SYNOPSIS
‘He did kill. Kill and kill and kill.’
Tess’s number one priority has always been her three-year-old daughter Poppy. But splitting up with Poppy’s father Jason means that she cannot always be there to keep her daughter safe.
When she finds a disturbing drawing, dark and menacing, among her daughter’s brightly coloured paintings, Tess is convinced that Poppy has witnessed something terrible. Something that her young mind is struggling to put into words.
But no one will listen. It’s only a child’s drawing, isn’t it?
Tess will protect Poppy, whatever the price. But when she doesn’t know what, or who, she is protecting her from, how can she possibly know who to trust?
Title: The Unheard
Author: Nicci French
Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK
Publication date: September 16, 2021
REVIEW
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
When Tess’ daughter Poppy starts acting out after a weekend with her dad, Tess suspects she may have witnessed some kind of crime. The disturbing drawing Poppy did seems to imply that but, can she trust the “words” of a 3 yo? Everyone else in her life thinks it is all in her head but she knows her daughter and is convinced something’s wrong with her, so she decides to investigate herself what Poppy could have seen.
The Unheard was a really engaging read. I found the premise super interesting. How reliable can a little kid be when she doesn’t even know how to express what’s wrong? Tess’ love for her daughter was palpable and it was clear she would do anything for her, but in her attempt to prove her daughter was right we start doubting her. Is Tess right in suspecting every man around her or is she an unreliable narrator? She is sure a crime was committed but, how could Poppy know about it even before said crime happened?
I really racked my brains trying to guess how Tess’ predicament could be explained but I could not think of a single plausible theory. There were quite the number of suspects and each and every one of them gave away “villain vibes” some time, so well done with the misdirection!
The ending left me with some unanswered questions but overall it was satisfying (although I would have liked for a different villain just because I could not stand them!).
Another great story by this husband/wife writing duo. If you’re not familiar with their work I recommend reading also House of Correction, a fantastic and super original prison/courtroom story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster UK for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
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