Ransomed The Missing Children Case Files by M. A. Hunter and published by One More Chapter introduces you to Emma Hunter, the protagonist of this thrilling novel. She is a Times Best-Selling author and investigative journalist, who is reluctantly thrust into the limelight when she serves justice by compassionately telling the story of three victims who suffered unspeakable things at the hands of monsters who should have been the people protecting them. It is Emma’s tenacious publisher’s drive to make her a mega star that leads to the storyline in Ransomed. Her sudden, unwanted media attention means that Emma’s detective skills and empathy for the victims she writes about draws a prominent figure to her. This leads to Emma being strong armed into taking on her next case for Lord Fitzhulme. He is a prestigious (yet clearly in ailing health) man of royal descent who wants to find justice or at least closure for the supposed abduction and then consequent death of his granddaughter. He feels the case was botched by the police after a failed ransom exchange went horribly wrong. Together with DC Jack Serrovitz, a former detective assigned to take her through the case files, her best friend Rachel and her publisher, Maddie, Emma hesitantly begins to pick over the bones of a case that she feels has already come to its natural conclusion.
What did I think of the Book?
Reading any crime story where an innocent child has been affected can be difficult and sometimes I shy away from novels like this because I find them too gut-wrenching. However, there is something that draws you to Emma Hunter through Hunter’s writing. It may be the humility she presents or the staunch determination she shows to do the right thing, but my like and interest in this character, spurred me to read on as much as the plot of the book. Emma is not without her own demons weighing heavily on her shoulders and as the book progresses, you realise that her desire for justice is fuelled by the abduction of her older sister 20 years earlier, who was never seen again. While fighting in the day to make sure she tells the stories of those who have been lost and failed by the system and society, she scours missing person websites by night hoping that she can track down or find a lead to her beloved Anna. It’s this hope that Emma applies to her cases and where others might see a dead end, Emma’s detective nose sniffs out something underneath the surface. By throwing into the mix the highly dysfunctional family of the Hilliard’s, whose daughter Cassie is the one missing, you will be at the end of the book before you know it. Elizabeth Hilliard has been so badly affected by the disappearance of her daughter that she has simply given up and her estranged husband, Richard, has resigned himself to a life of addiction. That leaves the doting grandfather who will stop at nothing in the pursuit of justice. However, as you know is often the case, there is a lot that lies beneath this dysfunctional family and Fitzhulme is not without some secrets of his own. The narrative of the book flits between ‘then’ and ‘now’ giving the reader the chance to apply their own detective skills as Emma unearths new leads and clues. I really enjoyed the book. Hunter’s characterisation makes you love, scorn and feel frustrated by the key characters in equal measure. Add to this what you feel is a subtle romantic connection between Emma and her police partner, Jack Serrowitz, and it hooks you in nicely for Emma’s continued adventure in book two of the series. One I am looking forward to joining her on.
How much is the book and how can you buy it?
Ransomed The Missing Children Case Files is available to buy from Amazon for 0.99p for the Kindle Edition and £7.37 for the paperback copy.
About the author
M. A. Hunter’s book was born out of Hunter being a huge fan of crime fiction since a young age which meant that Hunter always fancied the idea of trying to write one. That dream became a reality when One More Chapter signed The Missing Children Case Files.
Hunter was Born in Darlington in the north-east of England. After that Hunter moved to Southampton to study law at university. This is where Hunter fell in love and has been married for fifteen years. Hunter has two children and the family now live on the border of The New Forest where they enjoy going for walks amongst the wildlife. They regularly holiday across England, but have a particular affinity for the south coast, which formed the setting for the series, spanning from Devon to Brighton, and with a particular focus on Weymouth, one of their favourite towns.
When not writing, Hunter can be found binge-watching favourite shows or buried in the latest story from Angela Marsons, Simon Kernick, or Ann Cleeves.
If you enjoyed this book, look out for the release of the next instalments in the Missing Children Case Files from M.A Hunter. Available to pre-order on Amazon.
About the book
Product details
File Size : 4536 KB
Print Length : 393 pages
Publisher : One More Chapter (10 Sept. 2020)
ASIN : B086TS1ZK4
Review by: Row Jukes
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* Disclaimer: We were sent a copy of the eBook in return for a feature. All opinions are our own.
20 comments
I’ve not read a crime story in ages. It’s good that it makes the reader think to work things out for themselves too. I hope you enjoy the second book too x
Thank you, crime story is not for everyone
This sounds like my sort of book and Emma sounds like a really interesting character. Will definitely be checking this out!
Thank you Rebecca
The book is definitely intriguing and would love to read and find out what happens, I am not much in the crime thriller genre with books but I will watch movies.
I guess it is easier watching movies than reading a book, but this is definitely worth a read
This seems an interesting read, my wife is abig reader especially this year, im not sure how she would get on with this as it might be a bit too emotional for her, but ill forward it on to her.
Thank you Liam, appreciate that
Sounds like a gripping story. Thanks for the review. Will have to try and get this because it sounds like the sort of book you can’t put down
Do agree with you there Neha, it is a good book to read
Crime stories involving kids are something I tend to shy away from – ditto TV dramas, although I must confess to being interested in the Madelaine McCann case for years. This one sounds like a worthwhile read.
I agree especially as a parent myself, but this book is worth a read
This book sounds so thrilling. I love reading books in the crime, mystery and suspense category. My husband would also like to read this book Ransomed. I am glad it has a Kindle version. Will be checking this out very soon.
Thank you for sharing that Kristine, yes this is an ebook which we reviewed
I normally avoid books that have children featured in this way but it does sound intriguing and like there are other elements to the story so it’s one I’d consider.
Agree Nichola, I was the same, but it turned out okay in the end
I don’t normally read crime or thriller books but this sounds like a great read.
Thanks for your comments Jenny, sometimes some books does surprise you
I do love. crime story though like you I tend to shy away from ones that focus on children. Although this does sound like one I’d enjoy x
Thank you for your comments Stephanie