Missing

by D.E. Beckler, David Beckler

When a woman disappears, a homeless man is the only person who can find her.

On a cold Manchester night, Victor Mitchum and his loyal-ish dog witness something they were never meant to see. Living on the streets has made Victor good at watching people—which is exactly why private investigator Kasper Dąbrowski recruits him to help find a missing woman.

But as Victor watches from the shadows, he realises he has stumbled into something far more dangerous. Working alongside Kasper and his sister, Victor discovers he’s not just tracking kidnappers—he’s watching killers. And now they know someone is watching them.

With time running out for their victims, Victor must rally his unlikely allies—the forgotten people of Manchester’s streets—in a desperate fight for survival. But in a city where the powerful prey on the vulnerable, can a man society has chosen to ignore become the hero these families need?

Genres: Audiobook, Crime

368 pages, Paperback

Published February 1, 2026

Reviews

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this one!

Victor is a man who lives on the streets of Manchester. BUT…He didn’t always. At one time he had a good job, and a family… until all of that changed. And now, here he is. On the streets. Trying to stay warm, stay healthy, and stay alive!

One day he sees a guy taking pictures… until he’s caught, and chased by some thugs. Victor sees what’s happening, and notices the guy pitch his camera into a dumpster… and then, after the guy leaves, he grabs the camera.

A little while later, the guy returns looking for his camera. But it’s not in the dumpster. He wanders into the homeless community and stumbles upon Victor… and asks if he’s seen anyone around… going thru the dumpster? Or, has he seen his camera? Victor sees a chance to make some money… but it doesn’t go quite as planned.

But, the guy, Kasper, asks him to come home with him. Offers him a change of clothes and a hot shower… Victor is thrilled. But when he comes out of the shower, Kasper is holding his camera and wants to know why he lied?!!

They actually do work through this, and Victor learns that Kasper is a PI and is looking for a woman. He says he can help, because nobody will notice him. After all, the homeless are invisible to the general public… and, he’s kind of correct. 🤔

Later, Victor meets his sister, who works with him as a PI. He begins to help them, and agrees to get paid for the help! He’s hoping to build up his savings and get off of the streets.

But he soon finds out that the guys who likely took this missing woman are thugs… trained killers… and his life might just be on the line!

It is definitely on the ‘scary’ side, but also so relatable and true…

And, Victor has a Standard Schnauzer named Oscar… who he seriously talks to! And, well, I just fell in love with both of them! 🩷

This was just such a different take on a book… and I loved it! And, it’s part of a series… so I’m looking forward to reading book #2!

#Missing by @DEBeckler and @DavidBedkler. Narrated nicely by @SimonMattacks.

5 scary, creepy, bullish, thug-like stars for me! ⭐️🌟⭐️🌟⭐️

It has NOT BEEN RELEASED YET! But, it’s coming out soon… on 2/1/26! So, look 👀 for it then!

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #BrilliancePublishing and #BrillianceAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!!

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Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

[Corallie Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it. Got so involved in the characters. A murder mystery with a difference, that’s for sure. A homeless man helps two PI’s solve murders and find missing people. Couldn’t put it down. Already preordered the next two in the series. Got this as an Amazon first reads.

[Alison Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not my normal book

Not my usual genre of book. But from the moment I started i couldn't stop reading it and did it in one day. I loved having a dog feature in it. It gripped you from start to finish.
Looking forward to reading more in this series.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this title. It reminded me of JD Kirks, Robert Hoon series. Both have aspects to the stories that should shock you, but both provide believable and loveable characters.

I was left a bit confused by the storyline for the female copper as it didn't seem to flow, it felt a bit disjointed like something had possibly been taken out? That or I missed something, but the story kept me engrossed, so I don't think it did. It felt like they were trying to develop her character but forgot and then remembered again at the end as I'm guessing shes going to appear in future books maybe?

I absolutely loved Victor and Oscar's relationship! It helped to give the book it's own unique spin and I was imagining loyalty and camaraderie, amongst Manchester's homeless community and their dogs.

I will definitely be reading the next installment once it's released, can't wait!

[Steph Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by David Beckler, from the Amazon first reads promo.
I met David a few years ago at a blogger/author meet up in Stoke, he attended with Caroline England who is in the same writing group.
I can't believe I waited so long to read one of his books.
I loved it, and recognised many of the settings in Manchester city centre. Well written and perfectly paced. I'll definitely seeking out more of his books.

[Brenda Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn’t realise it was set in Manchester

Love that it’s set in Manchester, and that I know most of the places. Love that it gives you a different perspective on the homeless.

Great plot line also. Love the mention of the High Peak accent ( didn’t know we had one) altogether a real good read

[M Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

I really enjoyed this book. I really felt for the homeless people after reading this. I don’t think people appreciate how hard their lives are. Will definitely read the next in the series and recommend it as a great read!

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’ve ever thought, “Hey, what this murder mystery needs is less trench coat detective and more emotionally wounded man yelling at pigeons,” then congratulations, you’re gonna eat up Missing by D. E. Beckler like it’s your last Greggs sausage roll. It’s gritty, smart, occasionally bonkers, and sneakily heartfelt in that “oh no, I care about these scrappy weirdos now” kind of way.

Victor Mitchum, our main guy, is homeless. But not in that sanitized, Nicholas Sparks way where he’s just rugged and misunderstood. Nah, Victor is really out there, living rough on the streets of Manchester, trying to stay warm, stay out of trouble, and keep his dog Oscar from starting fights. And I swear to you, Oscar talks. Not like Homeward Bound, mouth-moving CGI nonsense, but in Victor’s head... which is somehow weirder. And yet? It works. It's giving Fleabag's Hot Priest breaking the fourth wall, but canine and probably smells worse.

Enter Kasper and Gosia Dąbrowski, the Polish sibling PIs who are definitely winging it, vibes first, credentials optional. Kasper’s got messy energy and the kind of bad judgment that screams “I can fix it” while actively making things worse. Gosia feels like she was written to be more competent but then accidentally got left in a subplot draft that never fully arrived. It’s fine. They’re a good time. Mostly. They pull Victor into their missing persons case because he's invisible to the world, which makes him the perfect spy... or bait, depending on how cynical you're feeling.

The case itself? Dark. We’re talking sex trafficking, murder, people being stuffed in bins, and a very real sense that Manchester is one bad day away from a Children of Men reboot. But it never veers into misery porn. The stakes are high, but Victor's voice (and Oscar’s weird little commentary) keep the tone from sinking into total despair. The best trick this book pulls is letting you laugh with Victor, never at him.

The found family vibes start rolling in the back half and I won’t lie... when Victor starts rallying the other unhoused folks in Manchester like he’s building a grimy, emotionally scarred Avengers squad? I lost my entire mind. Was it completely believable? Nope. Was I absolutely cheering? Also yes. Give me a homeless rebellion with makeshift walkie-talkies and bad attitudes over another army of clean-shaven ex-cops with daddy issues any day.

Simon Mattacks’ narration in the audiobook version is straight-up excellent. He nails Victor’s sarcasm, Oscar’s dry sass (yes, the dog has sass), and somehow doesn’t make you want to slap any of the PI dialogue, which is a feat considering how often Kasper says things that feel legally actionable.

Still. It's a wild ride with a giant heart and a genuinely fresh lead character. I’m already side-eyeing book two like, you better protect Oscar or I riot. Four stars.

Whodunity Award: For Making Me Cheer When a Homeless Guy Assembled His Own Crime-Fighting Street Team.

Massive thanks to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for the ALC, you absolute legends. You handed me a mystery with a talking dog and emotional damage like it was a gift basket, and I will never forget it.

[Tini · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gritty thriller with an unlikely hero - and his dog.

When a woman vanishes on the streets of Manchester, the only witness is someone no one's looking to for answers: a homeless man named Victor, whose only real companion is his scrappy, semi-loyal dog, Oscar. But when Victor's quiet life of survival on the streets collides with a private investigator's search for the missing woman, he finds himself drawn into something far bigger -and far deadlier - than he ever imagined. What begins as a simple missing-person case soon unravels into a dark web of exploitation and power, as Victor realizes the people he's watching aren’t kidnappers - they're killers. Forced to confront both his past and his own self-worth, Victor becomes an unlikely hero in a city that's long stopped seeing him at all.

In "Missing", D.E. Beckler gives readers a fresh and surprisingly emotional twist on the gritty crime thriller. His writing is gripping and both Victor and Oscar make for stellar, complex, and refreshingly unconventional protagonists. The depiction of homelessness never feels tokenistic or sentimentalized; instead, Victor's perspective provides sharp social commentary . While the plot veers into slightly over-the-top territory during the finale, it's hard to mind when the pacing and character work are this strong.

The expertly produced audiobook, narrated by Simon Mattacks, elevates the story even further. Mattacks brings nuance and empathy to Victor's narration, capturing anger, confusion, exhaustion, and those flickers of humor that make him so endearing. His command of tone and timing is superb, nailing the subtle sarcasm and the banter between Victor and Oscar, and his performance grounds the novel's darker moments.

"Missing" is both a propulsive mystery and a quietly moving character study - a reminder that sometimes the people society ignores are the ones most capable of seeing the truth. Gritty, heartfelt, and thoroughly engaging, this is a fantastic start to what promises to be a standout new series.

Many thanks to Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for providing me with an advance copy of the audiobook via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

"Missing" is slated to be published on February 1, 2026.

[Lynda Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

My other Kindle First offering for January.....the first was a dud but this one is superb. I enjoyed it SO much and I'm definitely going to read more by him. Interesting to read his little bio as he hails from Ethiopia, I believe it said. Now, if he'd used his real name I probably would've given it a big old swerve, thinking that he'd be writing about where he comes from. That's probably terrible of me but that honestly wouldn't have interested me. Whereas I know Manchester a little and it's only a 40 minute drive from me so can identify with it, which I prefer in my reading content.
Kudos goes to the people who convinced him of Oscar's inclusion. That's a sterling move. I just LOVED his little chats with him. I would assume he has a dog himself cos' he knows they smile !! Usually, as soon as a dog is included in a book, I tense up cos' they're usually going to perish. If that had happened here I'd have been finished with him !! I was decidedly touched and a bit sniffy at Craig's daily colours for Trixie as well. To imagine this-a guy on the streets with nothing but changing his little dog's little ribbon for her every day. That really captured my heart. Bigtime.
Now he needs to ensure Miles and his little gang of toffs get their comeuppance in the next story, I reckon. I don't know if I missed something but I read it as 2 people being killed that were homeless and didn't know who one of them was. But I might've got confused there.
I'm not a speed reader but at one point I glanced at the page and read testicles when what he was writing about was acoustic tiles.....I made myself giggle at that !! Though, on the same subject he writes bollox and not bollocks in the usual way.....he also uses question marks where he's supposed to which was a joy to see. and no spelling or punctuation mistakes so it ticks ALL my boxes.
He mentions his cover art in the acknowledgements but, although it is nice it has nothing to do with the actual story so I'm not sure why he chose it at all !!
I'm greatly looking forward to the other 2 stories in this planned trilogy and highly recommend this. A cracking book.

[Ciara Hartman · Rating 3 out of 5]

🎧 Audio Review: The audio was enjoyable to listen to. The story probably would feel a bit drier without the audio.

📝 Story Review: While I found this decently intriguing, nothing that happened blew my socks off/surprised me. I found the backstory of the homeless man that the PI’s brought on to help them in their missing persons’ case, to be rather interesting. I enjoyed how some of the homeless, less fortunate ones, banded together to try and aid him in his rescue mission at the end. And I was confused by the fact that his dog was talking to him…. Like I assume it was just in his head since no one else could hear the dog talking, but since this was not a fantasy or magical realism story, it felt very odd and kept pulling my focus. So overall, a rather predictable mystery with some odd elements.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5

Tropes 👇

- Amateur sleuthing & PI
- Rescue & Reconnaissance missions

CW’s 👇

- Mention of prostitution
- Mention of drugs/illegal deals
- Homicide/Torture
- Abduction
- Shoot out
- Rival gangs

Audio Release Date: February 1, 2026
Audio Run Time: 8 hrs, 51 mins
Narrated By: Simon Mattacks
Genre: Mystery
Series: A City Streets Mystery, book 1.
POV: First Person; Multi.

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for this ALC in return for my honest review.

[Tricia Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't normally review my husband's books  (partiality declared!) but as a reader who's been listening to audio books for over 20 years (remember cassette tapes from the library?), I wanted to highlight how well this particular book is narrated.  I like a narrator to confidently inhabit the characters and tell the tale without intruding on the story.  I was definitely in safe hands with Simon Mattacks. He conveys so well the emotions and moods of the characters at each point, their anger or exasperation, confusion or frustration and, particularly pleasingly, he gets the tones of sarcasm and the humour just right.  He confidently conveys the communication between Victor, our main character who's trying to survive on the streets of Manchester, and his once pampered pet dog Oscar, who is also struggling to come to terms with his new reality.  Oscar is not best pleased and lets his feelings be known, even if Oscar's backchat is really only going on in Victor's head, it adds to the humour  that is an enjoyable feature of what is quite a gritty thriller.  The excellent narration really helps you to get lost in this engrossing story. Simon Mattacks is going on the list of my searched for narrators. TriciaX

[Roroblu'sMum · Rating 4 out of 5]

4* Very good intro to this author, in a tale, refreshingly set in Manchester UK.

What made this tale for me was Victor's relationship with his 'talking' dog, but also, that it wasn't a faux-US-mafia tale set in the Bronx, that's been done far too often to the point of 'here we go again'. The down-to-earth feel of the storyline and characters made them believable, especially the brother in the PI duo, who was the weaker link, the one who's gotten them into the situation with their unwanted Scottish customer, who's clearly going to be trouble in book 2.

The gritty feel of the Manchester underworld was kept real by not making it OTT. The bad guys felt menacing, as did the discovery of the situation with the blue bin. A bit of a syrong stomach was needed in parts. The posse that got assembled for the final fight didn't quite feel believable, nor did how quickly they came together and coordinated and planned so well - that's where the tale lost 1* for me. They were strangers made to look a bit The A-Team, which felt passé.

Still, I'd read more of this series and this author.

[Andi · Rating 3 out of 5]

In MISSING, a brother-sister private investigative team enlist the help of a homeless man, Victor, in their search for a missing woman. Victor is intelligent and articulate, and observes one of the poorly disguised PIs on a stakeout. When he offers to help—as homeless people are often ignored and can hide in plain sight—the PI team reluctantly agrees.

No details are shared initially about Victor’s situation and how he landed on the streets, but readers learn of his plight through the story. His former family dog has followed him on the streets, and sometimes “talks” to him. This was one thing that annoyed me about the story.

However, the plot was compelling and the narrator was excellent. It was unique having a homeless person as the lead and sharing the world from their perspective. The ending was good, and I’ll likely continue the series.

🌟Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.🌟

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC of the audiobook Missing by D.E. Becker. What a great storyline with a diverse cast of characters who drew me in from the first page. Victor has become homeless, through no fault of his own and whilst at his favourite pitch gets entwined in the case of a missing girl. With plenty of time on his hands, he ends up supporting a local private investigator, Kasper and his sister, who have been hired to solve the case. The story unfolds beautifully, and if I could have listened in one sitting I would have. The plotline and characters are perfectly pitched to explore this case of a missing girl, Victor's wish to make a difference and earn enough money to start again whilst also building the tension and angst of having a missing child. The narration was on point, and the range of characters that are revisited throughout the book really help to add to the storyline. Particular recognition must go to the non-human speaking part. When is the next book out!

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missing by D. E. Beckler follows a homeless man who helps two private investigators solve their cases. The premise is unique, and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. This is the first book in the City Streets Mysteries, and I’m already looking forward to continuing the series.

The characters were well developed, and I especially appreciated the way Beckler humanizes the homeless character.

The audiobook narration by Simon Mattacks was excellent and truly brought the story to life. Overall, the production quality was outstanding.

Thank you to NetGalley & Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for letting me read this ARC.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my AFR choice and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is different to any Mystery books I have read before. The characters are very likeable. I LOVE the rapport between Victor and Oscar (if you've ever had a dog, you'll know what I'm on about). There are lots of moments which made me smile/chuckle but there's also some fast paced action going on that gave me palpitations! It didn't take me too long to read and even when I wasn't reading it (e.g. taking my dog out for a walk) I would be thinking about it. The only slight about it are a few spelling mistakes BUT I'm still giving it 5 stars.

[Aaron Todd Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Missing
Author: D.E. Beckler

Format: Audio
ARC: Yes, NetGalley

⭐ Star Rating: 4.75 / 5
🔪 Thrill Rating: 2 / 5
📄 Page #: Audiobook. 8 hrs

Quick Descriptors
• Gritty, character-driven crime thriller
• Social commentary without exploitation
• Unlikely hero with emotional depth
• Quietly moving and immersive
• Strong pacing with a heightened finale

One-Sentence Take
A gripping and surprisingly tender crime thriller that centers the unseen, balances social commentary with momentum, and delivers a deeply human mystery anchored by an unforgettable protagonist.

[Georgia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thrilling mystery with a fresh twist!
A homeless man teams up with a P.I. but finds himself in for a bit more than he bargained for. This story provides a gritty (sometimes brutal) new take on a missing person crime thriller with an unconventional hero.

Would recommend to readers who enjoy thrillers, suspense and stories with unlikely protagonists.

Thank you to the author @DEBeckler and @DavidBeckler #NetGalley, #BrilliancePublishing #missing #suspense #mystery

[Martha Brindley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant read this book is, my first by the author but definitely not the last! I love Victor as a character, paired up with his dog, Oscar. They make a formidable investigating team, set in Manchester. There are some pretty brutal characters, very well described as is the homeless community and their dogs. This is well written, fast paced and well worth reading. It's an easy 5* from me and I can't wait to read the next in the series. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

[Ellen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book, a chilling reminder of why living on the streets is dangerous.
Detective Dabrowski recruits Victor to help find a missing woman.
When Victor does he finds that they are killers and knows that he is watching them
I enjoyed this book, it held my interest to the end pages.
Given arc by Net Galley UK and Thomas and. Mercer.

[Brad Audiobibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the advance listener copy. I’m voluntarily providing an honest and unbiased review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook. Victor, a homeless man, and his dog Oscar make a wonderfully engaging duo. Oscar “talks” to Victor from inside his head, and their back‑and‑forth is often genuinely funny, adding warmth and charm to the story.

When Victor witnesses a crime, he’s drawn into the pursuit of justice, calling on his fellow street dwellers for help. The plot feels refreshingly different from the usual fare in this genre, and the writing kept me hooked from the very beginning. The narrator delivers a strong performance as well, maintaining momentum and bringing real personality to the characters.

I’m already looking forward to book two—hopefully the wait won’t be long, because I’m eager to continue this series.

[jane downie · Rating 5 out of 5]

an insight into the plight of homeless

Good book. Victors story highlights the reality of life on the streets. Also how easy it could be for people, through no fault of their own, can end up in that predicament.

[Stefan Rowana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story. Well-written. I enjoyed reading the perspective of a homeless person, drawn into a missing person investigation.

[FIONA DURES · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable read. I live in the area so can relate to the story. Original story not the usual same theme. Look forward to more of Victors antics.

[Stevie Mac · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent enough story if you can look past the fact the main character has conversations with his dog. Who answers back.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and engaging but a little predictable and leant heavily on the one main character doing everything which felt a touch unrealistic. Good read and a decent pick for Amazon First Reads.

[Angel **Book Junkie**]

DNF - 14% Audiobook

[Karm Barter · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was an okay enough story. It was refreshing to see the homeless person the hero and star or a book. It was a little odd to see the dog talking.....um yeah. I enjoyed the narrators.

[Jodie Fayle · Rating 2 out of 5]

what should have been an interesting storyline didn't quite hit for me when it felt very juvenile writing 🫣 really struggled to finish it 🫤