Here's a breakdown:
* Lizzie's disappearance: The novel opens with the disappearance of Lizzie, a young girl living in the Garnethill area of Glasgow. The narrative then jumps back in time, focusing on Lizzie's life and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
* A cast of suspects: The novel explores the lives of various individuals who were connected to Lizzie, including her mother, her friends, and a group of men who are believed to be involved in criminal activities. Each character has their own secrets and motivations, making it difficult to determine who might be responsible for Lizzie's disappearance.
* Exploring themes of poverty, abuse, and social injustice: The novel uses Lizzie's disappearance as a backdrop to explore the harsh realities of poverty and social inequality in the Garnethill area. It delves into themes of domestic abuse, child neglect, and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
* Unreliable narration: The novel is narrated from the perspectives of multiple characters, each with their own biases and limited understanding of the events. This unreliable narration creates a sense of ambiguity and suspense, as the reader is left to piece together the truth from conflicting accounts.
* Seeking justice: The novel follows the journey of Lizzie's mother, who is determined to find out what happened to her daughter and bring the perpetrators to justice. She navigates a system that seems indifferent to her plight, facing hostility and skepticism from the authorities.
Overall, "Garnethill" is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that explores the dark underbelly of society and the devastating consequences of injustice. It is a story about the search for truth and the enduring power of a mother's love.