Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich's Reviews > The Hidden

4.5 stars

The Hidden by Melanie Golding is a psychological thriller.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


My Synopsis:   (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
DS Joana Harper is called to investigate the assault on Gregor Franks, who was found badly bludgeoned and left for dead in his apartment bath.  He may not survive.

Gregor's apartment brings more questions, as they discovered a crib and children's toys, but neighbours insist he lived alone.

Ruby has been quietly falling for Gregor.  She has been watching  his apartment, from her own apartment  window across the way.  One day she sees another woman and a child in the window, and eventually meets Constance, the mentally troubled wife of Gregor, and their daughter Leonie.  Constance insists that Gregor has hidden her sealskin from her, and without it she cannot return to her people, the mythological Selkies.  Ruby realizes that not all is as it seems, but she is very worried bout Leonie.  She agrees to help Constance escape.

One evening in December, Constance leaves Leonie outside a shop, and Ruby "rescues" her.

Meanwhile, Joana, investigating Gregor's beating, spies Ruby on a CCTV camera with Leonie, and knows trouble is brewing.  Ruby is her daughter.  If it becomes a choice between her job and her daughter, Ruby will win.


My Opinions:   
First, this isn't being touted as a series, but DS Joana Harper plays a major role in this book, and she was in this author's last book, Little Darlings.  I agree, they don't have to be read in order.

This book is about motherhood, and family dynamics.  How far a mother will go to protect her daughter, or herself, and that sometimes the choices aren't clear.  The story is told from the perspectives of Joana, Ruby, and "The Injured Man", and in two timelines.  It is all very straight-forward.

This book mixes mystery and folklore in such a way that the reader starts second-guessing themselves -- well I did.  I loved the legend of the Selkies (seal people).  The author wove the story in and out of the legend, and the whole thing was riveting.

Absolutely loved this book (although it was a little long).



For a more complete review of this book and others (including my reason for choosing to read this, author information and a favorite quotation or two from this book), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/