OH EMM GEE! Literally just finished reading this book. Its 6pm on Sunday 20th March and my family have gone hungry because I did not cook any Sunday dinner because I could not put this book down! They all had sandwiches instead!  My husband, who is a huge Claire Allan fan also has been constantly asking me if I'm finished with the book yet as he wants to read it. No, he needs to read it! He will now skulk away somewhere else in the house to read, undisturbed!

The book is told from the perspective of 3 characters. Marian, Nell and 'Him'.

The Nurse is a deeply disturbing but highly addictive read. Marian's daughter Nell is missing. Marian's world starts to crumble around her as the dawning of each day only reminds Marian that another day has passed without her daughter being found. Her frustration and pain are palpable. Marian cannot face her life without Nell in it. The police have no leads and as the days drag on and Nell is still not found, Marian feels like she is caught up in a never ending nightmare. The dying embers of her marriage will never come back from this. The way Claire Allan brings us into Marian's pain is done skilfully and in a way that as a mother I found petrifying. I could almost feel myself suffocating in Marian's despair.

The character of Him was terrifying, particularly as we don't know who exactly he is initially apart from a sad individual who becomes part of the Incel movement (involuntary Celibates). A growing movement of men who feel that women are to blame for everything that is wrong in their lives. Men who are vile. Men who want to hurt women and 'Him' starts an online craze which leads to women being stalked and terrified all for internet likes. The dark web where women are used, abused and hurt. Nell becomes a target and falls victim to the unhinged individual who wants to make an example of her in the name of the movement. Him has started something horrific that he can no longer control.

I really don't want to give too much away with this review so I'll say no more about the plot except to say that I absolutely devoured this book. Despite its disturbing storyline that at times made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck,  I could not put it down. It raises some interesting discussions about the vulnerability of women worldwide and how we can all identify in some way to the women in the book. I know personally, there have been times when I've felt unsafe walking somewhere alone, or been made to feel uncomfortable. And in fact, with the recent murder of a female runner in Ireland, I have now made the decision to no longer do very early morning runs alone in the dark.  So, I run alone on my treadmill and don't get to enjoy my freedom in the open air. Through this book, Claire Allan reminds us to be vigilant and mindful of our safety. Sadly something we, as women must continue to do while communities like the incel one perpetrates an ideology of violence against women. An outstanding read from another wonderful author from Northern Ireland. I'm always honoured to be given the opportunity to read such fabulous books from local authors. I had the pleasure of meeting her a few years ago when I was volunteering at a crime fiction festival in Belfast and grabbed her for a photo which she was lovely enough to agree to.

The Nurse has some unexpected twists, particularly near the end and I simply adored it. A superb plotline, amazing characters and is paced in such a way that just as you think you've caught your breath, you are left gasping with shock! Highly highly recommended.