This is classic Linwood Barclay on top form, with a suburban family guy thrust into an intricate plot full of twists and thrills.

I'm a huge fan of Linwood Barclay. I've read all of his books bar three, (two of the Bad series and Find You First). I'll confess I didn't think Elevator Pitch was one of his best and still have Find You First waiting on the pile.

Take Your Breath Away is based around the mysterious disappearance of Andy Mason's wife Brie six years. She hasn't been seen since, the cops and certain members of Brie's family are convinced Andy killed her, but never found a body or firm evidence.

Andy had tried to move on from the ongoing suspicion, moved town, changed his name, settled into a new relationship and when Brie appears to have been spotted visiting their old address all kinds of questions start being asked.

It starts off at a fairly gentle pace, with plenty of characters to get to know, and subplots to set up, but as it progresses...Wow! It will Take Your Breath Away.

Linwood Barclay expertly juggles multiple interwoven plot lines, and the pace. His ability to get you into a character's head, explaining their thoughts and split second decisions to the point you are sharing in their panic, is phenomenal.

The multiple subplots are perfectly balanced and the author dances between them expertly, hooking and reeling you in before leaving you hanging with a switch to another equally compelling plot line.

Overall, simply a compulsive masterclass in Linwood Barclay doing what he does best. If you're a devoted fan, this is one of his very best, if you've never had the pleasure this is a stunning introduction.

Thanks to Netgalley and HQ

I breezed through this,keen to know exactly where it was going.
Because there were times I hadn't a clue.
The strands slowly came together,and yet I was still left wondering "what the...?"

It's another hit for Mr Barclay I think.
I definitely enjoyed it. (less)

I loved this book. Clever, pacy and intriguing.
Brie Mason goes missing. Her husband is the obvious suspect and is hounded by the police and her family.
Six years later she turns up at her old house and then outside the hospital, where her mother is being treated for cancer, and is spotted by her siblings.
Brie’s husband has changed his name, moved to another town and has a new partner Jayne.
Where has Brie been and why has she turned up now?
Well written, as you’d expect from Linwood Barclay, interesting characters and backstory. I read it all in one sitting. Highly recommended.
4.5 Stars ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in return for a fair review.