Lead Review (plus author chat)
- Book: Disappearance at Oare
- Location: Whitstable
- Author: Julie Wassmer
Julie Wassmer sets her Pearl Nolan crime mysteries in and around Whitstable and her new novel takes the reader around the Kent countryside from Whitstable to Oare, Faversham, Herne Bay (with its remarkable clock tower) and more. This is a delightful series of mysteries featuring Pearl Nolan, her family and her wonderful restaurant The Whitstable Pearl. There are consequently lots of food mentions that had me craving local delicacies – oysters are the highlight of any menu in the town.
Pearl is approached by Christine Scott, whose husband went missing 7 years ago, leaving his car abandoned at Oare, 13 miles from Whitstable. Although a search was carried out by the police, his disappearance was not thought to be suspicious. It is considered death in absentia. But Christina needs closure. Apparently 200,000 people go missing in the UK every year and don’t get followed up unless there is reasonable evidence of foul play.
Pearl has a great support network from both her Mother (who is caught up designing a float for the upcoming Oyster Festival which is typically held every July) and her son, who often holds the fort at the restaurant when Pearl is out sleuthing.
As the story progresses there are various red herrings. Why would her husband Steven have just disappeared when he was about to have a major art show at The Oyster House, a large warehouse owned by Jonathan Elliott, a rather rich and charming man. Steven’s grief at the loss of his twin brother, when they were both much younger, was something with which he never really came to terms. His mother and stepfather have been processing their grief under the guiding hands of a local, self appointed minister who perhaps isn’t all he seems…. And it is up to Pearl to see if she can get to the bottom of Steven’s disappearance.
The author is a writer whose words flow, and whose storylines really do entertain. The settings make for perfect #literarywanderlust to this part of the world!
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