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The Boy Who Disappeared

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The Boy Who Disappeared

By: Valerie Nettles
Narrated by: Jane Whittenshaw
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About this listen

I opened my mouth and it came. It wasn't a cry, or even a sob. It came from deep in my soul.... It was the sound of a mother helpless to save her child from danger. I asked the same unanswered questions over and again. Where was he? Where was my Damien?

On 2 November 1996, 16-year-old Damien Nettles went out for the evening in his home town of Cowes on the Isle of Wight. CCTV recorded him in a chip shop at 23:40 and on the High Street just after midnight. He has never been seen since.

His mother, Valerie, has spent over two decades desperately trying to find out what happened to her son. Arrests have been made, and suspects released without charge. Despite years of research by journalists and a private investigator, Damien's vanishing remains a mystery.

In this hugely moving and compelling account, Valerie Nettles tells the full, perplexing story of her son's disappearance.

Someone must know what happened to Damien. Will the truth ever emerge from the shadows?

©2019 Valerie Nettles (P)2019 Bonnier Books Ltd True Crime Disappearance

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All stars
Most relevant
I’ve watched the ‘missing’ documentary on YouTube and seen many reports on this case, but hearing it first hand from the mother of 16yr old Damien Nettles is just heartbreaking. The corruption and hidden evidence from the Hertfordshire police and the fact that some of the potential perpetrators are still walking free amongst us is shocking. My only prayer is that Karma takes control towards all involved in Damien’s demise and the Nettles family eventually get to find out the truth and hopefully bring their boy home.
This audio is not only well written and read but also a warning to us all that there truly are some evil people out there that are constantly being protected by those who we turn to for justice.
Heartbreaking book

Heartbreaking true account

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Good to get the mums perspective on the police failures I had no idea that had happened with this case. I watched the documentary and was keen to know more so I found this book very interesting to listen to. Feel for the family still not having any answers but hopefully if people keep reading about his case someone somewhere might know something.

Informative but personal

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The dreadful experiences of the author are explained so perfectly well in her writing. It is only when one has experienced events similar to hers, or had to deal with the inept authorities that one realises exactly how bad things are, and how worse they can be made.

The author captures her experiences very well.

Narration is superb.

Superb all round.

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