The Hidden Child by Rebecca Griffiths @rebeccagriffit7 @bookouture #bookreview #booksontour

Next up is my #BooksOnTour stop for Rebecca Griffiths’ The Hidden Child.

Massive thanks to the fabulous Noelle Holten for inviting me to join the tour and to Bookouture for my e-copy of The Hidden Child. I also preordered a copy from Amazon.

The Blurb

Connie splashed through puddles, the rain slapping her face. Everywhere was tarmac and concrete, fog and drizzle, but no sign of her child. ‘Have you seen my daughter? Please, you must’ve seen her?’ Connie’s face crumpled, preparing to cry. But there wasn’t time for tears, she told herself, she had to find her child.

Manchester, England, 1965: In an instant Connie’s life has changed. She only left her daughter Kathy alone for a moment but that was enough for her to vanish without a trace. As Connie desperately searches for her, she has to put the news reports of other missing children to the back of her mind. She is determined to find her safe. She will bring her daughter home.

As local farmer Ronald listens to the news, he is shocked by what he hears. He has spent his life away from the spotlight, quietly tending to his farm. But when a young couple begin acting suspiciously on his land, he knows that trouble is about to reach his door.

And then he sees her. A girl in a bright red coat who looks completely lost. Ronald knows he needs to help keep her safe and find her family. But on the wild and desolate farmland, Ronald has buried his own dark secret. Can he risk it coming to light to save her life?

Inspired by a real-life true crime story, this is an unforgettable and totally gripping mystery thriller perfect for fans of Gregg Olsen, Elly Griffiths and Found.

(Previously titled: The Body on the Moor)

What Did I Think?

What a brutal opening!!!! Totally and utterly brutal!!!! Loved it!!! Rebecca Griffiths is a #newauthortome and that opening chapter really got my attention to this author’s intent to shock her readers. I had high hopes for The Hidden Child after being hit around the literary chops like that! And boy did it deliver!

This book would be my nightmare, losing my child fills me with dread. Let alone having the real life backdrop of The pennines belt and Saddleworth Moors in tbe 60s. Geez! As a teenager, I was fascinated by the Moors Murders and how two individuals could be so brutal and lacking in any parental inkling. But Griffiths showed me how (potentially) this notorious pairing came across to those around them. It almost felt like she knew them personally.

I was kept on my toes as the story jumped between Connie’s heartbreaking predicament and Ronnie’s relatively solitary life with his brother. Each chapter carefully playing out how both households were turned upside down by one seven year old girl.

The Hidden Child is a chilling story that could very much be true. I personally think Griffiths captured the evil personas of Brady and Hindley. I was glued to my kindle, gripped to see how this nearly-true story would play out. I’ve already downloaded Griffiths’ previous take on a true crime scenario and I for one am really looking forward to see what she takes on next! This is one unique concept which I really like!

Who Is Rebecca Griffiths?

Rebecca Griffiths grew up in mid-Wales and went on to gain a first class honours degree in English Literature. After a successful business career in London, Dublin and Scotland she returned to rural mid-Wales where she lives with her husband, a prolific artist, their four black rescue cats, two pet sheep the size of sofas and writes full time.

Twitter: @rebeccagriffit7