Somebody's Daughter

Somebody's Daughter gives us a day in the life of its secretive characters. Not just any old day, but a day when not only a little girl's disappearance but her very existence is turning everyone's world upside down. The whole story takes place over one day in the search for young Felicity, but there are years of secrets revealed little by little. David Bell never fails to impress me with his talent for creating intense situations, and this one was no different. From the time Erica rang Michael and Angela's doorbell, I was hooked. Everybody's hiding something, and as these wonderfully done characters race to find Felicity, not much remains hidden. Who is Felicity's father? Is she really even Felicity? Who knew about her and who didn't? And most of all, what does it all have to do with her disappearance? The more I read, the more I was drawn in and absolutely had to know the answers. All in all, Somebody's Daughter is another gripping read from this author. It's full of intensity, suspense, and deceit. This one is a perfect example of trust no one and suspect everyone, because they're all hiding something, be it past secrets or present.

4.5 stars Somebody’s Daughter is a well-written crime thriller, crafted with an intriguing plot, realistic dialogue, and interesting characters. Nine-year-old, Felicity, has gone missing. Police are gathering evidence, following leads, and interviewing people who might have come in contact with the girl. Unfortunately, the longer that she is missing the graver her case becomes. Michael and Angela Frazier are a happily married couple. The only wrinkle in their marriage has been their inability to have children. Although it’s not physically impossible for them, it hasn’t happened yet, and the years are beginning to add up. Michael has always had a soft spot for children. He lost his sister when she was very young, and unfortunately, he has never fully healed from it. He blames himself for her death. Michael is flabbergasted when he opened the door to find Erica, his ex-wife, standing there; panic-stricken. She is barely holding it together. Her daughter has gone missing, and she wants Michael to help find her. When he tries, to convince, Erica, to allow the police to do their job, she informs him that Felicity is his daughter. Michael feels as if he’s been punched. The hole in his heart from his sister’s death is still raw. Michael can’t allow another child to die if he can help it. And, what if Felicity truly is his child? How would he ever live with himself? So he exits the house with Erica, leaving behind his wife, Angela, confused and alone. Somebody’s Daughter is a light whodunit mystery. It's a story that will keep you intrigued, captivated and engrossed until the very end. There are no gruesome, or chilling scenes, in this novel. Although this is the first book that I have read by David Bell, it won’t be my last. Thank you, Berkley and Edelweiss, for my advanced review copy.