As she wandered into her home office, Naomi took in the fruits of her investigation to date. She hadn’t stopped to think what she would do if she solved the Harper case. Driven by compulsion, she had moved here to infiltrate the village and live life in the Harpers’ shoes. Given the case had bothered her for years, it wouldn’t be solved overnight. She imagined herself in five, maybe ten years, sitting at her desk, puzzling over the family’s last movements. Was that the life she wanted? But when doubts crept in she imagined herself solving the puzzle and putting the mystery of the Harpers’ whereabouts to rest. She was in a unique position and so far, she sensed Nighbrook’s occupants had much to hide. Joanne was nice to her face, introducing Morgan to a new friend. But was she thinking that it was best to keep your enemies close?

Naomi’s gaze roamed across the first of three corkboards hung on the walls. Red strings originated from the centre with pins holding the information she had gained about the Harper family to date. The second board contained the history of Ivy Cottage and the village of Nighbrook: when the cottage was built, who stayed here and details about the village; business owners, services offered and any residents of note. Relationships were key, but they had been harder to pry open. Already, she was gaining more insights than she had from surfing online. The third board featured what she called her third ‘p’ of people, places and now plot: theories as to why anyone would want to hurt the Harpers or make them disappear. This included any elaborate theories that she had found and she had printed off each one. From alien abductions to cult membership, every Reddit theory or any Facebook group ramblings were there.

A pair of headlights flashed down her winding driveway, and Naomi collected her thoughts. Stepping out into the corridor, Naomi turned the key in the lock before pocketing it. Connie didn’t need to see any of this – not yet.

‘Hey, you!’ Naomi threw her arms open to her sister as she greeted her on the front doorstep. It felt so good to see Connie. It had been too long.

‘Happy new home!’ Placing her bags on the ground, Connie opened her arms to accept her hug. Naomi closed her eyes as she inhaled the sweet scent of Obsession – her sister’s favourite perfume.

‘It’s so lovely to see you,’ Naomi said, stepping back to look at her. ‘You look amazing. Have you lost weight? Or is it a new fella?’

‘We can talk about me later,’ Connie replied, swishing her blonde hair off her face. ‘I want to see this house of yours! Here . . .’ She bent to retrieve a bag. ‘Champagne and chocolates. Who wants boring house plants when you can have booze?’