WOMAN & HOME‘S BEST THRILLER OF THE YEAR

Book blurb

Four strangers are missing. Left at their last-known locations are birthday cards that read:

YOUR GIFT IS THE GAME.
DARE TO PLAY?

The police aren’t worried – it’s just a game. But the families are frantic. As psychologist and private detective Dr Augusta Bloom delves into the lives of the missing people, she finds something that binds them all.

And that something makes them very dangerous indeed.

As more disappearances are reported and new birthday cards uncovered, Dr Bloom races to unravel the mystery and find the missing people.

But what if, this time, they are the ones she should fear?

My thoughts

Main characters: Dr. Augusta Bloom|Marcus Jameson

Augusta Bloom is a psychologist and has worked with the police on previous occasions. Augusta still continues with her private practice as a psychologist. She has also teamed up with Marcus Jameson, ex intelligence services, as private detectives. She has come to regard Marcus as a friend as well as a colleague.

Marcus asks her to help find the mother of a teenage girl who often stays with his sister Claire’s family. Augusta is wary of how close Marcus is to this and she has her clients but he knows how to draw her in and she agrees.

As they investigate it becomes clear that there are more, many more missing people and it looks like it’s a strange game that is being played out. If Augusta is right these people are not always the victims they seem to be.

The police are interested but, on the surface, these are adults choosing to walk away from their current lives and there’s nothing illegal about that. Then there’s a murder.

Augusta specialises in psychopaths and knows that they can be functional members of society but given the right circumstances can potentially be very dangerous and someone is bringing them together.

As Augusta and Marcus become deeply embroiled in their investigation the possibility of what is happening begins to dawn on Augusta but with this story there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing and hooked.

In this well written, intricate story we are introduced to the rather dark but impressive Dr Augusta Bloom a character I certainly want to read more about. The story leaves the relationship – both working and personal – between Augusta and Marcus badly damaged. Whether that is irrevocably can only be found out in the future books.

I have very much enjoyed this book and certainly recommend it. It’s a terrific, unique and chilling story which kept me gripped. It is a fascinating book with its insights into this character type. This is a really good debut book which kept me engrossed and has left me wanting to read more from this compelling author.

Thanks: With thanks to Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for inviting me to read and providing an eCopy of Gone by Leona Deakins via NetGalley. I have also purchased a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own, I have not received payment for this review.

This is my 19th book in the #20BooksofSummer20 so just 1 to go! I was quite concerned about not reaching my goal this year but, after a little jiggling with my original list (cheeky but, happily, it’s allowed!), I am on target to complete all 20! You can find out more about this challenge by popping over to Cathy’s blog – you’ll find lot’s of other wonderful book stuff there, too!

Information

Buy: Penguin|Local Bookshop |AmazonSmileUK |Hive

Publishers: Penguin |Imprint: Black Swan|@TransworldBooks

Author: Leona Deakin started her career as a psychologist with the West Yorkshire Police. She is now an occupational psychologist and lives with her family in Leeds. Gone is her debut thriller.

@LeonaDeakin1

BOOKS

Lost: #2 Dr Bloom Series

RELEASED

29/10/2020 Paperback (Imprint: Black Swan)

09/07/2020 eBook (Imprint: Transworld Digital)

HOW CAN YOU SOLVE A CRIME IF YOU CAN’T REMEMBER THE CLUES?

There is an explosion at a military ball. The casualties are rushed to hospital in eight ambulances, but only seven vehicles arrive. Captain Harry Peterson is missing.

His girlfriend calls upon her old friend Dr Augusta Bloom to support the investigation. But no one can work out if there is a connection between the bomb and the disappearance.

When Harry is eventually discovered three days later, they hope he holds the answers to their questions. But he can’t remember a single thing. 

Without any clues, will Dr Bloom find herself lost in this puzzle too?

Hunt: #3 Dr Bloom Thriller

COMING 13/05/2021

Order: Penguin|AmazonSmileUK |Local bookshop

Sometimes the only way to catch a killer is to become their prey

In Bristol, a young woman jumps into an icy reservoir. In Leeds, a girl cuts ties with her family and disappears. The only thing that links them is a shared obsession with a mysterious woman called Paula.

For Dr Bloom, the stories told by their families are disturbingly familiar. She has seen this all before. She is sure that this charismatic, charming woman is the leader of a cult. 

She begins investigating the Artemis community but is met with walls of secrecy. Which leaves only one option. 

She must become one of them.