I was shocked at many of the reviews being so highly critical and negative. Maybe I don't come from the same place that other readers do. I don't usually read this genre: mystery thriller/crime fiction, but I wanted to step out of the box and expand my horizons. I can't attest to this being very similar to other books written in those genres as others can. However, I think I can tell if a book is very well-written with my background as a former middle school English teacher. I have noticed a writing trend that over time, books are written to go back and forth between the past and the present, and I have fully embraced that. I think that it adds to the suspense of wondering what is going to be revealed next. I thought I was not going to feel any attachment to the characters, but by the end, I did. I should say that I felt kindly toward all of them, except the killer. I felt like there was one loose end not fully developed by the end of the story that could lead to a second book in the future, as I am dying to know the whole story about the one police officer having romantic issues. That is not necessarily a negative. I like stories that happened in the '80s because I was in college then and can easily relate to many things that are discussed. I made a guess early on "who done it". I kept to that choice to the bitter end and I was WRONG! I feel like as the book goes on that the characters are so well-developed that you could wonder if anyone in the circle of friends or even a police officer who knew Aurora could have murdered her. A brief overview of the book is that a young girl is murdered while she and her sister and friends are camping, while they are out there doing illegal drugs and drinking (basically, being teens and thinking they won't get caught). The one character of this story I thought was very cold and had a pretty good motive ended up being the one I could forgive in the end due to maturity and how the conclusion of the investigation created a sense of community and love. If you have trouble remembering names and characters, you need to take it slowly, as I did. I saw where one reviewer had gotten bored and skimmed over the rest of the book. That is how you miss the beauty of the plot and the ending. I know in today's fast food world it is hard to take your time to read, but reading is way different than texting or computer surfing. I enjoyed learning a little police terminology, as well. If you like thrillers that make you think and put you on the edge of your seat, this is one I highly recommend! I thank Random House books for sending me this book. I truly enjoyed it! ( )

This is a great debut. DCI Jonah Sheens was a new constable shortly after Aurora Jackson disappeared. He knew her, and her friends. One of them killed her while camping. I was kept guessing. ( )

‘She Lies in Wait’ is the debut novel from new British crime writer Gytha Lodge. It’s released on 10th January 2019 and the first book in a 3-book deal she has signed with Penguin. If you’re a crime fan I strongly suggest you put that date in your diary, because this is a solidly entertaining whodunnit.

The books opens with the discovery of the corpse of a young girl who has been missing for 30 years. The plot that follows isn’t desperately original, but it is satisfyingly told. Protagonist DCI Jonah Sheens is a strong central character, flawed enough to be interesting without those flaws ever overwhelming the story. The supporting cast of characters are satisfying too. On the one hand Sheens’ team are varied and interesting - a rebellious ex-soldier, a by the book nerd and an unsure, newly promoted female detective. On the other, the six suspects are distinct and memorable. The fact that Sheens was at school with them and the victim adds a lot to the story and Lodge manages to keep it interesting without ever making it feel like a gimmick.

She tells the story through chapters detailing the investigation intertwined with flashbacks to the night of Aurora’s death. This is a tried and tested method of keeping things interesting and can feel hackneyed, but here it works really well. The scenes of teenage hedonism in the 1980s are convincing (and dare I say it, familiar), whilst the investigation Sheens leads has a convincing shoe leather to inspiration ratio. Lodge makes good use of both period and location. The result is a thoughtful musing on the difference between our teenage and adult selves and on the way some families can dominate a small town. The examination of male exploitation of and aggression towards young women is similarly interesting and admirably even handed. None of the male characters are free from suspicion and that fact looms darkly over the proceedings at times. Ultimately though, there is a recognition that not all men are aggressors and the end result feels well balanced.

The intelligent handling of the themes at the heart of the book is evidence of Lodge’s talents as a writer. She is also an adept storyteller, with the mystery carefully unveiled in a way that kept me gripped and fascinated. The plot ramps up gradually to a really thrilling climax which had me clandestinely reading the book at my work desk. It was the characterisation that impressed me most though. These really do feel like real people and I ended up caring enough about them that I couldn’t imagine not reading the book to its conclusion.

In summary, this is a fairly traditional mystery told with heart and skill. On paper it might seem similar to Peter James’ Roy Grace series, but I’ve always found the Grace books a little plodding. ‘ She Lies in Wait’ has a lightness of touch and a depth that can be missing from modern crime fiction. For me it’s the best crime debut since Jane Harper’s excellent ‘The Dry’. I recommend it wholeheartedly and can’t wait to read Sheens’ next case. ( )

Thirty years ago in July 1983 and seven teenagers are out camping, but by morning one will be dead. Now a family are camping in the area and the young daughter finds the bones. DCI Jonah Sheens, as he was a young constable at the time, knows who the bones belong to and it is him and his team who are brought in to investigate.
With two different timelines the truth is finally revealed. I enjoyed this mystery, and find the police team a good mix of characters. But who could not be charmed by Aurora herself.
A NetGalley Book. ( )

She Lies in Wait by Gytha Lodge is a 2019 Random House publication.

It’s 1983 and a group of popular kids are out camping together. Aurora Jackson is there with her older sister, Topaz- a situation Topaz is unhappy about and makes sure Aurora knows it. After a night of hard partying, though, it comes to her attention that Aurora is missing.

Now, thirty years later, tests confirm that the recently discovered remains of a young female are indeed that of Aurora Jackson. Jonah Sheens is the head investigator, but the case is a personal one for him. He happens to have connection with the case that if it came to light might be construed as a conflict of interest. Working alongside him is rookie DC, Juliette Hanson, who is trying to make a good first impression.

Working the cold case opens a Pandora’s box of new memories, fresh information, and painful revelations for Jonah, and reopens old wounds for Aurora’s family and the teens who were present when she disappeared. Old and new suspects become targets of the investigation, while Jonah and Juliette try to focus on solving this case once and for all, despite their own personal issues. Will Jonah finally solve the case that has haunted him for thirty years?

I loved the cold case trope, one of my favorites in crime fiction, and I’m usually always up for a good British police procedural. My experience with pure procedural's is that they are often fairly straightforward, without too many bells and whistles. This book does follow that format, so don't expect much flair.

That said, the plot was well- developed, and executed. The story held my interest from start to finish- I didn’t begin to piece the puzzle together but didn’t have a clue about the motive or how everything would eventually come together.

The professional chemistry between Jonah and Juliette was a little awkward, in my opinion, but I think that relationship was beginning to show promise. Juliette has a developing personal crisis running I the background, a situation I would love to see explored in future installments, as well.

Overall, the characterizations of the main characters need a little work, but other than that, this is a solid start to the series. I liked it well enough to give the second installment a try.

3.5 stars ( )