We're moving away from classics for the moment and on to one of the very few thrillers I read in 2018. I went through a big crime thriller phase a couple of years ago, but I feel as though that's ebbed off a little into the realm of an occasional thriller that never leads me to a full blown obsession. Perhaps 2019 will hold more, but I'm not so sure.
Anyway.
Anne and Marco head to their neighbour's house for dinner one evening. With their babysitter cancelling at the last moment, they have no choice but to leave their six month old daughter back in her crib next door, as their neighbours have made it very clear that it's an 'adults only' affair. The parents head back alternatively every half an hour to make sure Cora's still safely sleeping, and keep a baby monitor on them. But, when they head home just after midnight (with a pretty upset Anne due to the flirting between Marco and the woman next door), they notice the front door is ajar, and all of their worst nightmares come true: their baby is gone.
As the police bring in the cadavar dogs, no one is exempt from suspicion, and no one knows whether Cora is safe or not. With wealthy parents behind Anne, the couple put up a £3 million reward for the safe return of their daughter. The issue is, that either the baby-snatcher was a very lucky opportunist, or he's someone close to the couple who knew their whereabouts. Were the grandparents looking for an opportunity to finally show Anne that lower class Marco isn't to be trusted? Were the neighbours so angry about the new (loud) baby next door that they'd do something unforgiveable? Could Anne and Marco fake their grief and snatch her themselves?
I can 100% understand why this book was as hyped up as it is. I loved every minute of it. The whole premise reminded me a little of the Maddie McCann story, and it was interesting to see how everyone really does come under suspicion, and how invasive the media are.
The book had me suspecting all of the main characters at some point, and a lot of them more than once! The twists in it were epic, but so believable, and I came out of it trusting no one and utterly shocked. I've heard mixed reviews of The Stranger in the House, Lapena's second novel, but even if it's half as good it'll be worth reading!
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