Robin Ballantyne is the single mother of twins and a
TV documentary maker who has recently returned to work. She convinces her bosses to let her film a series about missing people.
A project that will attempt the reconstruction of vanished lives when a daring and reckless camerawoman named Melanie Jacobs
suddenly vanishes without a trace from HazPrep, a military training camp for journalists, and a private security operation
just outside of London. Melanie’s mother approaches Ballantyne with a request to help uncover the truth regarding her
daughter's mysterious disappearance. Ballantyne in turn promises her co-workers distraught mother that she will investigate.
But when she begins asking questions, Ballantyne heads
directly into the depths of a dangerous and conspiratorial world as conflict rises with a group of army veterans, as well
as with her boyfriend, DCI Tom Finney. Ballantyne's employer, "The Corporation," does nothing to support her, instead an executive
requests she back off and drop Melanie from the series altogether. Melanie’s boyfriend, Fred, confesses there were problems
in their relationship.
Persistence will reveal that the last person to have
seen Melanie alive is ex-special forces soldier turned mercenary, Mike Darling who is clearing up land mines in the killing
fields of Cambodia. Darling is hesitant to speak of Jacobs despite a rumored relationship. A landmine explodes, sending Ballantyne
home before she can dredge up more. But when Darling’s own child is abducted Ballantyne suspects there is a connection
between the two disappearances.
Author Catherine Sampson also brings to light how journalist
risk their lives to obtain news-breaking stories. The devious plot in Out of Mind twists and turns to an explosive
end that is sure keep readers glued to their seats!
Reviewed
by Betsie
