"Bring Them Home"

Born in Kent, D. S. Butler grew up as an avid reader with a love for crime fiction and mysteries. She has worked as a scientific officer in a hospital pathology laboratory and as a research scientist.

After obtaining a PhD in biochemistry, she worked at the University of Oxford for four years before moving to the Middle East.

Butler applied the Page 69 Test to her new novel, Bring Them Home, and reported the following:

From page 69:

‘The superintendent thought otherwise, Sophie.’ Karen’s tone was clipped, and she tried to hide her irritation. She was annoyed at her own unprofessionalism. It was very unlike her and didn’t set a good example. She’d been wrong to show her frustration at being told not to question Jasper. She believed in the line of command and challenging the superintendent’s authority was out of order. ‘The superintendent didn’t make the decision out of malice, Sophie. She decided on the best course of action, and we have to go along with that.’

Sophie’s eyes widened, and she folded her arms over her chest. ‘Well, if it were me, I’d be spitting feathers. This finding could crack the case wide open. I mean, you hear about criminals taking trophies from the scene of the crime. Maybe Jasper Palmer took the glove as some kind of keepsake.’

‘If he did, it’s more likely he’d have kept it to himself, don’t you think?’

Sophie thought for a moment. ‘True, but maybe this is his way of getting involved in the case. I read about that too. Criminal deviants integrate themselves into the search or aftermath of a crime. They get a sick kick out of being involved in the investigation.’

‘You’ve certainly spent a lot of time reading,’ Karen said.

Sophie’s face fell. ‘Is that a bad thing?’

‘Of course not. But DI Morgan did make a good point. Nigel Palmer was our number one suspect after Amy Fisher disappeared, but if he’s abducted two ten-year-olds, it would mean his MO has changed dramatically, which is unlikely.’

‘MO: his modus operandi,’ Sophie stated, looking pleased with herself.

‘Yes. Now, are you ready?’

Sophie did a double take. ‘Ready? For what?’

‘I thought you might like to come with me and talk to the Gibsons. It would be a good learning experience. It won’t be easy, but I’m sure you’re up to it.’

Sophie nodded eagerly. ‘Absolutely. I’ll just grab my jacket.’

I think this page is representative of the book. Page 69 is part of a scene where DS Karen Hart is training Sophie, a younger, less experienced officer. They are detectives working on a case involving two missing schoolgirls, and Karen can’t stop obsessing over similarities with a previous investigation. She has a suspect in mind, but without the backing of her boss or solid evidence, her hands are tied.

At this point in the book, Karen’s frustration at their lack of progress is starting to build. She knows the likelihood of finding the girls alive get smaller as each hour passes.

Visit D.S. Butler's website.

My Book, The Movie: Bring Them Home.

--Marshal Zeringue