Quercus

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.