Missing Daughter

A parent's worst nightmare becomes reality for Ryan and Karen Lane when their 12-year-old daughter Maddie goes missing from her bedroom, and the window is wide open. Maddie would have no reason to run away, and a boy with a crush admits he was outside her window that night but didn't do anything. Suspicion immediately falls on Ryan, since he sometimes cannot control his anger, and Karen, since she got into an argument with Maddie before her disappearance. As time passes, the family that seemed solid before this tragic event begins to fall apart. Former crime reporter Mofina (Last Seen; Before Sunrise) knows how to craft a story that is both exciting and terrifying. The mystery of Maddie's disappearance becomes convoluted and more baffling as the tale progresses, making it a true surprise when everything is revealed. VERDICT Well-developed characters and an intense pace add to this gripping novel. This latest from a gifted storyteller should not be missing from your reading pile.--Jeff Ayers, Seattle P.L.