The Hidden

“In Norse and Celtic mythology, selkies (also spelled silkies, sylkies, selchies) or selkie folk (Scots: selkie fowk) meaning “seal folk” are mythological beings capable of therianthropy, changing from seal to human form by shedding their skin.”-Wikipedia

Melanie Golding has created another engaging book relying on folklore and mythology. If you have read Little Darlings, you will recognize DS Joanna Harper as the lead investigator in that book. She is back, along with Ruby and her parents in this book. It was nice to see them again and with Ruby having a major part in this book.

The book begins as a female toddler is found abandoned in a seaside town. When her mother arrives moments later, claiming the child run off and she has been frantically looking for her, the authorities on had release the pair.

When a man is found clinging to life in the bathtub in his apartment, DS Joanna Harper and her team is called in. What is troubling is children’s toys are found as is a bedroom with a padlock on it. Strange and worrisome. Where is the child? Where is her mother? What happened to the man?

Could the missing child be the child that was found abandoned in the small seaside town? DS Joanna Harper believes the abandoned child is the missing child. When CCTV footage is examined, Joanna recognizes the woman with the child – Ruby (her daughter)!!!! CCTV also showed another woman running toward the sea leaving behind the child. Who was she? Ruby gave a fake name when she claimed the abandoned child. Why use the name Constance? Who was Constance? Could she be the woman running toward the sea, the one who abandoned her daughter?

What will a mother do to protect her child? What lengths will she go to? What choices does she have?

Through the various flashbacks in the book, readers learn more about Ruby and her relationships to various characters in this book. We learn who the man in the tub is, who the child is, and who the child’s mother is. That is all you are getting from me. I feel it is best to go in as blind as possible.

I enjoyed how she began each chapter with quotes/passages that pertain to the subject matter in this book. I loved the merging of folklore and mythology with fiction. I also enjoyed the look at motherhood and the choices mother’s make. What does it mean to be a mother?

This book builds slowly, setting the stage for the second half of the book which picks up speed as it brings us to the conclusion. This book, like an onion, has layers. There is what you think you know, what you are told, and then what really is happening. Told through multiple POV, this book drew me in with its mystery, the danger, and the investigation. After the halfway mark, I did not want to put this book down and it became a real page turner for me. I enjoy Golding’s writing and how she manages difficult subjects while blending dread, suspense and hope all together.

Fans of mythology will enjoy this one. If you have read Little Darlings, you will know what to expect. If you have not read that book, I highly recommend it. Can you read this book without reading Little Darlings? Absolutely! But it is nice knowing more of the backstory of Joanna Harper and her family.

Another hit by Golding! She writes books that I want to read and upon fishing this book, I am looking forward to her next. Be sure to read the Author’s note at the end. She described how she was inspired to write this book.

Beautifully written, riveting, and full of tension.

Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.