The Vanishing Act: An absolutely unputdownable crime thriller

Mallory Dawson receives a call from a former colleague, Elsa, describing a strange scene in a holiday cottage in the forest. DI Harri Evans has a story about the place from his time in uniform. When the father of the missing family is found dead in their hire car, an urgent hunt for the rest of the family begins. However, their identities are false and there is no hint of their history. The past and present are connected in a tense and atmospheric Welsh crime thriller.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 04 July 2024
Publisher: Canelo

Everyone in the Dawson family had a secret, but which one would prove deadly? When Mallory Dawson receives a call from her former colleague, Elsa, describing a strange scene at a holiday cottage in the forest, she initially dismisses it as nothing out of the ordinary. However, DI Harri Evans, who was once stationed at the cottage, has a story of his own. He was called out to a girl with scratches down her face, claiming that someone unseen had attacked her. When the father of the missing family is found dead in their hire car, there is an urgent hunt for the rest of the family. However, their identities are false, and there is no hint of their history. How are the past and present connected?

A tense and atmospheric Welsh crime thriller, "The Cottage on the Cliff" is perfect for fans of Clare Mackintosh and Fiona Cummins. The story follows Mallory as she investigates the mysterious death of the family and uncovers the secrets that have been kept hidden for years. With twists and turns at every turn, the book keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

One of the key themes of the book is the idea of secrets and the way they can destroy lives. Mallory's own secret is revealed early on, and it has a profound impact on her life and the investigation. She must confront her past and come to terms with the truth before she can move forward.

The cottage itself is a character in its own right. It is a beautiful, isolated place that has a dark history. The story takes place during a stormy winter, and the cottage is cut off from the outside world. This adds to the sense of isolation and tension that permeates the book.

The characters in the book are well-developed and complex. Mallory is a strong and determined woman who is not afraid to take on the challenges that come her way. She is supported by her colleagues, including DI Evans, who is a skilled and experienced detective. The other characters, including the family members and the locals, are also well-drawn and add to the depth of the story.

The plot of the book is intricate and well-paced. The author does a great job of keeping the reader engaged and guessing until the very end. There are several twists and turns that will keep readers on their toes, and the ending is both satisfying and unexpected.

One of the strengths of the book is the author's ability to create a sense of place. The setting of the cottage in the forest is vividly described, and the author's use of language and imagery adds to the atmosphere of the book. The descriptions of the storm and the isolation of the cottage are particularly effective.

However, there are some weaknesses in the book. Some of the characters' actions and motivations are not fully explained, and some of the plot points are a bit predictable. Additionally, the ending feels a bit rushed, and some of the loose ends are not tied up.

Despite these weaknesses, "The Cottage on the Cliff" is a compelling and well-written book that will keep readers engaged until the very end. The author's ability to create a sense of place and the intricate plot make it a standout in the genre of Welsh crime thrillers.

In conclusion, "The Cottage on the Cliff" is a tense and atmospheric Welsh crime thriller that explores the idea of secrets and the way they can destroy lives. The story follows Mallory as she investigates the mysterious death of the family and uncovers the secrets that have been kept hidden for years. With well-developed characters and an intricate plot, the book keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. While there are some weaknesses in the book, it is a compelling and well-written book that will keep readers engaged until the very end.

Weight: 226g
Dimension: 128 x 197 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804363201