Mummy's Favourite

Mummy's Favourite by Sarah Flint. (Book 1 of 4 in DC Charlotte Stafford Series, 4 Book Series) Aria: 2016. 278 pages. ****


This is the first of four in a new British police procedural series introducing DC Charlie Stafford who works in the Community Support Unit of the Metropolitan Police in London. Drawn into this psychological thriller from the very first page, Flint describes what it feels like under the floorboards, to be buried alive. Told in alternating voices, the victim, the killer and DC Stafford, the horror becomes all too real. The killer is abused by his mother as a child; he seeks to punish mothers who favor one child over another in the family. Initially thought to be a domestic abuse situation and after being assaulted by the husband, Charlie is determined to find the missing mother and son. As more victims are reported as missing, the case takes on a grizzly new focus.

Not for the faint of heart, Flint's police career has provided almost too difficult to read descriptions of unspeakable acts. Unfortunately, they are realistic. As a huge psychological thriller fan, Flint shows great promise in this series. With a touch of British humor, Charlie has a reputation for being in the right place and an uncanny ability to catch the bad guys. There are enough twists, turns, and subplots to keep me guessing as to the perpetrator. Add this series to your "must read" list. I look forward to reading book 2, The Trophy Taker.

I received an ecopy to review.

With a Metropolitan Police career spanning 35 years Sarah Flint has spent her adulthood surrounded by victims, criminals and police officers. She continues to work and lives in London with her partner and has three older daughters.