ABOUT
THE BOOK

2020 Longlist

Gemma Ballantine is getting ready for work one morning when her eldest child comes running down the stairs saying the words every mother dreads. The front door is open. And her six-year-old daughter has disappeared. Frantic with fear, Gemma starts a nail-biting search for her little girl.

After what feels like forever, her mother-in-law, Diane, finds Katie wandering lost a few streets away. Relieved to have her youngest child back in her arms, breathing in the sweet scent of her hair, Gemma thinks the nightmare is over. But then her perfect family starts to fall apart and she realizes it’s only just beginning….

About the Author

Shalini Boland is the author of eight books including The Girl from the Sea, The Best Friend, The Millionaires Wife and The Secret Mother. Shalini lives in Dorset, England.

Librarian’s Comments

Gemma Ballantine is an extremely hard working business woman with a husband Robert, and two daughters Eva and Katie.  She spends more time working than with her family so her mother-in-law Diane suggests she hire a nanny to tutor the children and help around the house.  Gemma is not keen on this idea but finally gives in.  At first, things go smoothly but then Eva disappears as Gemma is getting ready for work but after a nail biting search she is found wandering and lost a few streets away.  Relieved to have her daughter back, Gemma thinks the nightmare is over but then her perfect family starts to fall apart and she realises the nightmare is only just beginning.  This engrossing novel will have you captivated with the suspense with the author’s unique style of writing from beginning to end.  National Library Service of Barbados, Barbados