Novel set in fictional small-town AMERICA
The story of a mysterious BERLIN disappearance – 20 years on
16th October 2025
Darling Mine by Romy Hausmann, the story of a mysterious Berlin disappearance – 20 years on.
Translated by Jamie Bulloch
A cold case, rediscovered by a podcast.
Julie Novak has been missing from her home in Berlin since 2003. She simply vanished one night. There was no sign of a break-in but a ransom note (typed on a typewriter in the house) was found. Suspicion fell on her somewhat strange boyfriend, Daniel – but the police soon ruled him out of their investigations. There were no other suspects identified. Over the years to 2023 her father, Theo, and her sister, Sophia never gave up on the hope that she will be found alive and well. It is thought she may even have run away and faked the kidnapping.
Two successful podcasters, Liv and Phil, decide to reopen the case and get to the bottom of what happened. But to do so they need the full cooperation of Theo. Sadly, though, he is increasingly suffering from dementia and there may not be much time left. They interview him but he is too confused to make much sense. Their investigations carry on. They speak to others who were involved 20 years previously. They find evidence of a somewhat slapdash police operation.
Eventually all is revealed. There is a real twist at the end which turns everything upside down . I didn’t see it coming, and I doubt you will either!
The setting is Berlin, but this doesn’t come through particularly strongly. Although those who know the city will recognise many of the place names and locations.
Romy Hausmann is the author of the immensely successful Dear Child thriller written in 2019. Darling Mine is in many ways similar. It also deserves to do well.
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