Book Review: The Lost Notebook by Louise Douglas

I am so pleased to be welcoming Louise Douglas back to Novel Kicks. She’s here with the blog tour for her latest novel, The Lost Notebook.

A notebook full of secrets, two untimely deaths – something sinister is stirring in the perfect seaside town of Morranez…

It’s summer and holidaymakers are flocking to the idyllic Brittany coast. But when first an old traveller woman dies in suspicious circumstances, and then a campaign of hate seemingly drives another victim to take his own life, events take a very dark turn.

Mila Shepherd has come to France to look after her niece, Ani, following the accident in which both Ani’s parents were lost at sea. Mila has moved into their family holiday home, as well as taken her sister Sophie’s place in an agency which specialises in tracking down missing people, until new recruit Carter Jackson starts.

It’s clear that malevolent forces are at work in Morranez, but the local police are choosing to look the other way. Only Mila and Carter can uncover the truth about what’s really going on in this beautiful, but mysterious place before anyone else suffers. But someone is desperate to protect a terrible truth, at any cost…

*****

It’s summer in Morranez on the Brittany coast but for Mila, the anniversary of her sisters death casts a deep shadow.

There to look after her orphaned niece, Mila is counting the days until she can be back in England. However, when there are two mysterious deaths, Mila is desperate to reveal the truth… but at what cost?

I loved Louise’s previous novel, The Room in the Attic so I was very eager to read the The Lost Notebook.

The cover is beautiful.

This book pulled me in from page one. The mystery and puzzles immediately make it hard to put this book down once I’d begun.

Mila is an interesting character. She’s guarded and a little broken due to her sister’s death. Saying that, she comes through for the people she loves when it counts.

Carter adds to the mystery and he doesn’t give too much of himself away. I felt there was certainly more to him than meets the eye. Could I trust him?

Ceci – I pictured someone like Helen Mirren playing her in my mind. She had a strength but also a softness to her.

The setting and atmosphere is such a contrast to the sinister nature of the plot. Whilst the tension and suspense builds, it’s in this beautiful seaside town, in the height of summer.

OK, no more spoilers.

The Lost Notebook is a compelling thriller that had me guessing from the first to the last page. It delves into themes such as revenge, family and justice.

I feel there is more to Mila’s story. Here is hoping it’s not the last we see of her and her family.

If you’re looking for mystery in a seaside town, this book is perfect.

*****

About Louise Douglas:

Louise Douglas is the bestselling and brilliantly reviewed author and an RNA award winner. The Secrets Between Uswas a Richard and Judy Book Club pick.

She lives in the West Country.

Say hello to Louise via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Bookbub. Click here to sign up to Louise’s newsletter.

The Lost Notebook was released by Boldwood Books on 5th September 2022. Click to buy on Amazon UK and Waterstones.

by

Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.