Missing, Presumed is too rich in character development to be labelled simply a police procedural and that's one of the reasons I liked it so well. It exudes a 'warts and all' confidence that proves it doesn't have to be flashy, with lots of gory violence, to set it apart from other books in this genre. What's to like? The characters are charmers. Not in a fake, overly polite way but in their thoughts, actions and foibles. No one is perfect and we learn from each character's doubts and inner fears just how much. A subtle character analysis brings the reader close to a number of key players which, in turn, makes us empathise with them even more. No matter how flawed they prove to be... Manon especially. She's an utter delight as she investigates the disappearance of Edith and dissects her own life in the process. Manon is a character I could read book after book after book. There's a a warmth in this novel that is hard to quantify. The writing is descriptive, without being flowery, and delivers an atmosphere that is both cosy and realistic. The emotional level of the book, from the distraught parents to the frustrated probing detectives, is meaningful, heartfelt and easily appreciated by the reader. There's nothing to dislike about Missing, Presumed. It hit the spot for me and I look forward to more novels of this kind. Two enthusiastic thumbs up!

***I received a pre-view copy from www.LoveReading.co.uk in exchange for an honest review*** Student Edith Hind has vanished, signs of a violent struggle left behind, and DS Manon Bradshaw is thrust into a high profile case. Media interest rapidly builds and Sir Ian Hind uses his political connections to influence the investigation into his daughters’ disappearance. And when a body turns up, the pressure on Manon really builds. Susie Steiner’s second novel, her first Bradshaw case, moves along at a rollicking pace, the pages keep turning as you eagerly lap up her plot. I especially liked the author’s use of language and “quirky” phrases to wonderfully describe scenes; “an unmarked car that wears its snow like a jaunty hat” is one of my favourites. This book is an absolute joy to read and loose yourself in. From the very first chapter you know you’re going to enjoy spending time with DS Manon Bradshaw; she is a truly likeable character, yes she is flawed, as many detectives are, but her flaws are endearing and give her greater depth and, for me, honesty than some other fictional detectives. She’s a grump, prone to mood swings, is desperate to find a partner, estranged from her own family and is terrific fun! The supporting characters are also well defined and fully fleshed and, where required, sympathetic or unappealing in equal measure. DC Davy Walker, our heroine’s colleague, is especially good and I liked how his character grew. Steiner has created a fine cast in this absorbing tale. This is an enjoyable, believable page turner and leaves you wanting more from the delightful DS Manon and co.

I received a free eARC of this book via NetGalley but that has in no way influenced my review. Erin Kelly describes this book as beautifully written. I couldn’t agree more. Missing, Presumed feels quite different to other books in the genre. Steiner presents a pretty bleak story but with such style and eloquence that you can’t help but be captivated. This is a slow burn police procedural with a less than perfect detective set in a wintery Cambridgeshire. There was a heck of a lot of buzz about this book when it was first published so I knew I just had to read a copy and find out more. I’m very glad I did. DS Manon Bradshaw made this book shine for me. On the verge of hitting the big ‘four-oh’ Manon is determined to find a husband (I’m sure a committed partner would be enough in all honesty, lol!). She’s fed up with her life and feeling so lonely, so turns to internet dating to find Mister Right. Only finding Mister Very Wrong, Mister Oh No and Mister You Must Be Joking! Falling asleep every night to the crackle and hiss of her ‘borrowed’ police scanner. When Edith Hind is reported missing Manon is one of the first to hear the report over her scanner, and it’s only around the corner so she gets dressed and heads out into the chilly night. What she finds is a scene that causes some concern; the coats in the hallway are disturbed, the front door is open, Edith’s phone and keys have been left behind and there are a few ominous looking blood spots in the kitchen. An investigation to find missing Edith is launched led by Manon’s Major Incident Team but they’re aware time is running out. When it’s revealed the missing woman is the daughter of Lord Ian Hind, physician to the Queen and is good friends with the Home Secretary, the team know the case is going to be big news. Can Manon and the team find the missing woman before it’s too late…? The book is written from multiple viewpoints which include Edith’s mother, Miriam, Manon and a wonderful colleague of Manon’s, DC Davy Walker. I loved Davy – what a nice young chap! Manon’s DI, Harriet Harper, is also a great character I loved the relationship between the two of them. I didn’t like any of the Hinds who all come across as pompous, self-serving, self-entitled fools. Even the devastated Miriam failed to stir any sympathy within me. The other character I loved was Fly, a young boy who, having lost his brother, is taken under Manon’s wing. Their relationship absolutely blossoms and it’s a joy to watch. The investigation was slow going and at times I would have liked things to happen a little quicker. The reveal was quite a shocker but I relished it. It was very satisfying and I wouldn’t have wanted the book to end any other way with hindsight. Would I recommend this book? Yes, I would. It’s beautifully written and a wonderful character driven novel which I thoroughly enjoyed. I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up another book by Susie Steiner. An intriguing mystery with a wonderfully flawed lead character who I hope to see a lot more of in the future. I chose to read and review an eARC of Missing, Presumed. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.

The story, for what it is worth, is the kidnapping “presumed missing” of Edith Hind, beautiful Cambridge student and daughter of a wealthy surgeon. When the body is not found all the usual subjects...family, boyfriend and possible girlfriend are interviewed but to no avail. What lifts this book above the normal crime thriller is the wonderful character of DS Manon Bradshaw. She is a gutsy, confused, loveable detective with a very complex private life that often interferes with her professional status. From the opening scenes, a failed attempt at internet dating, to her obvious affection for Fly Dent, a young man with no father figure and an alcoholic mother…..Manon grabs centre stage as she reaches out for our kindness and support. With her equally affable partner Constable Davy Walker they work to uncover the truth of the whereabouts of Edith Hind….”Davy of course smiling in at her, coffee in hand, the light glowing behind those marvellous ears, like red quotation marks” It is however Manon that makes this book such an enjoyable read a 39 year old woman searching for some form of inner contentment……”She thinks life is best passed in a blur: imprecise and anaesthetised from the sharper feelings. She is drowning as the gin engulfs her, swaying on the spot, the room spinning, the music pumping in time with the blood in her arteries.”.........”The bereaved should wear signs, she thinks, saiying: Grief in Progress- for at least a couple of years”....

A missing person, crime fiction novel.  There may be a lot of these available, but few I have read have been as uniquely written as this one.  I say that, because this book heavily focusses on the lives of the police officers investigating the murder, rather than the loved ones of the missing and I really enjoyed that. Although we are taken on the mystery tour that is the investigation, to try and discover what has happened to Edith Hind, who has disappeared without a trace, our main protagonist is DS Manon Bradshaw, one of the team tasked with finding Edith.  And DS Bradshaw is a complex character, with a slightly destructive streak when it comes to her personal life.  As much as we weave our way through the investigation, we also do the same through the mind set of Manon and her complicated history with her family, the effect the loss of her mother at a young age has had on her outlook on life and her surprise at finding herself falling in love with an unlikely candidate.  As I said, I enjoyed the fact that the novel looks at this as a main theme and not just a supporting storyline.  The author also gives a lot more time to the other characters within the investigation team than I have seen done in other crime novels, for example, the ever positive and optimistic Davy - Manon's outlook polar opposite and also best friend Bryony. This book never got too heavy and intense either, like so many crime books can, where you are reading graphic and horrifying scenes.  There is a lot of humour injected, particularly the conversations between Manon and Bryony when dissecting Manon's latest internet dating disaster, but I didn't find this took away from the excitement of the plot in any way, shape or form. Written in third person, the chapters are broken down into individual character viewpoints and I felt this really helped keep the pace moving and narration varied.  The investigation was written from a very realistic viewpoint - making clear what a mammoth task something like a high profile misper is like for the police, and also demonstrating how easy mistakes can be made, because, after all, police are only human beings trying to do the best they can - instead of sensationalising it. If you want a crime fiction novel with a difference then you will certainly enjoy this book and I am looking forward to reading more from the DS Manon Bradshaw series.