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The Girls Who Disappeared
A journalist's life is threatened when she investigates the truth about a mysterious car crash that happened twenty years earlier in this gripping thriller from the internationally bestselling author of The Couple at Number 9 and Just Like the Other Girls.
A car accident.
Three missing girls.
A twenty-year mystery.
A woman on the verge of discovering the truth . . .
In a rural Wilshire town lies the Devil's Corridor--a haunted road which has witnessed eerie happenings, from unexplained deaths to the sounds of a child crying in the night.
In this bucolic stretch of Southwest England famous for its otherworldly sites, nothing is more puzzling than the Olivia Rutherford case. Four girls were driving home. After their car crashed only one--Olivia--was found.
What happened to the girls who disappeared? On the twentieth anniversary of the tragedy, journalist Jenna Halliday has arrived in Wiltshire to cover the case. The locals aren't happy with this outsider determined to dig into the past. Least of all Olivia.
Soon, Jenna starts receiving menacing notes. The locals have made it clear she's not welcome. But someone is going to make her leave one way or another. Jenna's been warned: she must get out of this town before she suffers a dark fate . . . and becomes another mystery attached to this place.
A car accident.
Three missing girls.
A twenty-year mystery.
A woman on the verge of discovering the truth . . .
In a rural Wilshire town lies the Devil's Corridor--a haunted road which has witnessed eerie happenings, from unexplained deaths to the sounds of a child crying in the night.
In this bucolic stretch of Southwest England famous for its otherworldly sites, nothing is more puzzling than the Olivia Rutherford case. Four girls were driving home. After their car crashed only one--Olivia--was found.
What happened to the girls who disappeared? On the twentieth anniversary of the tragedy, journalist Jenna Halliday has arrived in Wiltshire to cover the case. The locals aren't happy with this outsider determined to dig into the past. Least of all Olivia.
Soon, Jenna starts receiving menacing notes. The locals have made it clear she's not welcome. But someone is going to make her leave one way or another. Jenna's been warned: she must get out of this town before she suffers a dark fate . . . and becomes another mystery attached to this place.
384 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2022
About the author
Claire Douglas
21 books3,880 followersClaire Douglas always wanted to write novels and, after many years of trying to get published, her dream came true when she won the Marie Claire Debut Novel Award in 2013 with THE SISTERS.
Her second and third novels, LOCAL GIRL MISSING and LAST SEEN ALIVE (Penguin), are Sunday Times bestsellers.
Her second and third novels, LOCAL GIRL MISSING and LAST SEEN ALIVE (Penguin), are Sunday Times bestsellers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,817 reviews
February 21, 2023
Hmm… another limbo reading… started so good, captivated me and then things started to get derailed… well I don’t want to talk about conclusion of the story because if I have to, I can honestly say four words: I don’t like it!
The beginning was imminent and promising! Four girls in the car from a night out driving through Devil’s Corridor, heading to Stafferbury under turbulent weather conditions in 1998. Olivia Rutherford is the driver of quartet. As their high tensioned drive continues, a man who watches I Know what you did last summer a few times appears in the middle of the road ( okay, I’m kidding, but movie also released nearly same year, could it be coincidence?)
Poor Olivia hits the breaks as the car is swerving. She loses the control of the steering wheel and BAM! They crash! When she opens her eyes both her friends and the creepy man are missing!
20 years later a BBC podcaster named Jenna Halliday starts investigating the incident by visiting Devil’s corridor: the creepy, ominous place where the girls have gotten missing!
Dual POVs of Olivia and Jenna keep your interest intact and you want to learn more about the mystery. The supernatural vibes and tense atmosphere, the creepy setting of Devil’s corridor push you to turn the pages faster but the second half of the book I felt like it lost its essence and the plot holes the author left were bigger than cracks in my head! Did I mention how I hated the conclusion. Oh, I already told you, didn’t I ?
Anyways I still loved so many things about this book! Even though I had hard time to connect with the characters and disliked how things wrapped up, I’m giving my solid three stars for promising, intriguing beginning!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper/ Perennial Paperbacks for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
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The beginning was imminent and promising! Four girls in the car from a night out driving through Devil’s Corridor, heading to Stafferbury under turbulent weather conditions in 1998. Olivia Rutherford is the driver of quartet. As their high tensioned drive continues, a man who watches I Know what you did last summer a few times appears in the middle of the road ( okay, I’m kidding, but movie also released nearly same year, could it be coincidence?)
Poor Olivia hits the breaks as the car is swerving. She loses the control of the steering wheel and BAM! They crash! When she opens her eyes both her friends and the creepy man are missing!
20 years later a BBC podcaster named Jenna Halliday starts investigating the incident by visiting Devil’s corridor: the creepy, ominous place where the girls have gotten missing!
Dual POVs of Olivia and Jenna keep your interest intact and you want to learn more about the mystery. The supernatural vibes and tense atmosphere, the creepy setting of Devil’s corridor push you to turn the pages faster but the second half of the book I felt like it lost its essence and the plot holes the author left were bigger than cracks in my head! Did I mention how I hated the conclusion. Oh, I already told you, didn’t I ?
Anyways I still loved so many things about this book! Even though I had hard time to connect with the characters and disliked how things wrapped up, I’m giving my solid three stars for promising, intriguing beginning!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper/ Perennial Paperbacks for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
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January 24, 2024
Quite good, although my brain didn’t compute how the backstory related to the now. That made listening to it a bit tiresome, and it could have been shorter without loosing anything important.
June 23, 2022
3.5 rounded down
In 1998 Olivia Rutherford is driving her three friends home from a night out, the weather is bad and she grows more tense as she drives down Devils Corridor leading to Stafferbury in Wiltshire. Suddenly a man appears in the middle of the road, she’s swerves but unfortunately crashes. When she regains consciousness she realises her friends have disappeared. Where are they and who is the mysterious man?
It’s 20 years on and as the anniversary of the girls who disappeared approaches, Jenna, a BBC podcaster, travels to the area to investigate. The story is told in dual narratives by Olivia and Jenna and its interspersed with a Thailand timeline.
One of the biggest strengths of the novel is the setting and the atmosphere created in and around the town which has standing stones and plentiful myths, legends and folklore such as the Devils Corridor which definitely gives you the creeps. The shades of the mystical and supernatural are really good although you constantly wonder if there is a more earthly explanation.
There are some weird unsettling incidents which give eerie chills and there’s an escalation in the danger levels. I like the potential of the mystery of what happens to the missing girls as it becomes clear there is concealment, secrets and lies galore. The characters are quite complex they’re not necessarily likeable, the exception being DS Dale Crawford who I like from the start.
However, it’s not the fastest of paces, in fact, at times it’s slow. This isn’t helped by some repetition and over explanation. It’s the ending that I find to be the biggest letdown as I’m expecting much more. It’s too neat yet also strangely OTT. Go figure! So it’s a mixed picture but not a bad read by any means.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Michael Joseph for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
In 1998 Olivia Rutherford is driving her three friends home from a night out, the weather is bad and she grows more tense as she drives down Devils Corridor leading to Stafferbury in Wiltshire. Suddenly a man appears in the middle of the road, she’s swerves but unfortunately crashes. When she regains consciousness she realises her friends have disappeared. Where are they and who is the mysterious man?
It’s 20 years on and as the anniversary of the girls who disappeared approaches, Jenna, a BBC podcaster, travels to the area to investigate. The story is told in dual narratives by Olivia and Jenna and its interspersed with a Thailand timeline.
One of the biggest strengths of the novel is the setting and the atmosphere created in and around the town which has standing stones and plentiful myths, legends and folklore such as the Devils Corridor which definitely gives you the creeps. The shades of the mystical and supernatural are really good although you constantly wonder if there is a more earthly explanation.
There are some weird unsettling incidents which give eerie chills and there’s an escalation in the danger levels. I like the potential of the mystery of what happens to the missing girls as it becomes clear there is concealment, secrets and lies galore. The characters are quite complex they’re not necessarily likeable, the exception being DS Dale Crawford who I like from the start.
However, it’s not the fastest of paces, in fact, at times it’s slow. This isn’t helped by some repetition and over explanation. It’s the ending that I find to be the biggest letdown as I’m expecting much more. It’s too neat yet also strangely OTT. Go figure! So it’s a mixed picture but not a bad read by any means.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Michael Joseph for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
July 31, 2023
3.5⭐
Genre ~ crime thriller
Publication date ~ January 10, 2023
Page Count ~ 349
Audio length ~ 9 hours 29 minutes
Narrator ~ Joanne Froggatt & Clare Corbett
POV ~ multiple 1st & 3rd
Featuring ~ 20 year old cold case, flashbacks
I love a missing person story, add in 3 missing persons and it's 20 years old, sign me up!
Olivia's parts are told in the 3rd person. 20 years ago she was involved in an accident with 3 of her friends. When she woke up at the crash site they were gone and haven't been seen since.
Jenna's parts are told in the 1st person as she investigates the disappearances for her podcast. I enjoyed her eagerness to get to the bottom of things.
Stace's identity is a mystery for most of the book.
There are a few townsfolk that aren't too keen on Jenna sniffing around and bringing up old wounds. I wasn't a super big fan of Olivia's boyfriend, Wesley (even though that's my hubs name). He was a bit controlling. I can't say the twist surprised me, but that didn't bother me too much. It was a bit slow going in some spots, but overall I liked it well enough.
*Thanks to the author, Harper Perennial and Paperbacks and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
I was able to listen to an audio copy as well.
Narration notes:
I am so happy there were 2.
Follow me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Genre ~ crime thriller
Publication date ~ January 10, 2023
Page Count ~ 349
Audio length ~ 9 hours 29 minutes
Narrator ~ Joanne Froggatt & Clare Corbett
POV ~ multiple 1st & 3rd
Featuring ~ 20 year old cold case, flashbacks
I love a missing person story, add in 3 missing persons and it's 20 years old, sign me up!
Olivia's parts are told in the 3rd person. 20 years ago she was involved in an accident with 3 of her friends. When she woke up at the crash site they were gone and haven't been seen since.
Jenna's parts are told in the 1st person as she investigates the disappearances for her podcast. I enjoyed her eagerness to get to the bottom of things.
Stace's identity is a mystery for most of the book.
There are a few townsfolk that aren't too keen on Jenna sniffing around and bringing up old wounds. I wasn't a super big fan of Olivia's boyfriend, Wesley (even though that's my hubs name). He was a bit controlling. I can't say the twist surprised me, but that didn't bother me too much. It was a bit slow going in some spots, but overall I liked it well enough.
*Thanks to the author, Harper Perennial and Paperbacks and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
I was able to listen to an audio copy as well.
Narration notes:
I am so happy there were 2.
Follow me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
October 5, 2022
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I do not like writing bad reviews so I just have to admit to myself that this author and I are not a good mix. Please read other reviews as it has many good ones, but this was the second book by this author that is just not for me. This story was really slow to start, never really picked up the pace, and failed to keep me engaged.
I did like the dual timeline of the past and present, it is one of my favourite types of books to read. There were many excellent characters in the book and you never really know who exactly you can trust. The was such a spooky element in the plot, perfect for this time of year. Lots of maybe supernatural and/or paranormal elements to keep you entertained.
Unfortunately, there was no surprising twist and although that isn't necessary to enjoy a good thriller, this one so lacked in other areas it made it even more disappointing. It felt like I was reading someone's personal diary and not a story at all. The parallel Thailand sections had me confused as to whether it was in the past or present.
In the end, it started to get way too over the top for me and by the time I got there I just really didn't care what happened any longer as I wasn't invested in the story at all by that point. The ending was also quite disappointing because the story had merged into something I had found very frustrating. I really find writing bad reviews so much harder than the good ones. I just think I am the wrong person for this type of book.
I do not like writing bad reviews so I just have to admit to myself that this author and I are not a good mix. Please read other reviews as it has many good ones, but this was the second book by this author that is just not for me. This story was really slow to start, never really picked up the pace, and failed to keep me engaged.
I did like the dual timeline of the past and present, it is one of my favourite types of books to read. There were many excellent characters in the book and you never really know who exactly you can trust. The was such a spooky element in the plot, perfect for this time of year. Lots of maybe supernatural and/or paranormal elements to keep you entertained.
Unfortunately, there was no surprising twist and although that isn't necessary to enjoy a good thriller, this one so lacked in other areas it made it even more disappointing. It felt like I was reading someone's personal diary and not a story at all. The parallel Thailand sections had me confused as to whether it was in the past or present.
In the end, it started to get way too over the top for me and by the time I got there I just really didn't care what happened any longer as I wasn't invested in the story at all by that point. The ending was also quite disappointing because the story had merged into something I had found very frustrating. I really find writing bad reviews so much harder than the good ones. I just think I am the wrong person for this type of book.
March 30, 2024
Not for me to slow & could not connect to the accident with the girls to the now it just didn’t work.
September 13, 2022
Loved the book! Solid 4.5 stars from me, happily rounded up!
What a clever, well-paced and pulling thriller with clues scattered about - did you also see those twists coming?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the lookout for any new books from the author, Claire Douglas!
The book was so fun to read, it kept me hooked and guessing the twists ahead of time. Loved the setting, the remote cabin in the middle of the allegedly haunted woods.
No one truly is who they seem...
Thank you so much for the ARC, NetGalley!
What a clever, well-paced and pulling thriller with clues scattered about - did you also see those twists coming?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the lookout for any new books from the author, Claire Douglas!
The book was so fun to read, it kept me hooked and guessing the twists ahead of time. Loved the setting, the remote cabin in the middle of the allegedly haunted woods.
No one truly is who they seem...
Thank you so much for the ARC, NetGalley!
January 10, 2023
Five days in Stafferbury for a podcaster stirs up a hornet's nest relating to a 20-year-old mystery. There are three POV: Jenna (podcaster and outsider), Olivia (the survivor of a mysterious car crash), and Stace -- a woman on vacation in Thailand. The interviews that Jenna initiates around town are a vehicle for bringing out the events of the past. Olivia is reluctant to speak to Jenna, but she will change her mind as the days go by. I was nearly gobsmacked when I found out the connection between Thailand and Stafferbury. Perhaps I was also a bit swayed by the hints of paranormal activity. Douglas saves one last big reveal for the Epilogue leaving the reader a bit unsettled, but not disappointed.
One of my favorite quotes is in Chapter 37: It's not like in books, Jenna. Not everything gets explained and tied up nicely in a neat little bow. This world is messy, complicated. . . .
Love this self-aware statement in a book that I still expected to be tied up neatly with a bow -- and it was. . .
Thank you to Harper Paperbacks and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
One of my favorite quotes is in Chapter 37: It's not like in books, Jenna. Not everything gets explained and tied up nicely in a neat little bow. This world is messy, complicated. . . .
Love this self-aware statement in a book that I still expected to be tied up neatly with a bow -- and it was. . .
Thank you to Harper Paperbacks and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2023
The infamous Devil’s Corridor is well known for being host to strange, almost supernatural occurrences. From a crying baby with no known source to sightings of a mysterious hooded figure roaming the area, even the nearby town of Stafferbury is thought to have a near mystical quality.
One more puzzling happening in the idyllic area is the Olivia Rutherford case. Twenty years ago, she and her three girlfriends were driving home from a nearby nightclub along the notorious road only to find themselves in a horrendous car accident. But when Olivia regained consciousness, she found not three injured friends, but an empty car. Naturally, the case was instantly seen as just another strange event linked to the otherworldly Devil’s Corridor by the townspeople and, sadly, nothing was ever learned about what really happened. It’s as if the girls just disappeared into thin air.
Determined to get to the bottom of the case, journalist turned podcaster, Jenna Halliday, travels to the bucolic countryside of Wiltshire to find out for herself. But from the moment her feet hit the ground, she’s met with strong opposition. Nobody in town wants her there and they certainly don’t want her digging into the case. Especially Olivia.
Soon enough, Jenna begins getting threats left and right. From sinister notes to dead animals left on her doorstep, it’s clear she’s not wanted. But as terrifying as it is, Jenna refuses to leave, intent on revealing what really happened all those years ago. What she doesn’t realize, however, is that someone in town is just as determined to drive her out. One way or the other. And the longer she stays the more likely it is that Jenna could suffer a grisly fate as well. One that will simply add to the mysteries attached to this dark place. Will she be able to uncover the truth before it’s too late? Or will she regret ever coming to town?
After finishing The Girls Who Disappeared, I’ve come to the conclusion that Claire Douglas is one heck of a brilliant genius at crafting top-notch suspense. So how did this one rank for me? Right there near the top. There were a few bobbles, but absolutely nothing that detracted from the book in the long run. So here goes.
One of the strongest elements of the novel was certainly the two main characters at the center of all the action. Both Jenna and Olivia were genuine and relatable with just flawed enough to make them wholly believable. Don’t get me wrong, the other characters were equally superb, each adding just enough color to provide a well-rounded plot that thoroughly kept me in suspense.
The next best aspect was by far the many twists and turns that kept me guessing right up until the end. I was even afraid that there was going to be one eyesore of an unresolved thread left, but right at the end a whole new surprise was doled out. It is simply amazing how well this dual POV plot (which even contained a seemingly unrelated story thrown into the mix) was organized. Douglas’s brain truly is awe-inspiring to be sure.
The only tiny flaw that I found was that despite the relatively consistent pace throughout 90% of the novel, the conclusion was like being thrown headfirst into a whirlwind of revelations. Not that it wasn’t spectacular in its own right as it was simply spellbinding. But perhaps a bit sudden in some respects. Although I do have to say that it happily had me stopping to rethink parts of the novel that were altered by a shocking turn or two. So, like I said, teeny, tiny flaw.
When push comes to shove, I honestly think this was my favorite (at least so far) by the author. Between the much loved podcaster angle, the eerie setting, and the intriguing premise, I found myself happily wrapped up multiple times within the riveting story. Point blank, if I hadn’t already been, I would now thoroughly be in love with this author. So, if you couldn’t already guess, I strongly recommend this book. So I just know you’re going to run out and grab it ASAP. Right? Rating of 4.5 stars.
Trigger warning: jealous and controlling relationship, gaslighting, drug dealing
One more puzzling happening in the idyllic area is the Olivia Rutherford case. Twenty years ago, she and her three girlfriends were driving home from a nearby nightclub along the notorious road only to find themselves in a horrendous car accident. But when Olivia regained consciousness, she found not three injured friends, but an empty car. Naturally, the case was instantly seen as just another strange event linked to the otherworldly Devil’s Corridor by the townspeople and, sadly, nothing was ever learned about what really happened. It’s as if the girls just disappeared into thin air.
Determined to get to the bottom of the case, journalist turned podcaster, Jenna Halliday, travels to the bucolic countryside of Wiltshire to find out for herself. But from the moment her feet hit the ground, she’s met with strong opposition. Nobody in town wants her there and they certainly don’t want her digging into the case. Especially Olivia.
Soon enough, Jenna begins getting threats left and right. From sinister notes to dead animals left on her doorstep, it’s clear she’s not wanted. But as terrifying as it is, Jenna refuses to leave, intent on revealing what really happened all those years ago. What she doesn’t realize, however, is that someone in town is just as determined to drive her out. One way or the other. And the longer she stays the more likely it is that Jenna could suffer a grisly fate as well. One that will simply add to the mysteries attached to this dark place. Will she be able to uncover the truth before it’s too late? Or will she regret ever coming to town?
After finishing The Girls Who Disappeared, I’ve come to the conclusion that Claire Douglas is one heck of a brilliant genius at crafting top-notch suspense. So how did this one rank for me? Right there near the top. There were a few bobbles, but absolutely nothing that detracted from the book in the long run. So here goes.
One of the strongest elements of the novel was certainly the two main characters at the center of all the action. Both Jenna and Olivia were genuine and relatable with just flawed enough to make them wholly believable. Don’t get me wrong, the other characters were equally superb, each adding just enough color to provide a well-rounded plot that thoroughly kept me in suspense.
The next best aspect was by far the many twists and turns that kept me guessing right up until the end. I was even afraid that there was going to be one eyesore of an unresolved thread left, but right at the end a whole new surprise was doled out. It is simply amazing how well this dual POV plot (which even contained a seemingly unrelated story thrown into the mix) was organized. Douglas’s brain truly is awe-inspiring to be sure.
The only tiny flaw that I found was that despite the relatively consistent pace throughout 90% of the novel, the conclusion was like being thrown headfirst into a whirlwind of revelations. Not that it wasn’t spectacular in its own right as it was simply spellbinding. But perhaps a bit sudden in some respects. Although I do have to say that it happily had me stopping to rethink parts of the novel that were altered by a shocking turn or two. So, like I said, teeny, tiny flaw.
When push comes to shove, I honestly think this was my favorite (at least so far) by the author. Between the much loved podcaster angle, the eerie setting, and the intriguing premise, I found myself happily wrapped up multiple times within the riveting story. Point blank, if I hadn’t already been, I would now thoroughly be in love with this author. So, if you couldn’t already guess, I strongly recommend this book. So I just know you’re going to run out and grab it ASAP. Right? Rating of 4.5 stars.
Trigger warning: jealous and controlling relationship, gaslighting, drug dealing
October 28, 2022
I was so excited to read this after devouring The Couple at Number 9. I love the author’s writing but this one was just ok for me. The mystery was great and kept me wanting more but the end fell flat and I did not like the twist.
Olivia Rutherford and her three friends suffered a horrific car accident on a rural road dubbed “The Devil’s Corridor”. Olivia was the only one found. Twenty years later, the mystery of the disappearance of the three girls stills ways on the small town. Journalist Jenna Halliday is covering the case for her podcast. The locals aren’t thrilled with Jennas presence and pretty soon she receives warnings to leave things alone. The deeper Jenna heads down the rabbit hole, the more she realizes that she’s in danger and someone is determined to make sure the past stays buried.
The Girls Who Disappeared is available January 10,2023.
Thank you to netgalley and harperperennialpaperbacks for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Olivia Rutherford and her three friends suffered a horrific car accident on a rural road dubbed “The Devil’s Corridor”. Olivia was the only one found. Twenty years later, the mystery of the disappearance of the three girls stills ways on the small town. Journalist Jenna Halliday is covering the case for her podcast. The locals aren’t thrilled with Jennas presence and pretty soon she receives warnings to leave things alone. The deeper Jenna heads down the rabbit hole, the more she realizes that she’s in danger and someone is determined to make sure the past stays buried.
The Girls Who Disappeared is available January 10,2023.
Thank you to netgalley and harperperennialpaperbacks for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
July 22, 2022
I thought this book started so strongly and I was really enjoying it but around two thirds of the way through I was beginning to want it to end. I read in the authors notes at the end of the book that the book undertook a big edit but in my opinion it was still fifty pages too long A shame really because it was going so well.
Twenty years ago three girls disappeared without trace following a car crash while the other girl in the group, Olivia survived. Now journalist Jenna Halliday is making a podcast to make people aware of this twenty year old mystery. The problem Jenna faces is that there are plenty of locals who would rather she wasn’t there, Olivia in particular. Its not long before Jenna starts to receive threatening notes from someone who wants her to leave the town.
There are lots of positives in this book, decent characters, intriguing plot but it just failed to hold my attention throughout.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Michael Joseph UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Twenty years ago three girls disappeared without trace following a car crash while the other girl in the group, Olivia survived. Now journalist Jenna Halliday is making a podcast to make people aware of this twenty year old mystery. The problem Jenna faces is that there are plenty of locals who would rather she wasn’t there, Olivia in particular. Its not long before Jenna starts to receive threatening notes from someone who wants her to leave the town.
There are lots of positives in this book, decent characters, intriguing plot but it just failed to hold my attention throughout.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Michael Joseph UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2023
Mocne zaskoczenie! Słuchałam w audiobooku i tak naprawdę nie mogłam się oderwać - świetna na „rozluznienie” po poważniejszej lekturze.
December 23, 2022
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: January 10, 2023
Twenty years ago, Olivia Rutherford was in a car accident on the rural “Devil’s Corridor”. But Olivia lost more than the complete use of her leg- her three best friends, who had been traveling with her, had completely disappeared after the accident and hadn’t been seen or heard from since. Now, Olivia is stuck in the past, trying to come to terms with her survivor’s guilt and facing blame and ridicule from her neighbours. Although she previously refused speaking to the press, Olivia changes her mind when podcaster Jenna approaches and encourages Olivia to tell her side of the story. But as Jenna investigates, and secrets are revealed, both women’s lives are soon in danger.
I am a fan of mystery author, Claire Douglas, and her previous novels, “Then She Vanishes” and “The Couple at Number 9” were four star reads for me. The premise of her newest novel, “The Girls Who Disappeared” was unique and caught my attention right away, and sure enough, Douglas did not disappoint.
The story is told in alternating viewpoints, in present day, from the perspective of Jenna and Olivia. The prologue is the only part of the story told in the past, where the events of the car accident, from Olivia’s view, are detailed, but of course Douglas gives very little away, as Olivia is scared, confused, injured and unsure of her surroundings. There are chapters that feature italicized parts of another story, that feature other characters in entirely different surroundings, and although the presence of this plot is confusing at first, it all comes together in the end.
The premise is what hooked me, three girls who go missing after a car accident, and the speculation throughout the novel kept me turning the pages. What does Olivia know? Is she to blame like her neighbours believe? Did the three girls run away? There are so many possibilities and Douglas makes each one just as plausible as the next.
“Girls” had one heck of an ending, entirely unexpected and completely suspense-fueled. Olivia’s gaslighting, manipulative boyfriend Wes (who is entirely unlikable from the first page), gets what’s coming to him, and the real mystery around the missing girls is revealed. It is difficult to write a captivating novel with a unique plot in this genre, as it is inundated and over-hyped, but Douglas delivers that and more with “The Girls Who Disappeared”.
Expected publication date: January 10, 2023
Twenty years ago, Olivia Rutherford was in a car accident on the rural “Devil’s Corridor”. But Olivia lost more than the complete use of her leg- her three best friends, who had been traveling with her, had completely disappeared after the accident and hadn’t been seen or heard from since. Now, Olivia is stuck in the past, trying to come to terms with her survivor’s guilt and facing blame and ridicule from her neighbours. Although she previously refused speaking to the press, Olivia changes her mind when podcaster Jenna approaches and encourages Olivia to tell her side of the story. But as Jenna investigates, and secrets are revealed, both women’s lives are soon in danger.
I am a fan of mystery author, Claire Douglas, and her previous novels, “Then She Vanishes” and “The Couple at Number 9” were four star reads for me. The premise of her newest novel, “The Girls Who Disappeared” was unique and caught my attention right away, and sure enough, Douglas did not disappoint.
The story is told in alternating viewpoints, in present day, from the perspective of Jenna and Olivia. The prologue is the only part of the story told in the past, where the events of the car accident, from Olivia’s view, are detailed, but of course Douglas gives very little away, as Olivia is scared, confused, injured and unsure of her surroundings. There are chapters that feature italicized parts of another story, that feature other characters in entirely different surroundings, and although the presence of this plot is confusing at first, it all comes together in the end.
The premise is what hooked me, three girls who go missing after a car accident, and the speculation throughout the novel kept me turning the pages. What does Olivia know? Is she to blame like her neighbours believe? Did the three girls run away? There are so many possibilities and Douglas makes each one just as plausible as the next.
“Girls” had one heck of an ending, entirely unexpected and completely suspense-fueled. Olivia’s gaslighting, manipulative boyfriend Wes (who is entirely unlikable from the first page), gets what’s coming to him, and the real mystery around the missing girls is revealed. It is difficult to write a captivating novel with a unique plot in this genre, as it is inundated and over-hyped, but Douglas delivers that and more with “The Girls Who Disappeared”.
October 28, 2022
I was so excited to read this after devouring The Couple at Number 9. I love the author’s writing but this one was just ok for me. The mystery was great and kept me wanting more but the end fell flat and I did not like the twist.
Olivia Rutherford and her three friends suffered a horrific car accident on a rural road dubbed “The Devil’s Corridor”. Olivia was the only one found. Twenty years later, the mystery of the disappearance of the three girls stills ways on the small town. Journalist Jenna Halliday is covering the case for her podcast. The locals aren’t thrilled with Jennas presence and pretty soon she receives warnings to leave things alone. The deeper Jenna heads down the rabbit hole, the more she realizes that she’s in danger and someone is determined to make sure the past stays buried.
The Girls Who Disappeared is available January 10,2023.
Thank you to netgalley and harperperennialpaperbacks for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Olivia Rutherford and her three friends suffered a horrific car accident on a rural road dubbed “The Devil’s Corridor”. Olivia was the only one found. Twenty years later, the mystery of the disappearance of the three girls stills ways on the small town. Journalist Jenna Halliday is covering the case for her podcast. The locals aren’t thrilled with Jennas presence and pretty soon she receives warnings to leave things alone. The deeper Jenna heads down the rabbit hole, the more she realizes that she’s in danger and someone is determined to make sure the past stays buried.
The Girls Who Disappeared is available January 10,2023.
Thank you to netgalley and harperperennialpaperbacks for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
December 13, 2022
3.5 ⭐
The thing I loved the most about The Girls Who Disappeared was how quickly it pulled me in and made me feel like I was there. Not many thrillers do that, so this one got my attention straight away.
And it was an ok mystery. It did make me go through the clues, and wonder, and try figure out what was going on.
On the flip side, the story ended up being nothing special, nothing to truly surprise me. The revelation was a bit all over the place and in the end I can't say I cared for how everything was wrapped up.
If you want to see my much more in depth review, you can check it out on my book blog NovelOnMyMind.
Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Girls Who Disappeared by Claire Douglas in exchange for an honest review.
The thing I loved the most about The Girls Who Disappeared was how quickly it pulled me in and made me feel like I was there. Not many thrillers do that, so this one got my attention straight away.
And it was an ok mystery. It did make me go through the clues, and wonder, and try figure out what was going on.
On the flip side, the story ended up being nothing special, nothing to truly surprise me. The revelation was a bit all over the place and in the end I can't say I cared for how everything was wrapped up.
If you want to see my much more in depth review, you can check it out on my book blog NovelOnMyMind.
Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Girls Who Disappeared by Claire Douglas in exchange for an honest review.
January 19, 2023
This atmospheric thriller about the mysterious disappearance of three girls in a 20-year-old car crash instantly lured me into the storyline.
By the end of Chapter 1, I was intrigued.
Claire Douglas' characterizations were strong and the book's "What happened to the girls who disappeared?" premise was ultra-compelling.
By the end of Chapter 10, similar to the girls who "mysteriously disappeared", the book's action also mysteriously disappeared.
In other words, the book stalled.
By the end of Chapter 52, I was no longer intrigued.
Instead, I was disappointed and weary.
The book was waaaaay too slow-burn and repetitive for my fastidious palate.
The book's reveal was predictable and underwhelming.
I listened to the audiobook read by Claire Corbett and Joanne Froggatt and both narrators did an over-the-top job with the narration.
The book was a 9.5-hour audiobook that easily could have been told in 5 hours.
I am a huge fan of author Claire Douglas and even though this was not my favorite "Claire" book, I will be looking forward to listening to the author's upcoming releases.
3 stars rounded up.
By the end of Chapter 1, I was intrigued.
Claire Douglas' characterizations were strong and the book's "What happened to the girls who disappeared?" premise was ultra-compelling.
By the end of Chapter 10, similar to the girls who "mysteriously disappeared", the book's action also mysteriously disappeared.
In other words, the book stalled.
By the end of Chapter 52, I was no longer intrigued.
Instead, I was disappointed and weary.
The book was waaaaay too slow-burn and repetitive for my fastidious palate.
The book's reveal was predictable and underwhelming.
I listened to the audiobook read by Claire Corbett and Joanne Froggatt and both narrators did an over-the-top job with the narration.
The book was a 9.5-hour audiobook that easily could have been told in 5 hours.
I am a huge fan of author Claire Douglas and even though this was not my favorite "Claire" book, I will be looking forward to listening to the author's upcoming releases.
3 stars rounded up.
October 5, 2022
Another fabulous read from Claire Douglas. The narration from Joanne Froggatt was fantastic and the story has some nice twists
June 23, 2024
3.45/5 ⭐
I have actually enjoyed this up until the point of the reveal. The plot did not twist for me guys 😔 I kind of saw the plot twists coming from miles away and by the time everything was confirmed, I could only feel satisfaction for my own detective abilities. *pats self on the shoulder*
I still like Claire Douglas' style, but the story behind the deed here was a little bit pulled by the hair, as we say in Romanian to express that something was a liiiittle bit forced.
I still think this is a good suspense thriller overall, still worth a try.
I have actually enjoyed this up until the point of the reveal. The plot did not twist for me guys 😔 I kind of saw the plot twists coming from miles away and by the time everything was confirmed, I could only feel satisfaction for my own detective abilities. *pats self on the shoulder*
I still like Claire Douglas' style, but the story behind the deed here was a little bit pulled by the hair, as we say in Romanian to express that something was a liiiittle bit forced.
I still think this is a good suspense thriller overall, still worth a try.
September 8, 2022
In a rural Wiltshire town lies the Devil's Corridor. A road that has witnessed eerie happenings, from unexplained deaths to the sound of a child crying at night. But nothing more puzzling than the Olivia Rutherford case. Four girls drove home but after their car crashed, only Olivia was found. Twenty years later, journalist Jenna Halliday is covering the case. But the locals aren't happy with this stranger's arrival. Least of all Olivia.
This story has a dual timeline - the present day and the past - what had occurred twenty years ago. The characters are intriguing. The pace is on the slow side, and the plotline can be a bit confusing. There're twists and red herrings but the plotline didn't hold my attention after I was halfway through. I found my mind wandering and I had to go back and re-read parts. I also felt there were parts of the story that were complex. Thankfully everything gels together at the end and all the loose ends are tied up'
I would like to thank #NetGalley #MichaelJoseph #PenguinRandomHouse and the author #ClaireDouglas for my ARC of #TheGirlsWhoDisappeared in exchange for an honest review.
This story has a dual timeline - the present day and the past - what had occurred twenty years ago. The characters are intriguing. The pace is on the slow side, and the plotline can be a bit confusing. There're twists and red herrings but the plotline didn't hold my attention after I was halfway through. I found my mind wandering and I had to go back and re-read parts. I also felt there were parts of the story that were complex. Thankfully everything gels together at the end and all the loose ends are tied up'
I would like to thank #NetGalley #MichaelJoseph #PenguinRandomHouse and the author #ClaireDouglas for my ARC of #TheGirlsWhoDisappeared in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2024
Nu m-aș fi gândit că prima carte pe care o termin în 2024 va fi una audio. 😄 Dar am reușit! Și nu am început rău anul. Thrillerul ăsta este ca un puzzle, care te surprinde în permanență. Deși premisa pare simplă, lucrurile se complică pe măsură ce înaintezi în poveste.
Autoarea prezintă două perspective, care până spre final par să nu aibă legătură. Nu recunoaștem nume de personaje, așa că își face foarte bine treaba, iar surpriza de la final este cu atât mai mare.
Autoarea prezintă două perspective, care până spre final par să nu aibă legătură. Nu recunoaștem nume de personaje, așa că își face foarte bine treaba, iar surpriza de la final este cu atât mai mare.
January 16, 2023
Twenty years after a car accident has all but been forgotten, the case is reopened by the police force, and a journalist arrives in town to make a podcast about what happened.
Four friends were heading home from a night of drinking on a rainy night on The Devil's Corridor when a person appeared in the road, and they crashed.
The only one who survived was Olivia. The strange thing, though, is that the other three friends were not in the car, all their belongings were gone, and they have never been heard from for twenty years.
Why is the case being re-opened after all this time?
People don't want the case re-opened nor do they want Jenna, the journalist, to be digging up the past that most likely holds clues.
THE GIRLS WHO DISAPPEARED kept my interest and had some interesting characters.
The only puzzling thing was the chapters interspersed with something I wasn't really sure had to do with the murder, but oh you will find out why they are there.
This book will appeal to fans of Ms. Douglas, fans of suspense, and fans of characters with secrets.
Lots of secrets kept and many lies. 4/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
Four friends were heading home from a night of drinking on a rainy night on The Devil's Corridor when a person appeared in the road, and they crashed.
The only one who survived was Olivia. The strange thing, though, is that the other three friends were not in the car, all their belongings were gone, and they have never been heard from for twenty years.
Why is the case being re-opened after all this time?
People don't want the case re-opened nor do they want Jenna, the journalist, to be digging up the past that most likely holds clues.
THE GIRLS WHO DISAPPEARED kept my interest and had some interesting characters.
The only puzzling thing was the chapters interspersed with something I wasn't really sure had to do with the murder, but oh you will find out why they are there.
This book will appeal to fans of Ms. Douglas, fans of suspense, and fans of characters with secrets.
Lots of secrets kept and many lies. 4/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
January 12, 2023
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by a favorite, Claire Douglas. 4 stars!
Twenty years ago, teenager Olivia was driving her three friends home after a night out when suddenly there was a man in the road. She swerved, lost control, and crashed. When she woke up, she was pinned in the car and her three friends were gone. On the anniversary, Jenna is working on a podcast about the girls' disappearance and leaves her small boy at home with her estranged husband to spend 5 days doing interviews. But has she put herself in danger?
This was a creepy, atmospheric thriller with strange happenings in the woods and on a road known as The Devil's Corridor. The story is told from the POV of both Olivia and Jenna, with alternating chapters of a past timeline. I was intrigued with this story and there are plenty of questionable characters. The ending was a bit over the top for me but still another good read from this author.
Twenty years ago, teenager Olivia was driving her three friends home after a night out when suddenly there was a man in the road. She swerved, lost control, and crashed. When she woke up, she was pinned in the car and her three friends were gone. On the anniversary, Jenna is working on a podcast about the girls' disappearance and leaves her small boy at home with her estranged husband to spend 5 days doing interviews. But has she put herself in danger?
This was a creepy, atmospheric thriller with strange happenings in the woods and on a road known as The Devil's Corridor. The story is told from the POV of both Olivia and Jenna, with alternating chapters of a past timeline. I was intrigued with this story and there are plenty of questionable characters. The ending was a bit over the top for me but still another good read from this author.
June 19, 2022
A deliciously dark, captivating and twisty mystery from Claire Douglas, the Queen of Gripping Pageturners. With an eerie setting, a brilliant hook and a cast of suspicious characters, The Girls Who Disappeared will keep you guessing and frantically turning the pages from the gripping opening to the very last page.
January 20, 2023
I was craving some more mystery and this book scratched that itch perfectly.
There are some foreseeable twists, a bit of a little plot hole and some far-fetched elements to the resolution; but this was addictive, gripping and I enjoyed it so much!
There are some foreseeable twists, a bit of a little plot hole and some far-fetched elements to the resolution; but this was addictive, gripping and I enjoyed it so much!
July 29, 2022
A haunting thriller with a gripping hook – twenty years ago four girls drove home after a night out and got in a car crash. But when all the dust settled, only one girl remained. Where are the other three girls?
I absolutely loved this one and think it might just be my favorite Claire Douglas book yet. Gripping, pacey, and wonderfully twisty, it hits all the right points for a fantastic thriller. Claire has a way of writing vibrant, emotive characters that feel like they could be real. The story has hints of ghostly happenings and a nice creepy vibe. I loved it!
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I absolutely loved this one and think it might just be my favorite Claire Douglas book yet. Gripping, pacey, and wonderfully twisty, it hits all the right points for a fantastic thriller. Claire has a way of writing vibrant, emotive characters that feel like they could be real. The story has hints of ghostly happenings and a nice creepy vibe. I loved it!
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 25, 2022
Despite having a few Claire Douglas titles on my TBR shelves, this was my first! I look forward to reading her others!
One fateful night 20 twenty years ago, a group of 4 young women have an accident after a night out. The accident took place on The Devil's Corridor, a stretch of highway steeped in supernatural superstition. When the car was finally discovered, only one of the girls was inside -- Olivia. The other three completely disappeared without a trace. While theories bounce around town -- even claims of alien abduction -- investigators were never able to solve the mystery.
As the twenty year anniversary approaches, podcaster / journalist Jenna Halliday arrives in town, with the goal of finally solving the mystery. Unfortunately she is not warmly welcomed, and begins receiving threats, attempting to send her packing. But Jenna is set on uncovering the truth of that night, and what exactly happened to the girls who disappeared.
This was a creepy, atmospheric, dual-POV (Olivia's and Jenna's) mystery/thriller. The audiobook was narrated by two people, and I enjoyed Jenna's performance much more. It's a bit of a slow burn, but full of unexpected twists and turns. I was torn between 3-4 stars, but eventually decided to round up. ☺️
Thank you Harper Audio and NetGalley for my gifted ALC in exchange for my honest review.
One fateful night 20 twenty years ago, a group of 4 young women have an accident after a night out. The accident took place on The Devil's Corridor, a stretch of highway steeped in supernatural superstition. When the car was finally discovered, only one of the girls was inside -- Olivia. The other three completely disappeared without a trace. While theories bounce around town -- even claims of alien abduction -- investigators were never able to solve the mystery.
As the twenty year anniversary approaches, podcaster / journalist Jenna Halliday arrives in town, with the goal of finally solving the mystery. Unfortunately she is not warmly welcomed, and begins receiving threats, attempting to send her packing. But Jenna is set on uncovering the truth of that night, and what exactly happened to the girls who disappeared.
This was a creepy, atmospheric, dual-POV (Olivia's and Jenna's) mystery/thriller. The audiobook was narrated by two people, and I enjoyed Jenna's performance much more. It's a bit of a slow burn, but full of unexpected twists and turns. I was torn between 3-4 stars, but eventually decided to round up. ☺️
Thank you Harper Audio and NetGalley for my gifted ALC in exchange for my honest review.
November 10, 2022
The narrative is told predominantly from two perspectives. There is Olivia, a woman in her late thirties, who was involved in a car accident some twenty years earlier along with three of her friends. Olivia survived the crash after being rendered unconscious, but her companions had all mysteriously disappeared when she regained consciousness. The second point of view is provided by Jenna, a journalist looking into the case with the intention of making a podcast about it. Intermittently, there is also a third viewpoint, written in italics, though it is not immediately apparent who is providing this account or when the events are taking place. Clearly, this will have relevance to the central mystery, but the connection will not become clear until much later in the story.
February 8, 2023
This was a 3.5 stars rounded down. The premise was really intriguing but it dragged in quite a few places and the ending felt completely out of left field from a totally different story. It apparently went through a lot of edits so maybe this is the side effect of that.
The story follows Jenna who is a podcaster trying to uncover what happened 20 years ago in a small town accident when four girls crashed into a tree and three of them disappeared. As she starts to dig deeper, the small town is willing to go to great extents to keep its secrets.
I was so excited to get started when I realized what the mystery was but it slowed down almost immediately. The odd interludes of a vacation in Thailand did less to stoke mystery and more to annoy me by taking me out of the book each time. Every time I saw one coming it would make me close the book and go do something else. When it did eventually tie everything back together it just felt SO ridiculous and out of place. It really felt like the author didn’t know how to solve the mystery so she went back and threw in all the Thailand chapters to make it work. This wasn’t a bad read because I still felt the urge to finish it, it just wasn’t as good as it could have been.
The story follows Jenna who is a podcaster trying to uncover what happened 20 years ago in a small town accident when four girls crashed into a tree and three of them disappeared. As she starts to dig deeper, the small town is willing to go to great extents to keep its secrets.
I was so excited to get started when I realized what the mystery was but it slowed down almost immediately. The odd interludes of a vacation in Thailand did less to stoke mystery and more to annoy me by taking me out of the book each time. Every time I saw one coming it would make me close the book and go do something else. When it did eventually tie everything back together it just felt SO ridiculous and out of place. It really felt like the author didn’t know how to solve the mystery so she went back and threw in all the Thailand chapters to make it work. This wasn’t a bad read because I still felt the urge to finish it, it just wasn’t as good as it could have been.
November 25, 2022
“Three missing girls. A twenty-year mystery. A woman who may be able to crack this cold case”
..
When I accepted a complimentary Kindle download of this book for review, I was totally convinced that I was already familiar with previous stories written by this author. However, much to my dismay and shame, my memories must have been those of reading the premises, as I found at least two downloads of earlier books still lined up waiting to get to the top of my list. I aim to fix that just as soon as I possibly can, but until then, this is by default my first journey with a new to me author – and let me tell you, it was one heck of a roller coaster ride, so make sure you buckle up and get prepared!
..
The story begins in rural Wiltshire in 1998, when newly qualified driver Olivia and her three friends are returning home in the early hours of the morning, after a girl’s night out. Sally, Tamzin and Hetty are all a little the worse for wear, but happy with it. However, nominated driver Olivia is stone cold sober and very wary of the treacherous driving conditions, as they are on a notorious stretch of forest road locally known as ‘The Devil’s Corridor’ and the rain is hammering down. Olivia has made the unforgiveable mistake of not demanding that her back seat passengers should use their seat belts, so when suddenly her headlights throw up a figure stood in the middle of the road, and as she brakes harshly to avoid hitting it, the car skids, turns over and leaves the road. Olivia blacks out momentarily, but on regaining consciousness realises that she is trapped in the vehicle with her legs pinned to the steering wheel, and all three of her companions are missing. They are never found, and Olivia is left permanently disabled, after weeks in hospital and having been very lucky not to lose her leg!
Fast forward twenty years to 2018 and freelance journalist Jenna has travelled to Wiltshire from her home in Manchester for a week, hoping to gather material from this now cold case, in order to reawaken public interest in the story by making a podcast about it. She has based herself in a rented cabin on a small six berth site within the forest, just off the stretch of road where the accident had happened. Myth, legend and folklore abound in this neck of the woods, which is located near the site of many ancient stone circles, burial mounds and long barrows, so it comes as no surprise that right from the start, Jenna is left feeling uneasy and certain she is being watched, although she has no idea just how much danger she is really in, despite the warnings she receives to leave, but chooses to ignore, until someone ups the ante to an almost fatal level and she is lucky to escape unscathed.
The police officer who worked on the original accident and disappearance back in 1998, is more than willing to be interviewed by Jenna and also gives her the details of a current serving member of the force, who may be able to assist with ‘cold case’ enquiries. Dale is only too happy to help Jenna gather information and interviews for the podcast and rather places himself in position as her protector and advisor during her stay, especially when it becomes clear that the threats against her are not idle and there are forces at work which relate to many more crimes than just that of the disappearance of three young women. However, in Jenna’s heightened state of fear no one is innocent and for a short time she even includes Dale on her suspect list, especially when she has proof that he lied about how well he knew one of the girls, although when challenged, he does have a good reason for having been economical with the truth.
Once a reticent Olivia breaks through the barrier of non-cooperation she has erected between herself and Jenna and begins to open up to her, unseen forces decree that both women are deemed to be a threat to certain freedoms and nefarious activities, and therefore need to be stopped at any price, even down to Olivia being drugged and left in a field of ancient standing stones, as a reminder to her not to befriend Jenna or participate in the podcast. As Jenna nears the end of her visit and is preparing to return home to prepare the material she has amassed into her finished broadcast, there are more people than she could ever have imagined, who cannot allow that to happen, and they are desperate enough to add murder to their growing list of offences, to ensure that the podcast is never aired.
Even when the dust has settled, the court cases are over, and there has been a laying to rest of some long-held grief and loss, someone still clings to that final secret which will probably never be uncovered, as the truth has been cleverly redirected away from its real perpetrator. If only Jenna and Dale knew the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth!
..
This wasn’t strictly speaking a dual timeline story, as there were only a couple of flashbacks to where it all began in 1998. Most of the narrative and dialogue was focussed on Jenna’s renewed interest in the case in 2018, although there were several inserts from 1980s Thailand, which at first seemed totally out of context and unconnected to the storyline, even though this subplot was interesting in its own right. I knew of course that this would be relevant to the eventual outcome of Jenna’s investigations, and I had my suspicions about how it might fit into the picture, but I was left to drive myself silly wondering what the common denominator was, right until the very end, when the final pieces of the jigsaw were slotted into place. With the exception of what seemed to be these randomly placed extracts, almost all of which are narrated by someone we come to know as Stace, most of the remaining narrative is written from Jenna and Olivia’s perspectives, in short, well signposted, digestible and easy to navigate chapters.
This was a well-constructed, multi-layered, and textured storyline, which made for compulsive reading. Intense and suspenseful from beginning to end. There were so many separate strands to a case which became ever more complicated with each new person Jenna interviewed, as their stories seemed to be intrinsically linked and tangled together, although she couldn’t quite work out how. Of course, she never had the advantage of being on the outside looking in, so once I had four mothers and their four daughters firmly in my sights, things became a little clearer. However, her journalists sixth sense did warn Jenna that no one was who they seemed to be, almost everyone had something to hide and there were important pieces of information being withheld from her, which meant that joining up all the dots to arrive at a satisfactory outcome was almost impossible. Even when it was all over, I don’t really think that either Jenna or the police realised just how devious and manipulative the many players in the case were, or how far ranging was and had been, the depravity of their multiple crimes.
Author Claire Douglas certainly crammed a whole raft of socially unacceptable behaviours and crimes into a single storyline, any one of which would have had the police running around in circles and would have made a complete story in themselves. She built an excellent subplot around coercive, controlling behaviour and gaslighting in a relationship. The devastating consequences of international drug smuggling, of county lines drug dealing, and the life-threatening consequences when ‘bad’ goods are released into the system. And ultimately, the lengths to which some people will go, to cover their tracks, no matter who gets hurt along the way, as if how unsuspecting and innocent they are, just doesn’t figure in their sick psyche.
I found that none of the cast of characters were particularly likeable individuals, although to a point they all had to rely on one another not to break their personal vows of silence, as it would have only taken one small chink in someone’s armour for the whole pack of cards to come tumbling down – which it did eventually, with quite spectacular results. Their strong and forceful presence manipulated my thoughts and drained my energy. There wasn’t one amongst them with whom I even began to empathise or connect with, let alone invest in, although I so wanted to believe in Jenna and Dale. Olivia’s long-term partner Wesley has to be the most sickening, cringeworthy character and really well defined for me to hate him so intensely. He has been there for her throughout, treating her like a fragile object who constantly needs him by her side, cossetting and supporting her, when in fact Olivia is made of much stronger stuff than that, but only when she finally wakes up to the true nature of his ‘help’ and the web he is building around her, hoping to keep her trapped and submissive. Even her mother, Olivia’s second rock, turns out to be far from innocent, truthful or reliable and to be honest, I don’t know if I could be as stoic and determined to carry on if I had been in Olivia’s shoes, when I discovered the true nature of my heritage.
Whilst Jenna is away, her husband chooses this time to decide that a mutually agreed short break in their marriage, should become more permanent, leaving her to sort out the remnants of her shattered life and explain things to their young son on her return. However, her short liaison with Dale, from the local Wiltshire police, charged with picking up the cold case from the authority’s perspective, has sown the seeds of a growing friendship. So, whilst right now Jenna needs some private time with her son to begin rebuilding their lives, she and Dale are leaving the door open for a more solid relationship to possibly develop in the future.
I like an author who can also take me on an armchair journey, with the attention to detail and descriptive qualities with which they paint the physical locations of their storylines. So, whilst perhaps the Thailand experience was very short and sweet, quite light on time and place, with its focus more on storyline and character development; the main body of the work was set in the southern English county of Wiltshire, which pleased me no end. I am a Wiltshire ” Moonraker ” (this nickname originated from a story of smugglers who managed to foil the local Excise men by hiding their alcohol, possibly French brandy in barrels or kegs, in a village pond) born and bred, so tracking the real places named in the book, together with the fictional name given to the central town, only added to the enjoyment of the reading experience for me. With Avebury, Stonehenge and so many other standing stone circles, archaic burial grounds and sites of religious gatherings, in relatively close proximity, it wasn’t difficult to build upon the naturally claustrophobic and otherworldly aura which surrounds them, especially during the cover of darkness.
Whilst the action wasn’t particularly fast paced, the many clever twists and turns, the web of deception, dark secrets and lies, all kept things moving along steadily and seamlessly. One or two of the coincidences did stretch credulity a little, however they definitely added more to the storyline than they detracted from it, so overall I was quite satisfied with the way the plot was built and structured and after my initial reaction of ‘how long is this book?’ the four hundred or so pages had sped by, leaving me satisfied but completely exhausted, and still interested to know how those couple of loose ends might eventually get tied up, if they ever did!
..
When I accepted a complimentary Kindle download of this book for review, I was totally convinced that I was already familiar with previous stories written by this author. However, much to my dismay and shame, my memories must have been those of reading the premises, as I found at least two downloads of earlier books still lined up waiting to get to the top of my list. I aim to fix that just as soon as I possibly can, but until then, this is by default my first journey with a new to me author – and let me tell you, it was one heck of a roller coaster ride, so make sure you buckle up and get prepared!
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The story begins in rural Wiltshire in 1998, when newly qualified driver Olivia and her three friends are returning home in the early hours of the morning, after a girl’s night out. Sally, Tamzin and Hetty are all a little the worse for wear, but happy with it. However, nominated driver Olivia is stone cold sober and very wary of the treacherous driving conditions, as they are on a notorious stretch of forest road locally known as ‘The Devil’s Corridor’ and the rain is hammering down. Olivia has made the unforgiveable mistake of not demanding that her back seat passengers should use their seat belts, so when suddenly her headlights throw up a figure stood in the middle of the road, and as she brakes harshly to avoid hitting it, the car skids, turns over and leaves the road. Olivia blacks out momentarily, but on regaining consciousness realises that she is trapped in the vehicle with her legs pinned to the steering wheel, and all three of her companions are missing. They are never found, and Olivia is left permanently disabled, after weeks in hospital and having been very lucky not to lose her leg!
Fast forward twenty years to 2018 and freelance journalist Jenna has travelled to Wiltshire from her home in Manchester for a week, hoping to gather material from this now cold case, in order to reawaken public interest in the story by making a podcast about it. She has based herself in a rented cabin on a small six berth site within the forest, just off the stretch of road where the accident had happened. Myth, legend and folklore abound in this neck of the woods, which is located near the site of many ancient stone circles, burial mounds and long barrows, so it comes as no surprise that right from the start, Jenna is left feeling uneasy and certain she is being watched, although she has no idea just how much danger she is really in, despite the warnings she receives to leave, but chooses to ignore, until someone ups the ante to an almost fatal level and she is lucky to escape unscathed.
The police officer who worked on the original accident and disappearance back in 1998, is more than willing to be interviewed by Jenna and also gives her the details of a current serving member of the force, who may be able to assist with ‘cold case’ enquiries. Dale is only too happy to help Jenna gather information and interviews for the podcast and rather places himself in position as her protector and advisor during her stay, especially when it becomes clear that the threats against her are not idle and there are forces at work which relate to many more crimes than just that of the disappearance of three young women. However, in Jenna’s heightened state of fear no one is innocent and for a short time she even includes Dale on her suspect list, especially when she has proof that he lied about how well he knew one of the girls, although when challenged, he does have a good reason for having been economical with the truth.
Once a reticent Olivia breaks through the barrier of non-cooperation she has erected between herself and Jenna and begins to open up to her, unseen forces decree that both women are deemed to be a threat to certain freedoms and nefarious activities, and therefore need to be stopped at any price, even down to Olivia being drugged and left in a field of ancient standing stones, as a reminder to her not to befriend Jenna or participate in the podcast. As Jenna nears the end of her visit and is preparing to return home to prepare the material she has amassed into her finished broadcast, there are more people than she could ever have imagined, who cannot allow that to happen, and they are desperate enough to add murder to their growing list of offences, to ensure that the podcast is never aired.
Even when the dust has settled, the court cases are over, and there has been a laying to rest of some long-held grief and loss, someone still clings to that final secret which will probably never be uncovered, as the truth has been cleverly redirected away from its real perpetrator. If only Jenna and Dale knew the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth!
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This wasn’t strictly speaking a dual timeline story, as there were only a couple of flashbacks to where it all began in 1998. Most of the narrative and dialogue was focussed on Jenna’s renewed interest in the case in 2018, although there were several inserts from 1980s Thailand, which at first seemed totally out of context and unconnected to the storyline, even though this subplot was interesting in its own right. I knew of course that this would be relevant to the eventual outcome of Jenna’s investigations, and I had my suspicions about how it might fit into the picture, but I was left to drive myself silly wondering what the common denominator was, right until the very end, when the final pieces of the jigsaw were slotted into place. With the exception of what seemed to be these randomly placed extracts, almost all of which are narrated by someone we come to know as Stace, most of the remaining narrative is written from Jenna and Olivia’s perspectives, in short, well signposted, digestible and easy to navigate chapters.
This was a well-constructed, multi-layered, and textured storyline, which made for compulsive reading. Intense and suspenseful from beginning to end. There were so many separate strands to a case which became ever more complicated with each new person Jenna interviewed, as their stories seemed to be intrinsically linked and tangled together, although she couldn’t quite work out how. Of course, she never had the advantage of being on the outside looking in, so once I had four mothers and their four daughters firmly in my sights, things became a little clearer. However, her journalists sixth sense did warn Jenna that no one was who they seemed to be, almost everyone had something to hide and there were important pieces of information being withheld from her, which meant that joining up all the dots to arrive at a satisfactory outcome was almost impossible. Even when it was all over, I don’t really think that either Jenna or the police realised just how devious and manipulative the many players in the case were, or how far ranging was and had been, the depravity of their multiple crimes.
Author Claire Douglas certainly crammed a whole raft of socially unacceptable behaviours and crimes into a single storyline, any one of which would have had the police running around in circles and would have made a complete story in themselves. She built an excellent subplot around coercive, controlling behaviour and gaslighting in a relationship. The devastating consequences of international drug smuggling, of county lines drug dealing, and the life-threatening consequences when ‘bad’ goods are released into the system. And ultimately, the lengths to which some people will go, to cover their tracks, no matter who gets hurt along the way, as if how unsuspecting and innocent they are, just doesn’t figure in their sick psyche.
I found that none of the cast of characters were particularly likeable individuals, although to a point they all had to rely on one another not to break their personal vows of silence, as it would have only taken one small chink in someone’s armour for the whole pack of cards to come tumbling down – which it did eventually, with quite spectacular results. Their strong and forceful presence manipulated my thoughts and drained my energy. There wasn’t one amongst them with whom I even began to empathise or connect with, let alone invest in, although I so wanted to believe in Jenna and Dale. Olivia’s long-term partner Wesley has to be the most sickening, cringeworthy character and really well defined for me to hate him so intensely. He has been there for her throughout, treating her like a fragile object who constantly needs him by her side, cossetting and supporting her, when in fact Olivia is made of much stronger stuff than that, but only when she finally wakes up to the true nature of his ‘help’ and the web he is building around her, hoping to keep her trapped and submissive. Even her mother, Olivia’s second rock, turns out to be far from innocent, truthful or reliable and to be honest, I don’t know if I could be as stoic and determined to carry on if I had been in Olivia’s shoes, when I discovered the true nature of my heritage.
Whilst Jenna is away, her husband chooses this time to decide that a mutually agreed short break in their marriage, should become more permanent, leaving her to sort out the remnants of her shattered life and explain things to their young son on her return. However, her short liaison with Dale, from the local Wiltshire police, charged with picking up the cold case from the authority’s perspective, has sown the seeds of a growing friendship. So, whilst right now Jenna needs some private time with her son to begin rebuilding their lives, she and Dale are leaving the door open for a more solid relationship to possibly develop in the future.
I like an author who can also take me on an armchair journey, with the attention to detail and descriptive qualities with which they paint the physical locations of their storylines. So, whilst perhaps the Thailand experience was very short and sweet, quite light on time and place, with its focus more on storyline and character development; the main body of the work was set in the southern English county of Wiltshire, which pleased me no end. I am a Wiltshire ” Moonraker ” (this nickname originated from a story of smugglers who managed to foil the local Excise men by hiding their alcohol, possibly French brandy in barrels or kegs, in a village pond) born and bred, so tracking the real places named in the book, together with the fictional name given to the central town, only added to the enjoyment of the reading experience for me. With Avebury, Stonehenge and so many other standing stone circles, archaic burial grounds and sites of religious gatherings, in relatively close proximity, it wasn’t difficult to build upon the naturally claustrophobic and otherworldly aura which surrounds them, especially during the cover of darkness.
Whilst the action wasn’t particularly fast paced, the many clever twists and turns, the web of deception, dark secrets and lies, all kept things moving along steadily and seamlessly. One or two of the coincidences did stretch credulity a little, however they definitely added more to the storyline than they detracted from it, so overall I was quite satisfied with the way the plot was built and structured and after my initial reaction of ‘how long is this book?’ the four hundred or so pages had sped by, leaving me satisfied but completely exhausted, and still interested to know how those couple of loose ends might eventually get tied up, if they ever did!
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