In a Nutshell: A fast-paced crime thriller involving a missing girl, her distraught mother, a documentary film crew, and the online true crime community. The ending was quite farfetched, otherwise this was very enjoyable.

Story Synopsis:
Derry, Northern Ireland. Seven years ago, Nora’s four-year-old daughter Daisy went missing. Nora has no memory of what occurred that day.
Currently, though she is married and has a little son Luca, she still can’t give up on her quest to find out what happened to Daisy, despite her husband’s disapproval. When a young filmmaker named Izzy approaches her to tell her story through a documentary, Nora’s response ends up creating ripples across the past, spiralling into a tense situation that might endanger the safety of Luca. How can Nora find out the truth without compromising on Luca’s life?
The story comes to us in the first person perspectives of Nora and Izzy.

Where the book worked for me:
😍 It is quite fast-paced. I could easily complete this 400-pager within a day.
😍 The prologue was interesting. Though not thrilling per se, it creates the right amount of curiosity about what’s to come.
😍 The author doesn't waste time in needless build-up and background, despite what the length suggests. The main plot gets rolling from chapter one itself.
😍 The thrill or curiosity doesn't come just from wanting to know what happened to Daisy. It's also from trying to figure out Izzy's intentions and Nora’s mental state. It’s quite tough to decide whom to believe, especially as both Nora and Izzy are written in first person.. All the main adult characters have shades of grey. This adds to the fun of playing detective.
😍 The author’s spotlight on the online true crime community rings quite true. Her writing encompasses the genuine enthusiasts, the voyeurs, as well as the trolls.
😍 While some of the “twists” were guessable, there were enough surprises along the way to keep me hooked and happy.
😍 Despite her trauma, Nora doesn’t have an alcohol or drug dependency. Yes, this deserves a separate point of appreciation!

Where the book could have worked better for me:
😐 The final 15% or so goes much over the top. Secrets are settled too smoothly, explanations are given too freely, and cases are resolved too unconvincingly. Much of the backstory didn’t feel convincing.
😐 One event involving Izzy and Tom came out of the blue and did nothing for the story.

This #OwnVoices work could easily have been a 4.5 star for me had the ending been better. It wasn’t bad but it just felt too rushed and too neat. The “reason” behind the past events was unbelievably silly. Nevertheless, the book mostly does justice to its theme and offers enough of tense entertainment to satisfy most readers.

I had read this author’s “The Nurse” and had found it also a nice thriller despite its quick ending. This one is even better in terms of my overall experience. I’ll surely keep an eye out for her future books.

4 stars.

My thanks to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the DRC of “In The Dark”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

Now, this book kept me invested from the beginning, I couldn't put it down and that ending was not something I was expecting at all!

A must read for 2023! You will not be disappointed.

Some may say slow to get going but I enjoyed the build up, it pulled me in so I could see the flaws with every character and walk straight into each red herring. I will say if you get an inkling a character is a little ‘off’ you’ll see your gut feeling is probably not wrong.
Tense, thrilling and smart; as a fan of Claire Allan’s I was not disappointed at all.

This dual perspective thriller was a winner for me. Nora Logue is the mother of Daisy who disappeared when she was aged four. Nora has no memory of what happened to Daisy. Izzy is a TV producer making a documentary, who is keen to look into the Daisy Logue mystery. Seven years have passed since Daisy vanished and Nora is now married with a young son called Luca but remains tormented by what happened to her daughter. Revelations keep on coming as the story progresses and it’s increasingly hard to know who to trust and I found the ending immensely difficult to deduce. A well planned and neat tale.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Avon Books UK via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.

This book was quite enjoyable but it was very slow to start and I struggled to stick with it. I’m glad I did and the ending was good

This is the second book Ive read by this author and yet again I am let breathless by her work. This book is all about a woman whose daughter went missing. Fast forward years later and Nora has moved on as best she can she is married has her own son however she has never forgotten her daughter even though her outlook is very dark. When the seven year anniversary of the disappearance arrives a reporter shows up to try to get the unanswered questions and find out what really happened to the missing child. This book is told through multiple points of view and multiple time frames which I normally don't like however it was very well executed and easy to follow. As well as these switches were very important to the story and gave it all the mystery that made it such a fantastic read. This thriller was very interesting from the characters to the plot and kept me guessing through every part. There were so many twists and turns in this book that it really had you guessing right up until the very end. While I loved this whole book it was the ending that really sealed it for me. It was absolutely fantastic! The author Claire Allan has a way of writing characters that really jump off the page. As a reader you root for her characters and the struggles that they go through are very sad but you can't wait to see how they tackle them. Very good read I'm glad I was able to check it out.

Nora's young daughter goes missing several years ago, lost without trace. Opinions are divided - did Nora have something to do with Daisy's disappearance or was someone else responsible? Is Daisy alive or dead? Fast forward to the present and Nora now has a young son but her thoughts are firmly in the past desperately trying to remember what happened that day. When Nora is approached by a documentary presenter to make a programme about the disappearance Nora decides to comply but the trolls are out there ready to stir things on social media. I really enjoyed the storyline and the way it was written had me dangling at times, unsure whether to trust Nora or support her. The downside was the slow start with the story not picking up pace till half way through. The ending was unexpected but ultimately satisfying. A good read.

★★★★ 4.5 stars

Ok...so a true crime documentary in the making I wondered which angle this tale would tell. I'm not a fan of journalists and the media frenzy that leeches off other people's misfortune all to get the biggest and best scoop. Sensationalism at its best. But IN THE DARK is different and not what I expected. I should have known...it's Claire Allan and nothing is ever what it seems under her pen.

Everyone knows Nora Logue. She was the mother of four year old Daisy who went into the woods one day and never came out. Nora, on the other hand, did. And to this day, seven years later, she has no recollection of what happened there or to that of her little girl who just simply vanished. But as with all cases such as this, everyone has an opinion and most have no problem airing them. And as a result, Nora has been plagued by hate and vitriol from the public at large because really, how could she not remember what happened in those woods? Or what happened to Daisy? Surely she knows exactly what happened and is playing at the whole disassociative amnesia thing.

Did she see where Daisy went? Did she kill her little girl and try to cover it up? But if that were the case, surely the police would have found her body by now? After all, where else would Daisy's body be but in those woods? Which was painstakingly searched at the time. So what happened to Daisy? And what, or did, Nora have to do with it?

Seven years later, Nora has married Brendan and has a little boy, Luca. Together they are trying to move forward but stil Nora cannot forget Daisy. And, until she knows what truly happened to her, she never will.

Now Nora is approached by true crime documentary filmmaker Izzy Devine, who wants to feature Daisy's case and speak to Nora about her recollections of that day. Together, can they uncover the truth of what happened that day? And reveal what really happened to Daisy? Or will Izzy discover what everyone already suspects - that Nora killed her little girl?

As soon as word gets out that a true crime documentary is being made about Daisy Logue, true crime fans jump on the case and begin to theorise their own ideas and hypotheses about the cold case. And then newcomers join the forum with their own ideas and begin to point the finger at Nora...with hate and malice.

Until a photo surfaces that could change everything...

IN THE DARK is a deep dark psychological thriller that really keeps you in the dark right up to the final pages. Unless you are clever enough to piece the jigsaw together beforehand. The story is tightly plotted and keeps you guessing throughout. Just when you think one thing, along comes something to make you second guess your theory.

The story unfolds through Nora and Izzy's perspectives mainly. Though there are a couple of chapters narrated anonymously by "The Four". Nora is a completely unreliable narrator that we can't trust what she thinks or says as she borders upon delusional, so unhinged by not knowing what really happened in those woods seven years before. She certainly sounds like a candidate for the asylum with her dreamlike imaginings and trances, not to mention her behaviour. But then some of the other characters are unreliable also. I didn't trust either Tom or Brendan though I couldn't quite put my finger on why. I just didn't.

I love missing child thrillers, but IN THE DARK puts a completely different spin on it that it is somewhat unique and easily stands out from the rest. The true crime documentary angle was also an original aspect and interesting plot point.

Overall, a pageturning thriller that even the title will keep you guessing until the very end when you'll then appreciate its meaning.

I would like to thank #ClaireAllan, #Netgalley and #AvonBooksUK for an ARC of #InTheDark in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

My first Claire Allen novel but I would like to read more.

I enjoyed the pace of this novel and the character development. That said some of the characters were not the nicest and didn't gain my sympathy. This is not just a missing child story there are many more elements including stress induced amnesia, trial by Internet, trolling and potential child abduction.

All in all an interesting read.

In the Dark @claireallan_author

Thank you to @netgalley @avonbooksuk for an early advanced copy of this book.

I have loved every Claire Allan book I've read and this one was no exception. It was a fast paced, twisty thriller that kept me guessing throughout.

The story follows a grieving mother, Nora Logue, who's daughter Daisy went missing 7 years ago. Although she is married and had a son of her own she always wondered what could have been with Daisy. To mark the 7, year anniversary, Izzy and Tom decide to film a documentary to see if some of the unanswered questions can finally be found. The documentary causes a stir with some people believing that Nora purposely hurt her child. Can she prove her innocence?

The book is told from Nora and Izzy's point of views and this adds to the story. The book is written so well and Nora's grief is felt all throughout.

I really enjoyed the twists and turns in the book with some surprises along the well. An enjoyable claustrophobic thriller.

#inthedark #kindleread #netgalley #greatauthor #lovereading #lovetoread #readingismyhappyplace #readingismyescape #ilovetoread #fabbook #goodstory

I Was drawn into this book right from the outset. It is a while since I last read a book by Claire Allan and I certainly wasn't disappointed.

The story makes very good use of the dual timeframe. The based of a documentary. The past element being the mystery around the disappearance of Daisy, the daughter of Nora.
Nora being the subject of the aforesaid documentary being made by Izzy, an enthusiastic young journalist.
I won't say anymore about the storyline for fear of spoiling the plot. Suffice to say that
I really liked the twists and turns in the plot. There are certainly plenty of red herrings along the way.

Yes there are several twists at the end, which are well worth waiting for.

I give my thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books for a copy in exchange for this review.

Great book loved it as it keeps you gripped and you can't put it down.I do love a book that hooks you and reels you in.Excellent.

I really enjoyed this gripping and often gritty novel about Nora Logue's pain when her four year old child goes missing. With topical parallels, conspiracy theorists and keyboard warriors pile on her without knowing the truth, making her life hellish. Meanwhile, a TV journalist named Izzy approaches Nora seven years after Daisy's disappearance to try and figure out the mystery, but this acts as a catalyst to the shocking events that follow.

I was addicted to this book and looked forward to going to bed so I could get another few chapters in. I'd never read any Claire Allen books before, but I will definitely be seeking them out after this one!

📖BOOk REVIEW📖
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

#InTheDark by #ClaireAllan

⏩synopsis

This book had me gripped from page one; I loved how the mystery of Daisy going missing was being played out modern day through the making of a documentary - it felt very modern and of our time, giving it a fresh approach to a thriller read. Every emotion is here and is to be felt hard - wether you liked or believed main character Nora, you couldn’t escape this rollercoaster of a ride.

I loved how the book kept me guessing all the way through and the alternate narration between Nora and documentary maker Izzy kept the plot unstable, moving along at a rapid pace and added an air of uncertainty.

It leaves no stone unturned, does exactly what it says on the tin and is a thrilling read from start to finish. Definitely recommend.

OUT NOW!

With thank to author Claire Allan, @netgalley and @avonbooksuk for allowing us to read this one early.

-EMILY

@the_book_girls_1

Read this book if you like: Missing children stories, true crime feels, slow burn

Nora Logue took her four year old daughter for a walk in the woods. Only she came out. She has no memory of what happened. Seven years later she's met a man, had another child, Luca. She hasn't given up hope on Daisy.

She gets presented with the opportunity to tell her story in a documentary based on her daughter's case. Many people are against her. Many believe she is guilty.

I loved this book. It was a wild one, for sure. The pace was perfect. It's perfectly slow with bits and pieces revealing themselves. The characters are unlikable, obviously on purpose. The ending is a bit farfetched for me but I still highly recommend this one!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Avon Books for the gifted e-book! ❤️

Synopsis

I don't know what happened to my daughter. Only that she's missing – and I was the last person to see her.
My name is Nora Logue. You’ve probably heard of me – most people have.
I am the mother of Daisy Logue. Seven years ago, I took her for a walk in the woods. Only I came out.
I have no memory of what happened that day.
I have tried to rebuild my life. Met a man, had another child – Luca. But I can’t let go of Daisy, or give up hope of seeing her again.
And now, I have the chance to find out what happened to her.
But what if pursuing the truth about my daughter risks my son’s life?

Each Claire Allan book fills me with excitement I try to pace myself and go slow with the book to savour it more but it never works and I speed through them .... this was no exception
I wasnt over enamoured with the main characters but that made the book more interesting The ending felt a little far fetched but it didnt stop me reading and didnt lessen my enjoyment
I would highly recommend this

I loved the author's previous novel The Nurse so was looking forward to reading In The Dark. It's a slow burn thriller centred on Nora Logue whose daughter Daisy went missing 7 years ago while in the woods. Nora has no memory of what happened that day, now with a new partner and child she is desperate to discover what happened to her daughter. Nora is approached by journalist Izzy who is making a documentary about Daisy's disappearance- can Nora finally discover the truth?
This was a mixed read for me. There is some tension in the plot and I found myself suspecting most of the characters. However, overall I found the pace of this novel a little slow and most of the characters unlikeable. I had little empathy for of Nora and this meant I lost interest in discovering what happened to Daisy. For me the plot lacked originality as there seems to be a few novels being published with a similar storyline at the moment.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.

I was so excited to get a chance to read and review this latest book by Claire Allen, who is a master of the slow-burn, all-consuming, dark and gripping thriller.

What a read this is! It starts off with the making of a documentary about Nora Logue whose daughter Daisy went missing seven years before. The thing that makes for such an intriguing and original storyline is however, that Nora was with Daisy when she disappeared but has no recollection of what happened that day.

I didn’t know what to think. There are those who believe that Nora harmed her daughter, but even though I doubted her mental state at times, I could tell that she really loved and missed her daughter.

What follows is a series of events that really ramp up the tension and suspense, right up to a dramatic ending.

Very cleverly plotted and pacey, I was totally gripped by this book, and I couldn’t wait to return to it each evening so that I could find out what had happened to Daisy.

I’d recommend this book so highly, it’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys a tense and chilling novel.

A young child lost in the woods disappears. A mother still suffering post traumatic stress several years later is haunted by her loss, hounded by the public, unable to move on or enjoy a new life with her husband and son. An offer to participate in a documentary offering the opportunity to refresh people’s memories, relive her daughters disappearance and perhaps discover the truth. Is an offer she is unable to resist. However . what unfolds is a nightmare of fear, horror and further tragedy from both friends and enemies before the situation runs out of control leaving those involved in a life threatening situation. A dramatic climax leads to a hurried denouement , leaving several unanswered questions in an attempt to tie up loose ends.. This incredulous set of circumstances and answers to a thoroughly enjoyable mystery in order to provide a satisfactory conclusion is both frustrating and improbable although not altogether impossible.

In the Dark is every parents worst nightmare. Nora’s child Daisy went missing 7 years ago in the woods. Nora has no memory of what happened, she just vanished. Nora now has another child Luca. She still can’t forget about Daisy, so when a documentary is going to be made, she wants to be part of it. Will this work out?

It was a bit slow to start, but it keeps you guessing what happened to Daisy. I had suspicions, but were all false. It’s an edgy thriller, full of suspense.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.