[Synopsis]

‘To begin with, nothing was certain except her own terror . . .’
Ten years ago, fourteen-year-old Scarlett Rainsford vanished without a trace during a family holiday to Greece. Not being able to find Scarlett was one of the biggest regrets of DCI Louisa Smith’s career and when Scarlett is discovered back in her home town after all this time, Lou is determined to find out what happened to her and why she remained hidden for so long. Was she abducted or did she run away?
As Lou and her team delve deeper into Scarlett’s past, their investigation throws up more questions than it answers. But as they edge closer to the truth about what really went on behind closed doors, it is more sinister and disturbing than they had ever imagined.

[My Review]
I’ve definitely become a little obsessed with thrillers recently; I’ve always loved reading them but can’t get enough recently! I love the suspense and mystery of the genre and Behind Closed Doors certainly doesn’t disappoint!
The story is actually the second in the DCI Louisa Smith series; I haven’t read the first (Under A Silent Moon) but found that didn’t impact my enjoyment. I might have picked up on certain additional things if I’d read the first in the series but nevertheless, I really enjoyed this as a stand-alone novel.
The writing is brilliant and really draws you in as you uncover more about what happened to Scarlet that night many years ago. The fact it all happened abroad in Europe reminded me of high-profile missing children cases we’ve all been shocked by in the UK over the years, and I felt quite unsettled reading some parts due to the disturbing, worrying subject nature. You really start to sympathize with Scarlet, as well as becoming a little frustrated with her (as DCI Smith does) as the investigation continues. I feel that the subject of human trafficking has been researched really well, and the story certainly feels convincing and very hard-hitting.
I really like the extra police documents and statements that Elizabeth Haynes includes, as I felt it reinforces the story that centers around the Police’s investigation really well; some might feel it takes away from the storyline but personally I don’t feel that it’s detrimental at all.
As well as learning a lot about Scarlet, we also get to know Louisa Smith and her personal life and relationship with her partner, which was interesting and made her seem a more well-rounded, convincing character. I imagine this carries on from the first novel in the series. I now want to read this one and reflect on how it compares to Behind Closed Doors, and am looking forward to any future books in the series!
This is a hard-hitting, riveting mystery/ thriller which keeps you on your toes- recommended!
[Rating: 4/5]
Behind Closed Doors is released in the UK on October 8th 2015.
** Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this novel in return for an honest review **