A review by annebrooke
The Man Who Didn't Call by Rosie Walsh

3.0

3.5 stars. This is an interesting story but for me there was far too much emotionalism in it - I just didn't believe that Sarah would be quite so obsessed with the seven day affair she'd had with Eddie, after which he vanishes. But I can quite see why Rosie Walsh had to have that plot line as otherwise the very interesting story simply wouldn't happen.

The beginning is quite slow and it's not until later on, when we finally get Eddie's voice & viewpoint, that the interest levels begin to rise. After that, the story is basically top-notch. I liked Sarah's friends a great deal (though I was less keen on her as a character) and I quite liked Eddie though he should really have managed to find some professional care for his mother FAR earlier than he did!

However, it's the arc of the plot and the fabulous twist that is the real draw in this story - and it goes beyond any mere character irritations. It's rare for me to praise a book for its story line rather than its characterisation skills but this is the book to do that. The ending is simply brilliant - but not quite enough to make up for the slow start and the unlikelihood of Sarah's actions.