“Three missing girls. A twenty-year mystery. A woman who may be able to crack this cold case”

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When I accepted a complimentary Kindle download of this book for review, I was totally convinced that I was already familiar with previous stories written by this author. However, much to my dismay and shame, my memories must have been those of reading the premises, as I found at least two downloads of earlier books still lined up waiting to get to the top of my list. I aim to fix that just as soon as I possibly can, but until then, this is by default my first journey with a new to me author – and let me tell you, it was one heck of a roller coaster ride, so make sure you buckle up and get prepared!

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The story begins in rural Wiltshire in 1998, when newly qualified driver Olivia and her three friends are returning home in the early hours of the morning, after a girl’s night out. Sally, Tamzin and Hetty are all a little the worse for wear, but happy with it. However, nominated driver Olivia is stone cold sober and very wary of the treacherous driving conditions, as they are on a notorious stretch of forest road locally known as ‘The Devil’s Corridor’ and the rain is hammering down. Olivia has made the unforgiveable mistake of not demanding that her back seat passengers should use their seat belts, so when suddenly her headlights throw up a figure stood in the middle of the road, and as she brakes harshly to avoid hitting it, the car skids, turns over and leaves the road. Olivia blacks out momentarily, but on regaining consciousness realises that she is trapped in the vehicle with her legs pinned to the steering wheel, and all three of her companions are missing. They are never found, and Olivia is left permanently disabled, after weeks in hospital and having been very lucky not to lose her leg!

Fast forward twenty years to 2018 and freelance journalist Jenna has travelled to Wiltshire from her home in Manchester for a week, hoping to gather material from this now cold case, in order to reawaken public interest in the story by making a podcast about it. She has based herself in a rented cabin on a small six berth site within the forest, just off the stretch of road where the accident had happened. Myth, legend and folklore abound in this neck of the woods, which is located near the site of many ancient stone circles, burial mounds and long barrows, so it comes as no surprise that right from the start, Jenna is left feeling uneasy and certain she is being watched, although she has no idea just how much danger she is really in, despite the warnings she receives to leave, but chooses to ignore, until someone ups the ante to an almost fatal level and she is lucky to escape unscathed.

The police officer who worked on the original accident and disappearance back in 1998, is more than willing to be interviewed by Jenna and also gives her the details of a current serving member of the force, who may be able to assist with ‘cold case’ enquiries. Dale is only too happy to help Jenna gather information and interviews for the podcast and rather places himself in position as her protector and advisor during her stay, especially when it becomes clear that the threats against her are not idle and there are forces at work which relate to many more crimes than just that of the disappearance of three young women. However, in Jenna’s heightened state of fear no one is innocent and for a short time she even includes Dale on her suspect list, especially when she has proof that he lied about how well he knew one of the girls, although when challenged, he does have a good reason for having been economical with the truth.

Once a reticent Olivia breaks through the barrier of non-cooperation she has erected between herself and Jenna and begins to open up to her, unseen forces decree that both women are deemed to be a threat to certain freedoms and nefarious activities, and therefore need to be stopped at any price, even down to Olivia being drugged and left in a field of ancient standing stones, as a reminder to her not to befriend Jenna or participate in the podcast. As Jenna nears the end of her visit and is preparing to return home to prepare the material she has amassed into her finished broadcast, there are more people than she could ever have imagined, who cannot allow that to happen, and they are desperate enough to add murder to their growing list of offences, to ensure that the podcast is never aired.

Even when the dust has settled, the court cases are over, and there has been a laying to rest of some long-held grief and loss, someone still clings to that final secret which will probably never be uncovered, as the truth has been cleverly redirected away from its real perpetrator. If only Jenna and Dale knew the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth!

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This wasn’t strictly speaking a dual timeline story, as there were only a couple of flashbacks to where it all began in 1998. Most of the narrative and dialogue was focussed on Jenna’s renewed interest in the case in 2018, although there were several inserts from 1980s Thailand, which at first seemed totally out of context and unconnected to the storyline, even though this subplot was interesting in its own right. I knew of course that this would be relevant to the eventual outcome of Jenna’s investigations, and I had my suspicions about how it might fit into the picture, but I was left to drive myself silly wondering what the common denominator was, right until the very end, when the final pieces of the jigsaw were slotted into place. With the exception of what seemed to be these randomly placed extracts, almost all of which are narrated by someone we come to know as Stace, most of the remaining narrative is written from Jenna and Olivia’s perspectives, in short, well signposted, digestible and easy to navigate chapters.

This was a well-constructed, multi-layered, and textured storyline, which made for compulsive reading. Intense and suspenseful from beginning to end. There were so many separate strands to a case which became ever more complicated with each new person Jenna interviewed, as their stories seemed to be intrinsically linked and tangled together, although she couldn’t quite work out how. Of course, she never had the advantage of being on the outside looking in, so once I had four mothers and their four daughters firmly in my sights, things became a little clearer. However, her journalists sixth sense did warn Jenna that no one was who they seemed to be, almost everyone had something to hide and there were important pieces of information being withheld from her, which meant that joining up all the dots to arrive at a satisfactory outcome was almost impossible. Even when it was all over, I don’t really think that either Jenna or the police realised just how devious and manipulative the many players in the case were, or how far ranging was and had been, the depravity of their multiple crimes.

Author Claire Douglas certainly crammed a whole raft of socially unacceptable behaviours and crimes into a single storyline, any one of which would have had the police running around in circles and would have made a complete story in themselves. She built an excellent subplot around coercive, controlling behaviour and gaslighting in a relationship. The devastating consequences of international drug smuggling, of county lines drug dealing, and the life-threatening consequences when ‘bad’ goods are released into the system. And ultimately, the lengths to which some people will go, to cover their tracks, no matter who gets hurt along the way, as if how unsuspecting and innocent they are, just doesn’t figure in their sick psyche.

I found that none of the cast of characters were particularly likeable individuals, although to a point they all had to rely on one another not to break their personal vows of silence, as it would have only taken one small chink in someone’s armour for the whole pack of cards to come tumbling down – which it did eventually, with quite spectacular results. Their strong and forceful presence manipulated my thoughts and drained my energy. There wasn’t one amongst them with whom I even began to empathise or connect with, let alone invest in, although I so wanted to believe in Jenna and Dale. Olivia’s long-term partner Wesley has to be the most sickening, cringeworthy character and really well defined for me to hate him so intensely. He has been there for her throughout, treating her like a fragile object who constantly needs him by her side, cossetting and supporting her, when in fact Olivia is made of much stronger stuff than that, but only when she finally wakes up to the true nature of his ‘help’ and the web he is building around her, hoping to keep her trapped and submissive. Even her mother, Olivia’s second rock, turns out to be far from innocent, truthful or reliable and to be honest, I don’t know if I could be as stoic and determined to carry on if I had been in Olivia’s shoes, when I discovered the true nature of my heritage.

Whilst Jenna is away, her husband chooses this time to decide that a mutually agreed short break in their marriage, should become more permanent, leaving her to sort out the remnants of her shattered life and explain things to their young son on her return. However, her short liaison with Dale, from the local Wiltshire police, charged with picking up the cold case from the authority’s perspective, has sown the seeds of a growing friendship. So, whilst right now Jenna needs some private time with her son to begin rebuilding their lives, she and Dale are leaving the door open for a more solid relationship to possibly develop in the future.

I like an author who can also take me on an armchair journey, with the attention to detail and descriptive qualities with which they paint the physical locations of their storylines. So, whilst perhaps the Thailand experience was very short and sweet, quite light on time and place, with its focus more on storyline and character development; the main body of the work was set in the southern English county of Wiltshire, which pleased me no end. I am a Wiltshire ” Moonraker ” (this nickname originated from a story of smugglers who managed to foil the local Excise men by hiding their alcohol, possibly French brandy in barrels or kegs, in a village pond) born and bred, so tracking the real places named in the book, together with the fictional name given to the central town, only added to the enjoyment of the reading experience for me. With Avebury, Stonehenge and so many other standing stone circles, archaic burial grounds and sites of religious gatherings, in relatively close proximity, it wasn’t difficult to build upon the naturally claustrophobic and otherworldly aura which surrounds them, especially during the cover of darkness.

Whilst the action wasn’t particularly fast paced, the many clever twists and turns, the web of deception, dark secrets and lies, all kept things moving along steadily and seamlessly. One or two of the coincidences did stretch credulity a little, however they definitely added more to the storyline than they detracted from it, so overall I was quite satisfied with the way the plot was built and structured and after my initial reaction of ‘how long is this book?’ the four hundred or so pages had sped by, leaving me satisfied but completely exhausted, and still interested to know how those couple of loose ends might eventually get tied up, if they ever did!

This is quite a gripping book. It is very hard to put down, lots of twists and turns to keep you turning the pages.

Absolutely brilliant read, totally gripping from the start with a superb ending, would definitely recommend

Fantastic writer Fantastic books I've read them all and this one was no different I loved it so many twists and turns I felt like I was on a roller coaster and that ending was explosive Fantastic hurry up with the next one please

I'd loved this author's previous novel, The Couple at No. 9 and was eager to read this one too. This book also had the trademark suspense, twists and turns.

The story centres on a car crash some twenty years before when Olivia awoke to find her three friends had disappeared. What really happened is the mystery to be uncovered.

Sadly, I struggled with the premise somewhat and that took the edge of the rest of the novel.

I found this book slow at first but got into it the more I read. The ending is a bit far fetched and I had so many questions how things could happen without anything else happening!

I found the characters quite unlikeable and there was often a focus on some quirky socks which I thought more would be made if it but it wasn't .

Overall it wasn't one of the best thrillers I have read but it was good and I enjoyed reading it

Another fab read from Claire Douglas The Girls Who Disappeared is a twisty and gripping thriller that keeps you guessing!
The mystery of the girls disappearance is bought back to life by Jenna, a journalist, who starts exploring the case for a podcast.
As well as the story of the missing girls a flashback story is told in parallel with another set of characters based in Thailand. This brings an edge to the story as it's unclear most of the way through how the 2 stories connect.
The wrap up and end is brilliant and not what I was expecting.
Definitely recommend

Having read a couple of other books by Claire Douglas previously, I was looking forward to this new title. I found it a pretty easy read but at the same time, quite a page turner as I wanted to know what had happened to the girls…

Four teenagers returning from a night our when their car crashed. The driver was badly hurt but survived while the other three completely vanished. The story picks up several years later when an investigative reporter, Jenna, arrives to look into the cold case which the police have re-opened. There is a parallel story which is told in flashback style, around a group of friends on holiday in Thailand. It was not clear how the two threads fitted together so this held my interest until it became apparent towards the end. An enjoyable read and I would recommend this author.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for providing an advance copy in return for my honest opinion. This review is also published on Goodreads.

I was hooked from the first few pages of this latest offering from Claire Douglas. I loved the premise and I was second guessing everyone from the beginning. I find Claire's writing style so easy to read and submersive. Definitely an auto-buy author for me after this book.

I read this as a buddy read. I was completely flummoxed by the two time lines and how they linked up and loved it until the last 20% when something was revealed which I felt would have been obvious to the characters all along. Unfortunately, it wasn't a satisfactory ending for me.

I was captivated from the very beginning of this book. Three young girls disappear but why and how. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about each of the characters who all seemed to have something to hide. I liked how the story gradually unfolded and the surprising twist at the end Wonderful.

When Olivia recovers from the car crash she was involved in and finds the three friends she was driving have disappeared without trace, her life is turned upside down. A reporter decides to investigate twenty years later to try and discover what happened and further strange events begin to happen. A very good mystery with plenty of potential but for me it was a little slow and despite all the clues gradually disclosed there was never any chance of second guessing the very complicated truth that emerged at pace in the end. Worth a read though

This is a tense thriller about the mysterious disappearance of three young women and the lone survivor left behind. A new podcast is bringing attention to the case and secrets are about to be revealed. I really enjoyed this book, it is fast paced enough to keep you wanting to read on without being too confusing. There is plenty of action and drama and is completely believable and very atmospheric. I couldn't guess the outcome either which was a bonus. 100% would recommend.

Claire Douglas has done it again! The Girls Who Disappeared is a phenomenally unpredictable thriller from start to finish. Filled to the brim with twists and a captivating plot, this one is sure to keep readers hooked. The characters are well-developed. The story is incredibly fast-paced. This is one not to be missed! Highly recommended! Be sure to check out The Girls Who Disappeared asap.

I really enjoyed this book - it was creepy and dark and so intriguing! I loved the premise of the car accident and three of the four girls just completely vanishing and I couldn't work out what could have happened to them. I was invested from the first page and suspicious of just about everyone who lived in the town where this happened. This was such a good, page turner of a read and I definitely recommend it!

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I devoured this book, I genuinely didn’t want to put it down. Personally the writing style suited me and flowed easily, making the story a quick read.

I will be looking forward to the authors next release. Definitely an auto buy author!

Where do I begin with this gem? I’m sure that Douglas gets better and better with every single book because this has been one that has pulled me in, held me captive and been impossible to put down until I had devoured the very last page.

The only problem with devouring a Douglas book, is the long wait which follows for the next book. This is quite possibly my favourite yet. I was gripped very quickly and found myself desperately wanting to put the pieces together.

I loved the majority of characters that fill the pages of this one. Jenna has been relatable and a character interested in the case. Curious, about the events which took place she ventures to stafferbury to try to piece together what took place.

I have instantly disliked Olivia’s boyfriend. I mean what a douche!! You can’t help but hate him and on times I’ve wanted to shake Olivia for putting up with him.

This is a book I found completely unable to predict. Even with the little hints, I have been left completely speechless by the ending. Another talent of this author

Douglas has transported me again with this book. Whilst this is well written and perfectly paced, it is entirely unique from other books by this author.

Douglas really does get better and better with every book. A remarkably talented author who has the ability to make you forget the world around you as you read.

I would love to see this one on the big screen. It’s definitely one I would want to watch. This is just another gem from a wonderful author. I absolutely cannot wait to see what’s coming next.

The Girls Who Disappeared is a book worthy of all the stars and praise. I absolutely will be recommending this book.

The Girls Who Disappeared.

Thriller, with a trace of the supernatural. 4*+. Out now.

The Devil's Corridor has seen a number of spooky, inexplicable events over the years, but by far the most bizarre was when a car with four teenagers crashed late at night and when the driver awoke her three friends had disappeared without a trace. Twenty years later Olivia is still living in the same small town when a journalist shows up to record a podcast about the disappearances, and it's hard to tell which of the residents are most hostile, or who exactly is behind the threats, which rapidly escalate in severity.

Dual timelines, multiple untrustworthy characters, a few red herrings and a hint of the supernatural all adds up to a winning combination that kept me guessing until the end. I really enjoyed this and would absolutely recommend it if you love a good thriller, Im off now to start on some of Claire Douglas' back catalogue!

Thanks to @Netgalley for the ARC.

Really liked this book about three girls who disappeared after a car crash, leaving only the driver, who was badly injured and who, twenty years later, still suffers physically from the crash. A journalist turns up in the spooky town where everyone knows each other, trying to discover what really happened. Intriguing and compelling, this has made me go to Claire's back catalogue!

Each chapter kept me in its clutches.
I was drawn in and I wanted to know what happened, the setting was so atmospheric and chilling.
The twists alone were spine-chilling even now the hairs on the back of my neck have stood up.