Missing You

Kylie Kaden

Random House Australia Pty Ltd  

Bantam Australia

ISBN: 9780857987167

Description:

Missing You is a tantalising love story and a seductive suspense novel: ‘Our lives were built around the strength of a kiss between strangers. Yet seven years on, look where it led us . . .’When Aisha met Ryan she fell hard for his good looks and easy charm. Why worry that he didn’t want children or a 9 to 5 job? Nothing and no one would come between them. But with the birth of their high-needs son, Eli, their extraordinary love is shackled into an ordinary life, their passion blunted by responsibility. Until Ryan can’t take it anymore. Then, following a mysterious phone call late one night, Aisha leaves four-year-old Eli in the care of her elderly father Patrick – and doesn’t come back. As Patrick struggles with the grandson he barely knows or understands, his frustration with his missing daughter and absent son-in-law quickly turns to fear. Particularly when blood is found in Aisha’s abandoned car . . .

My View:

I determine a great read by two characteristics – either the book captivates me and I read in one sitting or it evokes such apprehension, a tingling of the spine, that I want to put off the ugliness I know is coming. This is a book that captivates, that you will pick up, start reading and the next thing you know the house is quiet and you are the only one still up and you are still reading!

A narrative told through the eyes of three of the protagonists – Aisha, Patrick and Ryan. I particular loved the honesty of Patrick’s outlook and how his character mellowed and grew as the book progressed and his life experience grew. I also liked the author’s honest approach to parenting in this novel – a warts and all portrayal of pregnancy and life with children. I think parents/potential parents need to read more honest accounts of family life so they can feel more comfortable in their own parenting. Life is not always like the cover of the glossy mags- clean, beautiful, perfect…All children like routine but sometimes that need can’t be catered to, all children have occasional tantrums, bad moods and parents are often tired and juggling lots expectations and responsibilities in their life. Life can be difficult at times and we need to see that that is ok. Rant over.

So back to the novel – this is an interesting ‘hybrid’ novel –a mix of cosy romance and thriller with the balance on the thriller aspect. The book immediately hooks you in as you read Aisha’s thoughts, wondering if she is about to die….”I calmly wonder if this is how it feels to die: this strange lightness, drifting in zero gravity. I feel no pain, but I have no control…” The author ensures that you are in no doubt that something sinister has occurred. You are hooked! Pick up this great read – I don’t think you will be disappointed despite the ending was a little to kind to the villain in the piece. 🙂