Susie Steiner has written three books featuring the detective Manon Bradshaw. For some reason not known to me I read the last one first, then the first one and have still to read the second story. This disorganised reading didn’t spoil the books for me but, if you can, I recommend reading them in the order intended.
The first book I read was Remain Silent in which Manon has to investigate the death of an unidentified young man found hanging from a tree. Her first job is to determine whether the young man died by suicide, whether he was murdered, or whether he was coerced into taking his own life. The investigation touches on the horrific way in which immigrant workers are often treated but avoids preaching. Manon, the main character, is disorganised, has a busy personal life and has a great big heart which often leads her into difficult situations. The book is told in a wryly humorous style and there is a lot about the daily trials of being a professional middle-aged woman.
The first book in the series is Missing, Presumed about the disappearance of a young woman. Manon listens to her friends and family but they each seem to have a different opinion of the missing student – it doesn’t really add up. The story touches on the plight of vulnerable children, especially those in the care of the Local Authority, and on the inequality of opportunity for young people from different backgrounds. The characters are well portrayed and the plot is resolved very satisfactorily.
Both these books were very well written and absolutely gripping. The humour and dry wit enhanced the reading for me, and the author’s ability to create believable characters really helped too. I am looking forward to reading the second book in the series but am sad that there will be no more owing to the death of the author at a comparatively early age.
Anne Is Reading 