It’s my blog stop for The Lost Notebook by Louise Douglas for Rachels Random Resources. Thanks to Rachel Gilbey and Boldwood Books for my copy of the book.
A notebook full of secrets, two untimely deaths – something sinister is stirring in the perfect seaside town of Morranez…
It’s summer and holidaymakers are flocking to the idyllic Brittany coast. But when first an old traveller woman dies in suspicious circumstances, and then a campaign of hate seemingly drives another victim to take his own life, events take a very dark turn.
Mila Shepherd has come to France to look after her niece, Ani, following the accident in which both Ani’s parents were lost at sea. Mila has moved into their family holiday home, as well as taken her sister Sophie’s place in an agency which specialises in tracking down missing people, until new recruit Carter Jackson starts.
It’s clear that malevolent forces are at work in Morranez, but the local police are choosing to look the other way. Only Mila and Carter can uncover the truth about what’s really going on in this beautiful, but mysterious place before anyone else suffers.
But someone is desperate to protect a terrible truth, at any cost…
Louise Douglas is an author whose work never fails to impress. I never know quite what type of read to expect. The Lost Notebook is a truly different multi layered and captivating mystery.
Set in France, on the coast of Brittany its a book that picks up pace as the story develops. A slow burner in which the author builds the setting, characters and mystery. Once this is done, you seriously won’t want to put it down.
Mila has pushed her own life into the background to care for her niece Ani in France, after the death of her sister, Sophie. It is a short term arrangement until Ani goes to boarding school, then Mila can go back to her own life in Bristol with her boyfriend Luke.
Its now almost a year on and she is still in France. Her plan to return scuppered by the death of a traveller woman, Gosia. Mila feels she needs to get to the bottom of it. The police are determined that there is no mystery around her death, or the fact Gosia had a notebook and it is missing. Then a professor goes missing and Mila finds help from an old friend to try to solve the mystery.
Louise Douglas has again created characters that all have their own unique voice and part to play. Her descriptive and such detailed writing brings every nuance to the fore. Even Mila’s sister Sophie is present as a voice in Mila’s head, so we learn about the sisters.
The mystery builds nicely and is an intriguing one that just doesn’t let you go once you are caught in the book. Another great addition to Louise Douglas’s work that I’m happy to have been able to read.
Purchase Link https://amzn.to/3HNYxqV
Author Bio
Louise Douglas is the bestselling and brilliantly reviewed author and an RNA award winner. The Secrets Between Us was a Richard and Judy Book Club pick. She lives in the West Country.
Social Media Links
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