MISSING

4 stars out of 5

For sure, there's no shortage of twists and turns in this one. On the other hand, the only reason most of them happen is that at least one major character can't get her head on straight and ignores even the most conventional wisdom - which I must say didn't exactly endear her to me. Overall, though, it's a nonstop adventure that makes for a perfect read on a sandy beach or next to a roaring fireplace.

A little over a quarter of a century ago, Josie Bennett's little brother Jimmy was murdered - locked in an empty airtight freezer until he suffocated. A 19-year-old neighbor boy who had a history of hurting people, Samuel Barlow, was convicted for the murder - thanks in part to testimony by his mother Maggie. Now, he's unexpectedly getting out of prison a little early.

That news puts Josie on red alert; after all, her daughter with ex-husband Terry is Jimmy's age when he died and Samuel once had a "thing" for Josie. If that weren't enough, his mother Maggie seems to be stalking her. But balancing her need to be extra-watchful of Ivy and keep an eagle eye on her fledgling business, Delicious Desserts, proves almost impossible, even with friend Fiona there to be Ivy's caregiver when needed - which these days, is a good bit of the time. By the time the inevitable happens - Ivy does indeed go missing - just about every character is a suspect. Josie, though, has no doubt whatsoever: the culprit is the same man who murdered her little brother.

When the police aren't much help - they've got all those procedures and rules that must be followed, don't you know - so of course Josie basically sets out to prove she's right about Samuel. His mother, who Josie detests, tries to convince Josie that she can help - but only if Josie doesn't tell anybody else including the cops. So when Josie agreed, while I of course hoped Ivy would be found safe and sound, from that point on I really didn't care what happened to Josie.

Also of course, I won't reveal any of the details (and certainly not the twists). Chapters flip back in time to detail earlier happenings that provide insights - not a technique of which I'm fond, but the author does an exemplary job of keeping things straight so it's all very easy to follow. Now that I've finished and know the whole story, I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for providing me with a pre-release copy to read and review.

Missing by K.L. Slater (Bookouture, May 2022); 256 pp.

THE WIDOW

5 stars out of 5

I've read and thoroughly enjoyed many books by this prolific author- so much so that I keep coming back for more. No disappointment this time around, either; she's whipped up another winner in my book.

Kate and Michael are the happy parents of 6-year-old Tansy; their daughter is best friends with Kate and Michael's best friends Donna and Paul (the latter of whom is something of a philanderer). For several years, Michael has worked as the property manager for major landowner Irene Waldbridge, an elderly widow in her 70s with health issues. New to the village is a Polish immigrant Suzy Baros, a single mom who is glamorous and secretive. One tragic day, Michael - who's been acting a bit strangely of late - jumps in front of a lorry and is killed.

Needless to say, Kate is devastated, especially since Michael's death is ruled a suicide. What on earth would prompt him to take his own life? In short order, Kate learns that he may have had even more secrets than Suzy; in fact, he's been tied to her sudden disappearance. The local police, led by Detective Inspector Helena Price, begin to investigate, bringing even more implications that Michael wasn't the upstanding, loving husband and father Kate knew and loved.

But although Kate has many questions that remain unanswered, she vows to get to the bottom of the situation - if for no other reason than she doesn't want her young daughter to remember her dad as some kind of monster. That poses quite a challenge, though, especially since Suzy still hasn't been found and just about everyone else in the town has started shunning Kate in the belief that she somehow knew what kind of person he was all along. There's even speculation that he somehow was involved with the disappearance of Donna's younger sister several years earlier and another male Polish immigrant who's also suddenly gone missing. Mix in questions over the roles, if any, that the nefarious Paul and seemingly innocent Irene play in everything that happened and it makes for an exciting adventure I really hated to put down come bedtime (and in the end, I stayed up another half-hour or so just to get it finished). Thanks once again to the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy. Loved it!

The Widow by K.L. Slater (Bookouture, November 2021); 182 pp.

THE EVIDENCE

5 stars out of 5

Does having read six of the author's previous books qualify me as a die-hard fan? You bet. And here's another sure thing: This one is further evidence that she's still a winner in my book.

It begins as Esme Fox, a journalist who left a day job to start a podcasting company with her sister, Michelle, is recording a podcast session with Simone Fischer, a woman convicted of murdering her husband. During her years in prison - where she remains - she's never spoken to anyone the details of how (and more important, why) she committed the crime. But for whatever reason, she's agreed to open up to Esme.

During their relatively brief first conversation, Esme is won over; Simone, she believes, is speaking the truth and her case needs to be reviewed with fresh eyes. But while the first podcast goes viral - virtually guaranteeing that Simone's fledgling company will be successful - not everyone is delighted that the case may be rehashed, including Simone's brother and now-grown son.

Behind the scenes, Esme has a 9-year-old son, Zachary, who suffers physical and mental injuries sustained in an earlier hit-and-run incident. She's also parted ways with her husband Owen, who's moved to a flat but keeps trying to get back in Esme's good graces. Esme's sister has moved in to help with Zachary, and the future is looking bright.

Until somebody hits the dimmer switch. With no warning, Michelle bails on an important meeting with a company prominent in the podcasting field. When she's found brutally beaten and dumped in a wooded area, Esme is devastated. The only person she can rely on now - albeit reluctantly - is the controlling husband (and his equally controlling parents) who'd love nothing better than to get back to doing their thing in her life. More to the point, Esme suddenly sees parallels with her life and Simone's, making her question everything that's happened up to this point.

From here on, you'll have to read the book to find out more. There's plenty of action complete with twists and turns (although I must say they're coupled with a fair amount of predictability). All told, it makes for an entertaining, easy to read story I think will hold your attention throughout as it did mine. Thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.

The Evidence by K.L. Slater (Bookouture, July 2021); 370 pp.

LITTLE WHISPERS

4 stars out of 5

Every time I start a book by K.L. Slater - this is my sixth - I know I'll be treated to a good story. It's not very often that I stay up later than usual to finish a book, but it happened here (granted, I had only two chapters left, but still).

This one begins not long after Janey Markham lost her mother, for whom she'd been providing care. She and her husband Isaac and young son Rowan have been able to make ends meet - barely - since she stopped working as a teaching assistant. But now, hope is on the horizon; Isaac, it seems, has landed a new job at nearly double his old salary. A bonus of paid moving expenses makes the switch to West Bridgford, England, irresistible. Sweetening the pot even more is the "perfect" house just waiting for them to buy.

Janey is surprised at the turn of events, but relieved; just before her mother passed away, she revealed a secret to her daughter - one that totally changed Janey's view of her world. Now, she thinks, she can start fresh - maybe even land a job at the posh private school Rowan will be attending - and no one will be the wiser.

Early on, though, she gets cold-shoulder treatment from a hoity-toity group of mothers who bring their kids to school each day (I felt a definite Stepford Wives vibe going on). They all dress to the nines and have homes far grander than Janie's, making her wonder whether she'll ever measure up. Gradually, they begin to "accept" Janey - or at least two of them do. The third, seemingly jealous of Janie's new friendship with Tanya, the woman she considers her bestie, sulks and makes snarky comments. That's disturbing to Janey, who doesn't have a clue as to why. But when Janey discovers that something may be amiss with Tanya's teenage daughter Angel - and an elderly neighbor warns her about getting too cozy with the snooty ladies - she begins to suspect her picture-perfect life may have a few cracks in it.

Then one day, Janey and her friend Tanya get schnockered drinking "fizzies" in the hot tub, and Janey spills the beans about her mother's secret. Isaac is livid, but Janey argues that her new friend would never betray her. That works, until it doesn't; something Janey sees threatens to disrupt Tanya's life, and she, in turn, threatens to let the rest of the community in on what she knows about Janey. For his part, Isaac isn't much help; despite his promise when they moved, his new job is demanding even more of his time than did his former one.

What's really going on - with the women and with her husband - is a question Janie desperately wants answered. But who can she trust? No one is talking, and suddenly Janey's life turns into a living hell. Readers learn the truth as the story progresses and comes to an exciting end. I did take a bit of an issue with Janey's so-called "shocking" secret; granted, it's not pretty, but neither did it seem to be devastating enough to nearly destroy her life. But overall, I give this one high marks - and thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.

Little Whispers by K.L. Slater (Bookouture, May 2020); 259 pp.

SINGLE

5 stars out of 5

This may be one of the shortest books I've read in a while, but by golly, it's got more twists and surprises in it than one three times its length. That brought another plus: That meant I didn't want to put it down - and I didn't have to!

I'll give the author props for something else; all too often, with female characters in situations like this (more on that later), at least one of them is such a hand-wringing, self-doubting, paranoid person that all I really want to do is smack her upside the head. Not so here - even when Darcy, a single mother who's struggling from the devastating loss of her husband, disapproval from her late husband's family and trust issues with the new man in her life. Oh sure, she has her emotional ups and downs, but at no time did I yell into my Kindle, "Get a grip, woman - put on your big-girl pants and move on!"

Following some kind of mental breakdown after her husband died, his parents took custody of her two young sons. Now, she's trying to prove she's capable of taking them back to live with her. Early on, one of her sons suffers a severe asthma attack and his rescue inhaler is nowhere to be found. Enter George, a local doctor, who runs in to save the day. His good looks and single-parent status aren't wasted on Darcy (nor are hers on him), and - you guessed it - they start what Darcy hopes will be a beautiful relationship.

Shortly after she and her boys move into George's fancy mansion, though, she gets a bunch of flowers with a dire message. George claims they're from an ex-girlfriend who's now stalking him, but he's not forthcoming with details. Darcy is concerned that she's not getting the whole story, but she's reluctant to ask because, as it happens, she's got a few secrets she's not ready to share with George. 

Plenty of other intriguing characters keep the pot stirred, including a long-time housekeeper who isn't happy that Darcy may be usurping her job and a woman who, shall we say, came between Darcy and her late husband. It all comes to an exciting end as new details are revealed, making for a book well worth the time to read. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

Single by K.L. Slater (Bookouture, November 2019); 143 pp.

CLOSER

5 stars out of 5

Absolutely loved this one - my only "issue" was that all the other things I needed to do got in the way of finishing it in one sitting. Oh well - guess there's something to be said for anticipation making me wait.

Chapters switch back and forth among several characters, such as Emma, a paralegal with a talented 10-year-old daughter Maisie; Maisie herself; Emma's mum Val; and Joanne, an attorney and Emma's boss who's also the mother of 10-year-old Piper (the latter a selfish, nasty bully who simply doesn't understand the word "no" - probably because the little twit has never heard it).

Each character has some sort of past secret, as slowly revealed in the chapters. At issue in the beginning, though, is that Emma and her husband Shaun have given up on their marriage. They've come to an amicable exchange of responsibilities when it comes to Maisie, and they still live in their home (albeit in separate rooms). That worked fine until Shaun found the love of his new life - and whoops, it turns out to be Joanne. 

The three adults seem to be dealing with the somewhat uncomfortable situation fairly well, but Maisie is particularly disturbed. Not only does she not understand what's really going on with her parents, she absolutely detests Piper; they go to the same dance classes where, needless to say, Piper is an prima donna extraordinaire. Then her dad moved in with Joanne, forcing Maisie into much more contact with Piper than she ever wants (honestly, I can't blame the kid; Piper is a totally obnoxious brat who could use a few good smacks upside the head). But every time Maisie tries to tell her dad or, God forbid, Piper's mum about the awful things Piper says and does, they defend Piper and tell Maisie to try harder.

Emma's mum does realize her daughter's discomfort - manifested both in personality and behavioral changes - but Maisie retreats within herself and won't open up to anyone. And Emma's attempts to warn Shaun that Piper (and perhaps Joanne) are putting Maisie in danger fall on eyes and ears that are blinded and deafened by his newfound one true love. So, Emma decides to do some digging for herself; but as she embarks on that journey, events of her past begin to haunt her, threatening a danger of a different sort.

Everything comes to a head near the end, with more than one major surprise and a cliffhanger ending that will curl your mustache even if you don't have one. Kudos to the author, and thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy. Whew!

Closer by K.L. Slater (Bookouture, October 2018); 354 pp.

THE MISTAKE

4 stars out of 5

I've read and very much enjoyed two of the author's other books - Safe With Me and Liar - so I was especially delighted to get my mitts on this one as well. All are rightly dubbed "psychological thrillers," and that alone is enough to get my attention. I do admit, however, that no matter how much I understand the hows and whys, relating to women who don't, won't or can't stand up for themselves just doesn't come naturally to me. It is, then, a testament to the author's outstanding writing skills that I not only finished the book with nary a single, "C'mon, woman, get your act together and hit the road," but completed it in two sittings just because I was so reluctant to put it down. 

The woman in question is Rose Tinsley, whose younger brother Billy was murdered 16 years earlier. Because he'd been with her the day he chased a kite into the woods and never came out, she has blamed herself for his death. She works in a small library in Nottinghamshire County (which based on terminology and non-American English spellings I assume is somewhere in the United Kingdom). She lives in the family home next door to an elderly man and good friend named Ronnie; his wife and her parents are deceased, and she looks in on him every day. Also every day, she lives much like a hermit, suffering from almost debilitating paranoia and, on occasion, the return of the eating disorder she developed after Billy's death.

Background on the events of 16 years earlier are revealed in flashback chapters, where it's learned that a just-ready-for-university Rose fell in with a much older man with named Gareth, with whom she thought she was in love. Appropriately, I guess, she donned Rose-colored glasses when it came to his ultra-controlling behavior; in fairly short order, she was shunned by her long-time best friend Cassie as Rose acquiesed to Gareth's demands and rationalized them to be a sign of his love for her.

But one day in her present life, she returns home to find that Ronnie is in bad health. As the EMTs wheel him to the hospital, he whispers to her that she's not to go into his upstairs. As she's already demonstrated, she doesn't listen to advice from other people close to her, so of course, when she returns to tidy up his house, she can't resist heading up. When she finds a closed door, she can't resist opening it; and when she finds storage boxes there, she can't resist opening them as well. And what she finds there not only takes her breath away, but challenges everything she's believed in since her brother's murderer was tried and convicted - in part as a result of her testimony - and jailed.

That discovery sends Rose on a roller-coaster ride of emotions as well as the determination to find out what really happened to her brother. Could it be that the wrong man was convicted? Could her brother have been done in by someone closer to home? Here and there, the story does get a little too melodramatic for my taste, but the nonstop action - and the twists and turns - are enough to reel me back into the story until the surprising conclusion. 

My conclusion? Another winner. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Mistake by K.L. Slater (Bookouture, October 2017); 330 pp.

LIAR

5 stars out of 5


Thank goodness this one is short, because it's very, very hard to put down. As the official description of "psychological thriller" suggests, it messed with my head - mostly as I tried to figure out what was really going on in the minds of the two primary characters, both of whom clearly are in need of some serious psychiatric help.

One of those characters, Judi, is mother to Ben and grandmother to his two young sons. Another of Judi's sons, David, was killed years ago, but she maintains his bedroom almost as a shrine in the home she shares with her husband. Especially since her relationship with her husband has deteriorated over time, helping Ben with his sons provides her with much-needed joy and comfort - and she'll do absolutely anything to keep them all close. A couple of years earlier, Ben's wife (and mother of the grandsons) died, leaving Ben to raise them on his own. A dedicated teacher, Ben is lonely; but focusing on his work and his sons (and endless help from his mother), he's coping as best he can.

But suddenly, Ben meets Amber - and everything changes. As their whirlwind romance begins, Ben is happy once again; his mother Judi, not so much. As Amber worms her way into Ben's life - taking over "responsibilities" Judi believes are now and always will be hers and threatening her treasured family dynamic - the tension builds. Amber, Judi is certain, is up to no good; and she sets out to find out exactly why that is (and in the process discredit Amber in Ben's rose-colored eyes). That becomes harder as Judi encounters resistance from Ben and her husband, both of whom think she's being overly critical. Judi herself even has a few doubts about her feelings, given that she's also dealing with the physical symptoms of menopause (as an aside, that was a little puzzling to me since Judi is 59 - way beyond the average age of 51. Certainly, it can begin much later, but it's far less common). At any rate, Judi goes to great lengths to keep that change a secret from the men in her life - I suppose because she thinks they'll take her even less seriously (as if that were possible).

Constantly facing opposition from them but convinced Amber is up to no good, Judi begins to dig deeper - and what she learns only bolsters her belief and distrust of Ben's about-to-be second wife. As all that unfolds, readers are treated to snippets of  what Amber really is thinking as chapters shift from her perspective to Judi's. The whole thing comes to an exciting climax as dark secrets from the past of both women are revealed. 

My conclusion? Pretty creepy - and thus destined to be a hit. Many thanks to the publisher (via NetGalley) for the opportunity to read an advance review copy.

Liar by K.L. Slater (Bookouture, June 2017); 303 pp.

SAFE WITH ME

4 stars out of 5


It's rare that a book described as a "psychological thriller" really blows my mind - but this one screwed it up big-time. In fact, it's downright creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky from start to finish. That's even more astonishing given that not a single character is truly likable.

Therein is the psychological appeal; every character is flawed - demented, even; to what extent is revealed only as layers of the good, the bad and the ugly are peeled away when chapters shift from present to past and from character to character. Admittedly, that can be a little hard to follow; in fact, when I first started, my reaction was, "Oh no - not another one where I not only have to keep a bundle of names and relationships straight in my head but also the time period." But in very short order, the author's expert crafting of the story made that much easier (and no doubt it helped that reading as fast as I could because I couldn't wait to see what happened next meant I had little time to forget).

Anna, a U.K. postal carrier, lives alone in her family home and is struggling to overcome something awful that happened in her life 13 years earlier. One day, she watches in horror as an oncoming car hits a motorcyclist, causing him to be seriously injured and lose memories of his past. Anna is shocked at the scene, but she's downright horrified when she recognizes the driver of the car - it's Carla, the woman behind her years-ago trauma. As Anna comforts the cyclist, Liam, she formulates a plan to ingratiate herself with him and thereby ensure that Carla gets what should have been coming to her back then.

But as one might expect, best-laid plans don't always work out smoothly. Anna must deal with Liam's elderly, very protective grandmother (with whom he lives), juggling her mail delivery duties to give her enough time to spend with Liam and staying out of the prying eyes of a next-door neighbor who befriended her as a child. Then, of course, there's Carla; now known as Amanda, she meets with Liam to apologize for causing his accident and strikes up a relationship that threatens to drive Anna over the deep end.

It's a heck of a race to see the story as it evolves through the minds of all the characters - but saying much more would mean giving too much away. If I have any disappointment, it came with the ending; perhaps I missed something, but it seemed a bit confusing even though I read it twice (hence my rating of 4 stars rather than 5). That said, I admit saying "Wow" out loud when I reached the last page. It's an awesome debut novel I'm glad I didn't miss - so many thanks to the publisher (via NetGalley) for allowing me to read it in exchange for an honest review.

And for those of you who weren't in the room with me when I finished it, I'll say it again: WOW!

Safe with Me by K.L. Slater (Bookouture, November 2016); 376 pp.