(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

Meet Maud. Maud is forgetful. She makes a cup of tea and doesn't remember to drink it. She goes to the shops and forgets why she went. Sometimes her home is unrecognizable - or her daughter Helen seems a total stranger. But there's one thing Maud is sure of: her friend Elizabeth is missing. The note in her pocket tells her so. And no matter who tells her to stop going on about it, to leave it alone, to shut up, Maud will get to the bottom of it. Because somewhere in Maud's damaged mind lies the answer to an unsolved seventy-year-old mystery. One everyone has forgotten about. Everyone, except Maud...

*3.5 stars*

There was a lot of hype about this book - so much so that I couldn't go very far in the book world without seeing a recommendation for it, or some glowing review...

...I just didn't quite get it.

There are two story-arcs going on in this novel: there is the interesting story of Maud and her sister Sukey - who disappeared years ago. That was an enthralling story and mystery - one that I really wish was the focus of the whole story.

The contemporary plot-line about Elizabeth was, well, dull and predictable. The focus on mental health issues was fine, but it really needed something more to push it along. I can see why people enjoyed it - it is certainly well-written and takes a hard look at dementia and aging - but, for me, that isn't a guaranteed winner. I need a great plot to drive the story and it was just a bit lacking for me.

Overall, a decent enough novel, but not enough to fully engage me throughout.


Paul
ARH