This is a well-made entertaining show. Starts out with much promise but kind of runs out of steam. The character development is excellent but it is at the expense of the plot, which all but evaporates after about the third episode. Great performances pity the storyline couldn't match up.

This series starts really well, with a genuinely chilling incident of a young woman who suddenly disappears after buying some flowers from a van by the side of the road--leaving behind her children who also vanish. It's really gripping, nail-biting stuff, as we're led into the family of the woman--her husband, parents, friends and contacts. Then the little boy turns up--and later there's another bombshell. You are really wound up by this time wondering what on earth lies behind it all--
but alas, the solution to the mystery falls rather flat--it did to me, anyway--and it feels rather too lame as well. But then, perhaps this was meant not so much to be a mystery(though the build up certainly suggests that) as the portrait of a family in utter crisis, in the midst of the worst situation you can imagine.
It was certainly enjoyable and well-acted and very well-produced--but I can't give it 5 stars.

I really enjoyed this - the casting is brilliant with Penelope Wilton, Sarah Smart, Rory Kinnear all great - though Janet McTeer steals the show as the wise-carcking 40 something sargeant who's seen it all before.

A few quibbles - the reason for the title is a bit misleading, as it actually takes place on 5 days over 12 weeks - also, the ending seems a bit contrived and very rushed - 4 x 50 minute episodes then rushed conclusion in last 5 mins of episode leaving you realing with no explanation