Melanie Royal is the Head Librarian at Layley Hill Central Library. Thirteen years ago she gave her daughter up for adoption, an event that continues to haunt her. She hasn’t seen a picture of Sophie since she was five, but after getting a message that Sophie has been kidnapped, Melanie is horrified. Detective Inspector Kieran Joseph has just been told by his boss, that Scotland Yard is looking for a missing girl. Kieran is surprised when he learns the mother of Sophie is Melanie. A while back he dated Melanie for a year, but she never mentioned anything about giving birth to a daughter, or any adoption. At first he is hesitant to take the case, recalling what happened to the last missing girl case he accepted. No matter how much Kieran may have cared for Melanie, if she is behind the kidnapping, there will be no compassion shown. At this point, no one can be trusted, but working so closely with Melanie opens old feelings between the two again. Melanie must trust Kieran, she isn’t responsible for Sophie’s abduction and must find a way to keep her daughter safe. A madman has kidnapped Sophie and insists mother and child be reunited, and with him they’ll have a happy life, but he never bargained for Kieran.

Searching for Sophie is a gut-wrenching story that grabs you by the heart and twists until the reader is completely spellbound. The way Melanie explains giving birth then turning the child over for adoption is told so lovingly that the reader is moved by the events. I found Kieran to be compassionate and caring, with a huge heart. He may appear tough inside and out, but he does have his moments where he can be a cuddly bear. I like the vulnerability that Rachel Brimble extends to Kieran. She creates characters that spring to life. They all show a great deal of emotion and the character of the kidnapper is one that chilled me to the bone. This engaging read takes the reader by storm with all the intense action, great plot, wonderful dialogue, and a cast that takes hold of the reader, this story still makes my head spin.

Reviewed by: Linda L.