Overview

The Family Business follows DI Dania Gorska in the north of Dundee as she leads the search for a missing girl. When volunteers and police comb the rugged landscape, they discover a body in a derelict hut that turns out to be a boy missing for years. Dania must unravel old secrets and new leads to find the truth.

Writing & Voice

We found Allen’s writing urgent and perceptive. The narrative balances procedural detail with emotional depth. Dania’s perspective—sharp, thoughtful and tenacious—brings clarity to both crime scenes and the tangled human dynamics around them.

Content & Perspective

The story moves between the present investigation and echoes of past loss as Dania follows threads from the decades-old disappearance. We see how grief, hope and suspicion shape the community. Allen keeps the plot twisting while staying rooted in character insight.

Themes

The novel explores the long shadow of loss, the complexity of family ties and the burden of secrets kept over years. It also looks at how justice endeavours to give voice to the voiceless and how detectives carry their own doubts alongside their determination.

What Worked

• Compelling lead detective with depth and resilience.
• Atmospheric Scottish setting that grounds the mystery.
• Interwoven past and present that keeps momentum and stakes high.

Minor Quibbles

• Certain twists feel familiar to seasoned crime readers.
• The procedural density may slow pacing for some.

Final Thoughts

We found this a tense, compassionate crime novel, balancing procedural grit with emotional weight, and leaving us invested in its characters long after finishing.

Rating: ★★★★½ / 5