Ok, wow! What did I just read?! The Disappearance of Peter Markham isn’t just another crime novel, it pulled me straight into the evidence room and wouldn’t let me leave! This is real investigation, folks, no far-fetched shortcuts or lucky guesses, just gritty police work layered between some of the most intense, graphic scenes I’ve come across in a while.
So here it is, my humble The Disappearance of Peter Markham Review.
The Disappearance of Peter Markham Review – Book Synopsis
|
Title |
The Disappearance of Peter Markham – DI Cora Snitton (#1) |
|
Author |
Donna Morfett |
|
Genre |
Police Procedural, Mystery, Thriller, Crime Fiction |
|
Format |
318 pages, Paperback |
|
Pubished |
May 23, 2024 by Rampart Books |
|
ISBN |
9781915778338 (ISBN10: 1915778336) |
|
ASIN |
1915778336 |
|
Language |
English |
The Disappearance of Peter Markham Review – Quick Summary
The Disappearance of Peter Markham Review – Trigger Warnings, Sensitive Topics and Age Rating
Before we go any further, I always like to include a quick note on sensitive content. Every reader is different, and some themes in this book might be difficult for certain people.
If you prefer to check content warnings before reading, just click below to reveal the list of trigger warnings, sensitive topics and age ratting.
My Thoughts
Let’s start with this, if you enjoy a good murder story with smart planning and a proper, step-by-step investigation, this one’s definitely for you. It has that True Detective kind of feel, with plenty of clues, long interviews, hidden secrets, and a whole lot of method. Nothing feels rushed. Everything is carefully thought out. Even the kidnapper has a disturbingly detailed plan, and yes, it gets gory in places, which, I have to admit, I really enjoyed. It gives you that can’t-look-away feeling, in the best kind of way.
The Disappearance of Peter Markham gives you the crime and the investigation in full. You follow every step the detectives take, walking right alongside DI Cora Snitton and her team. Cora, by the way, is absolutely brilliant. She’s sharp, has an odd sense of humour, struggles a bit with emotions, and is definitely not a people person, which somehow makes her even more interesting. She’s always one step ahead, with a quiet, sharp confidence that makes you trust her, even when you’re not totally sure what’s going on (which, let’s be honest, is most of the time, haha!).
But what really adds depth to the story is that you don’t just follow Cora and her team. The narrative also takes you inside the minds of the murderer and the key witnesses, giving you little pieces that slowly come together by the end. Seeing things from different angles makes the picture feel more complete, and it keeps you hooked as the secrets start to unravel.
Also, this book doesn’t just throw a bunch of far-fetched twists at you, because it slowly builds a full picture. It’s clever, serious, and quietly emotional. A great pick if you like your crime fiction smart, intense, and with something real beneath the mystery.
What I Loved
One thing that really stood out to me was how Donna Morfett approaches the forensic work in this story. It is serious, detailed, and clearly well researched. She does not just mention a fingerprint or a lab result and move on. Instead, she gives you a full picture of how evidence is collected, processed, and used in the investigation.
You see how the detectives think about DNA, trace materials, timelines, phone records, and scene analysis. There is real attention to what can be proven, what can be missed, and what those facts mean when trying to understand a crime. It feels like reading about real police work, not just a fictional shortcut.
What I liked most is that, yes, the book is fast-paced, but nothing feels rushed, you know what I mean? Morfett gives space to each moment, showing how long and careful the process can be. It adds weight to the story and makes the outcome feel earned.
Another thing I really loved is that Cora has two trainees under her, and she divides her attention between them. Whenever she explains something or asks a question, it feels like she’s including you in the process. It all comes across naturally and with respect. She’s not some arrogant, know-it-all detective. She listens, she teaches, and she actually lets you learn right alongside them.
Darcey is one of the new constable detectives on Cora’s team, and she’s a standout. She’s eager and full of energy, a real breath of fresh air in an otherwise heavy story. To be honest, the whole team feels grounded and relatable, like people you’d actually want to work with, even in the middle of a tough case.
What Surprised Me
From the very beginning, this book hits you like a punch in the stomach. There is no soft opening, and definitely no silly or convenient death scenes. The crime is brutal, detailed, and described in a way that is both raw and deeply unsettling.
What surprised me the most was how far Donna Morfett goes with the descriptions. The violence is graphic, and at times even shocking. You see everything, it’s not hinted at, and it’s definitely not softened. Strangely, I appreciated that. It shows the weight of what happened. It makes both the victim and the perpetrator feel real, and the consequences and motivations feel grounded and believable.
This is not just a mystery to solve. It is a story about pain, control, and revenge. If you are used to light crime stories with tidy endings, this one may catch you off guard. But if you are ready for something that takes crime seriously, and shows the darker side of justice, then you are in for a gripping and intense read.
It is a revenge story that escalates quickly and does not let up. I also was not prepared for the emotional complexity hidden between the horror. The killer is not just cruel. He is hurt, and that pain is present in every scene. You may find yourself both horrified and unexpectedly sympathetic, which is exactly what makes it so powerful.
Vibe Check
The vibe is definitely dark, and I mean really dark. It’s cold, raw, tense, and heavy right from the start. The story is intense and fast-paced, but still easy to follow. You always feel like you’re right there with them, like a new constable in the back seat of Cora’s car, learning as you go, or sitting in the briefing room, piecing things together. Kudos to Donna Morfett for pulling that off so naturally through her writing.
About The Plot Twist
I wouldn’t say there’s a big, dramatic plot twist in The Disappearance of Peter Markham. It’s more like Donna Morfett leaves you a trail of breadcrumbs. The story drops little hints along the way, so when the moment finally hits, it doesn’t feel sudden or out of place. It feels natural — like it was always there, just waiting for you to notice. If you enjoy mysteries where the twist comes from the story itself, not just for shock value, this one its for you!
Some Book Quotes
“There are monsters in this world, and sometimes they wear the faces of people you trust.”
“Justice isn’t always clean. Sometimes it’s slow, painful, and full of scars — just like the people who seek it.”
“Some truths aren’t meant to be unearthed, but once they are, you can’t bury them again.“
Let’s Chat!
And that’s my take on The Disappearance of Peter Markham.
What about you? Do you like these slow-burning, detail-heavy crime stories that take their time and make every clue matter? I’d really love to know what you think, so come back and tell me!
