So, when a stranger called Nicole Stevenson walks into the offices of Touissants Detective Agency declaring herself the missing girl, Mila Shepherd and her colleague Carter Jackson are suspicious. They are inclined to agree with Nicole’s sisters Imogen and Charlotte, that for whatever reason, Nicole is a fantasist looking for attention.

But as Mila and Carter reopen the case of the missing toddler, a twisting tale of misdirection, a secret society and a forgotten mother slowly unfolds. Is it possible that Nicole really is Evie and how does the case link with the mysterious death of Mila’s sister Sophie and her husband Charlie?

Someone is desperate to protect the truth and as Nicole’s health falters and leads vanish into thin air, Mila faces a dilemma – risk everything or walk away from the case before it’s too late.

Louise Douglas is back in the Breton town of Morranez with a masterclass in page-turning plotting and unforgettable characters.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A beautifully crafted and compelling mystery, I was completely hooked. Definitely a five star read!' Clare Marchant

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I absolutely loved this book. The characters draw you in and the plot is so clever, you won't be able to put it down. Louise Douglas is such a talented writer, I can't wait for her next book.’

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A brilliant combination of mystery, psychology, and family drama and you can't help but be invested in the characters. Can't recommend enough.’

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A must-read!! Some of my all-time favourite books have been these. The perfect form of escapism!’

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Is anything as it seems. You can feel the fear pulsating throughout the novel. Great characters, great plot. Skilfully written it leaves the reader wanting more. Recommended.’

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This is the first mystery that I have read that really kept me guessing. Usually, I get some idea of how the story is going to pan out or who is the villain but not here, great writing.’

Praise for Louise Douglas:

‘This atmospheric Victorian mystery pulls you in from the first page right through until the cracking conclusion. A brilliant read!’ Rachel Burton on The Emerald Shawl

'I loved The Lost Notebook so much! From the opening lines, I was drawn in to a gripping story, beautifully written and so cleverly orchestrated…I held my breath at the denouement and as for the climax of the book - just wow. Highly recommended.' Judy Leigh

'Louise Douglas achieves the impossible and gets better with every book.' Milly Johnson

'A brilliantly written, gripping, clever, compelling story, that I struggled to put down… a highly enjoyable, absolute treasure of a read.' Kim Nash on The Scarlet Dress

'Another stunning read from the exceptionally talented Louise Douglas! I love the way in which Louise creates such an atmospheric mystery, building the intrigue and suspense brick by brick… unputdownable.’ Nicola Cornick on The Scarlet Dress