Dinuka McKenzie

An absolutely gripping read.

Kate is struggling with her return to work from maternity leave, but she knows how she would feel if her baby Amy was suddenly taken. There are so many other factors in Elissa Ricci's life, not the least being that her husband Aaron, supposedly at a conference, can't be contacted.

Kate's husband Geoff can't understand Kate's need to be at work, and to give her all to the job. And then other personal factors poke their noses in.

There are many false trails, many suspects, and battles with her colleagues add to Kate's exhaustion. And all the time the clock is ticking… (meer)

Another Aussie author to look out for. This novel is her debut title, but there are already another couple (in the series) to look out for.

Detective Kate Miles is 36 weeks pregnant and should really already be on leave. This week though, she has 2 cases to take care of, and also her replacement to familiarise with the job.

There is a good Australian flavour to the novel, set in northern New South Wales. The cases and the stories surrounding them feel authentic at the same time as showing empathy to the people involved. There is also a good amount of back story to Kate's life. Characters are well drawn.… (meer)

Here Kate works on a missing baby case which spreads out into a related domestic violence situation. I wanted to like this more than I did: Kate was constantly on the defensive, feeling undervalued by her colleagues, although at time she seemed to be her own worst enemy. I think I am team Geoff (her husband) - she was so careless of her own safety that it was touch and go each day whether she would make it home alive.

The actual plot, if you strip out all the politics and home life stuff was reasonably good, although it dragged on after some early twists and turns.… (meer)