copy!

I recommend this novel to fans of mystery fiction. It was well-written and interesting novel. I mainly picked it because of the cover.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.

While I had issues with certain elements of this novel, I read it more or less in one sitting and would recommend it. The plot revolves around the discovery of the body of a teenager who went missing 30 years ago. There are chapters from the perspective of the investigating police team, especially the DC Juliette and the DCI Jonah. I thought the author did a good job of introducing these characters, who are presumably going to feature in further instalments; there was enough background to their characters to interest without detracting from the momentum of the plot. Sadly there was the seemingly obligatory plot device of Jonah being personally involved with the suspects, and in one particular instance in a way that seemed totally out of character for him. There were also chapters from the perspective of the victim describing the events leading up to her death. Switching between the two time lines and sets of characters worked well, I thought, enabling the reader to check what the suspects were telling the police against what actually happened.

My main problem with the novel was the way the ending required pages of explanation, and the surely rather unlikely actions of a minor character to bring things to a head. A major suspect from the middle of the book was abandoned, and I wanted to know what his story really was. I also found it difficult to believe the group had remained close for the last 30 years - none of them seemed even to like each other.

I do look forward to reading more in this series though - I want to get to the bottom of DS Lightman.

Wait a second, is this really a debut? Holy crap. I can't wait to read more from Gytha Lodge.

In 1983, a group of teenage friends are camping. One goes missing. 30 years later, her body is found. Detective Jonah Sheens is put in charge of solving the crime.

The story is told in the present and the past, giving you glimpses into how things unfolded that night. What Lodge does so well is crafting characters in way where you feel sorry for everyone involved, and you have no idea who the culprit is. There are not too many twists and plot lines that get too messy, which makes this a good investigative story. There's enough emotion in this book where you feel sorry for nearly everyone involved towards the end. A great read!


Thank you to NetGalley and Random House

It was supposed to be a fun get away, a group of teens camping out under the summer stars. Aurora Jackson, who’s much younger than the others, is thrilled just to be invited. But the next morning Aurora has disappeared with no trace. Now, thirty years later, Aurora has finally been found, at least what’s left of her, in a grave not far from the teens’ campsite. Jonah Sheens, who was just a rookie when the girl disappeared has been given the case and he’s determined that this time, the truth will finally be uncovered. This is an accomplished and complex thriller, it’s hard to believe that it’s Lodge’s first.