This is my first impression of this book after reading the first thirty pages of it via Readers First.
The story starts with an intriguing first statement
"Yesterday, I kissed my husband for the last time . . ."
The I in this statement is Joyce Haney, a wife and mother living in California. She's obviously planning something but there's no real indication of what and when she mysteriously disappears it seems even weirder!
The story is set in the summer of 1959 and the differences in police procedurals, racial prejudices and the roles of people at that time are clearly evident in this short introduction. The terminology use is what was prevalent in that era and it seems so wrong now but doesn't detract from the mystique and intriguing atmosphere created by the events. Just where is Joyce? Why has she left her child and baby? Who has left the large bloodstain on the kitchen floor?
This is apparently a debut novel. I'm impressed. The writing flows well, immersing the reader into the scenarios and painting vivid images of the events and characters. There's an organisation that's just been mentioned and I wonder what role they'll have to play in this story, too. It is an introduction that leaves the reader with a feeling of unease, questioning and wondering about just what has happened to this missing young woman. Has she planned to leave or has she been abducted? Who has left that bloodstain - and are they still alive? I need to read more to find out the answers to these and many other questions!
The story starts with an intriguing first statement
"Yesterday, I kissed my husband for the last time . . ."
The I in this statement is Joyce Haney, a wife and mother living in California. She's obviously planning something but there's no real indication of what and when she mysteriously disappears it seems even weirder!
The story is set in the summer of 1959 and the differences in police procedurals, racial prejudices and the roles of people at that time are clearly evident in this short introduction. The terminology use is what was prevalent in that era and it seems so wrong now but doesn't detract from the mystique and intriguing atmosphere created by the events. Just where is Joyce? Why has she left her child and baby? Who has left the large bloodstain on the kitchen floor?
This is apparently a debut novel. I'm impressed. The writing flows well, immersing the reader into the scenarios and painting vivid images of the events and characters. There's an organisation that's just been mentioned and I wonder what role they'll have to play in this story, too. It is an introduction that leaves the reader with a feeling of unease, questioning and wondering about just what has happened to this missing young woman. Has she planned to leave or has she been abducted? Who has left that bloodstain - and are they still alive? I need to read more to find out the answers to these and many other questions!