The Missing

August 21, 2017
The disappearance of 15-year-old Billy Wilkinson from his home in Bristol, England, drives this emotionally raw family drama from British author Taylor (The Lie). Six months after Billy went missing, his mother, Claire, is certain that he is alive, while her husband, Mark, is doubtful. Billy’s 19-year-old brother, Jake, and Jake’s girlfriend, Kira Simmons, who lives with the Wilkinsons, have basically shut down. The alienation that each family member feels from the others heightens when they appear on TV to appeal for Billy’s return. Jake shows up drunk, making a scene that’s covered by the press. Claire’s grief over Billy, whom she adored, plunges her into despair and gives the plot its heart. Claire has blackouts and wakes up not knowing where she is; she chases teenage boys she’s sure are Billy; she walks into strangers’ homes or dangerous situations in pursuit of her son. Each incident reinforces the impression that this dysfunctional family thrives on lies. Taylor keeps Billy’s fate in question right up to the shocking denouement. Agent: Madeleine Milburn, Madeleine Milburn Literary.

September 15, 2017
It's been six months since 15-year-old Billy Wilkinson went missing. His mother, Claire, believes he's run away and that the right message at the right time will bring him home. But recent dissociative episodes and hallucinations may be her mind's way of protecting her from the truth. As she looks at the circle of family and friends who have supported her through this trying time, she wonders if one of them knows more about Billy's disappearance than they are letting on. In addition to creating a strong suspenseful tone, Taylor explores how a family tragedy can impact each member differently. Taylor's fourth psychological thriller will appeal to fans of Sophie Hannah and Nicci French.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)