If Looks Could Kill by Olivia Kiernan

If Looks Could Kill is the third book from Olivia Kiernan to feature Detective Frankie Sheehan. Frankie is still reeling from her encounter with a killer and the injuries she sustained. She has thrown herself into work and casual sexual encounters. The mystery in this novel begins not with a body, but with the absence of one.  Debbie Nugent is reported missing from the home she shares with her grown up daughter Margot, the living room is covered in blood and broken glass. However when Frankie and Baz arrive in the quiet Wicklow village, they find more questions than answers. Margot is behaving strangely and when Debbie's older daughter arrives from France, the timing seems very suspicious to the investigative team.  The village is hiding secrets but they seem to still regard Debbie as an outsider even after twenty years.  Olivia Kiernan brilliantly captures the small town atmosphere and the looming presence of the Wicklow landscape.  She is a must read for fans of Tana French or Jo Spain. 

Thanks to Milly Reid and Quercus books for sending me an early copy.