A windowless shack in the woods. Lena's life and that of her two children follows the rules set by their captor, the father: meals, bathroom visits, study time are strictly scheduled and meticulously observed. He protects his family from the dangers lurking in the outside world and makes sure that his children will always have a mother to look after them.
One day Lena manages to flee - but the nightmare continues. It seems as if her tormentor wants to get back what belongs to him. And then there is the question whether she really is the woman called 'Lena', who disappeared without a trace over thirteen years ago. The police and Lena's family are all desperately trying to piece together a puzzle that doesn't quite seem to fit.
****
The Munich police are searching for the whereabouts of Lena Beck, 23, from Munich-Haidhausen. INTRODUCTION
***
(@QuercusBooks, 14 May 2020, ebook, 369 pages, bought from @AmazonKindle, # POPSUGARReadingChallenge, a social-horror book)
***
***
This is a new author for me. I really enjoyed Dear Child. I thought it was gripping, fast-paced, full of twists and turns and a bit of an intense roller-coaster. I've read books that deal with a similar premise so I was on familiar ground. I liked the way the chapters alternative from different character viewpoints so you're gradually drip-fed details and never quite know what's going on or who to trust. I like these kind of twisty thrillers.
