Wonderful lead detective - 4 star

The story, for what it is worth, is the kidnapping “presumed missing” of Edith Hind, beautiful Cambridge student and daughter of a wealthy surgeon. When the body is not found all the usual subjects...family, boyfriend and possible girlfriend are interviewed but to no avail. What lifts this book above the normal crime thriller is the wonderful character of DS Manon Bradshaw. She is a gutsy, confused, loveable detective with a very complex private life that often interferes with her professional status. From the opening scenes, a failed attempt at internet dating, to her obvious affection for Fly Dent, a young man with no father figure and an alcoholic mother…..Manon grabs centre stage as she reaches out for our kindness and support. With her equally affable partner Constable Davy Walker they work to uncover the truth of the whereabouts of Edith Hind….”Davy of course smiling in at her, coffee in hand, the light glowing behind those marvellous ears, like red quotation marks” It is however Manon that makes this book such an enjoyable read a 39 year old woman searching for some form of inner contentment……”She thinks life is best passed in a blur: imprecise and anaesthetised from the sharper feelings. She is drowning as the gin engulfs her, swaying on the spot, the room spinning, the music pumping in time with the blood in her arteries.”.........”The bereaved should wear signs, she thinks, saiying: Grief in Progress- for at least a couple of years”....