The Last Child

Thirteen-year-old Johnny Merrimon has to face things no boy his age should face. In the year since his twin sister's abduction his world has fallen apart: his father has disappeared and his fragile mother is spiraling into ever deeper despair.

Johnny keeps strong. Armed with a map, a bike and a flashlight, he stalks the bad men of Raven County. The police might have given up on Alyssa; he never will. Someone, somewhere, knows something they're not telling.

Only one person looks out for Johnny. Detective Clyde Hunt shares his obsession with the case. But when Johnny witnesses a hit-and-run and insists the victim was killed because he'd found Alyssa, even Hunt thinks he's lost it.

And then another young girl goes missing...

Winner of CWA Silver Dagger Award 2009 (UK)

“'Third novel from this rising US author'”

...Finely detailed prose with a literary edge, a fine sense of atmosphere and just the right touches of creepy southern gothic. - The Weekend Australian

This book deals with serious adult subjects such as drug addiction, betrayal, abuse and paedophilia. These are treated with sensitivity and amped up by creative and feisty writing.... a roiling, boiling, seething stew of passion and conflict. - Courier Mail

Praise for King of Lies: 'This simple mystery is told with such rich language and insight that you can t help but keep your nose pressed to the pages...a writer to watch - Adelaide Advertiser

Praise for Down River: ' a well-compiled and riveting read - The Daily Telegraph

Praise for Down River: a rollicking yarn peppered with all the essentials in good measure -lust, love, tears and bloodshed included. - Bendigo Advertiser

Praise for Down River: 'Brilliant.' - Herald Sun

Praise for Down River: This pacy, well-written mystery grabs you from the first page and keeps you there until the last. - MX Melbourne

The Last Child is as satisfying as his previous books - Guardian

John Hart was born in North Carolina in 1965, and lives with his wife and two young children in Rowan County. He has degrees in French, accounting and law, and worked as a banker, stockbroker and attorney before beginning his writing career.

Thirteen-year-old Johnny Merrimon has to face things no boy his age should face. In the year since his twin sister's abduction his world has fallen apart: his father has disappeared and his fragile mother is spiraling into ever deeper despair. Johnny keeps strong. Armed with a map, a bike and a flashlight, he stalks the bad men of Raven County. The police might have given up on Alyssa; he never will. Someone, somewhere, knows something they're not telling.Only one person looks out for Johnny. Detective Clyde Hunt shares his obsession with the case. But when Johnny witnesses a hit-and-run and insists the victim was killed because he'd found Alyssa, even Hunt thinks he's lost it. And then another young girl goes missing...

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