Rent As She Left It: A Novel

Synopsis

Untangling the shame and sorrow on Mote Street

At the age of twelve, Opal Jones escaped her mother's endless drinking and her life in Leeds, England. Returning to the small cottage on Mote Street after her mum's death is like going back in time. Nosey Mrs. Pickess is still polishing her windows to a sparkle (the better to spy) and Fishbo, Opal's ancient music teacher, is still playing trumpet. Then, Opal learns about a tragedy the neighborhood has never recovered from: the disappearance of three-year-old Craig Southgate. The sweet, red-haired child Opal once knew was kidnapped — and never seen again.

At first, unraveling the decade-old mystery is a fine distraction from Opal's own ugly past. But teasing out her neighbors' dark secrets begins dredging up uncomfortable memories of her own childhood - and a growing suspicion about little Craig's fate.

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