If your debut novel wins the Costa Book of the Year then the 2nd book is always going to be anticipated with some relish and Stef Penney doesn’t disappoint with this murder mystery, set in the gypsy community in the 80’s. Told through the voices of the private investigator who is trying to find a missing girl and a charming 14 year old gypsy boy the story twists and turns drawing the reader on to the inevitable – and only - conclusion.
Rose Janko is missing. It has been seven years since she disappeared, and nobody said a word. Now, following the death of his wife, her father Leon feels compelled to find her. Rumour had it she ran off when her baby boy was born with the family's genetic disorder. Leon is not so sure. He wants to know the truth and he hires a private investigator to discover it - Ray Lovell. Ray starts to delve deeper, but his investigation is hampered by the very people who ought to be helping him - the Jankos. He cannot understand their reluctance to help. Why don't they want to find Rose Janko?
