The Rose Arbor - by Rhys Bowen (Paperback)

About the Book

"London: 1968. Liz Houghton is languishing as an obituary writer at a London newspaper when a young girl's disappearance captivates the city. If Liz can break the story, it's her way into the newsroom. She already has a scoop: her best friend Marisa is a police officer who is assigned to the case. Liz follows Marisa to Dorset, where they make another disturbing discovery. Twenty-five years ago, three girls disappeared while evacuating from London during the Blitz. One was found murdered in the woods near a train line. The other two were never seen again. As Liz digs deeper, she finds herself drawn to the village of Tydeham, which was requisitioned by the military during the war and left in ruins. After all these years, what could possibly link the missing girls to this abandoned village? And why does a place Liz has never seen before seem so strangely familiar?"--

Book Synopsis

An investigation into a girl's disappearance uncovers a mystery dating back to World War II in a haunting novel of suspense by the bestselling author of The Venice Sketchbook and The Paris Assignment.

London: 1968. Liz Houghton is languishing as an obituary writer at a London newspaper when a young girl's disappearance captivates the city. If Liz can break the story, it's her way into the newsroom. She already has a scoop: her best friend, Marisa, is a police officer assigned to the case.

Liz follows Marisa to Dorset, where they make another disturbing discovery. Over two decades earlier, three girls disappeared while evacuating from London. One was found murdered in the woods near a train line. The other two were never seen again.

As Liz digs deeper, she finds herself drawn to the village of Tydeham, which was requisitioned by the military during the war and left in ruins. After all these years, what could possibly link the missing girls to this abandoned village? And why does a place Liz has never seen before seem so strangely familiar?

Review Quotes

Mary Higgins Clark Award nominee

"Bowen is adept at writing mysteries filled with intriguing clues, satisfying solutions, expertly captured historical settings, and a little romance. A must-add to popular mystery collections." --Library Journal (starred review)

"The Rose Arbor is a lovely story that reminds us of how life isn't perfect, but not all missteps lead to tragedy...There's an underlying intelligence about this tale that is inspiring in its execution and charming in its delivery. It is nearly impossible to open the book without becoming totally immersed in Liz's life and story." --Bookreporter

"The Rose Arbor is a complex and intriguing mystery that dares the reader to unravel the clues before the protagonist, London reporter Liz Houghton, with plenty of intrigue for any seasoned mystery reader, and smart, exquisite prose for those who luxuriate in the beauty of the written word. Take it on your vacation, but be prepared for late nights." --Robert Dugoni, New York Times and internationally bestselling author of the Tracy Crosswhite series and A Killing on the Hill