This is another tale of a disappeared child. A 4 year old boy, Justin Manning, disappears whilst under the care of his 7 year old sister, Janet, in the local play park. His body is found weeks later, in a shallow grave in a copse next to the park. 25 years later the protagonists have not recovered from the tragedy.
The first part of the story is full of questions. Why is a 7 year old looking after a 4 year old in a public park? Why is the convicted killer still protesting his innocence? Why did Janet's best friend, from their school days, drift away and then come home in secret? What secrets are being kept by so many people, and why?
The detective who investigated the case 25 years before begins to doubt that justice was done, Janet's daughter is determined that she will find the answers that her mother needs so desperately, and a reporter begins to ask questions that weren't asked at the time of Justin's death. But was the body Justin's? A stranger appears claiming to be him, grown to manhood. Janet, her daughter and the detective set out to settle the mystery once and for all.
There are threads within threads in this story, which takes us on a roller-coaster ride where almost every character falls under some sort of suspicion. I was eager to turn every page to find out what would be revealed on the next page and bereft when I'd finished the last page as there was no more! Disturbing in places but mostly just riveting. If you like mysteries with a thriller edge, you'll enjoy this one.
The Hiding Place in published by Penguin, ISBN 978-1-405-910583
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