Goodreads Synopsis:
Since Maylee was abducted from her high school the very month of graduation, her Aunt Autumn has never lost hope in finding her.
It’s been three years. Autumn has finally reached inside herself and found the courage to track down an old lead, and travels across the country to find more clues about Maylee’s disappearance.
But will she be able to pry Maylee’s case back open, and what will she uncover in the process of searching for Maylee?
It’s a cold, dark world we live in, and Autumn is about to find out just how cruel it can be. But strength and determination are on her side, and she will do whatever it takes to deliver justice.
My review
This is an impressive debut novel. It’s strengths lie in great characterisation, fantastic detailing and descriptions which enhance the reader’s experience.
Search For Maylee has much to commend it: sadness, anger, grief, fear, anxiety, the list goes on and on.
I won’t lie to you, it’s pretty grim and gut wrenchingly sad in places, and parts of it made me want to cry with the sheer terror and torment suffered by the young women, as you would expect in such abductions.
Autumn sets out to find her niece and uncovers a group of predatory and evil men. She puts herself in dangerous situations and doesn’t give up. She is one strong-willed, determined lady and I loved her for that. I particularly loved the part where she went undercover. That alone sent chills down my spine.
No spoilers, but kudos to the author for adding a touch of lightness with the developing love story between Autumn and Chance to soften the edge off some of the trauma.
The ending was bitter sweet. Personally, I don’t think it would have been right to end the narrative any other way. I can’t say anymore for fear of spoiling the story for you.
A fantastic tale, well done Didi Oviatt. I am sure I will be reading more from this author. I listened to Search For Maylee on audio and loved the Author’s About The Author page which was wonderfully recounted, so personal, giving the listener an added bonus – Didi Oviatt explains her love of writing and how she is an “unexpected novelist.”
I related to that sentiment a lot.
Rating: 5 stars. Highly recommended for readers of crime, suspense, and thriller fiction.
Amazon US link:
Author’s blog: https://didioviatt.wordpress.com/
A jolly good book review Marje. Didi Oviatt comes across as an interesting writer. I’m a sucker for detective tales.
Yes indeed she is. I am rediscovering my love for them. I was a huge Agatha Christie and Raymond Chandler fan in my youth
Wow!! I can’t even tell you how excited I am for this beautiful review! Thank you MJ from the bottom of my heart ❤ ♥
You are welcome. Loved it. 🙂
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Fabulous review, Marje! It sounds like so many emotions wrapped around and weaved into the story.
Yes it’s an emotionally turbulent story, Miriam.
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A fabulous review of Didi’s book, Marje. I have this one on my TBR.
Yes it’s a definite recommendation. Powerful story.
Thank you for this wonderful book review.
Thank you Geri. 🙂