‘Out of The Dark’ by Natasha Cooper

Published by Simon & Schuster,
2002.
ISBN: 978-0-684-86154-2 (HB)

When a young boy is run over outside her flat, Trish Maguire accompanies him and the distraught driver to the hospital. Enquiring about the boy’s condition she is told that he had her name and address sewen into the seam of his fleece. ‘And he looks just like you!’

For Trish, trying to come to terms with some emotional problems, and coping with a big commercial case where she is acting as junior to her head of chambers, this is just one problem too many.

As she struggles to accept that this child must be related to her in some way, she starts to investigate the years between her father leaving her mother when she was a child, and coming back into her life. She meets strong resistance from her father to discuss previous relationships, but as the child, it seems will only talk to her, she feels compelled to establish if he is related to her. This decision puts her on a dangerous path as her investigations lead her closer to the boy’s mother. As she grapples with the family situation her loyalties are tested at work when she is confronted with a dilemma that may prejudice her client’s position and indeed her own.

In this the fourth book in the series Trish is beset by both personal and moral quandaries, and Natasha Cooper does a skilful job in providing an absorbing mystery, whilst exploring the complexities of both personal and working relationships. Although, dealing with serious issues, there are flashes of humour in the book, providing an excellent balance that enhances the readers enjoyment.
Most  Highly recommended.
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Reviewer: Lizzie Hayes

N J Cooper has written three series. Her first series featured Willow King. There are seven books in the series. Her second series featuring Barrister Trish McQuire. Her most recent series features forensic psychologist Karen Taylor. She also writes psychological thrillers under the name of Clare Leyton. She was Chair of the Crime Writers Association in 2000/01. She Lives in London.