A couple of days at Ilkstone Crag for a school function seemed like the perfect escape for parents to bond with their children. The allure of quality time, fresh air, and engaging activities stirred excitement among teachers, students, and the lucky parent chaperones whose names were drawn to attend. There was limited space for everyone, and the head teacher, Catherine, was adamant that everything would proceed smoothly. However, the journey to this idyllic retreat quickly took a dramatic turn, as the mix of parent chaperones and teachers proved to be a volatile combination, setting the stage for an unexpected series of events.
Before they even reached their destination, the air seemed to crackle with an almost palpable tension. David and Kristy's brutal divorce was a sordid tale that everyone knew all too well. The battle had been merciless, ending with David securing custody of their son Toby, a victory overshadowed by Kristy's notorious drinking binges. But this was merely the tip of the iceberg. Gossip slithered through the group like a venomous serpent, whispering of David's entanglement with another teacher, Leonie—a liaison that had set tongues wagging and eyes narrowing. Yet, Leonie was not alone; other women at the school were also keeping an eye on him, including a parent aid that was already married. Each look, each murmur carried the weight of hidden truths and unspoken lies, setting the stage for a drama poised to unravel with devastating consequences.
Catherine sensed that the hidden glances and hushed whispers were the least of her worries, although she tried to keep all the adults in line as much as the children. Little did she know, these seemingly trivial bits of drama would soon escalate into a nightmarish ordeal. Things took a dark turn when a horrific accident unfolded before everyone's eyes, an event so chilling that it would haunt them forever. But was it truly an accident, or was it the result of someone's sinister actions leading to murder?
As panic set in, the crowd was left reeling from the shock. The atmosphere grew tense with suspicion and fear, but before any answers could be uncovered, Toby went missing. This sudden disappearance added another layer of dread to the already chaotic scene. The urgency to find Toby intensified, sparking a fierce clash between David and Kristy. Both were desperate to be the one to save him, but their conflict only deepened the mystery and heightened the suspense.
In the midst of this dire situation, every second counted. As David and Kristy fought over who would take on the perilous task of rescuing Toby, the truth behind the accident and Toby’s disappearance remained shrouded in uncertainty. The clock was ticking, and the stakes had never been higher. Who would emerge as the hero, and would they uncover the dark secrets lurking beneath the surface?
One of the enjoyable aspects of "The Taken Child" by Maria Frankland is the suspenseful end-of-chapter hooks, which feature brief but impactful statements from a mystery character who is revealed near the book's conclusion. These intriguing snippets compel readers to keep turning the pages, and the ultimate revelation of this character is nothing short of shocking, adding to the overall excitement and engagement of the novel. Each chapter is meticulously crafted, drawing readers deeper into the complex web of intrigue and suspense.
Maria Frankland presents readers with a storyline that offers a deep understanding of the relationships between numerous characters, illustrating how these connections influence others as the drama unfolds gradually. The characters are so intricately developed, that some of the characters push readers to try to figure out their end-game intentions within the narrative. Some of these characters being false allies or false enemies create the utmost dramatic suspense. In addition, this author has crafted a remarkable plot teeming with drama and unexpected twists, which generates substantial suspense and intrigue, compelling readers to keep turning the pages to discover what happens next. Moreover, just when the reader believes they have grasped the whole story, this writer delivers a surprising twist at the end that will leave readers speechless.
The Taken Child by Maria Frankland plunges readers into a labyrinth of twists, where false allies and deceptive enemies weave a web of deceit, keeping the gripping drama alive with every heartbeat until the very end.
I received a free digital ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
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Thrilling
This page-turning #psychologicalthriller is full of twists, right up until the end. There are several characters that play a part in the actions of this story. I was filled with the excitement as all the details unfolded in this thrilling novel.
Top reviews from other countries
Linda Russell
Another great read by this fantastic author
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 6, 2024
Linda Russell
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 6, 2024
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