Missing, Presumed by Susie Steiner is the first instalment in the DS Manon Series. It focuses in the investigation into a missing woman, Edith Hind, and how the police are dealing with this investigation with little leads and personal circumstances. This book features a police preocedural storyline however the characters are explored and can be seen as the main focus of the book. I agree that the character development is important in this book and seeing how the different characters deal with every situation is both intriguing and engaging. I like how the book isn’t necessarily set out in chapters but rather in character based sections. Each section is from a different characters viewpoint throughout the investigation which I feel was a great way to structure this book as each characters experience is important to the way the story is portrayed.
I find that character development is one of the most important things to me when reading a book. If the characters are not realistic or explored I feel as though the book is less engaging and enjoyable and I am glad this book features good characters with depth with likable and realistic characters.
DS Manon was the most developed character and I found her very likeable as a character and police officer. I think she is a strong character and she is realistically portrayed. She has realistic qualities which is relevant and relatable. She is affected by her job whilst dealing with her own personal circumstances and relationships. She is a strong character however she does show a vulnerable side which I think also makes her relatable and likeable as a character. Davy is also a likable character and seeing him through Manon section and viewpoint was good as you could see their relationship and friendship as he can see through her hard and negative exterior.
Even although I loved this book and would totally recommend it to anyone who is interested in police procedural novels that also features great characters. I do feel as though the ending was slightly rushed and not explored in a way that gave me a satisfying conclusion. The book explores the investigation and characters a lot throughout the majority of the book which I love whilst exploring new leads and twists however I feel that the concluding sections were as if the ending was not fully developed and I was slightly confused on first reading. I personally would have preferred for the book to be slightly longer to allow for further development of the ending sections as I loved the book and feel as though another section would strengthen my opinion.
Overall, I would say that this book is excellent at providing a book that features a police procedural storyline whilst giving a character development on multiple people. I would highly recommend this book and I am excited to continue reading the further books in the series and further books by Susie Steiner.
Many thanks, Caitlin x
(PS please comment if you have read this series or one that heavily features police procedure and character development)
Read and Drink Tea 