What an absolute page-turner! I just couldn't put it down. This is Melanie Golding’s second book and The Hidden is another atmospheric thriller. It wasn't too scary (something I'm generally wary of, but not at all put off in this book.) Melanie Golding's prose was so expertly written and really remarkable, the various plot strands cleverly interwoven. I eagerly wait with huge anticipation for more from this delightful author. I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion. Note: This book is also called The Replacement.

I really enjoyed this book. Just when you think you have a handle on it, the story changes and you think “ah ok, I know where this is going” only to find it changes again. Great plot, the story flows well. Definitely recommend this one, thank you #netgalley

Wow, what a great book very reminiscent of a Joanne Harris. I loved just about everything about The Replacement. The way the story is told through the perspectives of the different characters and the way it goes back in time a few months is cleverly done without any confusion. The balance of folklore is just perfect as is the character building. One of those books you pick up and start reading and wonder where the last few hours have gone. This is the 1st Melanie Golding book I have read but I have already ordered Little Darlings as I enjoyed this one so much.

Myths and legends not being my usual fare, I was unsure as to whether I would enjoy this, but I loved it. A modern tale of an old, much forgotten, traditional one - it brings the wild Scottish island coastal landscape to life interwoven with modern day negative, coercive relationships. There's a truly chilling 'baddie' in here - who keeps you reading, without pause. I loved the way the story built gradually, explaining the injured man found in a flooded bath at the beginning - and how that ties in to a child found on a seafront street in a totally different area. Ruby is a recluse, a composer, and suffering from depression. She meets an irresistible neighbour and begins to form a relationship; but then discovers he is already in a relationship with a small daughter. I liked the way Ruby normalised and accepted things Leonie told her, about her upbringing - not questioning them but accepting her interpretation. You really are left wanting to know more... Highly recommended, even to 'myth cynics'!

Let's get this out of the way. I love this book! I've never read a Melanie Golding book before, but my next read will definitely be her Little Darlings. Although I recognise that it will not be to everyone's taste, I loved the blend of the mystical/supernatural and the tension of the investigation in this book, which worked surprisingly well. The character of Ruby was extremely well-drawn and I was completely convinced by her troubled feelings and her love for the child. Constance was more difficult to empathise with but perhaps, without spoilers, that was to be expected. None of the chapters were in her POV which helped to preserve the mystery surrounding her. Joanne was, perhaps, the most complicated character of all as she veered between her emotions and trying to maintain a professional attitude in the police investigation. The villain is suitably over-the-top, almost supernatural himself, so he gels neatly with the plot. The musical references and the snippets of legends are interwoven beautifully and I never, at any time, felt a moment where I was lifted out of the story. Other readers might find it a bt 'fey' and a little removed from the normal thriller, but I am sure many will love it as much as I did. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.