I really enjoyed this book, the narrator was well spoken and very clear. Easy to understand.

This book comes with many trigger warnings, especially for domestic violence and all that may include. It also contains sexual assault.

The Author done a great job with her research into DV. It was so on point it made me feel sick (having grown up seeing many of these things). The story was great, my heart broke for Juliet but she’s also a strong clever woman with great friends. I loved her planning tactics. The police detectives are a great team, the friendship dynamic was awesome. Bonnie is a great detective and I hope to see more of her in the future. 5 ⭐️ star read for me.

This audiobook is the first in a series featuring the Australian detective Bonnie Hunter, someone who, we learn early on, had a very difficult childhood.

The structure of this gripping police procedural mystery has a split time-line, with the relevant background revealed as the "present day" police investigation takes place. The book is set just after the COVID pandemic, and the plot involves coercive and controlling behaviour. This makes for occasionally unpleasant reading, but is an excellent portrayal of domestic violence.

The book is very well narrated by Eva Seymour who manages to convey the plot's emotions and situations without sounding over-dramatic.

The audiobook of Catherine Lee's "Missing," the first in the Detective Bonnie Hunter Thriller series, is a compelling and suspenseful listen that immediately draws you into the gritty world of Sydney crime. The narrator's voice is strong and determined, perfectly embodying the tenacious spirit of the protagonist, Detective Bonnie Hunter.

"Missing" is more than just a missing person's case; it's a psychological thriller that explores themes of control, domestic violence, and the resilience of a determined detective. The audiobook format amplifies the tension and allows the listener to become fully immersed in Bonnie's relentless pursuit of the truth. The unexpected twists and turns are effectively conveyed through the narration, ensuring that you'll be hooked until the very end.

"Missing" had me hooked from the start! Detective Bonnie Hunter gets caught up in a hostage situation which sets the scene for the introduction of this new series, featuring her as the main character. After I caught my breath, Bonnie was straight into the next case, a missing woman who reportedly went to the local shop and never returned. Her husband's aggressive demands make Bonnie suspicious of his potential involvement and her insight into the typical behaviour of abductors and killers was fascinating, as she tried to deduce whether he had an involvement or was simply frustrated and desperate.

Bonnie is a strong female lead and she also displays empathy and humanity which makes her and excellent character and I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series.

I listened to the audiobook and the narrator, Eva Seymour, di an excellent job of bringing the characters to life.

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Catherine Lee and Bolinda for an ARC in return for an honest review.

A heart rendering account of domestic violence and how difficult it is to safely leave. the pacing was a bit slow during the "thrilling conclusion" but I really enjoyed the split narrative which weaved past and present together

This was a great narration for the audiobook- perfectly fitted the characters and atmosphere of the book. This book includes details of DV and marital sexual abuse.
Hard to listen to at times, but it's a great new detective series and Bonnie Hunter is a great strong female lead.
I really enjoyed it and would highly recommend.

This isn’t an easy review to write, not an easy book to read/listen to and as the author acknowledges not an easy one to write, so I’ll begin at the end so to speak, It wasn’t until the authors note at the end that the tears came, so I’d like to extend a thank you to the author for the process she’s gone through to make this title as close as it is to reality, a thank you for getting it right and a thank you for her honesty in sharing how difficult the research process was.

There is a content warning at the beginning of the audiobook, I’d reiterate to tread with caution, huge triggers for domestic violence, coercive control and marital sexual abuse.

The first in a new series that got off to a flying start, Missing sets out with Detective Bonnie Hunter at the scene of a domestic violence call that has ended dreadfully, a quick turnaround sees her seconded to an old colleague’s team to investigate the case of a young woman reported missing by her husband, Bonnie suspects she has another domestic violence case on her hands, but seems to be blocked at every turn with no real evidence to work with. What follows is a gripping and fast paced police procedural, jam packed with drama and intrigue. The characters are written perfectly and the research the author has done is first class and evident throughout the story.

I can’t wait to see what’s next in this series.

The audio narration by Eva Seymour was amazing 🎧

All the stars 🌟
#Jorecommends

Huge thanks to Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this ELC 🎧

Bonnie Hunter is on the case to find Juliet, a suspected murder and DV victim. Our detective may be a little too close to the case as her last domestic abuse case did not end well. The narration of the audiobook by Eva Seymour was great, I really enjoyed her pacing and the different voices performed, especially the differences between Bonnie and Juliet.

This new series picks up from DI Charlie Cooper's and although I was not familiar with it, I still managed to connect with the characters and not feel like a chunk of the story was missing. I enjoyed the alternating timelines as we flash back to Juliet's POV and see what DS Hunter is discovering. I also really enjoyed the setting, being familiar with Castle Hill in Sydney, Australia. It was refreshing to have a cop mystery set in Australia!

Thanks to Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for the audiobook; all opinions are my own.

This was a great listen for me. The characters interesting and relatable and the pace was excellent right up,to the last. A clever lot and a good narrator so no negatives from me.

Missing by Catherine Lee is an incredibly powerful read. Centered around the police investigation into the disappearance of Juliet, the story dives deep into the devastating impacts of coercive control and domestic violence. It’s clear that Lee has put immense research into this novel — the portrayal of Juliet’s emotions, fear, and turmoil felt heartbreakingly real.

This wasn’t always an easy read, but that’s part of what made it so compelling. The slow build of tension and the uncertainty surrounding Juliet’s fate kept me completely absorbed. I found the narration authentic and realistic, capturing both the procedural side of the investigation and the very human experiences behind it.

I’m really impressed by Catherine Lee’s writing and will definitely be reading the next book in the series.
Highly recommend if you’re looking for a crime thriller that’s both gripping and emotionally resonant.

3.5

Catherine Lee’s Missing promises to be a thought provoking crime series. Set in Australia, the story follows Detectives as they investigate the disappearance/murder? of a young woman. With a tight plot, and a great focus on the victim over the perpetrator, Missing hits many of the right beats for fans of police procedurals following female victims.

Lee does a great job building suspense though I was fairly certain about the ending quite early on. The mystery and the Australian setting adds a nice atmospheric touch that makes it stand out from the usual crime books I pick up.

However, the character development feels a bit thin at times. Especially for the detectives. some of the emotional beats—especially surrounding the victims and their families—don’t quite land as powerfully as they could have. Some characters seem very much plot devices than fully fleshed-out nuanced people.

That said, Lee’s writing is clean and accessible, making this a quick and engaging read. It’s not quite a breakout thriller, but it lays strong groundwork for future installments. If you’re in the mood for a smart, victim focused detective story with a distinctly Aussie flavor, Missing is worth checking out.

3.5 stars — A solid, suspenseful crime novel with room to grow in depth and character nuance.

Thanks for the arc @netgalley and @bolinda

I haven't previously read anything by Catherine Lee but I understand this is the first in a new series of crime books focusing around Detective Bonnie Hunter who, after a difficult experience in another police department, has been persuaded by a colleague to join the homicide team.
The book operates across two different timelines as we gain insight into the married life of a missing woman and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
I really enjoyed the good balance between the actual crime investigation story and the strong character development throughout.
An entertaining page turner which deals with the challenging issue of domestic violence / coercive control extremely well. I will look forward to the next instalment in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced listener copy of this well narrated audiobook.