Among the Missing

A bridge collapses in Scotland, killing multiple people and leaving few survivors. Three individuals - Silva, a housekeeper at a local hotel; Annabel, who has abandoned her former life; and Ron, a retiree caring for his wife - find their lives intersecting in the aftermath of this catastrophe. The narrative moves between these three characters as they grapple with questions of identity and reinvention. Silva takes advantage of mistaken identity, Annabel attempts to start fresh, and Ron faces mounting pressures in his domestic life. Through precise prose and psychological depth, Morag Joss explores how trauma and opportunity can blur the lines between right and wrong. The novel examines the nature of identity, the weight of responsibility, and the human capacity for both deception and redemption.

Readers frequently note the book's slow, contemplative pacing and focus on psychological suspense rather than action. Many reviews describe the writing as lyrical and atmospheric, particularly in depicting the Scottish setting. Positive mentions: - Complex character development - Unpredictable plot structure - Thoughtful exploration of grief and identity - Strong sense of place Common criticisms: - Too slow-moving for some thriller readers - Multiple narrative threads can be confusing - Some found the ending unsatisfying - Character motivations unclear at times One reader noted: "Not your typical mystery - more about the aftermath of tragedy than solving a crime." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 3.8/5 (90+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.7/5 (200+ ratings) Several book clubs report mixed discussions, with readers split on whether the deliberate pacing enhances or detracts from the story's impact.

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🔹 Among the Missing was inspired by the 2009 collapse of the Polmont Viaduct bridge in Scotland, though Joss relocated her story to a fictional bridge and setting. 🔹 Author Morag Joss has won the Crime Writers' Association's Silver Dagger Award and has been nominated for the Edgar Award for her psychological suspense novels. 🔹 The novel explores themes of identity and reinvention through three characters whose lives intersect after a catastrophic bridge collapse that kills multiple people. 🔹 Unlike many crime novels, Among the Missing focuses not on solving a mystery but on examining how trauma and loss can lead people to remake themselves entirely. 🔹 The book's narrative structure alternates between three distinct voices - one in first person and two in third person - creating a complex psychological portrait of grief and survival.