The year is 1935. Art connoisseur-cum-private investigator Felix Underwood is asked to find out what happened to Reggie Soper, a young solicitor who disappeared without trace 15 years previously.
Determined to help Charlotte Soper find her missing father, his investigations take him from the comfort of his Bond Street art emporium to the wilds of Yorkshire where he finds his presence among the village locals not entirely welcome.
Undaunted by the wall of silence surrounding him, he continues his search, finding a friend and help meet in Mavis, the landlady of the inn where he lodges. Together, they uncover a nightmare; the full horror of which nothing has prepared them for.
My Review
I have read several of Pat Herbert’s books but this one is my favorite so far.
Poor Reggie Soper has a run of bad luck once he meets Charlie Feathers, scoundrel, liar, and cheater. Reggie has every reason to dislike the man but has no idea how bad of a person Charlie truly is. I was horrified at how far things progressed because of Charlie.
It’s a shame that Elsa doesn’t have more faith in her husband, especially since she knows how he feels about his daughter. Elsa is one of those characters you can’t help but dislike. She could have prevented the horrific events that would take place.
Years later, when Reggie’s daughter Charlotte begins looking for him, it’s amazing how quickly things come together after she hires Felix Underwood. Given the darkness that reigned throughout the book, I was more than satisfied with the ending. This is definitely a book I recommend.
About the Author
Pat Herbert lives in London, England and works as an administrator and receptionist at a private health clinic. She worked previously as PA to the Managing Director of Thomson Books before they were taken over by Penguin. This is her 17th novel. In her novels, Pat likes to include all the hallmarks of British suspense thrillers including unpredictable characters, dark deeds, misdirection and misunderstandings, and at times, a touch of the mysterious.