The Naked Room is written by Diana Hockley. I read her short story “The Metamorphosis of Troubadour Merriwether” and was so intrigued by her writing, than I was eager to try The Naked Room. This is a novel that doesn’t disappoint. Not just a straight detective novel, but rather an in-depth look at each character, their flaws and their motives for being involved.
When Ally Carpenter is taken and held for ransom, no one can think of a reason for the kidnapping, least of all the police. It’s the reader who is gradually made privy to information the police don’t have. Not that it helps – for Ms Hockley’s false trails and red herrings are worthy of an Agatha Christie. I felt sorry for the policewoman Susan Prescott, as despite unerring devotion to her work, she hits that many blank walls she must have had a headache! Not that her work colleagues or even her husband make her job any easier. I particularly liked the soft side of her though. Her empathy with the people involved was well written and totally believable. This is true of the whole of the book. It has a reality that grounds it and the reader is led to think – yes, stuff like this really could happen and people really are like this.
Can you work out who did it? I couldn’t! The resolution to the novel is emotional and all story lines are pulled together. But this is no romantic look at love, lives, kidnapping and ransom. Ms Hockley never shies away from uncomfortable subjects, she tells it as it is, which is a refreshing change. I highly recommend Ms Hockley’s work.
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When classical pianist Ally Carpenter goes missing during a night out with friends, the implications stretch far beyond her disappearance. Veteran detective, Senior Sergeant Susan Prescott, believes that sexual predators may have abducted Ally. However, after two women with connections to the Carpenters are murdered, she realizes there may be more to the crime than at first thought.
While Prescott puts all her efforts into solving the crime, those close to Ally battle their own turmoil. Friendships become strained and secrets come to light as Ally's terrified mother, Eloise, is forced to confront the lie she has perpetuated for 26 years. Cellist, Briece Mochrie―determined to discover what has happened to the girl he loves―is swept into a dangerous undertow of murder and revenge. The kidnappers have their own agenda; Ally's life is on the line.

My thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed and the plot well written. I especially liked how the author portrayed each scene from several view points--from the victim's, the killer's, the investigator's and the friend's and family's.
If you like mysteries, I highly recommend this book. ( )