‘The Schoolhouse’ by Sophie Ward

‘The Schoolhouse’ by Sophie Ward tells three stories. Or not. Set in the early 1990s and the mid-1970s, this book tells the story of Isobel now, Isobel then (through her diary entries), and Carter, a police officer.

Isobel works at a library and leads a rather isolated life. As a child, she visited the Schoolhouse, an inclusive Montessori school. Carter is investigating the case of a missing girl. Both women are haunted by their pasts, but try to live in the present.

When Isobel sees a picture of the missing girl in the newspaper, she recognizes her. And Isobel and Carter’s ways cross.

Plus: casual queer plot!

CW: child sexual abuse, graphic violence