My thanks to http://www.lovereading.co.uk for providing this reader copy for review.

‘Without A Trace’ is Lesley Pearse at her best. When Molly Heywood finds her friend Cassie murdered, she determines to find out the truth of Cassie’s past and that of her little girl, Petal. This sets off a chain of events that take Molly away from her Somerset home of Sawbridge to a new, and possibly life threatening existence.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book as, whilst some of the plot could be deemed to be a little far-fetched at times, it has real drama and excitement. Carefully constructed, Molly’s story reveals much about the poverty of post war London and attitudes to single mothers and women in general. Indeed, Lesley Pearse explores several weighty themes in a highly accessible read, such as the effect parents like Molly’s abusive father have on their children, family relationships, love, madness and poverty. There is a real sense of thorough research and realistic setting.

The characters are well rounded and varied so that there is always someone to attract the reader. Molly’s personality gradually and realistically changes as a result of the events that befall her, making her an engaging heroine.

I think those who love sagas and also Maeve Binchy’s writing would really enjoy reading ‘Without A Trace’ and I can see it being taken on many a beach holiday this year. I found it a roller coaster ride of murder, love and intrigue.

‘Without A Trace’ is published on May 7th 2015.