'He'd just learnt to walk,' she said. 'He was sitting playing on his blanket, then all of a sudden he was gone.' A 16-month-old boy is found drowned in a pond right by his home. Chief Inspector Sejer is called to the scene as there is something troubling about the mother's story. As even her own family turns against her, Sejer is determined to get to the truth.
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'He'd just learnt to walk,' she said. 'He was sitting playing on his blanket, then all of a sudden he was gone.' A 16-month-old boy is found drowned in a pond right by his home. Chief Inspector Sejer is called to the scene as there is something troubling about the mother's story. As even her own family turns against her, Sejer is determined to get to the truth.
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Good. All orders are dispatched within 1 working day from our UK warehouse. Established in 2004, we are dedicated to recycling unwanted books on behalf of a number of UK charities who benefit from added revenue through the sale of their books plus huge savings in waste disposal. No quibble refund if not completely satisfied.
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Very good. Simply Brit – welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there's something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality.
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Fair. This item is in overall acceptable condition. Covers and dust jackets are intact but may have heavy wear including creases, bends, edge wear, curled corners or minor tears as well as stickers or sticker-residue. Pages are intact but may have minor curls, bends or moderate to considerable highlighting/ writing. Binding is intact; however, spine may have heavy wear. A well-read copy overall. Please note that all items are donated goods and are in used condition. Orders shipped Monday through Friday! Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Orders shipped Monday through Friday. Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Thank you!
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Good. This is a retired library book with typical wear/markings. May or may not have library stickers attached which will not be removed. Cover/Case has some rubbing and edgewear. Access codes, CD's, slipcovers and other accessories may not be included.
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Very good. A copy that has been read, but remains in excellent condition. Pages are intact and are not marred by notes or highlighting, but may contain a neat previous owner name. The spine remains undamaged. An ex-library book and may have standard library stamps and/or stickers. At ThriftBooks, our motto is: Read More, Spend Less.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. A copy that has been read, but remains in excellent condition. Pages are intact and are not marred by notes or highlighting, but may contain a neat previous owner name. The spine remains undamaged. An ex-library book and may have standard library stamps and/or stickers. At ThriftBooks, our motto is: Read More, Spend Less.
This is the 11th book in this particular series by this author and I have to admit that I have not read a single one before. Having said that, I'm not sure that I missed out not having read others which is a testament to the author's ability to immerse you in the story and characters with ease.
The story is a sad and difficult one - the death of 16 month old Tommy who happens to have Down's Syndrome - but one which the author does with respect and compassion with a writing style that is easy to read and flows well.
The characters are complex, interesting and well developed with the story being told from various points of view; this is particularly helpful as it enables the reader to get into the mind of the main characters. We feel the frustration as Inspector Sejer does - he has his doubts about the explanations around Tommy's accident - he has a gut feeling that all is not what it seems and the author does a great job at putting this across to the reader. We feel the grief caused by such a tragic event and see how people react differently to it particularly the stark contrast between the parents. There is a character that I could quite happily have drowned myself - oh my word that person brought out the worst in me - but then another filled me with empathy and I just wanted to give them a hug.
I love it when a book brings out these feelings in me and I think The Drowned Boy did this really well but, and it's a big BUT, I was so disappointed with the ending. I actually gasped and tutted and said "what?" out loud - I was astonished it was so ridiculous and after such a well thought out story.
Would I recommend this book to anyone else? Probably, but with a warning not to expect too much at the end. Would I read more from this author? Possibly but I think I would read some reviews first.
Thank to the publisher, Random House UK, Vintage Publishing, via NetGalley for providing me with a copy in return for an honest review.