In the Dark by Claire Allan focuses on Nora Logue. Seven years ago, she went into the woods with her four-year-old daughter, Daisy. But only Nora came out. And with no memory of what happened.
The story starts with Nora in a hotel lobby and she’s meeting Izzy, a producer who wants to make a TV documentary to discover the truth.
“ ‘You agreeing to get involved is the best way to get attention for this film, and maybe the best way to right some of the wrongs that have been said or written about you is to have your involvement. People of voyeurs at heart. They want to see grief. I know that sounds cold, but I’m not here to bull**** you. But if you feel you can’t be involved, we have many people who have already agreed to talk to us.’
“I wasn’t expecting her candidness or for her to tell me they were ready to roll. The emails she had sent said plans were at ‘an advanced stage’ – but this is one step beyond that, isn’t it? She’s in production. This isn’t a case of her asking my permission to make the documentary – it’s throwing me a lifeline. Either I grab it or I drown in its wake.
She’s essentially telling me that she wants me to cut a metaphorical vein wide open on film and bleed for everyone to see. If I say no, will this documentary be a hatchet job? Will these interviewees she has lined up be people who have any real insight, or will they be the usual faces who spout their theories without any real authority?”
All Nora and Izzy both want is to know the truth. And both are in the dark. As is the reader. Is Daisy alive? Is Daisy dead? Is Nora innocent or is she guilty?
Two women. Two viewpoints.
In the Dark is told in the first person from both Nora and Izzy’s point of view. In this way, Allan skilfully draws the reader right into the heart of the story. She effortlessly raises the hairs on the back of your neck and transports you into the nightmare world of Nora Logue. A woman who is rapidly unravelling. And then there’s Izzy. A determined character who knows this documentary could launch her career into the stratosphere. But as she becomes entwined in Nora’s reality, the more Izzy struggles to stay objective and professional. The solid ground beneath the filmmaker’s feet begins to shift as she starts to question her own ethics.
How would any of us cope?
In the Dark plunges the reader into a nightmare of living every minute of every torturous day without knowing. How would any of us cope if our child vanished and we couldn’t remember events from that horrific day? It doesn’t bear thinking about. But Claire Allen goes there and enthralls us with two brilliant characters bursting with flaws and fears. She also delves into the darker side of human nature.
What would most of us believe?
There are plenty of Nora Logue haters who believe her story of not knowing is too preposterous. And after seven years they’re still convinced she’s a free murderer. These people want to make Nora pay for getting away with it, especially now that Nora has a son, Luca with another man. It shouldn’t be allowed. And here’s the rub – no matter how hard Nora tries, she can’t love her little boy the same way she loved Daisy.
Would I recommend In the Dark by Claire Allan?
This is the seventh novel by Claire Allan but it’s the first one I’ve read. What can I say. I was spellbound by this psychological thriller. The story raced along and I was literally on the edge of my seat, devouring the pages. I will certainly be reading more of this talented author’s novels. It’s a huge thumbs up from me. Enjoy.