The Child Finder by Rene Denfeld, Book Review

The Child Finder by Rene Denfeld.

Naomi Cottle finds missing children. When the police have given up their search and an investigation stalls, families call her. She possesses a rare, intuitive sense, born out of her own experience, that allows her to succeed when others have failed.

Young Madison Culver has been missing for three years. She vanished on a family trip to the mountainous forests of Oregon, where they’d gone to cut down a tree for Christmas. Soon after she disappeared, blizzards swept the region and the authorities presumed she died from exposure.

But Naomi knows that Madison isn’t dead. As she relentlessly pursues the truth behind Madison’s disappearance, shards of a dark dream pierce defences that have protected her for so long. If she finds this child, will Naomi ultimately unlock the secrets of her own life?

Amazon Link

My Review

Naomi Cottle is ‘The Child Finder’. She investigates missing children, even the cases where the police have given up. She suffered a traumatised childhood herself and believes that there is always hope, even where others have failed.

She is sent to look for Madison Culver, who disappeared three years previously.  Naomi’s forgotten childhood starts to come back to haunt her and the nightmares continue, as she starts to unravel what happened to the little girl.

A dark, gripping, page-turner that is told from differing narratives. Child abuse is alluded to but the content is not graphic.

The bleak, isolated snow-covered mountains of Oregon bring with it a feeling so atmospheric you can almost hear the snow falling.

The locals have adapted to the severe cold and isolation, but will Naomi be able to break down barriers and gain trust in this damaged community?

Highly recommended, if you enjoyed Room by Emma Donoghue, I think you will like this book too.

Thank you, NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE CHILD FINDER:

‘A beautifully written, gripping page turner…a book that is worth searching for, bringing home, and welcoming into your family. 5*’ Goodreads

‘This book is dazzling and heartbreaking. 5*’ Goodreads

‘A wonderful, extraordinary book. The author speaks from her heart on every page.’ 5* Goodreads

‘I could not put this book down until the captivating conclusion.’ 5* Goodreads

‘I finished the book in a day, not wanting to put it down.’ 5* Goodreads

‘Wow…a page turner, keeping me in all weekend.’ 5* Goodreads

‘Loved it and will be recommending it to everyone I know.’ 5* Goodreads

‘The Child Finder is one of the most beautiful novels I’ve ever read.’ 5* Goodreads