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By: Gilly Macmillan

ISBN: 006244462X

Publisher: Harper Audio 

Publication Date:12/1/2015 

Format: Audio 

My Rating: 4 Stars 

Gilly MacMillan delivers a gripping psychological domestic suspense debut, WHAT SHE KNEW —A parent’s worst fear and nightmare- a missing child.

Rachel Jenner and her eight-year-old son Ben and their dog, Skittles---an afternoon outing at the Bristol Park. Rachel gets distracted for a brief moment and her son runs ahead. He disappears. She's frantic.

Newly divorced, a photographer has a low self-esteem, and an ex-husband with a new wife. Now the media is displaying her as a bad mother. Judgments flow. From social media to bloggers.

An investigation—alternating perspectives between DI Jim Clemo and Rachel. Rachel is guilt ridden, and Jim blames himself for not solving the case sooner. Intensity builds as the pieces of the puzzle come together.

Character-driven, a case of ordinary people finding themselves in challenging situations. Rachel was more of a victim at the beginning of the novel, worn down from life’s obstacles—however, as the book moves on she gains momentum. Secrets rise to the surface about the past and Rachel is unsure who she can trust. Jim on the other hand is dealing with his own issues.

Engrossing, lyrical, deeply probing, and impressive writing; Full of twists and turns; dark secrets, fear, suspense--a mother’s deep love; the author unravels at a perfect pace, for a gripping psychological suspense debut. Fans of Paula Dalywill delight. An author to follow.

I listened to the audio version and narrators, Penelope Rawlins, Dugald Bruce-Lockhart delivered an intense performance. I read this book a while ago; however, realized after reading The Perfect Girl, failed to write my review.

Highly recommend the British author’s second book, THE PERFECT GIRL, a 5 star gripping psychological thriller!