De verdwijning van de jonge Johnny Hopkins verandert de levens van zijn ouders en familie maar ook van zijn vrienden. Het proces van alle betrokkenen om met dit verlies om te gaan wordt indringend beschreven zoals we dat Niccci Gerrard gewoon zijn . De spanning blijft behouden tot het laatste hoofdstuk. ( )

Vlot te lezen roman, met goed uitgewerkte karakters en een verhaal dat van begin tot einde boeit. ( )

Een paar maanden nadat een 18-jarige jongen uit huis is vertrokken om te gaan studeren, verdwijnt hij spoorloos. Zijn ouders, twee zusjes van 20 en 16 jaar, en verdere familie en vrienden blijven ontredderd achter ( )

Beautifully written story about what a family goes through when the only son voluntarily disappears with no warning. Told from the perspective of the mother, the father and the youngest sister, Gerard gets to grips with the emotional upheaval, both immediately and in the years that follow. Really makes you think. Also, a touching glimpse of how the homeless live on the fringes of society, and how little we want to see them. ( )

Johnny is a sensitive young man, a 'good boy', the 'golden child' so when he goes missing just weeks into his first term at Sheffield University his family and friends are confused and distraught. This is the opening of this new book written by the female half of the crime writing team, Nicci French, and it sets the scene for an intriguing dissection of human emotions after the disappearance of a loved one.
The first half of the book is focused on Johnny's mum, Isabel, then looks other family members (Dad-Felixstowe and younger sister-Mia) and then at the passage of time through a 'Birthdays' section. We don't get into the mind of elder daughter Tamsin, who seems to be a very briefly sketched character, nor did we get a friend's insight that I felt was coming with best friend, Will.
This isn't a mystery or thriller where we have a build of clues and tension nor is it a book with dramatic twists and turns but it is a very readable look at these 3 main characters in the wake of an incredibly traumatic event - the full spectrum of emotional response is there and how each copes is fascinating. I found Mia's storyline the most intriguing and there are some really tough passages to read as time passes. The reactions of family, friends and the police/university staff all seem well researched and believable. The characters are flawed, realistic and can draw you in plus the story has pace and punch so there is much to recommend in this novel.
If you are wanting a taut, tense thriller or a 'is he/ isn't he' dead crime story this probably isn't the right book for you but if you enjoy a character-led read with some angst and a tale that can get under your skin this is well worth a read; a good book to read by the pool this summer.
Just a couple of niggles: some of the descriptions and images are repeated motifs - sometimes too obviously; and I would have really liked to know a little more about what finally pushed Johnny as the 'whys' are implied rather than explored.
Finally, as a parent of 2 teens with possible university departure looming it was slightly uncomfortable reading and it makes you wonder how you would cope, how your relationships would be impacted and whether you are being too 'overprotective' now and that will be detrimental later on - all these mean it would be a great discussion book for a group. ( )