"Two little girls are missing. Both are seven years old and have been missing for at least sixteen hours"And so the story begins. I picked up this book for a bargainous £1 from the WH Smith clearance aisle - a real place of wonder where I can waste many an hour that should be spent on food shopping. I was intrigued by the mystery and couldn't argue with the price, so hence it found its way into my collection.
Although I quite liked the author's style - she flits between different character view points with ease, and each character is complex with a rich, layered history that ensures they're believable - there was something about it that left me a bit bored. The story is definitely intriguing - it focuses around the hunt for Calli, who hasn't spoken a word since she was four, and her best friend Petra, who both seemingly disappear without a trace in the early hours of the morning - although the reader immediately knows what's happening to Calli, as the story starts from her perspective. Perhaps this is what put me off somewhat - it seemed too simple, everything was spelled out for me before I could guess, so much so that the twist didn't really surprise me in the way it should. Along the way, the book explores a number of issues including dysfunctional families, domestic abuse, family secrets, lost love and the true meaning of friendship. I enjoyed the girls' friendship - it seemed genuine and innocent, and the bond between siblings, Calli and Ben. I still don't know what it is that I didn't like, but I found myself feeling relieved to be nearing the end, and not because I wanted to find out what happened!
Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood for it, but I don't think I'll be reading this one again.
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