I’ve now read quite a few of D.S Butler’s books, and I am a big fan. They’re right up my street, and if you’re a lover of thrillers and mysteries, this one will certainly be for you. Lost Child is also free to read if you have Kindle Unlimited!
The story starts quickly, detailing a quintessential English town with a traditional summer fête. Beth senses her sister Kate and husband Daniel are arguing and decides to take Jenna to distract her. A decision she would soon come to regret.
One of the things I think Butler does really well is building character arcs. Although the characters are not overly likeable at times, I think it is because of their trauma, which makes it more than understandable. Beth can come across as irritating, rude, paranoid, selfish, and accusatory. But she is driven by guilt and sadness. Trust does not come easily to her, and her instincts are almost spot on.
I think Butler achieves something some Indie authors fail to do, and that is providing background to the characters and places in the novel. The backgrounds are essential to the ending and how some of their personalities are portrayed. There is also a correlation between how certain people have been treated in the past and how we are expected to feel about them. The Lost Child is full of deceit, regret, selfishness and narcissistic behaviour that keeps us, the reader, interested and engaged throughout.
As the reader, we are left guessing until the end, with the outcome being not as expected. It is a great, easy read, and the plot ties together nicely. Butler gives some of the characters redemption come the end of the novel, and although it is not entirely a happy ending, you’re left feeling satisfied with it as there are no stones left unturned. Readers who enjoy Agatha Christie et al will certainly enjoy this thriller!
D. S. Butler on twitter: @ds_butler
Author website: http://www.dsbutlerbooks.com/
Buy Link https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/gp/product/B074HCMS2K?ref_=dbs_m_nmg_rwt_calw_tkin_0&storeType=ebooks&qid=1648789507&sr=8-1