‘Among the Missing’ a thought-provoking mystery

Acclaimed British crime writer P.D. James calls Scottish-born author Morag Joss “an exciting talent in British crime writing.” After reading Joss’ “Among the Missing,” I can see why.

“Among the Missing,” at a relatively brief 255 pages, packs a lot of punch —  psychological punch, that is. It has the structure of a thriller but the heart and mind of a multitiered love story. There’s gripping action, broken hearts, mass tragedy and yet a glimmering hope that better days are ahead.

Joss’ latest novel also has a dark atmospheric quality to it: cloudy skies, constant rain, a cold river in a dreary Scotland. “From time to time rain fell, not in spiky drips like English town rain but in milky currents that wet the air with cold, gusting sprays,” Joss writes. It’s a melancholy setting that sticks.

“Among the Missing” focuses on a horrific accident and three characters whose lives collide in unexpected ways. A large, old bridge in the Scottish highlands suddenly collapses, sending dozens of commuters into a river. Many die and more are missing.

Hours before the bridge fails, a female tourist sells her rental car to an illegal immigrant in a shady deal. In her early 40s and pregnant with her first child, she desperately needs the money. To make matters worse, she has been dumped by her older boyfriend, who didn’t want to have a child.

In a tragic twist of fate, the bridge’s security camera captures the rental car pulling onto the bridge seconds before it collapses. The tourist sees that video footage on the TV news and realizes she is
officially among the missing. No one knows she sold the car. She’s stunned but quickly seizes her chance to restart her life. She assumes the name Annabel and eventually takes refuge in a run-down cabin along the river.

Joining her in the cabin is Silva, another illegal immigrant who is experiencing her own loss. Silva’s husband and child are missing, and she fears they may have run off to somewhere else in the United Kingdom for better job opportunities.

They are befriended by Ron, a boatman who has his own secrets. Together, they try to cope with the aftermath of the bridge collapse and their own troubled lives.

Joss shifts voice between the three characters, which can be a little confusing at times. But her thought-provoking story is written with intelligence and a clarity not often seen in this type of mystery.
“Among the Missing” is a reminder of the stark consequences we may face amid questionable decisions.