Never Coming Back

Seeker of missing persons David Raker faces one of his most baffling cases yet. A mother, father, and their two daughters mysteriously disappear from their home, table set, dinner bubbling on the stove--the only sign of disturbance, a carton of milk spilled on the kitchen floor. David Bauckham blends an objective narration with a series of credible characterizations including those of the laid-back yet confident Raker; his old flame, Emily; and Las Vegas high rollers and corporate bigwigs. As bodies pile up, Bauckham smoothly navigates the fast-paced plot twists. He creates just the right feel for the places Raker searches--from Las Vegas to an English fishing village. Once one gets past the tedious beginning, Bauckham's narration makes Raker's fourth outing and Weaver's American debut worthwhile listening. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine

May 26, 2014
British author Weaver makes his U.S. debut with this darkly atmospheric mystery, the fourth to feature missing persons investigator David Raker (after Vanished). While on holiday to his childhood home in Devon, Raker agrees to help his high school girlfriend, Emily Kane, find her family. Ten months earlier, Emily entered the unlocked house of her sister, Carrie Ling, and discovered the TV on, dinner cooking on the stove, and the dog roaming around—but no sign of Carrie, husband Paul, or daughters Annabel and Olivia. Raker’s quest begins sluggishly, but the plot picks up speed after he learns that Carrie stumbled on the existence of a shadowy organization with sinister past associations. Weaver ramps up the tension through a series of well-executed twists. While Raker isn’t a particularly sympathetic character, his drive, fueled by a sense of responsibility for the missing, is infectious. Readers who brave the slow start will find their patience well rewarded. Agent: Camilla Wray, Darley Anderson Literary (U.K.).