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The Stolen Girls
Jennifer watches the last school bus leave before she sinks onto the step and waits for her dad to arrive. She looks up to see the nice man searching for his dog. She can take a break to help him. What harm can it do?
Widowed single dad Ron pulls up to his daughter's school in his beat-up Volvo, and feels his heart deflating. He knows Jennifer will be upset he didn't get the promotion he worked so hard for.
But Jennifer isn't there. As Ron frantically searches the entire school, the minutes turning into hours, he finds himself living every parent's worst nightmare... his child has been taken.
Days later, Ron is watching a news report, and the image of a girl with reddish-blonde hair smiling proudly next to a grand piano fills the screen. The twelve-year-old, Rebecca, was out rollerblading with her dad, Todd. When he stopped to buy pizza, she was gone.
Ron can barely breathe as a vision of his precious daughter flashes in his mind – her almond-shaped eyes, caramel skin and nose that leans slightly to the left. Why is no one looking for his Jennifer?
As an anguished Ron struggles for Jennifer's search to gain the same urgency as that of Todd's daughter, new clues arise suggesting a shocking link between the two missing girls' cases.
They may be worlds apart, but Ron and Todd now share an agonizing bond. With time running out and the police no closer to finding their daughters, the two grief-stricken fathers unite. But will their search put Jennifer and Rebecca in even more danger? And with each second that slips away, can Ron and Todd save their girls from an unthinkable fate?
A heart-stopping, chilling and emotionally charged thriller for fans of Michael Connelly, Harlan Coben, S.A. Cosby, and Lisa Gardner.
Widowed single dad Ron pulls up to his daughter's school in his beat-up Volvo, and feels his heart deflating. He knows Jennifer will be upset he didn't get the promotion he worked so hard for.
But Jennifer isn't there. As Ron frantically searches the entire school, the minutes turning into hours, he finds himself living every parent's worst nightmare... his child has been taken.
Days later, Ron is watching a news report, and the image of a girl with reddish-blonde hair smiling proudly next to a grand piano fills the screen. The twelve-year-old, Rebecca, was out rollerblading with her dad, Todd. When he stopped to buy pizza, she was gone.
Ron can barely breathe as a vision of his precious daughter flashes in his mind – her almond-shaped eyes, caramel skin and nose that leans slightly to the left. Why is no one looking for his Jennifer?
As an anguished Ron struggles for Jennifer's search to gain the same urgency as that of Todd's daughter, new clues arise suggesting a shocking link between the two missing girls' cases.
They may be worlds apart, but Ron and Todd now share an agonizing bond. With time running out and the police no closer to finding their daughters, the two grief-stricken fathers unite. But will their search put Jennifer and Rebecca in even more danger? And with each second that slips away, can Ron and Todd save their girls from an unthinkable fate?
A heart-stopping, chilling and emotionally charged thriller for fans of Michael Connelly, Harlan Coben, S.A. Cosby, and Lisa Gardner.
- GenresThrillerMystery Thriller
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 9, 2024
118 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
February 4, 2024
Two Stolen Girls by Jeff Stetson and Lauren Street is a thriller novel that follows the investigation of two kidnapping cases that seem to be connected by a mysterious serial kidnapper. The book alternates between the perspectives of the police, the two fathers of the missing girls, the kidnapper, and the victims. The book explores the themes of family, trauma, justice, and survival.
The book has a promising premise that could have been a gripping and suspenseful read. However, the book fails to deliver on its potential due to several flaws. One of the main weaknesses of the book is the slow pace and the lack of plot twists. The first 50 chapters are mostly filled with mundane details and repetitive scenes that do not advance the plot or the character development. After dragging on for most of the book, the plot finally heats up and reaches its conclusion in the last 10 chapters. However, the reader may have already given up on the story or lost their enthusiasm by then.
Another weakness of the book is the lack of depth and originality in the characters and the plot. The book relies on clichés and stereotypes to portray the police, the fathers, the kidnapper, and the girls. The police are portrayed as diligent but inept, the fathers are portrayed as heroic and determined, the kidnapper is portrayed as a psychotic and sadistic man, and the girls are portrayed as kindhearted and helpless victims. The plot is also predictable and simplistic, with no surprises or twists.
Some of the book’s strengths are its descriptive and vivid writing style that creates a realistic and immersive setting and some tense and exciting scenes that capture the reader’s attention and curiosity. It also has a satisfying and hopeful ending that resolves the main conflict and gives closure to the characters and the reader. The book also depicts diverse races, albeit in a clichéd way, such as black being impoverished, white being affluent, Asian having rigid parents, and Mexican being migrants.
Overall, Two Stolen Girls by Jeff Stetson and Lauren Street is a mediocre thriller that could have been much better with more creativity and complexity. This book might appeal to readers who enjoy action-packed stories, but it might disappoint readers who expect more depth and originality. The book deserves a rating of 3 out of 5 stars.
The book has a promising premise that could have been a gripping and suspenseful read. However, the book fails to deliver on its potential due to several flaws. One of the main weaknesses of the book is the slow pace and the lack of plot twists. The first 50 chapters are mostly filled with mundane details and repetitive scenes that do not advance the plot or the character development. After dragging on for most of the book, the plot finally heats up and reaches its conclusion in the last 10 chapters. However, the reader may have already given up on the story or lost their enthusiasm by then.
Another weakness of the book is the lack of depth and originality in the characters and the plot. The book relies on clichés and stereotypes to portray the police, the fathers, the kidnapper, and the girls. The police are portrayed as diligent but inept, the fathers are portrayed as heroic and determined, the kidnapper is portrayed as a psychotic and sadistic man, and the girls are portrayed as kindhearted and helpless victims. The plot is also predictable and simplistic, with no surprises or twists.
Some of the book’s strengths are its descriptive and vivid writing style that creates a realistic and immersive setting and some tense and exciting scenes that capture the reader’s attention and curiosity. It also has a satisfying and hopeful ending that resolves the main conflict and gives closure to the characters and the reader. The book also depicts diverse races, albeit in a clichéd way, such as black being impoverished, white being affluent, Asian having rigid parents, and Mexican being migrants.
Overall, Two Stolen Girls by Jeff Stetson and Lauren Street is a mediocre thriller that could have been much better with more creativity and complexity. This book might appeal to readers who enjoy action-packed stories, but it might disappoint readers who expect more depth and originality. The book deserves a rating of 3 out of 5 stars.
February 6, 2024
stars: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ . 5
i was hooked! i'm telling you, hooked!
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
i was hooked! i'm telling you, hooked!
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2024
I liked the plot and how the story was developing. It kept me turning pages to see how the fathers would help each other in finding their missing daughters.
As a trigger warning, I should say that there are topics such as Pedophilia, Racial Issues, and Sexual Assault mentioned in the book.
As a trigger warning, I should say that there are topics such as Pedophilia, Racial Issues, and Sexual Assault mentioned in the book.
February 22, 2024
This was my first book by author Jeff Stetson and it won’t be my last! The Stolen Girls was so thrilling & unpredictable, and tackled rough topics like family trauma, abuse, racism, justice system, and kidnapping.
The story starts out with widowed single dad Ron and his daughter, Jennifer. Disappointed with himself for not getting a promotion, Ron, is also embarrassed to tell his daughter.
But while thing is happening, Jennifer is being kidnapped.
Shortly after, there is a similar situation happening to a father, Todd, and his daughter, Rebecca, but their story is getting way more media attention.
Grief stricken, Ron and Todd may be worlds apart in every aspect, but to save their daughters they must come together and see things eye to eye.
The story starts out with widowed single dad Ron and his daughter, Jennifer. Disappointed with himself for not getting a promotion, Ron, is also embarrassed to tell his daughter.
But while thing is happening, Jennifer is being kidnapped.
Shortly after, there is a similar situation happening to a father, Todd, and his daughter, Rebecca, but their story is getting way more media attention.
Grief stricken, Ron and Todd may be worlds apart in every aspect, but to save their daughters they must come together and see things eye to eye.
January 11, 2024
There are kernels of a good book in here. However, I found the writing to be a bit stilted, and some of the details given will have you scratching your head. Here’s one, about a potential date: “ The […] African American beauty wore a tight purple two-piece workout set with a yoga sports bra tank top that was more than amply filled.” Why…do we need to know that, and why is it worded so awkwardly?
This book needs an overhaul to clean up the dialogue, at the very least, methinks. The stolen girls themselves are elementary-school-aged, and yet sometimes what they say and think comes across as much more mature.
Fair warning, the perpetrator is disturbing. There isn’t any graphic content, but there are baths taken, as well as triggering sexual abuse flashbacks. Again, nothing is explicit, but these scenes are hard to read.
Additionally, I want to mention that I don’t mind if authors have a cause that they want to put in their books, but I don’t appreciate it when the reader is beat over the head with it, over and over. I am all about racial equality, but Stetson’s way of addressing inequality in this novel is both heavy-handed (we *get* it, already!) and just…odd. Again and again, I found myself puzzled at the way things were worded, and I would think, “No one would actually say that!!”
Yeah, this thriller didn’t work for me. I’m already thinking about my next read.
This book needs an overhaul to clean up the dialogue, at the very least, methinks. The stolen girls themselves are elementary-school-aged, and yet sometimes what they say and think comes across as much more mature.
Fair warning, the perpetrator is disturbing. There isn’t any graphic content, but there are baths taken, as well as triggering sexual abuse flashbacks. Again, nothing is explicit, but these scenes are hard to read.
Additionally, I want to mention that I don’t mind if authors have a cause that they want to put in their books, but I don’t appreciate it when the reader is beat over the head with it, over and over. I am all about racial equality, but Stetson’s way of addressing inequality in this novel is both heavy-handed (we *get* it, already!) and just…odd. Again and again, I found myself puzzled at the way things were worded, and I would think, “No one would actually say that!!”
Yeah, this thriller didn’t work for me. I’m already thinking about my next read.
January 31, 2024
Thanks for the ARC! Recieved from Netgalley.
****SPOILERS AHEAD. PROCEED WITH CAUTION.****
Reading time: 6-8 hours (easy, quick, overnight read for a couple of hours)
I don't usually like to give less than 4 star reviews for books because authors put so much love, time, effort and money into their books. But I had to give a 3 star for this one.
I'll get directly into what I liked and didn't.
What I liked:
- the blurb was great. It was captivating from the first sentence and drew me in completely. If all the blurbs of mystery/thriller books were like this, I'd love it.
- nice cover. Even though i received a digital arc, the cover was nice to look at.
- chapters were short. A quick and easy read. Each chapter is around 5-6 pages and by 3-4 chapters, I was already on the 16th or 18th page. I was a bit intimidated by the number of chapters in the beginning but that didn't hold true anyway. The quick jump in povs was also very convenient and kept it interesting instead of boring with the same povs.
- the insight into the problems that are faced by the african-american community especially the men. Being an asian POC who has experienced discrimination from peers myself, I can understand the frustration, unfairness and anger that racism can cause. It was very insightful and shed a different light on a topic I'm not well-versed in (but definitely would like to learn more about).
-there was good insight into the mind of the serial-kidnapper. His thought process was well-described and it felt like you were in the mind of the kidnapper himself. They also avoided the usual stereotype of the kidnapper being mentally unstable due to the usual "mother/gf/wife/sister trauma" that made him like this, etc. And the kidnapper was quite young too so that was a change.
- the connection between Ron and Jenny was so heartwarming and soulful. While it did go into overly-sappy territory sometimes, it was nice to read about a dad's love for his only daughter and the lengths that parents, fathers and mothers can go to for their kids.
What I had mixed feelings about:
- the stereotypes. There's an african-american girl, a white girl, an asian girl, a mexican girl and a native american girl. They all follow the usual stereotypes. Rich white girl doing ballet. Poor black girl. Asian girl with hip-hop hating strict parents. Illegally immigrated mexican girl, and the native american girl, etc.
Now, while I liked the representation and understood why all these girls were chosen by the deranged kidnapper, I felt like it played into racial stereotypes way too much. It would've been nice if the girls had different personalities that wasn't based on their races. It left me feeling a bit "icky".
What I didn't like:
- everything was too..emotional (??). 40% of the book is spent with people crying all the damn time. It was annoying to say the least. Now, don't get me wrong, Im a huge advocate of people expressing their feelings and sharing their trauma to heal, but people, your kids are missing!! You need to search for them, not tear up at every single toy you see.
-half the book was spent with Ron looking at Jenny's stuff, reminiscing and crying. This is a thriller book, I want the mystery and the gripping suspense, not 10 chapters about trains and how the kid colour coordinates her sweaters. I appreciate the emotion, except I went into this book expecting a mystery, not an emotional trip.
- the language: the kids sound like 25 yo not 11 yo.
"She wanted to stand, could sense his impatience, but the weight on her shoulders combined with the burden she carried in her heart, prevented her from rising from the cot."
"Rebecca skated toward a water fountain, took a sip, and stared at the vast ocean glistening under the sun, sailboats gliding effortlessly along its smooth surface. This tranquil scene was as beautiful as the entire day had been. Rebecca couldn't remember the last time she had been alone with her..(dad/father).."
These do not sound like 11 year old kids. It's been a bit more than a decade since I was an 11 year old, but even as one that read a ton of books, me or anyone else around me definitely did not speak or think like this or with the advanced vocabulary of a 50 yo man.
-some parts were too descriptive. On one page, you have the suspense of a girl getting freshly kidnapped and then you turn the next page only to be faced with 6 pages of the dad talking about trains and Disney movies. Half the descriptions could've been cut off and nothing would've changed in this book.
- the book did not live up to the ominous nature that was suggested by that excellent blurb.
- there was too much of political stuff instead of mystery.
- some logistics did not make sense. Ron says he is very poor and cannot afford to get his car door fixed or have a phone for his kid and him. But he can buy video games and have 2 air purifiers running 24/7, 365 days a year? I'm not american so my calculations are purely based off what I saw on the internet.
The cheapest phone plan is apparently $15. Which Ron can't afford. Ok but running an air purifier all day long for a month costs atleast $20. 2 air purifiers is $40. Plus the video games he was looking to buy.
You're telling me that this guy can't afford a $15 phone plan but can afford to pay for air purifiers to run 24/7, buy expensive video games, buy a room full of plushies and toys and trains and train tracks for the kid? It's either poor planning and writing or poor budgeting. I'm sorry, I know that it's a very minute detail but it annoyed me for some reason.
-towards the end, I skipped everything that wasn't dialogues. The descriptions and the trip down memory lanes wasn't interesting enough and felt very irrelevant.
- the abusive storyline of Rebecca's dad (Todd). I appreciate that the author touched a very difficult subject, but I felt that it added nothing to the plot. Tod doesn't attend his daughters play/ballet performance because his dad abused him?) I can understand his mental trauma and the need for healing, but this is just thrown in your face in the middle of the story with no beginning or connection to the story.
- I really really really couldve done without the 10 pages of Thomas the Tank Engine. I love Thomas and Gordon but I did not need to see them referenced every 5 pages. Kids these days don't even watch Thomas the tank engine. They're into TikToks and that Skibidi thing.
- I didn't understand the guys motive? Why did he really kidnap them? To raise them on a farm as his child brides and establish a "pure society"? To make the follow his biblical ideologies? I didn't get it?
- the ending felt very unrealistic? They couldn't find him until the adoption guy realised out of the blue that some random guy came in 5 years ago looking to adopt girls of different races and that rang a bell? THAT'S how they caught him? There were so many better ways sprinkled throughout the story. When he was buying clothes and shoes, when he ordered the gown..and they found him because of the adoption guy who got himself killed?
It felt rushed and the author decided to throw in a random plot to wrap up the story. The story itself picks up as a "mystery/thriller novel" after the last 50-51%.
There was so so much potential towards the end but alas.
Overall, I would say it's a one time read. I would recommend only if youre looking for an emotional book with a bit of mystery thrown in. If your looking for a true, gripping mystery, I would suggest looking elsewhere.
Or maybe I want the chosen demography this book was meant/marketed for?
☆
****SPOILERS AHEAD. PROCEED WITH CAUTION.****
Reading time: 6-8 hours (easy, quick, overnight read for a couple of hours)
I don't usually like to give less than 4 star reviews for books because authors put so much love, time, effort and money into their books. But I had to give a 3 star for this one.
I'll get directly into what I liked and didn't.
What I liked:
- the blurb was great. It was captivating from the first sentence and drew me in completely. If all the blurbs of mystery/thriller books were like this, I'd love it.
- nice cover. Even though i received a digital arc, the cover was nice to look at.
- chapters were short. A quick and easy read. Each chapter is around 5-6 pages and by 3-4 chapters, I was already on the 16th or 18th page. I was a bit intimidated by the number of chapters in the beginning but that didn't hold true anyway. The quick jump in povs was also very convenient and kept it interesting instead of boring with the same povs.
- the insight into the problems that are faced by the african-american community especially the men. Being an asian POC who has experienced discrimination from peers myself, I can understand the frustration, unfairness and anger that racism can cause. It was very insightful and shed a different light on a topic I'm not well-versed in (but definitely would like to learn more about).
-there was good insight into the mind of the serial-kidnapper. His thought process was well-described and it felt like you were in the mind of the kidnapper himself. They also avoided the usual stereotype of the kidnapper being mentally unstable due to the usual "mother/gf/wife/sister trauma" that made him like this, etc. And the kidnapper was quite young too so that was a change.
- the connection between Ron and Jenny was so heartwarming and soulful. While it did go into overly-sappy territory sometimes, it was nice to read about a dad's love for his only daughter and the lengths that parents, fathers and mothers can go to for their kids.
What I had mixed feelings about:
- the stereotypes. There's an african-american girl, a white girl, an asian girl, a mexican girl and a native american girl. They all follow the usual stereotypes. Rich white girl doing ballet. Poor black girl. Asian girl with hip-hop hating strict parents. Illegally immigrated mexican girl, and the native american girl, etc.
Now, while I liked the representation and understood why all these girls were chosen by the deranged kidnapper, I felt like it played into racial stereotypes way too much. It would've been nice if the girls had different personalities that wasn't based on their races. It left me feeling a bit "icky".
What I didn't like:
- everything was too..emotional (??). 40% of the book is spent with people crying all the damn time. It was annoying to say the least. Now, don't get me wrong, Im a huge advocate of people expressing their feelings and sharing their trauma to heal, but people, your kids are missing!! You need to search for them, not tear up at every single toy you see.
-half the book was spent with Ron looking at Jenny's stuff, reminiscing and crying. This is a thriller book, I want the mystery and the gripping suspense, not 10 chapters about trains and how the kid colour coordinates her sweaters. I appreciate the emotion, except I went into this book expecting a mystery, not an emotional trip.
- the language: the kids sound like 25 yo not 11 yo.
"She wanted to stand, could sense his impatience, but the weight on her shoulders combined with the burden she carried in her heart, prevented her from rising from the cot."
"Rebecca skated toward a water fountain, took a sip, and stared at the vast ocean glistening under the sun, sailboats gliding effortlessly along its smooth surface. This tranquil scene was as beautiful as the entire day had been. Rebecca couldn't remember the last time she had been alone with her..(dad/father).."
These do not sound like 11 year old kids. It's been a bit more than a decade since I was an 11 year old, but even as one that read a ton of books, me or anyone else around me definitely did not speak or think like this or with the advanced vocabulary of a 50 yo man.
-some parts were too descriptive. On one page, you have the suspense of a girl getting freshly kidnapped and then you turn the next page only to be faced with 6 pages of the dad talking about trains and Disney movies. Half the descriptions could've been cut off and nothing would've changed in this book.
- the book did not live up to the ominous nature that was suggested by that excellent blurb.
- there was too much of political stuff instead of mystery.
- some logistics did not make sense. Ron says he is very poor and cannot afford to get his car door fixed or have a phone for his kid and him. But he can buy video games and have 2 air purifiers running 24/7, 365 days a year? I'm not american so my calculations are purely based off what I saw on the internet.
The cheapest phone plan is apparently $15. Which Ron can't afford. Ok but running an air purifier all day long for a month costs atleast $20. 2 air purifiers is $40. Plus the video games he was looking to buy.
You're telling me that this guy can't afford a $15 phone plan but can afford to pay for air purifiers to run 24/7, buy expensive video games, buy a room full of plushies and toys and trains and train tracks for the kid? It's either poor planning and writing or poor budgeting. I'm sorry, I know that it's a very minute detail but it annoyed me for some reason.
-towards the end, I skipped everything that wasn't dialogues. The descriptions and the trip down memory lanes wasn't interesting enough and felt very irrelevant.
- the abusive storyline of Rebecca's dad (Todd). I appreciate that the author touched a very difficult subject, but I felt that it added nothing to the plot. Tod doesn't attend his daughters play/ballet performance because his dad abused him?) I can understand his mental trauma and the need for healing, but this is just thrown in your face in the middle of the story with no beginning or connection to the story.
- I really really really couldve done without the 10 pages of Thomas the Tank Engine. I love Thomas and Gordon but I did not need to see them referenced every 5 pages. Kids these days don't even watch Thomas the tank engine. They're into TikToks and that Skibidi thing.
- I didn't understand the guys motive? Why did he really kidnap them? To raise them on a farm as his child brides and establish a "pure society"? To make the follow his biblical ideologies? I didn't get it?
- the ending felt very unrealistic? They couldn't find him until the adoption guy realised out of the blue that some random guy came in 5 years ago looking to adopt girls of different races and that rang a bell? THAT'S how they caught him? There were so many better ways sprinkled throughout the story. When he was buying clothes and shoes, when he ordered the gown..and they found him because of the adoption guy who got himself killed?
It felt rushed and the author decided to throw in a random plot to wrap up the story. The story itself picks up as a "mystery/thriller novel" after the last 50-51%.
There was so so much potential towards the end but alas.
Overall, I would say it's a one time read. I would recommend only if youre looking for an emotional book with a bit of mystery thrown in. If your looking for a true, gripping mystery, I would suggest looking elsewhere.
Or maybe I want the chosen demography this book was meant/marketed for?
☆
January 3, 2024
I typically avoid books where children are endangered or abused, but the description of this book, with the two dads banding together to find their missing daughters, sounded worth reading. Still, I was very ready to pitch this one if it got too disturbing. There were definitely some disturbing themes, but thankfully, the author avoided being overly descriptive, and I was able to read the entire book without pitching it. In fact, I read the entire book in one night!
There were some parts of the plot that were a little too convenient. Also, I hate that child abuse is so prevalent in books and movies. However, this was a good story, and, thanks to the author's skillful writing, I couldn't put it down, didn't pitch it, and finished it in one night without feeling emotionally scarred.
There were some parts of the plot that were a little too convenient. Also, I hate that child abuse is so prevalent in books and movies. However, this was a good story, and, thanks to the author's skillful writing, I couldn't put it down, didn't pitch it, and finished it in one night without feeling emotionally scarred.
January 6, 2024
Wow such a great story. Todd and Ron don’t let anything or anyone stop them from searching for their daughters. I love how they became friends as did Rebecca & Jennifer. I’ve found a new Author to Follow as well.
I did note some grammatical errors. Hopefully, these can Be edited before release.
I did note some grammatical errors. Hopefully, these can Be edited before release.
January 8, 2024
First, the positive, I loved the plot, I loved how it ended, I loved how the 2 dads from such different backgrounds used their love for their daughters to work together.
What I didn't like from the start though was the constant change of POV, all in 3rd person, I was constantly lost at first. But in the end it became easier to follow.
Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for access to this arc in exchange for my honest review.
What I didn't like from the start though was the constant change of POV, all in 3rd person, I was constantly lost at first. But in the end it became easier to follow.
Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for access to this arc in exchange for my honest review.
February 18, 2024
It kept me reading and on the edge, it moved me and I liked what I read.
An excellent mix of different type of thriller and a well plotted story featuring fleshed out characters.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
An excellent mix of different type of thriller and a well plotted story featuring fleshed out characters.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
April 28, 2024
This book was harder for me to get into, whether it's the writing or the pace of the story I couldn't tell you, but as soon as I reached 60% I couldn't put it down. The multiple POVs were sometimes confusing, but I did appreciate that it allowed us to follow the girls in their situation.
January 6, 2024
I wasn’t 100% sure I was going to finish this one when I started but I’m glad I did. It was pretty emotional at the beginning and I was afraid it would be like that the whole time. I am a little worried it’s too cheesy for people who like dark stuff and too dark for people who like cheesy stuff but I guess I’m a person who likes both. Definitely a little cringey from time to time but still a cool story.
Thank you Jeff Stetson and Netgalley for the advanced copy!
Thank you Jeff Stetson and Netgalley for the advanced copy!
February 8, 2024
˗ˋˏ ♡Thank you Jeff Stetson and NetGalley♡ ˎˊ˗
˗ˋˏ୨୧Introduction୨୧ ˎˊ˗
Note:There are topics that should be put as trigger warning such as Slurs, Pedophila, Racial Issues, Sexual Assault etc. If any of these topics trigger you, please do not read this book.
This is “The Stolen Girls” by Jaff Stetson. The main genre for this is thriller. In this book we have two little girls who are taken without a trace. Their fathers are devastated and we have to wait to see if these girls will ever see their families again. This is a 4.25 Stars
˗ˋˏ୨୧Plot Summary୨୧ ˎˊ˗
We meet two fathers and their families, firstly we meet Ron and his daughter Jennfier/Jenny, and then we meet Todd, his wife Elizabeth/Liz and their daughter Rebecca/Becky. Sadly Ron’s daughter goes missing, this sparks devastation in him, because his daughter is missing and she is all he has left, his wife died a few hours after childbirth. After around 1 week Todd’s daughter goes missing and this causes major problems for his mental state as well as his marriage. These two fathers find each other and gain a sort of friendship as they bond over their similar circumstances. However, there is an imbalance between them, Todd is privileged and rich while Ron is an African-American who is having a harder time. They find ways to connect through this and gain trust and want to help each other out. Throughout the book we get multiple POVs, however it is done in a very good way. You gain insights into the fathers minds, the girls minds, and the sick person who kidnapped the girls mind. Throughout the book you can see how emotional and desparted the fathers are. Usually when I hear of thrillers you get the POV of the one going through the horror. It was heartbreaking to see the pain both sides were gaining and how such trauma evokes deep emotions in you.
˗ˋˏ୨୧Writing style୨୧ ˎˊ˗
The writing style is detailed and descriptive, but in a good way. It does not describe highly irrelevant things. It also makes you engrossed in the story style. Descriptive and detailed writing can very much make or break my reading experience and this surely made it better. The pacing is fast to medium.
˗ˋˏ୨୧Characters୨୧ ˎˊ˗
As this is a thriller book the individual characters and their traits are not something I overall look for and analyse. Overall the characters were amazing.
The fathers: They have their own separate identities and trauma, they have made mistakes, but you get to see them grow. You get to see how desperate a parent will become at the face of their child being in danger. You see how they do not think properly, how they cope with each other. The measures they go to for their daughters is heartwarming and heartbreaking that they must do this. ‘
The girls: The pain that they went through is heartbreaking. But the way they never gave up no matter what is truly inspiring, if I was ever in this type of situation I do not know what I would do.
Sick bastard: Disgusting, and seeing what goes through his thoughts makes him even worse.
˗ˋˏ୨୧Originality୨୧ ˎˊ˗
This concept is probably not as original as I would imagine it to be, I am still new to the whole mystery of thriller genre, so to someone new in these genres it would be something original, however to someone more experienced in this genre maybe not.
˗ˋˏ୨୧Enjoyment and impact୨୧ ˎˊ˗
I enjoyed this book, it kept me on my toes and even managed to pull tears out of me. It was heartbreaking. I liked how it also explored smaller sup-topics through the book, it made it ever more realistic and that is the scary part, the fact that things like this happen today.
˗ˋˏ୨୧Target audience୨୧ ˎˊ˗
People who want a fast.medium, emotional, thriller, heartbreaking, detailed and descriptive read.
˗ˋˏ୨୧Overall assessment୨୧ ˎˊ˗
Overall I enjoyed this book, as well as the writing style. I would recommend this book, however please look at the trigger warnings I put. This book should have them stated for people who possibly might get triggered from such topics. It might have been better to put the name of the character when it came to the switching of POV’s, but it might have been a part of the style.
˗ˋˏ୨୧Introduction୨୧ ˎˊ˗
Note:There are topics that should be put as trigger warning such as Slurs, Pedophila, Racial Issues, Sexual Assault etc. If any of these topics trigger you, please do not read this book.
This is “The Stolen Girls” by Jaff Stetson. The main genre for this is thriller. In this book we have two little girls who are taken without a trace. Their fathers are devastated and we have to wait to see if these girls will ever see their families again. This is a 4.25 Stars
˗ˋˏ୨୧Plot Summary୨୧ ˎˊ˗
We meet two fathers and their families, firstly we meet Ron and his daughter Jennfier/Jenny, and then we meet Todd, his wife Elizabeth/Liz and their daughter Rebecca/Becky. Sadly Ron’s daughter goes missing, this sparks devastation in him, because his daughter is missing and she is all he has left, his wife died a few hours after childbirth. After around 1 week Todd’s daughter goes missing and this causes major problems for his mental state as well as his marriage. These two fathers find each other and gain a sort of friendship as they bond over their similar circumstances. However, there is an imbalance between them, Todd is privileged and rich while Ron is an African-American who is having a harder time. They find ways to connect through this and gain trust and want to help each other out. Throughout the book we get multiple POVs, however it is done in a very good way. You gain insights into the fathers minds, the girls minds, and the sick person who kidnapped the girls mind. Throughout the book you can see how emotional and desparted the fathers are. Usually when I hear of thrillers you get the POV of the one going through the horror. It was heartbreaking to see the pain both sides were gaining and how such trauma evokes deep emotions in you.
˗ˋˏ୨୧Writing style୨୧ ˎˊ˗
The writing style is detailed and descriptive, but in a good way. It does not describe highly irrelevant things. It also makes you engrossed in the story style. Descriptive and detailed writing can very much make or break my reading experience and this surely made it better. The pacing is fast to medium.
˗ˋˏ୨୧Characters୨୧ ˎˊ˗
As this is a thriller book the individual characters and their traits are not something I overall look for and analyse. Overall the characters were amazing.
The fathers: They have their own separate identities and trauma, they have made mistakes, but you get to see them grow. You get to see how desperate a parent will become at the face of their child being in danger. You see how they do not think properly, how they cope with each other. The measures they go to for their daughters is heartwarming and heartbreaking that they must do this. ‘
The girls: The pain that they went through is heartbreaking. But the way they never gave up no matter what is truly inspiring, if I was ever in this type of situation I do not know what I would do.
Sick bastard: Disgusting, and seeing what goes through his thoughts makes him even worse.
˗ˋˏ୨୧Originality୨୧ ˎˊ˗
This concept is probably not as original as I would imagine it to be, I am still new to the whole mystery of thriller genre, so to someone new in these genres it would be something original, however to someone more experienced in this genre maybe not.
˗ˋˏ୨୧Enjoyment and impact୨୧ ˎˊ˗
I enjoyed this book, it kept me on my toes and even managed to pull tears out of me. It was heartbreaking. I liked how it also explored smaller sup-topics through the book, it made it ever more realistic and that is the scary part, the fact that things like this happen today.
˗ˋˏ୨୧Target audience୨୧ ˎˊ˗
People who want a fast.medium, emotional, thriller, heartbreaking, detailed and descriptive read.
˗ˋˏ୨୧Overall assessment୨୧ ˎˊ˗
Overall I enjoyed this book, as well as the writing style. I would recommend this book, however please look at the trigger warnings I put. This book should have them stated for people who possibly might get triggered from such topics. It might have been better to put the name of the character when it came to the switching of POV’s, but it might have been a part of the style.
January 28, 2024
The Stolen Girls by Jeff Stetson is a story about grade school-aged girls being abducted and two fathers working together to find their missing daughters. It is a recommended mystery.
Ron is a widowed single father of eleven-year-old Jennifer who disappears waiting for her father to pick her up after school. A week later twelve-year-old Rebecca disappears on Venice beach when her father, Todd, is getting them food. When the news is immediately focused on Rebecca's disappearance due to her wealthy influential family, Ron busts into the news conference demanding the same kind of attention for his daughter. Todd later reaches out to Ron and the two fathers, from very different backgrounds begin to look together for their missing daughters.
The narrative follows the point-of-view of the fathers, kidnapper, and the girls. The start is promising but the challenge is to lift the plot beyond the expected trajectory of the plot and take it in a unique, unexpected direction because this is a common plot. Alas, that didn't happen which then means going through all the personal reminiscing, soul-seeking, and revelations of the fathers is diminished by the predictable direction the narrative takes. Some connection between the kidnappings should have been investigated.
It was satisfying to see two very different fathers join together to find their daughters and the two police officers understand their positions. Based on the dialogue, the girls seem older than their ages. Perhaps they are just mature for their age, but this isn't a persuasive argument. I'm also not entirely convinced that introducing race and income to the plot helped in the final denouement. Two very different father teaming up was a good choice but to keep mentioning the racial and class differences was too much. 3.5 rounded down. Thanks to Storm Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2024/0...
Ron is a widowed single father of eleven-year-old Jennifer who disappears waiting for her father to pick her up after school. A week later twelve-year-old Rebecca disappears on Venice beach when her father, Todd, is getting them food. When the news is immediately focused on Rebecca's disappearance due to her wealthy influential family, Ron busts into the news conference demanding the same kind of attention for his daughter. Todd later reaches out to Ron and the two fathers, from very different backgrounds begin to look together for their missing daughters.
The narrative follows the point-of-view of the fathers, kidnapper, and the girls. The start is promising but the challenge is to lift the plot beyond the expected trajectory of the plot and take it in a unique, unexpected direction because this is a common plot. Alas, that didn't happen which then means going through all the personal reminiscing, soul-seeking, and revelations of the fathers is diminished by the predictable direction the narrative takes. Some connection between the kidnappings should have been investigated.
It was satisfying to see two very different fathers join together to find their daughters and the two police officers understand their positions. Based on the dialogue, the girls seem older than their ages. Perhaps they are just mature for their age, but this isn't a persuasive argument. I'm also not entirely convinced that introducing race and income to the plot helped in the final denouement. Two very different father teaming up was a good choice but to keep mentioning the racial and class differences was too much. 3.5 rounded down. Thanks to Storm Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2024/0...
January 9, 2024
BOOK: THE STOLEN GIRLS
AUTHOR: JEFF STETSON
PUB DATE: FEBRUARY 2023
👨👧👨👧
REVIEW- 3.5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
👨👧👨👧
This book was good, but there were some things I'd have changed. I liked that we saw the raw feelings of the fathers. That was something you don't see often in books like this, and I appreciated that. The fathers were so wholesome and wonderful. Although the fathers were going through difficult times, they were still able to rediscover things about themselves, especially Todd, and what he went through in his own childhood. I loved, loved Ron's selfless love for his daughter, it was beautiful. I liked the team Ron and Todd made and the friendship they found.
👨👧👨👧
I liked the kidnapping of girls of different races, but the plot was just undeveloped. The case felt like it was slapdash and rushed. For tbe better part of the case, nothing was gained. I just kept going round and round and I was annoyed because there was no lead, absolutely none in the book. It wasn't until 90% of the book that a substantial lead was found. Moreover, this is a serial kidnapping case, they should have found a link sooner. When they finally apprehended the perp, there was nothing about why he did what he did and his history. I waited that long for the revelation of the perp and I didn't really get anything. So, I was disappointed in the solving of the crime. I'd have also loved more of the police officers' POVs
👨👧👨👧
I also liked the duo of Jennifer and Rebecca, they were becoming friends just as their fathers were too. Both of them and the other girls too were really brave to have experienced what they did and they were able to come through. I was glad for them.
👨👧👨👧
This book was okay for me, but I just wanted more
AUTHOR: JEFF STETSON
PUB DATE: FEBRUARY 2023
👨👧👨👧
REVIEW- 3.5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
👨👧👨👧
This book was good, but there were some things I'd have changed. I liked that we saw the raw feelings of the fathers. That was something you don't see often in books like this, and I appreciated that. The fathers were so wholesome and wonderful. Although the fathers were going through difficult times, they were still able to rediscover things about themselves, especially Todd, and what he went through in his own childhood. I loved, loved Ron's selfless love for his daughter, it was beautiful. I liked the team Ron and Todd made and the friendship they found.
👨👧👨👧
I liked the kidnapping of girls of different races, but the plot was just undeveloped. The case felt like it was slapdash and rushed. For tbe better part of the case, nothing was gained. I just kept going round and round and I was annoyed because there was no lead, absolutely none in the book. It wasn't until 90% of the book that a substantial lead was found. Moreover, this is a serial kidnapping case, they should have found a link sooner. When they finally apprehended the perp, there was nothing about why he did what he did and his history. I waited that long for the revelation of the perp and I didn't really get anything. So, I was disappointed in the solving of the crime. I'd have also loved more of the police officers' POVs
👨👧👨👧
I also liked the duo of Jennifer and Rebecca, they were becoming friends just as their fathers were too. Both of them and the other girls too were really brave to have experienced what they did and they were able to come through. I was glad for them.
👨👧👨👧
This book was okay for me, but I just wanted more
January 15, 2024
This was a quick read and I'm not sure why. Gosh, I don't like reviewing books that give you mixed feelings, but here we go. There were a lot of things I liked about the book and a lot of things I didn't like. I absolutely loved the story idea and think it could be a great story with some changes. The bond that grew between Ron and Todd was very nice. I liked that in this book the feelings of the fathers were explored but it was way too much, especially for a Thriller. Now, weaving emotions in the story is a good thing as it makes your characters likeable and relatable but overdo it and you get the opposite and the reader gets annoyed. I got annoyed and had several ‘eye rolls’. I liked the diversity of the girls, but it would have been nice to change the ‘stereotypes’. Again the rich white girl….ugh. The language of the girls was a problem for me as well. They sounded like 40-year-old women instead of young teenagers.
I did like the darker scenes that gave me the creeps without being overly descriptive. The story was fast-paced which made me finish it pretty fast and I liked that. I still don't know why the perpetrator did what he did and some kind of his backstory explaining that, would have made more sense. The ending was…I don't know…I’m still processing it lol. This wasn't the best book I've read, but it wasn't the worst either. Maybe it's just an editing issue as it was an okay read that could have been much better. Definitely not close to a John Grisham book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, NetGalley, and Storm Publishing for this ARC.
I did like the darker scenes that gave me the creeps without being overly descriptive. The story was fast-paced which made me finish it pretty fast and I liked that. I still don't know why the perpetrator did what he did and some kind of his backstory explaining that, would have made more sense. The ending was…I don't know…I’m still processing it lol. This wasn't the best book I've read, but it wasn't the worst either. Maybe it's just an editing issue as it was an okay read that could have been much better. Definitely not close to a John Grisham book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, NetGalley, and Storm Publishing for this ARC.
February 9, 2024
An incredible book filled with anticipation and pulse-racing moments. The genre is quite popular, involving the abduction of young girls one by one, by a perpetrator with a unique backstory and a seemingly rational motive. However, the intricate details possess a genuine sense of originality, and the storyline is dotted with captivating twists that held my undivided attention, accompanied by a pervasive sense of suspense. Two fathers, both grappling with the kidnapping of their daughters, come together to conduct their own investigation. Their unlikely mixture of backgrounds and personalities adds a compelling layer of intrigue and emotional depth to the narrative. Additionally, the distinct and resilient personalities of the girls who unite in the face of adversity are portrayed with exceptional skill. I thoroughly enjoyed the brisk pace of the story, and the author's clever attention to detail kept me thoroughly engaged without giving away any spoilers. The writing style is highly immersive and easy to follow. I wholeheartedly recommend this book. Some of the aspects that I enjoyed included: easily read chapters that kept me interested, connections between the characters (including daughters/fathers), exploration of how family relationships break down, and dialogue of the characters really assisted with getting to know each character. At some points, there was so much description that it impacted the flow of the book. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 10, 2024
Four young girls, each of a different race, taken in broad daylight over several weeks. Restrained and imprisoned in a cellar type room, their captor fed them, made sure they were clean and encouraged them to interact. The natural order of things made one girl a leader, with the others happy to have someone take charge. Meanwhile, the parents of two of the girls made it their mission to find the hiding place, free their children, and bring the kidnapper to justice.
A blurb full of promise with great potential. Lots of chapters, but all nice and short. Though this was a familiar theme, there were a few twists. All the girls were from different backgrounds, but inevitably their characters were subjected to the typical race stereotypes, as were the two fathers, rich white guy versus poor African American chap. Absolutely no need, as their personalities could have lead the characterisation.
Halfway through I did think this book would be a DNF, but persevered, with a fair amount of skipping. The writing was good, just the plot lacking drive.
I’m not sure what the abusive storyline brings to the plot, as this seems somewhat extreme an excuse for a dad not attending a recital?
Mawkish and sentimental, the plot lacked oomph and went on far too long. The vocabulary of the girls was very off, very few pre teens speak in that manner. Sadly the epilogue didn’t redeem the book in any way, too twee and cringey.
2.5*
Thank you NetGalley and Storm.
A blurb full of promise with great potential. Lots of chapters, but all nice and short. Though this was a familiar theme, there were a few twists. All the girls were from different backgrounds, but inevitably their characters were subjected to the typical race stereotypes, as were the two fathers, rich white guy versus poor African American chap. Absolutely no need, as their personalities could have lead the characterisation.
Halfway through I did think this book would be a DNF, but persevered, with a fair amount of skipping. The writing was good, just the plot lacking drive.
I’m not sure what the abusive storyline brings to the plot, as this seems somewhat extreme an excuse for a dad not attending a recital?
Mawkish and sentimental, the plot lacked oomph and went on far too long. The vocabulary of the girls was very off, very few pre teens speak in that manner. Sadly the epilogue didn’t redeem the book in any way, too twee and cringey.
2.5*
Thank you NetGalley and Storm.
January 24, 2024
This was my first book of Jeff Stetson's that I have had the pleasure of reading. I am so impressed by this read that I wanted more. I found myself literally yelling at my Kindle while reading. I felt like I was watching, in horror, an actual horror movie.
The story goes, little girl gets taken without a trace. Only to find out that she isn't the only little girl there. What the Hell is going on? A few days later another child is also brought to the same place. The girls are being fed and bathed. They aren't being treated horribly, except that they are chained around their wastes and can barely reach each other. They do get beaten if they don't listen and aren't obedient.Oh, and this is supposed to be their new home and family Not to mention that they can't go anywhere anymore. Freedom is no longer free!
Meanwhile, the author takes us down the path of the parents side of things. The rich and privileged people versus the less fortunate. The amount of exposure one family gets for their child versus how little the other less fortunate families get for theirs. The way two fathers come together in a time of desperate events.
He also takes us on the path of the police and the detectives assigned to the case. This book does not allow you to guess ,it isn't a who done it. It is however an amazing read that will keep you yelling at your book! I will highly recommend this one!
The story goes, little girl gets taken without a trace. Only to find out that she isn't the only little girl there. What the Hell is going on? A few days later another child is also brought to the same place. The girls are being fed and bathed. They aren't being treated horribly, except that they are chained around their wastes and can barely reach each other. They do get beaten if they don't listen and aren't obedient.Oh, and this is supposed to be their new home and family Not to mention that they can't go anywhere anymore. Freedom is no longer free!
Meanwhile, the author takes us down the path of the parents side of things. The rich and privileged people versus the less fortunate. The amount of exposure one family gets for their child versus how little the other less fortunate families get for theirs. The way two fathers come together in a time of desperate events.
He also takes us on the path of the police and the detectives assigned to the case. This book does not allow you to guess ,it isn't a who done it. It is however an amazing read that will keep you yelling at your book! I will highly recommend this one!
February 6, 2024
❤️ BOOK REVIEW ❤️
Rated 4 ⭐️
📖 Release Date February 9th, 2024
A black, hardworking, single Dad goes to pick up his daughter after school to discover her not there. The police don't take him seriously and send him home to wait for her pre-teen attitude to set her straight and send her home. A few days later, Jenny still has not returned home, Ron is watching the news, and sees a white, rich couple beg the public to search for their kidnapped daughter. Ron crashes the public plea, asking for help to also find his daughter. This begins the unlikely duo of fathers who band together to search for their daughters.
I actually really enjoyed this book. I liked that it showed how today's society looks at wealth and skin color as priority and importance. The main storyline of kidnapping is every parents worst nightmare, and I appreciated how the author showed the parents pain and reaction to situations. I also loved that it showed a father's love for his daughter and how that love can be shown in different ways.
There are definitely some trigger warnings ⚠️ throughout this book... kidnapping, child sexual abuse, death, murder, and captivity. I found that this book didn't go into gory or too much detail.
Thank you to Netgalley, Jeff Stetson, and the publishers for this free ebook. This review is 100% my own and honest opinion.
Rated 4 ⭐️
📖 Release Date February 9th, 2024
A black, hardworking, single Dad goes to pick up his daughter after school to discover her not there. The police don't take him seriously and send him home to wait for her pre-teen attitude to set her straight and send her home. A few days later, Jenny still has not returned home, Ron is watching the news, and sees a white, rich couple beg the public to search for their kidnapped daughter. Ron crashes the public plea, asking for help to also find his daughter. This begins the unlikely duo of fathers who band together to search for their daughters.
I actually really enjoyed this book. I liked that it showed how today's society looks at wealth and skin color as priority and importance. The main storyline of kidnapping is every parents worst nightmare, and I appreciated how the author showed the parents pain and reaction to situations. I also loved that it showed a father's love for his daughter and how that love can be shown in different ways.
There are definitely some trigger warnings ⚠️ throughout this book... kidnapping, child sexual abuse, death, murder, and captivity. I found that this book didn't go into gory or too much detail.
Thank you to Netgalley, Jeff Stetson, and the publishers for this free ebook. This review is 100% my own and honest opinion.
February 8, 2024
The Stolen Girls by Jeff Stetson is a Thriller about what it means to be a family, unspeakable grief from children being snatched from their families and the ensuing desperate search. It is also about unlikely ties which bring people together in spite of pasts and differences.
Four young girls are studied and stolen by a creep to be tucked away as his family. The girls are chained and grow close in their peculiar proximity and shared experience. The focus is on two of the girls and their fathers, different races and socioeconomic situations but bonded by sorrow and anger. Jennifer is openly adored by her demonstrative father and Rebecca is loved at arm's length as her father is too busy. Nonetheless, the fathers find their way to each other and relentlessly search for their girls. But kidnapping isn't the only crime on the agenda.
Though a thriller, it is not as suspenseful or thrillery as I had hoped. Race is a big part of the story but a bit overdone in my view. The snappy pace is excellent, as is catching glimpses into the disturbed mind of a criminal. Some domestic scenes are taut and drip with angst; others are laced with grief and love. Well done!
My sincere thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this engrossing novel.
Four young girls are studied and stolen by a creep to be tucked away as his family. The girls are chained and grow close in their peculiar proximity and shared experience. The focus is on two of the girls and their fathers, different races and socioeconomic situations but bonded by sorrow and anger. Jennifer is openly adored by her demonstrative father and Rebecca is loved at arm's length as her father is too busy. Nonetheless, the fathers find their way to each other and relentlessly search for their girls. But kidnapping isn't the only crime on the agenda.
Though a thriller, it is not as suspenseful or thrillery as I had hoped. Race is a big part of the story but a bit overdone in my view. The snappy pace is excellent, as is catching glimpses into the disturbed mind of a criminal. Some domestic scenes are taut and drip with angst; others are laced with grief and love. Well done!
My sincere thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this engrossing novel.
January 11, 2024
Stolen Girls
By: Jeff Stetson
4 Stars
This was a book that will stay with me for a while. It was disturbing, yet it was also captivating. It is a story of two fathers who have a bond. Both have had daughters abducted. One rich. One poor. One black. One white. Completely different people, but these differences don't change that they both lost something close to them. No matter their differences, the bond between them grows as they work with police to find their girls. They have one goal, and that is to bring their daughters home.
Wow. This is a book you don't want to miss, but I will warn that this story can be a hard read. It was real and told some disturbing facts of the real world with things like child abuse and pedophilia. It was well written and descriptive. In books, I love this. On these subject matters, it makes the story great, but hard to read at times. I will say it was fast-paced and enthralling from start to finish and a great finish it was. It told a story that was meant to stay with the reader, and it did.
*I want to thank Netgalley and the author for this book in return for my honest review*
Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Reviews
By: Jeff Stetson
4 Stars
This was a book that will stay with me for a while. It was disturbing, yet it was also captivating. It is a story of two fathers who have a bond. Both have had daughters abducted. One rich. One poor. One black. One white. Completely different people, but these differences don't change that they both lost something close to them. No matter their differences, the bond between them grows as they work with police to find their girls. They have one goal, and that is to bring their daughters home.
Wow. This is a book you don't want to miss, but I will warn that this story can be a hard read. It was real and told some disturbing facts of the real world with things like child abuse and pedophilia. It was well written and descriptive. In books, I love this. On these subject matters, it makes the story great, but hard to read at times. I will say it was fast-paced and enthralling from start to finish and a great finish it was. It told a story that was meant to stay with the reader, and it did.
*I want to thank Netgalley and the author for this book in return for my honest review*
Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Reviews
Read
February 8, 2024Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC of The Stolen Girls by Jeff Stetson in exchange for a honest review.
In a world full of monsters unlikely friendships are formed. Socio-economic barriers don’t exist, race bias falls away, and the goal of saving missing children takes priority.
Ron and Todd’s daughters both go missing days apart. These are not children who just wouldn’t come home or wander off. Todd is affluent and the police are doing everything possible to bring his daughter home. Meanwhile, police are looking at Ron as a suspect in his own daughter’s disappearance.
The book follows the story line of the families and a serial kidnapper who has 4 young girls captive in hopes of building a “family.” Overall the book was captivating and a page turner but for me the end fell flat. There were no real answers in the end. The books just ended happily with no closure. I wish Stetson had written a few more chapters proving closure to the aftermath. Overall it’s a good thriller read but may not be for you if you need the whole story in a book.
Pub Date: Feb. 9, 2024
🌟🌟🌟.5
In a world full of monsters unlikely friendships are formed. Socio-economic barriers don’t exist, race bias falls away, and the goal of saving missing children takes priority.
Ron and Todd’s daughters both go missing days apart. These are not children who just wouldn’t come home or wander off. Todd is affluent and the police are doing everything possible to bring his daughter home. Meanwhile, police are looking at Ron as a suspect in his own daughter’s disappearance.
The book follows the story line of the families and a serial kidnapper who has 4 young girls captive in hopes of building a “family.” Overall the book was captivating and a page turner but for me the end fell flat. There were no real answers in the end. The books just ended happily with no closure. I wish Stetson had written a few more chapters proving closure to the aftermath. Overall it’s a good thriller read but may not be for you if you need the whole story in a book.
Pub Date: Feb. 9, 2024
🌟🌟🌟.5
February 29, 2024
Ron Butler is a single dad to his daughter, Jennifer. When she is abducted after school his entire world is flipped upside down. He is completely, and rightfully frustrated that his daughter has not been found. It isn’t until Todd Roth’s daughter Rebecca is also taken for the media and multiple forces being on the search. When the two fathers come together to attempt to save their daughters they build a unique friendship. They have a sense of understanding and rapport that only they can relate to. Will the two fathers be able to bring their daughters and the other stolen girls home?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! There were portions where I had to take breaks because it truly is a tragic story. The author does a great job of bringing awareness to how white children and children of color may be treated differently in these circumstances. It is heartbreaking, but eye opening. It causes you to focus and analyze these situations and how they may differ.
On another note, this gave Criminal Mind’s vibes. As someone obsessed, I enjoyed reading the father’s attempt at vengeance and the process the detectives went through. This was a great book with great themes.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! There were portions where I had to take breaks because it truly is a tragic story. The author does a great job of bringing awareness to how white children and children of color may be treated differently in these circumstances. It is heartbreaking, but eye opening. It causes you to focus and analyze these situations and how they may differ.
On another note, this gave Criminal Mind’s vibes. As someone obsessed, I enjoyed reading the father’s attempt at vengeance and the process the detectives went through. This was a great book with great themes.
February 29, 2024
This has to be one of the BEST thrillers I have read in a very long time!
Lets start with the author's writing. He's able to draw the perfect image with just his words. You are placed with Jennifer outside the school waiting for her dad. You're with Rebecca while she's waiting for her dad to get them food. You're on the cot next to Selena when the lights get shut off. Every description he uses in this story puts you there right next to the character.
The storyline is so chilling, because its exactly what has happened in the past with real kidnappings and its whats going to continue to happen, but the bravory of these girls make this book a triumph from the first kiddnapping. The fathers in the story also put in just a real world feeling because there are fathers just like Ron and just like Todd. And when its all said and done, all they wish for at the end is a little more time with their children, which is also the feeling you get when reading this book. Time is very valuable, and loved ones could just be taken from us at any time.
This book just had all the emotionals, all the feels and all the chills. Great book. Thanks for the advanced copy!!
Lets start with the author's writing. He's able to draw the perfect image with just his words. You are placed with Jennifer outside the school waiting for her dad. You're with Rebecca while she's waiting for her dad to get them food. You're on the cot next to Selena when the lights get shut off. Every description he uses in this story puts you there right next to the character.
The storyline is so chilling, because its exactly what has happened in the past with real kidnappings and its whats going to continue to happen, but the bravory of these girls make this book a triumph from the first kiddnapping. The fathers in the story also put in just a real world feeling because there are fathers just like Ron and just like Todd. And when its all said and done, all they wish for at the end is a little more time with their children, which is also the feeling you get when reading this book. Time is very valuable, and loved ones could just be taken from us at any time.
This book just had all the emotionals, all the feels and all the chills. Great book. Thanks for the advanced copy!!
January 12, 2024
The premise of this book was excellent and it tries to raise some important points in the context - how much does race affect the time and attention given to victims of crime - but I'm afraid I didn't love it. The character building wasn't convincing - one altogether too perfect, the other too distant until an explanatory storyline was brought in that felt shoehorned in and was resolved too easily. Similarly, the ending brought in a previously unmentioned and uninvolved character as a McGuffin to allow a simple solution to the mystery and also to bring the first real physical danger to a character who we obviously didn't care about at all. The dialogue between the girls was unconvincing and the perpetrator of the crime didn't feel fleshed out at all - I had no real sense of who he was or why he was doing what he did. A quick read but a little unsatisfying for me, unfortunately.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
#TheStolenGirls #NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
#TheStolenGirls #NetGalley
March 10, 2024
Another great book: The Stolen Girls by Jeff Stetson. It came out on the 9th of February and I received a copy from Storm Publishing via Netgalley.
Single dad Ron is late to pick up his daughter from school. But his Jennifer isn't there. She's been taken.
A few days later he sees the news and on it is an item about a missing girl - a white girl. Why wasn't there a report about his daughter?
The two fathers are connected by this awful situation and they vouch to see this through together and do their utmost best to find their missing daughters. It's not safe, but their own safety is not on their radar.
The most awful situation imaginable for any parent, that's what this book is about. The way this author managed to describe the situation both fathers find themselves in, is quite realistic in my opinion. I would go crazy as well and do whatever is necessary. So, the characters are well worked out in this fast paced and action filled story. I loved every bit of it and I can't wait to read more by this author.
5/5 ⭐
Single dad Ron is late to pick up his daughter from school. But his Jennifer isn't there. She's been taken.
A few days later he sees the news and on it is an item about a missing girl - a white girl. Why wasn't there a report about his daughter?
The two fathers are connected by this awful situation and they vouch to see this through together and do their utmost best to find their missing daughters. It's not safe, but their own safety is not on their radar.
The most awful situation imaginable for any parent, that's what this book is about. The way this author managed to describe the situation both fathers find themselves in, is quite realistic in my opinion. I would go crazy as well and do whatever is necessary. So, the characters are well worked out in this fast paced and action filled story. I loved every bit of it and I can't wait to read more by this author.
5/5 ⭐
January 12, 2024
“She touched her index finger to her tongue, then moved it against an imaginary chalkboard”
Stolen girls stolen of a life without trauma!
How some innocent actions turn out to be promises and reassurances in what conditions!
A wrenching tale of young girls being each other’s strength, two fathers coming from contrasting backgrounds holding each other upright, a mother saddled with so many emotions and psychopath being a psychopath.
Being truthful, it was a good novel and very quick paced.
There were certain areas where the story could’ve been better. The girls Rebecca and Jennifer were portrayed very valiantly and the emotional bonding between the fathers was beautifully portrayed considering the stories of the characters.
In my opinion, somewhere in the journey of reading the focus shifted from the main plot to the cathartic trip of the parents of the girls.
The ending ended a bit quick for me.
All over it was a good book.
Stolen girls stolen of a life without trauma!
How some innocent actions turn out to be promises and reassurances in what conditions!
A wrenching tale of young girls being each other’s strength, two fathers coming from contrasting backgrounds holding each other upright, a mother saddled with so many emotions and psychopath being a psychopath.
Being truthful, it was a good novel and very quick paced.
There were certain areas where the story could’ve been better. The girls Rebecca and Jennifer were portrayed very valiantly and the emotional bonding between the fathers was beautifully portrayed considering the stories of the characters.
In my opinion, somewhere in the journey of reading the focus shifted from the main plot to the cathartic trip of the parents of the girls.
The ending ended a bit quick for me.
All over it was a good book.
January 13, 2024
Thank you to Net Galley and Storm Publishing for this advanced copy of The Stolen Girls by Jeff Stetson to be published February 9, 2024.
Ron is at school looking for his daughter, Jennifer. She never shows up. Ron finds out his daughter is missing. That’s not the worst part – the police don’t seem to want to do much to find her because of the color of his skin.
Until…..an affluent white couple’s daughter also is missing. Todd and Liz’s daughter, Rebecca, was also abducted. Then the local police, state police, and FBI get involved.
Ron and Todd don’t think they are doing enough to find their daughters. So, they team up and take on the task themselves.
This book was a roller coaster from start to finish. Ron and Todd develop an unlikely friendship in the quest to find their missing daughters.
I laughed in a few places and cried in a few others. The Stolen Girls will keep you engrossed until the very climactic ending!
#netgalley #thestolengirls #jeffstetson #stormpublishing
Ron is at school looking for his daughter, Jennifer. She never shows up. Ron finds out his daughter is missing. That’s not the worst part – the police don’t seem to want to do much to find her because of the color of his skin.
Until…..an affluent white couple’s daughter also is missing. Todd and Liz’s daughter, Rebecca, was also abducted. Then the local police, state police, and FBI get involved.
Ron and Todd don’t think they are doing enough to find their daughters. So, they team up and take on the task themselves.
This book was a roller coaster from start to finish. Ron and Todd develop an unlikely friendship in the quest to find their missing daughters.
I laughed in a few places and cried in a few others. The Stolen Girls will keep you engrossed until the very climactic ending!
#netgalley #thestolengirls #jeffstetson #stormpublishing
January 25, 2024
Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy of this novel.
This book totally missed all of the marks for me.
Starting off, I really don’t think it can even be classified as a thriller. It felt like a YA novel, there was no suspense, no twists or suprises whatsoever.
Every single character felt fake. As if every single one was a bad actor straight out of an “after school special”.
The dialogue was so corny and unrealistic. It makes me wonder if the author has actually had a conversation with another person before.
Lastly, page 217 states “Selena and Kia watched…..”. Who is Kia? I’m assuming that was supposed to be Mei Lin but that’s a pretty big mistake to be in a published book. And let’s end the completely predictable book with the longest run on sentence in the history of the english language.
Just not good.
This book totally missed all of the marks for me.
Starting off, I really don’t think it can even be classified as a thriller. It felt like a YA novel, there was no suspense, no twists or suprises whatsoever.
Every single character felt fake. As if every single one was a bad actor straight out of an “after school special”.
The dialogue was so corny and unrealistic. It makes me wonder if the author has actually had a conversation with another person before.
Lastly, page 217 states “Selena and Kia watched…..”. Who is Kia? I’m assuming that was supposed to be Mei Lin but that’s a pretty big mistake to be in a published book. And let’s end the completely predictable book with the longest run on sentence in the history of the english language.
Just not good.
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