Ebook: 325 pages
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Psychological Thriller ,
Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton, September 24th 2026
Source: NetGalley
First Sentences: Prologue: Before: She shut the lid on the suitcase and zipped it up.
Review Quote: ‘'Gripping, emotionally charged thriller that hooks you from the very first page and refuses to let go... The pacing is sharp and addictive, with short, tense chapters that make it almost impossible to put down. Just when you think you have a grasp on what's happening, another twist pulls you deeper into the mystery' Reader Review
My Opinion:
Prior to reading this novel I had never heard of Shelia Bugler. It seems she is a fairly prolific writer within the crime genre, not a favourite genre of mine but I was drawn to it as it is more of a psychological thriller.
Sarah and Mike appear to be a happy enough couple with everything going for them. Until one day without warning Mike just disappears with the children into thin air. The police are unable to help as the couple are not married, as the children are not hers she has no rights. Sarah had never felt the need to make it official by adopting them during the last six years she had cared for them as her own. She now has to search for them herself and in her quest for the truth makes some surprising discoveries.
This story grabbed me from the start and it is a quick page turning read, with plenty of twists and turns. A novel in this genre with a good stepmother instead of a wicked one, is also a different angle for a change. An engaging read with interesting protagonists.
With thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read and review.
Précis Courtesy of Goodreads:
It is a day like any other when Sarah arrives at the school gate to pick up her two stepchildren, Izzy and Patrick.
But when the twins don't run out to meet her like normal, Sarah knows something must be wrong.
Sarah can't believe what she's hearing when the teacher informs her that their father, Mike, removed them from school earlier in the day. All of Sarah's calls to Mike go to voicemail.
Worse is to come when Sarah is told by police that as she and Mike are not legally married, and he is the children's father, there is nothing they or Sarah can do.
Then she receives a text message from Don't go home. It's not safe.
What has Mike been hiding? Where are their children? How can Sarah get her family back? Before it's too late...
Author Profile:
Hello. I'm an Irish crime writer who lives in the UK. I have written eleven novels so far. My twelfth book is a psychological thriller called The Wife, published by Hodder and Stoughton. It's out on 25 March 2027 and is available to pre-order now. I really hope you enjoy it!
I adore crime fiction and have never wanted to write anything else. I'd be delighted to share my recommendations with you and to hear yours too. If you'd like to contact me, you can do so over at my Facebook author page or on Instagram (I'm @sheilabsussex).
Photograph and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:
Amazon Author Profile. Instagram Profile Facebook Profile. Goodreads Profile