Member Review

“The first time I heard about the disappearance of Kiera Templeton was while I was studying at Columbia University.“

My thanks to Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Snow Girl’ by Javier Castillo.

This tense thriller was originally published in Spain in 2020 and has been translated from the Spanish by Isabelle Kaufeler.

What a ride this was and it’s easy to appreciate how it became such a phenomenal bestseller. While the author is Spanish, the novel is set in New York City. It opens on Thanksgiving Day, 1998. Aaron and Grace Templeton are attending Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with their three-year-old daughter Kiera. Suddenly Kiera becomes lost in the crowd.

The police are alerted and a city wide search begins, yet there is no sign of the little girl though worryingly her clothing and cut hair is found suggesting that her abductor has changed her appearance. Years pass and the case goes cold.

Miren Triggs had first been drawn to the case while she was still a student. She is now an investigative journalist and has spent years trying to help the Templetons find Kiera. Then on the 5th anniversary of the abduction, a video marked ‘1’ arrives showing Kiera alive and well, playing in a bedroom. Further videos arrive over the years. No further details to avoid spoilers.

This was a fascinating crime thriller. The narrative does move about in time to various points on the timeline of Kiera’s disappearance. These are clearly designated at the chapter openings. There are also occasional chapters from an unknown location that presents the viewpoint of the abductors.

I found Miren a very relatable protagonist and admired her tenacity in the investigation of the case. I was impressed by the pacing and how well the plot was developed. There were more than a few edge of the seat moments.

Overall, I enjoyed ‘The Snow Girl’ very much and was delighted to learn that there is a second Miren Triggs book, ‘The Soul Game’ that is currently listed for publication later this year. I certainly plan to read it.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.