John Parker is a Graduate-qualified English/Spanish Teacher, owner and director of CHAT ENGLISH, an English Language Centre in Avilés on the north coast of Spain . A voracious reader, he has particularly loved horror fiction for many years.
This is the story of Miriam Jackson, a radio presenter who is married to Nick, a noted film director. She has a beautiful 16-year-old daughter, Tabitha and all is well. Except that, perhaps bored with her “perfect” marriage, she sleeps with an ex-boyfriend from her younger days, Ben. Shortly after this, Tabitha does not come home from an overnight sleep at a friend’s house. Miriam feels guilty about her betrayal of Nick with old flame, Ben. Nick may well forgive her for her infidelity but for the disappearance of their daughter, no. Miriam has to find her before he learns of it.
Enter private detective. Madison Attallee. Miriam is an ex-cop whose first case as a P.I has garnered positive publicity. She seems like a great choice so Miriam hires her in the hope that she will find her daughter before the truth gets out. Attallee begins to investigate the disappearance but it soon becomes clear that not everything is as it seems.
Mackay’s book is a nervy and compulsive read. Most of the story is seen from the point of view of both Miriam and Madison. However, mixed in to this is the story of Ruby Williams which, as seen in the prologue, dates back to 1994. Without spoiling things, it becomes clear that this is a tale of deceit and abuse, misused power and the misery of poverty. As we learn about Miriam’s past, we begin to sympathise more and more with somebody who is, initially, a largely unsympathetic character. Fortunately Mackay’s creation, Madison is the glue that holds it all together, leading us to a satisfying conclusion. She is a really solid creation who doesn’t let her drinking problem (she’s a reformed alcoholic) or her difficulties in giving up smoking get in her way. In only her second book, Mackay has turned in a winner. A hugely satisfying thriller.
