Brilliant debut novel by a reader whose books I must read more of.

Adam Ryan has fulfilled his lifelong ambition to become a detective in the Irish police force. But because of a tragic event in his childhood, in which two of his friends vanished, never to be found, he calls himself "Rob" Ryan and does not reveal his past. He's best friends in a platonic way with fellow-detective Cassie, and near the start of the book the partners take on a case of a young girl who has been found murdered at an archaeological site – in the very same woods where Rob's friends had disappeared more than 20 years ago. Rob feels compelled to investigate the case as he's convinced it must have something to do with the earlier tragedy: so he persuades Cassie, who knows his secret, not to confide in their superiors.

Most of the rest of the book describes the details of the police investigation: the interviews of the idealistic archaeologists who are hurrying to complete their excavation before a new motorway is built; the residents of the nearby estate where the girl lived; and local businessmen who have been threatening the dead girl's father, who heads up the protest group to try to stop the motorway from being built. Events are filtered through Rob's vision, so the reader experiences his panic and paranoia about the case, and his increasing sense of unease.

Taking this for EdwardStreet as I am sure she'd enjoy this new author as much as I did. I'd like it back please as I want to refresh my reading of it as I'm now reading a second book with some of the same characters.

Regarding this as part of my Permanent Collection.

I recall I have read another book by this author which as I recall was gruesome. I will read and return to SF

Started and realised this was the book I have already read. Will return to Sherlockfan

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Found at the Queenstown Unconvention so the book has now journeyed from NZ to the mainland. Good pedigree recommendation with Jan and Anne so should be dipping into it soon.

Never did dip into had for four years has to go as slowly getting ready for a big downsize move

Reading other book but will attempt it after Christmas 😁