The Missings by Peg Brantley is 2012 Bark Publishing publication. I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
In Aspen Falls, Colorado several hispanic residents have gone missing and now a couple of mutilated bodies have been found, also of hispanic heritage. Chase Waters is assigned the case and begins to think these killings could be the work of a cult. The more he learns though, the more it appears that organs are being harvested and sold.
Ironically, Chase and his wife have lost a son who became an organ donor. At the time Chase didn't care much about the specifics of organ donation such as blood typing etc. Now he gets a lesson on the subject. He also learns a lot about the hispanic community and his own failings and preconceived notions. The issues in society involving immigration, the rich opposed to the poor, the language barriers to name a few, are explored, but we aren't hit over the head with it. The issues are laid out as a fact of life and gives the reader a lot to think about. The darker sides of human nature such as greed and the lack of respect of all human life is explored.
The novel also explores areas of the investigator's personal lives. Chase's wife, Bond, has finally come to a place in her life where she can deal with something that happened to her many years in the past.
The other characters were also well developed and professional. The crew did have a little help from a civilian on this one and perhaps a little romance develops along the way. While the civilian help might be a stretch due to protocol, in this case it was a great deal of help to have someone to walk the investigators through the hispanic community and open doors for them that otherwise would have remained shut.
When all is said and done this is a well thought out police prodecural. The horror of something like this really happening is apparently a fear people really have, making this story one that could keep you awake at night.
I have not read anything by this author previously, but I will certainly keep my eyes open for her work in the future. This one is an A. ( )

The Missings is a compelling mystery/suspense set in Aspen Falls, Colorado. The story starts with action and the discovery of mutilated bodies of young murder victims. Chase Waters, the likable lead detective on the case, sees the similarities between the victims and suspects the killings are either the work of a cult, or for commerce (per the book description).

Several subplots are woven into the main plot, giving the reader a chance to see different sides of several of the main characters. While this is a work of fiction, the main plot deals with important social issues such as immigration and prejudice. In The Missings, the author highlights the heartbreaking contrast between the disadvantaged and the powerful in society. The story deals with vulnerability, exploitation, corruption and greed.

The characters are well developed and rich, each with their own intriguing and painful histories. The pace is quick and the writing is excellent. An enjoyable read. ( )

Some years ago I began to read a mystery novel by a bestselling author whose previous work I had enjoyed. One of the plot points hinged on a certain urban legend. I don’t think I finished the book, and haven’t read another of that author’s books since. I felt he had “jumped the shark” with that one.
Fast forward, and I got the Kindle edition of Peg Brantley’s THE MISSINGS. It wasn’t long before I realized that the same plot point was central to her book. But – THE MISSINGS kept me reading to the very end, and I’m eagerly looking forward to more. She made it believable, suspenseful, and up-to-date. Furthermore, the characters in this police procedural were people I’d like to get to know a lot better, and the setting in a Colorado resort town rings true. Highly recommended! ( )