I first came across Heather Critchlow's writing when I read her book Unsolved. Having just finished Unburied - a follow-up to that first story featuring Cal Lovett - I can honestly say that it does not disappoint.

Struggling to come to terms with the reality of his divorce, Lovett is having difficulty with the next case he must select to cover in his podcast, since all his attention is taken up by developments related to the cold case of his sister Margot's death. Solving her murder has been the motive driving almost every key decision in Cal's life, and was also a major factor in the disintegration of his marriage to Allie, his ex-wife.

While Cal is now exploring the novelty of his relationship with Shona, a forensics expert he met during his first podcast covering a cold case in the Scottish Highlands, he is also working on spending more time with his daughter Chrissie, who he is close to. These relationships are particularly important, given that things are not going well re Margot's case, even though her remains have finally been located.

In an effort to distract himself from the possibility that Margot's murderer may escape punishment (especially given the very effective media strategy that his lawyers have adopted), Cal throws himself into his next podcast about the murder of a young wife and mother several years ago.

But he has no idea what a hornet's nest he's about to stir up this time...

This is a sensitively-written, meticulously developed story, full of relatable and/or tragic characters who are doing the best they can with the hand they've been dealt. I did not like some elements of the ending, but overall, this was a compelling and intelligent read. I give it 3.5 stars.

Cal Lovett Files #2
Podcast “Finding Justice”

In the West Midlands, Cal still pursues the hope that one day his sister Margot, missing since he is nine years old 36 years ago, will be found and that her killer can be brought to justice. He’s never ever given up and he’s certain he knows who kills her, but proving it is quite another matter. However, the police are excavating at a local scrapyard, might this mean there will be some resolution in the near future?

In his personal life, his marriage to Allie is over and he’s back at home living with his mum, which is not an easy situation. He has a new relationship with Shona in Scotland and on a holiday visit with her in Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands he meets 19 year old Robbie Campbell. Robbie begs Cal for help to find out who kills his mother Bryony fifteen years ago. It becomes increasingly apparent that someone doesn’t want Cal to dredge up the past. The story alternates between 2007 and the present day which works really well.

I really enjoy the first instalment of the Cal Lovett Files and I feel exactly the same about this one! The author seems to be able to get under the skin of the characters that are the subject of Cal’s podcasts, in this case, Bryony, whose story takes you through a whole range of emotions. At times, your heart positively aches for her. Robbie’s circumstances really resonates with Cal, as you can’t help drawing comparisons between his situation at the age of nine with that of Robbie at the age of five. They both carry large burdens. Cal is an excellent central protagonist too, he is very likeable as is Chrissie, his teenage daughter who has the kindest heart and Shona is simply wonderful. I want to read more about them as you’re made to feel a personal involvement.

There are many layers to the storytelling in this latest novel. There is the strained and difficult situation between Cal and his mother, his relationship with his daughter, as well as that with Shona and the huge ongoing impact of Margot‘s disappearance which haunts him and his mother. This lack of resolution goes very deep. Then we have the new investigation which is gripping with some interviews that are emotionally heartrending and some that are very tense. The animosity that Cal receives adds another layer, and this becomes a dangerous and perilous rollercoaster of an enquiry with some incidents that make you gasp in shock. I almost forget to breathe at one point. The ending is a surprise, it’s really unpredictable, but not one that is left field either. I really like the cliff hanger style ending, and I so hope number three is well underway!

Finally, I love the atmosphere that the author creates in her Scottish locations. This one is particularly atmospheric and I assume somewhere like Plockton which makes me want to visit asap!!

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Canelo for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

Second novel in the Cal Lovett series which continues the search for his sister Margot and what may have happened to her, as well as a new investigation for his podcast. In this case a mother murdered fourteen years earlier on her doorstep.
With the same formula as in the previous book, Heather Critchlow intersperses snippets of what really happened as we follow the investigation and Cal's life until we reach the moment when we also have the narrations of the podcasts to complete and unravel the whole mystery.
A fast paced novel, with engaging characters and a great story that keeps you interested right to the end and of course, leaves you with more intrigue as to the murder of Cal's sister Margot.

The podcast element if this book made it feel very modern and helped me feel more immersed in the story.