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The Girl on the News
My heart pounds as I take in the headline: ‘Missing girl believed kidnapped’. Underneath is a photo of my beautiful daughter Mia, her gap-toothed grin unmistakable. But Mia is safe beside me, snuggled up on the sofa. Why would someone pretend my child has been taken?
I thought my husband Mark and I had built a perfect new life with our precious daughter Mia. She is everything to us. I thought we were finally safe from my past. But I know Mia’s picture on the news means someone has uncovered who I really am…
They must know about the terrible accusations I faced. Those other missing little girls. I was only a child myself but no-one believed I was innocent. Not even my own family. It still haunts me, every day.
Then my worst nightmares come true. Mia is taken, snatched from the playground, and my world collapses.
My sweet daughter is in danger. Because whoever took those children years ago must still be out there. Why are they trying to destroy my life again? And if they knew where to find me, how to take my daughter – does that mean they are someone close to home?
I can’t trust anyone. But it’s not like last time. I’m not a child any longer. And I will do anything to get Mia back, before it’s too late…
An utterly shocking and page-turning psychological thriller perfect for fans of Shari Lapena, The Housemaid and All Her Fault.
I thought my husband Mark and I had built a perfect new life with our precious daughter Mia. She is everything to us. I thought we were finally safe from my past. But I know Mia’s picture on the news means someone has uncovered who I really am…
They must know about the terrible accusations I faced. Those other missing little girls. I was only a child myself but no-one believed I was innocent. Not even my own family. It still haunts me, every day.
Then my worst nightmares come true. Mia is taken, snatched from the playground, and my world collapses.
My sweet daughter is in danger. Because whoever took those children years ago must still be out there. Why are they trying to destroy my life again? And if they knew where to find me, how to take my daughter – does that mean they are someone close to home?
I can’t trust anyone. But it’s not like last time. I’m not a child any longer. And I will do anything to get Mia back, before it’s too late…
An utterly shocking and page-turning psychological thriller perfect for fans of Shari Lapena, The Housemaid and All Her Fault.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2024
825 people are currently reading
505 people want to read
About the author
Elisabeth Carpenter
10 books245 followersElisabeth (Libby) Carpenter won a Northern Writers New Fiction Award (2016) and was longlisted for Yeovil Literary Prize (2015 & 2016) and MsLexia Women’s Novel award (2015).
Elisabeth lives in Preston, Lancashire with her family. She loves the north of England, setting most of her stories in the area – including the novel she is writing at the moment.
99 Red Balloons was Elisabeth’s debut novel.
Elisabeth lives in Preston, Lancashire with her family. She loves the north of England, setting most of her stories in the area – including the novel she is writing at the moment.
99 Red Balloons was Elisabeth’s debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
January 15, 2024
3.5 Stars
An intriguing read
Although the pace of the novel was initially slow, it gradually picked up and became more engaging as the story progressed. The ending was a bit predictable. However, the overall storyline was still enjoyable. This is a good novel for those looking for a slow-burn mystery.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Elisabeth Carpenter, and Bookouture Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
An intriguing read
Although the pace of the novel was initially slow, it gradually picked up and became more engaging as the story progressed. The ending was a bit predictable. However, the overall storyline was still enjoyable. This is a good novel for those looking for a slow-burn mystery.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Elisabeth Carpenter, and Bookouture Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
February 5, 2024
This one goes between a couple of timelines and points of view. When Rosie is 12 years old she is convicted of murdering her best friend. There are eventually cries to reopen the case from an investigative journalist as it appears it could have been a serial killer. In present day a young mother sees a photo of her child on the news saying she’s been kidnapped. Her child is with her, but is this the work of the person who has been murdering young girls over the years? Everyone here is a suspect.
There are loads of twists and turns here. The story is fast paced and the narration by Zoe Mills is excellent. She had a lot of characters to voice and did a great job of making them sound different from one another. I’d recommend this one on audio.
Thank you @bookouture @netgalley #elisabethcarpenter for an advance listening copy of The Girl on the News.
January 3, 2024
Rosie is only 12 years old when she is convicted of murdering her best friend. Sadie, an investigative journalist, is the only one who believes her innocence. But is Sadie right?
This was a quick and easy read, and the suspense kept me turning the pages. It’s a real “can’t trust anyone” book and there’s enough twists and turns to keep readers engaged.
The characters were well developed and I could vividly image a “Shameless” style housing estate with kids running amock, parents smoking on their doorsteps and giving other peoples kids a clip around the ear!
Where it dropped a star for me is that I’m not sure it’s completely realistic. I’m doubtful Rosie’s conviction would have been secured with so little evidence, nor would the similarities with the other cases have gone so unnoticed or ignored. I also would’ve liked the killers character to have been a little more central as I don’t feel we had much of a chance to get to know them before the truth was uncovered.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my advanced copy.
This was a quick and easy read, and the suspense kept me turning the pages. It’s a real “can’t trust anyone” book and there’s enough twists and turns to keep readers engaged.
The characters were well developed and I could vividly image a “Shameless” style housing estate with kids running amock, parents smoking on their doorsteps and giving other peoples kids a clip around the ear!
Where it dropped a star for me is that I’m not sure it’s completely realistic. I’m doubtful Rosie’s conviction would have been secured with so little evidence, nor would the similarities with the other cases have gone so unnoticed or ignored. I also would’ve liked the killers character to have been a little more central as I don’t feel we had much of a chance to get to know them before the truth was uncovered.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my advanced copy.
February 6, 2024
stars: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
while i was disappointed with the ending and the killer, i still enjoyed this tremendously.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
while i was disappointed with the ending and the killer, i still enjoyed this tremendously.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2024
ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.
The narration on this book was spot on! So easy to get lost in the story for hours and Zoe Mills played every character perfectly! The story is about a young girl that her best friends is accused of murdering and jumps from the past to the present. There were lots of twists and I couldn’t wait to see where it was headed! I would definitely recommend this book if you’re into mysteries and psychological thrillers!
The narration on this book was spot on! So easy to get lost in the story for hours and Zoe Mills played every character perfectly! The story is about a young girl that her best friends is accused of murdering and jumps from the past to the present. There were lots of twists and I couldn’t wait to see where it was headed! I would definitely recommend this book if you’re into mysteries and psychological thrillers!
January 30, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book early. Unfortunately I didn't like it at all. I had the audio ARC of this book and that is definitely not the best way to consume this book. The book is about a mother who sees a report that her daughter is missing, but she thinks she knows where her daughter is so she doesn't understand why someone is faking her disappearance. Thats what the synopsis leads you to believe anyway, however this book is actually about a series of children's murders that happened years ago and who was accused, who it actually was, etc. There are a ton of characters and perspectives thrown at you and it was a little confusing on audio, but moreso it just felt like this book tried to do WAY too much and couldn't' accomplish any of it. Plot holes were huge, everything was underdeveloped, and the conclusion happened shortly after the "problem" occurred. This just wasn't good.
March 8, 2024
The Girl On The News is a slow burn drama with an interesting premise.
In the past, a twelve year old girl is convicted of murdering her best friend.
She swears she didn’t do it.
What really happened…..
Jessie lives with her husband, Mark and her adorable four year old Mia.
One day Mia’s face appears in the tabloids saying she is missing but she is with Jessie.
What is going on……
Does the past have something to do with the present…..
A complicated domestic thriller.
I found the first quarter of this story a bit confusing and then once it started to make sense, it became better.
The last quarter is very hooking when it all came together with a good ending.
It was enjoyable enough to finish.
In the past, a twelve year old girl is convicted of murdering her best friend.
She swears she didn’t do it.
What really happened…..
Jessie lives with her husband, Mark and her adorable four year old Mia.
One day Mia’s face appears in the tabloids saying she is missing but she is with Jessie.
What is going on……
Does the past have something to do with the present…..
A complicated domestic thriller.
I found the first quarter of this story a bit confusing and then once it started to make sense, it became better.
The last quarter is very hooking when it all came together with a good ending.
It was enjoyable enough to finish.
January 26, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of The Girl On The News by Elisabeth Carpenter. This is my first book by this author and I quite enjoyed the book. I was very engrossed by the story and kept wanting to read it all the time. Work just got in the way! It was very addictive. There were some parts which were unbelievable but it is fiction and I looked past my issues. I would definitely recommend this book to others. A 5 star rating from me.
January 13, 2024
This is a high quality quick listen. . Told over multiple timelines. This tells the atoey of Rosie who is convicted of killing her best friend when she is 12. She maintains her innocence and creates a new identity and new life cimpleye woth daughter. Years layer it appears on social media that her daughter is missing but she is right there. An investigative journalist Sadie believes in her innocence.
I loved tge pov and various side characters and red herrings. The narrator had a real feel for each character and did being the story to life. The problem i had with the story was rhe final twist did not seem realistic and made me question how realistic the original conviction would have been but as it would have been done to 12 people I guesse its a fine line. I felt i needed a few more loose ends tied up and explained in more detail to trully believe in the ending and twist. I loved all tg5e characters but just felt the ending let the story down.
I would still highly recommended this its still a solid 4 star listen as long as you can remember its a story and unlike me try relate it yo teal life.
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author and narrator.
I loved tge pov and various side characters and red herrings. The narrator had a real feel for each character and did being the story to life. The problem i had with the story was rhe final twist did not seem realistic and made me question how realistic the original conviction would have been but as it would have been done to 12 people I guesse its a fine line. I felt i needed a few more loose ends tied up and explained in more detail to trully believe in the ending and twist. I loved all tg5e characters but just felt the ending let the story down.
I would still highly recommended this its still a solid 4 star listen as long as you can remember its a story and unlike me try relate it yo teal life.
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author and narrator.
January 23, 2024
Oooooh what a read 🙂 I found it hard to put this one down. I was hooked tight from the start and was picking my kindle up at every available option I had.
When an advert pops up on social media for a missing child Mia Donovan, her mother Jessie is astounded, her daughter is sitting there right next door to her. Is this someone’s idea of a sick joke or do they know the secret of Jessie’s past? A secret she had hoped would remain that way for the rest of her life.
When threats towards her daughter are made Jessie decides to stay at her mothers and she takes mia with her. Whilst she is up there Jessie’s worst nightmares come true, when Mia is taken from a local cafe whilst she is out with her uncle.
Jessie is desperate to find her daughter and will do anything including revealing her identity and risking exposing her past. As the police and a local journalist investigate the truth hits home to Jessie that whoever has taken Mia is someone Jessie knows and is close to. At one point or another I found myself questioning just about everyone.
I really enjoyed reading the girl on the news, the only thing I did find was the ending was a bit abrupt and I’d have liked to have seen a future insight say 5 years down the line of where Mia and Jessie are in their lives now, but that’s just my personal preference.
I loved the way this story unfolded, there were plenty of secrets and twists to keep the readers hooked and interested. I’ll certainly be looking out for more books by Elisabeth Carpenter as her work is fast paced and easy to get into.
Thank you to NetGalley the publisher and the author for an advance copy of this book in exchange for this review.
When an advert pops up on social media for a missing child Mia Donovan, her mother Jessie is astounded, her daughter is sitting there right next door to her. Is this someone’s idea of a sick joke or do they know the secret of Jessie’s past? A secret she had hoped would remain that way for the rest of her life.
When threats towards her daughter are made Jessie decides to stay at her mothers and she takes mia with her. Whilst she is up there Jessie’s worst nightmares come true, when Mia is taken from a local cafe whilst she is out with her uncle.
Jessie is desperate to find her daughter and will do anything including revealing her identity and risking exposing her past. As the police and a local journalist investigate the truth hits home to Jessie that whoever has taken Mia is someone Jessie knows and is close to. At one point or another I found myself questioning just about everyone.
I really enjoyed reading the girl on the news, the only thing I did find was the ending was a bit abrupt and I’d have liked to have seen a future insight say 5 years down the line of where Mia and Jessie are in their lives now, but that’s just my personal preference.
I loved the way this story unfolded, there were plenty of secrets and twists to keep the readers hooked and interested. I’ll certainly be looking out for more books by Elisabeth Carpenter as her work is fast paced and easy to get into.
Thank you to NetGalley the publisher and the author for an advance copy of this book in exchange for this review.
February 21, 2024
What a premise! What a book! Loved this one so much. Brilliant from start to finish. I could not put it down. Addictive and just wonderful.
March 30, 2024
I was really enjoying this book even though it was confusing at times to keep up with the characters.
As I was reading, I was on a 4 star high just waiting for a climactic ending to push me over the edge to 5 stars.
And.
Then.
The.
Ending.
Took.
A.
Nosedive.
Into.
Utter.
Disappointment.
I walked away shaking my head in disbelief at how abruptly the ending crashed and burned.
As I was reading, I was on a 4 star high just waiting for a climactic ending to push me over the edge to 5 stars.
And.
Then.
The.
Ending.
Took.
A.
Nosedive.
Into.
Utter.
Disappointment.
I walked away shaking my head in disbelief at how abruptly the ending crashed and burned.
January 26, 2024
Imagine looking at Facebook one day and seeing images of a missing 4 year old girl, only it's your own child and she is sitting right next to you. Jessie and Mark live with their 4 year old daughter Mia. One day Jessie receives a frantic call from her mother saying Mia is reported as missing; only she isn't missing and Jessie has no idea what is going on or who made these posts. This domestic thriller is a complicated story with multiple viewpoints and different time periods. Among the different characters are:
Rosie , a 14 year old girl who was arrested for killing her best friend Lauren. The police never had any kind of proof but Rosie was found sitting next to the dead girl and she was unable or unwilling to talk. Rosie has been sent to a youth center where she will remain until she is 21 years old. Sadie. a reporter who doesn't believe Rosie is guilty. When everyone else has abandoned Rosie, Sadie continues to visit her and tells her she believes in her innocence.
In the current timeline, Heather is the mother of the dead girl Lauren and she is dealing with still grieving her daughter and taking care of her sick mother. Then there is Liza, a young woman who befriends Jessie and acts a little strange showing up at their house without notice and acting overly familiar. How these various people connect to each other and to the missing girl posts slowly comes together and Jessie realizes she must find out what is going on to save her beloved daughter. I thought this was an interesting story and I liked and felt sympathy for Jessie. I thought some of the content was not needed such as the various scenes with Heather and her mother and sister; they did not really relate to the overall story. I also wondered why the police would totally ignore the other young girls who were found murdered under the same circumstances of Lauren. Thank You to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this ARC in exchange for a review.
Rosie , a 14 year old girl who was arrested for killing her best friend Lauren. The police never had any kind of proof but Rosie was found sitting next to the dead girl and she was unable or unwilling to talk. Rosie has been sent to a youth center where she will remain until she is 21 years old. Sadie. a reporter who doesn't believe Rosie is guilty. When everyone else has abandoned Rosie, Sadie continues to visit her and tells her she believes in her innocence.
In the current timeline, Heather is the mother of the dead girl Lauren and she is dealing with still grieving her daughter and taking care of her sick mother. Then there is Liza, a young woman who befriends Jessie and acts a little strange showing up at their house without notice and acting overly familiar. How these various people connect to each other and to the missing girl posts slowly comes together and Jessie realizes she must find out what is going on to save her beloved daughter. I thought this was an interesting story and I liked and felt sympathy for Jessie. I thought some of the content was not needed such as the various scenes with Heather and her mother and sister; they did not really relate to the overall story. I also wondered why the police would totally ignore the other young girls who were found murdered under the same circumstances of Lauren. Thank You to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this ARC in exchange for a review.
January 28, 2024
First, I want to thank Elizabeth Carpenter, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
OMG!! OMG!! Elizabeth Carpenter just got herself a new fan!! The Girl On The News is the best ever missing person case book I have read to date (and I read a lot). This is a book that could be ripped from the headlines!! Not only that but it would be an amazing binge worthy show on Netflix! Oh I would love to see that happen. This is a must read that deserves way more than 5 stars!! Don’t take my word for it, find out for yourself! You will be so glad you did.
The cover graphics totally captured my attention as well as the title of the book. I just had to know more about this story!
Instantly, Elizabeth captured my attention and pulled hard on my heartstrings! I absolutely love when authors suck you in right away! I was literally glued to my Kindle and could not put it down til I knew what happened to the girls! You will need to clear your schedule for this one!
The Girl On The News is every family’s worst nightmares come true and then some! This story will have you wanting to hold your children a little tighter! Elizabeth’s storylines will have an effect on all of your emotions!
This book had some wicked twists and turns that will have you on the edge of your comfy chair! The secrets and their revelations will blow your mind!
Rosie is one of my favorite characters as she was incredibly strong throughout the book! So many times I wanted to jump in and give her a hug!
Elizabeth would like to dedicate this in memory of her friend Lou.
OMG!! OMG!! Elizabeth Carpenter just got herself a new fan!! The Girl On The News is the best ever missing person case book I have read to date (and I read a lot). This is a book that could be ripped from the headlines!! Not only that but it would be an amazing binge worthy show on Netflix! Oh I would love to see that happen. This is a must read that deserves way more than 5 stars!! Don’t take my word for it, find out for yourself! You will be so glad you did.
The cover graphics totally captured my attention as well as the title of the book. I just had to know more about this story!
Instantly, Elizabeth captured my attention and pulled hard on my heartstrings! I absolutely love when authors suck you in right away! I was literally glued to my Kindle and could not put it down til I knew what happened to the girls! You will need to clear your schedule for this one!
The Girl On The News is every family’s worst nightmares come true and then some! This story will have you wanting to hold your children a little tighter! Elizabeth’s storylines will have an effect on all of your emotions!
This book had some wicked twists and turns that will have you on the edge of your comfy chair! The secrets and their revelations will blow your mind!
Rosie is one of my favorite characters as she was incredibly strong throughout the book! So many times I wanted to jump in and give her a hug!
Elizabeth would like to dedicate this in memory of her friend Lou.
January 24, 2024
The Girl on the News is a domestic thriller.
Rosie was convicted of murdering her best friend when she was just twelve years old. Sadie, an investigative journalist, spends time with Rosie investigating the death of a child. Sadie is not sure that Rosie is guilty. As she continues her investigation there are several others that have died, which only adds more questions.
This story starts off slowly but picks up speed about midway. It is told from several points of views. I was looking forward to this book. From the description I had a different idea of the way this book might go.
I had a hard time with this one. There was the past and the present and a lot of characters to keep track of. I just couldn't keep track and was losing interest as the story bumped around.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
Rosie was convicted of murdering her best friend when she was just twelve years old. Sadie, an investigative journalist, spends time with Rosie investigating the death of a child. Sadie is not sure that Rosie is guilty. As she continues her investigation there are several others that have died, which only adds more questions.
This story starts off slowly but picks up speed about midway. It is told from several points of views. I was looking forward to this book. From the description I had a different idea of the way this book might go.
I had a hard time with this one. There was the past and the present and a lot of characters to keep track of. I just couldn't keep track and was losing interest as the story bumped around.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
December 28, 2023
The easy to read writing style is what made this one flow so quickly for me and what kept me going. The story was a bit sad and compelling telling the story of revenge, loss, and murder. There were a few inconsistencies, though. Towards the end, the protagonist is made aware of something that she already was told in the previous chapters. The ending, while throwing me for a loop, also needed a bit more of an explanation. Overall, this was enjoyable and quick, but okay read for me.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for this ARC.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for this ARC.
January 11, 2024
Thank you for the advanced reader copy of this book. All reviews are of my own opinion based on the ARC copy.
🎧 3.5/5 ⭐️
I was originally drawn to the book because I thought it was about kidnapping or mistaken identity of a child. It turns out it was completely different, that was only a small piece of the story. It was a unique storyline with many twisted character stories that intertwined. I do Wish there was a more finalization in what happened or why. It eluded but I didn’t really understand what exactly happened. Rounding up since I did enjoy, finishing easily in one day.
🎧 3.5/5 ⭐️
I was originally drawn to the book because I thought it was about kidnapping or mistaken identity of a child. It turns out it was completely different, that was only a small piece of the story. It was a unique storyline with many twisted character stories that intertwined. I do Wish there was a more finalization in what happened or why. It eluded but I didn’t really understand what exactly happened. Rounding up since I did enjoy, finishing easily in one day.
October 11, 2024
It took me some time to get pulled into this book. The pacing was quite slow at the start. However, by about the halfway point, it picked up and became increasingly suspenseful. I was keen to know what was going to happen next.
There were also many characters introduced throughout the story and various timelines. It was difficult to keep track while listening to the audiobook as I wasn't able to flip back to previous chapters for context. I think it would've been easier to follow reading the ebook.
The publisher description was enticing, but it took most of the story to get to the promised content. The ending was predictable and somewhat of a letdown. I was expecting a "didn't see it coming" twist, but I didn't get that. For these reasons, this audiobook was just a so-so read for me, although there are other readers who liked it much more than I did. I would suggest checking out their reviews.
The audio performance was dynamic and kept me engaged.
Thank you #NetGalley for an audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
There were also many characters introduced throughout the story and various timelines. It was difficult to keep track while listening to the audiobook as I wasn't able to flip back to previous chapters for context. I think it would've been easier to follow reading the ebook.
The publisher description was enticing, but it took most of the story to get to the promised content. The ending was predictable and somewhat of a letdown. I was expecting a "didn't see it coming" twist, but I didn't get that. For these reasons, this audiobook was just a so-so read for me, although there are other readers who liked it much more than I did. I would suggest checking out their reviews.
The audio performance was dynamic and kept me engaged.
Thank you #NetGalley for an audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2024
I enjoyed this one.
The breakdown:
The beginning is slow and the multiple points of view could be a little confusing.
The 2nd half of the boom was amazing. Fast moving, chills...and I mean chills! I felt quite invested in the story and loved the Rosie/Jessie character.
The end: I figured out the "bad guy" from the jump, tho. I find that a little annoying even tho it happens a lot. 😜 The end and the epilogue were both pretty darn satisfying.
The breakdown:
The beginning is slow and the multiple points of view could be a little confusing.
The 2nd half of the boom was amazing. Fast moving, chills...and I mean chills! I felt quite invested in the story and loved the Rosie/Jessie character.
The end: I figured out the "bad guy" from the jump, tho. I find that a little annoying even tho it happens a lot. 😜 The end and the epilogue were both pretty darn satisfying.
February 2, 2024
The Girl on the News is the third book I've read by Carpenter and I'm already eagerly waiting for her next...
It's a fast paced domestic thriller that you will not want to put down...I devoured it in less than twenty four hours it was that good!
Narrated by several POV and across different timelines Carpenter has woven a twisty plot full of suspense, intrigue and revenge.
It's enjoyable, entertaining and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
It's a fast paced domestic thriller that you will not want to put down...I devoured it in less than twenty four hours it was that good!
Narrated by several POV and across different timelines Carpenter has woven a twisty plot full of suspense, intrigue and revenge.
It's enjoyable, entertaining and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
November 11, 2024
I wouldn't say the description of the book really matched the plot. Rather than anything in the news, it was more a couple of Facebook posts. The ending was also a let down, with suddenly a lot happening within about the last 15% of the book. It was a shame as I really liked the set up with the changes in POV, and the interviews
January 28, 2024
The Girl on the News
By Elisabeth Carpenter
Narrated by Zoe Mills
3 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture audio.
Narration was okay but at times hard to distinguish who was who. I may have liked this better reading it vs listening to it. I would still try another book by Elisabeth Carpenter.
Psychological thriller that is a fast and easy read/listen. There were things for me that were problematic and made parts of story hard to believe for me; so I’m glad it was a shorter listen.
By Elisabeth Carpenter
Narrated by Zoe Mills
3 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture audio.
Narration was okay but at times hard to distinguish who was who. I may have liked this better reading it vs listening to it. I would still try another book by Elisabeth Carpenter.
Psychological thriller that is a fast and easy read/listen. There were things for me that were problematic and made parts of story hard to believe for me; so I’m glad it was a shorter listen.
December 27, 2023
It took some getting used to the writing style and the different POV, but I loved the story !!! I was for a few parts but I really really loved the ending !!!!
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for access to this Arc in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for access to this Arc in exchange for my honest review.
January 26, 2024
Wow! What a great story! I was hooked from the start. This story was full of twists that kept me on my toes. I loved the way the narrator distinguished between each character.
February 1, 2025
Missing girl...believed kidnapped...
My first book I ever read by Elisabeth Carpenter was her debut, also about a missing girl called "99 Red Balloons" . That book was phenomenal! I somehow missed her next few but since she has signed with Bookouture I was lucky enough to read "The Family on Smith Street" , also five stars. This book is no different. Three out of three five star reads, I think I'm going to have to find some time to devour her earlier ones. I think Carpenter was one of the first authors I read with multiple narratives and timelines, and this has since become one of my favourite formats, with just enough information being drip-fed to the reader with each unfolding chapter.
Rosie McShane is a name that is synonomous with child killers when at 12 years old she was convicted of murdering her best friend Lauren Jones. Rosie had always pleaded her innocence but the police, the jury and everyone involved thought her to be unremorseful, cold and calculating. She was sentenced to seven years in a secure unit for very young offenders, and upon her release was given a whole new identity. But the people of Clayton of Greater Manchester have never forgotten.
For all intents and purposes, Jessie Donovan has the perfect life. The perfect husband, the cute little daughter and a beautiful home. But no one knows the trauma she has suffered or what it has taken to get her where she is today. When her mother calls babbling about news reports online saying that her 4 year old daughter Mia has been kidnapped, Jessie is beside herself with worry. Who would post such allegations that were clearly untrue? Nevertheless, Jessie is determined not to let Mia out of her sight.
When her husband Mark reveals his business is in trouble and he has taken out a dodgy loan to cover expenses of which they are now demanding payment, Jessie is furious with him for being so careless as to put their lives in danger. She decides then that the best thing for her is to spend a few days with her mum but surely returning to the area in which she grew up is tempting fate.
Almost from the moment she arrives, Jessie finds herself jumping at shadows. Her mother is acting strangely and her friend back home is sending her weird texts that she dismisses as annoying. But when Liza tells her that she is at her place and hasn't been able to raise Mark's attention, Jessie begins to worry. Where is Mark and why is not answering the door, her text messages or phone calls?
Things get even stranger when faces from the past threaten to throw Jessie's life into turmoil with even more social media posts about her daughter being missing.
And then Mia really does goes missing.
What is going on and why has Mia been taken? Is someone seeking retribution for a past crime? Or are they just trying to even the odds? Jessie is going out of her mind with worry when she still can't raise Mark on the phone. But is she prepared for what's about to come?
This was a quick and easy read that I started in the wee hours of the night and picked up again as soon as I woke to finish. The suspense kept me turning the pages throughout from start to finish. My only complaint was that the ending was a little ambiguous. Who was the real guilty party? I do prefer my endings to be a little more cut and dried rather than ambiguous, leaving me guessing a little.
One part I did find a little unbelievable was the fact that after Rosie was given a new identity, no one thought it strange that she continued to associate with faces from her past such as a childhood friend and her family. In these cases, the person is given a new identity and a new life away from the old one so as to protect their new identity. Aren't they? And there is the fact that Rosie was convicted on such little evidence when there was clear evidence refuting that which they convicted her on. Why did they ignore it?
Either way, this is still an absorbing, thrilling and entertaining read as you turn the pages looking for the clues from the past in the interviews transcribed and actions in the present. Who took Mia Donovan? And why did they take her?
Despite my misgivings, they weren't enough to overshadow my enjoyment of this addictive read...although one does have to suspend belief at times, as one is wont to do in the case of an entertaining and addictive story such as this one.
I would like to thank #ElisabethCarpenter, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheGirlOnTheNews in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
My first book I ever read by Elisabeth Carpenter was her debut, also about a missing girl called "99 Red Balloons" . That book was phenomenal! I somehow missed her next few but since she has signed with Bookouture I was lucky enough to read "The Family on Smith Street" , also five stars. This book is no different. Three out of three five star reads, I think I'm going to have to find some time to devour her earlier ones. I think Carpenter was one of the first authors I read with multiple narratives and timelines, and this has since become one of my favourite formats, with just enough information being drip-fed to the reader with each unfolding chapter.
Rosie McShane is a name that is synonomous with child killers when at 12 years old she was convicted of murdering her best friend Lauren Jones. Rosie had always pleaded her innocence but the police, the jury and everyone involved thought her to be unremorseful, cold and calculating. She was sentenced to seven years in a secure unit for very young offenders, and upon her release was given a whole new identity. But the people of Clayton of Greater Manchester have never forgotten.
For all intents and purposes, Jessie Donovan has the perfect life. The perfect husband, the cute little daughter and a beautiful home. But no one knows the trauma she has suffered or what it has taken to get her where she is today. When her mother calls babbling about news reports online saying that her 4 year old daughter Mia has been kidnapped, Jessie is beside herself with worry. Who would post such allegations that were clearly untrue? Nevertheless, Jessie is determined not to let Mia out of her sight.
When her husband Mark reveals his business is in trouble and he has taken out a dodgy loan to cover expenses of which they are now demanding payment, Jessie is furious with him for being so careless as to put their lives in danger. She decides then that the best thing for her is to spend a few days with her mum but surely returning to the area in which she grew up is tempting fate.
Almost from the moment she arrives, Jessie finds herself jumping at shadows. Her mother is acting strangely and her friend back home is sending her weird texts that she dismisses as annoying. But when Liza tells her that she is at her place and hasn't been able to raise Mark's attention, Jessie begins to worry. Where is Mark and why is not answering the door, her text messages or phone calls?
Things get even stranger when faces from the past threaten to throw Jessie's life into turmoil with even more social media posts about her daughter being missing.
And then Mia really does goes missing.
What is going on and why has Mia been taken? Is someone seeking retribution for a past crime? Or are they just trying to even the odds? Jessie is going out of her mind with worry when she still can't raise Mark on the phone. But is she prepared for what's about to come?
This was a quick and easy read that I started in the wee hours of the night and picked up again as soon as I woke to finish. The suspense kept me turning the pages throughout from start to finish. My only complaint was that the ending was a little ambiguous. Who was the real guilty party? I do prefer my endings to be a little more cut and dried rather than ambiguous, leaving me guessing a little.
One part I did find a little unbelievable was the fact that after Rosie was given a new identity, no one thought it strange that she continued to associate with faces from her past such as a childhood friend and her family. In these cases, the person is given a new identity and a new life away from the old one so as to protect their new identity. Aren't they? And there is the fact that Rosie was convicted on such little evidence when there was clear evidence refuting that which they convicted her on. Why did they ignore it?
Either way, this is still an absorbing, thrilling and entertaining read as you turn the pages looking for the clues from the past in the interviews transcribed and actions in the present. Who took Mia Donovan? And why did they take her?
Despite my misgivings, they weren't enough to overshadow my enjoyment of this addictive read...although one does have to suspend belief at times, as one is wont to do in the case of an entertaining and addictive story such as this one.
I would like to thank #ElisabethCarpenter, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheGirlOnTheNews in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
January 1, 2024
This story really had me gripped - I love stories that have timelines telling stories from the past and present as secrets unlock. So this was definitely my kind of book.
I spent alot of the book being uncertain who the killer actually was - I was kept guessing and questioning the behaviour of many of the characters.
I was initially pulled in by the concept of seeing a girl missing in the news who is your own daughter, not missing at all. This is not the premise of the whole book and something that happens within the story, but the story works very well. It really was full of stories that unravelled as I went on, which is just how I like it!
I felt the ending had a degree of satisfaction and closure, but I did find myself feeling that the killer's identity didn't make 100% sense because it easily could have been another person. No spoilers though from me, so I shall put that down to my own perception of one of them!
A good story, with closure for those that needed it and plenty of unravelling of secrets, which I love!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advance copy.
I spent alot of the book being uncertain who the killer actually was - I was kept guessing and questioning the behaviour of many of the characters.
I was initially pulled in by the concept of seeing a girl missing in the news who is your own daughter, not missing at all. This is not the premise of the whole book and something that happens within the story, but the story works very well. It really was full of stories that unravelled as I went on, which is just how I like it!
I felt the ending had a degree of satisfaction and closure, but I did find myself feeling that the killer's identity didn't make 100% sense because it easily could have been another person. No spoilers though from me, so I shall put that down to my own perception of one of them!
A good story, with closure for those that needed it and plenty of unravelling of secrets, which I love!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advance copy.
January 13, 2024
Absolutely loved this audio book and was hooked from the first chapter. It was annoying to have to stop listening in order to sleep!
Great storyline which kept me switching my theories on 'who did it'. The characters were well crafted and appeared believable. I'm amazed the mother was still alive though, judging by how many cigarettes she smoked during the story!
The narrator was excellent: easy to listen to and her different voices made the characters clear.
I can thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good murder-mystery.
I was given a copy of this audio book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Great storyline which kept me switching my theories on 'who did it'. The characters were well crafted and appeared believable. I'm amazed the mother was still alive though, judging by how many cigarettes she smoked during the story!
The narrator was excellent: easy to listen to and her different voices made the characters clear.
I can thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good murder-mystery.
I was given a copy of this audio book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2024
Rosie (Jessie) Mcshane spent 7 years in a juvenile facility for the murder of her best friend. She has always maintained her innocence and is now living with her husband and 4 year old daughter, Mia. When a Facebook post is made saying that Mia is missing, Rosie rushes to the school to find her daughter perfectly fine. The false post is made again a few days later, making Rosie uneasy, and then Mia actually does go missing.
I finished this book in record time because it had me so engrossed. I felt bad for Rosie, just trying to live an as normal as possible life after being wrongfully accused. There were a lot of things that bothered me about the story, though. Please don't read further if you don't want any spoilers!
POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD:
I can't get over the utter and total incompetence of the police and anyone involved in the investigation of Lauren's death. A girl is sitting beside her best friend and she's automatically convicted of murder? No real evidence. Not only that, obvious evidence is completely ignored. I know people are wrongfully convicted all the time, but this was ridiculous.
I still don't understand what importance Liza's character had to the story. I understand who she was and her motives, but she really has no use.
The Facebook posts had me confused as well. Were they made on purpose so that when Mia actually did go missing, nobody believed it? The reason for them was never explained.
I can't even express what an absolute $#!+ person Marie (Jessie/Rosie's) mom is. She LIED for one child just to have the other convicted of murder???? This was mind boggling to me.
The end was my biggest disappointment. I still believe that it was Mark, and Billy was either just a big idiot or a slight accomplice. I feel like the whole issue and evidence against Mark was just ignored and thrown aside. Was this on purpose?
While I really appreciated the fast pace of this story, all the unexplained issues really made it a disappointment.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
I finished this book in record time because it had me so engrossed. I felt bad for Rosie, just trying to live an as normal as possible life after being wrongfully accused. There were a lot of things that bothered me about the story, though. Please don't read further if you don't want any spoilers!
POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD:
I can't get over the utter and total incompetence of the police and anyone involved in the investigation of Lauren's death. A girl is sitting beside her best friend and she's automatically convicted of murder? No real evidence. Not only that, obvious evidence is completely ignored. I know people are wrongfully convicted all the time, but this was ridiculous.
I still don't understand what importance Liza's character had to the story. I understand who she was and her motives, but she really has no use.
The Facebook posts had me confused as well. Were they made on purpose so that when Mia actually did go missing, nobody believed it? The reason for them was never explained.
I can't even express what an absolute $#!+ person Marie (Jessie/Rosie's) mom is. She LIED for one child just to have the other convicted of murder???? This was mind boggling to me.
The end was my biggest disappointment. I still believe that it was Mark, and Billy was either just a big idiot or a slight accomplice. I feel like the whole issue and evidence against Mark was just ignored and thrown aside. Was this on purpose?
While I really appreciated the fast pace of this story, all the unexplained issues really made it a disappointment.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
January 29, 2024
OK...This was a SICK book!
We open up with the news of a missing girl, 4 year old Mia, on the news.
It's a little bit hard to follow (at least in my mind), as we have dual timelines with similar situations. The opening is NOW...with the missing little girl.
Directly after this we go to the 1990's, and the death of another little girl...but this one was 12. And her BEST friend is accused of killing her!
Rosie is/was the best friend.
We meet her thru interviews of the one and only person (at least that's how it seemed to me) who actually believed that she did NOT kill her friend...a reporter/journalist named Sadie, who keeps up with her through the years...
Throughout the book we bounce back and forth between the two timelines, and learn a little bit more about all the main characters (MC) of the book.
Rosie, the female MC, has come from a tough family. She has a mother who seemed to never show her any love, and an older brother, who she really does not keep in touch with much anymore. The Mom had a long list of loves/boyfriends who seemed to mean more to her than her own children. And, as the book begins to unfold, I began to dislike her more and more.
Oh…and she never considered that Rosie might be innocent. 😮
We also see glimpses of the little girls that Rosie and Laurie were...and Laurie's family as well.
Once it got going, it was a very fast paced, can't catch your breath, kind of read...
And me for one, did not see the last quarter of the book coming!
Very EYE OPENING, to say the least.... Still trying to catch my breath!
Thanks to #NetGalley and #BookoutureAudio for an ARC of the audiobook which is being released TODAY, 1/29/24.
#TheGirlOnTheNews by #ElisabethCarpenter and beautifully narrated by #ZoeMills.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!
To see ALL of my upcoming reviews and PRE-views, please follow and like me on Goodreads,
IG @ #BookReviews_with_emsr and my new book club forum on
Facebook @ #BookReviewsWithElaine
As always, Thanks for reading along with me and Happy Reading! 📚📖
We open up with the news of a missing girl, 4 year old Mia, on the news.
It's a little bit hard to follow (at least in my mind), as we have dual timelines with similar situations. The opening is NOW...with the missing little girl.
Directly after this we go to the 1990's, and the death of another little girl...but this one was 12. And her BEST friend is accused of killing her!
Rosie is/was the best friend.
We meet her thru interviews of the one and only person (at least that's how it seemed to me) who actually believed that she did NOT kill her friend...a reporter/journalist named Sadie, who keeps up with her through the years...
Throughout the book we bounce back and forth between the two timelines, and learn a little bit more about all the main characters (MC) of the book.
Rosie, the female MC, has come from a tough family. She has a mother who seemed to never show her any love, and an older brother, who she really does not keep in touch with much anymore. The Mom had a long list of loves/boyfriends who seemed to mean more to her than her own children. And, as the book begins to unfold, I began to dislike her more and more.
Oh…and she never considered that Rosie might be innocent. 😮
We also see glimpses of the little girls that Rosie and Laurie were...and Laurie's family as well.
Once it got going, it was a very fast paced, can't catch your breath, kind of read...
And me for one, did not see the last quarter of the book coming!
Very EYE OPENING, to say the least.... Still trying to catch my breath!
Thanks to #NetGalley and #BookoutureAudio for an ARC of the audiobook which is being released TODAY, 1/29/24.
#TheGirlOnTheNews by #ElisabethCarpenter and beautifully narrated by #ZoeMills.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!
To see ALL of my upcoming reviews and PRE-views, please follow and like me on Goodreads,
IG @ #BookReviews_with_emsr and my new book club forum on
Facebook @ #BookReviewsWithElaine
As always, Thanks for reading along with me and Happy Reading! 📚📖
February 5, 2024
First I would like to thank Bookouture Audio for providing me a copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is the story of Jessie, artist and mother, who around the anniversary of her childhood best friend's murder starts to experience weird happenings with her life and she can't explain why. As a child Jessie was convicted of murdering her best friend and even though she claimed her innocence nobody believed her except a reporter, who also happened to be her friend's aunt. When random posts about Jessie's daughter, Mia, being kidnapped start appearing on Facebook, Jessie fears the worst that someone found out who she is and is coming to harm her daughter. With her husband Mark not being supportive, Jessie heads north to hide away with her mother until everything calms down. While this is happening to Jessie, the reporter Sadie is close to cracking the case she has been chasing down for 30 long years. As the anniversary of the murder gets closer Sadie and Jessie work together to figure out who murdered her friend and 3 other girls all those years ago.
What I Liked:
Audiobook quality, as this book is set in England sometimes when I increase the speed the quality of the accents get worse but I did not have that issue with this book at all easy to listen to no matter how fast I had it
Sadie, with her personal connection to the death I appreciated that this character stuck to her belief that Jessie never harmed her niece and there was a bigger story out there also that she was always so supportive of Jessie and refused to treat her any different
Twist, I have said this before that I read a lot of mystery/suspense books and I was legitimately surprised with the end of this book when we figure out who did it
Ending, I feel like often these books end with they caught the bad guy but we never know what happens next and this book did a great job with informing the audience what happened after
Characters, I do appreciate that these characters were very "real" in the sense that they had faults, feelings and sometimes weren't the best people and the book didn't shy away from that fact \
Multiple POVs, I liked how this book hopped between a few different characters as well as bringing in things like news articles and interview tapes that help paint a picture of the past and move the story along
Overall this was a quick read that had me hooked from the beginning and I couldn't believe who the overall "big bad" was at the very end. If you are looking for a bit of a different kind of mystery/suspense story I would recommend you consider reading this book.
This is the story of Jessie, artist and mother, who around the anniversary of her childhood best friend's murder starts to experience weird happenings with her life and she can't explain why. As a child Jessie was convicted of murdering her best friend and even though she claimed her innocence nobody believed her except a reporter, who also happened to be her friend's aunt. When random posts about Jessie's daughter, Mia, being kidnapped start appearing on Facebook, Jessie fears the worst that someone found out who she is and is coming to harm her daughter. With her husband Mark not being supportive, Jessie heads north to hide away with her mother until everything calms down. While this is happening to Jessie, the reporter Sadie is close to cracking the case she has been chasing down for 30 long years. As the anniversary of the murder gets closer Sadie and Jessie work together to figure out who murdered her friend and 3 other girls all those years ago.
What I Liked:
Audiobook quality, as this book is set in England sometimes when I increase the speed the quality of the accents get worse but I did not have that issue with this book at all easy to listen to no matter how fast I had it
Sadie, with her personal connection to the death I appreciated that this character stuck to her belief that Jessie never harmed her niece and there was a bigger story out there also that she was always so supportive of Jessie and refused to treat her any different
Twist, I have said this before that I read a lot of mystery/suspense books and I was legitimately surprised with the end of this book when we figure out who did it
Ending, I feel like often these books end with they caught the bad guy but we never know what happens next and this book did a great job with informing the audience what happened after
Characters, I do appreciate that these characters were very "real" in the sense that they had faults, feelings and sometimes weren't the best people and the book didn't shy away from that fact \
Multiple POVs, I liked how this book hopped between a few different characters as well as bringing in things like news articles and interview tapes that help paint a picture of the past and move the story along
Overall this was a quick read that had me hooked from the beginning and I couldn't believe who the overall "big bad" was at the very end. If you are looking for a bit of a different kind of mystery/suspense story I would recommend you consider reading this book.
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