Last Seen (Detective Bernadette Noel #1) by Joy Kluver

Feb 22, 2021 Jacob Collins rated it really liked it

Last Seen is the debut novel by Joy Kluver, and it’s a book I’ve been looking forward to reading for a while now. It is the start of what I hope will be a long-running series featuring Detective Bernadette Noel.

Detective Bernadette Noel has recently been appointed to a town in Wiltshire under something of a cloud. She was previously working with the Metropolitan Police, so what was the reason behind her move to Wiltshire? Not long after she is reassigned, she is thrown into a high profile invest Last Seen is the debut novel by Joy Kluver, and it’s a book I’ve been looking forward to reading for a while now. It is the start of what I hope will be a long-running series featuring Detective Bernadette Noel.

Detective Bernadette Noel has recently been appointed to a town in Wiltshire under something of a cloud. She was previously working with the Metropolitan Police, so what was the reason behind her move to Wiltshire? Not long after she is reassigned, she is thrown into a high profile investigation when five-year-old Molly disappears. But why do none of the locals want to help in the search?

Joy Kluver has created such an intriguing premise in her debut novel. Usually, and especially in the case of a missing child, the public wants to help. There are searches organised, and people are ringing the police hotline constantly with sightings to report. But in this case, the police aren’t getting anything. When they carry out house to house enquiries, they are met with hostility, with the door practically being slammed in their faces. People are also very reluctant to put up missing posters. What is going on here? It made me really dislike the residents of their town. Couldn’t they see that this was about bringing Molly, an innocent girl home?

The investigation is a complex one, and Joy Kluver cleverly weaves everything together. The investigation does start off quite slow, particularly when people are unwilling to help, but it gradually gathers pace. There are some shocking reveals as the police look into the past of the victim’s family. It’s then that they begin to understand why the locals don’t want to know. I really wanted to find out the reason behind this.

I liked the friendships between Bernie and her team, and I think Joy Kluver builds on this really well as the novel progresses. It’ll be interesting to see how this develops as the series moves on from here.

This is a fantastic start to a new series, which I’m sure will keep readers coming back for more.
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Feb 20, 2021 Joyce rated it liked it

358 pages

3 stars

This is a pretty fair book. It has moments of a bright future for the author, but at the same time, it was disappointing. There is much going on in this book.

DI Bernadette “Bernie” Noel is new to the small town in south England. She is escaping her situation in London that left her with bad memories. When a desperate call comes in for a five-year old missing little girl, Bernie is spurred into immediate action. She and her team comb the village park using dogs, police officers a ...more

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Feb 23, 2021 Andrea Pole rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley

Last Seen by Joy Kluver is the promising first installment of a series focused on Detective Bernadette Noel. I love getting onboard with a new series from the very start, and this one certainly intrigued me enough that I will make an early commitment to continuing with it.

Detective Bernie Noel has arrived in a rural village in the hope of laying low following her involvement in a high profile prosecution. But shortly after her arrival, a young girl is reported missing, and Bernie knows that her ...more

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Mar 25, 2021 Dee rated it really liked it

Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and Joy Kluver for the eARC, in exchange for an honest review.

Last Seen is a fabulous debut novel from Joy Kluver.
The characters are strong, well-rounded and believable.
It has a gripping, steady-paced plot, with some nail-biting moments.

I thoroughly enjoyed it. Hopefully we’ll get to know more about DI Bernadette Noel in a sequel?!

I’d definitely recommend, and look forward to the next instalment (hopefully!)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Mar 12, 2021 Stina rated it really liked it

Shelves: british-thrillers, police-procedurals, blog-tours, 2021, british, books-on-tour, crime-fiction, net-galley, joy-kluver

I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Joy Kluver's compelling debut crime thriller LAST SEEN.

A mother's back is turned. A child goes missing. The first 24 hours are the most crucial and with each passing hour, the chances of finding her alive continue to shrink. Door to door enquiries are undertaken but police are finding the community reluctant to help to the point of refusal. Why?

DI Bernadette "Bernie" Noel came to Wiltshire from the Met to escape. With her move came ...more

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Feb 23, 2021 Kirsty Noah-whitlock added it

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'Last Seen' by Joy Kluver.

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous

Publication date 26th March 2021.

This is the first book I have read by this author. It is her debut novel and also the first book in the 'Detective Bernadette Noel' series.

I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching and beautiful cover and its intriguing synopsis. The synopsis stated that if you are a fan of Angela Marsons among others you will lo ...more

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Mar 30, 2021 Mary Picken rated it really liked it

Last Seen is Joy Kluver’s debut novel and on the strength of this book I am really looking forward to reading more of this series.

Detective Bernadette Noel was on a fast track programme with the Metropolitan Police when a case she was working on forced her to leave London. Now she is in rural Wiltshire and keeping a low profile so as not to attract attention. She’s achieved her promotion to Detective Inspector and suddenly finds herself in charge of a case that is as awful as it is puzzling. A 5 Last Seen is Joy Kluver’s debut novel and on the strength of this book I am really looking forward to reading more of this series.

Detective Bernadette Noel was on a fast track programme with the Metropolitan Police when a case she was working on forced her to leave London. Now she is in rural Wiltshire and keeping a low profile so as not to attract attention. She’s achieved her promotion to Detective Inspector and suddenly finds herself in charge of a case that is as awful as it is puzzling. A 5 year old child has disappeared from a children’s playpark in the small village of Otterfield and it looks like abduction.

There’s no obvious motive, but one thing is really strange. As you’d expect, Bernie is organising house to house questioning and search parties to look for little Molly – but it’s clear that no-one in either her village, nor the neighbouring one, want anything to do with the police investigation.

Bernie is puzzled. Apparently Molly hadn’t made any friends at school either. Her mother is at a loss as to why she might have been taken and is distraught. She doesn’t know why the village is so unfriendly.

Largely told from Bernie’s perspective, Last Seen presents a convincing portrait of an intelligent police officer in charge for the first time and seeking to solve a serious case into the bargain. Bernie is still grieving for her grandfather, recently laid to rest, and with a lot on her plate her confidence is not reassured when her boss tells her that she may not yet be ready to command such a high-profile case.

Joy Kluver does a great job of introducing us to the investigations team of Detective Sergeant Kerry Allen and Detective Constable, Matt Taylor with whom she is already establishing a great relationship. There’s a fly in the ointment though when her boss foists on her a new team member, DS Dougie Anderson, transferred in from Birmingham and who is hardly in the door before he starts doing things his own way instead of taking his orders from Bernie. That’s the last thing Bernie needs on this case and she has to work hard to keep him in line. Not only that, but it looks like the force’s Press officer for the area is no ally and is pushing Bernie to accept her view of how she should handle the public facing side of this disappearance.

When her boss tells her that if she doesn’t get results soon he is handing the case over to a more experienced officer, Bernie is determined that her team will find Molly before that happens.

The imposition of a deadline adds urgency to an already pressing case and as Bernie and her team race against time to work out who has taken Molly and why, we get a real sense of D.I. Noel’s shrewd and extremely capable thinking processes. She’s not flawless, but she is a good detective and that comes across as she handles this investigation.

As the team battle to find Molly the tension is high and there are many false leads and wrong paths to go down. As Bernie comes to realise that the silence of the villagers is a clue to what has happened to Molly she has to re-think her whole understanding of this case if she is to find Molly before it is too late.

Though perhaps a little slow to start as Kluver establishes the scene and her characters, the pace and tension ramps up mid-way through the book and holds the reader’s attention well and there are many pieces to this puzzle which all fit neatly together in the end.

There’s a great deal we still have to learn about this team and their backstories before they become fully fleshed, but that just adds to the intrigue in this book and makes us want to read more about the team. Joy Kluver drops just enough nuggets of information to make us curious and want more.

Verdict: A strong start to a new police procedural series with well thought through puzzles and characters that intrigue. I really enjoyed reading this knotty case and am actively looking forward to the next in the series. ...more

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Mar 26, 2021 Karen Cole rated it it was amazing

I have long been a fan of Joy Kluver's excellent book reviews on her blog and as we often seem to have similar taste in books, I've been eagerly anticipating her own debut. Last Seen is the first in the Detective Bernadette Noel series and is intriguing both in terms of the mystery and as an introduction to characters I am looking forward to following in the future.
Bernadette - Bernie - is keen to prove herself, having spent two years in the accelerated programme to become a Detective Inspector I have long been a fan of Joy Kluver's excellent book reviews on her blog and as we often seem to have similar taste in books, I've been eagerly anticipating her own debut. Last Seen is the first in the Detective Bernadette Noel series and is intriguing both in terms of the mystery and as an introduction to characters I am looking forward to following in the future.
Bernadette - Bernie - is keen to prove herself, having spent two years in the accelerated programme to become a Detective Inspector and as the novel progresses it becomes clear that she was forced to leave the Met and move to Wiltshire following a case which resulted in her and her family receiving death threats. I know the county quite well and thought the sense of place was rendered superbly, demonstrating a real motivation to establish immersive authenticity. When a young girl is reported missing, Bernie knows a successful outcome would be a significant boost to her career but conversely, failure will result in her superiors and colleagues questioning whether she was ready to lead such a high-profile investigation. I think it's vital to have a strong introduction to the main character and that is certainly the case here. Bernie is grieving the very recent loss of her beloved grandfather and the insights we are given into both her personal and professional life are fascinating. Joy Kluver reveals enough about her to ensure she feels a well-rounded, believable woman while holding enough back to keep readers wanting to discover more..
She appears to already be developing a close bond with her Major Crime Investigation Team and I particularly like the friendship she has with her shrewd Detective Sergeant, Kerry Allen. Meanwhile, her fast-tracked Detective Constable, Matt Taylor has almost as much to prove as she does and it's clear he has the potential to be an essential asset to her team. These three have undoubtedly formed a relationship built on mutual respect and trust but the newest member, DS Dougie Anderson is a far more perplexing addition. Although there is definitely a spark between him and Bernie, it still remains to be seen whether he would be good for her. He is a brilliant character; utterly infuriating one minute, then an important ally the next. I have no idea what sort of person he'll ultimately turn out to be and there are concerning revelations about him here but I'm keen to see how his character is developed in the future.
One thing that can't be disputed is their combined resolve to discover what has happened to missing five-year-old, Molly Reynolds, or their desperate desire to find her unharmed. The mystery of her disappearance is gratifyingly compelling and there are several false leads and red herrings to hoodwink detectives and readers, along with brief, puzzling glimpses into the mind of the kidnapper, However, it's the response of the local community which is most baffling, adding further dark intrigue to this absorbing story.
Joy Kluver never rushes the plot, allowing the investigation to develop at its own pace but cleverly introduces a deadline for Bernie which exacerbates the tense of tension that so clearly drives the team, it becomes almost palpable at times. Although we don't see much of Molly here as she is snatched very early in the novel, I was impressed by the care taken to ensure she and her distraught parents are never overshadowed by the various interactions in the MICT. Bernie might be determined to quash any lingering doubts over her ability to lead such a case but tries to be mindful that the family are always the most significant people, regardless of what else may be happening.
I loved Last Seen and was engrossed from start to finish; such a well-crafted, thrilling and moving debut surely marks Joy Kluver as an author to watch. I can't wait for more! ...more

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Mar 17, 2021 KANCHAN RAJEEV rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: arc-reviews-2021

Note - I received this digital arc for free as a courtesy of Net Galley and Bookouture publishers in return for an honest feedback.

Rating - 4/5

Last Seen by Joy Kluver is the first book in the Detective Bernadette Noel Series. The catch line in the book cover of ' A little girl is missing. So why is no one looking for her?' was what made me pick this psychological detective thriller up despite the decision to take a short sabbatical from reading detective thrillers for a while. And I m totally g Note - I received this digital arc for free as a courtesy of Net Galley and Bookouture publishers in return for an honest feedback.

Rating - 4/5

Last Seen by Joy Kluver is the first book in the Detective Bernadette Noel Series. The catch line in the book cover of ' A little girl is missing. So why is no one looking for her?' was what made me pick this psychological detective thriller up despite the decision to take a short sabbatical from reading detective thrillers for a while. And I m totally glad that I didn't leave this one out !! For a debutant author, this book is simply a gem that just cannot be missed !!

Newly instated to the area ,DI Bernadette (Bernie) Noel is assigned her first case as a newly promoted DI with the Wiltshire Police - the case of a missing five-year-old girl named Molly Reynolds. But the catch here is that no one in the area of Ottersfield or the nearby Marchant seemed intrigued, concerned or even helpful to the police in finding the child. Bernie and the team are at a loss as they see every lead turning out to be a dead end. Until Bernie discovers an old case, gone cold 25 years back to have striking resemblance and a close link to the disappearance of Molly. The story is all about how Bernie resolves to finding a closure to both the cases in time before things take a drastic turn for the worst.

The story was a complete roller coaster and the twists and turns in the 358 pages book made it practically impossible to even gauge the gender of the culprit till more than half of the story was complete. The suspect list was simply growing, jumping from one person to the other and close to the end , it was possible to anticipate the probable culprit. It was so appealing !! The characterization was relatable however at times, I did feel the character sketch of Bernie and DS Anderson ( A potential romantic angle who has a past ) could have been strengthened a bit more as at times, it felt a little out of place trying to understand the background or gauge the reason for their behaviors. Many a times, instances from Bernie's past were quoted but quite vaguely. I understand it may be potential lots for the future books in this series however it would have been nice if the character foundation was a bit more stronger. ( the only reason why I rate this book as 4 stars !! ).The characterization for the rest was perfect with the right amount of details. This is the first detective thriller that I have read in a while where in the rapport of the DI with the forensics is okay-ish and not so chummy or buds with. And things like this made the plot seem super realistic.

The narrative was written from a 3rd person perspective with occasional chapters written from the culprit point of view. In fact the last chapter too was written from the culprit perspective - the marvelous highlight here is that till the second last chapter, there was always a little lack of clarity on who is the kidnapper but the epilogue sorts it out for good. Profane language usage is borderline to moderate. The language is quite simple to read and understand which is why this book is perfect for all readers aged 15+.

Rest assured the book is a fabulous read. So looking forward to read more from this series.

The book releases on March 26, 2021. @netgalley, @bookouture, Feel free to add me on Goodreads, Edelweiss and Book Sirens for more reviews. ...more

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Feb 19, 2021 Jen rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2021-reviews, 2021-challenge, netgalley

Last Seen introduces readers to newly appointed Detective Inspector Bernadette (Bernie) Noel who has just transferred to Wiltshire Police from The Met. The idea was to keep a low profile, her first major case makes sure that she is anything but, plunging her straight into the investigation into the suspected abduction of a young girl, Molly. There is no clear motive and no obvious ransom demand, leading to real concerns that there are far more sinister reasons behind the child's disappearance. C Last Seen introduces readers to newly appointed Detective Inspector Bernadette (Bernie) Noel who has just transferred to Wiltshire Police from The Met. The idea was to keep a low profile, her first major case makes sure that she is anything but, plunging her straight into the investigation into the suspected abduction of a young girl, Molly. There is no clear motive and no obvious ransom demand, leading to real concerns that there are far more sinister reasons behind the child's disappearance. Concerns for the police and concerns for her family but a strange level of apathy amongst the residents of the village in which the child lived setting all the alarm bells ringing and letting us know that there is far more to the picture than meets the eye.

Joy Kluver has created a very interesting premise here, one that makes you question just what is happening behind closed doors and why are the locals and the resident of a neighbouring village to loathe to help anyone. It's a mystery that takes some time to get to the bottom of, bubbling along in the background of an investigation that is full of similar niggles and unanswered questions. The question marks aren't only raised about the people who are suspect in the investigation but also surrounding Bernie, who clearly has a difficult past and a new DS who is foisted upon her at the start of the investigation, Dougie Anderson. It's fair to say that the pair don't always see eye to eye which leads to another layer of conflict at times in a case already fraught with it.

It's always interesting getting to know a new team and the one that the author has created is as diverse as you could imagine. From seasoned Detectives Noel, Anderson and DS Kerry Allen, to DC Matt Taylor, an intelligent and astute Detective on the fast track program, they probably as different as could be. There is a strong friendship between Bernie and Kerry and it is clear there is real respect there. On the other side of the room you have Anderson who is new, forthright and seemingly capable of rubbing folk up the wrong way. But then there is Bernie. I can't lie - it took time to settle into her style and her as a character as she is quite impulsive and passionate about the victims, almost too much so some times. There were times when she made rash decisions or comments that made me pause, but all in the pursuit of finding Molly alive. It is clear from the little snippets of back story that we get about Bernie that there is far more to her than we know, and whatever drove her from the Met is also driving her passion and determination in this case, as well as a certain amount of fear and trepidation, so I look forward to seeing that explored in future books.

There are a number of threads to this story, all pulled together quite neatly by the end, but it takes time for that picture to form. Other side cases seek to distract the Detectives from their goal of finding Molly, and there are a number of leads to follow which may or may not lead them towards their goal but which keep readers on the hook. The pacing flows well and tension and pace certainly pick up towards the end as the perpetrators and motives are finally revealed. All questions about the case are ultimately answered, but there are many question marks still hanging over members of this new team and they make me very curious to see how this affects them, and the cases, moving forward. ...more

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Mar 29, 2021 Emma rated it really liked it

All of my reviews can be found at https://damppebbles.com/

Last Seen is Kluver's debut novel and what a cracking start it is! It was a joy to meet DI Bernadette (Bernie) Noel - new to the area and newly promoted - as she took on her first case with Wiltshire Police, the desperate search for a missing five-year-old child. This is a very assured debut from an author to watch!

Shy and sensitive Molly Reynolds has been warned about stranger danger by the adults in her life. But that doesn't stop her f All of my reviews can be found at https://damppebbles.com/

Last Seen is Kluver's debut novel and what a cracking start it is! It was a joy to meet DI Bernadette (Bernie) Noel - new to the area and newly promoted - as she took on her first case with Wiltshire Police, the desperate search for a missing five-year-old child. This is a very assured debut from an author to watch!

Shy and sensitive Molly Reynolds has been warned about stranger danger by the adults in her life. But that doesn't stop her from being snatched from the local park, mere feet from her mother's turned back. New to Wiltshire Police, DI Bernie Noel, is tasked with finding the girl and reuniting her with her family. But Bernie's search is hampered at every turn by the folk of Ottersfield who seem uncaring, uninterested and reluctant to take time out of their busy schedules to help find the child. Why would a village react like that? Bernie and the team are at a loss. Every lead turns out to be a dead end. Until Bernie discovers the disappearance of another child twenty-five years earlier. Are the two cases connected and will Bernie find Molly in time...?

I really liked DI Noel who came across as a very relatable, very real character. Not only has Bernie got a challenging case on her hands but the author hints throughout the book of a troubled past which intrigued me. There are references to Bernie's life in London and a case which still visibly haunts her. And all of this on top of the search for little Molly! The reader also gets to discover more about Bernie's family which isn't all sunshine and rainbows (pretty normal then!). These well-plotted layers add up to a very likeable new detective who I'm looking forward to spending more time with in the future.

The characters who form Bernie's team are also well-written and I felt they all contributed to the story. DS Kerry Allen has a heart of gold but won't take cr@p from anyone. Matt Taylor is a young, ambitious detective constable who personally, I liked the most. I hope he features in future books. Although he's not officially part of the team (he should be!), Sergeant Alan Turner was just wonderful! And lastly, we have DS Dougie Anderson who I couldn't work out (I don't think I was the only one!). He seemed totally obnoxious one minute, only to turn sweetness and light the next! I think DI Noel and DS Anderson have a very interesting future ahead of them, although fingers crossed it's not a romantic one!

Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. Last Seen is a compelling read featuring an intriguing new detective. I loved the secrets, the deceit and the small town apathy Bernie finds in Otterfield. Normally, when a child goes missing it's all hands to the pumps, but not in this case and the reasons behind the residents complete lack of interest kept me turning the pages. It's a great start to a new series and I'm excited to see what is in store next for DI Noel and the team. Recommended. ...more

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Mar 28, 2021 Bridget rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery, peach-vanilla, crime, thrillers, netgalley-arc, series

I love embarking on a new series from the very start, and this one certainly intrigued me enough to do just that. DI Bernadette (Bernie) Noel came to Wiltshire from the Metropolitan Police to escape. Following her involvement in a high profile prosecution resulting in her receiving death threats, she is hoping that her move to the West Country will put all that behind her and protect herself and her family. Now it is six months later and Bernie is on her way back from her grandfather's funeral i I love embarking on a new series from the very start, and this one certainly intrigued me enough to do just that. DI Bernadette (Bernie) Noel came to Wiltshire from the Metropolitan Police to escape. Following her involvement in a high profile prosecution resulting in her receiving death threats, she is hoping that her move to the West Country will put all that behind her and protect herself and her family. Now it is six months later and Bernie is on her way back from her grandfather's funeral in London when she receives a call to attend a crime scene. Racing there, she finds a search already underway for 5-year-old Molly Reynolds who has gone missing from a playground in the little village of Otterfield. When she finds Molly's green fleece under a bush she thinks that maybe someone is leaving a message, but why are the villagers being so tight-lipped and unwilling to help?

The story is told mostly from the perspective of Bernie with the occasional snippets every so often from the POV of the perpetrator. The investigation is a complex one and Joy Kluver cleverly weaves everything together. The investigation begins quite slowly mainly because of the community's unwillingness to help, but it soon picks up pace. There are some shocking reveals as the police look into the pasts of the victim’s family.

Bernie is grieving the very recent loss of her beloved grandfather and the insights given into both her personal and professional life are interesting. Joy Kluver prudently reveals enough about her to ensure she comes across as a switched-on, believable woman while holding enough back to keep readers wanting to learn more. I also liked the friendships between Bernie and her team, and I think the author builds on this really well, though it's not all plain sailing as there are some power struggles and office politics. The mystery of Molly's disappearance is exceedingly compelling and there are several false leads and red herrings to fox the reader however, it's the response of the local community which is most baffling, further darkening this absorbing story. Joy Kluver never rushes the plot, but cleverly introduces a deadline for Bernie which exacerbates the tension so that it is sometimes palpable.

Last Seen is a fantastic start to a new series, which I’m sure will see readers coming back for more.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request, and this review is my own unbiased opinion. ...more

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Apr 02, 2021 Sharon Rimmelzwaan rated it it was amazing

Last Seen by Joy Kluver is her debut novel featuring Detective Bernadette 'Bernie' Noel. Set in Otterfield in Wiltshire She came from the Met to escape. Her relocation came with promotion after a successful conviction in London which ended in her receiving death threats. A move to the West Country was to start afresh and to protect both herself and her family. But despite her rank and her stoic exterior, Bernie is as emotional and fallible as the next person. But she cares. And that, and her ten Last Seen by Joy Kluver is her debut novel featuring Detective Bernadette 'Bernie' Noel. Set in Otterfield in Wiltshire She came from the Met to escape. Her relocation came with promotion after a successful conviction in London which ended in her receiving death threats. A move to the West Country was to start afresh and to protect both herself and her family. But despite her rank and her stoic exterior, Bernie is as emotional and fallible as the next person. But she cares. And that, and her tenacity, is what makes her a good detective.
When five year old Molly is taken from the park in Otterfield, Bernie is on the case. She discovers Molly's cardigan dumped under a bush in the park. This is the first clue in a chain of clues to be found. Bernie has a gut feeling the cardigan is more than a clue, it feels like a message is being sent. The residents of the village don't want to help, Bernie is stumped and can't understand their behaviour. After speaking to Mollys' mother she finds out that the village community seem to be against them. Bernie wonders why they aren't even interested in finding Molly. Bernie is up against time with no help from the community can Bernie and her team find Molly?
A story told in third person perspective of Bernie, so we really get to know this new Detective Inspector and her views on this case that is her first in Otterfield. We are occasionally given little glimpses from the kidnappers view, so we can attempt to put some things together while we also follow the investigation into who is behind this terrible crime.
Definitely fast moving and with more than just this case, Bernie, it appears is going to be busier than she planned with her fresh start. The amount of times she had to deal with the media doesn't help her to keep her low profile either. I found this new D.I a really interesting one and I am certain we are going to learn an awful lot about her in future books, I can't wait!
Joy Kluver has managed to write a crime fiction story that I just devour so easily. I was planning on just a quick read and sat there all day until I finished it. An addictive and immersive story that brings characters that are very relatable and not perfect. I loved it.
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the copy of the book and my place on the tour. ...more

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Mar 28, 2021 Heidi Lynn’s BookReviews rated it it was amazing

First, I want to thank Joy Kluver, Bookouture, and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

Every parents worst nightmare and the unthinkable happens in Joy Kluver’s purely intoxicating debut novel Last Seen. Abduction stories are my constant craving to read. Joy’s satisfied that craving with her twisted, intense and heartbreaking read. She is an incredibly gifted writer in the crime genre. Luckily for me this her first book in what I hope is a very successful se ...more

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Feb 23, 2021 Natasha rated it really liked it

Shelves: crime

In “Last Seen” we meet DI Bernadette (Bernie) Noel and the Wiltshire Major Investigation team which includes DS Kelly Allen, DC Matt Taylor and DS Dougal (Dougie) Anderson. Rounding out the main characters at Wiltshire Police HQ, are DCS Wilson, Sergeant Alan Turner and Media Liaison Jane Clackett. This is a debut novel by Joy Kluver and the start to a new British police procedural series set in the small rural Wiltshire villages of Marchant, Otterfield and Devizes.

The story begins with a missi In “Last Seen” we meet DI Bernadette (Bernie) Noel and the Wiltshire Major Investigation team which includes DS Kelly Allen, DC Matt Taylor and DS Dougal (Dougie) Anderson. Rounding out the main characters at Wiltshire Police HQ, are DCS Wilson, Sergeant Alan Turner and Media Liaison Jane Clackett. This is a debut novel by Joy Kluver and the start to a new British police procedural series set in the small rural Wiltshire villages of Marchant, Otterfield and Devizes.

The story begins with a missing 5 year old girl, Molly, who has been abducted from Otterfield Park. That in itself causes the tension and suspense from the very beginning, and the momentum of the story continues, as we meet various characters during the investigation. The prevalent disinterest of the residents of Marchant and Otterfield, over the missing child, adds to the suspense and foreboding tone of the story. Part of the satisfaction for readers of the genre, is to decipher the clues, guess the perpetrator and unravel the twists, turns and red herrings. This story did not disappoint.

We learn from this story that Bernie transferred from London 6 months ago and whilst there are snippets of back story, the main reason for her transfer other than safety reasons has not yet been revealed. Bernie is an interesting lead character. Whilst she isn’t exactly an unlikeable character, she is most certainly flawed, as the chip on her shoulder manifests in how she treats members of her team, demand for respect and deep-seated insecurity, leaks from the pages. Whilst the passion for the job and her desire to find the missing child is commendable, she can be at times a difficult character to connect to. Hopefully that changes over the course of the series.

This was a promising start to the series and look forward to reading more books in this series and by this Author. Thank you to the Author, Bookouture and NetGalley for the complimentary digital advance reader copy. I’m voluntarily giving my unbiased opinion and review of the story.

Release date -26th March 2021. ...more

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Mar 06, 2021 Elaine Tomasso rated it really liked it

I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of Last Seen, the first novel to feature DI Bernadette Noel of the Wiltshire Police.

5 year old Mollie Reynolds disappears from the swing park in the small village of Otterfield and Bernie and her team are quickly on site to start the hunt. All they find are Molly’s fleece and the sticker she was given that day in school. Bernie is convinced that there are secrets to be uncovered, especially as the villagers are uncooperative, and I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of Last Seen, the first novel to feature DI Bernadette Noel of the Wiltshire Police.

5 year old Mollie Reynolds disappears from the swing park in the small village of Otterfield and Bernie and her team are quickly on site to start the hunt. All they find are Molly’s fleece and the sticker she was given that day in school. Bernie is convinced that there are secrets to be uncovered, especially as the villagers are uncooperative, and is vindicated when she discovers that another 5 year old girl vanished years earlier.

I thoroughly enjoyed Last Seen, which is an engrossing read and, as a kidnapping, a refreshing change from my usual fare of murder investigations. The novel is told mostly from Bernie’s point of view with the unnamed perpetrator occasionally adding an update. I’m not always a fan of hearing from this latter, but in this case it offers a little news and hope to the reader.

I thought that the plot is well done with several twists and its well buried roots hidden deep in the past. The plot is well conceived with reveals at the right moments, several false starts and the inevitable personality conflicts. It makes for a heady brew. I understand that this is a debut novel, but you’d never know. It is accomplished and seems to have the balance right between character and investigation. Yes, it might be a touch over complicated in the motive department and I must admit that I didn’t quite get or accept some of it, but as it comes at the end it didn’t spoil my enjoyment of a very interesting journey to that point.

I like Bernie Noel who is a recent transplant to Wiltshire from The Met. There are hints about threats that forced her to move, but nothing substantive in this novel, so that may be for the future. Otherwise she is smart, empathetic and on the ball, but no pushover as her colleagues can attest. I would definitely spend more time with her.

Last Seen is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending. ...more

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Mar 25, 2021 Emma Star Crossed Reviews rated it really liked it

Shelves: 03-march, 2021-reads, netgalley-2021, bookouture

This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book via Netgalley and for letting me take part in this tour. I have been looking forward to reading this one for a little while.

This book is the first in a new series and is Joy's debut book! Bernadette Noel is a newly promoted DI and has caught ...more

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Feb 20, 2021 Mandie rated it really liked it

Last Seen is the debut novel by Joy Kluver and in it we meet DI Bernie Noel and her team. Recently moved to Wiltshire she is returning from her grandfather’s funeral when she is called in to lead the investigation into Molly who has gone missing from a local park. With no witnesses and the residents of the village seemingly unwilling to help she certainly has her work cut out for her. As they chase false leads, they wonder if they will ever find Molly alive and Bernie finds her whole investigati Last Seen is the debut novel by Joy Kluver and in it we meet DI Bernie Noel and her team. Recently moved to Wiltshire she is returning from her grandfather’s funeral when she is called in to lead the investigation into Molly who has gone missing from a local park. With no witnesses and the residents of the village seemingly unwilling to help she certainly has her work cut out for her. As they chase false leads, they wonder if they will ever find Molly alive and Bernie finds her whole investigation being questioned by her superiors.
Bernie Noel is a bit of a prickly character who hates to feel like she is not in control of a situation, a fact that is proved when she is saddled with DS Dougie Anderson. They seem to butt heads quite a lot at the start but the more you get into the book the more you understand them. Both have things in their past that they are trying to get away from and although you learn more about Dougie’s reasons for why he has been transferred to the team, Bernie’s past remains largely a mystery. There is clearly something there that means she does not find it easy to trust those she does not know, and I am looking forward to possibly finding out why in the future. As we find out during the investigations, even the best kept secrets have a way of making their way front and centre. Despite this, she does appear to have the full support of her team and there is an undeniable friendship between Bernie and DS Kerry Allen that is used to its full advantage when diffusing otherwise tense situations. Her superiors want to trust her with this important investigation but at the same time have doubts that she is committed to the team past this case.
There are a few twists and turns in the book that will keep you guessing as to who is behind Molly’s disappearance and the misdirection’s just add to the tension, but all questions are answered once the perpetrator and their motives are revealed. I am looking forward to what is in store for Bernie and the team and learning more about all of them and what makes them tick.
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Mar 21, 2021 L.S. rated it it was amazing

Detective Bernadette (Bernie) Noel is a former Met Police officer and, at first, it’s not clear why she has transferred out of London to a Wiltshire town where the pace of life is decidedly slower. Nonetheless, she soon faces a major investigation when a five-year-old girl, Molly, goes missing from a local park.

Keen to get search parties organised, she is quick to start door-to-door enquiries with locals in the area, only to find them unwilling to get involved in the search. Mystified as to why Detective Bernadette (Bernie) Noel is a former Met Police officer and, at first, it’s not clear why she has transferred out of London to a Wiltshire town where the pace of life is decidedly slower. Nonetheless, she soon faces a major investigation when a five-year-old girl, Molly, goes missing from a local park.

Keen to get search parties organised, she is quick to start door-to-door enquiries with locals in the area, only to find them unwilling to get involved in the search. Mystified as to why none of them are interested in a child’s life, she pushes on. When they find a child’s fleece and a pushchair in the bushes with no prints or DNA other than the child’s, it becomes obvious that this was no random abduction.

Whilst this is going on, we learn a little more about Bernie’s past. Having just returned from a family funeral, she seems concerned that her whereabouts as the lead investigator will have revealed her identity. But to whom? On top of that, she fears a hand-delivered note may mean that they have already found her? But who is looking for her and why?

Struggling to move the case forward, Bernie soon finds her position leading the case is at risk. This only fuels her determination to find Molly, with or without the villagers’ help. Aided by a strong team who have the same goals, Bernie is able to double-down and slowly but surely the pieces begin to fit together. But can she find Molly before she is made to step aside?

The investigation soon raises questions about Molly’s family which seems to link her disappearance with another case many years before. As the secrets are revealed, the reason behind the villagers’ reluctance to help becomes known – and it’s a cunning and clever twist, though not one that sits comfortably with Bernie and her team. How can people leave a child’s life in danger as some sort of payback for past events? It is most curious and fascinating.

This story has a compelling mystery at its core but it is the strong cast of characters who carry it through to its conclusion along with family drama, intriguing backstory, and great teamwork and dedication from Bernie’s colleagues.

An excellent start to a new series. I’ll be back for more. ...more

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Apr 02, 2021 Joanne Robertson rated it it was amazing

Wow! What a fabulous start to this new police procedural series by Joy Kluver! By the time I got to the end of Last Seen I was desperate to read more about DI Bernie Noel and her backstory as well as wanting to see how things will develop with the other characters we met throughout Bernies investigation into the disappearance of a five year old girl.

There’s a chilling start to Last Seen as five year old Molly is abducted by an unknown person from her local park. Bernie and her team have an uphil ...more

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Mar 27, 2021 Yvonne rated it it was amazing

Shelves: crime-mystery, crime-thriller

I have to say that I am delighted to see that this is the first book in a planned series because I thought this book was brilliant.

The author has woven a story that had me hooked from the first few pages, if I hadn't had to go to work it would have easily been a one-sitting read. When a child goes missing from a park you would expect locals to go out of their way to help. Why then does it take longer for them to gradually rouse themselves?

This along with some other clues is the start of a myst ...more

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Feb 22, 2021 Suesyn Zellmer rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I have high hopes for this new book series! I'm always a bit hesitant with an author I haven't heard of but I'm so glad I chose to read this book. A young girl named Molly was kidnapped from a park, and DI Bernadette "Bernie' Noel can't figure out why no one in the small village appears willing to help search for her. It's as if they could care less about the missing girl. The girl's mother, Jessica, isn't surprised, as she's felt the same way since she moved there a few months back - like an ou ...more

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Mar 18, 2021 Christine rated it really liked it

Detective Bernadette Noel is a new DI and new to a small English village after relocating from London. She is leading up a difficult case of a missing child and the higher ups aren’t convinced her leadership skills are up to the task. In addition to the pressure of the case, Bernie has some issues in her personal life that are making it hard to concentrate on the case. Details aren’t given, but I assume it will be expanded on in future books. It looks like there could be some complications in th ...more

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Mar 06, 2021 Stephanie rated it really liked it

With thanks to the publisher for the copy received. Last Seen is an interesting debut novel which introduces the reader to Bernie and her team. Soon after attending the funeral of her beloved ’Pops’ Bernie has to investigate the disappearance of a young girl, Molly, from a play area. You would expect the local community to help with finding her but there is reluctance from the locals. The reasons why are revealed further into the novel but this is a close knit community and like many they don’t ...more

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Mar 26, 2021 Els rated it really liked it

Predators are very patient creatures whether they are of the animal or human kind. They choose their prey, lie in wait and when the adult is forced to focus their attention on something else even for a short time, they go for it. Nobody sees them. Nobody hears them. Nobody finds any trails. The result is devastating though…
DI Noel has been promoted recently when she has to put her teeth into this case. She and her team work around the clock in order to find the culprit. Few clues are being found ...more

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Apr 19, 2021 Maggie rated it it was amazing

DI Bernie Noel has recently moved to Wiltshire after working with the Mat resulted in death threats. She rushed back from London after her beloved grandfather's funeral when five year old Molly disappears from a park, her mother having been distracted, changing her baby brother. She is very surprised by the reaction of the people in Otterfield- normally locals are keen to help but this does not seem to be the case here. Things become slightly clearer when she finds out that years ago another chi ...more

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Mar 31, 2021 Melanie rated it liked it · review of another edition

One of a mother’s worst nightmares is of her child to go missing, and though I would hate to experience it in real life, I was curious and intrigued enough to want to read about it in Last Seen. As I knew I would be, I felt emotional when reading this; sympathy, empathy, remorse, scared, frustrated, angry. Feelings of frustration and anger were most prevalent, I cannot imagine how it must feel to experience the lack of effort from the team who should be looking into the disappearance of my daugh ...more

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Feb 18, 2021 Pgchuis rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley, ebook

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.

3.5* rounded down. This is the first in a series, although there were distracting references to DI Bernie's past and the fact that she was meant to be keeping a low profile in the West Country, having left London for unknown reasons. Obviously she spends the whole novel appearing at press conferences and being interviewed by the BBC, but survives unscathed.

The plot moved pretty quickly, and the following and dismissing of dead ends ...more

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Feb 24, 2021 Tove R. rated it really liked it · review of another edition

A good start to a new series. Detective Bernie (Bernadette) has a past haunting her, and part of it is catching up with her. She does not know what to do. At the same time there is a little girl gone missing in a strange little town, and people are not behaving the way you would expect them to behave. No one seems to be willing to help with finding the little girl.

There seems to be only a little to go with, and no real suspects. Once the story starts to unfold things really start to happen, and ...more

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Mar 28, 2021 Samadhee Ismail rated it really liked it

Molly, a toddler was last seen in the park--she was with her mother and the next minute, she was gone. DI Bernie starts investigating Molly's abduction in this small neighborhood but it seems as if no one in the town wants to help with the investigation and there was another abduction that happened some twenty years ago, the main suspect being Molly's grandfather Derek...

To me, this was a fast paced thriller--with some twists and turns. The writing was great and the author did a good job drawing ...more

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