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Your Child Next
THEY'VE FAKED YOUR CHILD'S DEATH. AND IF YOU DON'T GIVE THEM WHAT THEY WANT, THEY'LL MAKE IT A REALITY.
Things have been difficult for Annie since her husband left; her teenage daughter, Isla, has become a ghost of her former self. Annie's terrified that Isla might do something desperate, and she'll lose her, too. So when Annie receives a video of herself crying at Isla's funeral, her blood runs cold.
Confused and horrified, Annie races upstairs to check on Isla, who is alive and well. The video has been faked. But who sent it and what do they want?
One dark truth soon becomes clear: Annie is the latest in a string of parents being blackmailed, and Isla will be killed if Annie goes to the police or if she fails to give the sender what they want. Annie has a deadly choice: comply with the demands, or try to unmask the dangerous criminal.
Your Child Next is a thrilling and unputdownable novel that asks you how far you'd go to protect the ones you love. Perfect for fans of Harlan Coben and Steve Cavanagh.
Things have been difficult for Annie since her husband left; her teenage daughter, Isla, has become a ghost of her former self. Annie's terrified that Isla might do something desperate, and she'll lose her, too. So when Annie receives a video of herself crying at Isla's funeral, her blood runs cold.
Confused and horrified, Annie races upstairs to check on Isla, who is alive and well. The video has been faked. But who sent it and what do they want?
One dark truth soon becomes clear: Annie is the latest in a string of parents being blackmailed, and Isla will be killed if Annie goes to the police or if she fails to give the sender what they want. Annie has a deadly choice: comply with the demands, or try to unmask the dangerous criminal.
Your Child Next is a thrilling and unputdownable novel that asks you how far you'd go to protect the ones you love. Perfect for fans of Harlan Coben and Steve Cavanagh.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2024
322 people are currently reading
1303 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Arlidge
37 books4,238 followersM.J. Arlidge has worked in television for the last 15 years, specialising in high end drama production. Arlidge has produced a number of prime-time crime serials for ITV In the last five years, and is currently working on a major adaptation of The Last of the Mohicans for the BBC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
March 18, 2025
M.J. Arlidge and Andy Maslen collaborate on this gripping thriller that pulls on the heartstrings of parents and those who have children in their lives. The story clips along and keeps the reader wondering what awaits them, as the story progresses. Arlidge’s flavouring is keenly present, as the thriller gains momentum and leaves the reader needing more to settle their nerves. A great collaboration and one I hope to see again soon, as the authors appear able to play off one another with ease.
Annie has had a difficult time since she and her husband separated. This extends to her daughter, Isla, who is no longer the exciting girl she once was. Left bruised by the separation, Isla is a shell of her former self and pushes away from Annie, choosing secretive meetings with friends and being highly suspect. All this worries Annie, whose concerns are heightened when she receives a video of herself crying at Isla’s funeral. What is going on and who is playing mind games with her?
While the video appears to have been faked, this does not change Annie’s worry. Isla is being even more cagey and pushing away from her mother. Isla explains that the new-found oddities are anything but troubling,as she inches closer to her father at a time when Annie is anything but calm. After reaching out online, Annie learns that she is not the only one who has gone through something like this, but the foundations are more confusing than she could have imagined.
Annie receives a message, demanding that she begin regular payments to an offshore account, or risk Isla’s safety. Annie doesn’t have the money to do this, but is worried what will happen if she ignores the demand. She soon learns that others have had their children threatened and demands for a significant payment to the same offshore account has other parents worried. Working to untangle the web of lies and trying to make sense of this game may be all that Annie can do, but she must be careful as Isla’s life hangs in the balance, as do those of other children. A ruthless criminal is out there and one wrong move could ensure everything comes crashing down. A stunning thriller by Arlidge and Maslen, which keeps the reader hooked until the final page turn.
While I have long enjoyed the work of M.J. Arlidge, I am new to reading his collaborative work. I have yet to be disappointed with the storytelling Arlidge takes in a shared effort, able to tap into his dark ideas and hash them out well. A strong narrative works well and keeps the reader tied to the ever-evolving story, leading them through many of the issues that emerge. As the story gains in speed, it introduces new and trying mysteries, while fueling the greatness of the piece. Characters are well developed, though nothing stunning, proving that they play a secondary role in the story. Plot points do work well and keep the reader wondering what awaits them, as there is little time to catch one’s breath. Arlidge and Maslen know what they are doing, exemplifying a strong collaborative effort and keeping the reader hooked. I can only hope they will come together again soon, which can only serve to impress readers once again.
Kudos, Messrs. Arlidge and Maslen, for a gripping thriller!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Annie has had a difficult time since she and her husband separated. This extends to her daughter, Isla, who is no longer the exciting girl she once was. Left bruised by the separation, Isla is a shell of her former self and pushes away from Annie, choosing secretive meetings with friends and being highly suspect. All this worries Annie, whose concerns are heightened when she receives a video of herself crying at Isla’s funeral. What is going on and who is playing mind games with her?
While the video appears to have been faked, this does not change Annie’s worry. Isla is being even more cagey and pushing away from her mother. Isla explains that the new-found oddities are anything but troubling,as she inches closer to her father at a time when Annie is anything but calm. After reaching out online, Annie learns that she is not the only one who has gone through something like this, but the foundations are more confusing than she could have imagined.
Annie receives a message, demanding that she begin regular payments to an offshore account, or risk Isla’s safety. Annie doesn’t have the money to do this, but is worried what will happen if she ignores the demand. She soon learns that others have had their children threatened and demands for a significant payment to the same offshore account has other parents worried. Working to untangle the web of lies and trying to make sense of this game may be all that Annie can do, but she must be careful as Isla’s life hangs in the balance, as do those of other children. A ruthless criminal is out there and one wrong move could ensure everything comes crashing down. A stunning thriller by Arlidge and Maslen, which keeps the reader hooked until the final page turn.
While I have long enjoyed the work of M.J. Arlidge, I am new to reading his collaborative work. I have yet to be disappointed with the storytelling Arlidge takes in a shared effort, able to tap into his dark ideas and hash them out well. A strong narrative works well and keeps the reader tied to the ever-evolving story, leading them through many of the issues that emerge. As the story gains in speed, it introduces new and trying mysteries, while fueling the greatness of the piece. Characters are well developed, though nothing stunning, proving that they play a secondary role in the story. Plot points do work well and keep the reader wondering what awaits them, as there is little time to catch one’s breath. Arlidge and Maslen know what they are doing, exemplifying a strong collaborative effort and keeping the reader hooked. I can only hope they will come together again soon, which can only serve to impress readers once again.
Kudos, Messrs. Arlidge and Maslen, for a gripping thriller!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
November 17, 2025
Annie heeft het zwaar nu haar man is vertrokken en haar tienerdochter Isla een schim van zichzelf is geworden. Ze is doodsbang dat Isla zichzelf iets aandoet en dat ze haar óók zal verliezen. Dus wanneer Annie een video ontvangt waarop te zien is dat ze huilt op de begrafenis van haar dochter, is ze doodsbang.
Verward en geschokt rent Annie naar boven om te kijken hoe het met Isla gaat, met wie niks aan de hand is. De video is vervalst. Maar wie heeft hem gestuurd en wat wil diegene van haar?
Al snel blijkt Annie niet de enige ouder te zijn die wordt gechanteerd met de dood van een kind. Als ze niet exact doet wat er wordt geëist of als ze naar de politie gaat, zal Isla sterven. Annie moet kiezen: toegeven aan de eisen óf het criminele meesterbrein achter deze chantage ontmaskeren.
Dit verhaal begint meteen met het moment dat Annie, de moeder van Isla, het schokkende filmpje over haar dochter ziet. Ze trekt meteen haar conclusies en denkt te weten wie de dader is, maar dit blijkt toch allemaal ingewikkelder in elkaar te zitten.
Vervolgens lees je vanuit nog meer verschillende personages en hierdoor kom je erachter dat er meer levens in gevaar zijn. Ook lees je vanuit het criminele meesterbrein. Het is dan alleen nog onduidelijk waarom ze precies Isla en het andere doelwit hebben uitgekozen.
De spanning is vrijwel meteen voelbaar en ik was heel benieuwd welke kant dit verhaal op zou gaan. Ik vond de personages interessant en het las zeker heel vlot. Sowieso vond ik de onmacht en paniek van Annie goed op papier gezet.
M.J. Arlidge vind ik sowieso een hele fijne auteur. Dit boek krijgt een heleboel positieve beoordelingen. Ikzelf vond het ook een prettig verhaal, maar misschien dat ik ietsje minder enthousiast ben dan de rest.
Ik weet niet precies waar het aan lag, maar ik denk dat het een combinatie is van: het onderwerp zelf, de soms ietwat tragere stukken en het voelde soms een beetje onrealistisch aan.
Hoe dan ook, ik heb zeker genoten van dit verhaal en wil @boekerij dan ook enorm bedanken voor het recensie-exemplaar!
Beoordeling: 3,5 ⭐️
Verward en geschokt rent Annie naar boven om te kijken hoe het met Isla gaat, met wie niks aan de hand is. De video is vervalst. Maar wie heeft hem gestuurd en wat wil diegene van haar?
Al snel blijkt Annie niet de enige ouder te zijn die wordt gechanteerd met de dood van een kind. Als ze niet exact doet wat er wordt geëist of als ze naar de politie gaat, zal Isla sterven. Annie moet kiezen: toegeven aan de eisen óf het criminele meesterbrein achter deze chantage ontmaskeren.
Dit verhaal begint meteen met het moment dat Annie, de moeder van Isla, het schokkende filmpje over haar dochter ziet. Ze trekt meteen haar conclusies en denkt te weten wie de dader is, maar dit blijkt toch allemaal ingewikkelder in elkaar te zitten.
Vervolgens lees je vanuit nog meer verschillende personages en hierdoor kom je erachter dat er meer levens in gevaar zijn. Ook lees je vanuit het criminele meesterbrein. Het is dan alleen nog onduidelijk waarom ze precies Isla en het andere doelwit hebben uitgekozen.
De spanning is vrijwel meteen voelbaar en ik was heel benieuwd welke kant dit verhaal op zou gaan. Ik vond de personages interessant en het las zeker heel vlot. Sowieso vond ik de onmacht en paniek van Annie goed op papier gezet.
M.J. Arlidge vind ik sowieso een hele fijne auteur. Dit boek krijgt een heleboel positieve beoordelingen. Ikzelf vond het ook een prettig verhaal, maar misschien dat ik ietsje minder enthousiast ben dan de rest.
Ik weet niet precies waar het aan lag, maar ik denk dat het een combinatie is van: het onderwerp zelf, de soms ietwat tragere stukken en het voelde soms een beetje onrealistisch aan.
Hoe dan ook, ik heb zeker genoten van dit verhaal en wil @boekerij dan ook enorm bedanken voor het recensie-exemplaar!
Beoordeling: 3,5 ⭐️
December 21, 2024
A great read.ive read a few of the M.J. Arlidge books that I really enjoyed reading. Annie husband isn't faithful, and he leaves her they have a daughter Isla.Annie receives a video call is Isla life in danger,Annie is being blackmailed..another family. Michael son is in danger. Is it by the same blackmailers.a great thriller..looking forward to reading more of his books...
June 9, 2025
2 stars
This was a pretty good book till the moment Annie said "no, we won't call the police, we'll catch these bastards ourselves"...coming from a person that was paying 1000 pounds a month and shaking like a leaf when the money almost didn't go through the bank and she was imagining all the horror scenarios of how her daughter will be killed....that's rich, to put it midly.
The other part that didn't sit well with me is the amount of inner dialogs the reader is subjected to go through. Literally no one cares to know and read every single thought that might go through someone's mind especially considering that most of them are garbage, negative assumptions. We all have these, no one needs more of that.
This was a pretty good book till the moment Annie said "no, we won't call the police, we'll catch these bastards ourselves"...coming from a person that was paying 1000 pounds a month and shaking like a leaf when the money almost didn't go through the bank and she was imagining all the horror scenarios of how her daughter will be killed....that's rich, to put it midly.
The other part that didn't sit well with me is the amount of inner dialogs the reader is subjected to go through. Literally no one cares to know and read every single thought that might go through someone's mind especially considering that most of them are garbage, negative assumptions. We all have these, no one needs more of that.
January 20, 2025
Your Child Next by MJ Arlidge and Andy Maslen is an interesting combination of writers to create this book. The storyline is of two victims in a blackmail scheme who combine efforts to trace the people responsible for the blackmail scheme. The blackmailed victims of the scheme have to pay £1000.00 per month by standing order to a Cayman Island bank account.
Michael’s wife died of a brain tumour and he and his adopted son, Aaron have both been struggling. Michael sees a bank transfer for £1000.00 per month going out of her own bank account and cannot find what it is for, so he cancels it. Then a few days later his son is targeted and almost run over by a white van.
Meanwhile Anna and her daughter, Isla are also struggling after a messy divorce. Then Isla is followed by a scruffy individual and manages to take his picture before escaping. Anna then is told if. she wants to see her daughter alive she must pay a standing order of £1000.00 per month. The one thing both Aaron and Isla have in common is that they both go to the same therapist.
Maya, one of the blackmailers works as a receptionist at the therapist offices and gets all the different details on future parents who would make suitable blackmail victims. She and her brother, Ollie have worked different blackmail schemes over the years. Ollie though is becoming increasingly violent and unpredictable.
An interesting storyline with strong characters and tense drama. I enjoyed reading this book.
Highly recommended
Michael’s wife died of a brain tumour and he and his adopted son, Aaron have both been struggling. Michael sees a bank transfer for £1000.00 per month going out of her own bank account and cannot find what it is for, so he cancels it. Then a few days later his son is targeted and almost run over by a white van.
Meanwhile Anna and her daughter, Isla are also struggling after a messy divorce. Then Isla is followed by a scruffy individual and manages to take his picture before escaping. Anna then is told if. she wants to see her daughter alive she must pay a standing order of £1000.00 per month. The one thing both Aaron and Isla have in common is that they both go to the same therapist.
Maya, one of the blackmailers works as a receptionist at the therapist offices and gets all the different details on future parents who would make suitable blackmail victims. She and her brother, Ollie have worked different blackmail schemes over the years. Ollie though is becoming increasingly violent and unpredictable.
An interesting storyline with strong characters and tense drama. I enjoyed reading this book.
Highly recommended
November 28, 2025
4 ⭐️ weer eens een stand alone van Arlidge. Echt een toppertje
February 10, 2025
This book grips you from the very first page. I literally had a nightmare about it. 🤯
It's fast-paced, thrilling and hard to put down. I never read anything from Andy Maslan, but I'm eager to check out his work.
We follow a lot of characters but in the end, they all connect. The story really shows what social media can do with teenagers and that is just awful and shocking.
I really liked the epilogue, with three more chapters from the most important characters.
4 stars ⭐
Thank you Netgalley & Orion Publishing Group for the ARC! ♡
It's fast-paced, thrilling and hard to put down. I never read anything from Andy Maslan, but I'm eager to check out his work.
We follow a lot of characters but in the end, they all connect. The story really shows what social media can do with teenagers and that is just awful and shocking.
I really liked the epilogue, with three more chapters from the most important characters.
4 stars ⭐
Thank you Netgalley & Orion Publishing Group for the ARC! ♡
January 20, 2025
Couldn’t get into the characters of this one unfortunately. It was readable and I finished it as wanted to know how it ended, but it was disappointing for me.
January 22, 2025
Annie lives alone with her fifteen year old daughter, Isla, who has anxiety after her parents divorce. One day, Annie receives an email, clicks the link and sees the video of her daughter’s funeral. She quickly rushes to her daughter’s room to discover she is alive and well.
Then, a woman calls her demanding £1000 each month to be delivered to a Cayman bank account. If Annie doesn’t comply, then her daughter will die.
Michael lives with his son, Aaron. They are both grieving after Michael’s wife and Aaron’s mother died of cancer. Lucy ran a successful hairdressing business and when Michael goes over her accounts, he discovers that for the last 23 months she was making payments to a bank account located in the Caymans.
Michael is immediately confused and suspicious. Just how well did he know his wife? When he cancels the direct debit, he doesn’t know that it will set off a string of incidents that will put his son’s life in danger…
What a BOOK!
I was gripped from the first page all the way to the end. I immediately felt for the main characters, as they were likeable and relatable – just normal people, trying to do their best for their children.
This book asks a question of how far would you go to protect your child. Annie and Michael certainly take us on a journey!
I definitely recommend this book.
I love M.J. Arlidge’s Helen Grace series and I am familiar with his writing. Andy Maslen is an author new to me, and I will certainly be reading more of his books.
Then, a woman calls her demanding £1000 each month to be delivered to a Cayman bank account. If Annie doesn’t comply, then her daughter will die.
Michael lives with his son, Aaron. They are both grieving after Michael’s wife and Aaron’s mother died of cancer. Lucy ran a successful hairdressing business and when Michael goes over her accounts, he discovers that for the last 23 months she was making payments to a bank account located in the Caymans.
Michael is immediately confused and suspicious. Just how well did he know his wife? When he cancels the direct debit, he doesn’t know that it will set off a string of incidents that will put his son’s life in danger…
What a BOOK!
I was gripped from the first page all the way to the end. I immediately felt for the main characters, as they were likeable and relatable – just normal people, trying to do their best for their children.
This book asks a question of how far would you go to protect your child. Annie and Michael certainly take us on a journey!
I definitely recommend this book.
I love M.J. Arlidge’s Helen Grace series and I am familiar with his writing. Andy Maslen is an author new to me, and I will certainly be reading more of his books.
January 15, 2025
This is a great thriller.
Annie can’t believe her eyes when she opens an attachment which shows her crying at her teenage daughter’s funeral. She races to Isla’s room and she is fine but she starts to panic. Worse is to come when a demand is received for £1,000 to be paid a month, or else her daughter will be killed.
The two people targeting Annie are cold, heartless people and have no qualms in arranging for people to be killed.
Michael and his son Aaron have also been targeted and when Annie contacts him, they decide to try and stop these people.
This is a great read.
Thanks to Orion Publishing Group for the opportunity to read this book.
Annie can’t believe her eyes when she opens an attachment which shows her crying at her teenage daughter’s funeral. She races to Isla’s room and she is fine but she starts to panic. Worse is to come when a demand is received for £1,000 to be paid a month, or else her daughter will be killed.
The two people targeting Annie are cold, heartless people and have no qualms in arranging for people to be killed.
Michael and his son Aaron have also been targeted and when Annie contacts him, they decide to try and stop these people.
This is a great read.
Thanks to Orion Publishing Group for the opportunity to read this book.
October 11, 2025
I love both of these authors so a collaboration was just going to be gold, and it did not disappoint.
Great storyline, fab characters and fast paced couldn't put it down,read it in one sitting.
Great storyline, fab characters and fast paced couldn't put it down,read it in one sitting.
January 13, 2025
What a winning combination between these two authors! I have always enjoyed M.J Arlidge's books AND Andy Maslen. To have them work together on one book seems extra special in my eyes.
A dark and twisted psychological thriller that deals with serious and sensitive issues. I was absolutely gripped. Annie is a woman who is not about to take the threat she is under lightly. After receiving a video of herself crying at her daughters' funeral, she checks on her daughter, and she is present and fine. Annie needs to find out who is threatening her and fast, but how?
Well! It's a definite humdinger of a read. Great characters and twists and turns that keep you hanging in there! I was determined to read this as soon as I could. The pages flew by so fast I was surprised when I got to the end.
Another fabulous book to add to both authors' amazing backlist. Thanks to Tracy Fenton of Compulsive Readers for the chance to join thr book tour.
A dark and twisted psychological thriller that deals with serious and sensitive issues. I was absolutely gripped. Annie is a woman who is not about to take the threat she is under lightly. After receiving a video of herself crying at her daughters' funeral, she checks on her daughter, and she is present and fine. Annie needs to find out who is threatening her and fast, but how?
Well! It's a definite humdinger of a read. Great characters and twists and turns that keep you hanging in there! I was determined to read this as soon as I could. The pages flew by so fast I was surprised when I got to the end.
Another fabulous book to add to both authors' amazing backlist. Thanks to Tracy Fenton of Compulsive Readers for the chance to join thr book tour.
December 4, 2025
De samenwerkingen tussen Arlidge en andere auteurs bevallen me bijzonder goed. En voor Jouw kind is de volgende dat hij schreef met Andy Maslen is dat niet anders! Een heerlijke thriller met een onderliggende boodschap. Denk goed na over privé dingen die je op je socials plaatst…
De gescheiden moeder Annie krijgt op een dag een video waarin ze op de begrafenis is van haar dochter Isla. Dit is echter niet echt, want haar dochter is gewoon thuis. Dan volgt een telefoontje, betaal ons iedere maand want anders wordt het filmpje bewaarheid… Wat volgt is de moed en wanhoop van een moeder om haar dochter te koste van alles te beschermen!
De hand van Arlidge is goed te herkennen. Een verhaal in een hoog tempo, oplopende spanning en een schrijfstijl die uitnodigt om door te blijven lezen. Het verhaal wordt verteld vanuit verschillende perspectieven en krijgt daarmee ook meer diepgang. Ook krijg je zo een beter beeld van de daders waardoor je hun daden ook beter kunt plaatsen.
En hoewel ik als ouder best kan begrijpen dat je heel ver gaat om je kind te beschermen, komt het hier soms wat onrealistisch over. Je voelt weliswaar de angst van Annie, maar net zo makkelijk wordt die opzij geschoven en gaat ze grenzen over waarvan je denkt, no way!
Hoe dan ook is dit weer een geslaagde samenwerking en ik kijk dan ook uit naar de volgende!
De gescheiden moeder Annie krijgt op een dag een video waarin ze op de begrafenis is van haar dochter Isla. Dit is echter niet echt, want haar dochter is gewoon thuis. Dan volgt een telefoontje, betaal ons iedere maand want anders wordt het filmpje bewaarheid… Wat volgt is de moed en wanhoop van een moeder om haar dochter te koste van alles te beschermen!
De hand van Arlidge is goed te herkennen. Een verhaal in een hoog tempo, oplopende spanning en een schrijfstijl die uitnodigt om door te blijven lezen. Het verhaal wordt verteld vanuit verschillende perspectieven en krijgt daarmee ook meer diepgang. Ook krijg je zo een beter beeld van de daders waardoor je hun daden ook beter kunt plaatsen.
En hoewel ik als ouder best kan begrijpen dat je heel ver gaat om je kind te beschermen, komt het hier soms wat onrealistisch over. Je voelt weliswaar de angst van Annie, maar net zo makkelijk wordt die opzij geschoven en gaat ze grenzen over waarvan je denkt, no way!
Hoe dan ook is dit weer een geslaagde samenwerking en ik kijk dan ook uit naar de volgende!
November 20, 2025
beter dan de vorige... goed verhaal, alleen eind is beetje vaag
July 6, 2025
Het minst leuke boek van M. J. Arlidge die ik heb gelezen. Sommige dingen waren ongeloofwaardig en kwam moeilijk door het boek heen vanwege de schrijfstijl
January 7, 2025
Just when Annie thinks life can't get any rougher after her husband takes off, she starts noticing her teenage daughter Isla pulling away. Then comes the real gut punch - someone sends her a video of herself crying at Isla's funeral. She races to check on Isla (who's fine, thank goodness), but that's when the real nightmare begins. Turns out some seriously twisted people are blackmailing her and other parents, threatening their kids if they don't play ball. Annie's stuck between giving in to their demands or trying to catch these creeps - and her daughter's life hangs in the balance.
This book gets under your skin in the best of ways. The bad guys? They're the kind that'll make you want to double-check your doors at night. We're talking about seriously messed-up individuals who clearly missed the memo on basic human decency. One's definitely a full-blown psychopath, and the other isn't exactly winning any humanitarian awards either.
The story keeps you glued to the pages as Annie tries everything she can to keep her daughter safe. You know that knot in your stomach when your kid's ten minutes late coming home? Yeah, multiply that by about a thousand. The author nails that primal parental fear, and throws in some other parents going through the same nightmare for good measure.
Sure, there are moments where you might think "Really?" but hey, that's what makes it such a perfect escape read. The characters feel real enough that you're invested in their fate, especially the parents who are just trying to protect their kids. And those villains? They're the kind that'll have you looking over your shoulder long after you've finished the last page.
If you're into Harlan Coben's way of keeping you up way past bedtime, or Steve Cavanagh's knack for making your heart race, you'll feel right at home with this one. It's a wild ride that plays on every parent's deepest fears while keeping the pages turning at breakneck speed.
Final Thoughts: This thriller hits hard where it counts - right in the parental anxiety zone. While it might stretch reality here and there, the core story of how far a parent will go to protect their kid rings absolutely true.
This book gets under your skin in the best of ways. The bad guys? They're the kind that'll make you want to double-check your doors at night. We're talking about seriously messed-up individuals who clearly missed the memo on basic human decency. One's definitely a full-blown psychopath, and the other isn't exactly winning any humanitarian awards either.
The story keeps you glued to the pages as Annie tries everything she can to keep her daughter safe. You know that knot in your stomach when your kid's ten minutes late coming home? Yeah, multiply that by about a thousand. The author nails that primal parental fear, and throws in some other parents going through the same nightmare for good measure.
Sure, there are moments where you might think "Really?" but hey, that's what makes it such a perfect escape read. The characters feel real enough that you're invested in their fate, especially the parents who are just trying to protect their kids. And those villains? They're the kind that'll have you looking over your shoulder long after you've finished the last page.
If you're into Harlan Coben's way of keeping you up way past bedtime, or Steve Cavanagh's knack for making your heart race, you'll feel right at home with this one. It's a wild ride that plays on every parent's deepest fears while keeping the pages turning at breakneck speed.
Final Thoughts: This thriller hits hard where it counts - right in the parental anxiety zone. While it might stretch reality here and there, the core story of how far a parent will go to protect their kid rings absolutely true.
December 22, 2025
Het verhaal wordt verteld aan de hand van meerdere verhaallijnen en is direct spannend. Annie ontvangt een schokkend filmpje waarin te zien is hoe haar dochter Isla wordt begraven terwijl ze gewoon levend en wel thuis is. Al snel wordt duidelijk dat Annie wordt gechanteerd door iemand die het specifiek op haar heeft gemunt. Ze moet iedere maand duizend dollar overmaken naar een buitenlandse rekening, maar dat bedrag kan ze nauwelijks missen. Sinds haar scheiding leeft ze zuinig en haar baan aan de universiteit levert geen vetpot op.
De dreiging neemt snel toe wanneer Annie een ultimatum krijgt, als het geld niet voor middernacht is overgemaakt zal haar dochter worden vermoord. De politie inschakelen is geen optie, zo wordt haar duidelijk gemaakt. Wanneer Isla ook nog gevolgd blijkt te worden, beseft Annie dat het gevaar dichtbij komt. Gaandeweg ontvouwt zich een veel groter geheel en wordt het duidelijk dat meerdere mensen bij deze zaak betrokken zijn. Annie staat voor de onmogelijke taak om haar dochter te beschermen en te achterhalen wie hierachter zit voordat het te laat is.
Ik was altijd al eens benieuwd naar een boek van M.J. Arlidge. Hij brengt ook boeken uit in samenwerking met andere auteurs waar dit er eentje van was, een topthriller van begin tot eind. Je zit er gelijk in en met de verschillende verhaallijnen wordt het nog spannender. De opening is gelijk erg heftig en grijpt je meteen bij de keel. De spanning wordt goed opgebouwd door het tikkende tijdsgevoel en het ultimatum die gesteld wordt.
Het verhaal leest als een pageturner en houdt de dreiging constant aanwezig omdat je niet weet waar de dreiging vandaan komen, je vertrouwt niemand meer. De thematiek van controle, angst en manipulatie is goed en sterk uitgewerkt. Het verhaal heeft voor mij alles wat een goede psychologische thriller nodig heeft. De spelletjes die er gespeeld worden zijn mooi en goed uitgedacht en je blijft nieuwsgierig naar de ontknoping. Ik kan niet wachten om meer boeken van hem te gaan lezen.
De dreiging neemt snel toe wanneer Annie een ultimatum krijgt, als het geld niet voor middernacht is overgemaakt zal haar dochter worden vermoord. De politie inschakelen is geen optie, zo wordt haar duidelijk gemaakt. Wanneer Isla ook nog gevolgd blijkt te worden, beseft Annie dat het gevaar dichtbij komt. Gaandeweg ontvouwt zich een veel groter geheel en wordt het duidelijk dat meerdere mensen bij deze zaak betrokken zijn. Annie staat voor de onmogelijke taak om haar dochter te beschermen en te achterhalen wie hierachter zit voordat het te laat is.
Ik was altijd al eens benieuwd naar een boek van M.J. Arlidge. Hij brengt ook boeken uit in samenwerking met andere auteurs waar dit er eentje van was, een topthriller van begin tot eind. Je zit er gelijk in en met de verschillende verhaallijnen wordt het nog spannender. De opening is gelijk erg heftig en grijpt je meteen bij de keel. De spanning wordt goed opgebouwd door het tikkende tijdsgevoel en het ultimatum die gesteld wordt.
Het verhaal leest als een pageturner en houdt de dreiging constant aanwezig omdat je niet weet waar de dreiging vandaan komen, je vertrouwt niemand meer. De thematiek van controle, angst en manipulatie is goed en sterk uitgewerkt. Het verhaal heeft voor mij alles wat een goede psychologische thriller nodig heeft. De spelletjes die er gespeeld worden zijn mooi en goed uitgedacht en je blijft nieuwsgierig naar de ontknoping. Ik kan niet wachten om meer boeken van hem te gaan lezen.
December 15, 2025
In de video is haar dochter dood. Maar boven, in haar slaapkamer, leeft ze nog.
Annie heeft het zwaar: haar man is vertrokken en haar tienerdochter Isla is veranderd in een schim van zichzelf. Bang dat ze zichzelf iets zal aandoen, probeert Annie haar koste wat het kost te beschermen. Tot ze een angstaanjagende video ontvangt: ze ziet zichzelf huilend op de begrafenis van haar dochter staan.
Verward en paniekerig stormt Annie naar Isla’s kamer, maar daar is alles normaal. De video is nep. Toch dringt één vraag zich op: wie heeft dit gestuurd en waarom? Al snel ontdekt Annie dat ze niet de enige is die wordt gechanteerd. Kinderen worden bedreigd en ouders gedwongen om te gehoorzamen. Als ze niet doet wat er wordt geëist, of de politie inschakelt, zal Isla sterven. Annie staat voor een onmogelijke keuze: toegeven aan de eisen… of het meesterbrein achter de chantage ontmaskeren.
Mijn ervaring:
Een heerlijke, meeslepende en spannende thriller die je vanaf de eerste pagina pakt. M.J. Arlidge & Andy Maslen schrijven vlot en filmisch, en vertaalster Mireille Vroege heeft het verhaal zo vertaald dat je er volledig in wordt meegezogen. Je leeft echt mee met Annie, het hoofdpersonage, en voelt haar angst, verdriet en vastberadenheid alsof je erbij bent.
Het verhaal volgt Annie, die een moeilijke periode doormaakt: haar man heeft haar verlaten en haar dochter Isla is veranderd in een schim van zichzelf. De personages: van Annie en Isla tot Michael, Grant, Aaron en de rest zijn realistisch, sterk en psychologisch goed uitgewerkt.
Het verhaal begint direct pakkend: Annie’s dagelijkse leven wordt door een angstaanjagende video compleet op z’n kop gezet. Vanaf dat moment ontvouwt zich een spannend, psychologisch kat-en-muisspel vol macht, intriges en afpersing. De twists en wendingen houden je constant op het puntje van je stoel, en de emoties van de ouders die alles doen om hun kinderen te beschermen, zijn zo tastbaar dat je zelf gaat nadenken: hoe ver zou ik gaan voor mijn kind?
Jouw kind is de volgende is een filmische, meeslepende pageturner vol spanning, emotie en psychologische diepgang. Het verhaal grijpt je meteen, blijft je verrassen en eindigt op indrukwekkende en huiveringwekkende wijze. Een absolute aanrader voor iedereen die van een thriller houdt die onder je huid kruipt en je tot het einde in spanning houdt.
Annie heeft het zwaar: haar man is vertrokken en haar tienerdochter Isla is veranderd in een schim van zichzelf. Bang dat ze zichzelf iets zal aandoen, probeert Annie haar koste wat het kost te beschermen. Tot ze een angstaanjagende video ontvangt: ze ziet zichzelf huilend op de begrafenis van haar dochter staan.
Verward en paniekerig stormt Annie naar Isla’s kamer, maar daar is alles normaal. De video is nep. Toch dringt één vraag zich op: wie heeft dit gestuurd en waarom? Al snel ontdekt Annie dat ze niet de enige is die wordt gechanteerd. Kinderen worden bedreigd en ouders gedwongen om te gehoorzamen. Als ze niet doet wat er wordt geëist, of de politie inschakelt, zal Isla sterven. Annie staat voor een onmogelijke keuze: toegeven aan de eisen… of het meesterbrein achter de chantage ontmaskeren.
Mijn ervaring:
Een heerlijke, meeslepende en spannende thriller die je vanaf de eerste pagina pakt. M.J. Arlidge & Andy Maslen schrijven vlot en filmisch, en vertaalster Mireille Vroege heeft het verhaal zo vertaald dat je er volledig in wordt meegezogen. Je leeft echt mee met Annie, het hoofdpersonage, en voelt haar angst, verdriet en vastberadenheid alsof je erbij bent.
Het verhaal volgt Annie, die een moeilijke periode doormaakt: haar man heeft haar verlaten en haar dochter Isla is veranderd in een schim van zichzelf. De personages: van Annie en Isla tot Michael, Grant, Aaron en de rest zijn realistisch, sterk en psychologisch goed uitgewerkt.
Het verhaal begint direct pakkend: Annie’s dagelijkse leven wordt door een angstaanjagende video compleet op z’n kop gezet. Vanaf dat moment ontvouwt zich een spannend, psychologisch kat-en-muisspel vol macht, intriges en afpersing. De twists en wendingen houden je constant op het puntje van je stoel, en de emoties van de ouders die alles doen om hun kinderen te beschermen, zijn zo tastbaar dat je zelf gaat nadenken: hoe ver zou ik gaan voor mijn kind?
Jouw kind is de volgende is een filmische, meeslepende pageturner vol spanning, emotie en psychologische diepgang. Het verhaal grijpt je meteen, blijft je verrassen en eindigt op indrukwekkende en huiveringwekkende wijze. Een absolute aanrader voor iedereen die van een thriller houdt die onder je huid kruipt en je tot het einde in spanning houdt.
January 13, 2025
When two heavyweights get together to co-write a book, it can go one of two ways. Either their egos get in the way of a successful collaboration, or their geniuses spark off each other to produce fireworks. Happily, the latter is the case with this pacey thriller chiller from MJ Arlidge and Andy Maslen, whose writing is so seamless, it’s impossible to spot the joins.
Imagine being a single mum and receiving a deep fake video showing you crying at your teenage daughter’s funeral. Accompanying the video is an ultimatum: set up a £1,000 monthly transfer to a bank in the Cayman Islands or your daughter will be killed. Such will also be her fate if you involve the police.
I may have struggled a bit with this initially, as there are a lot of characters, and it’s not clear at first how they are all connected. However, once everything fell into place, I was quickly sucked into Annie’s living nightmare and the impossible choice she faced: either meet the blackmailer’s demands or try to unmask them on your own.
There are three things that really made this book stand out for me: the characterization, the plotting, and the spotlight the authors shine upon the perils of social media culture.
The two scammers, especially, are brilliantly portrayed: cold-blooded psychopaths who will stop at nothing to keep the money rolling in. They felt scarily real. Equally convincing were distraught mother Annie and recently widowed Michael, a fellow ‘mark’, whose son Aaron is also targeted. It was impossible not to feel their spiraling anguish and panic. Nor can I forget war veteran, John. Dishonorably discharged, suffering from PTSD, and reduced to living on the streets, he’s the blackmailers’ puppet.
Once it takes off, the plot is propulsive, unfolding at a scorching pace. Dark, gritty and twisted, and definitely not for the squeamish, it builds to the kind of frantic, explosive denouement that has you flipping pages like a demon. I couldn’t have second guessed it if I’d tried.
Imagine being a single mum and receiving a deep fake video showing you crying at your teenage daughter’s funeral. Accompanying the video is an ultimatum: set up a £1,000 monthly transfer to a bank in the Cayman Islands or your daughter will be killed. Such will also be her fate if you involve the police.
I may have struggled a bit with this initially, as there are a lot of characters, and it’s not clear at first how they are all connected. However, once everything fell into place, I was quickly sucked into Annie’s living nightmare and the impossible choice she faced: either meet the blackmailer’s demands or try to unmask them on your own.
There are three things that really made this book stand out for me: the characterization, the plotting, and the spotlight the authors shine upon the perils of social media culture.
The two scammers, especially, are brilliantly portrayed: cold-blooded psychopaths who will stop at nothing to keep the money rolling in. They felt scarily real. Equally convincing were distraught mother Annie and recently widowed Michael, a fellow ‘mark’, whose son Aaron is also targeted. It was impossible not to feel their spiraling anguish and panic. Nor can I forget war veteran, John. Dishonorably discharged, suffering from PTSD, and reduced to living on the streets, he’s the blackmailers’ puppet.
Once it takes off, the plot is propulsive, unfolding at a scorching pace. Dark, gritty and twisted, and definitely not for the squeamish, it builds to the kind of frantic, explosive denouement that has you flipping pages like a demon. I couldn’t have second guessed it if I’d tried.
January 17, 2025
What a cracking thriller this was. Sucked into the all-to-real opening & spat out at the end - an exhausted wreck, wondering what I had just read.
Annie is sent a video of herself at her daughter’s funeral, except she’s safe upstairs isn’t she? Michael senses his teenage son is slipping away from him following the death of his mum, but would he fantasise about being deliberately targeted by a moving van? Oh, & add in two psychotic scammers who are raking in thousands of pounds each month to an account in the Cayman Islands & a battle weary ex-soldier who is suffering from PTSD & just wants to do right by his own kids.
Starting slowly, with a vast array of characters, I was drawn in immediately but did wonder how everyone joined together. You would never guess this is a collaboration, such is the seamless storytelling & frantic pace. And as for the end…….well!
Annie is sent a video of herself at her daughter’s funeral, except she’s safe upstairs isn’t she? Michael senses his teenage son is slipping away from him following the death of his mum, but would he fantasise about being deliberately targeted by a moving van? Oh, & add in two psychotic scammers who are raking in thousands of pounds each month to an account in the Cayman Islands & a battle weary ex-soldier who is suffering from PTSD & just wants to do right by his own kids.
Starting slowly, with a vast array of characters, I was drawn in immediately but did wonder how everyone joined together. You would never guess this is a collaboration, such is the seamless storytelling & frantic pace. And as for the end…….well!
December 7, 2025
✨Recensie✨
Op een dag ontvangt Annie een huiveringwekkende video waarop te zien is hoe zijzelf bij de begrafenis van haar ogenschijnlijk overleden dochter staat. Vol paniek stormt ze naar boven, waar Isla echter levend en wel in haar kamer zit. De video blijkt een geraffineerde vervalsing en vormt het begin van een angstaanjagend chantagespel. Annie ontdekt dat ze niet de enige is. Terwijl de politie probeert te achterhalen wie er achter de dreigingen zit, raakt Annie steeds dieper verstrikt in een web van leugens, verborgen motieven en groeiende paranoia. Het verhaal ontwikkelt zich tot een zenuwslopende strijd tegen de tijd, waarin Annie koste wat kost probeert te voorkomen dat de gruwelijke voorspelling uit de video werkelijkheid wordt.
Een samenwerking tussen Arlidge en Maslen, dit moet goedkomen! Ik had hoge verwachtingen en ze zijn waargemaakt. De meeslepende schrijfstijl, de echtheid hiervan geniaal. Tuurlijk af en toe stukjes van hmzzz kan dit wel…
Het tempo ligt hoog, met korte hoofdstukken en voortdurende wisselingen in perspectief, waardoor je door het verhaal heen vliegt. Arlidge houdt de dreiging constant voelbaar, dit beklemmende gevoel bleef me achtervolgen. Ook de gedachte van het hele internet gebeuren en AI wat nu steeds meer en meer wordt geïmplementeerd. Het is superfijn maar de keerzijde is dat het ook gevaarlijk is en je zo slachtoffer kunt worden zonder dat je het direct doorhebt! Maar even terug, het is een boek wat gewoon gelezen moet worden of desnoods op de TBR! Arlidge en Maslen hebben een indrukwekkend en huiverende thriller neergezet!
‘Jouw kind is de volgende’ is daarmee een snelle, meeslepende en vooral beklemmende thriller die je tot het einde toe in zijn greep houdt.
Op een dag ontvangt Annie een huiveringwekkende video waarop te zien is hoe zijzelf bij de begrafenis van haar ogenschijnlijk overleden dochter staat. Vol paniek stormt ze naar boven, waar Isla echter levend en wel in haar kamer zit. De video blijkt een geraffineerde vervalsing en vormt het begin van een angstaanjagend chantagespel. Annie ontdekt dat ze niet de enige is. Terwijl de politie probeert te achterhalen wie er achter de dreigingen zit, raakt Annie steeds dieper verstrikt in een web van leugens, verborgen motieven en groeiende paranoia. Het verhaal ontwikkelt zich tot een zenuwslopende strijd tegen de tijd, waarin Annie koste wat kost probeert te voorkomen dat de gruwelijke voorspelling uit de video werkelijkheid wordt.
Een samenwerking tussen Arlidge en Maslen, dit moet goedkomen! Ik had hoge verwachtingen en ze zijn waargemaakt. De meeslepende schrijfstijl, de echtheid hiervan geniaal. Tuurlijk af en toe stukjes van hmzzz kan dit wel…
Het tempo ligt hoog, met korte hoofdstukken en voortdurende wisselingen in perspectief, waardoor je door het verhaal heen vliegt. Arlidge houdt de dreiging constant voelbaar, dit beklemmende gevoel bleef me achtervolgen. Ook de gedachte van het hele internet gebeuren en AI wat nu steeds meer en meer wordt geïmplementeerd. Het is superfijn maar de keerzijde is dat het ook gevaarlijk is en je zo slachtoffer kunt worden zonder dat je het direct doorhebt! Maar even terug, het is een boek wat gewoon gelezen moet worden of desnoods op de TBR! Arlidge en Maslen hebben een indrukwekkend en huiverende thriller neergezet!
‘Jouw kind is de volgende’ is daarmee een snelle, meeslepende en vooral beklemmende thriller die je tot het einde toe in zijn greep houdt.
May 25, 2025
It was slow to start but then I really enjoyed it.
June 13, 2025
Excellent book, highly recommended
August 10, 2025
No me gustó nada. Previsible. Poco creíble.
January 5, 2025
I've read many of this author's books, but this is the first one I've read as a co-write with Andy Maslen. The book began well, with a good pace following the storyline of Annie and her daughter Isla. As the book went on however, it felt like the pace slowed and I found myself getting a little bored with the story. I did though liked how it was based in Birmingham, and could picture places as I read. For me, it wasn't the best from an author who I normally really like, and perhaps shows that it is co-written. It did have some enjoyable parts though with a good start and ending.
December 31, 2024
I enjoyed the pace and was really into the story for most of the book, however as we got nearer to the end I found it got more and more unbelievable and silly so I wasn't a fan of the ending.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc ebook.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc ebook.
December 16, 2024
Your Child Next slowly but surely draws you in , ramps up the pace and the tension and doesnt let you put the book down.
The story is one of blackmail that will keep you on the edge of your seat .
Someone is successfully blackmailing parents who will do anything to keep their children safe.
Michael and Anna join forces to protect their children and fight back.
What a fight it turns out to be.
I was holding my breath, cheering them on and yelling at them to run all at the same time.
M.J. Arlidge and Andy Maslen are a brilliant team that give the reader non stop action and will have you turning the pages for just one more chapter which becomes three.
Highly recommend you treat yourself to Your Child Next and settle in for a roller coaster of a read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group/Orion for the privilege of reading and reviewing Your Child Next.
The story is one of blackmail that will keep you on the edge of your seat .
Someone is successfully blackmailing parents who will do anything to keep their children safe.
Michael and Anna join forces to protect their children and fight back.
What a fight it turns out to be.
I was holding my breath, cheering them on and yelling at them to run all at the same time.
M.J. Arlidge and Andy Maslen are a brilliant team that give the reader non stop action and will have you turning the pages for just one more chapter which becomes three.
Highly recommend you treat yourself to Your Child Next and settle in for a roller coaster of a read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group/Orion for the privilege of reading and reviewing Your Child Next.
February 17, 2025
Not worth reading so far fetched
January 10, 2025
This is the third book I have read in this "series" of books that have been co-authored by MJ Arlidge and a selection of other authors. The first two introduced me to authors I had previously not read - Julia Crouch, and Stephanie Broadbribb - and I have added both to my ever growing TBR. This one does exactly the same with Andy Maslen, another prolific author with another more than healthy back catalogue... sigh!
More exciting that that though, and I will get on with my review in a bit, honest, but I had a look and see that there are 2 more such books expected this year with Lisa Hall (I love this author already) and Alex Khan (more to add to my tbh sigh) I blooming love this whole concept!
Right... We start with Annie who is struggling a bit since her husband left her. Her daughter Isla is also suffering and withdrawing into herself and Annie is scared she will lose her too. So it is with shock that Annie receives a video which appears to show her at a funeral, crying. A funeral that turns out to be that of Isla. Who is alive and upstairs from her, as she finds out when she races up and bursts in on her. Obviously the video is faked but who could have done such a thing and why...?
Long story short and it turns out that Annie is being blackmailed with the threat that Isla will suffer if she doesn't pay up. But, and it's no spoiler, it'll be a very short book if she just puts up and pays up, Annie is determined to fight back... but how?
Ooo this was a bit juicy and a breath of fresh air as it is a concept I haven't ever come close to coming across in any book I have read before. And it's actually quite a simple idea all told, but it is in the execution that this book really shines.
The characters are all very well drawn and all play their parts very well indeed. Plotting is excellent and very well executed. Pacing is good and matches the narrative all the way through. And with no additional waffle or padding, the book gets on with itself very well indeed. It's addictive, it's thrilling, hitting the ground running, holding me captive throughout, holding on and then spitting me out at the end wholly satisfied.
It also contains quite an important message wrt what we all share online in social media and the like. I myself have got a bit complacent in that regard, and I did have a bit of a think about what I use and how I use it, especially these days, and I don't have to spell out what I mean there!
All in all, a cracking book that I thoroughly recommend. I'm off now to add yet another author to my out of control TBR. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
More exciting that that though, and I will get on with my review in a bit, honest, but I had a look and see that there are 2 more such books expected this year with Lisa Hall (I love this author already) and Alex Khan (more to add to my tbh sigh) I blooming love this whole concept!
Right... We start with Annie who is struggling a bit since her husband left her. Her daughter Isla is also suffering and withdrawing into herself and Annie is scared she will lose her too. So it is with shock that Annie receives a video which appears to show her at a funeral, crying. A funeral that turns out to be that of Isla. Who is alive and upstairs from her, as she finds out when she races up and bursts in on her. Obviously the video is faked but who could have done such a thing and why...?
Long story short and it turns out that Annie is being blackmailed with the threat that Isla will suffer if she doesn't pay up. But, and it's no spoiler, it'll be a very short book if she just puts up and pays up, Annie is determined to fight back... but how?
Ooo this was a bit juicy and a breath of fresh air as it is a concept I haven't ever come close to coming across in any book I have read before. And it's actually quite a simple idea all told, but it is in the execution that this book really shines.
The characters are all very well drawn and all play their parts very well indeed. Plotting is excellent and very well executed. Pacing is good and matches the narrative all the way through. And with no additional waffle or padding, the book gets on with itself very well indeed. It's addictive, it's thrilling, hitting the ground running, holding me captive throughout, holding on and then spitting me out at the end wholly satisfied.
It also contains quite an important message wrt what we all share online in social media and the like. I myself have got a bit complacent in that regard, and I did have a bit of a think about what I use and how I use it, especially these days, and I don't have to spell out what I mean there!
All in all, a cracking book that I thoroughly recommend. I'm off now to add yet another author to my out of control TBR. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
January 16, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley and Orion Publishing, for the ARC of this psychological thriller 'Your Child Next.' The book was a collaboration between writers Andy Masler and MJ Aldridge. I was pleased to learn about Master, an author new to me. Arlidge has long been a favourite with his Helen Grace series. The writing was smooth, seamless, and engaging, with plenty of suspense and increasing tension.
The story warns against sharing too much personal information on social media, such as photos, addresses, and everyday routines. Criminals, predators, and blackmailers are lurking online and may use such information for criminal acts.
Annie is emotionally and financially struggling as a newly single mother. Her husband recently left her and their teenage daughter, Isla. There was a custody dispute that caused bitter feelings between both parents. Annie has always been a strict, protective mother who wants the best for Isla, and things are about to worsen. Isla seems to become emotionally distant from her mother and suffers from anxiety attacks. She has missed her more lenient father but resents that his new girlfriend is close to her age and is replacing her time spent with him.
Annie watches a video that is panicking her. She is horrified to view herself crying at Islas's funeral and is puzzled as to why the deepfake video was made and sent to her. She blames her ex-husband as she does not know anyone else who dislikes her enough to do such a thing. After reassuring herself that her daughter is unharmed, Annie receives a phone call demanding 1,000 pounds to be sent monthly to an account in the Cayman Islands. If she misses a payment or notifies the police, Isla will die, and the video will become a reality.
In another household, Michael lives with son Aaron. His wife and Aaron's mother has died. He finds records that show she has been secretly transferring 1000 per month to the Cayman Islands. He stops the payments, which puzzled him, and his son is struck and seriously wounded by a hit-and-run driver. Annie believes the driver was the same man who terrified Isla by following her. Annie and Michael decide to team up and hunt down the blackmailers and stop the extortion.
The identity of the blackmailers is known early in the story. They are a couple of ruthless, cold-hearted, deranged, and probably psychopath villains. They kill without remorse. They force a homeless veteran with PTSD to work for them.
Michael and Annie are in jeopardy, and some actions and events seem farfetched. This was not a deterrent, as I was highly entertained. The book is due for publication today, January 16, 2025.
The story warns against sharing too much personal information on social media, such as photos, addresses, and everyday routines. Criminals, predators, and blackmailers are lurking online and may use such information for criminal acts.
Annie is emotionally and financially struggling as a newly single mother. Her husband recently left her and their teenage daughter, Isla. There was a custody dispute that caused bitter feelings between both parents. Annie has always been a strict, protective mother who wants the best for Isla, and things are about to worsen. Isla seems to become emotionally distant from her mother and suffers from anxiety attacks. She has missed her more lenient father but resents that his new girlfriend is close to her age and is replacing her time spent with him.
Annie watches a video that is panicking her. She is horrified to view herself crying at Islas's funeral and is puzzled as to why the deepfake video was made and sent to her. She blames her ex-husband as she does not know anyone else who dislikes her enough to do such a thing. After reassuring herself that her daughter is unharmed, Annie receives a phone call demanding 1,000 pounds to be sent monthly to an account in the Cayman Islands. If she misses a payment or notifies the police, Isla will die, and the video will become a reality.
In another household, Michael lives with son Aaron. His wife and Aaron's mother has died. He finds records that show she has been secretly transferring 1000 per month to the Cayman Islands. He stops the payments, which puzzled him, and his son is struck and seriously wounded by a hit-and-run driver. Annie believes the driver was the same man who terrified Isla by following her. Annie and Michael decide to team up and hunt down the blackmailers and stop the extortion.
The identity of the blackmailers is known early in the story. They are a couple of ruthless, cold-hearted, deranged, and probably psychopath villains. They kill without remorse. They force a homeless veteran with PTSD to work for them.
Michael and Annie are in jeopardy, and some actions and events seem farfetched. This was not a deterrent, as I was highly entertained. The book is due for publication today, January 16, 2025.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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