I was taken by the interesting synopsis for this novel even though I hadn't heard of Howard Linksey, and was delighted to discover that Alice Teale is Missing is set in Collemby, a small fictional Northumbrian mining town. Alice Teale has vanished; she was spotted leaving the school grounds late one evening and she's never been seen since. Enter Winter and Black ( I love the names!) - DC Beth Winter is a fast track police officer, on her first proper posting with DCI Everleigh's team. She's working with DS Lucas Black who has just taken over the investigation into the missing seventeen-year-old schoolgirl. Nobody wants to team up with DS Black about whom rumours are rife since he shot a man dead, whilst attending a call-out. Collemby is a run-down town, buzzing with gossip and a place where everyone knows everyone. The local Comprehensive is managed by new headteacher, John Morgan, who has turned it around from being a failing school. In this atmospheric crime read, Howard Linskey's superb writing allowed me to get a real feel for the town of Collemby, although this wasn't difficult for me as it is my local area. Howard Linskey's characterisation was marvellous, from the complex Alice, and Beth Winter who felt she had something to prove, to the ex-military Lucas Black who was unforthcoming, reticent, and burdened by his past performance in the Force. Both of these detectives were part of an investigation that had ramifications for them, personally and professionally. Alice Teale is Missing was a hugely gripping, entertaining and compelling read, with many twists and changes of direction. The horrifying truth is eventually revealed in an unexpected and fulfilling denouement. I would definitely recommend this novel to fans of crime fiction. I have found myself another favourite author and I'm off to grab myself a copy of No Name Lane, another of Howard Linskey's novels that I'm now hoping to read. I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my request, from Penguin Michael Joseph via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.

Thank you to Howard for arranging a review copy for me, having been a fan of his previous books I was desperate to get my hands on this one. So it claims to be a gripping new stand alone read....set in Northumberland. My verdict... Gripping - definitely! However, I really hope Howard develops this into a new series, I absolutely loved the characters and the plot. I definitely do not want this to remain a stand alone. Very much hoping we can schedule a trip to Durham Waterstones for Howard to sign these copies. Dear fans of Howard's previous books - especially the Waterstones Durham Crime Book Group - It may even be his best yet!!! So don't delay grab it as soon as it is officially published.

This story is about seventeen year old Alice Teale who disappeared on her way home from school. There is quite a few suspects. It's set in the Cambrian town of Collemby. A place where everyone k owe everyone's business. DC Beth winter and DC LUcas Black are sent to investigate Alice's disappearance. The two detectives had not worked together before but they were put together to try and find Alice. They are likeable characters who worked well together. The pace is fast at the start of the story but by the middle, it takes a dip. But thankfully it picks up again. No one has seen Alice for six days. Will they find her safe and well? There are plenty red herrings to put you off the scent. I hope to read more about Winter and Black in the future. I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and the author H.A. Linskey for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. #AliceTealeIsMissing #NetGalley

I think I may have found a new author to put on my regular reads!!  Really enjoyed this book. So easy to get into and kept me gripped throughout. Our two main characters, who were both so likeable, are Detectives Beth Winter and Lucas Black.  Beth has been on the direct-entry scheme joining the Northumbria police force as 'trainee detective'.  Completing a two year training program and passing the National Investigator's exam.  Having so far only investigated minor crimes, she is about to be put to the test and given a job on a team looking into the disappearance of a seventeen year old girl.  DS Lucas Black, an interesting character, has been in the force for a few years and has earned himself a reputation.  Not the easiest to work with and surrounded with a fair bit of gossip which Beth knows nothing about.  Will they get on? Or will her first big case turn out to be an absolute nightmare?? I really loved these two and I hope we may see them work together again in another book.  The author really allows you to get to know each of them, but without distracting you from the story line and the investigation they are working on. Talking of investigations, cue title: Alice Teale is Missing .  A seventeen year old girl called Alice Teale leaves school one evening and hasn't been seen since.  A seemingly likeable girl who works hard at school and takes part in many of the after school clubs, is seen leaving late one evening through the main entrance by a PE teacher.  A bit late to be leaving but nothing more strange than that.  However, Alice doesn't make it home and no one has seen or heard from her for six days. Lucas and Beth are somewhat thrown together after they are instructed to take over the case, after the DI originally leading it suddenly decides to take early retirement and as Lucas's own DI is, 'out of action', and not likely to return soon, Lucas is put in charge. It is a gripping tale, throwing new light onto Alice's life as you read, and uses her diary to allow us to slowing realise, that lots of things are going on around Alice that could have a bearing on her disappearance.  I enjoyed the way the local area is described and adds feeling and depth to the story line, along with the other characters you meet in the book.  The interviews between Beth, Lucas and those known to Alice are really well done.  You can feel the awkwardness and tension as if you are in the room.  The relationship between Beth and Lucas was wonderful to read and without giving away any spoilers, I really enjoyed their interactions as they spent more and more time with each other. There are many twists and turns, as each new lead is followed up, and this keeps the book flowing at a great pace and leaves you wanting to read on.  There isn't one page that felt unnecessary.  No padding out, no misdirection, just great story telling to keep you guessing till the end.  A great finish that I most certainly didn't see coming and I will definitely be looking into reading more by this author.