She helped him disappear.
She'll wish she hadn't . . .
In Japan, one hundred thousand people voluntarily disappear every year, aided by those who help them start over. They call them Johatsu - the evaporated.
I brought the idea to England. No judgement, no questions. Just new identities, packed bags, and discreet escape plans from abusive partners, debt, or simply lives that no longer fit.
I thought I was doing something good - honourable, even. Until now.
I know now that not everyone is fleeing hardship. I've helped someone who committed a crime to flee the police. I've disappeared a murderer.
And unless I find him, I don't know what he'll do next . . .
What did I think?
I love Jo Spain books and I really think she's raised the bar with her latest thriller, Never To Be Found. It is outstanding and incredibly thought-provoking as it is inspired by the jōhatsu phenomenon, the voluntary disappearance of people in Japan. I had never heard of jōhatsu before and I can't stop thinking about it, long after finishing the book.
Veronica's dad disappeared in Japan when she was young and the police ruled it as suicide but Veronica never gave up hope of her dad still being alive, especially when she heard about the jōhatsu phenomenon. People can be helped to disappear, leaving all their problems behind, and start afresh with a new identity. Whilst this is a better alternative to suicide, the loved ones left behind have no body to bury and no closure.
The moral dilemma of the story comes many years later when Veronica is providing this service in England and one of her clients turns out to be a murderer. The police want to know the details of the new identity but by breaking her own rules, Veronica puts the trustworthy reputation of her business on the line. What a conundrum! I wouldn't have wanted to be in Veronica's shoes at all, although I was constantly considering what I would have done in her position.
Jo Spain once again draws her readers in with an intriguing and gripping storyline that entertains, shocks and surprises. The pacing is fast and furious as the hunt for the murderer progresses and I was reading faster and faster as the breathtaking conclusion approached.
Incredibly thought-provoking and completely compelling, Never To Be Found is an unforgettable and unmissable novel. An easy five stars and a highly recommended read.
I received a digital ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
My rating:
Buy it from:
Follow the tour:
No comments:
Post a Comment