I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of Little Girl Missing, the first novel to feature Reading based DCI Rachel Hart.

When five year old Cassie Bailey disappears from her home overnight DCI Rachel Hart are called to investigate.

I found Little Girl Missing to be a bit of a mixed bag, slow to start and then racing to a finish. I was attracted to the premise of a missing child and the novel starts well with the missing Cassie and her mother, Naomi, at a loss but it quickly loses impetus with a detour into the anatomy of the parents’ separation. Having now read the whole book I can see why this is important but I feel that it would have been better to introduce it gradually and concentrate on the vital first hours of the investigation. Much of the novel is concerned either with Rachel Hart discussing suspects and motives and going round in circles or Cassie’s parents, Charlie and Naomi, fighting. There is a lot of pointless speculation and jumping to conclusions in the novel so it didn’t really hold my attention. Oh, and I guessed the perpetrator, if not the motive, early on.

Underneath all the extraneities there is a clever plot with plenty of twists and turns. It perhaps stretches credulity at times but it’s well done and paced with reveals throughout. I also think the characterisation is strong, especially Charlie and Naomi. I was rather disappointed that the hints about Rachel’s unease with the case didn’t amount to much until the final chapter when all is explained.

This is the first book I have read by this author and I will be looking out for her in future. I couldn’t put this book down, it was one of those books where you want to get to the end to see what happens but also don’t want it to end because it’s so gripping. There were lots of twists and turns and I did not work out the ending until Quite late in the book.
Thank you J.G.Roberts, the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

This is a really good read and a great start to a series. The characters and the plot made this a compelling read full of suspense.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

Little Girl Missing by JG Roberts is the first book in what I hope will be a great new detective series featuring DCI Rachel Hart. It is a very quick read that had me hooked from the start right til the very end. Lately I have been picking the culprits in these types of books but this one had me stumped - which is always a good thing. I look forward to reading more books in this series and learning about DCI Rachel Hart's past. We get a few clues in this book but there is obviously a story to tell there.

5 year old Cassie is tucked into bed by her mother one evening and the next morning she is nowhere to be scene. Her mother Naomi is separated from her husband Charlie and has been struggling with sleep since she kicked him out and had taken a herbal sleeping tablet so heard nothing. Everybody is a suspect with Rachel and her team called in to find the little girl. There are twists that you will not see coming and it is a fast paced read you won't want to put down.

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.

Missing child is the only trope which grips me by the throat and keeps me chained to the book. This story was no different, it allowed me to play detective, but the twists kept me so confused in a good way that I soon lost my badge trying to keep track of all the paths shown.

The story started with a mum Rachel and daughter Cassie carving the pumpkin and going to bed. The next morning, only was the pumpkin was there mocking Rachel and NO CASSIE. Where could a five year old child have gone from the only home she knew? Cops were called, the estranged husband was suspected, the mother-in-law was arrested. Detective Rachel Hart took the reigns of this case and started her investigation.

My first book by author J. G. Roberts, a fun ride it was. I really tried to be one-up on the cops, but I soon failed. There were too many things popping up. Each chapter had its own suspect with their own evidence. Red herrings strategically placed were a delight.

It was obvious from the writing that this was Detective Rachel Hart's first case with a missing child. Her personal life events were hinted at, there was a dark past which would probably be revealed in the next book. The parents had their own reasons for breakup which were revealed slowly along with the investigation.

There were a few niggles which traveled the periphery of my brain. The writing was a bit clunky at parts, the plot needed more layers. But being the author's first book in this genre, I think all this would be dealt with in the second book.

Overall, a fast read.

I loved this book, I started reading it and couldn't stop until I reached the final page. DCI Rachel Hart is in charge of finding the 5 year old child, Cassie. Her mother, Naomi, put her to bed but when she went to wake her for school the next morning Cassie was missing. Is the person responsible someone known to Cassie or a complete stranger? Just when I thought I knew what was going on there was yet another twist in the story.

DCI Hart, who has flashbacks to something that happened when she was a child, knows how crucial every hour is when a child is missing. Mum Naomi and dad Charlie are having a few problems. Dad is supported by his mum Hazel and Naomi by her friend Kate. An old school friend of Naomi''s, Jessica still holds a grudge from their school days. They are all strong believable characters but are any of them involved in Cassie's disappearance?

A new author for me and the start of a new series.
We are introduced to DCI Rachel Hart. A story about a missing child, never an easy thing to read about.
This read is full of twists and turns. In places I was literally holding my breath and tapping my kindle faster. A real page turner and I can't wait to read more about DCI Rachel Hart and read how this series evolves, another MUST READ author to add to my list. An easy five stars and so Highly Recommended.
I would like to thank the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.

#little Girl Missing (DCI Rachael Hart book one) # Netgalley#
A nicely paced book with a brilliant storyline, it didn’t take me long to be hooked on this book. I was hooked after the prologue. When Naomi realised her daughter had gone missing, Being alone with Cassie. Police where called and it was best if Naomi allowed her husband Charlie could come to the house. I am not saying why or what brought on a separation. Naomi’s best friend from school was also there to support her Kate. There where more twist and turns in the book than a rollercoaster as dips. It goes off in many directions that at one point you think you know what’s happened only to be wrong, you then take a different route with everyone of the characters having played there’s own part as support, except one, that appears to be too obvious. DCI Rachael Hart was asked if she was up to taking this case on due to something that happened in the past, she said she was, it’s all part of the job, so now you also want to try to find out exactly what had happened. All in all a fascinating book that keeps your interest from beginning to end. A really good read. I will be on the lookout for DCI Rachael Hart book 2 I do really recommend you read this book you will not regret reading this book. I do believe you will really enjoy it

There are many stories out there about missing children but this is one with a difference. A head spinning tale as the story starts with five year old Cassie's disappearance. Friends and family rally around and you can really feel the devastation all are going through. A great twisty story with a good ending. Looking forward to the next in series.

Absolutely loved this book about DCI Rachel Hart! A cracking start to a new series. Can't wait to read more from the author.

Wow just finished this great book. Well written with so many twists and turns. I think I suspected every character at one time or other! Can't wait to read more from J G Roberts and find out more about DCI Rachel Hart. This is a must read and an author to keep an eye out for. Thank you NetGalley, JG Roberts and my favourite pulling company Bookouture for the chance to read this advance copy..

Charlie and Naomi have separated leaving Cassie with her mother. While struggling to cope Naomi one night takes a herbal sleeping aid. That’s the night the child goes missing. DCI Rachel Hart is out on the case and has to unravel what has been going on with the parents and who could want to take the child.
This was a throughly enjoyable book. Once picked up hard to put down. I look forward to further books from this author.

Wow!!! I started this book at 10:00 this morning and have just finished it at 16:45. I quite literally could not put it down. Although I guessed the abductor at the very start of the book, the twist and turns the story took meant I was second guessing myself constantly and added great plot twists.

The characters in the book were very believable and it was interesting to see how they developed. I really liked the ending of the book - even though it wasn’t relevant to the rest of the story!

One of the best books I have read recently. I am looking forward to more.

Who took Cassie? THat's the question DCI Rachel Hart is grappling with. The girl's parents- Charlie and Noms- are in the midst of an ugly separation and Noms has barred Charlie from seeing her. And she's not letting her mother in law in either. The best part of this is how Roberts manages to keep the tension going even if you, like I, have a pretty good idea of what's going on early on. It's well plotted and you'll worry about poor Cassie (and her cat) more than you might expect. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 4.

DCI Rachel Hart #1.

Naomi's husband had cheated on her five weeks ago so she threw him out. She refuses to let him or his mother see their daughter Cassie. One morning, on awakening, she discovers that Cassie is not in her bed. At first, she does not panic as her daughter has taken to going downstairs to cuddle into the family cat since her parents separation. But Cassie is nowhere to be found. Her best friend, Kate tries to console her as DCI Hart and her team begin their investigation.

There are plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing to who exactly had taken Cassie. I was not keen on Naomi's character. She came across as someone with mental health issues than a mother distressed for the health and safe return of her daughter. The pace is set fast from the beginning. I did guess correctly half way through, who had taken Cassie, but not the reason for doing it. I will look out for more books in this series.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author J.G. Roberts for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC.

This is J G Roberts first venture into crime fiction and going by this first instalment, she's made a good choice.

5 year old Cassie Bailey disappears in the middle of the night, her estranged parents are naturally frantic with worry.

DCI Rachel Hart is tasked with leading the investigion. It soon becomes clear that she has demons in this area that reveal themselves through the book.

The cracks in Cassies parents marriage are revealed and widen with each new revelation, can they come together to help find and save Cassie?

The book moves along at a great pace, with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. Just as you think you have a handle on things, they move again.

An exciting new voice in crime fiction and an interesting new DCI to get to know over the forthcoming books.

A five year old girl goes missing and her mother goes into meltdown as the police hunt for the missing girl. Noms is separated from her husband Charlie, when the child disappears. The book is fast paced but the plot was a bit thin as DCI Hart jumps from one suspect to another. The writing is good and there is excellent characterisation but overall, just an ok read. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC. Reviews on Goodreads and Facebook.

The publisher gave me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a great book! The mystery at the center of it pulls you in and the parents of the missing child are relatable an believable. I loved the ending and the twists and turns to get there.

Thanks to NetGalley and J.G. Roberts for allowing me to read the ARC. This is my honest opinion. Great read. Lots of twists and turns to keep you hooked. A fast read that keeps your interest and your mind guessing.
A little five year old girl disappears while her mom sleeps under the effects of a natural herbal sleeping aid given her by her best friend since childhood. DCI Rachel Hart has the haunting job of finding Cassie Bailey before it's too late. For Rachel it's especially hard as she and her twin sister were taken as little children.
Cassie's parents are devastated her mother is on the edge of a breakdown from the stress of a marriage that has serious troubles and now a missing five year old daughter. Figuring out who is telling the truth and who is the liar keeps DCI Hart in a state of frustration. As days go by the fear grows it could already be too late for Cassie. Someone is telling lies and Hart is going to find out who.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

i have to admit that as i started to read this book i did think oh um a predictable storyline...dad cheats on mom, mom kicks him out and daughter is then kidnapped...just another one of those...

but i was surprised...it wasnt predictable at all...there were elements to it that kept me reading...so many red herrings about who could have taken the child and then the cat...oh the poor poor cat...

so i have to say i thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who likes a cosy mystery that starts with dad cheats on mom, mom kicks him out and daughter goes missing cos this is a story you wont be expecting...

keep an eye out for this author they rock