My Child is Missing by Lisa Regan

*** Review ***

In the quaint town of Denton, Pennsylvania, where shadows stretch longer than the daylight and legends linger in the minds of its residents, Lisa Regan’s eighteenth installment in the Detective Josie Quinn series, My Child is Missing, beckons readers into a world where fear takes tangible form and secrets are buried deeper than the darkest woods. In this heart-pounding thriller, Regan weaves a tale that is not only an exhilarating page-turner but also a testament to the indomitable spirit of its characters.

The story begins with a heart-wrenching cry for help—a mother’s anguished plea to the Denton Police Department as her two daughters, Kayleigh and Savannah, vanish without a trace after venturing into the woods. The gripping description of a terrified little girl, her tears smudging dirt on her cheek, sets the stage for a narrative that will leave readers gripping the edge of their seats.

Detective Josie Quinn, a resolute and multi-faceted protagonist, steps into action with an unwavering determination to bring the missing sisters back to safety. However, the case takes an ominous turn as whispers of a sinister figure known as The Woodsman circulate through the town—a malevolent presence that haunts the woods and claims the lives of young children. As Josie delves deeper into the investigation, the boundaries between myth and reality blur, and the line between sanity and hysteria begins to crack.

Regan’s skillful storytelling shines through her portrayal of Josie Quinn, who stands as a beacon of strength in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges that life has thrown her way, Josie remains a fiercely intelligent yet vulnerable character that readers can’t help but root for. The supporting cast, including Noah, Gretchen, and the Chief, add depth to the narrative, painting a vivid tapestry of personal and professional relationships that interweave seamlessly.

One of the book’s strengths lies in its ability to be accessible to both newcomers and long-time followers of the series. While My Child is Missing can be enjoyed as a standalone work, Regan’s artful incorporation of background stories from previous books rewards loyal readers with a more immersive experience.

As the investigation intensifies, Regan masterfully crafts an atmosphere of tension and dread that keeps readers guessing until the final pages. The thrill of uncovering twists and turns blends seamlessly with the emotional weight of the characters’ personal struggles, resulting in a narrative that is as gripping as it is poignant. The author’s ability to maintain this balance is a testament to her storytelling prowess.

The connection between legend and reality becomes a central theme in My Child is Missing, as the boundary between fact and fiction unravels. The way Regan melds the eerie folklore of The Woodsman with the raw emotions of the characters heightens the story’s impact, delivering not only a suspenseful mystery but also a reflection on the power of belief and the human psyche.

In conclusion, My Child is Missing is a tour de force in the Detective Josie Quinn series that encapsulates everything readers love about gripping police procedurals and thrillers. Lisa Regan’s ability to create multi-dimensional characters, maintain an electrifying pace, and seamlessly blend myth and reality showcases her mastery of the genre. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of the series or a newcomer seeking an enthralling read, My Child is Missing is a book that will keep you up all night, turning pages until the shocking, satisfying conclusion. With every new release, Regan continues to prove herself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of crime fiction.