The Child Taker

Detective Alec Ramsay #1

by Conrad Jones

A best-selling standalone novel and the first in a 7-book series, that will keep you turning the pages.
When twins are abducted from a tent in the Lake District, the hunt for a dangerous trafficking ring begins. The Child Taker follows the desperate search for the missing children. Packed with action and twists.

Genres: Thriller, Crime, Fiction, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Detective, Ebooks

334 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Conrad Jones is a best-selling thriller writer with 30 thriller novels.
The Anglesey Murders 10 books
The Soft Target Series 6 books
The Detective Alec Ramsay Series 6 books
The Inspector Braddick Series 4 books
The Journey Series 3 books
Cuckoos on the Mersey

18 of his books are available in audio and his novels have been translated into six languages.
He is always keen to talk to readers and writers alike, jonesconrad5@aol.com

FaceBook Conrad Jones Author
Twitter @ConradJones

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book I've read from this author, This book starts with a family who struggled to have children,They eventually had twins 5 years old they were kidnapped by the child taker,The child taker had a dreadful past full of abuse he was known as Jack.The parents of the twins Haley and Karl needed help to find her children Harley father has special skills in the special forces with his friend and colleague known as Tank gets involved with the case.who is behind the kidnapping.The ending felt rushed so my rating is 3.5,looking forward to his next book.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is mind blowing. I finished it in three days. The authors words of description is amazing. I pictured every scene, explosion, argument and setting in my head. The characters played their part well it was almost perfect. I did feel that Tank and Grace's relationship could have been revealed more in the beginning instead of towards the end of the book. I know why it wasn't revealed because it wasn't relevant but why reveal a tidbit toward the end after all they are partners. Besides that the ending I knew it wasn't going to perfect and I'm ok with that. I remembered Jack Howarth made a promise to the cop and I knew if he didn't get caught he was going to fulfill that dirty promise. I couldn't put the book down and couldn't stop thinking about it. My mind was blown every time I thought they had this case in the bag.

[Ian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Utter rubbish.. This was a recommendation from Amazon based on other books I have read in my kindle. Whilst I do read thrillers, the recommendation here is akin to recommending a lawn mower because I had looked at a garden chair.
The plot is ok-ish, and everything else was very poor. I actually found myself skim reading pages just to get through it! The ending is just creepy and disturbing and left quite a poor taste in the mouth.
Seriously, don't bother.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a good few chapters in before this gripped me and to be honest now I’ve finished the book I’d say that a couple of the beginning chapters were irrelevant.

I did get really into the story though, it’s pretty gruesome at times so watch out for that.

The ending felt a bit rushed but all it all it’s a good start to a series.

Four stars.

[Nospin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Child Taker is a British action thriller focusing on the efforts of a grandfather and his pals to recover his kidnapped grandchildren. Five year old fraternal twins Sarah and Zak are abducted from their tent while on a family camping trip. Their mother, Hayley, is understandably distraught and welcomes her father's help in trying to find the children. The Major, a counter terrorism agent, and his elite team pull out all the stops in their search for Sarah and Zak.

When I began listening to and reading The Child Taker, I was leery that a female narrator could pull off a believable action thriller. In spite of my reservations, Julia Farhat does, in fact, do a splendid job with the multitude of characters in the book. The pacing of the novel and the narrative performance kept me so involved I devoured the book in a single day.

Anyone with issues regarding child and sexual abuse should look elsewhere as those themes are integral to this story.
I bought the Kindle book and received the Audible book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe 3.5ish.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to an audio version of the child taker in return for an honest review.
The short version of my review is that it was a great story that kept me on the edge of my seat. The narration was good and I would definitely listen to/read more books in this series.
Ok on to the long version, I just finished listening to this book in my car, and on so many occasions I sat in my car 10 mins extra or on some occasions even longer, just to hear a bit more of the story. It was over all a very enjoyable listening experience, I loved the characters and the story and was interested in the twists and turns, also I loved how the author used dual perspectives to write the story, that was such a clever touch that made me even more engaged and actually helped me to understand the characters on both sides and at some points as much as I hate to say it actually empathise with Jack, Alfie and the other kidnappers. On the other side I also loved Tank and found myself really rooting for him and became invested in his story line, I loved his take no crap attitude to things. The story line was generally (bar the first few chapters) quite fast paced and action filled and there were lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing and the final twist left me gasping! I am usually very good at guessing twists but this one I did not see coming!
It also gave an interesting glimpse into the mind of a criminal which if you’re like me and love real life crime documentaries you will love.
My main criticism of the book is I found it a little slow in the first few chapters and found myself only wanting to hear Jack’s story as it felt like two completely separate story lines, once the two stories merged I found it much more enjoyable.
In conclusion it was well written, action packed and if you love a good detective story you will enjoy this.

I would give it 4 out of 5 stars

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is way outside my comfort zone. Books about children coming to harm make me sad and scared.
While it was hard to listen to at times, the story moves along quickly. I thought I knew how it would end, but was surprised. You will be on the edge of your seat, you will be shocked at points, you will be sad, and you will be disgusted at times.
I really liked that the bad guys didn't always lose. It's unrealistic when the good guy always win.
There are triggers for anyone who has lived through trauma. Rape, child molestation, porn, sex trafficking. Big themes. But unfortunately, these things happen every day.
I was so impressed with the narrator! fantastic!! I would listen to any book she narrates.

I was given a free copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Darren Keighley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a difficult book to read with the nature of it, but a very good story non the less.
Very disappointed with the abrupt end, makes you feel that a part has been left out.

[Ali O · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Child Taker by Conrad Jones
🌟🌟🌟🌟
The hunt is on for missing 5 year old twins!!
This is an intense and gripping crime thriller! It is a very descriptive and intense read. The author does a good job with the storytelling and overall writing. Children have been kidnapped and the search is on. Child trafficking horrors!!
It was a fast read for me, as I needed to know how it would end, and the ending was a shocker!

Thank you to Conrad Jones for a copy of the audio version of this book. The narrator did an excellent job.
This is book 1 of 8 in the Detective Alec Ramsay Series.

*Check triggers*

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely cracking book!
I know this author is good but this story narrated just has a life of its own. I read it before I started reviewing & now I’ve listened to it I’ve been reminded how fab it is. How the two storylines from the 1 family are linked and drawn. The dilemma of the kidnap just pained me.
Narrator to me was clear & did voices of characters well. Enjoyed listening to her.
Cannot recommend this story or this author enough.

[Dee Groocock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a fast paced and intense read this is! The story is action packed and gruesome from start to finish. Child abduction is a hard subject to read about but as dark as the subject is, I just couldn’t put this book down. I would recommend this book and look forward to reading more in the Alec Ramsay series.

[Nicola Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a gripping read and I could t put it down this read really quick the plot was written really well and the characters certainly had personalities I did work out the reason for the twins being taken within the first few chapters which I was quite pleased about I do t usually see the twists coming I’d highly recommend this book if you want a thriller that keeps you turning pages

[Frances Cumming · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title is a bit misleading

[Shannon👻 · Rating 4 out of 5]

pretty good 🤠

[Mary Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am delighted that I got to read the prequel before this book ( though either would be great stand alone stories). A fast paced story but with clear links that mean the separate parts can be seen as part of a big picture. Excellent! I will have to develop patience to defer my gratification by prolonging the time before I read the next.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced thriller. Although the book is based on a very uncomfortable topic it caught my attention from the outset. It is absolutely horrifying the extent to which child abductors will go and reassuring that there are organisations working to combat this.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another massive 5 stars. Read in 2 sittings again. These books are my new addiction. Many thanks Conrad Jones.

[Melanie Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book over 2 and half years ago and it was my first date with Conrad Jones. What a first date it was - Love Island producers could take a lesson from Mr Jones. The tale twists and turns and takes your emotions through all kinds or exercises. This is not a book for the faint hearted or easily shocked. The sad thing is, the kind of organisation Mr Jones describes is far too credible. There are also moments of great tenderness. Hayley's reaction to the arrival of her father was beautiful, as was the connection between the twins. These loving touches stop the book from being too bleak. There are a lot of these special interludes, (eg; Jack's back story) which take this tale from a voyeuristic account of evil to an engrossing, captivating, action packed adventure. Over two years ago I was totally smitten by Conrad Jones' mastery with a pen and my admiration has not dimmed. When you find an author of this calibre, I definitely recommend 'double-dipping'; reading the book and listening to the audio version. Even though I knew what was going to happen, the sheer brilliance of the story managed to enthral and bewitch me all over again, (especially John Tankersley). A superb book from an accomplished author, which I am thrilled and privileged to recommend. You can thank me later.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
Horrific story about a pedophile gang stealing and abusing children to order but it’s I found the story really engaging to listen to and was desperate for them to find these missing children in time. It’s uncomfortable to listen to at times but so it should be as we know horrible things like this do happen and I think the story tackles it well. I was not disappointed.

[Joyce Stewart Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Child Taker (Detective Alec Ramsay Series Book 1)

A standalone novel and the first in 9-book series, that will keep you turning the pages. When 5 year old twins are abducted from a tent while the family is on a camping trip in the Lake District, the hunt for a dangerous trafficking ring begins. The Child Taker follows the desperate search for the missing children.

Masterful writing with intriguing situations and captivating characters. This is one action-filled story that will keep you glued to the pages. I could not put it down.If you are a fan of Jack Reacher then you will like this series. Please note this is not a book for the faint of heart, so if you can’t stomach violence against children or adults this isn’t for you. Parts of it was hard for me to read but once I started it I had to know if they would find the twins. This was the first book I've ever read about child trafficking. It is a really hard subject to read about.
I really hope the rest of the books in this series is as good as this one was. I loved Detective Alec Ramsay and Tank.I am looking foward to reading more by this same author. If you would like to read this intriguing read you can read it for free on kindle unlimited. Not sure how much longer it will be on there.

As always if you like the book you read please take the time to leave a review for the author in places like goodreads
& Amazon. It does not have to be long. Just a few sentences saying you liked the book will do. Authors really appreciate every review they get !

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

** Copy of my review on Amazon **
I have to be honest, I had never heard of Conrad Jones (Sorry Mr Jones), and really only bought the book as it was a bargain on the Kindle and I'm open to reading any thrillers from any authors.
Initially I couldn't work out where the book was going as in the first 4 chapters, two were dealing with a child taker and the other two were dealing with a secret ops unit in somalia. When it became apparant where the book was going I was enthralled and couldn't put it down.
I cannot believe those that have given the book 1 and 2 star ratings, one even saying the writing was childlike! I found the book every bit as a good as those from writers such as Linwood Barclay, Andrew Gross, James Patterson. The book kept me gripped to the end, and boy what an ending.
I would certainly read more books from this author, although not so keen on the terrorist genre of books, but certainly if he wrote more thrillers like this I would buy them all.
Highly recommend it. Give it a try.

[Midnight · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gripping thriller starts with a family camping holiday in the Lake District. Things go horribly wrong when the young twins are abducted. Then we flip over to Somalia to read about a Special Forces mission.

The two storylines are deftly combined as Major Stanley Timms and John ‘Tank’ Tankersley from the Special Forces unit become involved in the hunt for the missing twins back in the UK. I don’t want to go into further detail as it will spoil the story for other readers - I’ll just say it’s very cleverly done!

Conrad Jones handles a sensitive subject very well; I found the story to be well paced, the characters interesting and I particular liked the shortish chapters.

I have read other books by this author and think he has an excellent imagination. When this talented imagination is coupled with the knack of drawing his readers into his compelling thrillers, it’s little wonder his series of books are attracting a lot of emphatic recommendations - mine included!

[Dawn Clifford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Police and special forces are taken into a world of drugs and child trafficking after the kidnap of five year old twins from a camping site. Although he works for a very large organisation, one man is responsible for the twins going missing. He steals children to order. Those in charge will stop at nothing to get what they want and if you get in their way then you can kiss goodbye to your life.
Along with betrayal, blood and gore there's also lots of twists and turns.
A brilliant read and I found myself hooked with this thriller. A full five stars from me

[Ralph Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a relatively fast paced thriller with an excellent plot and plenty of action. I really don't understand the 1* people whining on about lack of proof reading. Surely as long as errors don't make a book unreadable then I can't see a problem. These authors are generally amateurs just enjoying their hobby and thank you Mr. Jones this was a very good effort which kept me entertained for a couple of days.

[Jo Reason · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first if was a little slow, and I will admit, the narration was poor, not the worst I have ever listened to but not really good, I will give this book a three star review due to the narration, but probably it would have four stars if I had read it. This is a book with some very emotional content, and there are parts with some graphic details of violence so beware those with a weak stomach. And the ending was a little sudden.

[Jamie Rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

The idea is good. Unfortunately, this is not particularly well written. It reads like a draft, not a finished novel.

The dialogue is terrible and the whole thing needs a decent editor. I get the impression the author hit the synonym key quite often, instead of thinking it out... for example, calling a mother whose children are missing ' whiny' is just wrong.

[joe molloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled across this book by accident. I read the second one first. I am absolutely hooked. What an amazing author. I have been gripper from start to finish. I can't to read the rest!!

What an amazing author. I stumbled across this book by accident. I actually read the second one first. Gripped from start to finish. I can't wait to read the rest!!

[Harneet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book, I couldn't put it down, everything flowed nicely. The beginning was a bit confusing as the chapters kept jumping, but then it made sense as it all fell into place. A bit too many obvious similes and metaphors for me, some seemed like they didn't need to be there, but that's just my opinion. A great read nonetheless.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to give this one a 3. I have read another from this author and loved it. The subject matter was really tough for me so I struggled with this one. I prefer more of a psychological thriller than this type with a lot of killing. I look forward to the other book I have by this author, this one was just not for me.