When a news story breaks, we are very quick to make judgements. More so when a child is involved. This book looks at what happens when people take things too far. When judgements are made without all the information, and just how damaging that can be for those involved.

The Quiet People is one of those books that you will not be able to drag yourself away from. This gripping tale is dark and twisty yet the emotion oozes off the pages leaving tears in your eyes while you read some of the scenes.

Paul Cleave is yet another new to me author and I am well and truly hooked. He tells an intriguing tale that has you hooked from the very first page. I loved how he is not afraid to write about a difficult child, drawing out the unreasonable tantrums with crystal clarity. These descriptions reminded me of the days when I was dealing with a challenging toddler. I loved how realistic that was. I am eager to read more of Paul Cleave’s books – I just have to schedule some time when I do mind missing out on some sleep. The Quite People had me reading almost through the night – I could not drag myself away.

After a challenging day with Zach, Cameron and Lisa Murdoch, successful crime writers, wake up to him missing. Zach said he was going to run away, and it looks like he has. But how far can a seven-year-old boy get?

When the police arrive on the scene it is quickly established that Zach did not just run away from home, someone has taken him. Who is the first on the suspect list? Cameron Murdoch off course. Cameron might be distraught, but his behaviour is unusual, something just isn’t right. When a journalist with a grudge starts spewing suspicions about Cameron, he is quickly found guilty not just by the media, but by the community. Is Cameron guilty? Or can he find a way to prove his innocence and manage to bring Zach home?

I am not sure when last a book hooked me this quickly and this completely. I loved the story, and the characters, the dark twists and uncertainty. I could not read this book fast enough. The author shows how easily public perception can be swayed by the media and how fast a community is to judge. I hope no crime writers out there ever need to deal with anything like the Murdoch were exposed to. No matter how clever you guys think you are – keep that thought to yourself.

I loved Zach – this little boy stirred memories of my challenging years with difficult toddlers. I enjoyed how Zach was not portrayed as the perfect little boy. Cameron was a gem. The man had serious foot in mouth disease and he said all the wrong things, making you wonder if maybe he is guilty – did he do something to his son?  The author kept his characters realistic making this an entertaining read I will pass onto fellow crime fiction fans.

No doubt, I loved this book. It’s been a while since I book had me sacrificing sleep because ii could not drag myself away. Halfway through this book, I had to know what happened to Zach, and I could not walk away. I was surprised to find some tears building up while reading parts of this book. There are a few very emotional scenes. This is a five-star read that will not leave you disappointed.

I recommend this book to crime fiction fans but be warned, it is dark and gloriously twisty guaranteed to keep you hooked from start to finish.