Tell Me Where You Are (Fiction) - Softcover

This charming novel by Highland author Moira Forsyth traces the conflicts of a trio of sisters. Youngest sister Gillian Douglas works in the arts in Edinburgh, while oldest sister and single mum Frances looks after her teenage sons in Ross-shire. On Christmas night, Frances receives a surprise visit from niece Kate and ex-husband Alec, who left her for middle sister Susan thirteen years ago. Alec tells them that Susan has mysteriously disappeared. The family feels guilty, having estranged itself from her years ago. For most of the novel, the plot focuses on the infinitely patient Frances, who is left to contend with moody Kate and old feelings of betrayal. The narrative shifts to other members of the family, who believe they see Susan in various Scottish towns, dressed in a red coat. Gradually, this novel about families changes into a thriller as Frances tries to solve the mystery of Susan s disappearance. Sensitively written, it contains keen characterisation and a strong awareness of the problems facing women today. Forsyth s writing takes the reader to the end. --Scottish Review of Books

Frances is doing fine; she has her life sorted. Then comes the phone call from Alec, the husband who left her for her younger sister Susan, thirteen years ago. Susan has disappeared, and Alec wants her daughter Kate to come and stay with Frances, out of harm's way. Meanwhile, Frances' youngest sister, Gillian, finds that two months after ending her relationship with a married man, she is pregnant. While all this is going on another crisis is looming. It's been a family full of secrets. Frances and Gillian haven't even managed to tell their parents Susan is missing. After all, she's left unacknowledged thirteen years of birthday and Christmas presents for Kate, the granddaughter they never saw. She was the one who made sure she could never be forgiven, and now there's another secret. It's not always the things you fear most, which matter in the end.