Poor poor Rosie. She’s vanished and no one can find her. But her disappearance has rocked the community, particularly Kate. The majority of the story is told from Kate’s perspective but every so often I’d hear from poor Rosie and her voice was so distinct.

It’s a very twisted whodunnit with an unlikely detective at the helm of the story. Kate's suspicion of those in the community was echoed with my own. I needed to know who had harmed young Rosie.

I have bought myself another Howells thriller and must read some of her less dark, more uplifting books.

This book is just an amazing read! The way the author draws you in and gives you a sense of almost a reality feel. THe characters and plot are so well put together that it's hard to lay this one down!

Sorry I was unable to finish this story, while the writing was fantastic. It was just not for me in the end.

This was a very intense story--tragic and suspenseful. We get three different points of view throughout the story: Rosie, a young murder victim; Kate, a neighbor who was often visited by Rosie and whose daughter was her friend; Delphine, Rosie's sister.

There are a lot of twists and turns to this story, constantly keeping me guessing as to the identity of the killer. I had a suspicion of who it was but wasn't totally sure until the author revealed it.

The author is very good at taking readers into the story with her words. She paints a real picture of the settings, the characters, and their relationships to one another. Most of the characters are also likable people.

I adored this! This follows two narratives:
* in the now we follow Kate, local gardener, in an idyllic village. When her daughter's friend goes missing and is later found dead Kate is stunned. Because she knew the girl extremely well and can't imagine who in the village would possibly want to hurt her.
* in The Lovely Bones style Rosie narrates scenes from her childhood to adolescence and we get to know her and meet her 'picture perfect' family who are not so perfect behind closed doors. These parts were my favourite and the most emotionally touching.
Both narratives meet to a satisfying conclusion. I can't believe this is an debut. Exceptional! Well drawn characters and excellent pace. I looked forward to reading more Debbie Howells.

Dark and poignant story about the shiny upfronts and dark secrets beneath.

Rosie was murdered. A young and proper girl from a good family. But Rosie is going to tell you a different story, a story she herself is just starting to discover, when leaving the world of living.

Don't be scared though (or not because this particular reason), this is not a ghost story. Yes, Rosie is very present, but it is more like reading her diary as she is drawing and re-drawing the landscape of her family life.
And there is also Kate, a middle-aged mother of Rosie's schoolmate Grace, but mostly just a warm-hearted woman, craving the simple pleasures in life, who is another narrator of the story. Kate, sensitive and caring as she is, a kind of befriended Rosie and is particularly affected by her missing. Kate also befriends Jo, Rosie's mother, with all the good intentions to help her. But there is more than just glitz and glitter in that glamorous family...

This is not the mystery novel in the typical meaning of this world, this is a psychological novel revealing the many covers a person can wear, and how we, even when having the best intentions, are prone to be oblivious and/or innocent in our perceiving the others and generally just seeing what we want to see. A very good reminder to care just a bit more about the truth!

The novel is rich, interesting and enriching in its messages.
A Liane Moriarty's 'Big Little Lies' actually comes to mind, but this novel actually has even a bit more going on that the Moriarty's rightfully famous novel- there is also impact of the wrong choices.

I like Kate quite a much, actually - she is a caring bystander, trying to be a good person. She is also an innocent person in the meaning that she always supposes the best about people. Which might be a little naive, but actually I think that most of the people are that way. One must be very honest and/or jaded to see the persons and situations as they are. Generally we just think that the others think, behave and feel the way we do. So how is one to see what is beneath?
But Kate is actually the one to step in, to enter this complicated situation and that way she helps to solve the big questions and maybe to save the next victim.

And I learned much. Now I might be better equipped to see more clearly. Just fot thatI would recommend the novel-but I can happily say that this is truly a good, thought-provoking, fast read. Ms Howells, now you are on my must-read list of authors.

The writing and cover of this book are done well enough. I would give this author another shot because the writing was good I thought there could be more potential with Howell's writing, considering I guessed the killer too soon.