Little Lost Dolls

Detective Jo Fournier #7

by M.M. Chouinard

The young woman lying on the forest floor looks like she’s dreaming; her brown hair fanning out into a crown around her head, her hands clasped over her breast. She could be sleeping—if it weren’t for the brutal slash across her neck …

It’s autumn in Oakhurst when Detective Jo Fournier rushes to local beauty spot, Crone Ridge Woods, desperately hoping to find Madison Coehlo alive. Instead, she discovers the pregnant woman’s pale and lifeless body, killed in the spot where she loved to walk her dog. Madison looked after her sick mother and studied at community college, who could have wished her harm?

Madison’s mother is utterly broken by her brutal murder, but she cannot give Jo any insight into the tiny doll pushed into her daughter’s hand . Supposed to bring luck to whoever finds one, is it a coincidence or a warning from the killer? When Jo gets another frantic emergency call, she rushes to the scene, determined to catch this cruel monster before he can steal more innocent lives. Her heart pounds when she finds another identical plastic doll .

As the local community panics, Jo and her team work round the clock to keep other pregnant women safe. The call logs of the murdered expectant mothers give Jo the clue she desperately needs, but her heart splits in two when she realizes another woman is in danger. Can Jo get to her first, or is the killer pulling them both into a deadly trap?

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Thriller, Mystery Thriller

326 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 4, 2023

About the author

M.M. Chouinard is the USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Amazon Charts bestselling author behind The Vacation, a standalone psychological thriller, and the Detective Jo Fournier series, featuring The Dancing Girls, Taken to the Grave, Her Daughter's Cry, and The Other Mothers. She loves animals, coffee, amateur genealogy, and anything to do with Halloween or the zombie apocalypse.

M.M. Chouinard's first fiction story was published in her local paper when she was eight, and she fell in love with Agatha Christie novels not long after. While pursuing a Ph.D in psychology and helping to found the first U.S. research university of the new millenium, the stories kept rattling around inside her skull, demanding to come out. For sanity's sake, she released them.

Reviews

[Julie Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read in this fantastic crime series.
With the body of a pregnant woman found in the woods, Jo and Arnett know this is no ordinary killer.
The investigation gets underway but soon another pregnant woman is found dead, posed in the same way.
They were both linked to a baby group and with Jo knowing someone who also goes there, this is a bit close to home.
This is a gripping crime thriller and a great story that definitely kept me guessing who the killer was.
I love Jo’s character and can’t wait to see what’s in store for her in the next book.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

[Jazz Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 7 in the Jo Fournier series. Little lost dolls, another 5 star read from M.M Chouinard.

This is probably one of the hardest crime fiction books I've read in a while. A young pregnant single mum is found murdered. Naked with a baby doll in her arms, satanic markings on her body, and a knife through her bump. Horrific, right? Turns out this happens to be a friend of Davids mistress Chelsea, who met in an antenatal group and became friendly with. So when she goes missing much to Jo's sunrise, Chelsea rings her. The question is, is this a personal attack, or is there a crazed pregnant lady killer.

Omg, honestly, there's simmering thar makes you just that bit more uncomfortable when someone is killing pregnant women. What is their motive. Honestly, there's so much motive as the case goes on. At one point, I thought we had a while strangers on a train situation :D. It was extremely intense and had me on edge from start to finish. It took me quite a bit of time to work out the killer. I love it when I can't guess straight away.

As usual the Jo Fournier is a great detective, and I love following how she works through her cases. She has settled in with her boyfriend at home, she's finally at peace with the death of her ex finance, her relationship with Sophie is in a great place, she is on the mend from the miscarriage and this is all before she starts crime fighting!!! I loved how Chelsea's involvement in the case makes it really difficult for Jo as she is clearly after David still (why I do not know) and Jo has to convince her sister she's over reacting aswell as make sure Chelsea doesn't ruin her sisters marriage more, as well as killed.
We follow Julia as well, which is interesting she seems to play a big part. The question is what? Like everyone else, she has secrets, and she's not pregnant, so not the killers M O, but she is friends with the victim. I enjoyed her parts of the story as well!

All in all, this was a great addition to the series, and I can not wait for the next book!! Honestly, I was up all night reading and was obsessed. I honestly don't know how M.M. Chouinard manages to outdo herself book after book!!! I am obsessed, and I can't get enough. Book 8 I am ready.
5 stars

Thanks to bookouture, netgalley, and M.M. Chouinard for the ARC of little lost dolls in exchange for my fair and honest opinions.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a friend in a small group of four misses a shopping trip, the others know something must be seriously wrong. For one thing, the young pregnant woman would not go missing on her own. Her friends know it and her mother knows it. Detective Joe Fournier and her partner Arnett know that something is wrong and what they find proves to be very disturbing.

Jo found out about the missing woman by means of another pregnant woman. That woman is Chelsea, the pregnant ex-mistress of Jo’s brother-in-law David. Jo is torn by her now necessary contact with Chelsea, but her concern for what has happened to the missing woman who has now been found dead is something that she cannot ignore. The manner of death was brutal. And Jo soon learns that this is only the beginning.

Sadly, there is yet another pregnant woman murdered, part of that original group of four. Jo and Arnett soon find that they have different avenues to explore as to the possible motive for the murders and really hope to prevent any more murders from taking place.

This captivating seventh book in the exciting Detective Jo Fournier series was full of drama and intrigue. This one-sitting read captured my attention from beginning to end. Despite this book having my rapt attention throughout, I could not guess the killer until the very end. Now, my ever-so-impatient wait for book eight begins.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Mags · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐

Detective Jo Fournier is back enjoying some well earned family time. With her boyfriend Matt, sister Sophie, two nieces and estranged brother-in-law David.

When she gets a phone call from David's pregnant mistress Chelsea. Who wants Jo's help in finding her friend Madison. Who failed to turn up to a shopping trip with Chelsea and two other friends.

Which immediately puts Jo in an awkward position and although angry at the situation Jo agrees to help look for Madison.

What she doesn't expect is what happens next.

As Madison is found murdered and when Jo starts to investigate Madison's life; a series of lies unravels.

And she's not the only one who has been lying. As Madison's friends soon become suspects and victims.

And with big twists, shocks and surprises. This was another fabulous addition to the series, and I've spent every spare minute I've had devouring this story. And desperately trying to work out who the killer was!

I would happily recommend Little Lost Dolls and the series as a whole to others.

My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read Little Lost Dolls

[Brenda Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow.
I loved the personal life intertwined with the case. I loved the family -both Jo's and Triple B. I loved thecm concept of Triple B - providing support and medical care for women in need.
The plot just took off - I stayed up late to finish. Grabbed my attention and held on.
I didn't guess the guilty person. Just so well done.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Someone is murdering pregnant women and leaving their bodies displayed on makeshift altars. Jo is brought in to the investigation through her brother-in-law's pregnant ex-mistress. (Follow that? This is why you need to read series in order.) Once again Jo is stuck balancing her relationship with her sister and her dedication to her job. I loved how this book not only solved a brutal series of murders but also gave us a way to learn more about Chelsea. The only thing that really confused me was the very first chapter. I did read an arc, so perhaps this was an error and it was found and fixed prior to publication, but it led nowhere and made very little sense once the whole mystery was revealed. Otherwise, this was a terrific addition to a must read series for me!

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fast paced mystery following detective Jo Fournier, who is trying to catch a serial killer who is brutally murdering pregnant women. Jo has to catch the killer before more innocent women are killed.

This was the first book that I’ve read in the Jo Fournier series and it definitely won’t be the last! I’m so excited to catch up on the other books in the series because I loved this one. The storyline was really intriguing, emotional, dark, and with so many twists and turns. The main twist was really shocking and it was incredibly executed. The characters were also really interesting to read about and I loved following the perspective of Jo and her team and also learning about her family. This can definitely be read as a standalone because that’s how I read it, but I think after reading this you’ll want to read the other books in the series for sure!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Bookouture for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Adeline Russ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Jo Fournier mysteries. They never disappoint. The story in Little Lost Dolls moves right along as Fournier and Arnett struggle to piece together clues to a baffling string of murders targeting pregnant women. There is some food for thought in this one too because each of the victims is in a different life situation with a first baby on the horizon. Multiple men orbit the circle of women as the husbands, lovers, bosses and pimps. So with clues suggesting a bizarre cult connection, financial dishonesty in one woman’s non-profit, a couple of contentious divorces and a strip club, Jo finds her suspicions being pulled in a number of seemingly unrelated directions. The suspect pool keeps changing and growing. Who dunnit? A super entertaining read!

Thank you MM Chouniard and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Nicky Mottram · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 7 in the Detective Jo Fournier series - An ok easy read, rather overly dramatic in places and unbelievable ending

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review

[KKEC Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Lost Dolls by M.M. Chouinard

Published: May 4, 2023
Bookouture
Genre: Serial Killer Thrillers
Pages: 328
KKECReads Rating: 5/5
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.

M.M. Chouinard is the author of the Detective Jo Fournier mystery thrillers, and the standalone mystery thriller The Vacation. Her first fiction story was published in her local paper when she was eight, and she fell in love with Agatha Christie novels not long after. While pursuing a Ph.D. in psychology and helping to found the first U.S. research university of the new millennium, the stories kept rattling around inside her skull, demanding to come out. For sanity's sake, she released them.

“Don’t worry, darling. I made sure they can’t prove anything.”

Jo is finding the balance between her work and home life, and she finally feels like she and Matt have things figured out. She is still concerned for her sister and brother-in-law and isn’t sure what is happening with their marriage. When a pregnant woman is found murdered in what seems to be a cult-like ritual, now Jo and team are in a race against the clock.

OH, MY STARS. The puzzle pieces in this book were insane. The way the story builds is so brilliant and so detailed. I loved having so many characters to follow!

We meet some new characters in this book right away, and we get to know a character a bit better. We also witness Jo and the team work their magic together to solve a mystery.

Something I love about M.M.’s writing is she does not stray away from social issues, like satanic panic, and proves that it is usually a false narrative. I found that element so interesting in this story. It added such a weird dynamic and how the pieces fall into place; you don’t know what is real.

I was again blown away by Chouinard’s ability to bring a monster to life while keeping the human element close. The narcissism and ego, and fragile masculinity were so well done. The way the negative aspects of the traits were all represented but also woven into the fabric, so they blended when necessary, was fantastic.

I loved the way this story unfolded and that we got to experience Jo’s thought process and how she sifted through the information to find the truth. There were a couple of callbacks to other books that I appreciated and one that made my heart clench.

The pacing of this book is so intense, and as the pressure builds, you don’t know who is doing what- until suddenly, the lights come on, and you find yourself utterly stupefied.

I did not see the twist coming, and when it played out, I could not read fast enough. The way this book ends will make you furious, but it will also make you love Jo and her team!

As always, this was well worth the wait. The time and attention to detail are spectacular. I truly dread the day this series comes to an end. I cannot imagine having to say goodbye to Jo and her team. I’m anxiously (and obnoxiously) waiting for the next one!

[Lori Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective jo Fournier gets a call about a missing pregnant woman from her brother in law's mistress. David had an affair while married to Jo's sister, Sophie. The result is that Chelsea, his mistress, is now pregnant. It's a messy situation as David broke it off with Chelsea and wants to reunite with Sophie. As Sophie and David are trying to work things out, Chelsea calls Jo because she knows she's a detective. Chelsea tells Jo that a friend of hers is missing and that the police won't do anything about it for 24 hours. Madison is the missing woman and she is a caregiver for her sick mother. She would never disappear and leave her mother without help. Madison is also pregnant and takes a prenatal class with Chelsea. That's how they became friends.

Jo listens to Chelsea and believes that Madison must be missing because of her mom being left alone. Madison left in the morning to walk her dog and never returned. It's more than 4 hours later and there's no sign of her and she hasn't called her mom. Madison's mom tells Jo where she normally walks the dog and Jo and Arnett, her partner, head that way. A call comes in that a couple of hikers found a dog tied to a tree in Crone Ridge Woods, a local hiking spot. When Jo and Arnett arrive they ask the couple to take them to the exact spot that they found the dog. Once they get to it, Jo asks for the search team with the dog. They have a piece of Madison's clothing for the dog to sniff. Jo is hoping Madison just slipped and twisted an ankle, but leaving the dog tied to a tree means it's probably not going to end well. Madison is found dead with a slashed throat, nude, laid out on her back with her hair above her head, her arms crossed over her chest, and there's a knife sticking into her pregnant belly. They find her clothes neatly stacked with her wallet and cellphone on a nearby boulder. They find something in Madison's hand, a tiny doll. It's the kind of doll used I cake decorations that is supposed to signify good luck. It didn't work out that way for Madison.

Why would someone kill Madison? She worked part time, went to the community college, and looked after her mom. As the team begins investigating the murder it's not long before another call comes in about a missing pregnant woman! The woman is also linked to the same prenatal class. This surely can't be a coincidence. Is someone targeting people in the class? Is this really a serial killer who targets pregnant women? Who could kill a woman and her unborn child and why? Is Chelsea in danger? Even though Jo is not fond of her, she knows the baby she's carrying is important to David.

Little Lost Dolls is a very good book with many potential suspects and motives. This is the first book I've read in the Jo Fournier series and I had no trouble having not read the first six. The book will keep you guessing as to who the killer is up until the very end. I rate Little Lost Dolls 4 stars and give it a high recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of Little Lost Dolls in exchange for a fair review. #LittleLostDolls

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who is preying on pregnant women in Oakhurst?
Are the murders linked to the local Lucifer’s?
Jo is determined to find out since the ex-mistress of her brother in law initially contacted her.
I loved Arnett calling her Wolverine Jo because she is feisty and tenacious.
I didn’t quite grasp the full picture until late in the book but that’s ok. I was caught up in the drama of Jo’s extended family and can’t wait to see what unfolds next.
Another culprit caught and Jo can rest for about a minute and a half!
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the early read.

[Paula Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m really enjoying #DetectiveJoFournier’s series. This is another #suspensefulthriller just as engaging as the rest, this time Jo’s trying to track down a serial killer of pregnant women. She races against time at a fast pace to solve her latest case. #MMChouinard does a wonderful job at making each book one you can read if you haven’t read the rest of the series.

Thank you, M M Chouinard, bookouture & netgalley for my copy! All opinions are my own.

[Renita D'Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wonderful. Really love this author. Each if her books is an absolutely enthralling page turner.loved this one so much. Just wow!

[ashley nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great! I love this author! Definite page turner and did not see that ending coming. Suspenseful til the end. Always great to follow a series and have the main characters return and be able to piece together all the things happening in their lives.

[Judy Odom · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 that I am rounding up to 5 for all the twists and turns that kept the pages turning.

Little Lost Dolls is Book 7 in the series and in my opinion it is the best one yet. /

Jo and her team are racing against the clock to solve who is depraved enough to be killing pregnant women and posing their bodies.

The details are graphic and cringe worthy.

The ladies all know each other but it has to be more than that.

I followed the clues, the secrets and thought I had all the answers.

M.M. Chouinard will keep you on your toes in Little Lost Dolls and I cant wait to see what adventure awaits Jo and the entire team next book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for another page turning read.

[Lauren Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This good and proper freaked me out. The idea of being watched and followed and feeling vulnerable just scares me.

This was a book that seriously kept me guessing right to the shocking reveal, I kept changing my mind about who the killer was and why! And the final reveal shocked me to my core! I love how Jo is so invested in her cases and puts her whole heart and soul into solving the crimes, even when it's slightly personal and close to home like in this book. And any protagonist with a cat is ramped up on my list of favourite characters.

While this is book 7 in the Jo Fournier series it could be read as a stand alone but it certainly adds to the story to have a bit of history. I really like Jo Fournier, Bob Arnett and Lopez- she is hilarious!

If you like strong female protagonists and mysteries that keep you guessing then you'll love this series! I cannot wait for the next in this series!

[Mex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pregnant ladies, please do not read this book.
If you happen to read, it's your responsibility. Don't say I didn't warn.

I need more of Detective Jo Fournier's series! It got me hooked from beginning to end. The series can be read as stand-alone, that's what I loved about it. There are 7 books with different cases. And this book is the 7th.

Read this if you love:
- Gripping crime thriller with a shocking twist
- Watching the CSI series.
- Fast-paced and unputdownable one-sitting read.
- Woman detective with a ballsy character ( I love her! )
- A dose of family drama.
- Unpredicted serial killer- more like a monster.
- You have no idea who is doing what.

Well, I’ll be darned I'm not ready to say goodbye to Jo and her team just yet. I'm gonna hunt another 6 of her books. Loved this author and her writings are so simple to comprehend.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book.

[Robin Gross · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the very first book I've read by this author, and it did not disappoint! I'll definitely be looking into this series to start from the beginning.
Jo and her team are fantastic! While they worked through the case, it was fun to follow. So many times I thought I knew who the mastermind behind the killings was, only to be proved wrong! This was a page turner for sure.
Thank you Net Galley for the chance to read this fantastic book early and giving my honest review

[Megan Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 7 in the Jo Frontier series and I found this one to be rather enjoyable. While I figured out who the killer was mid-way through the story it was still a read with enough depth that it was not boring. Plus, being part of a series and this particular book showcasing Jo's family I felt it was beneficial in order to continue the upcoming books in the series.

[Twobchelm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twisted murder story… the quiet ones are the quilts!

[Anna J · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! This was one fast paced, twisty thriller that had me captivated in the beginning. There were so many secrets revealed like bread combs leading you to who the killer was. Finding out who the killer is leaves you shocked and saddened at the same time. The lengths that someone would go to for the ones you love is mind boggling.

The vivid descriptions of the victims will stick with you long after you finish the book. I really enjoyed the witty banter between Jo and Arnet.

I have read this whole series and it just keeps getting better. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Thank you netgalley and Bookouture for the book.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Little Lost Dolls by M.M. Chouinard

Little Lost Dolls by M.M. Chouinard is a gripping and intense thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. With a combination of chilling murders, complex characters, and unexpected twists, this book is a must-read for fans of the genre.

The story revolves around Detective Jo Fournier, who finds herself investigating a series of brutal murders in Oakhurst. Set against the backdrop of autumn, the author sets the scene perfectly, creating a chilling atmosphere that adds to the suspense. When Jo discovers the lifeless body of pregnant Madison Coehlo in Crone Ridge Woods, she becomes determined to catch the killer before more innocent lives are taken.

One of the intriguing aspects of this book is the mysterious doll found with each victim. Supposed to bring luck to whoever finds it, Jo wonders if it is a coincidence or a warning from the killer. This element adds an extra layer of complexity to the story and keeps readers guessing throughout.

Chouinard’s writing style is engaging and captivating. The pacing is well-executed, with each chapter leaving readers wanting more. The plot is intricately woven, with plenty of unexpected twists and turns that will keep readers hooked until the very end. Although the subject matter is more brutal than what some readers may be accustomed to, it adds to the overall tension and suspense of the story.

The characters in Little Lost Dolls are well-developed and multi-dimensional. Jo Fournier, as the protagonist, is a flawed but determined detective who is relentless in her pursuit of justice. While not everyone may connect with her character on a personal level, her dedication and resilience make her a compelling lead.

Additionally, the supporting characters add depth to the story, with their own secrets and motivations. The drama surrounding cheating and mistresses adds an extra layer of complexity to the plot and keeps readers guessing about each character’s true intentions.

One aspect that stands out is that Little Lost Dolls can be enjoyed as a standalone novel. While it is part of a series, readers do not need to have read the previous books to appreciate this installment. The author provides enough background information to understand the context without overwhelming new readers.

In conclusion, Little Lost Dolls is a well-written and gripping thriller that will captivate fans of the genre. With its chilling murders, complex characters, and unexpected twists, this book is a page-turner from start to finish. Fans of M.M. Chouinard will undoubtedly be eagerly awaiting the next installment in this thrilling series.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

**ARC Via NetGalley**

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will be burning the midnight oil reading this one. Beware - the creep factor is high in this book just because of the crude and disturbing manner of death. There is a demented killer on the loose again in Oakhurst. Detective Jo Fournier and Detective Bob Arnett are looking for a missing pregnant woman. When her body is found, the ghoulish discovery will make your hair stand on end. The young woman's body has been found, and the manner of death is disturbing, as well as the fact that the body is laid out as if she has been posed to look like she is peacefully sleeping except for the blood.

You are introduced to four friends in the beginning pages (three of which are pregnant). When another one of the pregnant ladies turns up dead, the alert goes to code red as it appears someone is targeting pregnant women. The question is why?

There are plenty of secrets underneath the surface of this story, and as the story is laid out and told, the mystery builds and deepens. Secrets and lies can be deadly in this case.

I love this series for several reasons. I enjoy the characters. The camaraderie between Fournier and Arnett makes them relatable to me as the reader and enjoyable to get to know. With every book that I read, I feel like I am meeting up with a friend that I have not heard from in awhile to catch up on their life. The mystery in this one was tense and a little scary. Chouinard knows how to pull the reader into the story so much so that you feel like you are standing next to the characters and can feel their pain, frustration and other emotions. This particular mystery was a little chilling and creepy. Chouinard loves to provide plenty of suspects, and just when you think you have it figured out, you find out you had it all wrong. If you enjoy a good police procedural with a serial killer vibe, you will enjoy this book and this series. This is another winner in the Detective Jo Fournier series, now I anxiously await the next installment.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the reasons I like to read series is because of the glimpse we get into the personal lives of the main characters and see how they evolve. Slowly but surely those fictional people become someone you get to know better and better and you even start learning how they will react. Oh no, Jo will not like this or Christine will not let that go or Bob will have to hold Jo back a bit,... These are all thoughts that go through your mind whilst reading this story, because the main players are no strangers to you anymore.

I loved the way Jo talked down someone who clearly thought they had the upper hand and enjoyed how they fell from their high horse. :)

I also liked that other beliefs were put in a different light. Some symbols are immediately considered bad because they refer to Satan, but people should dig a bit deeper and try to understand that those are not all bad either. Some people worship nature. Does that mean they are bad? No not at all. Is there something more powerful than nature? I think people should learn more about something before they judge...

Some people find themselves in a situation they do not want to be in (anymore). That is understandable and there is nothing wrong with finding a solution to solve this situation. The only thing that is wrong about it, is the way they go about it. They see a sign and consider it the thing that justifies their actions. Add to that a bit of collateral damage to wrap it all up and you find yourself face to face with a cold blooded killer.

A very, very good story that kept me guessing and guessing and guessing some more.  5 stars 

Thank you

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Lost Dolls by MM Chouinard is on its face, a police procedural. Someone is killing pregnant women. They all attend classes at the same prenatal center. There doesn’t appear to be a reason for any of the deaths. They are happening very quickly, much closer together than serial killers normally operate. They don’t appear to have much in common except their pregnancies. It made no sense and had Detective Jo Fournier completely stumped. Worse, yet, the woman who had originally called Jo was the pregnant paramour of her brother-in-law, David, so Sophie was peripherally involved. It was a complete mess.

Jo is a good character. She is completely competent and well-written. Chouinard’s police procedurals are always complicated, as was this one. All the signs pointed to a completely different murderer than the one that was discovered. Each of the victims was found naked, with their clothes neatly folder nearby; each held in her had a plastic baby doll. For an amateur, the killer led them on a merry chase. These three innocent women, and their babies had to die and it made her, and pretty much everyone else, sick. It was a complex case, solved only by good luck, really, although the police had an inkling, but they were looking in all the wrong places and had the motive all wrong. It was a good book, decently written and plotted, with good pacing. I enjoyed it.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Little Lost Dolls by Bookoutre, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #MMChouinard #LittleLostDolls

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Lost Dolls by M.M. Chouinard is a very highly recommended procedural/crime fiction and number 7 in the Jo Fournier series

Detective Jo Fournier is called because Madison Coehlo, a young pregnant woman, is missing. She learns where the woman's dog was found, in Crone Ridge Woods, and the search there discloses the woman's body. In her hand is a tiny baby from a king cake, but how does this tie into the murder. It becomes obvious that it does when a second pregnant woman is found with the same plastic baby in her hand. Is a serial killer targeting pregnant women?

This is an excellent installment of the Jo Fournier series which can be read as a standalone novel. Every step of the investigation and the clues uncovered is disclose. Jo is a great detective, detail oriented and careful as she investigates her cases. Each complicated case is full of drama and complications, along with twists and surprises. There are plenty of suspects along the way and expect twists and surprises.

At this point Jo is a fully realized character, but new comers to the series can still follow along and appreciate her cases as enough background information is provided. The writing is excellent and the pacing is fast and furious as the pressure builds during the investigation.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Bookouture via NetGalley.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2023/0...

[loopyloulaura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pregnant woman goes missing but is soon found dead. Her body has injuries which suggest a Satanic cult could be involved but, as Jo Fournier investigates, she discovers the woman had secrets that could have led to her death...
Little Lost Dolls is the 7th police procedural and crime thriller book to feature detective Jo Fournier. There are no spoilers about previous cases although the personal and family plotlines have continued.
Jo's heart sinks when her brother in law's pregnant ex lover calls her asking for help locating her missing friend Madison. The personal dynamic to Jo's involvement creates a layer of tension as she struggles to maintain her professionalism. She has to put her distaste to one side as she begins to fear for Madison's safety and her fears are confirmed when a body is found in the woods.
The descriptions of the body are unpleasant especially as the death of an unborn child is completely abhorrent. Jo has a naturally emotional response to the discovery of the body even though she needs to try to remain objective and focussed.
The posing of the body and a symbol left at the scene suggest a Satanic cult could be behind the death but Jo also finds that Madison has been keeping secrets from her friends and family. There are mutiple avenues of investigation for Jo and her partner Arnett and I was kept guessing until the end.
Little Lost Dolls is an emotionally engaging detective thriller.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Lost Dolls (Detective Jo Fournier Book 7) is a gripping crime thriller with a shocking twist by M.M. Chouinard. The story's premise is the lines people draw with respect to money and relationships and the consequences of those lines.

Little Lost Dolls is another great book and story by M.M. Chouinard. There were some sad moments, and the book had good character rapport, which is nice to read.

Jo is at the pumpkin patch with her nieces and family when she gets a call from her brother-in-law's ex-mistress. Chelsea's pregnant friend is missing, and Jo is on the hunt to find out what happened.

I really love Jo and Bob Arnett. Such great storytelling and good red herrings kept me on my toes about what was happening and who could be involved.

I don't want to give too much away, but so glad the dog was found alive, but still sad about what transpired.

I love the cover, as it really sets the stage for the story. A good quote about money and the inequities of those who have and have not: "I could go work for another company or with wealthy clients, but I don't want to do that and I shouldn't have to"—I feel this same way.

A great addition to the series. A 5 out of 5 stars. I would highly recommend this author, this book, and this series. Can't wait for more!

#LittleLostDolls #NetGalley @bookouture @m_m_chouinard

[aishareadsnrambles · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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M.M Chouinard has done it again! I've been following Jo Fournier's Series since the first book, I loved it. I was so excited to get a copy of this book and I was not disappointed! It just cemented the fact that M.M Chouinard is an amazing author.
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This book started off where the previous book ended in respect to Jo's personal life and Sophie's issue. Although I wish Sophie should just end it. However, you can still read this as a stand-alone, you won't get confused because the author always explains previous occurrences in the current book.
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The crimes in this book really made me sad, murdering women, pregnant women at that! I was so heartbroken. But, I found myself detecting and solving the crime along with Jo and Arnett.
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The ending was so unexpected and it was really sad, I would have wanted someone else to be the murderer. But it was still worth it!
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I'll definitely be reading the next Detective Jo Fournier's series, the author has proven herself to be tested and trusted. I'm also looking forward to closure on Sophie's issue.
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Dear Thriller lovers, why have you not checked this series out? I promise you'll be getting your money's worth.