Cover Image: In The Dark

In The Dark

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Member Reviews

I could not put this book down once I started reading it. What a page turner, and the writing was flawless. I could feel Nora’s grief throughout and everything about her situation pulled on my heartstrings. A brilliant read, full of twists and turns, and the ending was more or less what I had hoped for. The only reason I’ve given this 4 stars and not 5 is that I’ve read a couple of books lately which both included a main character with a repressed memory, and a similar story. Thanks to Avon and netGalley for allowing me the arc. Fabulous.

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I received an E-ARC with a request for my honest review.

This crime thriller is set in Derry and follows Nora who is still reeling from the disappearance of her daughter Daisy 7 years ago.

With a documentary crew in town asking for her input, she agrees to try and set the record straight and to hopefully find her daughter after all this time, or at least the answers she seeks.

Soon the search becomes dangerous, but Nora is determined to still find the truth.

Will Nora find the answers she seeks? What happened to Daisy?

This crime thriller keeps you riveted throughout as you follow Nora’s journey to discover what happened to her daughter.

The mystery becomes more psychological as the story continues, and I felt the storyline messing with my head along with Nora.

It did make me think a bit about the reality behind true crime documentaries and the lengths they will go to get footage that will interest their audience.

Overall, a riveting crime thriller where a woman is determined to unravel the truth of her daughter’s disappearance.

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My name is Nora Logue. You've probably heard of me - most people have. I'm the mother of Daisy Logue. Seven years ago, I took her for a walk in the woods. Only I came out. I have no memory of what happened that day. I have tried to rebuild my life. Met a man, had another child - Luca. But I can't let go of Daisy or give up hope of seeing her again. And now I have the chance to find out what happened to her. But what if pursuing the truth about my daughter risks my son's life.?

I was quickly pulled into this story. Nora has the chance to find out what happened to her daughter but is it worth the risk to her son? That's the position Nora Louge finds herself in seven years after her daughter Daisy's disappearance. I was quickly turning the pages, desperate to find out what had happened the day Daisy disappeared. We have small clues cleverly placed throughout the story. A documentary maker, Izzy wants Nora to appear in her show to try and find out what actually happened that day. The story is told in alternate chapters from Nora and Izzy's perspectives. I was guessing all the way through.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #ClaireAllan for my ARC of #InTHeDark in exchange for an honest review.

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Seven years ago, Nora Logue took her daughter Daisy for a walk in the woods, and it was only Nora who came out of the woods at the end of the walk. The horrifying truth is that Nora can’t remember what happened to Daisy, but ever since, people are pointing their fingers at her and blaming her for her daughter’s disappearance. After all, what caring parent wouldn’t know what had happened to their child?

Over the past seven years Nora has rebuilt her life, meeting a new partner and having their son, Luca. But Luca can never fill the hole left by Daisy and Nora always has a hope that Daisy will be found or that she will remember what happened to her beloved daughter. Whilst Nora’s memory continues to fail, somebody else’s hasn’t and the truth slowly emerges about Daisy, which is muddled up within the speculation and opinions of many amateur sleuths. Soon Nora’s is back there in the woods, with the chance of her daughter being returned, but for this to happen she will need to pay the price by offering up her son instead.

Having really enjoyed this author’s previous books I was looking forward to reading this book., but it took so long for me to get into it I was three-quarters through it before it grabbed me. If you enjoy books that very slowly build up momentum then this book is for you, but for me it took too long to get to a gripping pace. It won’t put me off of reading any of this authors future books.

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I'm always a little bit wary of thrillers that deal with children and things happening to them. I think since having my own children, the idea of a child going missing or something happening to them sounds so much more real or possible. Although In the Dark deals with such a storyline, it is very well done and I found that I was gripped as the story unfolded.
For our main character, Nora, the worst has happened and her daughter has gone missing. Seven years later, she is left still trying to come to terms with that. Her new partner doesn't completely understand how she feels and she struggles to relate to and to love her young son. I loved the way that all of this was dealt with and I think that the fear that she has and the way that her life was unable to move on is completely relatable.
As is often the case with thrillers such as this, I've very reluctant to give anything away or potentially spoil some of the twists and turns that this book took. There are plenty of things that you don't see coming. More than once, I was sure that I knew what was going to happen, only to find out that I was completely wrong. I hope that it is enough to say that this is a fantastic and gripping read and one that I really couldn't put down.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily

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Nora Logue is notorious. Seven years ago her four year old daughter, Daisy, disappeared in the local woods. The shock and trauma of the event wiped Nora’s memory, so she has no recall of what happened and who took Daisy. Sadly, she is accused, vilified and hounded by the public, as it is thought she had something to do with Daisy’s disappearance. From murder to child trafficking, over the years the theories have come thick and fast, and now a true crime tv company want to put together a documentary, giving Nora a voice. This does much to stir up old grievances and speculations, and Nora is again put under massive pressure to come clean as to what happened to Daisy.

This was a very good page turner. Full of action and plenty of twists, though a baddie was pretty obvious quite early on! The story sped along and never slackened. The ending was good, though a little abrupt after all the drama leading up to it. Nevertheless, a great read and I would definitely recommend.

Thank you NetGalley.

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This book had me on the edge of my seat, heart beating in my chest for the entire read. The characters are really well written, so well that near the end I was becoming increasingly and steadily more angry at a particular character.

Seven years after the disappearance of her daughter, Nora is given a chance to bring attention to her daughter's story. A chance that will break the case right open and all the consequences that come with it. Twists and turns, secrets and betrayal made it impossible to put the book down.

I loved the story, but the ending felt too abrupt, too quick. Which after the intensity of the chapters before felt strange.

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Another suspenseful tale of twists and turns by Claire Allan.

Nora is a mother who lost her daughter several years ago in mysterious circumstances which have left in the position of prime suspect and also confusion regarding what exactly happened. Though she appears to have attempted to build a new family, marrying Brendan and giving birth to Luca, she has never stopped looking for Daisy, nor trying to piece together what happened.

Following both Nora and documentary maker Izzy as they seek to uncover what happened to Daisy, assisted by a team of amateur detectives who subscribe to Izzy's amateursleuths website, the pair embark on a journey filled with intrigue, suspicion and danger.

Proving that you never fully leave your past behind, the narrative is well written and contains plenty of dead ends and red herrings to keep you guessing.

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In The Dark is a compelling read that will have you rushing to get to the last page.

Revenge is a dish best served cold we are told.

Nora's daughter Daisy disappeared over 4 years ago and many think Nora is the responsible one.

Memory is a strange thing and Nora's is protecting her or is it.

When Izzy comes to town to do a documentary on Daisy's disappearance feelings in not only Nora but the town who have in reality terrorized Nora are brought to the forefront.

Pages will turn quickly.

I was totally on Nora's side and can only hope she could get resolution.

The journey to find out is a great read and like of all Claire Allan's books well worth it.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK, Avon for a compelling read that will stay with me for a long time

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Absolutely loved this book. Had me hooked from the start and seeing how everyone tied into the story was flawlessly written. Kept my attention throughout

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Seven years ago Nora Logue's daughter Daisy disappeared. Nora was found wandering in the woods where she last saw Daisy and had no memory of what happened to her. But plenty of people on forums and social media sites thought differently. Many accusations and theories of what happened that fateful day. But in present day, Izzy contacts Nora as she wants to make a documentary about it all. Bringing it all into the open can only be a good thing right? Well maybe not, as all the conspiracy theories are brought back to the surface.
With alternative chapters from Nora and Izzy's perspectives this is a great read. It's skillfully written so you find yourself feeling sorry for Nora one chapter then in the next wondering if she is as guilty as the commentators suspect.
The aspect of cyberbullying and keyboard warriors adds to the mystery but causes lots of added trauma. Sadly this is very commonplace in reality too and Ms Allan has hopefully highlighted the dangers of this.
Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for this gifted copy, I'm under no obligation to leave my review

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I am a huge fan of Claire Allan's books. She writes with passion for her story, for her characters and you can almost feel you are right there in the centre of it all.
I really felt for her main character in this story. Nora's daughter Daisy went missing one day whilst they were in the woods playing hide and seek. It doesn't bear thinking about. How can you a mother ever move on with your life not knowing what has happened to your daughter.
When a tv production company becomes interested in the case and telling Nora's story from a new and different angle, you can't help feeling they are going to take advantage of this vulnerable woman.
I cried for her throughout, for her loneliness, for all her supposed family and friends who believe her to a point. If those nearest and dearest to you don't believe your story, what hope do you have that the general public will.
A great read, one that will have your on tender hooks throughout..

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A great read in this day and age of social media and True crime documentary box sets. It must be truly horrific to lose a child and then not to know what happened to them, especially if you were the last person with them. This thriller explores a traumatised mothers psyche, and also, the effects of trolls hiding behind social media and internet forums and how people think it is their god given right to become judge and jury.
This story has a few twists and turns so I do not want to give anything away but I would highly recommend this book and the ending did not disappoint!

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I’ve read all of Claire’s books and she is a great writer. This is another of her thrillers and it kept me hooked throughout. I would definitely recommend it!

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I'm new to Claire Allan but after reading "In The Dark", I will be on the look out for more of her books. This is very much a page-turner and you are asking lots of questions from the start: why doesn't Nora remember? Is Daisy alive or dead? Who are The Four? and many other questions.

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Everyone in Derry, Northern Ireland knows Nora Logue as the woman whose four-year-old daughter disappeared. She’s been facing the fingerpointing and stares for the past seven years. When a TV producer reaches out, claiming to spotlight the case, Nora grabs the lifeline, weak and hopeless as it may seem. She is not prepared for what she finds.

Allan exposes a generation of haters who are hiding behind social media anonymity. She shows the lack of emotional empathy that is increasing and showcased online when people are allowed to make comments that they might not otherwise have made should they have been required to have their name and face associated with their comments. The picture she paints of cyberbullying is flabbergasting. Allan’s focus on these hurtful and anonymous comments parallels a ramping up of tension, causing me to further appreciate Nora’s pain and anger.

Allan’s heart and soul went into this book! It’s fantastic. Not only was I hooked by the mystery, but the plot twists kept me on my toes. The chapters from Nora’s point of view enabled me to get into the mind of a woman who has lost a child and feel the depth of loss and the haze that accompanies this trauma. The ‘pull’ between the characters was stellar; I could almost feel Nora being pulled by her husband, her son, the TV producer and the claims from those who say her daughter is still alive. On the other hand, I could sense the repulsion and ‘push’ from the Derry citizens. Allan was able to enlighten me on the Jenga-like situation an abduction creates, both for the family and the press. In the search for answers, everyone risks losing something.

As you turn the last page, the light bulb will go on and you’ll appreciate the fabulous title.

I was gifted this copy by Avon Books UK and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

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I always get excited when I hear Claire Allan has a new book out and this is no exception. This is another unputdownable read from the author.

Seven years ago, Nora Logue went for a walk with her four year old daughter Daisy in the woods but only Nora came out. Nora cannot remember that day or where her daughter has gone. It is all a blur. After extensive search by the police, daisy still hasn't been found.

Seven years on, Izzy and Tom are making a documentary of the case to see if it will bring in new leads to find Daisy. As sightings of her are talked about on a blog called Amateursleuths.com. Nora thinks after all these years that her daughter may not be still alive. Nora has now moved on with her life. She has met Brendan and they have a little boy called Luca. Nora has never forgotten her daughter.

Thank you, Avon for an ARC of 'In the dark'. This is another thriller full of tension and suspense from the author, of a mother's plight to find her daughter I really enjoyed this story, but as other reviews have said., I did feel the ending was a bit rushed. 4.5 stars from me.

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When little Daisy Logue goes missing, her mum Nora is under constant suspicion. Documentary maker Izzy tries her best to stay impartial but soon becomes wrapped up in the drama and suspicion which follows Nora. Was she involved in the disappearance of Daisy? Is Daisy still alive? I really enjoyed the majority of the book and wanted to keep reading to find out what had happened to the little girl. Nora has no memories of the day Daisy disappeared, which added to the mystery and suspense. I did find the unveiling at the end a little rushed but I did enjoy the majority of the book overall.

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Logue’s daughter Daisy disappeared when she was 4 years old. Now, 7 years later, Nora is married with a 4 year old son, Luca. She has been approached by a TV documentary maker who wants to examine what happened and where Daisy could be. Nora’s husband doesn’t want her to be involved but Norah is desperate and will clutch at any straw that might help her find her daughter. Unfortunately, Nora can’t remember what happened that day and as news of the documentary spreads, the online trolls come out in force accusing her of killing Daisy and threatening Norah and her family.
Will making the documentary give Nora the answers she needs or will it tear her life even further apart. This tense, pacey at times dark thriller has a great twist that keeps you gripped to the end.

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Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. Not sure what to review about this book I really enjoyed it and also did not like it. I think I will leave this up to other readers

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