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James Lalonde #1
Missing: A James Lalonde Novella
James has a nose for trouble. But that’s nothing new.
This time, things are different...
…his life is on the line.
James is the chief editor of a small newspaper. It’s hardly captivating work. He’s bored. But, all of that is about to change.
In the early hours of the morning, he returns home to discover that his long-time girlfriend and journalist, Valentine has unexpectedly left.
Later that morning, James fails to reallocate Valentine’s assigned story. To avoid blank space in the culture section, and losing his job, he decides to write the story on the local museum’s latest acquisition, Excalibur.
But, there’s one thing he didn’t count on…
James turns up at the meeting with the curator, to discover a dead body and a missing sword.
As his investigations commence, James attempts to unravel a tangled web of betrayal, kidnapping and murder.
But, his investigations haven’t gone unrecognised. The wrong people have started to notice. And, there will be consequences… dire consequences.
You’ll love this gripping cloak and dagger mystery because of the twists, turns, and ending you’ll never guess.
Get it now.
This time, things are different...
…his life is on the line.
James is the chief editor of a small newspaper. It’s hardly captivating work. He’s bored. But, all of that is about to change.
In the early hours of the morning, he returns home to discover that his long-time girlfriend and journalist, Valentine has unexpectedly left.
Later that morning, James fails to reallocate Valentine’s assigned story. To avoid blank space in the culture section, and losing his job, he decides to write the story on the local museum’s latest acquisition, Excalibur.
But, there’s one thing he didn’t count on…
James turns up at the meeting with the curator, to discover a dead body and a missing sword.
As his investigations commence, James attempts to unravel a tangled web of betrayal, kidnapping and murder.
But, his investigations haven’t gone unrecognised. The wrong people have started to notice. And, there will be consequences… dire consequences.
You’ll love this gripping cloak and dagger mystery because of the twists, turns, and ending you’ll never guess.
Get it now.
- GenresMystery ThrillerMystery
230 pages, Paperback
Published January 26, 2020
71 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
A.D. Hay
8 books5 followersA.D. Hay is a passionate bibliophile and can usually be found reading a book, and that book will most likely be a murder mystery. Amelia is the author of The Lawn, Suspicion, and Duplicity—the first three books in the James Lalonde Amateur Sleuth Mystery Series and The Locked Room. The Candidate is the first book in the Rookie Reporter Mystery series.
When not absorbed in a gripping page-turner or writing her James Lalonde series, Amelia loves to travel around Europe, drink tea and rosé, and eat pizza. She is obsessed with journalism, art history and is a closet religious thriller fan. Amelia was born in Brisbane, Australia and spent the last ten years living in London, where she lives with her husband.
For more books and updates:
www.authoradhay.com
When not absorbed in a gripping page-turner or writing her James Lalonde series, Amelia loves to travel around Europe, drink tea and rosé, and eat pizza. She is obsessed with journalism, art history and is a closet religious thriller fan. Amelia was born in Brisbane, Australia and spent the last ten years living in London, where she lives with her husband.
For more books and updates:
www.authoradhay.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 13, 2020
As a novella, Missing is definitely a read in one sitting type of story. Obviously you can read it over longer if you wish but I picked it up and started it and then all of a sudden found myself at the end as I had been that engrossed.
The story reminded me a little bit of The Librarian that stars Noah Wyle. Solely because the storyline centres around a missing sword and a museum. James whilst getting himself into a whole heap of trouble, is a bored journalist waiting for some excitement in his job. Well he sure gets more than he bargained for in this book!
It isn’t an overly dark crime thriller, more of a mystery, whodunnit, kind of read. There are some likeable characters and some definitely not so likeable. I enjoyed the relationship between James and the police and am interested to see with how this story ends, where the author will take her readers next.
Missing was an enthralling read and is the start of a promising new crime series. There is enough going on to hold the readers interest throughout and could easily see this being adapted for the television. Looking forward to more from the author.
My thanks to the author for a readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
The story reminded me a little bit of The Librarian that stars Noah Wyle. Solely because the storyline centres around a missing sword and a museum. James whilst getting himself into a whole heap of trouble, is a bored journalist waiting for some excitement in his job. Well he sure gets more than he bargained for in this book!
It isn’t an overly dark crime thriller, more of a mystery, whodunnit, kind of read. There are some likeable characters and some definitely not so likeable. I enjoyed the relationship between James and the police and am interested to see with how this story ends, where the author will take her readers next.
Missing was an enthralling read and is the start of a promising new crime series. There is enough going on to hold the readers interest throughout and could easily see this being adapted for the television. Looking forward to more from the author.
My thanks to the author for a readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
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April 25, 2020The salient points of the story were an intriguing premise with a winding road of investigation where a few truths came to light. But it was the ending which quite turned the tables.
But the pulse spike , awe and mystery about Arthurian sword, the suspense and atmosphere that a thriller ought to have were missing.
A light read.
But the pulse spike , awe and mystery about Arthurian sword, the suspense and atmosphere that a thriller ought to have were missing.
A light read.
November 21, 2023
This was a bit of a confusing mess. The characters are poorly written, the plot is ridiculous at best and the whole thing just seems disjointed. First, the characters: there is literally no one in this book that I cared about. We get hardly any background on the namesake character who then appears remote and unlikable. His girlfriend is one-dimensional and the murder suspect is vague at best. The other characters are frankly no better. I rooted for no one in this story.
Then there is the plot: I had trouble keeping track of anything but the basics. Someone is murdered, someone else is the suspect, a newspaper editor takes up her story but about midway through the book the editor and his subject stop talking and she drops out of the picture for a while. The sub-plot is the really hokey bit. I won't spoil anything, but it involves a wealthy investor and an antidote. No, really.
Maybe it was my extreme level of disinterest in this book (I had to make myself finish it) but I had trouble keeping track of the more subtle plot points. Again, that could have been me. There were several distractions for me with this work. One, every chapter has someone crying. The description of a tear running down someone's cheek must appear dozens of times here. I think the author is trying to convey emotion with this one tool but after a while it becomes simply repetitive. Two, unless I completely misunderstand the British system of law and order, I find it hard to believe an editor of a small newspaper could tell a PC to obtain a warrant and then guide him through the investigation. And just when I thought there was going to be a parting of the clouds and sun rays of evidence were going to shine down on the mystery, well, the book just sort of stumbles and bumbles to the end.
Then there is the plot: I had trouble keeping track of anything but the basics. Someone is murdered, someone else is the suspect, a newspaper editor takes up her story but about midway through the book the editor and his subject stop talking and she drops out of the picture for a while. The sub-plot is the really hokey bit. I won't spoil anything, but it involves a wealthy investor and an antidote. No, really.
Maybe it was my extreme level of disinterest in this book (I had to make myself finish it) but I had trouble keeping track of the more subtle plot points. Again, that could have been me. There were several distractions for me with this work. One, every chapter has someone crying. The description of a tear running down someone's cheek must appear dozens of times here. I think the author is trying to convey emotion with this one tool but after a while it becomes simply repetitive. Two, unless I completely misunderstand the British system of law and order, I find it hard to believe an editor of a small newspaper could tell a PC to obtain a warrant and then guide him through the investigation. And just when I thought there was going to be a parting of the clouds and sun rays of evidence were going to shine down on the mystery, well, the book just sort of stumbles and bumbles to the end.
May 8, 2020
This is a quick one sitting read, well it was for me, it is also quick in the pacing of the story. James Lalonde is the Chief Editor of a small newspaper. He takes over an interview about the discovery of Excalibar, but is caught up in a crime scene.
This has all the hallmarks of a whodunnit style of cosy mystery, and in fact if you removed some of the modern items it could easily be set a few decades ago. The story is one that is quite captivating and my curiosity kept me hooked to the story. It has plenty of intrigue and characters that I quickly got to know, some I liked some I didn’t. Given the quick nature of this novella, the balance of characters was appropriate.
AS I mentioned the pace of the story is quick, in fact there were times it felt just a tad too quick. By this I mean some of the leaps between clues or the way things were thought out by the characters happened a little too conveniently and with only the slightest hint of a link. But you know what, it didn’t bother me that much, it just caught me out a couple of times.
An interesting and intriguing novella that was a quick one-sitting read and one that I think would appeal to cosy mystery readers and one I would recommend.
This has all the hallmarks of a whodunnit style of cosy mystery, and in fact if you removed some of the modern items it could easily be set a few decades ago. The story is one that is quite captivating and my curiosity kept me hooked to the story. It has plenty of intrigue and characters that I quickly got to know, some I liked some I didn’t. Given the quick nature of this novella, the balance of characters was appropriate.
AS I mentioned the pace of the story is quick, in fact there were times it felt just a tad too quick. By this I mean some of the leaps between clues or the way things were thought out by the characters happened a little too conveniently and with only the slightest hint of a link. But you know what, it didn’t bother me that much, it just caught me out a couple of times.
An interesting and intriguing novella that was a quick one-sitting read and one that I think would appeal to cosy mystery readers and one I would recommend.
October 16, 2022
The Advanced Reader Copy of Suspicion by A.D Hay takes the world of anthropological digs and mixes it with a murder mystery. The description of the book sounded fascinating but it's overall progress from one chapter to another felt at time jumpy and lacking connection. Characters are introduced in present day and flashbacks present to childhood memories which bear little connection to the storyline. One chapter has a character described as menacing and several chapters later they become trustworthy, the plot felt rushed overall. Overall I felt with some development of the story and logical connections present this book could be improved.
February 18, 2021
Missing by A.D. Hay
A James Lalonde Novella
An ancient sword
Might be King Arthur’s
Abduction
Murder
Mystery
Loss
What I liked:
* The idea of King Arthur’s sword
* The mystery surrounding it
* Wondering who is behind the theft
* The introduction to James
* Maximillian intrigued me…not a good man, perhaps but definitely intriguing
* Wondering where the story will go next
What I didn’t like:
* The people behind the murder and theft – want to know more about them
* Knowing that art thieves exist and will murder to get what they want
* Feeling that I wanted to know more about everyone and having the book end
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to the author and BOTBS for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 Stars
A James Lalonde Novella
An ancient sword
Might be King Arthur’s
Abduction
Murder
Mystery
Loss
What I liked:
* The idea of King Arthur’s sword
* The mystery surrounding it
* Wondering who is behind the theft
* The introduction to James
* Maximillian intrigued me…not a good man, perhaps but definitely intriguing
* Wondering where the story will go next
What I didn’t like:
* The people behind the murder and theft – want to know more about them
* Knowing that art thieves exist and will murder to get what they want
* Feeling that I wanted to know more about everyone and having the book end
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to the author and BOTBS for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 Stars
August 24, 2022
I do like a good murder mystery and Suspicion by A.D. Hay is not a bad effort at all.
The book opens well with the reader seeing one of the main characters in the novella, Elizabeth, coming into her darkened flat, late at night, the worse for wear and it is tense and suspenseful. The murder takes place shortly after and it is soon after that that we meet our hero, James Lalonde.
Editor of a newspaper in Northampton, England, Lalonde is a Frenchman under pressure from the demands of his job and a potentially dying relationship. When his reporter fails to turn up for work, he welcomes the distraction of interviewing Elizabeth about her work, only to find that her apartment is the scene of a murder. When she subsequently calls on James as a contact when arrested, he finds himself involved in the investigation in a bid to clear Elizabeth. However, with a lack of evidence pointing to anyone else, this is tricky.
At the centre of the murder is a sword, believed to be Excalibur but found in fragments and as this has also been taken, there is a lot at stake for Elizabeth in clearing her name for the killing and also the theft, to continue to pursue her passion for archaeology.
Day is a competent writer and the narrative flows easily with a thread throughout which is easy to follow. Dialogue is snappy and conveys a sense of character but I did feel that the relationships and the characters themselves could have been developed in more depth. Lalonde is likeable but I felt like he could be more charismatic as the potential was there; however, this did not always come through in the story. He is capable and honest and sensitive and all of the other things that you would expect from your hero and his Frenchness automatically gives him that outsider presence, an observer on the periphery, that is present in the protagonist of all atmospheric detective novels. As this is a first novella, perhaps this will be something that becomes more pronounced in subsequent books.
If you like murder mysteries that are easy to read and not too dark in their content, then this is a perfect choice.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving a review voluntarily.
The book opens well with the reader seeing one of the main characters in the novella, Elizabeth, coming into her darkened flat, late at night, the worse for wear and it is tense and suspenseful. The murder takes place shortly after and it is soon after that that we meet our hero, James Lalonde.
Editor of a newspaper in Northampton, England, Lalonde is a Frenchman under pressure from the demands of his job and a potentially dying relationship. When his reporter fails to turn up for work, he welcomes the distraction of interviewing Elizabeth about her work, only to find that her apartment is the scene of a murder. When she subsequently calls on James as a contact when arrested, he finds himself involved in the investigation in a bid to clear Elizabeth. However, with a lack of evidence pointing to anyone else, this is tricky.
At the centre of the murder is a sword, believed to be Excalibur but found in fragments and as this has also been taken, there is a lot at stake for Elizabeth in clearing her name for the killing and also the theft, to continue to pursue her passion for archaeology.
Day is a competent writer and the narrative flows easily with a thread throughout which is easy to follow. Dialogue is snappy and conveys a sense of character but I did feel that the relationships and the characters themselves could have been developed in more depth. Lalonde is likeable but I felt like he could be more charismatic as the potential was there; however, this did not always come through in the story. He is capable and honest and sensitive and all of the other things that you would expect from your hero and his Frenchness automatically gives him that outsider presence, an observer on the periphery, that is present in the protagonist of all atmospheric detective novels. As this is a first novella, perhaps this will be something that becomes more pronounced in subsequent books.
If you like murder mysteries that are easy to read and not too dark in their content, then this is a perfect choice.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving a review voluntarily.
September 3, 2021
Former journalist turned editor, James Lalonde, stumbles upon a mystery and a murder. When his gut tells him the prime suspect didn't commit the crime, he launches his own investigation to prove her innocence... and find Excalibur, the sword of Arthurian legend.
Overall, I found the book to be an entertaining and interesting read. The plot flows well and there are some exciting moments as James searches for the sword, the killer and the truth. For the most part, the writing flowed well, and the prose was easily understandable. I found the concept of a reporter-led mystery clever.
There were a few times where I was left a little confused by a skip in the action or a flip-flopping between which names were used for characters (first versus title and last name).
I also felt like the wrap-up at the end was a bit lengthy. There was an unnecessary partial sex scene that really added nothing to the plot and the final few chapters didn't leave me with a longing to continue the series to find out if James would leave his job or not (the primary thread left hanging for the reader).
Overall, I found the book to be an entertaining and interesting read. The plot flows well and there are some exciting moments as James searches for the sword, the killer and the truth. For the most part, the writing flowed well, and the prose was easily understandable. I found the concept of a reporter-led mystery clever.
There were a few times where I was left a little confused by a skip in the action or a flip-flopping between which names were used for characters (first versus title and last name).
I also felt like the wrap-up at the end was a bit lengthy. There was an unnecessary partial sex scene that really added nothing to the plot and the final few chapters didn't leave me with a longing to continue the series to find out if James would leave his job or not (the primary thread left hanging for the reader).
December 13, 2022
This was an excellent mystery with plenty of action, twists and unexpected turns, with many duplicitous characters, and a touch of romantic motivation. I enjoyed the character of James, as he searches for the missing artifact and the murderer. The addition of details about archeology was interesting and not overdone. The only even criticism I had was that James seems to cry at the drop of a hat and I'm not used to my heroes being that emotional. Then I reminded myself that he's French, so maybe that's expected. Believe me, it wasn't enough to detract from the story in any way; just a passing thought. I found Ms. Hay's writing style to be very realistic, drawing the reader in as the story progressed. There were no extraneous "side trips" as I call them, in the investigation of the theft and murder. I am looking forward to additional novels in this series and I highly recommend this author.
I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.
I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.
September 15, 2020
The only issue I have with this book is it was too short. It was an excellent read and very entertaining from the beginning. The action starts right away and as it grabs you in it doesn’t let go until it’s over. Something I like in a good mystery in this book covers it all. I find James to be a very likable character and the people surrounding him a very interesting and some are even mysterious. I loved it and recommend it to anyone Who loves mysteries and let me just say this is no cozy mystery. This is a blood leaking mystery. Not a violent or overly gross but they do mention blood. I don’t see anything in the book that should require a trigger warning. Except if you don’t like the mention of blood. Besides that this is a suitable read for all mystery lovers.
January 14, 2021
A.D Hay's "Missing" is one of the gems that I have stumbled upon this year. Right from the blurb, I was hooked on to this compelling and engaging novella. James Lalonde is a well-crafted character who is not only trying to fill the empty spaces of a column for his newspaper but is dealing with the student disappearance of his girlfriend, Valentine. Apart from his innate skill of interrogation and deducing facts and information, he is highly personable and a likeable character. The supporting characters amidst the English and French landscapes grabbed my attention. The motivations of each character are well placed throughout the book. I look forward to reading more of this author's work. A 4.5 star read!
I received an ARC via Booksprout, and this honest review is left voluntarily.
I received an ARC via Booksprout, and this honest review is left voluntarily.
August 23, 2022
James Lalonde is a newspaper editor, but in this novel finds himself once again being an investigative journalist as well.
His character is well written, and well written. Some of the other characters come into the same category, too. I found I could quite believe in the story and become engrossed in it, although on the whole it might seem unbelievable. The theft of Excaliber is not something that comes up every day, after all. But sadly, I found I was a little let down at the finish. I feel the end was not of the same standard as the earlier part of the story. But good for a light read, even so.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
His character is well written, and well written. Some of the other characters come into the same category, too. I found I could quite believe in the story and become engrossed in it, although on the whole it might seem unbelievable. The theft of Excaliber is not something that comes up every day, after all. But sadly, I found I was a little let down at the finish. I feel the end was not of the same standard as the earlier part of the story. But good for a light read, even so.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 18, 2020
This is the first in a new crime series, and follows James a newspaper editor.
He finds himself having to cover a story himself after a reporter leaves, a story about the museum’s latest exhibit, Excalibur.
He thinks it is just going to be a run of the mill piece to fill column inches in his paper but when he arrives at the museum there is a dead body and Excalibur is missing.
This a novella so you can easily fit this who dunnit into your reading schedule, a good mystery with lot of interesting characters.
Recommended.
He finds himself having to cover a story himself after a reporter leaves, a story about the museum’s latest exhibit, Excalibur.
He thinks it is just going to be a run of the mill piece to fill column inches in his paper but when he arrives at the museum there is a dead body and Excalibur is missing.
This a novella so you can easily fit this who dunnit into your reading schedule, a good mystery with lot of interesting characters.
Recommended.
October 31, 2022
Where is Excalibur?
James is the editor of a newspaper which still has a print edition as well as a web edition. When his girlfriend leaves he is left with an open space on the front page of the culture section which he needs to fill.
Will he live long enough to fill that section? Who was killed at the crime scene he arrived at? What happened to Excalibur?
You won't want to put this story down until you have finished it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
James is the editor of a newspaper which still has a print edition as well as a web edition. When his girlfriend leaves he is left with an open space on the front page of the culture section which he needs to fill.
Will he live long enough to fill that section? Who was killed at the crime scene he arrived at? What happened to Excalibur?
You won't want to put this story down until you have finished it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2022
Where is Excalibur?
James is the editor of a newspaper which still has a print edition as well as a web edition. When his girlfriend leaves he is left with an open space on the front page of the culture section which he needs to fill.
Will he live long enough to fill that section? Who was killed at the crime scene he arrived at? What happened to Excalibur?
You won't want to put this story down until you have finished it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
James is the editor of a newspaper which still has a print edition as well as a web edition. When his girlfriend leaves he is left with an open space on the front page of the culture section which he needs to fill.
Will he live long enough to fill that section? Who was killed at the crime scene he arrived at? What happened to Excalibur?
You won't want to put this story down until you have finished it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 7, 2020
So many unresolved issues
This book is well written and I thoroughly enjoyed it up until the end, which for me was less than satisfying.
It isn’t a hook to get readers to buy the next one, it just didn’t tie up many of the open threads of the story.
If xxx was involved then why did she/he ???
I was disappointed.
Minimal profanity and sex but there were instances.
Mostly likable characters.
This book is well written and I thoroughly enjoyed it up until the end, which for me was less than satisfying.
It isn’t a hook to get readers to buy the next one, it just didn’t tie up many of the open threads of the story.
If xxx was involved then why did she/he ???
I was disappointed.
Minimal profanity and sex but there were instances.
Mostly likable characters.
November 26, 2022
This was an enjoyable quick read. James stumbles into a murder investigation when trying to do an interview about a new archaeological exhibition.
I enjoyed the snappiness of the story. It added to the tension. Everyone seems to be hiding something which made me eager to keep reading to discover more. This is the 2nd book I've read by this author and I will read more.
I received an advance copy for free, and I'm voluntarily leaving this review
I enjoyed the snappiness of the story. It added to the tension. Everyone seems to be hiding something which made me eager to keep reading to discover more. This is the 2nd book I've read by this author and I will read more.
I received an advance copy for free, and I'm voluntarily leaving this review
November 7, 2024
This is book 1 of the James Lalonde Amateur Sleuth series. In this book, the characters are realistic. The names of the characters are a little funny and when reading it sometimes there is a chuckle here and there because of it. The nice thing about this series you do not have to go from book to book to know what is happening. I look forward to more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 18, 2024
This was different. Good different. James was definitely someone that had to kind of grow on you. He's not what I would call your everyday kind of ....not hero type, but...I can't think of the word. But I liked him. It was a good storyline. And it left me curious to see what other stuff he's going to get into.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 31, 2022
I really enjoyed this story. It drew me in and kept me turning the page waiting to see what happened next. There was quite a bit of suspense, there was tension, and the characters came alive on the page. I look forward to more in this series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2023
Suspicion is an easy read on a very much exploited theme - Excalibur -, and I have to say that I was expecting more of this story. It was, in spite of previous comments, an enjoyable read and left me wondering how the following book will be.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 18, 2024
A good mystery that will keep you guessing. Due to circumstances, James is going to be investigating and reporting on a museum newest acquisition, Excalibur. However, Excalibur has gone missing, and a killer is on the loose. Can James help find it and avoid danger? Definitely a well written novel and nice start to a new series.
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May 2, 2022Great thriller
This book kept you guessing until the end. Lots of action and suspense. The ending kind of left you hanging. I guess we will have to read the next book to find out what James is up to.
This book kept you guessing until the end. Lots of action and suspense. The ending kind of left you hanging. I guess we will have to read the next book to find out what James is up to.
May 2, 2020
I love discovering new authors and I especially love discovering new authors, who incorporate a historical element into their stories. I have found an author, who ticks both the new author and the historical boxes. That author is A. D. Hay. I read the synopsis for 'Missing' and it certainly sounded like just my kind of read. I wasn't wrong either because I really enjoyed reading it but more about that in a bit.
I would say that it took me about half a dozen pages to get into this story. After that I found that I just couldn't bear to part with the book. I sat down intending to read a few pages and fill in half an hour. Let's just say that once I picked that book up, I didn't put the book down until I read the last word on the last page. I lost track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the book. All too quickly I reached the end of the book, which I was disappointed about. I don't mean that as negatively as it sounds. What I should have said was that I was enjoying the author's writing style, the characters and the storylines so much that I just wished that the book had continued for longer.
'Missing' is well written. The synopsis was enough to catch my attention initially and the story within the covers of the book sealed the deal as it were. I loved the way in which the author has created a gripping tale that kept my attention throughout. There were several twists and turns within the story- some of which I saw coming and others hit me like a slap across the face. The story flows seamlessly. I felt as though I was part of the story myself and that is all down to the very vivid and realistic storytelling of A. D. Hay.
In short, I really enjoyed reading this book and I enjoyed my first meeting with James. I will definitely be reading more of A. D. Hay's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
I would say that it took me about half a dozen pages to get into this story. After that I found that I just couldn't bear to part with the book. I sat down intending to read a few pages and fill in half an hour. Let's just say that once I picked that book up, I didn't put the book down until I read the last word on the last page. I lost track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the book. All too quickly I reached the end of the book, which I was disappointed about. I don't mean that as negatively as it sounds. What I should have said was that I was enjoying the author's writing style, the characters and the storylines so much that I just wished that the book had continued for longer.
'Missing' is well written. The synopsis was enough to catch my attention initially and the story within the covers of the book sealed the deal as it were. I loved the way in which the author has created a gripping tale that kept my attention throughout. There were several twists and turns within the story- some of which I saw coming and others hit me like a slap across the face. The story flows seamlessly. I felt as though I was part of the story myself and that is all down to the very vivid and realistic storytelling of A. D. Hay.
In short, I really enjoyed reading this book and I enjoyed my first meeting with James. I will definitely be reading more of A. D. Hay's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
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July 16, 2020Sorry, but this is second rate at best. I did finish it, hoping it would improve, but alas . . . it did not.
September 19, 2020
I just finished this book. Once I got into it I enjoyed it. I did jump from one location to another though, I felt like I was missing something. All in all it was a quick read
March 24, 2021
Missing?
I really loved the story as written except for the last chapter. I won't go into details as there are NO spoilers in my r.eview.
I really loved the story as written except for the last chapter. I won't go into details as there are NO spoilers in my r.eview.
June 26, 2024
Good
I know this is a novella but it is so good. It would be easy to just purchase the next book --- I see myself checking it out to find out how the sword is recovered !
I know this is a novella but it is so good. It would be easy to just purchase the next book --- I see myself checking it out to find out how the sword is recovered !
May 10, 2020
I’ll hold my hands up, when I read the blurb, yes it caught my fancy but it didn’t dawn on me we were talking THE Excalibur. As in “The Sword in the Stone, King Arthur, Merlin and Guinevere” Excalibur 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
It was a refreshing change to have a reporter taking the lead in the story. It’s the second in recent months where I’ve had my protagonist as a newspaper hack, taking the reins on an investigation. I rather liked James as a lead character. I’ll admit it took me a while to assimilate the name James with a Frenchman but he’s a good man. He’s a journalist who will go to lengths to get a story but he’s got a nose for the truth.
There is quite a pace to the story. Our protagonist is in the thick of the investigation following his own leads to help the one person he believes is innocent. But in my mind, as the story goes on, the waters become murky. Who is the innocent party? I really didn’t know who to trust.
Missing is a thrill to the chase to locate the Arthurian artefact worth millions but also the priceless preservation of life and love. Hay has woven a tense thriller to start what should be a cracking series!
It was a refreshing change to have a reporter taking the lead in the story. It’s the second in recent months where I’ve had my protagonist as a newspaper hack, taking the reins on an investigation. I rather liked James as a lead character. I’ll admit it took me a while to assimilate the name James with a Frenchman but he’s a good man. He’s a journalist who will go to lengths to get a story but he’s got a nose for the truth.
There is quite a pace to the story. Our protagonist is in the thick of the investigation following his own leads to help the one person he believes is innocent. But in my mind, as the story goes on, the waters become murky. Who is the innocent party? I really didn’t know who to trust.
Missing is a thrill to the chase to locate the Arthurian artefact worth millions but also the priceless preservation of life and love. Hay has woven a tense thriller to start what should be a cracking series!
January 20, 2024
Awful will wait till on PC to tell all things went wrong
First of all the main character was just awful!
Secondly how does a journalist convince a DCI to release a murder suspect to that he can clear her name.
Thirdly - This is what really annoyed me - a PC was involved in murder case and had his own desk and worked in plain clothes and wait for it he authorised a search warrant for a journalist just like that.
Fourthly - his ex girl friend was kidnapped but didnt bring to police until he wanted something.
Also he was searching for missing piece of Exaclibur so how knows how he was going to get that
through customs.
Also it was classed as a novella - 42 chapters and 3 hours later is not a novella - maybe it was way i was feeling bad cold
If you are exhibiting a sword worth millions - get better security - the journalist got past security saw a dead guy but no one knew he was there - wtf - needless to say i wont be reading any more.
First of all the main character was just awful!
Secondly how does a journalist convince a DCI to release a murder suspect to that he can clear her name.
Thirdly - This is what really annoyed me - a PC was involved in murder case and had his own desk and worked in plain clothes and wait for it he authorised a search warrant for a journalist just like that.
Fourthly - his ex girl friend was kidnapped but didnt bring to police until he wanted something.
Also he was searching for missing piece of Exaclibur so how knows how he was going to get that
through customs.
Also it was classed as a novella - 42 chapters and 3 hours later is not a novella - maybe it was way i was feeling bad cold
If you are exhibiting a sword worth millions - get better security - the journalist got past security saw a dead guy but no one knew he was there - wtf - needless to say i wont be reading any more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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