They're dead. They're all dead. It's my fault. I killed them.'
Those are the words of Iona Gardener, who stands bloodied and staring as she confesses to the murder of four people in a run-down cottage outside of Belfast.
Outside the cottage, five old dolls are hanging from a tree. Inside the cottage, the words "WHO TOOK EDEN MULLIGAN?" are graffitied on the wall, connecting the murder scene with the famous cold case of Eden Mulligan, a mother-of-five who went missing during The Troubles.
But this case is different. Right from the start.
Because no one in the community is willing to tell the truth, and the only thing DI Danny Stowe and forensic psychologist Rose Lainey can be certain of is that Iona Gardener's confession is false....
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Her feet pummel the rough, uneven ground. PROLOGUE
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(Avon Books, 18 February 2021, 349 pages, ebook, #ARC from the publisher via # NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed)
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This book sounded like something I'd really enjoy, a blend of true crime and a mystery thriller. I was drawn to the book because of this and the fact it's set in Ireland. I have a soft spot for books set in Ireland. I'm not Irish so I don't know what appeals to me so much about the place. I loved the fact that forensic psychologist features in the book, making it a bit different than the usual thriller. This ticked all the boxes for me; well written, full of great characters, compelling and thoroughly enjoyable. This is my first time reading the author and I will check out more of her work.
