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The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thrillers #5
Calling My Children Home
Rileigh Bishop’s past is closing in, and more lives are at stake than she knows.
Ex-police officer Rileigh Bishop has heard the rumors about the missing children from the ‘50s and ‘60s. Everyone has. But she’s never put much stock in them –
Until a five-year-old girl goes missing from an elementary school carnival.
Rileigh and Mitch rush to find the girl, but before they can, another child vanishes.
It’s a case that spans generations, and Rileigh is the only one who can stop it.
But while she’s looking for the missing children, someone is looking for her.
And they’re getting closer.
And closer.
Calling My Children Home is the fifth book in The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thrillers series.
Ex-police officer Rileigh Bishop has heard the rumors about the missing children from the ‘50s and ‘60s. Everyone has. But she’s never put much stock in them –
Until a five-year-old girl goes missing from an elementary school carnival.
Rileigh and Mitch rush to find the girl, but before they can, another child vanishes.
It’s a case that spans generations, and Rileigh is the only one who can stop it.
But while she’s looking for the missing children, someone is looking for her.
And they’re getting closer.
And closer.
Calling My Children Home is the fifth book in The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thrillers series.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2024
185 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 2, 2024
Calling My Children Home by Lauren Street is a fast paced thriller that keeps you on edge throughout. A five year old girl goes missing at a school carnival. All of the teachers were there and each child was paired up with a friend. They were to stay together and look out for each other. At the end of the carnival, the signal is given to return to the school. All of the kids are headed in to their classrooms when one little girl is by herself saying she can't find her partner. Chloe is missing. No one thinks much of it at first as they casually look around the booths, games, and rides. After quite awhile of looking, the sheriff is called. The girl has vanished and no one has seen her since she and her partner separated to participate in different games.
Rileigh Bishop is hired to help the Sheriff find the little girl. Rileigh was a police officer, but left under tragic circumstances. She told herself she would never put herself in that position again, but she missed the work. Rileigh liked helping people and her investigative skills were top notch. She agrees to help Mitch until the girl is found. As the days go by and the investigation is getting nowhere, another child goes missing. Mason is one of Georgia's 5 children and he was taken from Walmart when they were all there shopping. His older brother turned around and Mason was gone. Georgia is Rileigh's best friend and she's very close to the kids. She's heartbroken over Mason missing and will do anything to find him. She starts looking at video from Walmart and making a list of people that were at the carnival and Walmart.
As Rileigh and Mitch split the list of suspects to interview, they are on their own. Will they find the kidnapper in time to save the children? Will the kidnapper use force against Rileigh or Mitch? This book is crazy exciting and keeps you guessing until the very end! You won't believe the ending!! I rate Calling My Children Home 5 stars with my highest recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Sterling & Stone for the advanced copy of Calling My Children Home in exchange for a fair review. #CallingMyChildrenHome #bookreview
Rileigh Bishop is hired to help the Sheriff find the little girl. Rileigh was a police officer, but left under tragic circumstances. She told herself she would never put herself in that position again, but she missed the work. Rileigh liked helping people and her investigative skills were top notch. She agrees to help Mitch until the girl is found. As the days go by and the investigation is getting nowhere, another child goes missing. Mason is one of Georgia's 5 children and he was taken from Walmart when they were all there shopping. His older brother turned around and Mason was gone. Georgia is Rileigh's best friend and she's very close to the kids. She's heartbroken over Mason missing and will do anything to find him. She starts looking at video from Walmart and making a list of people that were at the carnival and Walmart.
As Rileigh and Mitch split the list of suspects to interview, they are on their own. Will they find the kidnapper in time to save the children? Will the kidnapper use force against Rileigh or Mitch? This book is crazy exciting and keeps you guessing until the very end! You won't believe the ending!! I rate Calling My Children Home 5 stars with my highest recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Sterling & Stone for the advanced copy of Calling My Children Home in exchange for a fair review. #CallingMyChildrenHome #bookreview
February 12, 2024
This is the first book I’ve read by Lauren Street, and I really enjoyed it!
It kept me guessing - I think it could have been a little shorter, some chapters could have come out without altering the story.
I will definitely be reading more of her books, probably starting with #1 in this series!!!
It kept me guessing - I think it could have been a little shorter, some chapters could have come out without altering the story.
I will definitely be reading more of her books, probably starting with #1 in this series!!!
March 25, 2024
Another great book in this series. This is one of my favorites so far on this series. We finally get to find out what happened to Raleigh in Memphis while she works with the sheriff to find missing children. This book can stand alone but I recommend reading the others first so you are familiar with the characters. I look forward to the next in this series.
February 20, 2024
Calling My Children Home is the fifth book in the 'The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thrillers' series.
Rileigh and Mitch join forces again to solve another case. This time, a 5-year-old girl disappeared while at a school carnival. While looking for her, a little boy goes missing. Rileigh works to find the missing children, not knowing she is in danger.
I enjoyed this book. I've only read book 1, so I was nervous about skipping to book 5. Although some connected elements exist, these books can be read as standalone stories. I didn't feel like I was missing anything, and there were no plot/development holes. This is another engaging and emotional book in the series that kept me reading. I could not put the book down because I had to know what happened next. The story is well-written, fast-paced, and flows well. The setting and characters are developed well. Lauren Street quickly transported me to the location where the story takes place. She makes sure all elements are aligned, even the language used by the characters.
There were secondary stories woven into the main plot -- unrealistic expectations of children, interracial relationships, challenges of motherhood, etc. The twists and turns were excellent! I also loved that the story was not predictable for me. The information may have been provided in a prior book, but in this book, we learn more about the details surrounding the unfortunate situation that ended Rileigh's career. I was surprised by the ending and the found perpetrator. Lauren again leaves us with a cliffhanger that makes you want to read the next book.
Thank you, Lauren Street, Sterling & Stone, and NetGalley, for the e-ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Rileigh and Mitch join forces again to solve another case. This time, a 5-year-old girl disappeared while at a school carnival. While looking for her, a little boy goes missing. Rileigh works to find the missing children, not knowing she is in danger.
I enjoyed this book. I've only read book 1, so I was nervous about skipping to book 5. Although some connected elements exist, these books can be read as standalone stories. I didn't feel like I was missing anything, and there were no plot/development holes. This is another engaging and emotional book in the series that kept me reading. I could not put the book down because I had to know what happened next. The story is well-written, fast-paced, and flows well. The setting and characters are developed well. Lauren Street quickly transported me to the location where the story takes place. She makes sure all elements are aligned, even the language used by the characters.
There were secondary stories woven into the main plot -- unrealistic expectations of children, interracial relationships, challenges of motherhood, etc. The twists and turns were excellent! I also loved that the story was not predictable for me. The information may have been provided in a prior book, but in this book, we learn more about the details surrounding the unfortunate situation that ended Rileigh's career. I was surprised by the ending and the found perpetrator. Lauren again leaves us with a cliffhanger that makes you want to read the next book.
Thank you, Lauren Street, Sterling & Stone, and NetGalley, for the e-ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
February 16, 2024
Like in the other books in the series, this is a multifaceted jewel. The main story is Rileigh's story, but running along are many more than first meet the eye, starting with Mitch, her sister and mother - some of the main characters, and others interspersed, coming and going in each of the cases solved.
In this one, they are more heart-rending even than those of people losing themselves to the vagaries of old age (most people would have to cope with that), stories of parents crushed by the guilt and desperation of losing their children, of children being torn away not only from their parents, but from everything they know at such a tender age, when the soul is so easily crushed. The story of a handyman, killed just for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, the story of a teacher with no calling for the job of nurturing children, the story of a harassed mother of five coping with everyday life, the story of a man-child with an eidetic memory when it comes to his love of cars... and many more.
Well written and well done.
In this one, they are more heart-rending even than those of people losing themselves to the vagaries of old age (most people would have to cope with that), stories of parents crushed by the guilt and desperation of losing their children, of children being torn away not only from their parents, but from everything they know at such a tender age, when the soul is so easily crushed. The story of a handyman, killed just for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, the story of a teacher with no calling for the job of nurturing children, the story of a harassed mother of five coping with everyday life, the story of a man-child with an eidetic memory when it comes to his love of cars... and many more.
Well written and well done.
February 18, 2024
This is another excellent entry in the Bishop Smoky Mountain Thrillers series. And I for one hope the series never ends. "The truth in longjohns with the butt flap down" is that Lauren Street is one more talented author. One minute she has me giggling over her sarcastic humor and mountain witticisms (see the above example) and the next she has me reaching for the tissues, especially with this book. Her writing style flows and grabs the reader and brings them along for the ride she creates. I always find myself turning the pages as quickly as I can once I get started on one of her books and resent any interruption that makes me have to put it down. The setting is so well-described and accurate that it almost becomes a character unto itself. If you haven't read any of the books in this series I recommend you correct that deficit in your life as soon as possible. They are that good.
I received a review copy from the author via Sterling and Stone and this is my honest opinion.
I received a review copy from the author via Sterling and Stone and this is my honest opinion.
February 19, 2024
A retired detective now lives back home in the town she grew up in. At a school carnival, things go horribly wrong when a little girl suddenly goes missing. Ryleigh will have to put aside all her misgivings about being a cop and step in to help the town deputy to find the missing child
I quite enjoyed this book. It looks to possibly be part of a series? Not 100% sure but I will look into it. The plot was fast paced and had me going along for the ride. I did not see the ending coming.
The only thing that tooo me aback a bit was the mountain language or way of talking but that’s on me for not having much exposure to it. Other than that I enjoyed the characters. Ryleigh is a strong character and o would be interested to read more about her life and adventures
I give this book a 4/5
Very good and I look forward to checking out other work by this author.
I quite enjoyed this book. It looks to possibly be part of a series? Not 100% sure but I will look into it. The plot was fast paced and had me going along for the ride. I did not see the ending coming.
The only thing that tooo me aback a bit was the mountain language or way of talking but that’s on me for not having much exposure to it. Other than that I enjoyed the characters. Ryleigh is a strong character and o would be interested to read more about her life and adventures
I give this book a 4/5
Very good and I look forward to checking out other work by this author.
June 9, 2025
The latest Rileigh Bishop novel, Calling My Children Home, is another knockout! Children are disappearing from public places in the Smoky Mountains—and when someone close to Rileigh is taken, the case becomes heartbreakingly personal. What unfolds is a gripping, emotional thriller that uncovers an old, eerily similar unsolved mystery.
Lauren Street masterfully weaves tension, emotion, and action into every chapter. I couldn’t put it down! The plot is smart, layered, and full of twists, and the final act is especially explosive—action-packed, high-stakes, and absolutely brilliant.
This book hit hard and fast, and I loved every second of it. Rileigh’s journey just keeps getting better. Highly, highly recommended! This series just keeps getting better with every new installment.
Thank you Netgalley, Sterling & Stone & Lauren Street for this arc!
Lauren Street masterfully weaves tension, emotion, and action into every chapter. I couldn’t put it down! The plot is smart, layered, and full of twists, and the final act is especially explosive—action-packed, high-stakes, and absolutely brilliant.
This book hit hard and fast, and I loved every second of it. Rileigh’s journey just keeps getting better. Highly, highly recommended! This series just keeps getting better with every new installment.
Thank you Netgalley, Sterling & Stone & Lauren Street for this arc!
February 16, 2024
I swear, I absolutely love this series. Watching the relationship form between Rileigh and Mitch has been thoroughly entertaining. The author has been really adept at keeping the main story the focus while still revisiting the B stories sprinkled in there. There’s just enough to keep the reader hungry for more. and this time, finally! One of the things I’ve been waiting for in Rileigh’s story has happened! Well, a few things happened. But one of my top three hopes happened, and it looks like the next book may show another! I’ll be eagerly awaiting that next one! I can’t get enough of this series!
Huge thanks to Sterling & Stone and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
T
Huge thanks to Sterling & Stone and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
T
February 19, 2024
Rileigh and Mitch are back for another case. A little girl vanishes from a carnival at the school. They race to find the girl but then another child disappears. When the second disappears, Mitch calls in the FBI. Rileigh is learning about another child going missing fifty or sixty years ago and it might just have something to do with the missing children now. Mitch offers Rileigh a job as a deputy while looking for the kids.
I know this is very short but I can’t think of anything else to say without giving anything away. Mitch and Rileigh are perfect for each but I’m not sure if they will get together. Secrets. Fast paced. A real nail biter. Was shocked and then the ending. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
* Read and reviewed for Net galley *
I know this is very short but I can’t think of anything else to say without giving anything away. Mitch and Rileigh are perfect for each but I’m not sure if they will get together. Secrets. Fast paced. A real nail biter. Was shocked and then the ending. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
* Read and reviewed for Net galley *
May 12, 2024
Title: Calling My Children Home
Author: Lauren Street
Publisher: Sterling & Stone
Pub date: 2/20/24
Rileigh Bishop (former cop) returns home to her small town in TN where she gets involved with the local sheriff to help find a missing child because she knows the town people better. More events unfold drawing you in and upping the stakes for Rileigh.
Who and why would someone take a child from a school carnival? Can She bring the child home?
Some twists. Quick read. I really felt like I could visualize this small town and it’s cast of characters.
This is book #5 in the series but, can be read as a standalone.
Thank you NetGalley and Sterling & Stone for the opportunity to get lost in this installment of the Rileigh Bishop series.
Author: Lauren Street
Publisher: Sterling & Stone
Pub date: 2/20/24
Rileigh Bishop (former cop) returns home to her small town in TN where she gets involved with the local sheriff to help find a missing child because she knows the town people better. More events unfold drawing you in and upping the stakes for Rileigh.
Who and why would someone take a child from a school carnival? Can She bring the child home?
Some twists. Quick read. I really felt like I could visualize this small town and it’s cast of characters.
This is book #5 in the series but, can be read as a standalone.
Thank you NetGalley and Sterling & Stone for the opportunity to get lost in this installment of the Rileigh Bishop series.
February 17, 2024
This book had me hooked right off the bat. I have read this full series to date and am enjoying it immensely. Rileigh has grown so much. She is getting her life in order.
There were some good twists in this particular storyline. I won’t share them with you; don’t wish to spoil it for you.
Oh, but we also do finally learn about Rileighs previous trauma which caused her to quit the department with a cloud over her head! It was great to actually know what the prejudices were caused by.
I advise you to read this series.
There were some good twists in this particular storyline. I won’t share them with you; don’t wish to spoil it for you.
Oh, but we also do finally learn about Rileighs previous trauma which caused her to quit the department with a cloud over her head! It was great to actually know what the prejudices were caused by.
I advise you to read this series.
April 13, 2024
more twists, more fun
This is another romp through the Smokies with our favorite Tennesseans, plus a few new characters.
Whodunnit thrillers are tough to review without spoilers so I won’t try. But don’t let that stop you. If you have read this far into the series you know what you are getting. This one feels like a return to the first couple in style and approach. I liked it. This might be my favorite of the series after the first one.
This is another romp through the Smokies with our favorite Tennesseans, plus a few new characters.
Whodunnit thrillers are tough to review without spoilers so I won’t try. But don’t let that stop you. If you have read this far into the series you know what you are getting. This one feels like a return to the first couple in style and approach. I liked it. This might be my favorite of the series after the first one.
February 26, 2024
Thank you after sloughing through 4 books of smokey mountain trillers finally one that is so intense that you can't turn the pages fast enough.....bad enough a little girl is 'taken' at a school carnival but then another child close to Rileigh is also kidnapped! Why and whom are tossed about with another plot until the reader is ready to scream---------good writing!
March 16, 2025
Great stories but no editingl
Great stories, and a great job of bringing The Great Smoky Mountains to the readers.! The books are very imaginative and keep you interested.
That said, if you want people to read your books you owe it to them to edit your books and get rid of typos, misspellings, and grammatical errors.
Great stories, and a great job of bringing The Great Smoky Mountains to the readers.! The books are very imaginative and keep you interested.
That said, if you want people to read your books you owe it to them to edit your books and get rid of typos, misspellings, and grammatical errors.
April 20, 2024
Good Story, fewer mistakes
Book 5 was much easier to read since it didn’t have as many mistakes as the first four. I still like the characters that this author brings to life and I want to know what happens next!
Book 5 was much easier to read since it didn’t have as many mistakes as the first four. I still like the characters that this author brings to life and I want to know what happens next!
May 13, 2024
Thank you Netgalley for the advance reader copy of Calling My Children Home by Lauren Street in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed the story and characters in this book, it made me want to go back and read the previous four books.
July 16, 2024
Kidnapped
At a school carnival a 5 year old girl goes missing. After Mitch and Rileigh began to investigate a young boys goes missing from the local Wal-Mart. Intriguing and unbelievable ending!
At a school carnival a 5 year old girl goes missing. After Mitch and Rileigh began to investigate a young boys goes missing from the local Wal-Mart. Intriguing and unbelievable ending!
July 20, 2024
Best yet,
I would definitely recommend this book, and the entire series !!! Each book is better than the last. This one kept me awake on the edge of the bed. The ending left me in happy tears.
I would definitely recommend this book, and the entire series !!! Each book is better than the last. This one kept me awake on the edge of the bed. The ending left me in happy tears.
May 8, 2025
A true kidnapping
A kidnapping has occurred and Reighly gets asked to be a cop again. Then, another kidnapping happened. Everyone gets questioned and new discoveries are made. This story kept you guessing and you never knew what was going to happen next. A good nook to read.
A kidnapping has occurred and Reighly gets asked to be a cop again. Then, another kidnapping happened. Everyone gets questioned and new discoveries are made. This story kept you guessing and you never knew what was going to happen next. A good nook to read.
May 7, 2024
Loved it
August 22, 2024
Whew!
A total adrenaline rush from start to finish! And as always, the teaser at the end of the central mystery in this series that keeps me turning pages.
A total adrenaline rush from start to finish! And as always, the teaser at the end of the central mystery in this series that keeps me turning pages.
November 23, 2024
Twist
The twist and turns these stories take are awesome. Love the Stump family.
Postcard with smiley face always push you to read next book
The twist and turns these stories take are awesome. Love the Stump family.
Postcard with smiley face always push you to read next book
February 1, 2025
exciting
Loved the story although there were a LOT of characters and too many stories within the story.But definitely worth the read
Loved the story although there were a LOT of characters and too many stories within the story.But definitely worth the read
May 24, 2024
Rileigh Bishop has returned home and is a part time private detective. Until children start disappearing from the small town. She is sworn in as a deputy, and assists Sheriff Mitch and the FBI to find the children.
There are no clues, until she hears about children going missing in the 1950's.
Could the cases be connected?
This is a very suspenseful and gripping book! And also very emotional.
History repeats itself, and in this case, Generational Trauma is obvious.
I have read one other book in this Bishop Smoky Mountain series, but would really love to read the whole series. And I hope Rileigh remains in the police department.
I recommend this book. 4/5 stars from me.
Thanks to Netgalley and Sterling & Stone for the opportunity to read this book.
There are no clues, until she hears about children going missing in the 1950's.
Could the cases be connected?
This is a very suspenseful and gripping book! And also very emotional.
History repeats itself, and in this case, Generational Trauma is obvious.
I have read one other book in this Bishop Smoky Mountain series, but would really love to read the whole series. And I hope Rileigh remains in the police department.
I recommend this book. 4/5 stars from me.
Thanks to Netgalley and Sterling & Stone for the opportunity to read this book.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews