I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley. This book was excellent, with lots of twists and misdirection to keep you guessing. You follow Saffy as she enters a job interview for a data analyst role, when she received 3 texts all in quick succession from her best friend, Leona. Can't speak... Don't text or call... Just come... However as soon as Saffy has read the messages they are deleted by the sender and on Saffy's screen it just says "Message Deleted" for each of the 3 messages she received. Saffy leaves the job interview part way through and rushed to her friends house Leonas house to find out what is wrong. To which Leona opens the door to her house, confused as anything as why Saffy is distressed, standing on her doorstep begging to find out is she ok and what had happened. Leona is fine, he husband and daughter are also at home and everyone seems fine. Leona knows nothing about the messages. Saffy returns home confused and the next thing we hear is that Leona and her family have disappeared and Daffy was the last person to see them. The police get involved and the story continues... I enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it.

Saffy is on the road to recovery from mental health issues that stemmed from recent events. Her ex-husband, Neil, has custody of their little boy, Fox, but he’s willing to let Saffy gradually have more contact than she currently has. Saffy arrives for a job interview and, whilst waiting in reception, receives three short texts from her best friend, Leona, asking for her help. Saffy knows that Leona’s husband is controlling so she skips the interview to rush to Leona’s house. She then notices that the texts have been deleted and is worried for Leona’s safety. Arriving at her friend’s house, Saffy is puzzled to find that Leona is absolutely fine and has no knowledge of the texts. Then begins a very clever and gripping storyline, with many twists and turns. I stayed up far later than I should’ve done to finish it because I really couldn’t put it down. Absolutely brilliant! Thank you to NetGalley, Michael Joseph, and Penguin Random House for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.

Perfectly thrilling. Loads of twists and turns. A proper psychological thriller. Nail biting and plenty of intrigue and drama. Highly recommended, 5 stars from me.

When Saffie receives an urgent message from her friend Leona, which is then deleted, suspecting she needs help Saffie rushes to her friend’s home to see what she can do. However, on arrival, Leona seems fine and says she hasn’t sent the message. When the family mysteriously disappear, as Saffie is the last person to see them, the police arrive at her door to investigate what happened. This is the beginning of a gripping, fast paced thriller which keeps you glued to the page. There are events from Saffie’s past which gradually unfold, and Leona’s husband seems devious and controlling. The story is set mainly from two perspectives and viewpoints, which gives a more rounded account of the main characters and secrets from the past. Well written, this is a roller coaster ride, full of twists and turns, exploring the background of various characters, making you consider who the perpetrator could be. The author really gets inside the characters, and you feel empathy for Saffy and her sister Poppy. The tension increases as the story unfolds. This is the first book by K L Slater which I’ve read, and thoroughly enjoyed. Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read, the viewpoint is my own #MessageDeleted #NetGalley

Another great novel by K L Slater, suspense, drama, murder, disappearances - all in all a gripping read and its great for holiday season. Plenty of substories and background relationships which come together to culminate in a great ending. Recommended!