Missing Persons by Stephen White

This was my first novel by Stephen White. I love when lawyers, psychologists and other professionals write about their own fields because it brings more legitimacy to the story. Being a psychologist, Stephen White understand the constraints of patient confidentiality.

I think it was interesting that the death of Hannah Grant was not directly connected to the disappearance of Mallory. Hannah's death triggered the investigation of Mallory's disappearance, simply because Hannah had seen Mallory as a patient, but Hannah wasn't really connected to the events. This is an interesting twist, since the story begins with her mysterious death.

I couldn't believe that Mallory's dad, Bill, would be involved in anything illegal since he was such a compassionate man who was so committed to his mentally ill wife Rachel - a true "until death do us part" kind of husband. It goes to show you how things can go SO wrong after making one impulsive decision. 

I can say the same thing about Bob. Based on Alan's sessions with Bob, I couldn't believe that he would have harmed - or taken - a young girl out of her home to do her harm. It absolutely made sense that he would take her to save her. Mallory was so frightened about the same thing happening to her that happened to JonBenet Ramsey. I remember being frightened about a similar thing when I was young. A family who went to our church moved to a different state due to a job. Within the year, the wife had killed her two daughters and herself due to depression. My parents did not share this with me (to protect me), but a friend of mine did. I was so horrified that I spent years laying in bed wondering if my mother would ever do the same to my brother and I. Young impressionable minds should not be exposed to horrible things like that. Since JonBenet was Mallory's classmate and friend, I can so relate to this fear of hers.

I was definitely thrown off by Bill's neighbor. Digging the tunnel, discovering Bill's secret, stealing identities. Didn't see that coming!  His dead body found in a ditch - and then he is alive at Bill's house. That's called covering your tracks! Then there is Canada, who I couldn't decide if he was "good" or "bad". I guess a little bit of both - as many people are. I love that Canada protected Rachel - but it was a weird arrangement with Bill, for sure.

I love books with twists and turns, and this book certainly had them.

Wendy's Rating: ****