Saturday 19 May 2018

Book Review: ABSENT (DS Coupland #4) by Emma Salisbury


Today is publication day for the fabulous fourth book* in the DS Coupland series by Emma Salisbury.  Emma very kindly sent me an e-copy to read and review.
The worst things happen in plain sight.
When he stopped a serial killer in his tracks earlier in the year he thought that would be the end of it, but for DS Kevin Coupland his nightmare has just begun.
A child’s body is discovered hidden in a bag, kicking off a major investigation for Salford Precinct’s murder squad. Soon the National Crime Agency roll into town and Coupland is under strict instructions to play nice.
He’s got enough on his plate to worry about politics. A shock discovery in his personal life is starting to take its toll, causing him to make decisions that bring him to the attention of the powers that be for all the wrong reasons.
DS Alex Moreton returns from maternity leave to find her partner deeply troubled, but with a cold case to review she’s in no position to prevent him hitting the self-destruct button.
As he hunts down the child’s killer Coupland is forced to reflect upon his own life and find an answer to the question he’s been avoiding. Is it possible to accept the things you cannot change?

My thoughts?

Oh wow I think this is the best in the series yet! A fast paced and twisty story which I read quickly - I just couldn't put it down.

A decomposing body of a child is discovered in the wardrobe of a flat stuffed into a gym bag. DS Kevin Coupland and the team are quickly on the case questioning neighbours and trawling the missing children lists. The case quickly escalates and they have to give it up to the National Crime Agency which causes friction among both teams.

Sidekick, DS Alex Moreton is back from maternity leave and is reviewing another case leaving little time for her to help Kevin and the rest of the team. There's also trouble at home with his wife and daughter and nothing he can do or say is right. 

I love the character of DS Kevin Coupland and the banter within the team. His colleagues on the NCA decide they've enough on their plate with the other issues of the case and let Kevin and the team find out what happened to the child and who she left behind.

A brilliant read which I thoroughly enjoyed. Highly recommend. Looking forward already to book #5.

*e-copy sent to me by the author

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