The Clearing

Toyne’s second mystery featuring criminologist Laughton Rees (after 2022’s Dark Objects) further establishes the character as an effective series lead in the spirit of Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta. Rees, whose estranged father was the commissioner of London’s Metropolitan Police, consults for the U.K.’s National Crime Agency while conducting academic research on the connection between folklore and crimes. Those studies come in handy after 24-year-old Maddie Friar disappears from Cinderfield, a market town encircled by forest, on Midsummer’s Eve. The woods near Cinderfield are reportedly the domain of the Cinderman, “some kind of forest phantom who’s believed to prey on young women, particularly around certain dates like the summer solstice.” That legend has been sustained by the disappearances of almost 60 women over 20 years, and when Rees learns about Friar’s case, she heads to Cinderfield to investigate. Her efforts aren’t welcomed by the area’s chief constable, who suspects Friar, a woman with a lengthy criminal record, may not be missing at all. As Rees digs deeper and faces increasing resistance, she uncovers real-life horrors far scarier than any legend. Toyne makes the most of her creepy setting, and effectively conceals the truth behind the legend of the Cinderman until she’s ready to reveal it. Everything here suggests that Rees merits a long series run. Agent: Alcie Saunders, Soho Agency. (July)