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Find out what Mumsnetters thought of Missing, Presumed by Susie Steiner

265 replies

SorchaMumsnet · 01/09/2016 15:34

This week we're spoiling you and giving away a massive 300 copies of Missing, Presumed! Head to the giveaway page to apply - plus read the top tips on writing crime fiction from author Susie Steiner.

Missing, Presumed tells the story of a missing girl, a desperate family, and a detective at breaking point.

We ask all winners to share their thoughts about the book on this discussion thread. However, you don't have to win a free copy to take part in the discussion - anyone who has read Missing, Presumed can post their feedback here (and you can buy the book now).

Everyone who posts on this thread before 21 October will be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 Love2shop voucher.

This giveaway is sponsored by HarperCollins

Find out what Mumsnetters thought of Missing, Presumed by Susie Steiner
OP posts:
noideawhat · 19/10/2016 20:37

I'm still reading this as to be honest I've struggled to get into it. I agree with other posters that it's slow to get going. I'm not overly keen on the characters either. Very grateful for my copy though... Will keep plodding through & hope the ending is good!

Lucretia12 · 19/10/2016 20:48

Thanks for the free copy. However, from the beginning, I really didn't like the style the book was written in and had a hard job empathising with the characters. Couldn't really get into the story as in 'OMG must get back to reading this and find out what happens next' so sorry but gave up about halfway through as definitely not my kind of crime story.

Beverley39 · 19/10/2016 21:01

About half way through . Really enjoying the plot and characters. A well written and thought out storyline so far :) .. Hopeful this continues till the end :)

pennwood · 19/10/2016 21:04

Missing Presumed by Susie Steiner is a very good, well written book to read. Manon the detective is a character easily related to, and very down to earth. The storyline follows her private life alongside her professional life as a detective, & the case she is investigating. I could see this book as a television series quite easily, & would recommend the book.

hv35 · 19/10/2016 21:21

I'm loving this book so far - it's an easy read and the characters are believable. I'm disappointed to hear that some people aren't enjoying it though - I love detective novels and I find this one easy to picture. I love the issues with Manon's sex life too! Can't wait for my holiday from work, so that I can finish it. Well done Susie Steiner!

SundayGirl86 · 19/10/2016 22:24

I've just finished reading 'Missing Presumed' and really enjoyed it. The plot was good, characters were well developed and I was genuinely drawn into the book. The one thing I struggled with was Manon's dating and relationship storyline. I just didn't find it believable. That aside (and it was a small thing), I thought the book was great. Thanks for my free copy!

sarahsusannah · 19/10/2016 23:02

I got a copy in the Mumsnet giveaway and now can't resist reading just a bit more … and a bit more. Wonderful characters, especially Manon, the female detective, and an intriguing crime plot that hooks you in right away. I can see I'll be sitting up late to get to the end ...

NurseKeegan · 19/10/2016 23:43

I'm struggling! Teething babies and reading aren't the best combination. I'm currently around half way through and although I really want to know what happens (the story is compelling), I just can't connect to the characters (despite them being well developed). Wish me luck!

BooksandCats · 20/10/2016 07:02

Was really pleased to receive a free copy of this book. I really enjoyed this book and read over 2 days. The writing was engaging and I liked the characterisation especially of Manon the main character she was not perfect but tough and determined. What I liked about the book was it kept you guessing all the way through with twists and turns along the way. My only criticism would be the ending, as I felt it suddenly wrapped up a bit too neatly with me questioning would this really have happened. Even so still a good read that I would recommend.

bughead · 20/10/2016 09:33

Have already given a review but may be you can't find it as you keep asking again. So really good book, loved how each character was examined as one commenced. Well written and interesting to read.

bmteal · 20/10/2016 10:23

Thank you for my copy of 'Missing, Presumed.
I haven't read it yet, but i am taking it on a flight with me and will hopefully get it read then. Busy days.

onadifferentplanet · 20/10/2016 10:27

I really enjoyed the book, my only criticism as some have said earlier is that I didn't like the mentions of the Soham case, living quite locally to that it just didn't sit right with me. I was very good and didn't read the last bit before I had finished the book which is something I am prone to doing and was glad I didn't as it would certainly have spoilt it for me as there was a twist I wouldn't have expected! Very much written I think so it could possibly be developed for tv at a later date. I would certainly recommend the book and have already passed it on to a friend.

Karanew · 20/10/2016 14:27

I am really enjoying this book not finished it just yet but it has kept my interest really well with twists and surprises and can't wait for the conclusion

ozgirl74 · 20/10/2016 14:34

Thanks for my copy! Ive been so busy I havent read it yet but will be starting it tomorrow. Im not a huge fan of English crime but this looks more like a thriller. Looking forward to it.

Zucker · 20/10/2016 14:48

Thank you for my copy of this book. It was an easy enough read with an engaging story line, but I didn't give a hoot about Manon and the love life.

Susangilley7 · 20/10/2016 16:19

I dived in as soon as I got this book. It looked so tempting and I just could'nt put it down. It was funny in places and gripping. Loved the way it was written, placing you with each character, helped keep you in the story. I shan't spoil it for others but it is a great book and a great end. Thank you Mumsnet.

Annamaria0 · 20/10/2016 17:49

Thank you for my copy.
I haven't got very far yet, but I am enjoying it. I like books which are constructed in a similar way - with different chapters written from different characters' perspectives. I am not a great fan of gritty crime novels with male protagonists and grisly murders, I prefer novels that focus more on the internal thoughts and feelings of the characters, and Missing, Presumed is certainly that kind of book.

dannydog1 · 20/10/2016 19:22

Really enjoyed the book, the characters were interesting and the story fast paced. I found a few elements of the plot a little far fetched at the end, but would recommend it none the less.

fingersandthumbs · 20/10/2016 20:46

Got a free copy in the mumsnet giveaway and saved it until I had a week away and a little free time. I only tend to get the time to read books when I'm on holiday so hoped that this one would be worth the wait.
It was an easy read, nothing too complicated and the plot was easy to follow. I didn't feel very invested in the main character, something about her wasn't wholly likeable but she could have been written in this way, character flaws?
The pace was about right for me and I finished the book in a couple of sittings.
I don't think I would have paid full price for a hard back version of the book but I wouldn't have begrudged paying for paper back copy.
I've left the book in the book swap corner where we were staying on holiday and hope somebody else enjoys it.

pmama · 20/10/2016 21:16

I received the book and I really enjoy reading it - the story is very interesting and I like the way it is written.

sashet21 · 20/10/2016 21:45

Thanks for the copy Mumsnet. I am about half way through this book and am currently enjoying it as the story seems to be gaining momentum. However it took me a while to read the first few chapters as they weren't particularly interesting or page turning. The main character is not very likeable in my opinion but the story seems quite gritty and realistic.

Thatsthat · 20/10/2016 21:52

Hello

I am about half way through the book and it's ok but not really gripping me. I read a lot of crime novels so do usually really enjoy this kind of book but at the moment I'm
not sure i'd pick up another one by the same author. Maybe it picks up in the second half. I'll report back

milliemoon · 20/10/2016 22:56

I'm a bit behind with reading it but am enjoying it so far, will update when I'm finished

WhereDoAllThePokemonGo · 20/10/2016 23:26

Received my free copy last week, thanks! I'm about halfway through, and finding it a slow burn. Hoping that it stays to pick up some pace soon. I found the first few pages very difficult to read; like previous posters have mentioned I found that the descriptions of everything seemed to be a tad overboard, and felt forced. Having said that, I feel like I'm settling in to the writing style, and am interested to find out what happens, but it's definitely not one of those books which I'm just unable to put down as I need to find out what happens next.

Crackers83 · 21/10/2016 11:03

Have started the book but finding it difficult to get into! Am intrigued to read more however and see where it goes