‘Dark Truth’ by C.D. Steele

Published by The Conrad Press,
15 Novenber 2023.
ISBN: 978-1-915494-81-8 (PB)

Ex MI6 private investigator Joe Wilde, well known for tracing missing people, is hired by the Archers, Tom and Marie to find their six-year-old daughter Laura who has disappeared after playing out in the street with her friends.

Joe then has another client approach him, Jack Riley, who wants Joe to investigate what he believes to be a plot to frame him and make it seem as though he has been cheating on his fiancé Claire. Outraged Claire has told Jack she is finished with him although he protests his innocence. 

Looking into the disappearance of Laura, Joe discovers disturbing news of a paedophile living quite close to the Archer’s property. He does however appear to have an alibi. But is he as innocent as he makes out?

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Whelan is the Senior Officer in the Laura Archer case and when Joe consults with him he is told there have been several sightings of Laura or a girl who looks like her in Cumbria, but Joe is sceptical.

Meanwhile, disturbing news comes in of increasingly nasty attacks on Claire, the latest being a petrol bomb pushed through the letter box. Luckily no one was hurt but terrified she also hires Joe’s help who then looks into the movements of Claire’s past boyfriends.

As Joe delves further into Laura’s disappearance, he discovers that more than one paedophile lives locally. That really is worrying.

Then investigations reveal the marriage of Tom and Marie is not quite as happy as Joe was led to believe. Apparently, Marie had in the past suspected Tom of molesting Laura and reported him to Social Services. Could he have something to do with her disappearance?

Disturbingly as Joe delves deeper and deeper into the two cases, attacks are made on him. He must be getting close to the truth, but in which investigation? Or is it both?

A rather complicated plot full of unexpected revelations making for a thoroughly absorbing story. Recommended.
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Reviewer: Tricia Chappell

C. D. Steele works as an Executive Offer in the Civil Service. He has a degree in Recreation Management and lives in Bangor, County Down. False Truth was his first novel.

Tricia Chappell. I have a great love of books and reading, especially crime and thrillers. I play the occasional game of golf (when I am not reading). My great love is cruising especially to far flung places, when there are long days at sea for plenty more reading! I am really enjoying reviewing books and have found lots of great new authors.