"Persons Unknown" by Susie Steiner

"Persons Unknown" by Susie Steiner is the second book in the DS Manon series.  This police procedural focuses more on the relationships between the characters and less on police activities.

This book begins with Manon moving her family from London to Cambridgeshire so that her adopted son, who happens to be black, can live without being persecuted by the local police at every turn. Her sister, Ellie and nephew Solly move with her. Manon is now solving cold cases rather than working as a homicide detective.

The transition does not go as smoothly as planned, as Fly, Manon’s son, is not adjusting well to life away from familiar territory and friends. Oh, and surprise, Manon is expecting. I, along with Fly, wonder why this sudden urge to procreate so soon after adopting Fly.

Soon, this is the least of her worries. The victim of a local murder turns out to be none other than Ellie’s ex-husband and Solly’s father. To make matters worse, Fly is the prime suspect. The ensuing story is Manon’s attempt to prove Fly’s innocence and find the true killer.

Several nice twists and a good ending. Solid four stars. I have not read the first book in the series, “Missing, Presumed” but that in no way affected my enjoyment of this one. Several key elements were reiterated so I did not feel like I had been left behind. I look forward to finding out what happens to Manon, Fly, Ellie, Solly and the other characters in future books.

Release Publication Date: July4, 2017

Genre:  Mystery, thriller, suspense, crime fiction, noir, detectives

Cover: OK

Source: I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read this great book!

Rating: 4 stars