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Jamie Bulloch

Book review: Darling Mine by Romy Hausmann

Book review: Darling Mine by Romy Hausmann

Darling Mine by Romy Hausmann is the third book I’ve read by the German author (all translated by Jamie Bulloch). They’re very twisty reads centred around crimes in the (recent) past and kidnapping or abduction. This is similarly themed, around the disappearance of 16 year old Julie from her home in 2003. She’s the oldest daughter of Theo Novak a prominent doctor heading up a clinic for heart, thoracic and vascular surgery. We don’t spend much time with Theo, wife Vera and younger daughter Sophia in the past but meet him in the present as a 74 year old with dementia. Vera’s long illness before her death burnt through their savings so now he’s  living in a small simple flat and Sophia’s writing reminder notes to help him get through his days. When he’s contacted by podcasters wanting to revisit Julie’s disappearance he jumps at the chance, despite his failing mind, believing she may still be alive.

three-half-stars

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Book review: Anatomy of a Killer by Romy Hausmann

Book review: Anatomy of a Killer by Romy Hausmann

2 min read

This is the second book I’ve read by Romy Hausmann (her first Dear Child, was also translated by Jamie Bulloch) and I’ve enjoyed both. I’m conscious though, some might grapple with the subject matter Hausmann tends to tackle – involving complex family relationships with child-centric themes.

Here we meet 24yr old Ann, home one night for dinner with her father when the police come knocking to accuse him of being a serial child murderer – responsible for nine deaths over a spate of a dozen years.

four-stars

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