What do you think?
Rate this book
Trio
Follows the lives of three young English girls, Megan, Caroline, and Joan, who find themselves pregnant, and must give their children up for adoption.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2002
945 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
About the author
Cath Staincliffe
59 books321 followersCath Staincliffe is a best-selling, award-winning novelist, radio playwright and the creator of ITV's hit series, Blue Murder, starring Caroline Quentin as DCI Janine Lewis. Cath's books have been short-listed for the British Crime Writers Association best first novel award, for the Dagger in the Library and selected as Le Masque de l'Année. In 2012 Cath won the CWA Short Story Dagger for Laptop, sharing the prize with Margaret Murphy with her story The Message. Cath was shortlisted again with Night Nurse in 2014. Cath's Sal Kilkenny private eye series features a single-parent sleuth working the mean streets of Manchester. Trio, a stand-alone novel moved away from crime to explore adoption and growing up in the 1960s, inspired by Cath's own experience. Letters To My Daughter's Killer was selected for Specsavers Crime Thriller Book Club in 2014 and featured on ITV3s Crime Thriller Club. Cath also writes the Scott & Bailey novels based on the popular UK TV series. Cath's latest stand alone book, The Girl in the Green Dress, was inspired by her experience as the parent of a transgender child. It tells the story of a transphobic hate crime and asks the question: how far would you go to protect your child? Cath is one of the founding members of Murder Squad - a group of Northern crime writers who give readings, talks and signings around the country. Cath was born in Bradford, Yorkshire, UK and now lives in Manchester, Lancashire with her family. You can follow her on Twitter, @CathStaincliffe, which she does when she should be busy writing!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
January 20, 2025
Excellent read.
I loved this book, although it was hard to read at times. It was a sad but also beautiful story with amazing characters that were so realistic and believable.
I loved this book, although it was hard to read at times. It was a sad but also beautiful story with amazing characters that were so realistic and believable.
April 4, 2024
This book was previously published as Trio. First Published July 2002.
Manchester, 1960: when you're young, unmarried and pregnant, in a shaming society that will never understand, there's only one place left to go. St. Ann's mother and baby home. That's how restless Joan, who dreams of a glamorous new life in the Big Smoke, finds herself shut away with two unlikely new roommates. Spirited Megan and timid country-girl Caroline, who fell pregnant on her first time. Abandoned by their families, they have no one to rely on except each other, as they wait out the days before they birth their babies - only to be parted with them forever. On a sultry May night, before the stroke of midnight, three baby girls are born - and given away to three eagerly waiting families. But for Joan, Megan and Caroline, the birth is just the beginning. Try as they might to move on with life beyond the convent walls, their mistakes have a way of catching up with them.
After giving birth, Joan, Megan and Caroline had to leave the mother and baby home. Although the three women has all become close friends whilst staying at the home, they all went their separate ways the day they were released. We learned how the parents of the adopted babies coped bringing up their new babies, and how Joan, Megan and Caroline lives turned out after they left the home. It tells us how shameful it was to be an unmarried mother in the sixties, thank goodness we no longer shame these women. It can be quite sad to read, but we forget now how dreadful these homes were. They were mostly run by nuns.
#kindlepurchase
Manchester, 1960: when you're young, unmarried and pregnant, in a shaming society that will never understand, there's only one place left to go. St. Ann's mother and baby home. That's how restless Joan, who dreams of a glamorous new life in the Big Smoke, finds herself shut away with two unlikely new roommates. Spirited Megan and timid country-girl Caroline, who fell pregnant on her first time. Abandoned by their families, they have no one to rely on except each other, as they wait out the days before they birth their babies - only to be parted with them forever. On a sultry May night, before the stroke of midnight, three baby girls are born - and given away to three eagerly waiting families. But for Joan, Megan and Caroline, the birth is just the beginning. Try as they might to move on with life beyond the convent walls, their mistakes have a way of catching up with them.
After giving birth, Joan, Megan and Caroline had to leave the mother and baby home. Although the three women has all become close friends whilst staying at the home, they all went their separate ways the day they were released. We learned how the parents of the adopted babies coped bringing up their new babies, and how Joan, Megan and Caroline lives turned out after they left the home. It tells us how shameful it was to be an unmarried mother in the sixties, thank goodness we no longer shame these women. It can be quite sad to read, but we forget now how dreadful these homes were. They were mostly run by nuns.
#kindlepurchase
March 3, 2019
I think recent books by Cath Staincliffe are good but I’m not quite so struck with her earlier work. I think this one was written a few years ago.
Megan, Joan and Caroline were unmarried mothers in the early 1960’s and of course, that was seen as scandalous and shaming for the families involved at that time. The three women met in a convent for unmarried mothers where they were expected to work for their keep. This is a well trodden path as evidence has emerged of the treatment of girls in places like the Magdalen Laundries. Whilst their convent was not as harsh as that, it wasn’t exactly a place where there was warmth and understanding and the girls were certainly expected to be sorry for their predicament. The babies were adopted whether that was what the girls wanted or not. This section of the book whilst not unique in its subject matter was at least easy to follow. However, after the babies are born and adopted that was when the book became a world of confusion. The story was told from multiple perspectives - the girls to women as you followed their life after the convent and from the adopted families then the adopted girls. The story jumped from character to character and from time frame to time frame. I was in a whirl!! There were so many characters I found it hard to remember who was who and there was no flow or cohesion. I didn’t like the style of the writing either as there was very little description and very short reporting style sentences which I didn’t enjoy. I liked the ending as although a tad unlikely it was at least optimistic. I also liked the trip down memory lane with the music and the events from the 60’s onwards.
Megan, Joan and Caroline were unmarried mothers in the early 1960’s and of course, that was seen as scandalous and shaming for the families involved at that time. The three women met in a convent for unmarried mothers where they were expected to work for their keep. This is a well trodden path as evidence has emerged of the treatment of girls in places like the Magdalen Laundries. Whilst their convent was not as harsh as that, it wasn’t exactly a place where there was warmth and understanding and the girls were certainly expected to be sorry for their predicament. The babies were adopted whether that was what the girls wanted or not. This section of the book whilst not unique in its subject matter was at least easy to follow. However, after the babies are born and adopted that was when the book became a world of confusion. The story was told from multiple perspectives - the girls to women as you followed their life after the convent and from the adopted families then the adopted girls. The story jumped from character to character and from time frame to time frame. I was in a whirl!! There were so many characters I found it hard to remember who was who and there was no flow or cohesion. I didn’t like the style of the writing either as there was very little description and very short reporting style sentences which I didn’t enjoy. I liked the ending as although a tad unlikely it was at least optimistic. I also liked the trip down memory lane with the music and the events from the 60’s onwards.
January 19, 2024
A very moving and gripping story
March 1, 2024
what a read
Ive read this book at a very poignant time. My aunt was given up for adoption in 1963 in manchester. She found our family around 8 years ago. Unfortunately my grandmother had been dead some 15 by the time she found us. Not much is known about her adoption. We’ve recently been researching and I came across this book and it just flooded me with emotions. The trauma my grandmother must of gone through like these women. The joy my aunts adoptive parents must of felt. It’s been a lovely read and I will pass this on to my aunt as I think she will really enjoy it. Especially her being adopted around the same time and the same area.
Ive read this book at a very poignant time. My aunt was given up for adoption in 1963 in manchester. She found our family around 8 years ago. Unfortunately my grandmother had been dead some 15 by the time she found us. Not much is known about her adoption. We’ve recently been researching and I came across this book and it just flooded me with emotions. The trauma my grandmother must of gone through like these women. The joy my aunts adoptive parents must of felt. It’s been a lovely read and I will pass this on to my aunt as I think she will really enjoy it. Especially her being adopted around the same time and the same area.
March 8, 2024
Heartbreaking
I can't remeber reading a more heartbreaking book I absolutely loved the stories of the three girls who meet in a unwed mother home ran by nuns and there babies lives with there adopted parents I could not put this book down every page was consuming and can imagine that the girls stories ture to life happening don't think this book will ever leave my mind it's engrossing heartbreaking and emotional but so glad I had the privilege to read it I rarely write reveiws but had to write this for those brave girls who in a era had very little choices
I can't remeber reading a more heartbreaking book I absolutely loved the stories of the three girls who meet in a unwed mother home ran by nuns and there babies lives with there adopted parents I could not put this book down every page was consuming and can imagine that the girls stories ture to life happening don't think this book will ever leave my mind it's engrossing heartbreaking and emotional but so glad I had the privilege to read it I rarely write reveiws but had to write this for those brave girls who in a era had very little choices
August 3, 2013
If I could give half stars, I would give it 3 1/2. While I loved the story, the premise of it, I found it confusing to follow. The way the stories were all intertwined with each other, and going back and forth, just made it hard for me to keep straight who was whom.
That being said, again, I enjoyed the book. :)
That being said, again, I enjoyed the book. :)
March 9, 2024
Great book
I really enjoyed the book I was a young Mum they tried but I didn't give him up 1961 that was Very sad can,relate to them all
I really enjoyed the book I was a young Mum they tried but I didn't give him up 1961 that was Very sad can,relate to them all
January 21, 2025
Three girls, three babies, three different stories. Emotional, moving and touching.
The Lost Girls of St Ann's is a historical fiction novel by Cath Staincliffe, previously published as Trio.
The Lost Girls of St Ann's is set in 1960s Manchester and follows three young girls who are forced to confront their controversial choices. Joan, Megan and Caroline were all abandoned by their families due to their shocking pregnancies. The three girls have nobody but each other at St Ann's home. Once the babies are born, we follow their individual stories of being adopted and growing up with their new families. This book explores the shame surrounding pre-marital relations and the emotions felt by women who are forced to give up their babies due to societal standards.
I don't usually pick up historical fiction, and I'm trying to delve deeper into the genre this year, but this book was a pleasant surprise based on how much I enjoyed it! I loved how the author's own experiences were reflected in the book, which made the plot even more moving. The readers got to love each girl; Joan, Megan and Caroline brought something different to the plot — they all found themselves in the same situation but they were so unique and lovely that you had no choice but to root for them.
I couldn't relate personally to the themes of the novel, but I could definitely tap into feeling sympathetic for the girls, and not only the girls but the children who have been brought up by their non-biological families. The author did a brilliant job of conveying how the adoption process affects all who are involved — what everyone assumes is the 'best case scenario' is actually very damaging.
The writing was very emotional and the characters were presented well, like I mentioned earlier, you wanted the best for them. The daughters, as they grew up, portrayed different upbringings which could evoke a variety of emotions. I appreciated how each section of the book focused on an individual family, therefore it was easy to follow despite the chapters dragging on a bit. A brilliant, fulfilling ending.
Definitely recommend.
The Lost Girls of St Ann's is a historical fiction novel by Cath Staincliffe, previously published as Trio.
The Lost Girls of St Ann's is set in 1960s Manchester and follows three young girls who are forced to confront their controversial choices. Joan, Megan and Caroline were all abandoned by their families due to their shocking pregnancies. The three girls have nobody but each other at St Ann's home. Once the babies are born, we follow their individual stories of being adopted and growing up with their new families. This book explores the shame surrounding pre-marital relations and the emotions felt by women who are forced to give up their babies due to societal standards.
I don't usually pick up historical fiction, and I'm trying to delve deeper into the genre this year, but this book was a pleasant surprise based on how much I enjoyed it! I loved how the author's own experiences were reflected in the book, which made the plot even more moving. The readers got to love each girl; Joan, Megan and Caroline brought something different to the plot — they all found themselves in the same situation but they were so unique and lovely that you had no choice but to root for them.
I couldn't relate personally to the themes of the novel, but I could definitely tap into feeling sympathetic for the girls, and not only the girls but the children who have been brought up by their non-biological families. The author did a brilliant job of conveying how the adoption process affects all who are involved — what everyone assumes is the 'best case scenario' is actually very damaging.
The writing was very emotional and the characters were presented well, like I mentioned earlier, you wanted the best for them. The daughters, as they grew up, portrayed different upbringings which could evoke a variety of emotions. I appreciated how each section of the book focused on an individual family, therefore it was easy to follow despite the chapters dragging on a bit. A brilliant, fulfilling ending.
Definitely recommend.
August 8, 2025
Oh wow, what a wonderful story. And a true reflection of what many young girls went through back in the early 60's and before when to fall pregnant and become an unmarried mother brought shame to the family. They would send their poor daughters packing to the nearest mother and baby home to give birth and have their precious new born babies taken away and put up for adoption.
As the reader, we follow the lives of these three young girls, from their time spent under the care of nuns whilst they see out their pregnancy and give up their babies, right through to adulthood and beyond. I enjoyed the way the plot develops and the way the chapters and different parts of the story are set out. In quite long chapters we follow Joan, Megan and Caroline to see what becomes of them when they leave the baby unit, the adoptive parents of the babies and follow their lives, and also the baby girls as they grow into young adults and where their lives lead them. Your heart goes out to every single character in the book, a very emotive and touching story which had me completely absorbed in their lives.
Parts of the book are set in Manchester, and being a Mancunian and originally living close to the East side of Manchester, I knew all the places mentioned in the book. The three babies were born in 1960, just a year before I was born, so it was quite a nostalgic read too.
Whilst this is a fictional story, it is reflective of the many women still today who have been through the heart wrenching stories in this book, some who have been reunited as well as those who have never managed to find their lost family. A very insightful book which I enjoyed very much.
As the reader, we follow the lives of these three young girls, from their time spent under the care of nuns whilst they see out their pregnancy and give up their babies, right through to adulthood and beyond. I enjoyed the way the plot develops and the way the chapters and different parts of the story are set out. In quite long chapters we follow Joan, Megan and Caroline to see what becomes of them when they leave the baby unit, the adoptive parents of the babies and follow their lives, and also the baby girls as they grow into young adults and where their lives lead them. Your heart goes out to every single character in the book, a very emotive and touching story which had me completely absorbed in their lives.
Parts of the book are set in Manchester, and being a Mancunian and originally living close to the East side of Manchester, I knew all the places mentioned in the book. The three babies were born in 1960, just a year before I was born, so it was quite a nostalgic read too.
Whilst this is a fictional story, it is reflective of the many women still today who have been through the heart wrenching stories in this book, some who have been reunited as well as those who have never managed to find their lost family. A very insightful book which I enjoyed very much.
March 23, 2025
The story starts with 3 girls who found themselves shuttled off to a home for unwed mothers. All 3 gave birth to daughters on the same day. From then it it branches off to include the mothers, the daughters, and the families that the babies went to.
The author did a good job with the characters. I felt I could relate to most of them and their actions,or reactions, given their situation.
Marjorie and Robert had a strange household. Their adopted boy was too good to be true, and then Nina was picked on and a terrorist. But so was her brother Aidan who was raised by the biological parents. That made me wonder.
But it was also confusing and I had to go back to the chart at the beginning of the book to keep them straight,at first. It might have been helpful to have a year at the beginning of a chapter or maybe the city, to help keep them straight and a reference for the growing girls' age.
I liked the book and the writing, so going to check out one of the authors series.
The author did a good job with the characters. I felt I could relate to most of them and their actions,or reactions, given their situation.
Marjorie and Robert had a strange household. Their adopted boy was too good to be true, and then Nina was picked on and a terrorist. But so was her brother Aidan who was raised by the biological parents. That made me wonder.
But it was also confusing and I had to go back to the chart at the beginning of the book to keep them straight,at first. It might have been helpful to have a year at the beginning of a chapter or maybe the city, to help keep them straight and a reference for the growing girls' age.
I liked the book and the writing, so going to check out one of the authors series.
October 14, 2017
Wonderfully sublime
I knew I would love this book after reading the synopsis. I wasn't wrong. I love books about women's strength, society and human emotion. Trio had it all, spanning the decades and chronicalling the lives of 3 women, the babies they gave up and their new families. I loved reading about the aftermath of such a traumatic experience and how the different women and families coped in different ways. I will definitely look up Staincliffe other work. Would recommend wholeheartedly.
I knew I would love this book after reading the synopsis. I wasn't wrong. I love books about women's strength, society and human emotion. Trio had it all, spanning the decades and chronicalling the lives of 3 women, the babies they gave up and their new families. I loved reading about the aftermath of such a traumatic experience and how the different women and families coped in different ways. I will definitely look up Staincliffe other work. Would recommend wholeheartedly.
March 11, 2024
This was a fascinating read and very absorbing. I’ve recently seen the play Be My Baby which is also about three mothers who had to give up their babies.
It was a little difficult at times remembering who was who though this was helpfully sing-posted by sub-headings and dates.
I was little disappointed that one of the daughter’s stories didn’t seem to resolve. Did finding her mother help Nina to understand herself?
Nevertheless, a really good read and I will happily read more by this author.
It was a little difficult at times remembering who was who though this was helpfully sing-posted by sub-headings and dates.
I was little disappointed that one of the daughter’s stories didn’t seem to resolve. Did finding her mother help Nina to understand herself?
Nevertheless, a really good read and I will happily read more by this author.
January 24, 2025
Compelling
Three young girls meet at St Ann’s, all pregnant and about to give up their children - hidden away to not bring shame on their families. The book follows the mothers, their adoptive parents and the three babies. There is heartbreak, sadness and hope.
I found the summary of the relationships essential as the story hopped between families and there were a lot of characters involved. It was also complicated by hopping back in time and trying to pick up at what point we were up to in each families story. Compelling though. I had to find out what happened.
Three young girls meet at St Ann’s, all pregnant and about to give up their children - hidden away to not bring shame on their families. The book follows the mothers, their adoptive parents and the three babies. There is heartbreak, sadness and hope.
I found the summary of the relationships essential as the story hopped between families and there were a lot of characters involved. It was also complicated by hopping back in time and trying to pick up at what point we were up to in each families story. Compelling though. I had to find out what happened.
May 24, 2024
Three young girls meet at a Catholic home for unwed mothers in 1960 England. Their babies are born and adopted; they grow up and ultimately reunite. To tell the stories, Author Cath Staincliffe goes back and forth from adoptee, birth mother (and father), and adoptive parents. This makes for nine different stories. So, each becomes a snippet of life rather than an in-depth reflection. And to make the story enjoyable, there is much drama, especially in the form of premature deaths.
January 11, 2025
Enthralling family stories
Three pregnant young women sent to an unmarried mothers home, where their babies would be adopted, forcibly if necessary. Three baby girls, born to them on the same day, and adopted. I liked how the stories of those three women, and their babies were interwoven throughout this book. It was very sad, and yet inspiring in some ways. I liked the characters who were well crafted and their interactions were believable.
Three pregnant young women sent to an unmarried mothers home, where their babies would be adopted, forcibly if necessary. Three baby girls, born to them on the same day, and adopted. I liked how the stories of those three women, and their babies were interwoven throughout this book. It was very sad, and yet inspiring in some ways. I liked the characters who were well crafted and their interactions were believable.
March 5, 2025
Powerful
What an absolutely amazing read right from the beginning to the end. It was gripping as well as thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable to discover what happened to the babies. Born to unwed girls. Saying that, the pages that were turned over quickly to see what would happen next. It did not disappoint. The sad thing about this marvellous recreation was the trickle of swearing throughout which in my opinion was totally unnecessary therefore one star removed. 😊
What an absolutely amazing read right from the beginning to the end. It was gripping as well as thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable to discover what happened to the babies. Born to unwed girls. Saying that, the pages that were turned over quickly to see what would happen next. It did not disappoint. The sad thing about this marvellous recreation was the trickle of swearing throughout which in my opinion was totally unnecessary therefore one star removed. 😊
October 8, 2022
Really enjoyed this book that followed the lives of three young unmarried mothers who gave birth in a Catholic mother and baby home in 1960. The three baby girls are all adopted. The story then follows through the three birth mothers, the three adoptive mothers and the three girls until they are in their 40s. Very engaging read. Sad in places.
February 28, 2024
Pure excellence.
I have read many books, in particular those stories set around 1900.
However, this book was a perfectly absorbing story set around the mid 1940’s.
Truly a book I couldn’t put down.
Many thanks to Cath Staincliffe for a most true & familiar (to many women)
Storyline.
I have read many books, in particular those stories set around 1900.
However, this book was a perfectly absorbing story set around the mid 1940’s.
Truly a book I couldn’t put down.
Many thanks to Cath Staincliffe for a most true & familiar (to many women)
Storyline.
May 30, 2024
Great but sad look back to the days when young women had no choices after childbirth. It was disreputable to have a child out of wedlock and/or a teen pregnancy. Felt like real stories from different perspectives. This book made the tragedy very real and gave a picture of how women's rights have evolved.
June 2, 2024
Story of 3 young women who go to a home for unwed mothers and give their babies up for adoption. Ensuing story follows all of their lives. Too many story lines. Followed the in depth trajectory of their lives - 9 different women with 9 different lives. Way too complicated. Skipped to the end eventually bc it was just all too much.
July 9, 2024
It was interesting to read about the effects giving up a child and adoption has on all those involved. I found the chapters too long though. By the time the story changed to another family, I had to really think about their circumstances to pick up their story again. This made for difficult reading.
February 15, 2025
I DON'T GIVE OUT MANY FIVE STARS
The book was amazing. It did dart around a lot between characters sometimes making my old brain spin. On occasion I had to go back and refresh my memory.
It follows nine women from before contraception all the way through to death making stops along the way for birth, adoption, divorce and health issues.
The book was amazing. It did dart around a lot between characters sometimes making my old brain spin. On occasion I had to go back and refresh my memory.
It follows nine women from before contraception all the way through to death making stops along the way for birth, adoption, divorce and health issues.
November 1, 2025
Really hard to keep track of who was who and how their histories led them to where they were. The story is one of 6 female characters and their lives over several decades. So much to include in one book that it meant things were rushed, not given nearly enough detail. Someone dies? Never mind, next chapter please!
February 16, 2024
When 3 girls ended up lost and pregnant there lives changes forever
When 3 girls give birth on the same day all there babies get adopted but each baby has a different life one didn't know she was adopted till yrs after while the other 2 did but both had different lifes
When 3 girls give birth on the same day all there babies get adopted but each baby has a different life one didn't know she was adopted till yrs after while the other 2 did but both had different lifes
March 1, 2024
moving
I got quite emotional reading this book ,my husband was adopted at 6 weeks old.we knew he was born in Guildford and a little of his birth mother but not father, unfortunately like the book we knew nothing about his medical history, he passed away very young
I got quite emotional reading this book ,my husband was adopted at 6 weeks old.we knew he was born in Guildford and a little of his birth mother but not father, unfortunately like the book we knew nothing about his medical history, he passed away very young
March 27, 2024
It took me a while to read this one. Although adoption is a close topic to my family, this book didn’t grip me like I hoped it would. It’s not a cohesive story, just short spurts and glimpses into everyone’s lives over the years.
April 7, 2024
Had a few tears with this one.. Very heartwarming tale of three brave young ladies and the three they had to give up.. I wasn't sure about this book when I started it but I am so glad that I picked it back up and gave it a chance.. I really enjoyed it!
April 13, 2024
The lost girls of St Ann,s
This was an excellent book. Not my usual read. Really gripping story, funny in places and sad in others . Very different for this author. What a difference the years have made to public opinions on unmarried mothers .
This was an excellent book. Not my usual read. Really gripping story, funny in places and sad in others . Very different for this author. What a difference the years have made to public opinions on unmarried mothers .
May 1, 2024
Sad but great storyline, it brings back memories of the time when family values and reputation was a big issue especially if the family were religious. My opinion then is the same now these girls should not have to have gone through the pain and heartache. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews