The Rose Arbor - Rhys Bowen

 The Rose Arbor - Rhys Bowen

Pub. Date:  Aug. 6, 2024

She read

In World War II torn Britain, the army commandeered the hamlet of Tydeham.  All of the residents had a short period of time to leave their homes, take a few possessions, and relocate.  The army promised they would have their homes back, but they were all destroyed by the military operations.

During this time of strife, children were often sent from London to the country to live with other families and keep them safe from the bombing in the city.  During this exodus, three little girls went missing.  One child was discovered murdered, but the other two were never found.

It is now 1968 and reporter Liz Houghton shares a flat with police detective, Marissa.  A child has gone missing and the entire country is searching for her.  Liz wonders if this case might have something to do with the earlier ones and her investigation brings her to Tydeham where she has the strange feeling that she has visited there before.  And thus, crimes are uncovered, long held secrets revealed.

I have only recently discovered prolific writer Rhys Bowen whose writing I continue to really enjoy. The multiple interrelated story lines raised questions that kept me engrossed and guessing. And just as in life, there were some (very few) questions left unanswered.  I loved the historical perspective of both the war years and the late 1960s. History, mystery, and a bit of romance….what more could you ask?

Thanks to #NetGalley and #LakeUnionPublishing for the DRC.

*****