First, I want to thank Miranda Smith, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review. Miranda Smith is always at the top of her game and with The School Trip, she has penned a first-rate thriller that will have readers chewing their nails to the elbow.

What sets The School Trip apart from other thrillers is the author’s focus on the theme of motherhood. The bond between a mother and child is strong, and this book portrays it beautifully. It’s not just about finding the missing child but also about a mother’s resilience and her ability to face her fears. The author also brings themes of grief and guilt into the story, adding depth to the characters. We are always delighted to hear from authors. We are currently open for review requests and we are happy to review a wide variety of genres. Please submit your information below and we will be in touch asap. Make sure you have a few hours in your schedule clear before you start this one. Can't remember the last time I binged a book like this one. I will absolutely be reading more from Miranda Smith! Then the big reveals and truth bombs hit and they were anti-climactic for ME. They were very domestic and emotional. If I had been watching this on screen, I would have gasped out loud. But for a thriller book it wasn't dark enough. That's a personal preference though.

The School Trip

Some Days Are Dark is a gripping, suspenseful story centered around bad choices and the possibility of second chances. This story will draw you in and hold your attention to the end. The story comes with a great flow, and the end will make your jaws drop. There are also numerous twists and turns that will keep you guessing. If you are a Gone Girl fan, you will love this book. Impossible to put down and I read it in one sitting because I just had to know the ending... an absolutely fantastic book that I have been highly recommending." NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Make no mistake I really liked this book. It had a few red herrings, had me guessing, there were twists and turns, and I was here for it. At 60ish percent I had formed a pretty solid theory. At 70 percent it was destroyed. I was salty, excited, irritated, and ready for this to play out. Emma is frantic with worry. Claire would never willingly go away with a stranger and Emma is thus convinced that the person who abducted her daughter was somebody they both knew. But who could it be? Who would want to punish Emma so badly? And could this kidnapping be somehow linked to the night her husband died? Has Emma inadvertently put her daughter in terrible danger? Will she ever find her little girl safe and sound? Or is Claire lost to her mother forever? Fantastic... I found very hard to stop reading. All the characters were excellent, brilliant storytelling all the way... I cannot speak highly enough about this book, definitely a must-read... A thoroughly 5+ stars from me." Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Miranda Smith is a mystery writer best known for debut novel Some Days Are Dark. The talented author also works as an information book editor for both adult and children’s works. Miranda has a deep love for natural history and has also written numerous articles on the subject. While this author is relatively new to novel writing, she has over 75 distinct to her name. This perhaps explains her storytelling prowess and the flow you will enjoy in her debut novel. As a parent this was a read that kept me on the edge of my seat trusting no one. Not even the dead. I liked Emma; she was a mom doing her best. And she wants the best for her daughter, always. I liked how family was a theme, both chosen and biological. I also found the use of forgiveness beautifully done.