Member Review

Yay... another Geraldine book :) Obviously usual series rules apply, maybe even more so in this book due to the complexity of both Geraldine and Ian and their separate and combined back stories but, if you are not so inclined, the main story works OK as a standalone. You'll just miss out on all the rest of the fun...
So, we have a missing baby, and an absent husband. Are the two connected and, if so, in what way? As we follow the mother, who appears to be in the shadow of her family, Geraldine, Ian, and the team face a race against time to find the baby before something worse happens... And then a body is found...
I've been with this series from the start. Witnessed Geraldine's family life implode, see her relationship - both personal and professional - with Ian wax, wane and all things in between. So much so that it feels so comfortable opening another book as I feel I am reconnecting with old friends. Knowing the backstories eases me into the book so gently that I only meant to start this book, a few chapters before bed, and next thing I knew I was half way through...
The story contained herein is a bit harrowing and doesn't pull its punches. That said, it is delivered in a very respectful way, mindful of the subject matter at all times. The book also contains a fair bit of personal stuff, wrt Geraldine and Ian but this remains balanced with the crime investigation side of things and is only what you'd expect and require from a series book. Part of their charm is re-connecting with old friends and seeing what they are up to outside of work. Well, it is for me anyway. Pacing is good and the waffle and padding count low!
All in all, a cracking addition to an already impressive and well established series. Roll on next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.