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DI Martha Allen #1
Missing
In this unputdownable crime thriller for fans of Tana French, a detective returns to a thirty-year-old case—an infamous disappearance in London—that has haunted her entire career and now may jeopardize her future.
In August 1990, London is suffering through an unprecedented heatwave when baby Bella Carpenter is snatched through the open window of her hotel room. Detective Inspector Martha Allen is assigned the high-profile case and, knowing that it could make or break her career, is determined to find Bella.
When a young woman named Nell Beatty walks into the police station with a baby who appears to be Bella, and whom Nell claims she found on a bench, it seems that the mystery is solved. Her family, the police, and the press are overjoyed at her return. But DI Allen isn’t convinced, something about Nell’s story doesn’t ring true. As much as she wants to continue, however, now that the baby is safe, she’s ordered to close the investigation.
Thirty years later, Nell Beatty is found dead. Now a superintendent, Allen has never really gotten over her doubts about the Carpenter case and can’t resist doing a little digging on her own time, eager to find out what happened to Nell, and her involvement in the baby’s disappearance all those years ago. But will her efforts uncover something darker than she could have ever imagined? And what is she risking as she tries once and for all to reveal the truth?
In August 1990, London is suffering through an unprecedented heatwave when baby Bella Carpenter is snatched through the open window of her hotel room. Detective Inspector Martha Allen is assigned the high-profile case and, knowing that it could make or break her career, is determined to find Bella.
When a young woman named Nell Beatty walks into the police station with a baby who appears to be Bella, and whom Nell claims she found on a bench, it seems that the mystery is solved. Her family, the police, and the press are overjoyed at her return. But DI Allen isn’t convinced, something about Nell’s story doesn’t ring true. As much as she wants to continue, however, now that the baby is safe, she’s ordered to close the investigation.
Thirty years later, Nell Beatty is found dead. Now a superintendent, Allen has never really gotten over her doubts about the Carpenter case and can’t resist doing a little digging on her own time, eager to find out what happened to Nell, and her involvement in the baby’s disappearance all those years ago. But will her efforts uncover something darker than she could have ever imagined? And what is she risking as she tries once and for all to reveal the truth?
304 pages, Hardcover
Published March 17, 2026
52 people are currently reading
9365 people want to read
About the author
E.A. Jackson
1 book41 followersE.A. Jackson is an American transplanted to England. She was born in Philadelphia and lived in Iowa, Massachusetts, Arkansas, Cambridge, and Bristol before ending up in Exeter, where she now works as a senior lecturer at the University of Exeter.
source: Amazon
also see Emilia Bernhard
source: Amazon
also see Emilia Bernhard
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 243 reviews
April 14, 2026
➡️ No stars missing from "Missing".
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
When a baby is snatched from an open London hotel window during a blistering August heatwave, the police are mystified by this deeply unsettling child abduction.
Five days later, the baby is miraculously returned. When the female Good Samaritan who returned the baby is found dead thirty years later, the jolting and intense plot twists begin.
➡️ WHY 5 STARS?
There were no bloated cast or unnecessary subplots.
👏👏👏👏👏
From start to finish, the author kept this gripping, atmospheric, and pacey police procedural thriller tight.
By focusing on a few deeply developed characters, the author kept the emotional stakes high and the unhinged energy of the Detective Inspector/Superintendent protagonist palpable.
The dual timelines and plot twists were handled with surgical precision. New spins were unpredictable.
I dare you to guess the ending.
I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Nicola Walker.
This is Book #1 of the DI Martha Allen series, and I will be eagerly awaiting Book #2.
A very impressive debut.
November 17, 2025
This is a book I went into with very few expectations - it was an unfamiliar author and a storyline of a missing child so it all felt quite routine. However, I have to say, it was thoroughly enjoyable and I would definitely recommend it.
The synopsis on Netgalley doesn't give much away however the Goodreads synopsis tells a little bit more. I would actually recommend going into this one a little blind as I think the blurb on Goodreads actually gives too much away.
Ultimately, the book centres on the disappearance of baby Bella and the subsequent investigation from DI Martha Allen. Determined to find Bella, Martha will stop at nothing to make sure she is returned safely and despite the eventual outcome of the disappearance, Martha feels there is a lot more to the story than originally thought. The book is told over two time periods with the first part of the book telling the story of Bella's disappearance and the investigation however when a key person in the original investigation turns up dead 30 years later, Martha is keen to find out the real truth behind the disappearance once and for all.
This was a really impressive novel which deals not only with Bella's disappearance but many other issues including addiction, poverty, domestic abuse etc. but at its heart it is, for me, about the devotion of DI Allen as she seeks the truth over what really happened to baby Bella. Despite the case apparently being 'solved', her dogged determination to bring the real facts to life was really impressive (although not her superiors or those who would rather the truth stay hidden).
Thanks to Netgalley and Faber and Faber Ltd for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This is tagged on Netgalley as Book 1 of the DI Allen series so looking forward to seeing what comes next.
The synopsis on Netgalley doesn't give much away however the Goodreads synopsis tells a little bit more. I would actually recommend going into this one a little blind as I think the blurb on Goodreads actually gives too much away.
Ultimately, the book centres on the disappearance of baby Bella and the subsequent investigation from DI Martha Allen. Determined to find Bella, Martha will stop at nothing to make sure she is returned safely and despite the eventual outcome of the disappearance, Martha feels there is a lot more to the story than originally thought. The book is told over two time periods with the first part of the book telling the story of Bella's disappearance and the investigation however when a key person in the original investigation turns up dead 30 years later, Martha is keen to find out the real truth behind the disappearance once and for all.
This was a really impressive novel which deals not only with Bella's disappearance but many other issues including addiction, poverty, domestic abuse etc. but at its heart it is, for me, about the devotion of DI Allen as she seeks the truth over what really happened to baby Bella. Despite the case apparently being 'solved', her dogged determination to bring the real facts to life was really impressive (although not her superiors or those who would rather the truth stay hidden).
Thanks to Netgalley and Faber and Faber Ltd for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This is tagged on Netgalley as Book 1 of the DI Allen series so looking forward to seeing what comes next.
April 7, 2026
This story grow on me. I was disappointed that Martha couldn't solve the mystery right away. She encountered dead ends and sudden success but didn't feel complete. I get why the case stayed with her and why she couldn't let go. I liked that she continued to investigate to know what really happened. Loved the twist at the end. The story feed readers one bread crumbs to the next. It was testing my patience at times. Good diversity. Female boss and the uneasy road to being taken seriously. Personal life difficulties as well as career life. I liked the strong female characters in this book: Martha and Nell. They are determined and pushed ahead at how hard life presented them.
This story followed Detective Martha Allan. She was investigating a case of the missing baby named Bella. The couple was away on holiday and the hotel was hot so they opened the window to cool down the room. They reported the baby missing. An investigation ensued. Some time later, a young woman brought the baby to the police station to give to the couple saying she found the baby. The young woman was untraceable. Through investigation, Martha noticed something didn't look right with the dad but her boss told her to let go because the family is now happy and the baby is no longer missing. Martha couldn't let go and continue to investigate especially when later there were news that the young untraceable lady was murdered. Martha chased down clues after clues about the young woman and eventually chased down the dad and learned about what had happened. Good mystery! I went back and read some parts I missed from the audiobook and it was great!
Thank you SimonAudio and Atria Books for the opportunity to read, listen, and review.
This story followed Detective Martha Allan. She was investigating a case of the missing baby named Bella. The couple was away on holiday and the hotel was hot so they opened the window to cool down the room. They reported the baby missing. An investigation ensued. Some time later, a young woman brought the baby to the police station to give to the couple saying she found the baby. The young woman was untraceable. Through investigation, Martha noticed something didn't look right with the dad but her boss told her to let go because the family is now happy and the baby is no longer missing. Martha couldn't let go and continue to investigate especially when later there were news that the young untraceable lady was murdered. Martha chased down clues after clues about the young woman and eventually chased down the dad and learned about what had happened. Good mystery! I went back and read some parts I missed from the audiobook and it was great!
Thank you SimonAudio and Atria Books for the opportunity to read, listen, and review.
February 17, 2026
The first half of this book really did feel like it was written years and years ago (because it’s set years and years ago, 90s vibes accomplished) but for me, I enjoyed the future timeline more so than the 90s. The original mystery felt on the slower side, with no real interesting investigation. It was more establishing the characters. The later half felt more like a real investigation that I could be intrigued by. Overall I really enjoyed the end result for this one!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
December 15, 2025
3.5
that last chapter threw me for a LOOP!!!
that last chapter threw me for a LOOP!!!
April 25, 2026
Debut novel.
Missing (abducted?) baby.
Slow burn mystery.
Police procedural for 1990 timeline (1st half of book).
2020 timeline (2nd half of book) is police obsession/follow-up.
Setting: Primarily London.
British terms - easy to understand.
Good story.
Missing (abducted?) baby.
Slow burn mystery.
Police procedural for 1990 timeline (1st half of book).
2020 timeline (2nd half of book) is police obsession/follow-up.
Setting: Primarily London.
British terms - easy to understand.
Good story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was provided an advanced copy of this book by NetGalley and Atria in return for an honest review.
This book is written in two parts. Part one consists of the kidnapping of baby Bella from her home in London. Just a few days later, a woman finds Bella and returns her to a local police station.Although everyone should be happy and relieved, there are a lot of questions. At this point, the reader is introduced to DI Martha Allen, and the web of intrigue is further woven.
Part two of the book takes place 30 years later in present-day London. The good Samaritan returning Bella has been killed and Allen revives the case that has puzzled here all these years. DI Allen finally resolves the mystery of the death, and the web untangles itself for the reader. I must confess I never saw it coming!
I had a hard time getting through big parts of this book; it dragged. Too much time was spent with character introspection and atmosphere descriptions that were unnecessary, while more attention to character development would have been appreciated.
It's a good book, just not great. 3 stars.
This book is written in two parts. Part one consists of the kidnapping of baby Bella from her home in London. Just a few days later, a woman finds Bella and returns her to a local police station.Although everyone should be happy and relieved, there are a lot of questions. At this point, the reader is introduced to DI Martha Allen, and the web of intrigue is further woven.
Part two of the book takes place 30 years later in present-day London. The good Samaritan returning Bella has been killed and Allen revives the case that has puzzled here all these years. DI Allen finally resolves the mystery of the death, and the web untangles itself for the reader. I must confess I never saw it coming!
I had a hard time getting through big parts of this book; it dragged. Too much time was spent with character introspection and atmosphere descriptions that were unnecessary, while more attention to character development would have been appreciated.
It's a good book, just not great. 3 stars.
February 25, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this novel.
Wow, what a ride, and that ending shocked the heck out of me! You'll be on the edge of your seat with this one, for sure. My only other feedback is that is wish the book had been written where it flipped between 1990 and the present every few chapters, instead of block format that changes time periods in the middle. Personally, I feel like that book would've just been more fluid that way, but that's just my opinion.
Wow, what a ride, and that ending shocked the heck out of me! You'll be on the edge of your seat with this one, for sure. My only other feedback is that is wish the book had been written where it flipped between 1990 and the present every few chapters, instead of block format that changes time periods in the middle. Personally, I feel like that book would've just been more fluid that way, but that's just my opinion.
April 8, 2026
3.5 rounding up. The first half was a very slow start but the second half picks up and gives me the investigation I wanted all along. I get what Jackson was trying to do in the first half by focusing more on the character back stories and setting up the premise of the mystery but it dragged and almost lost me. Luckily it was well salvaged in the second half with much faster pace.
DI Martha Allen is assigned a missing baby case which has no leads. When the baby mysteriously turns up unharmed and healthy, she knows there’s more to this story but is shut down by her superiors. Twenty years later the Good Samaritan who returned the baby has been found dead and Allen can’t help but try and investigate the old mystery one more time.
I know other readers have guessed the reveal but I genuinely didn’t see it coming. I absolutely fell for all the red herrings and I think I enjoyed this one more because I did. The last twist was also delightful and unexpected so if you’re trudging through that first half, it’s worth the wait
DI Martha Allen is assigned a missing baby case which has no leads. When the baby mysteriously turns up unharmed and healthy, she knows there’s more to this story but is shut down by her superiors. Twenty years later the Good Samaritan who returned the baby has been found dead and Allen can’t help but try and investigate the old mystery one more time.
I know other readers have guessed the reveal but I genuinely didn’t see it coming. I absolutely fell for all the red herrings and I think I enjoyed this one more because I did. The last twist was also delightful and unexpected so if you’re trudging through that first half, it’s worth the wait
March 23, 2026
A baby goes missing in 1990. The case is closed when she's "found." But DI Martha Allen never believed the story. Thirty years later, she gets another chance at the truth.
This is a slow-burn mystery about obsession and following your gut instinct even when it takes years. I was riveted trying to figure out what really happened. The mood was consistently somber - something darker lurked beneath the surface.
Martha's painful journey with infertility made her feel human in this book, complex beyond just being the detective on the case. She's also navigating a workplace full of men who don't respect her opinions because she's a woman - they only gave her the abduction case for optics, assuming she'd be more empathetic to the mother.
Audio experience: Nicola Walker brought Martha Allen to life brilliantly. I could hear her competence, her restraint when being dismissed by colleagues, and the emotional weight she carried. Walker made this an intriguing listen.
The ending was both expected and unexpected - I knew Martha's instincts would be right, but the "why" behind everything caught me off guard.
You'll love this if: You want slow-burn cold case mysteries, female detectives fighting workplace sexism, and investigations driven by gut instinct.
Thanks to Atria Books, Simon & Schuster Audio, and NetGalley for the advance copies.
This is a slow-burn mystery about obsession and following your gut instinct even when it takes years. I was riveted trying to figure out what really happened. The mood was consistently somber - something darker lurked beneath the surface.
Martha's painful journey with infertility made her feel human in this book, complex beyond just being the detective on the case. She's also navigating a workplace full of men who don't respect her opinions because she's a woman - they only gave her the abduction case for optics, assuming she'd be more empathetic to the mother.
Audio experience: Nicola Walker brought Martha Allen to life brilliantly. I could hear her competence, her restraint when being dismissed by colleagues, and the emotional weight she carried. Walker made this an intriguing listen.
The ending was both expected and unexpected - I knew Martha's instincts would be right, but the "why" behind everything caught me off guard.
You'll love this if: You want slow-burn cold case mysteries, female detectives fighting workplace sexism, and investigations driven by gut instinct.
Thanks to Atria Books, Simon & Schuster Audio, and NetGalley for the advance copies.
October 19, 2025
I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
Missing was an enjoyable read. Maybe not one of my all-time favourites, but definitely a solid and satisfying thriller. The story begins with the disappearance of baby Bella and follows Detective Allen as she tries to unravel the mystery. The narrative is cleverly split into two timelines: one set at the time of Bella’s disappearance, and the other thirty years later, when old secrets start to resurface.
I really enjoyed the way the author built the atmosphere. That constant sense of uncertainty and quiet tension kept me intrigued. The characters felt grounded and believable, especially Detective Allen, whose determination adds a strong emotional layer to the investigation.
That said, there were moments when the story felt like it was slowing down a bit, with some parts not moving the plot forward as much as I hoped. Still, the final chapters made up for it completely. The ending was intense and genuinely shocking, tying the two timelines together in a way that caught me off guard.
Missing is a well-crafted, emotional mystery about loss, truth, and how the past never really stays buried. It’s a story that builds slowly but ends with a powerful punch. A rewarding read for fans of thoughtful, character-driven thrillers.
Missing was an enjoyable read. Maybe not one of my all-time favourites, but definitely a solid and satisfying thriller. The story begins with the disappearance of baby Bella and follows Detective Allen as she tries to unravel the mystery. The narrative is cleverly split into two timelines: one set at the time of Bella’s disappearance, and the other thirty years later, when old secrets start to resurface.
I really enjoyed the way the author built the atmosphere. That constant sense of uncertainty and quiet tension kept me intrigued. The characters felt grounded and believable, especially Detective Allen, whose determination adds a strong emotional layer to the investigation.
That said, there were moments when the story felt like it was slowing down a bit, with some parts not moving the plot forward as much as I hoped. Still, the final chapters made up for it completely. The ending was intense and genuinely shocking, tying the two timelines together in a way that caught me off guard.
Missing is a well-crafted, emotional mystery about loss, truth, and how the past never really stays buried. It’s a story that builds slowly but ends with a powerful punch. A rewarding read for fans of thoughtful, character-driven thrillers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Wow… I’m honestly stunned that this is a debut novel.
Missing is a gripping mystery thriller that held my attention from the very first chapter all the way to the final page. It’s the kind of story that refuses to let you go, I’d try to set it down, only to find myself still thinking about the characters and the case. More than once, I picked it back up because I simply had to know what happened next.
One of the standout elements for me was Allen’s character. Watching her career evolve over the years was incredibly compelling, and I appreciated how layered and human she felt. At the same time, there was something deeply poignant about seeing how one case could consume so much of her life for three decades. That long term emotional weight added real depth to the story.
The plot itself was cleverly constructed, with twists and reveals that felt earned rather than forced. I especially admired the unwavering determination at the heart of the novel, the powerful drive of one person who refuses to stop searching for the truth, no matter how much time passes.
This was a strong, confident debut that absolutely delivered on suspense and emotional impact.
Thank you to Atria Books for putting this incredible book on my radar, and to E.A. Jackson for the eARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Highly recommend!
Missing is a gripping mystery thriller that held my attention from the very first chapter all the way to the final page. It’s the kind of story that refuses to let you go, I’d try to set it down, only to find myself still thinking about the characters and the case. More than once, I picked it back up because I simply had to know what happened next.
One of the standout elements for me was Allen’s character. Watching her career evolve over the years was incredibly compelling, and I appreciated how layered and human she felt. At the same time, there was something deeply poignant about seeing how one case could consume so much of her life for three decades. That long term emotional weight added real depth to the story.
The plot itself was cleverly constructed, with twists and reveals that felt earned rather than forced. I especially admired the unwavering determination at the heart of the novel, the powerful drive of one person who refuses to stop searching for the truth, no matter how much time passes.
This was a strong, confident debut that absolutely delivered on suspense and emotional impact.
Thank you to Atria Books for putting this incredible book on my radar, and to E.A. Jackson for the eARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Highly recommend!
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March 5, 2026I was super-excited to read Missing. Overall I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to fans of police procedurals and procedural series.
The narrative begins in 2020 as Martha Allen, a London DCI, gets a surprising call from a former colleague to report a murder case he's investigating in Bristol. The victim was a mysterious figure in a case they worked together back in the 1990s.
The narrative then moves back to 1990 as Allen is assigned to that case: a horrifying incident of infant snatched from her parents' hotel room in the middle of the night.
What I loved about this part of Missing was that there was NO dual timeline. I feel like most of the books I read have chapter to chapter timeline switching and it was so refreshing to just absorb myself in one time and place. This part of the book was extremely intense and gripping as Martha and her team try to locate the baby.
The last quarter of the book moved forward to 2020 and this is where things fell apart a little for me. The book's resolution went with the oddest possible connection between their victim and the former case, one that had me seriously scratching my head. For me, procedurals are often about working the most obvious solutions. Hearing hoofbeats and checking horses, cows, deer, etc. Not an addax.
That said, I really liked Jackson's writing, the characters, the colleague relationship between Martha and Desbury , and Martha's observations about being a female police officer in the 1990s through the 2020s. I will happily read her next book!
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
The narrative begins in 2020 as Martha Allen, a London DCI, gets a surprising call from a former colleague to report a murder case he's investigating in Bristol. The victim was a mysterious figure in a case they worked together back in the 1990s.
The narrative then moves back to 1990 as Allen is assigned to that case: a horrifying incident of infant snatched from her parents' hotel room in the middle of the night.
What I loved about this part of Missing was that there was NO dual timeline. I feel like most of the books I read have chapter to chapter timeline switching and it was so refreshing to just absorb myself in one time and place. This part of the book was extremely intense and gripping as Martha and her team try to locate the baby.
The last quarter of the book moved forward to 2020 and this is where things fell apart a little for me. The book's resolution went with the oddest possible connection between their victim and the former case, one that had me seriously scratching my head. For me, procedurals are often about working the most obvious solutions. Hearing hoofbeats and checking horses, cows, deer, etc. Not an addax.
That said, I really liked Jackson's writing, the characters, the colleague relationship between Martha and Desbury , and Martha's observations about being a female police officer in the 1990s through the 2020s. I will happily read her next book!
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
April 28, 2026
In this debut novel by E.A. Jackson, readers are introduced to DI Martha Allen. Martha begins digging into the case of a disappearance three damaged ago. When she was new on the job, a baby named Bella Carter was snatched. Assigned to the case, even though the baby had been returned, Martha had her doubts about if things were as neat and tidy as they seemed.
Now decades have passed and the woman who returned the baby all those years ago, Nell Beatty, has been found murdered. Martha has risen in the ranks of the force, and is now superintendent. Just as she dove into the case of the missing baby previously, Martha dives into the current murder. She is certain the two cases are connected, but just might find herself surprised by what she begins to discover.
Martha is an intriguing character and I look forward to giving this series another shot when the next book comes out.
Many thanks to Atria and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Now decades have passed and the woman who returned the baby all those years ago, Nell Beatty, has been found murdered. Martha has risen in the ranks of the force, and is now superintendent. Just as she dove into the case of the missing baby previously, Martha dives into the current murder. She is certain the two cases are connected, but just might find herself surprised by what she begins to discover.
Martha is an intriguing character and I look forward to giving this series another shot when the next book comes out.
Many thanks to Atria and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
January 7, 2026
Set during the sweltering heatwave of August 1990, this novel opens with the abduction of baby Bella Carpenter, taken through the open window of her London hotel room. Detective Inspector Martha Allen is assigned to the high-profile investigation and is determined to solve the case, fully aware that its outcome could define her career. When a young woman named Nell Beatty walks into a police station carrying a baby who appears to be Bella—claiming she discovered the child abandoned on a bench—the case seems to be resolved. Bella’s family, the police, and the press are jubilant. Yet DI Allen remains unconvinced. Nell’s story doesn’t quite add up, and despite being ordered to close the investigation now that the child is home safely, Allen cannot fully silence her doubts.
Thirty years later, Nell Beatty is found dead. Now a superintendent, Allen has never truly let go of the lingering questions surrounding the Carpenter case. Nell’s death reignites her curiosity, and she begins to investigate quietly on her own time, hoping to uncover the truth about Nell’s past and her role in Bella’s disappearance. As Allen digs deeper, she is forced to confront unsettling possibilities—ones darker than she ever anticipated—and must decide how much she is willing to risk in pursuit of long-buried answers.
The narrative is divided into two parts. The first follows the 1990 investigation from Allen’s perspective, charting her determined efforts to piece together who took Bella and why. The second half moves to 2020, where an older, higher-ranking Allen is still haunted by unresolved questions. Nell Beatty’s death prompts her to unofficially reopen the case, gradually uncovering the events that led Nell to walk into the police station with the child. The final chapter shifts to Nell’s point of view, providing a compelling and emotional account of what truly happened.
The novel is well-written and thoroughly researched, making it both engaging and accessible. The pacing is steady and absorbing, and the characters are fully realized, encouraging emotional investment in their fates. The conclusion is satisfying—both anticipated in some respects and surprising in others, with twists that feel earned rather than contrived.
In addition to delivering a gripping crime narrative, Jackson thoughtfully explores complex social issues, including addiction, poverty, domestic abuse, racial intolerance, misogyny, miscarriage, and infertility. These themes are woven into the story with sensitivity and depth, enhancing rather than overwhelming the central mystery.
Overall, this is an excellent and compelling read—highly recommended for fans of crime fiction and suspense who appreciate nuanced characters and morally layered storytelling.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Simon & Schuster for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#NetGalley #Simon&Schuster #Missing
Thirty years later, Nell Beatty is found dead. Now a superintendent, Allen has never truly let go of the lingering questions surrounding the Carpenter case. Nell’s death reignites her curiosity, and she begins to investigate quietly on her own time, hoping to uncover the truth about Nell’s past and her role in Bella’s disappearance. As Allen digs deeper, she is forced to confront unsettling possibilities—ones darker than she ever anticipated—and must decide how much she is willing to risk in pursuit of long-buried answers.
The narrative is divided into two parts. The first follows the 1990 investigation from Allen’s perspective, charting her determined efforts to piece together who took Bella and why. The second half moves to 2020, where an older, higher-ranking Allen is still haunted by unresolved questions. Nell Beatty’s death prompts her to unofficially reopen the case, gradually uncovering the events that led Nell to walk into the police station with the child. The final chapter shifts to Nell’s point of view, providing a compelling and emotional account of what truly happened.
The novel is well-written and thoroughly researched, making it both engaging and accessible. The pacing is steady and absorbing, and the characters are fully realized, encouraging emotional investment in their fates. The conclusion is satisfying—both anticipated in some respects and surprising in others, with twists that feel earned rather than contrived.
In addition to delivering a gripping crime narrative, Jackson thoughtfully explores complex social issues, including addiction, poverty, domestic abuse, racial intolerance, misogyny, miscarriage, and infertility. These themes are woven into the story with sensitivity and depth, enhancing rather than overwhelming the central mystery.
Overall, this is an excellent and compelling read—highly recommended for fans of crime fiction and suspense who appreciate nuanced characters and morally layered storytelling.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Simon & Schuster for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#NetGalley #Simon&Schuster #Missing
March 27, 2026
I loved every second of this read. I do love a good British police procedural, and this gave me everything I was looking for. A plot that was deeply layered, twisty, and could be taken in so many different directions. The cast of characters are fantastically formed and have depth. Making me instantly connect with them. The story is about every parent's worst fear. A baby is taken from its basket in the wee hours of the morning. How can a five-month-old baby not wake its parents up while being taken down a fire escape? The mother is wracked with fear. The father is barely holding on. Will Baby Bella be found?
I loved that it is set in 1990 and thirty years later it is the case that has always stuck with Detective Inspector Martha Allen. She always believed that there was something off with the outcome of the case. It is the itch that she has never been able to scratch. Until one of officers that worked on the case with her contacts her to let her know Nell Beatty has been found dead. Nell was connected to the Baby Bella case. This is giving Allen a reason to finally really look back into the case that has haunted her all these years.
I do not want to go into many detail and give anything away. I loved the hunt and the search for new clues, new witnesses, and seeing how the puzzle pieces all finally come together. That last chapter threw me; my jaw was on the floor, my mouth gaping like a fish. I was beyond excited to find out that this is the first in its series, I cannot wait for book 2. Thank you to E.A. Jackson and Emily Bestler Books for my gifted copy!
I loved that it is set in 1990 and thirty years later it is the case that has always stuck with Detective Inspector Martha Allen. She always believed that there was something off with the outcome of the case. It is the itch that she has never been able to scratch. Until one of officers that worked on the case with her contacts her to let her know Nell Beatty has been found dead. Nell was connected to the Baby Bella case. This is giving Allen a reason to finally really look back into the case that has haunted her all these years.
I do not want to go into many detail and give anything away. I loved the hunt and the search for new clues, new witnesses, and seeing how the puzzle pieces all finally come together. That last chapter threw me; my jaw was on the floor, my mouth gaping like a fish. I was beyond excited to find out that this is the first in its series, I cannot wait for book 2. Thank you to E.A. Jackson and Emily Bestler Books for my gifted copy!
March 8, 2026
I enjoy a good crime thriller and this one definitely surprised me on how much I enjoyed it. I was instantly drawn in from the beginning and found myself not wanting to put it down. I loved having both the past and present timelines and being able to see each investigation play out. I did enjoy the twists that happened throughout and even though it could be a little predictable at times, it was still an enjoyable read.
Overall, I enjoyed this one and recommend it to anyone who likes crime thrillers and police procedurals!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Overall, I enjoyed this one and recommend it to anyone who likes crime thrillers and police procedurals!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review!
March 17, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
Missing started out strong with the mysterious disappearance of a baby from a couple’s hotel room. The lead detective is a determined woman who doesn’t back away from challenges. The storyline details the investigation for a good chunk of the book and this is where it starts to drag for me. Finally, at the one-third mark, the focus turns to one of the parents. I enjoyed the storyline, and I usually love a slow-burn build-up in domestic suspense novels, but the pacing was off for me. Overall, this is a solid book and I look forward to reading more from this author! The narration was fantastic by one of my favorite actresses, Nicola Walker.
Missing started out strong with the mysterious disappearance of a baby from a couple’s hotel room. The lead detective is a determined woman who doesn’t back away from challenges. The storyline details the investigation for a good chunk of the book and this is where it starts to drag for me. Finally, at the one-third mark, the focus turns to one of the parents. I enjoyed the storyline, and I usually love a slow-burn build-up in domestic suspense novels, but the pacing was off for me. Overall, this is a solid book and I look forward to reading more from this author! The narration was fantastic by one of my favorite actresses, Nicola Walker.
March 24, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
March 27, 2026
3.5 stars
This was an entertaining crime story. While it doesn’t break new ground, I enjoyed the main character and the overarching mystery. It is somewhat predictable, but there’s a twist at the end that caught me off guard. There are also several references to the Lindbergh baby kidnapping, which makes sense given how many parallels the story draws to it. Overall, this wasn’t anything remarkable, but if this turns into a series, I’d probably pick up the next book.
This was an entertaining crime story. While it doesn’t break new ground, I enjoyed the main character and the overarching mystery. It is somewhat predictable, but there’s a twist at the end that caught me off guard. There are also several references to the Lindbergh baby kidnapping, which makes sense given how many parallels the story draws to it. Overall, this wasn’t anything remarkable, but if this turns into a series, I’d probably pick up the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A big thank you to NetGalley and Atria books for the ecopy in exchange for an honest review 💚
the premise of this book is excellent.
Unfortunately, it felt like it needed a good round of editing to cut down on some unnecessary information.
The main storyline remains interesting, I'm sure a lot of readers will enjoy this one nonetheless
the premise of this book is excellent.
Unfortunately, it felt like it needed a good round of editing to cut down on some unnecessary information.
The main storyline remains interesting, I'm sure a lot of readers will enjoy this one nonetheless
April 6, 2026
Thank you @Atriabooks #AtriaPartner for the free book 💖.
This debut novel is definitely a slow burn, but it’s the kind that really pays off in the end. I really enjoyed it. The story is told in two parts and slowly pulls you into a mystery that sticks with the main character for decades. There were a few parts that felt a bit too slow for me, but patience really does deliver in the end.
The first part takes place in 1990 and follows a high profile case involving the disappearance of a baby. We see the investigation through Detective Inspector Martha Allen, who is under a lot of pressure to help solve the case. The details of the investigation really pull you in. During a brutal heatwave in London in August 1990, baby Bella Carpenter is abducted through an open hotel window. Later, when a young woman named Nell Beatty brings a baby to the police, claiming she found her on a bench, the child appears to be Bella and the case is quickly closed. But even after the case is officially closed, Martha is left with a lot of doubts. Something about it just never quite sat right with her.
The second part of the book jumps ahead. Thirty years later, Nell Beatty is found dead. By now, Martha is older and more experienced, but she’s never been able to fully let go of that case. As she quietly investigates Nell’s past, she finally has the chance to dig back into what really happened all those years ago and hopefully get the answers she’s been wondering about for decades.
It’s one of those stories where the tension builds slowly, but the payoff at the end makes it totally worth it. It’s quite the story and a solid debut.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read if you like:
🍼Cold case mysteries
🍼Police procedural
🍼London setting
🍼Dual timelines
🍼Character driven plot
⚠️CW: Kidnapping, infertility, sexism, miscarriage, addiction, death.
This debut novel is definitely a slow burn, but it’s the kind that really pays off in the end. I really enjoyed it. The story is told in two parts and slowly pulls you into a mystery that sticks with the main character for decades. There were a few parts that felt a bit too slow for me, but patience really does deliver in the end.
The first part takes place in 1990 and follows a high profile case involving the disappearance of a baby. We see the investigation through Detective Inspector Martha Allen, who is under a lot of pressure to help solve the case. The details of the investigation really pull you in. During a brutal heatwave in London in August 1990, baby Bella Carpenter is abducted through an open hotel window. Later, when a young woman named Nell Beatty brings a baby to the police, claiming she found her on a bench, the child appears to be Bella and the case is quickly closed. But even after the case is officially closed, Martha is left with a lot of doubts. Something about it just never quite sat right with her.
The second part of the book jumps ahead. Thirty years later, Nell Beatty is found dead. By now, Martha is older and more experienced, but she’s never been able to fully let go of that case. As she quietly investigates Nell’s past, she finally has the chance to dig back into what really happened all those years ago and hopefully get the answers she’s been wondering about for decades.
It’s one of those stories where the tension builds slowly, but the payoff at the end makes it totally worth it. It’s quite the story and a solid debut.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read if you like:
🍼Cold case mysteries
🍼Police procedural
🍼London setting
🍼Dual timelines
🍼Character driven plot
⚠️CW: Kidnapping, infertility, sexism, miscarriage, addiction, death.
March 17, 2026
I had to sit and take a beat after closing this book, my head still spinning after the fabulous ending.
What a terrific read. This book — a “maybe-murder” mystery— is a true slow burn, written with skill, and impeccable class, from the very first pages, all the way through to that dazzling finish.
Spanning two time periods separated by a span of thirty years, we are introduced to the 1990 world of our main protagonist, DI Martha Allen, a serious and sometimes obsessive London-based police inspector, who is dealing with the emotionally charged disappearance of a five-month old baby named Bella Carpenter. The case is complex, may or may not involve a heinous murder, and seems to center on a strange and beautiful woman named Nell Beatty.
Thirty years later and Martha is now a Detective Superintendent when she is unexpectedly drawn into the original baby Bella case again. This time, Martha will find herself travelling across the country to Bristol, where she will refuse to give the case up, until she has solved every shred of mystery still attached to it.
Reminiscent of a somewhat less verbose Elizabeth George (one of this reader’s all time favourite mystery writers), this is an immersive and detailed police procedural, written with such finesse that literally everything that happens makes perfect sense, — all leads are organized and followed through in a process that feels, well, real and sensible, with all of it adding up to what can only be seen as a tidy, tight, and a terrifically readable read.
Peopled with characters, every single one of them, who radiate with such a perfect degree of authenticity, in this book we are welcomed into lives, filled with experiences, hardships and yearnings that ring so true, with consequences so recognizable, that we the reader, will absolutely feel along with each character.
I adored this book, and cannot wait to read more of what I hope to be an upcoming series.
A great big thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
What a terrific read. This book — a “maybe-murder” mystery— is a true slow burn, written with skill, and impeccable class, from the very first pages, all the way through to that dazzling finish.
Spanning two time periods separated by a span of thirty years, we are introduced to the 1990 world of our main protagonist, DI Martha Allen, a serious and sometimes obsessive London-based police inspector, who is dealing with the emotionally charged disappearance of a five-month old baby named Bella Carpenter. The case is complex, may or may not involve a heinous murder, and seems to center on a strange and beautiful woman named Nell Beatty.
Thirty years later and Martha is now a Detective Superintendent when she is unexpectedly drawn into the original baby Bella case again. This time, Martha will find herself travelling across the country to Bristol, where she will refuse to give the case up, until she has solved every shred of mystery still attached to it.
Reminiscent of a somewhat less verbose Elizabeth George (one of this reader’s all time favourite mystery writers), this is an immersive and detailed police procedural, written with such finesse that literally everything that happens makes perfect sense, — all leads are organized and followed through in a process that feels, well, real and sensible, with all of it adding up to what can only be seen as a tidy, tight, and a terrifically readable read.
Peopled with characters, every single one of them, who radiate with such a perfect degree of authenticity, in this book we are welcomed into lives, filled with experiences, hardships and yearnings that ring so true, with consequences so recognizable, that we the reader, will absolutely feel along with each character.
I adored this book, and cannot wait to read more of what I hope to be an upcoming series.
A great big thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
March 18, 2026
I love a good police procedural and this one was really great, with lots of details. That being said, the first part of the book, set in the past and with the scenario of an infant being kidnapped, moved along quite slowly for me. I was interested in DI Martha Allen finding the baby but I felt bogged down with a lot of the tedious and repetitive parts of the investigation. There was not a lot of new discoveries made and I felt at times like I was plodding through a quagmire of checking all the boxes as this investigation continued. Once the murder happened and DI Allen began a side investigation into the connection between the kidnapping in the past and the current murder, I was totally absorbed in the story and captivated by the well-crafted story as well as the pacing. This story is one that is compelling, relevant in its treatment of topics like abuse and totally absorbing in the way DI Allen is so absolutely determined to find out the truth despite opposition from many around her. The characters were not especially relatable to me but they were believable, especially the way women investigators were set apart from the men and the way Norton, Allen’s fellow detective, resented her and treated her as less than worthy to hold her position. The plot was a compelling one, particularly the second half, and it kept me thoroughly engaged and ready to follow clues and help solve the mystery. The two stories dovetail perfectly in a meticulously plotted story that was remarkably clever. The expert plotting was one of the best and most satisfying ways to draw everything together that I have ever read, so will definitely look for more from this talented and intriguing author.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
April 1, 2026
[arc review]
Thank you to Atria Books for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Missing releases March 17, 2026
During a summer heatwave in London of 1990, a baby is returned to police by a woman who claims to have found her at a park bench, days after being snatched from a hotel room. Despite the case wrapping up neatly, Detective Allen has a sinking feeling that something isn’t quite right.
Thirty years later, that same upstanding citizen who found the baby is pronounced dead, which gives Detective Allen the push she needs to reinvestigate the case that has haunted her entire career.
Even though the reader already knew the gist of what was about to happen from reading the synopsis, the writing in the first half of the story still managed to be propulsive. That being said, the second half was extremely monotonous, and the reveal had the predictability of the sky being blue.
I think this story would’ve worked better if the two timelines had been structured as alternating chapters as a way to build and layer suspense.
Thank you to Atria Books for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Missing releases March 17, 2026
During a summer heatwave in London of 1990, a baby is returned to police by a woman who claims to have found her at a park bench, days after being snatched from a hotel room. Despite the case wrapping up neatly, Detective Allen has a sinking feeling that something isn’t quite right.
Thirty years later, that same upstanding citizen who found the baby is pronounced dead, which gives Detective Allen the push she needs to reinvestigate the case that has haunted her entire career.
Even though the reader already knew the gist of what was about to happen from reading the synopsis, the writing in the first half of the story still managed to be propulsive. That being said, the second half was extremely monotonous, and the reveal had the predictability of the sky being blue.
I think this story would’ve worked better if the two timelines had been structured as alternating chapters as a way to build and layer suspense.
January 14, 2026
This was a very enjoyable thriller about a missing child that hooks you from the start. This story very closely follows Detective Inspector Martha Allen who watches as the case of a missing baby is wrapped up pretty quickly and the baby is seemingly returned to her parents unharmed after being left at the police station by an unknown woman, who disappears immediately after… but something about the whole situation doesn’t feel right to Martha, and we follow her 30 years on as she tries to figure out what happened that day once and for all.
I throughly enjoyed this mystery! I thought it was very cleverly written and I really liked the fact that the book is split into two parts. The first part is set in 1990 on the day of the kidnapping and the days that follow, and the second part is set in 2020 as Martha delves back into the case. I loved the character of Martha, and found myself getting very attached to her throughout the book.
I always really enjoy thrillers about kidnappings, but more often than not find them predictable, but I was definitely surprised by the outcome of this book, especially the last chapter and it left me speechless! This was a solid thriller and there’s definitely a few surprises along the way which I think thriller fans would enjoy!
Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I throughly enjoyed this mystery! I thought it was very cleverly written and I really liked the fact that the book is split into two parts. The first part is set in 1990 on the day of the kidnapping and the days that follow, and the second part is set in 2020 as Martha delves back into the case. I loved the character of Martha, and found myself getting very attached to her throughout the book.
I always really enjoy thrillers about kidnappings, but more often than not find them predictable, but I was definitely surprised by the outcome of this book, especially the last chapter and it left me speechless! This was a solid thriller and there’s definitely a few surprises along the way which I think thriller fans would enjoy!
Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2026
This debut novel from E.A Jackson is an interesting read for readers who love police procedural stories. I appreciated the slow and descriptive progress of looking through evidence, interviewing suspects, and detective work into the backgrounds of the characters. I felt like it was a slow and progressive build up and allowed the reader to think about the evidence. I do feel like there were times where details were not needed and filler words that could have been cut. The main character (DI Allen) was a likeable character. The story itself felt like I’ve seen it before (perhaps in a law and order: special victims episode), so not really surprising - but I thoroughly enjoyed the ending. It was predictable… but I enjoyed it nonetheless. 3.5 ⭐️
Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy. This review is based on my own opinions. Happy publication day!
Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy. This review is based on my own opinions. Happy publication day!
March 22, 2026
30 years prior, Detective Inspector Martha Allen gets called when a baby is missing from a hotel. The parents are obviously hysterical and say they had the window open because of the heat and someone must have stolen their baby. Miraculously, Nell Beatty happens to be walking to work and finds the baby alone on a park bench and immediately takes her to the police where she is returned to her family. All’s well that ends well, right? But something doesn’t sit right with DI Allen, but she’s instructed by superiors to let it go. When Nell is found deceased 30 years later, Martha is determined to find out the truth! 👀 What I liked most about this book was the “cold case” feel to Martha’s current investigation incorporating new techniques and computer searches to get her answers. Good read!
Thank you to the authors, publishers and Goodreads for giving me the opportunity to read and review 😊 Thank you for the Advanced Readers Copy and trusting me with your words! 💕Disclaimer - I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway
Thank you to the authors, publishers and Goodreads for giving me the opportunity to read and review 😊 Thank you for the Advanced Readers Copy and trusting me with your words! 💕Disclaimer - I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway
March 7, 2026
Some cases refuse to stay buried—and in Missing, the truth has been waiting thirty years to surface. 🔎📖
During a brutal heatwave in London in 1990, baby Bella Carpenter is snatched through the open window of a hotel room, launching a frantic, high-profile investigation led by Detective Inspector Martha Allen. When a young woman named Nell Beatty walks into a police station with a baby she claims to have found on a park bench, it seems like a miracle—the missing child has been returned.
But Martha Allen isn’t convinced.
Something about Nell’s story feels wrong. Still, with the baby safe and public pressure mounting, Allen is ordered to close the case—whether she believes it or not.
Thirty years later, Nell Beatty is found dead.
Now a police superintendent, Allen has never shaken the feeling that the Carpenter case was built on a lie. When she starts digging into the past, long-buried secrets begin to surface—secrets that could finally reveal what really happened to baby Bella… and why the truth was hidden for so long.
Dark, atmospheric, and impossible to put down, this twisty crime thriller is perfect for fans of Tana French who love cold cases, buried secrets, and detectives who refuse to let the past stay silent. 🕵️♀️✨
During a brutal heatwave in London in 1990, baby Bella Carpenter is snatched through the open window of a hotel room, launching a frantic, high-profile investigation led by Detective Inspector Martha Allen. When a young woman named Nell Beatty walks into a police station with a baby she claims to have found on a park bench, it seems like a miracle—the missing child has been returned.
But Martha Allen isn’t convinced.
Something about Nell’s story feels wrong. Still, with the baby safe and public pressure mounting, Allen is ordered to close the case—whether she believes it or not.
Thirty years later, Nell Beatty is found dead.
Now a police superintendent, Allen has never shaken the feeling that the Carpenter case was built on a lie. When she starts digging into the past, long-buried secrets begin to surface—secrets that could finally reveal what really happened to baby Bella… and why the truth was hidden for so long.
Dark, atmospheric, and impossible to put down, this twisty crime thriller is perfect for fans of Tana French who love cold cases, buried secrets, and detectives who refuse to let the past stay silent. 🕵️♀️✨
March 17, 2026
If you love a cold case procedural with a jaw-dropping twist, this one is for you.
Missing by E.A. Jackson publishes TODAY and it is such a solid debut. It follows DI Martha Allen, a sharp and tenacious detective who in 1990 is assigned to lead a high profile missing infant case in London. And this is the 1990s Met Police — still very much a boys club — so having a woman lead this investigation is a big deal.
Baby Bella Carpenter disappears from a hotel room. Martha works every lead, suspects the father, but before she can crack it — the baby turns up. A teenager named Nell brings her in, claiming she found the baby at a bus stop. Case closed. Except Martha never believed it. And that case haunts her for thirty years.
Flash forward to today. Nell is murdered. Martha isn’t investigating the murder — she’s finally going back to find the truth about what really happened to baby Bella. And the twist at the end? I did not see it coming.
And if you’re an audiobook listener, Nicola Walker’s narration is absolutely top notch. She brings Martha to life perfectly. Highly recommended. Thank you Simon & Schuster Audio for the gifted early listen.
Missing by E.A. Jackson publishes TODAY and it is such a solid debut. It follows DI Martha Allen, a sharp and tenacious detective who in 1990 is assigned to lead a high profile missing infant case in London. And this is the 1990s Met Police — still very much a boys club — so having a woman lead this investigation is a big deal.
Baby Bella Carpenter disappears from a hotel room. Martha works every lead, suspects the father, but before she can crack it — the baby turns up. A teenager named Nell brings her in, claiming she found the baby at a bus stop. Case closed. Except Martha never believed it. And that case haunts her for thirty years.
Flash forward to today. Nell is murdered. Martha isn’t investigating the murder — she’s finally going back to find the truth about what really happened to baby Bella. And the twist at the end? I did not see it coming.
And if you’re an audiobook listener, Nicola Walker’s narration is absolutely top notch. She brings Martha to life perfectly. Highly recommended. Thank you Simon & Schuster Audio for the gifted early listen.
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