"Descent", by Tim Johnston

This novel is definitely creative writing at its best: it is gorgeously written, masterfully plotted and is a pulse-pounding thriller ripped from headlines and every parent’s worst nightmare: the mysterious disappearance of a child out for a morning run. This thought provoking and haunting novel also tells how this affects each member of the family.

A few chapters in I had doubts whether I like this story or not but half way through my opinion changed as I became addicted to the lyrical and hypnotic words about loss, hope, struggle and the grief the family endured and especially on the poignant mystery of what had become of Caitlin, the child gone missing in the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains. The writing style is so unique I slowly felt drawn by the feelings of the each character as they came into play. The characterization is very well-done to highlight the painful and emotional journey they faced. The whole drama moves along at a leisurely pace (maybe a bit too slow for my taste) and as each chapter is added a different voice takes over. Slowly pieces of the puzzle are revealed then matched and everything falls into place.

By the end I must say this is gripping and riveting novel I am happy to have read.