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The Trauma Child: A thriller
What would you do if your child began saying the most shocking, offensive, vulgar things?
After witnessing her boyfriend murdered by a stranger, Neely Pfau and her ten-year-old daughter, Arial, flee to her childhood home in safe, rural Orchard, CT.
But normally sweet-tempered Arial is having trouble adjusting. She becomes insulting and foul-mouthed beyond her years. A child psychiatrist and a pediatrician blame the girl’s trauma. As Arial’s behavior worsens and even turns violent, Neely takes increasingly desperate measures to control her.
Then the worried mother learns a long-held family secret: her great-great-grandmother, Viola, was a notorious serial killer, and the last woman hanged in the state. Neely starts to suspect there is more behind her daughter’s drastic personality changes than just trauma.
Far more.
Now Neely must free her child from the grip of evil.
Before her little girl is lost forever…
The author of top-selling psychological thrillers The Neighbors in Apartment 3D, The Last Star Standing, The Perfect Face, and The Little Girl in the Window is back with her signature brand of crackling suspense with twists you will never predict.
For fans of Lucy Foley, Shari Lapena, Freida McFadden, and Gillian Flynn.
This new thriller with supernatural overtones will have you gasping in shock. Please be aware that when ten-year-old Arial is in the throes of evil, it's no-holds-barred language.
Praise for C.G. Twiles:
"A masterful storyteller… Whenever I begin reading a C.G. Twiles novel, I should cancel all my plans because it's nearly impossible not to devour her captivating stories in one sitting." —Liz Alterman, author of He'll Be Waiting and The Perfect Neighborhood
"One to read with your lights on and your doors locked." —Susan Crawford, bestselling author of The Pocket Wife
"[C.G. Twiles] is a master when it comes to thrillers. Nothing is ever what it seems, perception is never reality, and when things appear to be a certain way, they can suddenly and unexpectedly swerve and do a 180-degree turn." —Priya Malhotra, author of A Woman of an Uncertain Age
After witnessing her boyfriend murdered by a stranger, Neely Pfau and her ten-year-old daughter, Arial, flee to her childhood home in safe, rural Orchard, CT.
But normally sweet-tempered Arial is having trouble adjusting. She becomes insulting and foul-mouthed beyond her years. A child psychiatrist and a pediatrician blame the girl’s trauma. As Arial’s behavior worsens and even turns violent, Neely takes increasingly desperate measures to control her.
Then the worried mother learns a long-held family secret: her great-great-grandmother, Viola, was a notorious serial killer, and the last woman hanged in the state. Neely starts to suspect there is more behind her daughter’s drastic personality changes than just trauma.
Far more.
Now Neely must free her child from the grip of evil.
Before her little girl is lost forever…
The author of top-selling psychological thrillers The Neighbors in Apartment 3D, The Last Star Standing, The Perfect Face, and The Little Girl in the Window is back with her signature brand of crackling suspense with twists you will never predict.
For fans of Lucy Foley, Shari Lapena, Freida McFadden, and Gillian Flynn.
This new thriller with supernatural overtones will have you gasping in shock. Please be aware that when ten-year-old Arial is in the throes of evil, it's no-holds-barred language.
Praise for C.G. Twiles:
"A masterful storyteller… Whenever I begin reading a C.G. Twiles novel, I should cancel all my plans because it's nearly impossible not to devour her captivating stories in one sitting." —Liz Alterman, author of He'll Be Waiting and The Perfect Neighborhood
"One to read with your lights on and your doors locked." —Susan Crawford, bestselling author of The Pocket Wife
"[C.G. Twiles] is a master when it comes to thrillers. Nothing is ever what it seems, perception is never reality, and when things appear to be a certain way, they can suddenly and unexpectedly swerve and do a 180-degree turn." —Priya Malhotra, author of A Woman of an Uncertain Age
324 pages, Paperback
Published January 4, 2024
14 people want to read
About the author
C.G. Twiles
12 books62 followersC.G. Twiles is the pseudonym for a longtime writer and reporter who loves Gothic, animals, ancient history, cemeteries, traveling, and old houses.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 28, 2024
Just when you think happiness is on the horizon…
All hell breaks loose.
The Trauma Child is an unsettling read with shades of The Exorcist.
I have to admit that I vehemently disagreed with some of Neely’s choices as a woman and a parent, but they felt realistic and true to her character. I was rooting for her to shake the funk and get her life on track.
I recommend not reading the synopsis, or if you already did, forget it before you read the book. It gives away some details that are more impactful if they come as a surprise.
*Thanks to the author for the free ebook.*
All hell breaks loose.
The Trauma Child is an unsettling read with shades of The Exorcist.
I have to admit that I vehemently disagreed with some of Neely’s choices as a woman and a parent, but they felt realistic and true to her character. I was rooting for her to shake the funk and get her life on track.
I recommend not reading the synopsis, or if you already did, forget it before you read the book. It gives away some details that are more impactful if they come as a surprise.
*Thanks to the author for the free ebook.*
February 5, 2024
Fictional creepy children are my favorite fictional children. Add in the possibility of the paranormal and you have yourself a winner folks.
Neely and her daughter, ten year old Arial, move from New York to Neely's family home in rural Connecticut after Neely's boyfriend is murdered right in front of them. Neely hopes this gives them the fresh start they need to put the past behind them. Unfortunately the past never goes away, and by moving into her grandparents' home in the town where she grew up, Neely invites the past in. And that past isn't done with either her or Arial.
This book was so atmospheric and I loved how the old house and the environments described played such big roles in the story. I also love when an author plants a seed in your head, but there are so many different ways it could sprout that it leaves you questioning your assumptions about what might happen. This is another highly readable story from Twiles that will keep you turning pages. So grab a blanket and get cozy because you won't be going anywhere for awhile!
Neely and her daughter, ten year old Arial, move from New York to Neely's family home in rural Connecticut after Neely's boyfriend is murdered right in front of them. Neely hopes this gives them the fresh start they need to put the past behind them. Unfortunately the past never goes away, and by moving into her grandparents' home in the town where she grew up, Neely invites the past in. And that past isn't done with either her or Arial.
This book was so atmospheric and I loved how the old house and the environments described played such big roles in the story. I also love when an author plants a seed in your head, but there are so many different ways it could sprout that it leaves you questioning your assumptions about what might happen. This is another highly readable story from Twiles that will keep you turning pages. So grab a blanket and get cozy because you won't be going anywhere for awhile!
February 6, 2024
Ooh, I love books featuring creepy kids, and this one sure was a page-turner.
February 8, 2024
Title: The Trauma Child: A Thriller
Author: C.G. Twiles
Synopsis: hat would you do if your child began saying the most shocking, offensive, vulgar things?
After witnessing her boyfriend murdered by a stranger, Neely Pfau and her ten-year-old daughter, Arial, flee to her childhood home in safe, rural Orchard, CT.
But normally sweet-tempered Arial is having trouble adjusting. She becomes insulting and foul-mouthed beyond her years. A child psychiatrist and a pediatrician blame the girl’s trauma. As Arial’s behavior worsens and even turns violent, Neely takes increasingly desperate measures to control her.
Then the worried mother learns a long-held family secret: her great-great-grandmother, Viola, was a notorious serial killer, and the last woman hanged in the state. Neely starts to suspect there is more behind her daughter’s drastic personality changes than trauma.
Far more.
Now Neely must free her child from the grip of evil.
Before her little girl is lost forever…
The author of top-selling psychological thrillers The Neighbors in Apartment 3D, The Last Star Standing, The Perfect Face, and The Little Girl in the Window is back with her signature brand of crackling suspense with twists you will never predict. For fans of Lucy Foley, Shari Lapena, Freida McFadden, and Gillian Flynn.
This new thriller with supernatural overtones will have you gasping in shock. Please be aware that when ten-year-old Arial is in the throes of evil, it's no-holds-barred language.
Review: This book was crazy! I expect nothings less from C.G. Twiles! I was so puzzled and wondering what was wrong with Neely? The things that would come out of her mouth left me as shocked as Arial was! I truly sympathized for Arial! She has gone through so much and it’s not easy being a single mom and struggling financially! It is very stressful! The poor woman could not catch a break! I felt like it was me in Arial’s shoes and my hair was falling just from her stress! When I got to the ending I was happy and relived with how everything wrapped up! It made so much sense when finished it! If you love thrillers that keep you turning the pages then this will be up your ally! I’m so happy I was able to read this arc! You will be happy you did!
Author: C.G. Twiles
Synopsis: hat would you do if your child began saying the most shocking, offensive, vulgar things?
After witnessing her boyfriend murdered by a stranger, Neely Pfau and her ten-year-old daughter, Arial, flee to her childhood home in safe, rural Orchard, CT.
But normally sweet-tempered Arial is having trouble adjusting. She becomes insulting and foul-mouthed beyond her years. A child psychiatrist and a pediatrician blame the girl’s trauma. As Arial’s behavior worsens and even turns violent, Neely takes increasingly desperate measures to control her.
Then the worried mother learns a long-held family secret: her great-great-grandmother, Viola, was a notorious serial killer, and the last woman hanged in the state. Neely starts to suspect there is more behind her daughter’s drastic personality changes than trauma.
Far more.
Now Neely must free her child from the grip of evil.
Before her little girl is lost forever…
The author of top-selling psychological thrillers The Neighbors in Apartment 3D, The Last Star Standing, The Perfect Face, and The Little Girl in the Window is back with her signature brand of crackling suspense with twists you will never predict. For fans of Lucy Foley, Shari Lapena, Freida McFadden, and Gillian Flynn.
This new thriller with supernatural overtones will have you gasping in shock. Please be aware that when ten-year-old Arial is in the throes of evil, it's no-holds-barred language.
Review: This book was crazy! I expect nothings less from C.G. Twiles! I was so puzzled and wondering what was wrong with Neely? The things that would come out of her mouth left me as shocked as Arial was! I truly sympathized for Arial! She has gone through so much and it’s not easy being a single mom and struggling financially! It is very stressful! The poor woman could not catch a break! I felt like it was me in Arial’s shoes and my hair was falling just from her stress! When I got to the ending I was happy and relived with how everything wrapped up! It made so much sense when finished it! If you love thrillers that keep you turning the pages then this will be up your ally! I’m so happy I was able to read this arc! You will be happy you did!
February 8, 2024
This was an addictive read about a family that becomes the victim of a tragedy one night in a New York City park and the aftermath of that tragedy.
There’s a lot to unpack here as there is prior underaged sex with a powerful man, old curses, resentment and anger, and also a young child with a problem that, as it happens, is generations old.
This cover is creepyyyy and the opening chapters were so vivid and real in my mind that I was sucked right in. I loved Ariel’s character and felt for her so strongly throughout the story. But Neely? Oh Neely got under my skin a bit. But she did what she felt she had to do to save her daughter.
I did feel like there were a lot of moving parts resulting in some issues that may have been explored more just being skimmed over. But overall this is a creeptastic read that I flew through!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There’s a lot to unpack here as there is prior underaged sex with a powerful man, old curses, resentment and anger, and also a young child with a problem that, as it happens, is generations old.
This cover is creepyyyy and the opening chapters were so vivid and real in my mind that I was sucked right in. I loved Ariel’s character and felt for her so strongly throughout the story. But Neely? Oh Neely got under my skin a bit. But she did what she felt she had to do to save her daughter.
I did feel like there were a lot of moving parts resulting in some issues that may have been explored more just being skimmed over. But overall this is a creeptastic read that I flew through!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 30, 2024
This was a creepy, generations old resentment possession story!
Neely, her boyfriend and her daughter Arial are out for Arial's birthday when he is brutally attacked and dies before their eyes. It's very traumatic so they move to Neely's childhood home.
There the very happy child starts to talk and act in ways she was NOT taught.
It gets so bad that they go to see someone who can talk to spirits and can cleanse the bad out of the girl.
I can see how some could get creeped out so if you get scared easily... You might not want to read at night. I thought it was spooky but it didn't scare me.... But I'm not easily scared 🤷♀️
Neely, her boyfriend and her daughter Arial are out for Arial's birthday when he is brutally attacked and dies before their eyes. It's very traumatic so they move to Neely's childhood home.
There the very happy child starts to talk and act in ways she was NOT taught.
It gets so bad that they go to see someone who can talk to spirits and can cleanse the bad out of the girl.
I can see how some could get creeped out so if you get scared easily... You might not want to read at night. I thought it was spooky but it didn't scare me.... But I'm not easily scared 🤷♀️
January 25, 2024
I love everything this author writes, and she did another spectacular job with this book! It was a little different from what she typically writes, but I was still just as interested and invested as I always am with her books. C.G. is one of my favorite authors, and I always look forward to reading her books.
January 16, 2024
What would you do if you didn't think your little girl was your daughter? Neely's 10 year old daughter begins acting completely different. This was a thrilling book. It kept my interest the whole way. Loved the ending!
February 20, 2024
Sacha's Book Reviews Blog
The author invited me to review this book, as I had previously reviewed another one of her books "The Perfect Face", and I grabbed it off an ARC program.
The Premise
After witnessing a murder, Neely and her 10-year-old daughter Arial move to Neely's childhood home in the countryside. Neely envisions this change as starting over a new leaf in a place she feels safe. Sadly, it's just not to be -- this poor single mom can't catch a break. On top of money worries, co-parenting issues, job insecurity and a myriad of other things, her daughter also seems to be possessed. Arial begins spouting crude things beyond her years, shocking Neely and everyone around them, and commits violent acts that she has no recollection of afterwards. Is she just traumatised from what she witnessed (as doctors believe), or is there something far deeper and darker at work here?
The Pros & Cons
This was a gripping thriller that grabs you from the start. With a sweet moment fatally ripped to shreds by a violent stranger, your heart immediately goes out to the protagonists Neely and her daughter Arial.
The writer's style draws you in and engages you from beginning to end as the tale unfolds. I like the way she developed the characters so that we get a real sense of who we're rooting for. I also appreciated that Neely embraced ALL potential causes of her daughter's behaviour fairly quickly. She dove in head-first as a mama; she was pragmatic and hitting it all from all angles: paediatrician, psychologist, and exorcist! I also absolutely loved Salem, who was just perfectly portrayed and (though there was zero need for romance in this thriller!) I entirely forgave that because he was so awesome.
I also loved Neely's back story, but my main disappointment is also linked to this -- the author writes it all so beautifully, giving us a full picture of the journey from being groomed as a child, and then... well, though I loved the twist with female empowerment, it felt contradictory that the douche daddy got so much real estate throughout the novel only for it to fizzle out towards the end. The big horror-thrill climax was good, and as things wrapped up I was glad Neely finally caught a break, but I must admit that it became maybe a bit *too* saccharine-sweet for the genre expectations!
Conclusion
Despite those wee niggles which most likely won't bug most readers, overall this was a solid, fast-paced read that hits all the right notes of creepy, angsty, and sweet all in one. From motherhood to romance to friendship to thriller, it touches on a lot of themes to pull it all together into a cohesive story that is easy to connect to and love. As my second novel by this author, I noted some similarities in my feelings between my last book and this one. Though this one didn't quite "drop me off a cliff" like the last one (I kept expecting a twistier twist here, but that's just me!), I am thrilled that "The Trauma Child" didn't disappoint, and I look forward to more of her work.
___________
This review also appears on my blog. Visit to read more of my reviews: Sacha's Book Reviews Blog
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February 5, 2024
C.G Twiles latest thriller crosses over into the supernatural! The story begins with 10 year old Arial and her mother Neely both witnessing the murder of Neely’s boyfriend. This spurs their move away from the city and back to Neely’s rural home town in search of peace and safety. It is here where things really start to spin out of control. Ariel begins to start acting out, having fits of uncontrollable anger and even starts putting herself and others in danger. Medical professionals all state the trauma she witnessed as the cause, but is there something more personal and sinister behind these changes? C.G. Twiles is a master of suspense. The twists and turns in this book will leave you guessing till the very end! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 8, 2024
Just an author, standing in front of Goodreads, giving herself five stars.
I hope you enjoy my latest thriller, The Trauma Child.
Inspired by the country's first known female serial killer, Lavinia Fisher. Also my hometown and some family history.
Please add to your TBRs and your reading lists!
Available exclusively on Amazon and KU, soon to be added to other retailers like Kobo, Nook, and Apple Books. Paperback soon will be available everywhere and can be requested at your local library.
I hope you enjoy my latest thriller, The Trauma Child.
Inspired by the country's first known female serial killer, Lavinia Fisher. Also my hometown and some family history.
Please add to your TBRs and your reading lists!
Available exclusively on Amazon and KU, soon to be added to other retailers like Kobo, Nook, and Apple Books. Paperback soon will be available everywhere and can be requested at your local library.
January 11, 2024
Neely is bitter, and rightly so. Things seem to finally start to improve for her and Arial when the unthinkable happens. Returning to her childhood home should have brought comfort and a sense of safety. Instead, Arial changes from the sweet-natured child she is, to someone Neely doesn't recognise and is beginning to fear. Is her child ill, or is it something far worse?
Possession. Is it even possible? Can severe trauma and a family connection allow this to happen? Can replacing anger with forgiveness help to make things right again?
Possession. Is it even possible? Can severe trauma and a family connection allow this to happen? Can replacing anger with forgiveness help to make things right again?
November 4, 2025
PLOT TWIST if I’ve ever read one
January 31, 2024
"It was as if the man was a wave, and we were standing on the shore, and he crashed over us without warning."
Neely and her daughter, Arial, are out for out for a very special dinner celebration in honor of Arial's 10th birthday. Unfortunately, while they are walking home through the park the duo witnesses something terribly horrific.
I thought the first ~10% was a little slow, maybe it was the writing style.. but as soon as Arial starts saying WHACK things I was HOOKED. I think I read 65-100% in one sitting!
"Your daughter's trauma allowed the spirit in."
Jacinda, the spiritist and her role to round out the story has to be my favorite part. The paranormal possession aspect was THRILLING and I haven't read one of these scenarios done this well.
The ending 🤯 give me more!!!!! A sequel?!
"You look like you've seen a ghost."
Neely and her daughter, Arial, are out for out for a very special dinner celebration in honor of Arial's 10th birthday. Unfortunately, while they are walking home through the park the duo witnesses something terribly horrific.
I thought the first ~10% was a little slow, maybe it was the writing style.. but as soon as Arial starts saying WHACK things I was HOOKED. I think I read 65-100% in one sitting!
"Your daughter's trauma allowed the spirit in."
Jacinda, the spiritist and her role to round out the story has to be my favorite part. The paranormal possession aspect was THRILLING and I haven't read one of these scenarios done this well.
The ending 🤯 give me more!!!!! A sequel?!
"You look like you've seen a ghost."
February 15, 2024
The Trauma Child by CG Twiles. Thanks to the author for the gifted copy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After a traumatic event , Neely moves to her childhood home with her ten year old daughter, Ariel. Ariel begins acting unlike herself and Neely unburied a family secret.
I could not put this one down! I love horror but especially a possession trope. This was fast paced and hooks you from the very beginning with a traumatic event. After that, it just keeps going and doesn’t let up until the end.
“She‘s not like us, bound by earthly senses. She’s everywhere and all things. She’s the air, the clouds, the water.”
The Trauma Child is available now.
After a traumatic event , Neely moves to her childhood home with her ten year old daughter, Ariel. Ariel begins acting unlike herself and Neely unburied a family secret.
I could not put this one down! I love horror but especially a possession trope. This was fast paced and hooks you from the very beginning with a traumatic event. After that, it just keeps going and doesn’t let up until the end.
“She‘s not like us, bound by earthly senses. She’s everywhere and all things. She’s the air, the clouds, the water.”
The Trauma Child is available now.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews