My little girl has vanished. And I can't tell anyone...

My nine-year-old daughter Hollie should be leaving school smiling and laughing with all the other children but she's not here. I run frantically, checking everywhere, but I can't see her. Pure panic washes over me. This is my worst nightmare.

Her teacher asks if she should call the police. My heart stops. I shake my head and pretend I've made a mistake. The police can't know. No one can.

My hands shake as I know in my gut my daughter hasn't just wandered off. She's been taken. Someone must know the truth about my past...

I've spent so long protecting Hollie, but I always knew this day might come. And I'll stop at nothing to get my little girl back.

JD Kirk lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife, two children, and a number of sturdy umbrellas. Despite writing from a young age, 'A Litter of Bones' is his first novel, and combines his love of the Highlands, crime thrillers, and cats.