DI Winter Meadows has returned to the village where thirty years earlier the murder of one girl and the serious injuries of a second girl proved a devastating event for a small village.
Winters went to school with both girls and had a crush on Gwen, the girl who survived. Gwen had no memories of what happened that day, and the person responsible was never found.
Gwen, now married with two adolescent children, has begun having flashbacks to the day of the murder. Nothing consistent, a brief image at best, but the possibility of further memories may put her life at risk.
Winter Meadows re-opens the case, hoping to discover who killed Bethan and attacked Gwen. A number of suspects are unhappy about further investigation into the case and may not want Gwen to remember.
The conclusion was not what I expected. I liked the characters and the setting--this may be a new series for me. As a first book in a series, the introduction of characters is almost as important as the mystery.
Kindle Unlimited.
Police Procedural/Mystery. 2014. Print length: 259 pages.
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Attica Locke has become one of my favorite writers, and this article gives so much information about her family and her books. Why Did My Black Ancestors Never Leave Texas.
Bibliotherapists and Ann Cleeves
Locke is a Houstonian, so I've managed to hear her speak on a couple of different occasions. She's interesting, for sure. I did like her earlier books better than the last one or two, but she's still someone I keep track of. BTW, I think your link may be broken...couldn't get it to open.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed the Highway 59 books, partly because the landscape along the border of Texas and Louisiana border, those piney woods, is so familiar. Thanks for letting me know about the link, Sam. Hope I've fixed it. :)
DeleteI'll have to check this one out. I am glad you enjoyed it, Jenclair.
ReplyDeleteI like the Welsh setting, which is a bit of a rarity given all the books set in the UK. :)
DeleteThe blurb makes it sound pretty straightforward but that the ending was unexpected has piqued my interest!
ReplyDeleteYes, I thought I had the villain in my sights, but then...the twist. :)
DeleteThe Silent Quarry sounds very good and I'll take a look at that one. Thanks also for the articles. I was able to access both and they were both quite interesting. I knew that Ann Cleeves husband was a birdwatcher and I also knew he had passed away in the last while, but I didn't know about his mental health issues. Lots to think about there as to reading and books providing therapy. As to Ann herself, I've heard her speak at book conferences and met her a couple of times. She is most passionate about assisting libraries and I think her sharing in the article explains a bit of that too.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize about Cleeves' husband either, but can see how books can provide therapy. Libraries have always been so important in my own life, and I can see that Cleeves would be in full support of their benefits. Also--I participate in Bibliotherapy frequently--especially now. :)
DeleteI'm intrigued! I love the idea of a Welsh setting. I'll have to look into this one. :)
ReplyDeleteMost of the books I've read with a Welsh setting have been historical. It was nice to have a mystery set there. :)
DeleteAnd interesting setting (like Wales!) and well-drawn, likable characters will draw me in every time. :)
ReplyDelete:) Both setting and likeable characters who feel genuine are two things that can make a series for me. Even when a plot fails to completely satisfy me, I still enjoy meeting the characters again.
DeleteThe Silent Quarry sounds like an intriguing read. Plus, the Welsh setting sounds appealing to me. I'll have to check out this book.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've read a book with a Welsh setting. Thank you for sharing this one. I'm so bummed out I missed Attica Locke at one of our recent book festivals and I don't believe she's on the list this year.
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