I have read the previous five books written by this talented author, Emma Kavanagh who draws on her experience as a police & military psychologist to come up with original yet believable plots for her crime fiction novels. A burglary is the starting point of this deep and involved psychological thriller. Rosa is a young woman whose life is turned upside down when an intruder makes their way into the family home one night. Not much seems to be taken but it starts off a series of events that reveals fundamental truths about Rosa’s family. Rosa tells her story in the present tense so the reader is taken on her journey which although taking place now delves into her past and is littered with danger. This isn’t a fast and furious read, more of a slow burner that adds layers to be understood as you pick your way through the personalities of all involved until you come to that ‘ahh!’ moment but don’t worry there are plenty of twists and turns up to the finale to keep the reader thoroughly entertained.

Thank you to the publishers for this early review copy, I am rather a fan of Emma's books. I find the tension and the twists are just superb. So brilliant, they really can't be put down, so snuggle up with a big drink and snacks, best read in one sitting. Very happy to also recommend some of her previous books such as The Killer on the Wall and To Catch a Killer. If you love great crime thrillers then you really must read Emma's books.

4-5 stars rounded up. One barn fire which transpires to be a murder suicide scene in Canada in September 1995, a few weeks later an abandoned baby in Madison, Wisconsin in November 1995, a half brother that seems to be untraceable and a missing boy. How do these connect? Rosa Fisher is midway through her psychology PhD studies and after a break in at her house which led to an accident which requires hospitalisation she makes a discovery that opens a huge can of worms. This is the second of the Jackson Wolf trilogy but can be read as a standalone as the main focus in this one is Rosa. This is a very well written novel with good characters, in particular Rosa who is creative, intelligent, instinctive and brave which does lead to some foolhardy actions which she is powerless to stop as she’s drawn to finding the truth like a moth to a flame. She utilises all her psychology knowledge and background to solve the mystery which Wolf can help unlock. However, as she gets closer and her knowledge increases it’s as if she gone down a dangerous Alice style rabbit hole. From the start of the book to the end there is a sense of mystery and intrigue, there’s fear because it’s a dangerous pursuit and as the revelations are revealed the story gets shockingly twisty. Relief comes in the form of occasional dark humour which helps break some tension and there’s real love and care from Rosa’s family. There are occasions where it’s emotional too and it becomes difficult for Rosa to know who to trust. It’s good to see DS Alice Parr from the Met and Captain Gabriel Ortero of the NYPD who make a brief but welcome appearance as I like both of those characters from To Catch a Killer, the first of the Jackson Wolf trilogy. I really like the end of this book as it sets us up nicely for the third book and I for one can’t wait!! Overall, another excellent read from Emma Kavanagh who writes really good psychological thrillers and I recommend both this book and her as an author.

I have read a couple of books by Emma Kavanagh - Hidden and The Missing Hours - that I have enjoyed but, unfortunately, not this one quite as much. Having said that, I found the plot was different and interesting, the twists and turns were great and kept me guessing, wrongly most of the time, and the sense of tension was good. The characters were ok but no one really stood out for me and I felt they were a little unforgettable and I found the descriptive writing style became a tad tedious and I admit to skim-reading some parts. This is what let it down for me in the end - I got a little bored but persevered and so pleased I did because the ending was great. I may not have enjoyed this book quite as much as I would have liked but it certainly will not put me off reading Emma's books in the future. Thank you Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.