‘Coyote’ by Colin Winette

Published by No Exit Press,
15 September 2016.
ISBN: 978-1-84344-842-6

A little girl went missing in the middle of the night. Now, the search has been abandoned, the TV crews have moved on ... but her mother has not forgotten.

This novella is a series of short monologues by the child’s mother, showing us how she and her husband reacted to the child’s disappearance and its aftermath. As the coyotes howl in the distance around the isolated cabin, we gradually see the darkness inside the marriage, and learn what motivated the events which changed everything. The lyrical writing draws us into the mind of the narrator, but we also can look past her thoughts to understand more about those around her, particularly her husband, and the Irish policeman she calls Mick. The isolated, ramshackle farm is vividly evoked, along with the narrator’s changing moods as time passes and only she still seems to care. The end is simultaneously surprising, inevitable and pitiful.

A hauntingly-written psychological who-dunnit with an unexpected twist. Recommended.

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Reviewer: Marsali Taylor

Colin Winnette is from Denton, Texas. He is the author of several books, including Fondly, listed among Salon's "best books of 2013." He is an associate editor for PANK. He lives in San Francisco.

 colinwinnette.net

Marsali Taylor grew up near Edinburgh, and came to Shetland as a newly-qualified teacher. She is currently a part-time teacher on Shetland's scenic west side, living with her husband and two Shetland ponies. Marsali is a qualified STGA tourist-guide who is fascinated by history, and has published plays in Shetland's distinctive dialect, as well as a history of women's suffrage in Shetland. She's also a keen sailor who enjoys exploring in her own 8m yacht, and an active member of her local drama group.  Marsali also does a regular monthly column for the Mystery People e-zine.

 www.marsalitaylor.co.uk