What happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan

A departure from the narratives featuring Detective Cormac Reilly and set in Ireland The Ruin, The scholar, and The good turn, What Happened to Nina? is set in Vermont and is the story of two families and their conflicting interests. Nina and Simon appear to be in love, but after a weekend away, Simon has returned home declaring that Nina broke up with him. She cannot be found. Nina’s mother, LeeAnne, is convinced that Simon knows what has happened to her and goes to the police, while Simon’s parents, Jamie and Rory, are quick to defend him. As the police led by Detective Matthew Wright are unsuccessful in their search, Simon’s father begins a vicious online campaign against Nina’s parents and rumours and negative comments abound.

The story is told in alternative first person voices of Nina’s parents, LeeAnne and Andy and of Simon’s parents Jamie and Rory. Occasionally the detective’s voice appears giving an alternative viewpoint. This strategy keeps the readers engaged as they get to know each of the parents and are left wondering how far they would go to protect a child.

There are many twists and turns as McTiernan explores the lives of the two families. Did Simon kill Nina? If so, will he be brought to justice? Meanwhile the viciousness of the media campaign and the nasty conjectures about Nina’s family highlights the power of the rich to manipulate society’s views about individuals.

This is a gripping page turner and fans of the author will not be disappointed. Readers interested in the solving of cases of missing persons may like Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter? by Nicci French.

Themes: Murder, Parental love, Missing persons.

Pat Pledger