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A Sally Fairburn Crime Thriller #1
Next Girl Missing
The little girl fidgets in her seat, wringing the ends of her scarf in a rush of panic. She tugs at the car door handle but it doesn't open. Tears well in her eyes. "I want my mommy." Four years ago, six young girls were snatched from the streets of quiet, suburban Pioneer Heights-chilling, fake "missing" posters of each victim hung around town just before they were taken. Ex-police officer Sally Fairburn has always been haunted by the case and their inability to bring the girls home. Having lost her own daughter, she knows only too well the pain it brings... Four years on, the wide brown eyes and neat braids of twelve-year-old Anna Moorhouse -the last girl to disappear-still plague Sally's dreams. She has never stopped fighting to bring the devastated families back together, but all leads have gone cold. Until Sally receives a chilling call out of the their former main suspect, in prison for another crime, wants to talk to her... alone. Desperate for answers, Sally races to interview him. But a horrifying discovery stops her in her a missing poster-on her daily running route, in the same style used four years ago- with Sally's own face on it... Not only is Sally in grave danger, but the more threats she receives, the more convinced she becomes that the killer is a lot closer to home than she ever could have imagined... But can Sally finally catch him before any more innocents disappear-and before Sally herself becomes his next victim...?
334 pages, Paperback
First published June 16, 2023
331 people are currently reading
413 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Larkin
12 books157 followersL.A. Larkin’s crime-thrillers have won her fans all over the world. Described as a superb “chiller thriller” writer by Marie Claire magazine, and praised by the king of crime, Lee Child, for her “fast and immersive” thrillers, Louisa’s novels will keep you reading all night.
Her new Sally Fairburn crime thriller series is receiving rave reviews: Next Girl Missing (book 1), Her Deadly Truth (book 2) and First Victim (book 3) and is available in ebook, audio, and paperback. Amazon link: https://geni.us/B0CD7ZJ5QCauthor
Here’s what readers are saying :
“An absolute page-turner.” @mandylovestoread
“Will have your heart racing with every page… Completely sucks you in! … Absolutely addictive!” @oh.happy.reading, 5 stars
C.J. Carver, "Dark and menacing, Larkin's characters are heart-wrenchingly real"
Peter James, "Intrigue in spades"
Marie Claire, "This chiller thriller will reel you in"
Good Housekeeping, "Brilliant!"
James Phelan, "'L.A. Larkin is a world-class thriller writer"
Literature Works, "Exciting, original and utterly captivating"
Bookseller + Publisher, "Exciting, compulsive reading"
Connect with L.A. Larkin:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LALarkinAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lalarkinauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la_larkin_a...
Join her quarterly emailed newsletter: https://lalarkin.com/
Her new Sally Fairburn crime thriller series is receiving rave reviews: Next Girl Missing (book 1), Her Deadly Truth (book 2) and First Victim (book 3) and is available in ebook, audio, and paperback. Amazon link: https://geni.us/B0CD7ZJ5QCauthor
Here’s what readers are saying :
“An absolute page-turner.” @mandylovestoread
“Will have your heart racing with every page… Completely sucks you in! … Absolutely addictive!” @oh.happy.reading, 5 stars
C.J. Carver, "Dark and menacing, Larkin's characters are heart-wrenchingly real"
Peter James, "Intrigue in spades"
Marie Claire, "This chiller thriller will reel you in"
Good Housekeeping, "Brilliant!"
James Phelan, "'L.A. Larkin is a world-class thriller writer"
Literature Works, "Exciting, original and utterly captivating"
Bookseller + Publisher, "Exciting, compulsive reading"
Connect with L.A. Larkin:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LALarkinAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lalarkinauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la_larkin_a...
Join her quarterly emailed newsletter: https://lalarkin.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
June 30, 2023
** Happy publication day **
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ETA: I have revised my 4.5 stars to 5 stars because my gripe (below) was updated by the author/editor and I think that is amazing.
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4.5 stars for a fab crime thriller! I loved it and I am so keen to read book 2 in the Sally Fairburn series.
This was so intense, and the thriller bits were thrilling - spooky, creepy and a little scary even.
A perfect, unique mix of ex-police officer FMC and police procedural in my opinion. This is about Sally, who's going through her own personal nightmares, trying to solve a cold serial killer case, just as the serial killer seems to be starting to strike again.
I'd absolutely recommend this to all crime thriller and police procedural lovers.
I have one major gripe with this, which resulted in a reduced rating (but I'm still hoping it's corrected before publication). If you follow me on bookstagram, you may have seen my post about authors, or people generally, saying someone "committed suicide". It features a bit in this book. It is wrong and disrespectful to use 'committed' (not a reflection on the author though). The reason people tend to use the word 'committed' before suicide is because suicide used to be a crime - before people knew or understood mental health. Suicide is no longer a crime and saying someone committed suicide is wrong. They suicided or died by suicide. It frustrates me that it is taking years for this to become widely known. If you didn't know about it, I'd love for you to take this on board and share the word that suicide is not a crime anymore and it is therefore not appropriate to refer to someone as having 'committed suicide'. 🤞 this ARC gets edited.
Anticipated publication date: 16 June 2023
⚠️ Check TWs online ⚠️
Thanks to Netgalley, the author and Bookouture for my eARC in exchange for my honest review.
--
ETA: I have revised my 4.5 stars to 5 stars because my gripe (below) was updated by the author/editor and I think that is amazing.
--
4.5 stars for a fab crime thriller! I loved it and I am so keen to read book 2 in the Sally Fairburn series.
This was so intense, and the thriller bits were thrilling - spooky, creepy and a little scary even.
A perfect, unique mix of ex-police officer FMC and police procedural in my opinion. This is about Sally, who's going through her own personal nightmares, trying to solve a cold serial killer case, just as the serial killer seems to be starting to strike again.
I'd absolutely recommend this to all crime thriller and police procedural lovers.
I have one major gripe with this, which resulted in a reduced rating (but I'm still hoping it's corrected before publication). If you follow me on bookstagram, you may have seen my post about authors, or people generally, saying someone "committed suicide". It features a bit in this book. It is wrong and disrespectful to use 'committed' (not a reflection on the author though). The reason people tend to use the word 'committed' before suicide is because suicide used to be a crime - before people knew or understood mental health. Suicide is no longer a crime and saying someone committed suicide is wrong. They suicided or died by suicide. It frustrates me that it is taking years for this to become widely known. If you didn't know about it, I'd love for you to take this on board and share the word that suicide is not a crime anymore and it is therefore not appropriate to refer to someone as having 'committed suicide'. 🤞 this ARC gets edited.
Anticipated publication date: 16 June 2023
⚠️ Check TWs online ⚠️
Thanks to Netgalley, the author and Bookouture for my eARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 7, 2023
Five years after Sally Fairburn lost her thirteen year old daughter, and four years since the Poster Killer had abducted six young girls, with only one girl's body recovered, Sally had handed in her police badge and become a victim's advocate, comforting the parents of the girls taken. The Poster Killer would put a "missing" poster up on bus shelter walls with the victim he would take after it had been seen. A vicious killer who was in prison for other crimes - some thought he was also the Poster Killer - contacted Sally, saying he knew who the Poster Killer was. But he wouldn't give Sally any meaningful information and when Sally saw another poster, this time with her own picture on it, she knew things had escalated - more people were in danger, including herself.
Sally's fourteen year old son Paul was an angry young man. When Sally and her ex-husband Scott had split, Paul hated the narcissistic bully that he was, and now wanted to help his mother. As danger came closer to Sally and Paul, Sally knew she'd do anything to keep her son safe. But with the local police not doing a great deal of anything, it seemed it was up to Sally. Could she do it? Could she identify and stop the killer before he murdered again?
Next Girl Missing is the 1st in A Sally Fairburn Crime Thriller by Aussie author L.A. Larkin and it was gripping and filled with tension. I did feel Sally did some very foolish things, putting her own life in danger. But with all her lack of self-confidence, caused by Scott, she was like a wolf with her pup - determined, brave and even while shaking like a leaf, sure of her abilities. I'm looking forward to #2 Her Deadly Truth. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Sally's fourteen year old son Paul was an angry young man. When Sally and her ex-husband Scott had split, Paul hated the narcissistic bully that he was, and now wanted to help his mother. As danger came closer to Sally and Paul, Sally knew she'd do anything to keep her son safe. But with the local police not doing a great deal of anything, it seemed it was up to Sally. Could she do it? Could she identify and stop the killer before he murdered again?
Next Girl Missing is the 1st in A Sally Fairburn Crime Thriller by Aussie author L.A. Larkin and it was gripping and filled with tension. I did feel Sally did some very foolish things, putting her own life in danger. But with all her lack of self-confidence, caused by Scott, she was like a wolf with her pup - determined, brave and even while shaking like a leaf, sure of her abilities. I'm looking forward to #2 Her Deadly Truth. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2025
So I read book three first and now book one. Next up is book two! I am proof that you do not have to read this series in order, although you probably get more out of the character development if you do!
It was interesting, having already seen Sally in action later down the track, to watch her when she was still so badly affected by her appalling husband. It was also good to observe her as she began to remember that she was in fact a strong and talented person and not the one her husband made her out to be.
The mystery of the missing girls is gripping and this is a book you do not want to put down at all until you have discovered the guilty party. There are many possibilities, and the author surprised me right at the end. Well worth reading and now I must get myself a copy of book two.
It was interesting, having already seen Sally in action later down the track, to watch her when she was still so badly affected by her appalling husband. It was also good to observe her as she began to remember that she was in fact a strong and talented person and not the one her husband made her out to be.
The mystery of the missing girls is gripping and this is a book you do not want to put down at all until you have discovered the guilty party. There are many possibilities, and the author surprised me right at the end. Well worth reading and now I must get myself a copy of book two.
June 5, 2023
There’s always something disturbing about thrillers dealing with serial killers, even more so when the victims are children and this is what we’re dealing with in L.A. Larkin’s Next Girl Missing. This first book of a new series is filled with moments of high emotion and frantic action and it drew me in completely.
Sally Fairburn is a former police officer now working as a victim advocate. She appears to be in constant fear. She has been conditioned by an abusive husband to doubt herself, to behave passively when confronted and to try to please others, even if it’s to her own detriment.
Four years ago a killer, dubbed the Poster Killer, had been operating on the streets of Pioneer Heights. The way he operated was to put up a fake Missing Person poster before the victim was taken. All victims were girls between the ages of 11 and 13. It’s a case that was never solved and one that has haunted Sally ever since it went quiet.
Still working with the families of some of the missing girls today, Sally receives a phone call from a prisoner who claims he knows the identity of the Poster Killer and wants her to come to the prison to speak to him about it. It’s a meeting she doesn’t want to keep, but knows that this particular prisoner is dangerous and she can’t afford to ignore him.
As if she hasn’t got enough on her plate, she’s stopped cold while out on a run when she’s faced with another Missing Person poster and this time it’s her face on it. Immediately, questions flash through: has the Poster Killer returned? Why is Sally being targeted? Is she about to die?
Next Girl Missing is an edge of the seat thriller that sets off at a frenetic pace and things continue to ramp up with increasing urgency. Not only is this a story about a desperate hunt for a serial killer, but there’s a far more emotional aspect to Sally’s story. She’s still overcoming her own personal tragedy after her daughter’s suicide. Plus, through a series of flashback chapters we gain a growing picture of the deeply disturbing control that her ex-husband exerted over her and their children.
Larkin manages to evoke strong emotional responses through Sally Fairburn’s experiences, the controlling husband who gaslighted her repeatedly, the suicide of her teenage daughter and the trauma of possibly being stalked by a serial killer. All of these add up to a harrowing story that piles fear upon fear.
This is the first book in a series featuring Sally Fairburn and it provides great insights into the background of the protagonist. From a beaten down shell of a wife and mother, we witness a gradual growth in strength and self-belief so it will be interesting to watch how much further she goes in the next book in the series.
My thanks to NetGalley and publishers Bookouture for the digital ARC giving me the opportunity to read, enjoy and review the book.
Sally Fairburn is a former police officer now working as a victim advocate. She appears to be in constant fear. She has been conditioned by an abusive husband to doubt herself, to behave passively when confronted and to try to please others, even if it’s to her own detriment.
Four years ago a killer, dubbed the Poster Killer, had been operating on the streets of Pioneer Heights. The way he operated was to put up a fake Missing Person poster before the victim was taken. All victims were girls between the ages of 11 and 13. It’s a case that was never solved and one that has haunted Sally ever since it went quiet.
Still working with the families of some of the missing girls today, Sally receives a phone call from a prisoner who claims he knows the identity of the Poster Killer and wants her to come to the prison to speak to him about it. It’s a meeting she doesn’t want to keep, but knows that this particular prisoner is dangerous and she can’t afford to ignore him.
As if she hasn’t got enough on her plate, she’s stopped cold while out on a run when she’s faced with another Missing Person poster and this time it’s her face on it. Immediately, questions flash through: has the Poster Killer returned? Why is Sally being targeted? Is she about to die?
Next Girl Missing is an edge of the seat thriller that sets off at a frenetic pace and things continue to ramp up with increasing urgency. Not only is this a story about a desperate hunt for a serial killer, but there’s a far more emotional aspect to Sally’s story. She’s still overcoming her own personal tragedy after her daughter’s suicide. Plus, through a series of flashback chapters we gain a growing picture of the deeply disturbing control that her ex-husband exerted over her and their children.
Larkin manages to evoke strong emotional responses through Sally Fairburn’s experiences, the controlling husband who gaslighted her repeatedly, the suicide of her teenage daughter and the trauma of possibly being stalked by a serial killer. All of these add up to a harrowing story that piles fear upon fear.
This is the first book in a series featuring Sally Fairburn and it provides great insights into the background of the protagonist. From a beaten down shell of a wife and mother, we witness a gradual growth in strength and self-belief so it will be interesting to watch how much further she goes in the next book in the series.
My thanks to NetGalley and publishers Bookouture for the digital ARC giving me the opportunity to read, enjoy and review the book.
August 2, 2023
This is the first book from this author I have read but it won’t be the last, it kept me turning the pages and sitting on the edge of my seat, and I didn’t guess the outcome till nearly then end.
Sally Fairburn started as a police officer and then moved to victims advocate, she is empathetic and very caring but her heart is breaking as well, she lost her thirteen year old daughter but with six young girls missing kidnapped by The Poster Killer Sally is throwing everything she has into helping the families of these girls. Her police officer husband Scott left her and their son the day of their daughter’s funeral and soon Sally decides it is time to retire but she never stops helping the families of the missing girls.
Four years later Sally is contacted by a criminal who is in jail and was a big suspect in The Poster Killer case he says he knows who the killers are but first she must meet with him and help in before he will let her know. Sally contacts the police who are not happy and the case is re-opened and soon Sally is finding out things that will put her and her son Paul in grave danger. She learns a lot more about her narcissistic ex-husband and with pushing from her son rethinks the reasons behind her daughter’s death.
This is fast paced and real edge of your seat suspense as Sally uncovers answers that will shock her, danger is ever present, will she be able to keep her son safe and herself, and what of the missing girls? I do highly recommend this one and am very much looking forward to the next book.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my digital copy to read and review.
Sally Fairburn started as a police officer and then moved to victims advocate, she is empathetic and very caring but her heart is breaking as well, she lost her thirteen year old daughter but with six young girls missing kidnapped by The Poster Killer Sally is throwing everything she has into helping the families of these girls. Her police officer husband Scott left her and their son the day of their daughter’s funeral and soon Sally decides it is time to retire but she never stops helping the families of the missing girls.
Four years later Sally is contacted by a criminal who is in jail and was a big suspect in The Poster Killer case he says he knows who the killers are but first she must meet with him and help in before he will let her know. Sally contacts the police who are not happy and the case is re-opened and soon Sally is finding out things that will put her and her son Paul in grave danger. She learns a lot more about her narcissistic ex-husband and with pushing from her son rethinks the reasons behind her daughter’s death.
This is fast paced and real edge of your seat suspense as Sally uncovers answers that will shock her, danger is ever present, will she be able to keep her son safe and herself, and what of the missing girls? I do highly recommend this one and am very much looking forward to the next book.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my digital copy to read and review.
April 30, 2023
Thus far, this is a series of 2 books. I don't know if there will be more. L.A. Larkin did a great job with this book. It's a crime/mystery/bit of thriller. We have Sally Fairburn, an ex police officer and now a victim advocate. She is recently divorced from her gas lighting husband, who was also a police officer. She was on the force when the missing poster killer took 6 girls. He hung missing posters at bus stops before the girls went missing. Sally has never gotten over not finding the girls, as she still speaks to their parents. She lost her 13 year old daughter to suicide and has a son, Paul. The story is fast and riveting. It kept me interested and I never would have guessed who the serial killer turned out to be. The book goes deeper than just crime and serial killers. We delve into the effects of a bad marriage to an awful husband. A father who always put Sally down. A son who blames Sally for her daughter's suicide. It is a poignant book and I really enjoyed it. Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I recommend this book. Very well done.
June 9, 2023
This is a great start to a new crime series.
Sally is determined to find The Poster Killer when she sees her own face on a poster.
A man was charged with the murders but claims he’s innocent. He says he knows who the killer is but will only tell Sally.
Events take a turn for the worse so she can’t get the information so she sets her sights on uncovering their identity herself.
Sally and her son are moved to a safe house as the killer has them in their sights, but will this be enough to keep them safe?
This is a gripping crime thriller and I look forward to finding out what’s next for Sally.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Sally is determined to find The Poster Killer when she sees her own face on a poster.
A man was charged with the murders but claims he’s innocent. He says he knows who the killer is but will only tell Sally.
Events take a turn for the worse so she can’t get the information so she sets her sights on uncovering their identity herself.
Sally and her son are moved to a safe house as the killer has them in their sights, but will this be enough to keep them safe?
This is a gripping crime thriller and I look forward to finding out what’s next for Sally.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
May 12, 2023
REVIEW TO FOLLOW
REALLY ENJOYED WILL BE PUTTING REVIEWS UP OVER WEEKEND.
REALLY ENJOYED WILL BE PUTTING REVIEWS UP OVER WEEKEND.
May 16, 2023
My review will be live on my blog - donnasbookblog on 18th June 2023 as part of the blog tour!
I LOVED this book – it was additive and had me well and truly hooked!
The story was well written and I loved the author’s writing style and the pace of the story – it was one that had me turning the pages in to the early hours and I had to find out how it would all end.
I loved the mix of characters and their different personalities. Sally was a really well developed character, I really felt for her at times, she did frustrate me too and I also wanted to give her a hug so that in itself is testament to the author’s abilities, I went through quite a lot of different emotions reading the book
This is the first book in the series and after finishing this one I started to read the second book straight away!
It is 5 stars from me for this one – very highly recommended!
I LOVED this book – it was additive and had me well and truly hooked!
The story was well written and I loved the author’s writing style and the pace of the story – it was one that had me turning the pages in to the early hours and I had to find out how it would all end.
I loved the mix of characters and their different personalities. Sally was a really well developed character, I really felt for her at times, she did frustrate me too and I also wanted to give her a hug so that in itself is testament to the author’s abilities, I went through quite a lot of different emotions reading the book
This is the first book in the series and after finishing this one I started to read the second book straight away!
It is 5 stars from me for this one – very highly recommended!
May 25, 2023
Next Missing Girl was a roller coaster ride that I didn’t want to end! Wow can I just say how brilliantly this was written and such a fast paced read I read it in a few hours.
Sally’s life is turned upside down when her daughter Zelda ends up killing herself. Why’d she do it? Was it because of the bullies? Was it because the girls going missing? You must read on to find out!!! I cannot wait to read more from this author and I hope I get approved for the second in the series because I am now really invested!!!
Thank you NetGalley, L. A. Larkin, and Bookouture for allowing me to read this Arc due to be published June 16, 2023. Definitely five stars from me !
Sally’s life is turned upside down when her daughter Zelda ends up killing herself. Why’d she do it? Was it because of the bullies? Was it because the girls going missing? You must read on to find out!!! I cannot wait to read more from this author and I hope I get approved for the second in the series because I am now really invested!!!
Thank you NetGalley, L. A. Larkin, and Bookouture for allowing me to read this Arc due to be published June 16, 2023. Definitely five stars from me !
August 21, 2023
I received a copy of this book in exchnge for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.
This was my first book from L.A. Larkin. Next Girl Missing is book one in the "a sally fairburn crime thriller" series. And if this book is any indication of what this series will be like; then this will be a fantastic series for any thriller fan.
The author did an amazing job with the worldbuilding in this book. I also loved the pace of the book. There's nothing worse for me than if there's too many slow chapters or major lulls in the book. That didn't happen with this one thankfully.
Sally Fairburn is quite an intresting character overall!
This was my first book from L.A. Larkin. Next Girl Missing is book one in the "a sally fairburn crime thriller" series. And if this book is any indication of what this series will be like; then this will be a fantastic series for any thriller fan.
The author did an amazing job with the worldbuilding in this book. I also loved the pace of the book. There's nothing worse for me than if there's too many slow chapters or major lulls in the book. That didn't happen with this one thankfully.
Sally Fairburn is quite an intresting character overall!
June 21, 2023
I was sucked into this book by the original idea of finding your own face on a missing poster. What kept me reading was Sally. She is an ex police officer turned victim advocate who is undeniably a victim herself.
Still haunted by a cold case which now seems to be hotting up again, she is summoned by the man who was the original prime suspect.
I liked the blend of crime thriller/police procedural/serial killer and the thoroughly likeable and believable protagonist. The use of flashbacks fills in her past traumas and helps showcase her growth throughout the book.
Tense and gripping with real emotional clout this was a great start to a new series and I can’t wait to read the next book to see what’s in store for Sally.
Still haunted by a cold case which now seems to be hotting up again, she is summoned by the man who was the original prime suspect.
I liked the blend of crime thriller/police procedural/serial killer and the thoroughly likeable and believable protagonist. The use of flashbacks fills in her past traumas and helps showcase her growth throughout the book.
Tense and gripping with real emotional clout this was a great start to a new series and I can’t wait to read the next book to see what’s in store for Sally.
August 3, 2023
I’m impressed. Usually I don’t hold out much hope for police force murder mystery books but, this was good.
The plot was well thought out and flowed. All loose ends were tied up while also leaving a further story line to flow into the next book.
I really liked the layering of the characters and how they all intertwined together while keeping the storylines straight. I can’t wait to see where this author takes their books.
The plot was well thought out and flowed. All loose ends were tied up while also leaving a further story line to flow into the next book.
I really liked the layering of the characters and how they all intertwined together while keeping the storylines straight. I can’t wait to see where this author takes their books.
June 19, 2023
Wow! What an incredible start to a brilliant new series - my new favourite! I absolutely loved this book. Could not put it down. absorbing, gripping, fast paced, cleverly plotted, Loved, loved, loved.
June 18, 2023
2015, & Sally Fairburn has taken early retirement in her late forties. Sally was a police officer originally & then moved to work in victim support. Her ex-husband Scott blamed her dedication to her job for the death of their oldest child (daughter Zelda who took her own life several years before) & the subsequent break-up of their marriage, & Sally still visits the mother of missing girl, Anna Moorhouse. Anna, & five other young girls were kidnapped off the street four years ago by a serial killer known as the Poster Killer. A 'missing' poster of each girl always appeared on bus stops just before each one was taken. The killer was never found but Anna's mother believes her daughter is still alive & waits every day for her return. Sally is certain that Anna & the other girls are dead, & when she receives a phone call from a convicted criminal in prison offering a deal - get him moved into witness protection & he will tell her who the Poster Killer is. Sally reluctantly agrees to speak to him to get closure for the families but on her daily run she sees a 'missing' poster which looks like the ones the Poster Killer used before, only this one has Sally's face on it.
The synopsis to this drew my attention & I was expecting a fast-paced thriller. It is well-written but I found it difficult to get into this book for the first half as it seemed rather slow-going to me. That changed in the second half which had more pace & action. It's not really a spoiler to say that Sally's marriage is quickly revealed to be an emotionally abusive one. Flashback chapters set the scene as to why 2015 Sally is hesitant & lacking in self-confidence to begin with & the reader sees Sally begin to believe in herself more. Her teenage son, Paul, lives with her & their relationship also undergoes a transformation as they begin to understand the experiences of the other one. It was a good start to a series & I intend to read the second one at some point, but it didn't have the wow factor for me. 3.5 stars (rounded down)
TWs: child death, kidnapping, paedophilia, toxic relationship/gaslighting, swearing.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Bookouture, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
The synopsis to this drew my attention & I was expecting a fast-paced thriller. It is well-written but I found it difficult to get into this book for the first half as it seemed rather slow-going to me. That changed in the second half which had more pace & action. It's not really a spoiler to say that Sally's marriage is quickly revealed to be an emotionally abusive one. Flashback chapters set the scene as to why 2015 Sally is hesitant & lacking in self-confidence to begin with & the reader sees Sally begin to believe in herself more. Her teenage son, Paul, lives with her & their relationship also undergoes a transformation as they begin to understand the experiences of the other one. It was a good start to a series & I intend to read the second one at some point, but it didn't have the wow factor for me. 3.5 stars (rounded down)
TWs: child death, kidnapping, paedophilia, toxic relationship/gaslighting, swearing.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Bookouture, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
April 23, 2023
I wasn't sure what to expect with this one but I do love serial killer thriller so I was keen to get stuck in and omg, I wasn't disappointed
This story is so vividly told. The characters feel so well written and complex and there is just so much going on. Its not just simple serial killer story, it's also the story of people who have struggled and suffered loss and the after effects of those incidents.
I was absolutely invested in what was going to happen next and found the writing style to be so easy that it just pulls the reader through the story and you have no idea what's going to happen next.
I can't speak highly enough about this one. It really did keep me on the edge if my seat and have me staying up a lot layer than I should have lol. I just couldn't out it down though and couldn't wait to find out if the poster killer was back or not
A must read
This story is so vividly told. The characters feel so well written and complex and there is just so much going on. Its not just simple serial killer story, it's also the story of people who have struggled and suffered loss and the after effects of those incidents.
I was absolutely invested in what was going to happen next and found the writing style to be so easy that it just pulls the reader through the story and you have no idea what's going to happen next.
I can't speak highly enough about this one. It really did keep me on the edge if my seat and have me staying up a lot layer than I should have lol. I just couldn't out it down though and couldn't wait to find out if the poster killer was back or not
A must read
April 15, 2023
Brilliant first book in the series, I don’t normally read American authors but this is brilliant, definitely one to read from now on
June 21, 2023
This was such a great read. It was a fabulous crime thriller and it was so well done. I already downloaded book 2 as I honestly fell in love with Sally and I need more. The pacing of this book started off low and just kept going higher and higher until the final act.
It was honestly the perfect blend of police procedural (which to be honest I don't love), but Larkin did a fantastic job of weaving it so perfectly with the thrilling aspects, that it made it so enjoyable. The thriller aspects were spot on, suspenseful, scary, unnerving and all through it I was on the edge of my seat.
As I mentioned I fell in love with Sally she's such a fierce, strong main character after all she's been through and endured. You will love her too. She does do some things that are questionable regarding her safety, but once you read about her you'll know why she does it. The hardships this family has been through only ups the amount of fear they have due to the recent events. I also cannot wait to see how much more she grows in the second installment.
The writing was great, I felt it flowed perfectly, kept me intrigued and the emotions were felt through the pages.
The ending shook me and I would've never guessed who the serial killer was. I really recommend this one!
If you're looking for an amazing crime thriller with a serial killer pick this one up you won't be disappointed.
✨️Thank you to @netgalley, @bookouture & @lalarkin for my free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It was honestly the perfect blend of police procedural (which to be honest I don't love), but Larkin did a fantastic job of weaving it so perfectly with the thrilling aspects, that it made it so enjoyable. The thriller aspects were spot on, suspenseful, scary, unnerving and all through it I was on the edge of my seat.
As I mentioned I fell in love with Sally she's such a fierce, strong main character after all she's been through and endured. You will love her too. She does do some things that are questionable regarding her safety, but once you read about her you'll know why she does it. The hardships this family has been through only ups the amount of fear they have due to the recent events. I also cannot wait to see how much more she grows in the second installment.
The writing was great, I felt it flowed perfectly, kept me intrigued and the emotions were felt through the pages.
The ending shook me and I would've never guessed who the serial killer was. I really recommend this one!
If you're looking for an amazing crime thriller with a serial killer pick this one up you won't be disappointed.
✨️Thank you to @netgalley, @bookouture & @lalarkin for my free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2023
My Review:
Enjoyed!!!!! My new favorite author and series. I have to say what made this one great was the main character Sally. She had no confidence in herself what so ever in the beginning of this book but by the end she had definitely found it again. It just took a little pushing to get her back there. I love redemption stories like these. What also drew me to this one was that awesome blurb. I can’t resist any book dealing with kids. I have to know what happened and if justice was served. Last but not least my favorite part of any book, the ending. It left me shocked and speechless. It had so many twists and turns that I did not see coming. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
In conclusion, the plot, the characters and all the twists in this book made this book an enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 5 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Enjoyed!!!!! My new favorite author and series. I have to say what made this one great was the main character Sally. She had no confidence in herself what so ever in the beginning of this book but by the end she had definitely found it again. It just took a little pushing to get her back there. I love redemption stories like these. What also drew me to this one was that awesome blurb. I can’t resist any book dealing with kids. I have to know what happened and if justice was served. Last but not least my favorite part of any book, the ending. It left me shocked and speechless. It had so many twists and turns that I did not see coming. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
In conclusion, the plot, the characters and all the twists in this book made this book an enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 5 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
June 6, 2023
The story revolves around Sally who is a ex police officer that became a victim advocate. The story is told in past and present. Learning about Sally’s past plays a big part in the story. I’m not really sure how I feel about Sally. I am hoping to see growth in her character in the next book in the series.
Next Girl Missing is a dark, suspense thriller about a serial killer. The story is creepy and intense to say the least.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series to see where is takes us.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Next Girl Missing is a dark, suspense thriller about a serial killer. The story is creepy and intense to say the least.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series to see where is takes us.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 13, 2023
This is book 1 in the Sally Fairburn series. It was a really good read with an unexpected end. I highly recommend it👏🏻.
Sally Fairburn was a police officer turned victim advocate. She ended her career after the death of her teenage daughter and divorce from her controlling husband. Now, Sally and her son, Paul, are moving on.
When a case from her past comes back to haunt her, Sally is terrified. Six teenage girls were taken and never found but the perpetrator left missing person posters before taking the girls. Now Sally appears to be a target.
Sally was an advocate for the families and is personally invested in the case. Since she lost her daughter, Zelda, Sally understands the heartache they are going through. She decides to investigate and solve this case once and for all. Will she find the girls and get closure for the parents?
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
This is book 1 in the Sally Fairburn series. It was a really good read with an unexpected end. I highly recommend it👏🏻.
Sally Fairburn was a police officer turned victim advocate. She ended her career after the death of her teenage daughter and divorce from her controlling husband. Now, Sally and her son, Paul, are moving on.
When a case from her past comes back to haunt her, Sally is terrified. Six teenage girls were taken and never found but the perpetrator left missing person posters before taking the girls. Now Sally appears to be a target.
Sally was an advocate for the families and is personally invested in the case. Since she lost her daughter, Zelda, Sally understands the heartache they are going through. She decides to investigate and solve this case once and for all. Will she find the girls and get closure for the parents?
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Sally Fairburn was a police officer turned victim advocate. She ended her career after the death of her teenage daughter and divorce from her controlling husband. Now, Sally and her son, Paul, are moving on.
When a case from her past comes back to haunt her, Sally is terrified. Six teenage girls were taken and never found but the perpetrator left missing person posters before taking the girls. Now Sally appears to be a target.
Sally was an advocate for the families and is personally invested in the case. Since she lost her daughter, Zelda, Sally understands the heartache they are going through. She decides to investigate and solve this case once and for all. Will she find the girls and get closure for the parents?
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
This is book 1 in the Sally Fairburn series. It was a really good read with an unexpected end. I highly recommend it👏🏻.
Sally Fairburn was a police officer turned victim advocate. She ended her career after the death of her teenage daughter and divorce from her controlling husband. Now, Sally and her son, Paul, are moving on.
When a case from her past comes back to haunt her, Sally is terrified. Six teenage girls were taken and never found but the perpetrator left missing person posters before taking the girls. Now Sally appears to be a target.
Sally was an advocate for the families and is personally invested in the case. Since she lost her daughter, Zelda, Sally understands the heartache they are going through. She decides to investigate and solve this case once and for all. Will she find the girls and get closure for the parents?
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2023
Thanks to bookouture and netgalley for this arc. A new series and a new author for me, it didn't disappoint, and i will definitely be reading their other books
DOES INVOLVE DEPRESSION AND SUICIDE
When Sally's daughter zelda commits suicide, she is heart broken she couldnt save her. Scott Sally's husband leaves her, telling their friends she isn't well mentally and making her out to be cruel. Also, paul, her son blames sally for zelda.. She has always liked to help people, but when things start to surface about her husband, she starts to look into them. Things aren't adding up. Surely Scott wouldn't have anything to do with the missing and killing of the 6 girls.????
Sensitive subject matter, which i think the author has portrayed very well.
If you can't trust a policeman, who can you trust?????
Highley recommend great read
Onto book 2 can't wait
DOES INVOLVE DEPRESSION AND SUICIDE
When Sally's daughter zelda commits suicide, she is heart broken she couldnt save her. Scott Sally's husband leaves her, telling their friends she isn't well mentally and making her out to be cruel. Also, paul, her son blames sally for zelda.. She has always liked to help people, but when things start to surface about her husband, she starts to look into them. Things aren't adding up. Surely Scott wouldn't have anything to do with the missing and killing of the 6 girls.????
Sensitive subject matter, which i think the author has portrayed very well.
If you can't trust a policeman, who can you trust?????
Highley recommend great read
Onto book 2 can't wait
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2023
Amazing book.
I literally couldn't stop reading it.
I read it in one night, I had to know who was to blame, who was responsible.
Sally seemed like a very real character to me. The fact of being a woman who suffered from gaslighting makes you connect with her. Sally has suffered a lot, but together with the help of her son Paul and her daily jogging, she can gradually build herself up.
This story was progressing little by little, the whole story was built that you immerse yourself in it and you can't get out.
The person responsible for the murders was not at all who I expected. I already had the culprit at the police station but they completely deceived me.
Enjoy the story, how it developed and how it ended.
100% recommended
I literally couldn't stop reading it.
I read it in one night, I had to know who was to blame, who was responsible.
Sally seemed like a very real character to me. The fact of being a woman who suffered from gaslighting makes you connect with her. Sally has suffered a lot, but together with the help of her son Paul and her daily jogging, she can gradually build herself up.
This story was progressing little by little, the whole story was built that you immerse yourself in it and you can't get out.
The person responsible for the murders was not at all who I expected. I already had the culprit at the police station but they completely deceived me.
Enjoy the story, how it developed and how it ended.
100% recommended
April 27, 2023
The first in a new series of Sally Fairburn adventures. I loved the concept, missing posters appearing before a person goes missing, the plot moves along well with loads of twists and shocks. The conclusion is fast-paced and exciting. My only issue is the amount of personal family connections to the crimes and lead investigator, this happens way too often for me in novels and slightly spoils the believability.
Having said that, I loved the story and have already downloaded the next in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with an Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Having said that, I loved the story and have already downloaded the next in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with an Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
April 23, 2023
Wow!! Stayed up late multiple nights to finish this one. This was, by far, one of my favorite books I have read of 2023. L.A. Larkin you are a literary genius!
We follow Sally, a former cop and victim advocate, as she tries to figure out the case of the Poster Girl Killings, among other events that are haunting her.
You will not want to miss this captivating, edge of your seat thriller when it comes out June 16th
We follow Sally, a former cop and victim advocate, as she tries to figure out the case of the Poster Girl Killings, among other events that are haunting her.
You will not want to miss this captivating, edge of your seat thriller when it comes out June 16th
June 7, 2023
Next Girl Missing was a perfect introduction to the Sally Fairburn series. This thriller had me guessing and my wheels turning trying to figure out who the perpetrator was.
I love a well put together thriller/serial killer book and this one was just that. It was easy to like and connect with the main character especially with her recent loss and narcissistic marriage struggles.
Thank you L.A. Larkin and NetGalley!
I love a well put together thriller/serial killer book and this one was just that. It was easy to like and connect with the main character especially with her recent loss and narcissistic marriage struggles.
Thank you L.A. Larkin and NetGalley!
June 20, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
This book took me a bit to really get into. There’s a lot going on and is a boy scattered. I will say that about 60% it started to pick up and I was surprised by the killers. And I need closure on the other thread. So I will be reading book 2. I’m just not sure I find Sally to be a character I like.
This book took me a bit to really get into. There’s a lot going on and is a boy scattered. I will say that about 60% it started to pick up and I was surprised by the killers. And I need closure on the other thread. So I will be reading book 2. I’m just not sure I find Sally to be a character I like.
June 17, 2023
**Was given an ARC by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
I usually don't like reading about meek women, I almost put down my Kindle, I'm glad I didn't. There are some parts in the story that have me shaking my head in confusion, maybe in the next book they will be addressed?
Sally Fairburn has had a hard life. She was a cop for 3 years before she married her partner, Scott. Scott knew how to gaslight Sally. She was quiet, a little shy, and had had years of verbal abuse from her father that he acknowledged. Scott had turned on the charm right up until their wedding day; then the real Scott emerged: controlling, narcissistic, and abusive. Scott wanted Sally to quit her job and stay at home with the kids, instead she decided to work with the DA's office, becoming a victims advocate.
Five years ago, a serial killer called the "Poster Killer" had abducted six young girls. Only one body was found in the water, she was raped. Sally sat with each family day and night, waiting to hear anything. He was called the "Poster Killer" because before the girl was even kidnapped, there was a fake "Missing Person Poster" of the girl on the bus stop she took to get home. The killer knew everything about her life. They lured her into a car and the girl thought she was safe with them; she wasn't.
During that time, her daughter, Zelda, was friends with all of the girls who were kidnapped. Zelda had stopped eating, she was depressed, and wouldn't talk to anyone. Sally was concerned, Scott blamed it on bullying at school. So Sally secretly took her to a psychiatrist behind Scott's back. But he found them and stopped it before the session could even start. Months later, Zelda killed herself and Scott blamed Sally. After the funeral, he packed his bags and left. He never ever said goodbye to his 9 year old son, Paul. Afterwards, Sally took an early retirement, grieving Zelda's death, Scott's abuse, and realizing with the help of therapy how much damage he had done to her.
While making a birthday visit for a parent of one of the victims, she gets a phone call from a maximum security prison inmate, Theo Durrant, demanding her to visit. Sally begs the inmate to get a cop instead. He tells her that he'll tell her the names of the killers if she helps him. Her fear wins instead and she doesn't go, calling the cops. But when she's followed by a car, she changes her mind fast. Durrant is in for life, but he has his hands in everything on the outside. He wants witnesses protection in exchange for the names of the killers. He tells Sally that it's not just one person, it's two, and that Sally knows them personally. Durrant needs to get out because there's a hit on his head.
Sally pulls Paul out of school because she's scared. They both go to the Detective who was in charge on the case, Fred Clarke. He thinks it's a scam, but hears Sally out. Paul's proud of his Mom for standing her ground for once. He knew everything his dad did to her, he hates the man.
But Clarke doesn't act fast enough and Durrant is killed anyways. That's when Sally decides it's time to get involved herself. But when she finds evidence that cops were involved and her daughter's death was a result of her ex-husband's actions, Sally will do anything to bring justice and peace to the victims and their families.
I usually don't like reading about meek women, I almost put down my Kindle, I'm glad I didn't. There are some parts in the story that have me shaking my head in confusion, maybe in the next book they will be addressed?
Sally Fairburn has had a hard life. She was a cop for 3 years before she married her partner, Scott. Scott knew how to gaslight Sally. She was quiet, a little shy, and had had years of verbal abuse from her father that he acknowledged. Scott had turned on the charm right up until their wedding day; then the real Scott emerged: controlling, narcissistic, and abusive. Scott wanted Sally to quit her job and stay at home with the kids, instead she decided to work with the DA's office, becoming a victims advocate.
Five years ago, a serial killer called the "Poster Killer" had abducted six young girls. Only one body was found in the water, she was raped. Sally sat with each family day and night, waiting to hear anything. He was called the "Poster Killer" because before the girl was even kidnapped, there was a fake "Missing Person Poster" of the girl on the bus stop she took to get home. The killer knew everything about her life. They lured her into a car and the girl thought she was safe with them; she wasn't.
During that time, her daughter, Zelda, was friends with all of the girls who were kidnapped. Zelda had stopped eating, she was depressed, and wouldn't talk to anyone. Sally was concerned, Scott blamed it on bullying at school. So Sally secretly took her to a psychiatrist behind Scott's back. But he found them and stopped it before the session could even start. Months later, Zelda killed herself and Scott blamed Sally. After the funeral, he packed his bags and left. He never ever said goodbye to his 9 year old son, Paul. Afterwards, Sally took an early retirement, grieving Zelda's death, Scott's abuse, and realizing with the help of therapy how much damage he had done to her.
While making a birthday visit for a parent of one of the victims, she gets a phone call from a maximum security prison inmate, Theo Durrant, demanding her to visit. Sally begs the inmate to get a cop instead. He tells her that he'll tell her the names of the killers if she helps him. Her fear wins instead and she doesn't go, calling the cops. But when she's followed by a car, she changes her mind fast. Durrant is in for life, but he has his hands in everything on the outside. He wants witnesses protection in exchange for the names of the killers. He tells Sally that it's not just one person, it's two, and that Sally knows them personally. Durrant needs to get out because there's a hit on his head.
Sally pulls Paul out of school because she's scared. They both go to the Detective who was in charge on the case, Fred Clarke. He thinks it's a scam, but hears Sally out. Paul's proud of his Mom for standing her ground for once. He knew everything his dad did to her, he hates the man.
But Clarke doesn't act fast enough and Durrant is killed anyways. That's when Sally decides it's time to get involved herself. But when she finds evidence that cops were involved and her daughter's death was a result of her ex-husband's actions, Sally will do anything to bring justice and peace to the victims and their families.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2023
Book Title: The Next Girl Missing
Author: L.A. Larkin
Series: A Sally Fairburn Crime Thriller Book #1
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: June 16, 2023
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pages: 361
Sally Fairburn has been a Victim’s Advocate for twenty-two years but was a police office for three years. She met Scott who is now her ex-husband but was her mentor on the police force when their relationship began. At that time they worked on the case of the “Poster Killer” ~ a serial killer who would display a poster of his latest victim - before she went missing. He would post details including date and time she went messing and then include ~ “If you have information about Anna Moorehouse (or another victim’s name0, please call Franklin Police Department.”
This unsolved case and not finding the six missing girls is the one case and is something Sally has never gotten over.
Additionally she is still dealing the suicide of her twelve year old daughter and the fact, her son Paul blames her.
Story touches some very emotional things plus … ‘Whodunit’ completely threw me. Plus story was different than the other thrillers I read. Sally’s husband gas lighting her was troublesome.
In the ‘Author’s Notes” L.A. Larkin tells us her inspiration for writing a story.
One day an acquaintance revealed that her sister was being ‘gas lighted’ by her husband. Goes on to say that he poisoned her sister’s view of realty, making her doubt herself and left her totally dependent on him. He appears to be charming in public but he was very manipulative in their private life.
Ms. Larkin then did a lot of research on this and decided to write a PI series where the protagonist is in this situation and grows stronger and more confident in each story.
Needless to say, I am looking forward the next Sally Fairburn story!!
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for granting me this great read.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for June 16, 2023.
Author: L.A. Larkin
Series: A Sally Fairburn Crime Thriller Book #1
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: June 16, 2023
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pages: 361
Sally Fairburn has been a Victim’s Advocate for twenty-two years but was a police office for three years. She met Scott who is now her ex-husband but was her mentor on the police force when their relationship began. At that time they worked on the case of the “Poster Killer” ~ a serial killer who would display a poster of his latest victim - before she went missing. He would post details including date and time she went messing and then include ~ “If you have information about Anna Moorehouse (or another victim’s name0, please call Franklin Police Department.”
This unsolved case and not finding the six missing girls is the one case and is something Sally has never gotten over.
Additionally she is still dealing the suicide of her twelve year old daughter and the fact, her son Paul blames her.
Story touches some very emotional things plus … ‘Whodunit’ completely threw me. Plus story was different than the other thrillers I read. Sally’s husband gas lighting her was troublesome.
In the ‘Author’s Notes” L.A. Larkin tells us her inspiration for writing a story.
One day an acquaintance revealed that her sister was being ‘gas lighted’ by her husband. Goes on to say that he poisoned her sister’s view of realty, making her doubt herself and left her totally dependent on him. He appears to be charming in public but he was very manipulative in their private life.
Ms. Larkin then did a lot of research on this and decided to write a PI series where the protagonist is in this situation and grows stronger and more confident in each story.
Needless to say, I am looking forward the next Sally Fairburn story!!
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for granting me this great read.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for June 16, 2023.
June 12, 2023
😲Exciting reactivation of a cold case: fast moving🚨
Next Girl Missing has a great plot structure and non-stop suspense that just sped along and kept me on the edge of my seat. A mystery of young girls disappearing with no resolution that is still crushing family years on and, suddenly, maybe a breakthrough, if someone will act on new information from a convict. Sally, the lead character, has been through years of troubles herself and I loved how the author brought her from a gaslit wife eased out of her law enforcement career to a victims advocate who is ready to stand up against those who belittle or try to brush aside her efforts to find the girls' truth. Sally's got a strong moral compass, great empathy and is a ball of energy when she's investigating. She's also got a temperamental teenage son to raise on her own and I found her son Paul's attitude to life and their frictional relationship very relatable and realistic.
Sally was a good cop who had the misfortune to be wooed and conned by Scott, a beguiling cop initially assigned as her partner and mentor. Their oldest child, Zelda, who knew most of the missing girls well, died of an overdose. I found the subplot dealing with Zelda and what happened in her last months the most interesting mystery in the story, especially since Sally's cop husband Scott is slowly revealed as a major liar and manipulator who blamed Sally for their daughter's death but, really, what didn't he blame her for? This part of the story was not all tied up in a bow by the book's end in my view; maybe I just didn't get it or it's waiting for more attention in a sequel.
There are good bouts of spine-tingling danger, chases and abductions, and I totally enjoyed the unpredictability of who would come at Sally and Paul next. This was my first time reading the author's work and, based on Next Girl Missing, I will be following author L.A. Larkin in the future.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Next Girl Missing has a great plot structure and non-stop suspense that just sped along and kept me on the edge of my seat. A mystery of young girls disappearing with no resolution that is still crushing family years on and, suddenly, maybe a breakthrough, if someone will act on new information from a convict. Sally, the lead character, has been through years of troubles herself and I loved how the author brought her from a gaslit wife eased out of her law enforcement career to a victims advocate who is ready to stand up against those who belittle or try to brush aside her efforts to find the girls' truth. Sally's got a strong moral compass, great empathy and is a ball of energy when she's investigating. She's also got a temperamental teenage son to raise on her own and I found her son Paul's attitude to life and their frictional relationship very relatable and realistic.
Sally was a good cop who had the misfortune to be wooed and conned by Scott, a beguiling cop initially assigned as her partner and mentor. Their oldest child, Zelda, who knew most of the missing girls well, died of an overdose. I found the subplot dealing with Zelda and what happened in her last months the most interesting mystery in the story, especially since Sally's cop husband Scott is slowly revealed as a major liar and manipulator who blamed Sally for their daughter's death but, really, what didn't he blame her for? This part of the story was not all tied up in a bow by the book's end in my view; maybe I just didn't get it or it's waiting for more attention in a sequel.
There are good bouts of spine-tingling danger, chases and abductions, and I totally enjoyed the unpredictability of who would come at Sally and Paul next. This was my first time reading the author's work and, based on Next Girl Missing, I will be following author L.A. Larkin in the future.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
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