29 March 2022

As you reach for this book you can expect a deeply emotional read as the author tells the story of a retired doctor, in a small community, suffering from Alzheimer’s. The author shows how this disease changes Dr Kirkland’s life and makes it impossible for him to hide his condition. This book might have a crime theme, but it is not a crime novel. This is a moving, emotional read that will keep you reading late into the night.

As a first-time reader of Charity Norman’s work, I fell in love with her style. Her writing is descriptive and emotional, keeping you glued to the pages as she brings a stunning landscape to life while breaking your heart with an emotional tale filled with sadness. She creates a perfect balance between sadness, drama and suspense that makes it very hard to put this book down. I cannot wait to read more of her work.

Emily is a single mom with a grown son who is off travelling. She lives alone with her cat and loves her job as an illustrator of children’s books. She left home years ago, so when she receives a phone call from New Zealand telling her that her father is not doing well, she is reluctant to make the trip. She never lived up to her father’s expectations, he was never around and she hardly knows the man. Yet, her feelings of guilt leave her flying back to her childhood home. Her twin siblings, while much closer, claim to be too busy, meaning there is no-one else.

Arriving home, Emily is shocked by the condition of her dad. Dr Felix Kirkland was a highly respected local doctor. He always had time for his patients and everyone liked him. He was not the best father, always being distant and never showing any emotions at all. Yet Emily cannot believe that this strong man has been reduced to leaving notes around the house, reminding him how to do simple things like brushing his teeth and taking a shower. There is even a note reminding him who he is and that he suffers from Alzheimer’s. Determined to only stay for a short while, Emily soon finds herself getting to know her father, seeing a side to him that she never knew existed. And as Felix deteriorates Emily knows there is no way she can leave him alone, and the care facility her siblings are suggesting will never make Felix happy.

The longer she stays the more she finds out about her father’s life. She is reminded of the disappearance of Leah Parata, the neighbours’ daughter. She reconnects with the Parata family and is reminded of the anguish the entire community suffered when Leah disappeared. Day by day she learns a little more about Felix and soon realises that there is a connection between him and Leah, a connection no-one was aware of. Does she want to know the truth? And what will she do with this truth?

This story is moving and emotional. The author draws you into the lives of two families and shares a truth that will shock you. I loved this book and found it very hard to draw myself away.

No doubt, my favourite character in this story had to be Dr Felix Kirkland. This cold, distant man might not be in line for father of the year. However, as his story is revealed and you see first-hand how he struggles with everyday life your heart breaks for this man. The author did a magnificent job in creating a man who is so far from perfect and still manages to steal your heart.

There is nothing to not love about this book. It is moving and full of emotion, keeping you eagerly reading as you need to know what truth will be revealed. This is a fantastic read guaranteed to leave you asking how you would react if you found yourself in this situation. I loved it!

If you are looking for a story that will keep you glued to pages as you explore a family drama, face a moral question and experience some suspense with an unsolved crime thrown in to spice things up, you will find yourself unable to put this book down. I highly recommend this book and I look forward to spending more time with this author in the future.