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Monday, 7 September 2026

Hidden in Plain Sight (The County Cork Killings #2) by Michelle Dunne



Description from Goodreads:

"A migrant crisis. A corrupt harbour town. Who will stand for those who have become invisible to the rest of the world?

People have become one of the world's most valuable commodities. Trafficked on the promise of a new life only to be hidden away as modern day slaves. When Lena, a raped and badly beaten Syrian woman, literally falls into Lindsey Ryan's life, she's left with no choice but to find her part in this new war and play it as best she can.

But before she can work out a safe plan to get Lena away from her very own hell at the hands of Patrick Adebayo, Lindsey hears of an unconscious child being smuggled into Patrick's building just two doors up. Despite having Patrick's unwanted attention, she has to help the child and get Lena to safety regardless of the cost. In doing so, she finds herself face to face with the worst of humanity.

Added to her own private battle with PTSD, former soldier Lindsey Ryan is in a race against time and must once again fight for her life. But if she fails to protect those around her, what if anything, will that life be worth?

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A compelling Irish crime thriller that holds its own

Having previously enjoyed two of Michelle Dunne's books, I was really looking forward to diving back into her writing with this one. Hidden in Plain Sight is the second instalment in The County Cork Killings series, and even though I haven't read the first book, it didn't hinder my enjoyment at all. While I missed out on some of the earlier backstory and character development, the book stands firmly on its own feet and reads very well as a standalone.

Dunne has a fantastic ability to build tension but what really stood out for me was the sheer emotional weight surrounding the plight of the people she rescued and kept hidden. The harrowing situations these individuals were escaping made their struggle feel deeply personal, and watching Lindsey risk everything — facing a very real threat to her own safety just to keep them protected — added a powerful, high-stakes layer to the story.

Adding to that emotional depth is Lindsey's ongoing plight with PTSD. Her internal struggle is written with such empathy and realism that it really grounds the narrative, making her quiet bravery feel all the more impactful as she pushes through her own trauma while trying to safeguard others.

The plot moves along at a steady and engaging pace.  The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it very easy to root for them as the drama unfolds with my particular favourites being Eileen and Frank.

It's a tense, clever and immersive read that kept me hooked from start to finish is definitely one to add to your reading list.

Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my honest thoughts.

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