I didn't realize I'd read this book 4 years ago, but that was long enough to have forgotten the story and to read it with a blank slate. This was so, so sad. A thriller, yes, but with a really sad backstory. The surprises and connections felt not out of the realm of possibility in real life, which was good. I liked the detective and would read more of her series.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I rarely read or listen to Police based Thrillers anymore, I’m pleased I listened to this one.

Lottie Parker is a great main character with plenty of depth, widowed, mother, murder detective. She’s investigating murders which seem to have links back to a former church run orphanage.

There’s pain on the pages. This is deep, dark and bleak, top quality crime writing with a social and historical awareness. The narration by Michele Moran is great, with a wide variety of distinct and convincing character voices.

Highly recommended and I’ll very happily continue with the next in the series.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio

Lottie the main character was really likeable and although it was a heavy subject matter it wasn't over the top desctriptive so no therapy needed! I do enjoy a timeline that switches back and forth although I wish some of the chapters hasn't been so short as it took a lot more effort for me to listen.
I'll definitely be reading more of the series though as I'm keen to know what happens to Lottie and her family in the future.

oh, and I absolutely loved the narrator on the audiobook.

Many thanks to Patricia Gibney, Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC.

This is the first in the D.I Lottie Parker series. It’s an interesting storyline that will hold your attention - mostly. I felt it was far too drawn out and needs do be way shorter as it felt like it dragged at times. The storyline and characters are well developed for the most part but I’m hoping as the series progresses that Lottie will come into her own as at the moment she isn’t an endearing character and a little all over the place for a main character. The narrator was engaging and did a good job. It has the potential to be a great series as it progresses. I will look forward to the next instalment.

3.5/5 🌟🌟🌟/🌟

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for the opportunity to listen to and review #TheMissingOnes

I recently finished an audiobook that I absolutely loved. The detective, DCI Lottie, investigates a series of murders that have been unsolved for years. The story is full of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end.

The narrator did a fantastic job of bringing the characters and story to life. Their voice was expressive and helped me feel like I was right there in the middle of the action.

I'm definitely going to read more books by this author. This was a thrilling and suspenseful read that I highly recommend.

This high quality audio thriller will keep you entertained long after bedtime. The characters are crafted full of dialogue and emotion. Two seemingly seperate atory interwoven to grip you. Another binge listen. This is part 1 and I already love the characters and want to see how things develop with the romance element. The natural flaws were so well narrated. I really enjoyed thus thriller and look forward to the next in the series. Thank you netgallery and publisher and author and narrator for this highly recommended 5 star listen

The Missing Ones

✨Audiobook Review✨

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5)

Our story follows Detective Lottie Parker and her team as they are called in to solve a murder in a local church. Soon after, another murder takes place at a young man’s home. Lottie soon uncovers that the crimes are connected through the victims' past and current relationships. The investigation leads her team to a former children’s home, which hides many dark secrets. As Lottie uncovers the truth behind the murders, two teenage boys go missing, and time begins to tick even faster before a repeat of the past occurs. Readers will be taken on an interwoven mystery between past and present, where the darkest secrets can always resurface.

Highlights:
⭐️ Interwoven chapters from past and present
⭐️ The plot twists—I never saw them coming!
⭐️ The narrator was engaging and emotional in their reading.

This book, to me, seems like a cozy but thrilling mystery series. I don’t think there were any major pitfalls with the novel. It’s definitely a series I would pick up here and there for a day at the beach or a snowy day for a quick read.

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture Audio, for the ARC of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review!

Had a hard time getting into this, even though it’s typically the kind of mystery/thriller I like. I think I’ll give myself some time and try another book in the series to see if it was timing (read something similar recently).

I was delighted to receive an audio ARC of The Missing Ones because I've had lots of great feedback over the years as to how wonderful the Lottie Parker series is.

However it really shows that this is Gibney's debut novel. In my experience good authors improve as they continue their journey so I shall read more of this series despite being irritated by this first novel.

And I'm afraid I was very irritated. I did not like Lottie Parker at all. In fact her lack of empathy and intelligence drove me to distraction. I'm hopeless at whodunnit (even though I really enjoy them) but even I could put two and two together once the main characters were in play.

I confess I was talking back to the recording by a third of the way through and had it 1.5x the speed by the end. Lottie had to be the rudest, most ineffectual detective I've read yet. She flails about accusing everyone who comes within range of committing murder.

There were several parts relating to Lottie's bad attitude that truly angered me but it was nothing to do with the case. And yes I understand she was under pressure and that makes people make mistakes but I finished the book wondering how truly awful the other detectives must be if she were their inspector. I found the answer out later. Yes, all truly hopeless.

Thankfully someone spoon-fed her the answers and the case came to a halt; I breathed a sigh of relief that it was all over and said a little prayer that #2 would be better.

The narration by Michele Moran was excellent though. She had a nice voice to listen to and didn't over-dramatize. Thoroughly enjoyed listening to her and I'd look out for other narrations she's done.

Thankyou to Netgalley and Bookoutre Audio for the audio advance review copy.

Thank you Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for an advance copy of this audio.

The premise of this book was so intriguing to me. The first paragraphs were chilling and draws you in right away. Unfortunately, things are revealed extremely slowly and the book is too long. By about 20% I was bored and had no urgency to continue to listen. There was no real sense of urgency in the characters, which made it difficult to stay invested.

Unfortunately, this is a pass for me.

The DI Lottie Parker series has been on my radar for a while, so I thought it was high time I started Patricia Gibney’s debut.

DI Parker and the team are called to investigate an unnatural death in a church, it becomes apparent that this is not an isolated crime.
The dark story is told is dual timeline. The present day narrative follows the complex and expanding investigation, as the body count rises. The extracts from the 1970s give details of the unfortunate individuals, who found themselves isolated with no-one to turn to for help.

The characters were well developed, the story intricate and fast moving.
I really enjoyed the narration by Michele Moran. The characters felt distinct, and the emotions were conveyed authentically through the vocal portrayal.

The book is harrowing and intense. The experiences endured by the 1970s’ characters are horrendous, it’s certainly not a light, cosy read.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Missing Ones, and am looking forward to the reading/listening to the rest of the series. 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.

This is a solid start to a series with a great main character who has much to be discovered about in future instalments The mystery is nicely twisty with crimes and motives both past and present. It's a fabulous listen, with a great narrator, and I'm looking forward to more.

Thanks you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the audiobook ARC.
To note, but I'm sure this will be fixed on final release, there were some slight static disruptions within the first few chapters.

While the narrative is compelling and the characters well-developed, the pacing can be uneven at times, with some parts feeling a bit drawn out. Additionally, the abundance of subplots might make it challenging for some listeners to keep track of all the details.

Overall, “The Missing Ones” is a solid start to the Detective Lottie Parker series, offering a mix of suspense and drama. It’s a good listen for fans of crime thrillers, and I will continue on with the series.

I reluctantly pick up books that are part of a series as it always scares me that I won’t have time to listen to the following books haha, but I went with this as I love the genre and the blurb got me and sucked me in. The plot and premise was great and the and the characters were thoroughly a good match to the story. Have recommended this to the women in my book club as it’s 100% their vibe , will look for further books in this series and in general from this author

Just finished this audiobook and was totally absorbed in this very twisty story.
Between 1975 and the present day DCI lottie follows a very sad trail to uncover the terrible crimes leading to the murders she is assigned to investigate.

The narration was perfect and kept the pace of the story well with great expression and emotion.

Loved this book and will definitely read more by this author. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity.

Trying to solve two murders, Detective Lottie Parker has to travel back in time several decades to a children’s home that was rife with abuse to find the answers. Fair warning that there is some disturbing content involving child predation

I may have just found my new favorite “detective” series. This is a gripping novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Lottie Parker is an interesting and intriguing main character. I’m excited to read more books in this series to get to know her even better.

However, I will say there are subjects discussed that could be considered triggers for some.

4.5-4.75⭐️

Book no 1 DI Lottie Parker series

I had the audiobook read by Michele Moran I must admit an Irish narrator was my reason for choosing this book. She is excellent really bringing the book to life.

Irish police procedural that combines current deaths to decades old murders with a link to St Angela’s a former children’s home which has a dark link to Lotties past.

It may have triggers for some, its themes are dark but not graphic. The characterisation is good, the stories that we hear from the past are heart wrenching. Lottie and Boyd have a good relationship they are close although bicker. I like both of them as individuals, I like that Lottie pushes professional boundaries.

It’s well written and flows well between the past and the present storylines. I found the topics covered very moving, I like it when a book engages me emotionally. The characters are well crafted to really draw you in. That ending!!

I would highly recommend this audiobook which is the first in the series, its heart wrenching and moving, looking forward to the next in the series.

Summary:
Detective Lottie Parker is thrust into a chilling investigation when a woman’s body is discovered in a cathedral, followed by a young man found hanging from a tree. Both victims bear the same distinctive tattoo, hinting at a sinister connection. As Lottie delves deeper, the trail leads her to St. Angela’s, a former children’s home with dark ties to her own family history. The case becomes personal as she uncovers links to unsolved murders from decades past. With two teenage boys now missing, Lottie races against time to unmask a twisted killer with a warped sense of justice, all while grappling with the terrifying possibility that her own children could be the next targets.

Audio experience:
There were times when I was confused about who was speaking and about what. Honestly, it feels like something is missing in the audio. I’m not sure how to explain it, but it was definitely a different experience for me.

Recommend:
If you’re a fan of stories that unravel slowly, this is the audiobook for you.