Have you ever read a book that seems to have stolen an idea from real life?

[flappynewyear]

Reading a book at the moment, well written, good level of suspense etc. About half way through and it now seems that it is heavily based on a very high profile child abduction story. Families go on holiday, go out for dinner, check every 30 mins on sleeping children (there are twins too) and one disappears. Haven't finished it so it might end differently but it just feels.....lazy? I'm sure I read a different book before that also mirrored something that was high profile. I would have thought that that wasn't allowed?

"Allowed" by whom?
Loads of books take inspiration from real events.
If a book does something interesting with the idea and lots of people enjoy reading it, the book will be successful.
If it seems dull and uninspired and readers don't enjoy it then it won't get good reviews or sell many copies.

Allowed is probably the wrong word....it just seems a bit off that it is so closely based on the story of MM. I have read "based on/inspired by" books before but they have usually given a mention to the event in the dedication or acknowledgement.

Is it The Darkest Secret ??

I read this and although I did see the resemblance to the real life story, it kind of made it more intriguing to me and I really enjoyed the book.

I listened on audible and I thought it was a good book anyway- despite the mirror with the real life story so it didn't bother me.

Yes it is muggle! I have just got to the bit where it is obvious, just made me feel that the author cba to make up her own story line. It is well written though, I will continue and hope that there is a twist.

It is good and from what I remember it turns out nothing like the real version

Was rather amused to see that MN got a mention in the book

I was coming on to suggest The Darkest Secret - and see it is the book you are reading Yes very strong overtones of a well known child abduction case.