They were once the closest of friends, but that ended two years ago when tragedy struck.  Chrissy and Alice and their two sons shared a strong bond.  The boys were raised together.  One night Leo punched Robbie and he died as a result of that punch. Now Leo is being released from prison early and the only one happy about this is his mother.  But when she went to pick Leo up, he was nowhere to be seen.  She is told he was released an hour before she arrived.  She is devastated and very afraid.  She has already lost her livelihood and friends.  She has endured two years of threats and cold shoulders.  Now, her son is missing and she doesn't know why.

MY DARLING BOY, by Helen Cooper, is the story about what led up to Leo's disappearance.  Told in multiple timelines by a varied group of characters voices, the intertwined histories of the characters are skillfully revealed.

Chrissy and Alice's histories are packed with secrets and as they are revealed it becomes clear just how deep the friendship went.  But there were cracks and ruptures.  Was one more invested than the other? Chrissy had reason to worry about Alice keeping her secrets, but as the story progresses Chrissy's focus is on finding her son-alive.

Brilliantly plotted and filled with tension, MY DARLING BOY is a gripping tale in which readers are kept guessing from the start to its dramatic and startling conclusion.  Even the secrets have secrets. A true page-turner, this book is a great psychological thriller.  Highly recommended.