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The Lost Girl
Darcy vanished thirteen years ago. Today, she’s coming home. Darcy Drummond was four when she was kidnapped on a crowded beach. A massive police search and media frenzy followed but the girl was never found. Most people gave Darcy up for dead. Or worse. Then, one fateful night, she walks into a police station. Seventeen years old. A chance to start over. As the world celebrates Darcy’s return, Margo Martin, journalist and friend of the Drummond family, receives a strange phone call. A call which leads her step-by-step towards a horrifying revelation… The real reason for Darcy’s disappearance is a long-kept secret. A secret so shocking, so unexpected that it will plunge the Drummond family into a nightmare they will struggle to survive. The Lost Girl - a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2024
1340 people are currently reading
1248 people want to read
About the author
Mark Gillespie
51 books144 followersThese days, Mark Gillespie writes psychological thrillers, suspense and horror. Previously, between the years 2016-2020, he wrote a lot of apocalyptic/dystopian fiction.
Mark is a former professional musician from Glasgow, Scotland, who nowadays lives in Auckland, New Zealand with his wife Íde and a small menagerie of four-legged rescue creatures.
Favourite books: I am Legend, The Razor's Edge, The Count of Monte Cristo, The Body (Stephen King), I'll Be Gone in the Dark, Trainspotting...
Favourite films: Jaws, Ikiru, The Invitation, Vertigo, The Thing, Eyes Without a Face, Seven Samurai, The Wicker Man...
You can find him on Facebook as Mark Gillespie's Writing Stuff. He's also on Twitter as MarkG_Author.
Website: www.markgillespieauthor.com
Mark is a former professional musician from Glasgow, Scotland, who nowadays lives in Auckland, New Zealand with his wife Íde and a small menagerie of four-legged rescue creatures.
Favourite books: I am Legend, The Razor's Edge, The Count of Monte Cristo, The Body (Stephen King), I'll Be Gone in the Dark, Trainspotting...
Favourite films: Jaws, Ikiru, The Invitation, Vertigo, The Thing, Eyes Without a Face, Seven Samurai, The Wicker Man...
You can find him on Facebook as Mark Gillespie's Writing Stuff. He's also on Twitter as MarkG_Author.
Website: www.markgillespieauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
March 1, 2024
OH MY GOD….
YES YES YES!!!!!!!
all I can say is this was not what I was expecting AT ALL from this book and wow I absolutely loved it. VERY DARK and a hard story to read due to the nature of the events that take place however Considering this was newly released I am so impressed.
The ending was brilliant but I lowkey wish there was more.
If you’re debating reading it… PLEASE DO IT
YES YES YES!!!!!!!
all I can say is this was not what I was expecting AT ALL from this book and wow I absolutely loved it. VERY DARK and a hard story to read due to the nature of the events that take place however Considering this was newly released I am so impressed.
The ending was brilliant but I lowkey wish there was more.
If you’re debating reading it… PLEASE DO IT
March 9, 2024
I received a copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.
The Lost Girl is a gripping, twisty thriller with a twist that knocks you for six. I enjoyed the uneasy atmosphere of this book, and the pacing was spot on.
Darcy was kidnapped when she was just four years old. Taken in plain sight on a crowded beach, she was sadly never found. Thirteen years later, aged seventeen, a girl walks into a police station, claiming to be Darcy. Just as the world starts to celebrate Darcy being alive and home, a journalist friend of the family gets a strange phone call, which takes you on a journey to a horrifying revelation you won't see coming.
I flew through this book desperately wanting to know the answers and wasn't left disappointed by them. This is the first of Mark Gillespies books I've read and I'm checking out his other books ASAP.
The Lost Girl is a gripping, twisty thriller with a twist that knocks you for six. I enjoyed the uneasy atmosphere of this book, and the pacing was spot on.
Darcy was kidnapped when she was just four years old. Taken in plain sight on a crowded beach, she was sadly never found. Thirteen years later, aged seventeen, a girl walks into a police station, claiming to be Darcy. Just as the world starts to celebrate Darcy being alive and home, a journalist friend of the family gets a strange phone call, which takes you on a journey to a horrifying revelation you won't see coming.
I flew through this book desperately wanting to know the answers and wasn't left disappointed by them. This is the first of Mark Gillespies books I've read and I'm checking out his other books ASAP.
March 2, 2024
★★★★ 4.5 stars
Sometimes the truth is best left hidden...
Where to even begin? That was...INTENSE!! I actually finished this a day ago but I just had to let it sit and think about it because it was just...wow. So where do I begin?
Darcy Drummond disappeared from Bournemouth Beach when she was four years old and for years her parents, Sophie and Mike, have always lived in hope that she would return.
Now thirteen years later they are still trying to pick up the pieces, with Sophie self medicating with pills and Mike with drinking and gambling...and trying to forget the moment they took their eyes off their little girl for a few seconds and she disappeared never to be seen again.
And then they get the phone call. It's the police. A seventeen year old girl has walked into a police station in Glasgow claiming to be Darcy. There have been imposters in the past making the same claim...but this is the first time the police have called them.
Of course there are doubts. Is it really her? Where has she been all these years? How quickly can they do a DNA test to confirm her identity? But all doubts dissipate as soon as Sophie sees her. She is the mirror image of herself at that age. This is Darcy. At last she's come home.
But what should be a happy reunion is tinged with a wariness and apprehension. There are unsanswered questions about where she's been and what happened to her and how she escaped. What sort of life has she had? And what about the couple she had been living with who are now dead? But at whose hand? Their own? Or Darcy's?
Once the DNA test confirms her identity, the media awaits the story. But Sophie gives the exclusive to friend and aspiring journalist Margo Martin. Like everyone, Margo is salivating for the details but what Sophie gives her is the bare minimum resulting in a dull story. But it's what the Drummonds are not saying that pique Margo's interest. Something is not right in that house...and it's no surprise when she begins to dig a little she receives an anonymnous phone call urging her to look closer. What are the Drummonds trying to hide?
There is little else I can say without revealing spoilers but all I can say is that nothing is what it seems. This is not the usual missing child trope and what it does reveal is far reaching and shocking. It's no surprise that Darcy will have had a tough life after being kidnapped so the little girl the Drummonds hoped to have returned to them is long gone. But who is the girl in her place?
The story unfolds through the narratives of Sophie, Darcy and Margo and is divided into four parts. As each part develops, the turn the story takes ramps up and will have you flipping the pages faster than the speed of light.
This is no light breezy story with a happy ending. This is gritty, intense and brutal. But wow! What a read! And what an ending! I'm still digesting it all...
I would like to thank #MarkGillespie, #Netgalley and #InkubatorBooks for an ARC of #TheLostGirl in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Sometimes the truth is best left hidden...
Where to even begin? That was...INTENSE!! I actually finished this a day ago but I just had to let it sit and think about it because it was just...wow. So where do I begin?
Darcy Drummond disappeared from Bournemouth Beach when she was four years old and for years her parents, Sophie and Mike, have always lived in hope that she would return.
Now thirteen years later they are still trying to pick up the pieces, with Sophie self medicating with pills and Mike with drinking and gambling...and trying to forget the moment they took their eyes off their little girl for a few seconds and she disappeared never to be seen again.
And then they get the phone call. It's the police. A seventeen year old girl has walked into a police station in Glasgow claiming to be Darcy. There have been imposters in the past making the same claim...but this is the first time the police have called them.
Of course there are doubts. Is it really her? Where has she been all these years? How quickly can they do a DNA test to confirm her identity? But all doubts dissipate as soon as Sophie sees her. She is the mirror image of herself at that age. This is Darcy. At last she's come home.
But what should be a happy reunion is tinged with a wariness and apprehension. There are unsanswered questions about where she's been and what happened to her and how she escaped. What sort of life has she had? And what about the couple she had been living with who are now dead? But at whose hand? Their own? Or Darcy's?
Once the DNA test confirms her identity, the media awaits the story. But Sophie gives the exclusive to friend and aspiring journalist Margo Martin. Like everyone, Margo is salivating for the details but what Sophie gives her is the bare minimum resulting in a dull story. But it's what the Drummonds are not saying that pique Margo's interest. Something is not right in that house...and it's no surprise when she begins to dig a little she receives an anonymnous phone call urging her to look closer. What are the Drummonds trying to hide?
There is little else I can say without revealing spoilers but all I can say is that nothing is what it seems. This is not the usual missing child trope and what it does reveal is far reaching and shocking. It's no surprise that Darcy will have had a tough life after being kidnapped so the little girl the Drummonds hoped to have returned to them is long gone. But who is the girl in her place?
The story unfolds through the narratives of Sophie, Darcy and Margo and is divided into four parts. As each part develops, the turn the story takes ramps up and will have you flipping the pages faster than the speed of light.
This is no light breezy story with a happy ending. This is gritty, intense and brutal. But wow! What a read! And what an ending! I'm still digesting it all...
I would like to thank #MarkGillespie, #Netgalley and #InkubatorBooks for an ARC of #TheLostGirl in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
February 17, 2024
Rating - 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Date Read - January 27, 2024
Publication Date - January 28, 2024
*I received an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @victoryeditingngc and @netgalley!
I had such an uneasy feeling while reading The Lost Girl but I liked it because it meant I was invested in the story. There were some slower parts but most of the time I felt like I had to keep reading because I needed to find out the truth about what was going on. Throughout the book, I felt like I couldn’t trust anyone! It felt like everyone was lying and they all had something to hide. I did predict the who but the how and why were a surprise to me. Plus, there was a very unexpected ending that made the slower parts worth it for me but after reading other reviews, I can understand why it might not be for everyone... I would call it a slow-burn thriller with a dramatic ending.
This is a good read for those of you who like thrillers and rooting for morally grey characters!
The Lost Girl is now published so read it today! 🎉
*Please check trigger warnings*
Date Read - January 27, 2024
Publication Date - January 28, 2024
*I received an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @victoryeditingngc and @netgalley!
I had such an uneasy feeling while reading The Lost Girl but I liked it because it meant I was invested in the story. There were some slower parts but most of the time I felt like I had to keep reading because I needed to find out the truth about what was going on. Throughout the book, I felt like I couldn’t trust anyone! It felt like everyone was lying and they all had something to hide. I did predict the who but the how and why were a surprise to me. Plus, there was a very unexpected ending that made the slower parts worth it for me but after reading other reviews, I can understand why it might not be for everyone... I would call it a slow-burn thriller with a dramatic ending.
This is a good read for those of you who like thrillers and rooting for morally grey characters!
The Lost Girl is now published so read it today! 🎉
*Please check trigger warnings*
March 4, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley , the author and the publisher for the E ARC of this book.
I received a complementary copy of this book and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
I really enjoyed the first 3/4 of this book. The story behind the disappearance and the twist of who did it and why.
The ending , however, was just far fetched and quite frankly the sex trafficking and torture was a little too dark and disturbing for me.
I received a complementary copy of this book and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
I really enjoyed the first 3/4 of this book. The story behind the disappearance and the twist of who did it and why.
The ending , however, was just far fetched and quite frankly the sex trafficking and torture was a little too dark and disturbing for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2024
The Lost Girl by Mark Gillespie.
Four-year-old Darcy vanished thirteen years ago. Now she’s come home.
Darcy Drummond was four when she was kidnapped on a crowded beach. A massive police search and media frenzy followed but the girl was never found. Most people gave Darcy up for dead. Or worse. Then, one fateful night, she walks into a police station. Seventeen years old. A chance to start over. As the world celebrates Darcy’s return, Margo Martin, journalist and friend of the Drummond family, receives a strange phone call. A call which leads her step-by-step towards a horrifying revelation…
The real reason for Darcy’s disappearance is a long-kept secret. A secret so shocking, so unexpected that it will plunge the Drummond family into a nightmare they will struggle to survive.
A really good read. Twisty and gripping. I wasn't sure how I felt about the characters. I certainly didn't see that twist coming. I couldn't put it down. Had to find out what happened. I wasn't sure how I felt about the ending. I hope there will be more to come otherwise I would feel let down.
4*.
Four-year-old Darcy vanished thirteen years ago. Now she’s come home.
Darcy Drummond was four when she was kidnapped on a crowded beach. A massive police search and media frenzy followed but the girl was never found. Most people gave Darcy up for dead. Or worse. Then, one fateful night, she walks into a police station. Seventeen years old. A chance to start over. As the world celebrates Darcy’s return, Margo Martin, journalist and friend of the Drummond family, receives a strange phone call. A call which leads her step-by-step towards a horrifying revelation…
The real reason for Darcy’s disappearance is a long-kept secret. A secret so shocking, so unexpected that it will plunge the Drummond family into a nightmare they will struggle to survive.
A really good read. Twisty and gripping. I wasn't sure how I felt about the characters. I certainly didn't see that twist coming. I couldn't put it down. Had to find out what happened. I wasn't sure how I felt about the ending. I hope there will be more to come otherwise I would feel let down.
4*.
April 5, 2025
Dark & unsettling. Not my favourite.
February 23, 2024
Darcy Drummond was four when she went missing. It has been 15 years and they’ve had many imposters and close calls but when the new girl who says she’s Darcy is seen by the parents Sophie and Mike they know instantly it’s their daughter. The day on the beach took a fractured marriage and shattered it and although the couples stay together he hidden side of his gambling and alcohol addiction and she inside her pill bottles while their other four children did their best to survive the dysfunctional family home. When Darcy resurfaceshe has a dramatic story to tell she also has items that only the real Darcy would be in possession of but when Sophie‘s friend and reporter Margo Martin comes to do a fluff piece on Darceys return there is something that just doesn’t sit right about the whole situation. It isn’t something she was told it’s just a feeling she gets it doesn’t help that no one in the family seems happy about the girls return Sophie‘s dad Edward Wallace doesn’t help matters either. With his constant put down of Mike with Sophie stuck in the middle this is definitely a family that is falling apart and all Darcy wants to do is watch Disney movies and hang out with her five-year-old sister Lola despite her being 16. When her ex Steven insist on talking to her and them working together she gives him a quick and hard pass he is a conspiracy theorist and despite he keeps telling her to look at Mike it is the computer voice that contacts her that really gets Margo’s curiosity peaked. When Darcy and Mike go missing it marks the beginning of the end and the truth is going to come out but when it does can it fix a broken family or reshape it into one that functions much better? Let me say they had a couple of eye rolling moments in this book but when the plot is as good as The Lost Girl by Mark Gillespie those are just minor in significances.. instead of criticizing you just want to get to the next page. I really and thoroughly enjoyed this book I was sitting up in my bed at three in the morning wanting to finish this and find out the end and it was so worth it. I am very sleepy today but as I said OMG so worth it! Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
March 8, 2024
READ THIS BOOK!
I absolutely loved every minute of this one, amazing! Little Darcy vanishes from a packed beach at just 4 years old. 13 years later, she returns... but it's not a happy every after. Set in scotland also hoves it a plus from me. This gets dark, and you will struggle to put it down! I even considered calling in sick to work to keep reading 😄very unpredictable. Did I say I loved it?
I absolutely loved every minute of this one, amazing! Little Darcy vanishes from a packed beach at just 4 years old. 13 years later, she returns... but it's not a happy every after. Set in scotland also hoves it a plus from me. This gets dark, and you will struggle to put it down! I even considered calling in sick to work to keep reading 😄very unpredictable. Did I say I loved it?
March 31, 2024
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
“The Lost Girl” is a riveting suspense that had me gripped from start to finish as it followed a young girl called Darcy who returns to her family after disappearing as a child 13 years ago. What hurts her joyful homecoming is unsolved questions about her strange absence – where has she been all these years and how did she get away from there at last?
The writing is very artful in creating tension through the changing character perspectives and also colorful descriptions.
Yet, some plot developments towards the end of the book cause the reader to doubt. Without revealing anything, some specifics about Darcy’s vanishing look like they should have been found with a bit of scrutiny. Sometimes, the absence of basic police procedures is glaring.
However, if you can overlook some of the more unlikely turns, this is a highly absorbing and gripping thriller.
Thank you to Zoé from ZooLoo’s Book Tours and the author for allowing me to read and review this book.
“The Lost Girl” is a riveting suspense that had me gripped from start to finish as it followed a young girl called Darcy who returns to her family after disappearing as a child 13 years ago. What hurts her joyful homecoming is unsolved questions about her strange absence – where has she been all these years and how did she get away from there at last?
The writing is very artful in creating tension through the changing character perspectives and also colorful descriptions.
Yet, some plot developments towards the end of the book cause the reader to doubt. Without revealing anything, some specifics about Darcy’s vanishing look like they should have been found with a bit of scrutiny. Sometimes, the absence of basic police procedures is glaring.
However, if you can overlook some of the more unlikely turns, this is a highly absorbing and gripping thriller.
Thank you to Zoé from ZooLoo’s Book Tours and the author for allowing me to read and review this book.
February 15, 2024
Any mother’s nightmare: a day at the beach, one moment of inadvertence, and your daughter Darcy is gone…
Thirteen years later, they are still trying to pick up the pieces: mother Sophie is self medicating with pills to forget the pain and hurt, and father Mike is drinking and gambling, trying to forget what happened to his little girl all these years ago.
Their world is turned upside down again when a teenage girl walks into a police station and identifies herself as Darcy Drummond.
I would go mad with grief, - what happens to Darcy's parents is maddening and of course strongly reminiscent of child abductions that make world headlines, as who does not remember Maddie McCann's disappearance or that of Natasha Kampusch.
The Drummonds appear to have their daughter back, yet picking up their lives as a family is extremely difficult. Sophie asks her friend Margo to write an article about having her daughter back, who turns out to be a complete stranger to them after all these years gone.
I liked the alternating perspectives of Sophie, Darcy and Margo. The seriousness of the story - I am a mother myself - allowed me to empathise with this particular nightmare.
I struggled with Darcy's story. How could a four-year not remember her parents and brothers?
I liked Margo best of all the characters, she is sharp and also has a reasonable amount of self-mockery. I like that. Since she has no money and still lives with her mother, I get the impression that she hates ‘old money.’ Her friendship with the fragile and unstable Sophie surprised me.
In the second part of the novel, the roles and rifts in the family become more apparent to the outside world. Everyone in the family struggles with Darcy's return. Margo begins to doubt and is drawn deeper into Darcy's story. She does not really understand why the girl would have gone back to the house of her kidnappers.
As she digs deeper, dirt and secrets come to the surface and she becomes increasingly unsure of her life.
The potential danger that these young girls face after being kidnapped needs no further explanation, I felt that the part of the story where the author chooses to do this didn't really add anything to the story.
Even though some parts of the plot may seem a bit unrealistic, I still found the book to be a thrilling and enjoyable read that I finished in no time! Being a mom of three now grown-ups, this story was a rather emotional rollercoaster for me.
The theme of Good vs Evil could have been developed further in the book. The ending leaves the reader wondering which characters are ultimately good. While I understand the sentiment, in the end they are not much better and justice should have been served.
A character-driven plot, well-written, somewhat predictable; in spite of some of my comments, and the shocking nature of the subject matter, it was still a quick and good read.
4 stars.
Thirteen years later, they are still trying to pick up the pieces: mother Sophie is self medicating with pills to forget the pain and hurt, and father Mike is drinking and gambling, trying to forget what happened to his little girl all these years ago.
Their world is turned upside down again when a teenage girl walks into a police station and identifies herself as Darcy Drummond.
I would go mad with grief, - what happens to Darcy's parents is maddening and of course strongly reminiscent of child abductions that make world headlines, as who does not remember Maddie McCann's disappearance or that of Natasha Kampusch.
The Drummonds appear to have their daughter back, yet picking up their lives as a family is extremely difficult. Sophie asks her friend Margo to write an article about having her daughter back, who turns out to be a complete stranger to them after all these years gone.
I liked the alternating perspectives of Sophie, Darcy and Margo. The seriousness of the story - I am a mother myself - allowed me to empathise with this particular nightmare.
I struggled with Darcy's story. How could a four-year not remember her parents and brothers?
I liked Margo best of all the characters, she is sharp and also has a reasonable amount of self-mockery. I like that. Since she has no money and still lives with her mother, I get the impression that she hates ‘old money.’ Her friendship with the fragile and unstable Sophie surprised me.
In the second part of the novel, the roles and rifts in the family become more apparent to the outside world. Everyone in the family struggles with Darcy's return. Margo begins to doubt and is drawn deeper into Darcy's story. She does not really understand why the girl would have gone back to the house of her kidnappers.
As she digs deeper, dirt and secrets come to the surface and she becomes increasingly unsure of her life.
The potential danger that these young girls face after being kidnapped needs no further explanation, I felt that the part of the story where the author chooses to do this didn't really add anything to the story.
Even though some parts of the plot may seem a bit unrealistic, I still found the book to be a thrilling and enjoyable read that I finished in no time! Being a mom of three now grown-ups, this story was a rather emotional rollercoaster for me.
The theme of Good vs Evil could have been developed further in the book. The ending leaves the reader wondering which characters are ultimately good. While I understand the sentiment, in the end they are not much better and justice should have been served.
A character-driven plot, well-written, somewhat predictable; in spite of some of my comments, and the shocking nature of the subject matter, it was still a quick and good read.
4 stars.
March 20, 2024
This book is a haunting, terrifying experience for any parent. Once I read the first chapter, I instantly knew this was going to be a fantastic read. You are instantly gripped by the story.
A little girl was enjoying a family day out to the beach, everyone was enjoying it. Then something happens in the water, it distracts everyone. Before you know it, the little one is taken by strangers.
I can’t even imagine what the parents were feeling, I don’t think I would be able to carry on with my life. The author is so talented that he makes you feel what the parents feel. You feel their horror, their heart break, the whole shebang. I also loved the different perspectives, it’s one of my favourite layouts in books.
This book will definitely haunt me for a long time, being a parent of three children.
A little girl was enjoying a family day out to the beach, everyone was enjoying it. Then something happens in the water, it distracts everyone. Before you know it, the little one is taken by strangers.
I can’t even imagine what the parents were feeling, I don’t think I would be able to carry on with my life. The author is so talented that he makes you feel what the parents feel. You feel their horror, their heart break, the whole shebang. I also loved the different perspectives, it’s one of my favourite layouts in books.
This book will definitely haunt me for a long time, being a parent of three children.
October 1, 2024
I could not put down this book. However, I will say there should be a trigger warning for those who are sensitive about child trafficking, kidnapping, drinking, substance abuse, as well as some gruesome scenes.
Summary: “The Lost Girl” follows the harrowing journey of [main character’s name], who finds herself entangled in a dark and dangerous world. As she navigates through the treacherous landscape of child trafficking and kidnapping, she encounters various characters, each with their own secrets and motives. The story is a gripping tale of survival, resilience, and the quest for justice.
What I Loved:
Intricate Plot: The twists and turns are very well planned out, keeping you on the edge of your seat. The author masterfully weaves a complex narrative that keeps you guessing until the very end.
Character Development: The characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional, making their struggles and triumphs feel real and impactful.
Themes: The book tackles serious and relevant issues such as child trafficking and substance abuse with sensitivity and depth, adding a layer of social commentary to the thrilling plot.
Critique: While the plot is engaging, I did feel that it was repetitive at times when switching between the many points of view. There were moments when the narrative felt super slow, and other times towards the end where it felt like it was just too fast. This uneven pacing might be a drawback for some readers.
Conclusion: Overall, “The Lost Girl” is a compelling and thought-provoking read. Despite its pacing issues, the book’s well-crafted plot and strong character development make it a standout mystery. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery and likes to think along the way. It’s a story that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
Summary: “The Lost Girl” follows the harrowing journey of [main character’s name], who finds herself entangled in a dark and dangerous world. As she navigates through the treacherous landscape of child trafficking and kidnapping, she encounters various characters, each with their own secrets and motives. The story is a gripping tale of survival, resilience, and the quest for justice.
What I Loved:
Intricate Plot: The twists and turns are very well planned out, keeping you on the edge of your seat. The author masterfully weaves a complex narrative that keeps you guessing until the very end.
Character Development: The characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional, making their struggles and triumphs feel real and impactful.
Themes: The book tackles serious and relevant issues such as child trafficking and substance abuse with sensitivity and depth, adding a layer of social commentary to the thrilling plot.
Critique: While the plot is engaging, I did feel that it was repetitive at times when switching between the many points of view. There were moments when the narrative felt super slow, and other times towards the end where it felt like it was just too fast. This uneven pacing might be a drawback for some readers.
Conclusion: Overall, “The Lost Girl” is a compelling and thought-provoking read. Despite its pacing issues, the book’s well-crafted plot and strong character development make it a standout mystery. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery and likes to think along the way. It’s a story that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
March 6, 2024
First, I want to thank Mark Gillespie, Inkubator Books, Zooloo Book Tours, and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.
The Lost Girl written by Mark Gillespie is a storyline that could be ripped from the headlines! Oh this book is every parent's worst nightmare with a totally unbelievable jaw dropping ending!
Mark’s book started out fast paced and quite interesting as Darcy went missing. Obviously, my heart broke for her parents during this time. Then we fast forward in time when both the readers and the parents find out Darcy may be alive. I had just as many questions surrounding her disappearance, what really happened to her, and who had her for all of these years. I eventually got my answers but was not expecting the outcome.
The author broke up the book in four parts with individual chapters in each part. In my honest opinion he could have written each part as a separate book. This way he could focus more on each individual chapter.
Even though I enjoyed this book there were parts of this book that I felt dragged on a little longer than they should have.
The Lost Girl written by Mark Gillespie is a storyline that could be ripped from the headlines! Oh this book is every parent's worst nightmare with a totally unbelievable jaw dropping ending!
Mark’s book started out fast paced and quite interesting as Darcy went missing. Obviously, my heart broke for her parents during this time. Then we fast forward in time when both the readers and the parents find out Darcy may be alive. I had just as many questions surrounding her disappearance, what really happened to her, and who had her for all of these years. I eventually got my answers but was not expecting the outcome.
The author broke up the book in four parts with individual chapters in each part. In my honest opinion he could have written each part as a separate book. This way he could focus more on each individual chapter.
Even though I enjoyed this book there were parts of this book that I felt dragged on a little longer than they should have.
March 14, 2024
Wow
This book goes straight into my top 5 fave of all time! Well done Mark Gillespie. Keep them coming 📖
This book goes straight into my top 5 fave of all time! Well done Mark Gillespie. Keep them coming 📖
March 8, 2024
This is every parent's nightmare!!
When out for the day enjoying a beach trip, 4 year old Darcy goes missing.
As the search leads to nothing, the rest of the family is then left to come to terms with the guilt and the accusations for the next 13 years.....when suddenly, Darcy re-appears.
This was such a tense read right from the start.
Being a mum, it was so easy to pick up the emotions and devastation felt by the parents and to see the effect of this hideous situation on all the family.
I loved that we followed this from the different perspectives as this really highlighted the differing views and judgements of those involved - especially when there was suspicion on the parents.
I was really wary of Darcy and her story - as much as I was rooting for the happy reunion and ending - I just couldn't shift that voice in my head asking, is this really her!?
This was a brilliant read which was full of intrigue and suspense. I was completely hooked and couldn't turn the pages quickly enough!!
I also loved that every time I made a guess as to what was going on - there'd be another twist to throw me off the scent again!
A great first read, for me, by this author.
When out for the day enjoying a beach trip, 4 year old Darcy goes missing.
As the search leads to nothing, the rest of the family is then left to come to terms with the guilt and the accusations for the next 13 years.....when suddenly, Darcy re-appears.
This was such a tense read right from the start.
Being a mum, it was so easy to pick up the emotions and devastation felt by the parents and to see the effect of this hideous situation on all the family.
I loved that we followed this from the different perspectives as this really highlighted the differing views and judgements of those involved - especially when there was suspicion on the parents.
I was really wary of Darcy and her story - as much as I was rooting for the happy reunion and ending - I just couldn't shift that voice in my head asking, is this really her!?
This was a brilliant read which was full of intrigue and suspense. I was completely hooked and couldn't turn the pages quickly enough!!
I also loved that every time I made a guess as to what was going on - there'd be another twist to throw me off the scent again!
A great first read, for me, by this author.
January 30, 2024
Sophie and Mike are parents whose daughter, Darcy, goes missing from a crowded beach. The plot revolves around their search for her and the fallout when she re-appears 13 years later.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The writing is fantastic and the plot moves swiftly, with excellent pacing throughout. There are lots of twists and turns, with the story being told from multiple perspectives which helps to give insight into different characters motivations and emotions. If you enjoy domestic mysteries, then you will love this book.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy in return for my unbiased opinion.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The writing is fantastic and the plot moves swiftly, with excellent pacing throughout. There are lots of twists and turns, with the story being told from multiple perspectives which helps to give insight into different characters motivations and emotions. If you enjoy domestic mysteries, then you will love this book.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy in return for my unbiased opinion.
September 23, 2025
I wish I could give this more stars ⭐️
March 6, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and have spent today talking to my colleagues about it. It was excellently written and helped you to put yourself in the shoes of the different characters very well. As the story unravelled I couldn’t help gasping at some points and getting angry at others. I felt for Daisy given her situation and I also enjoy watching Snow White! This book is perfect for thriller lovers who love a family dynamic with lots of twists!
April 2, 2024
I liked the plot but there was something about the writing that was off putting and often repetitive at times. I found my self skimming over parts of it but I still wanted to finish it to found out how it ends.
February 27, 2024
This book had me on the edge of my seat. I loved how it started with a police interview and had multiple povs throughout the plot. I loved Margo and glad Sophie had her as a friend in the end when it all went down! I felt so much for Sophie with how the ending turned out, I just wanted to hug her. I didn't expect the twists that this book took me through and I highly recommend reading it.
August 9, 2024
This book and subject matter got a little dark for me and unsettling I decided to skim read .I probably ought to have read through more reviews and seen the dark storyline wasn't for me.
February 21, 2024
While on a family holiday with her parents, Sophie and Mick, Darcy is kidnapped from the beach at the age of four.
13 years later, Darcy appears at a police station and confirms that she is the missing child, Darcy Drummond.
Sophie’s friend, Margo is a budding journalist & Sophie asks her to do the initial interview about Darcy’s return. Margo senses all is not right and starts looking deeper.
This is one of those stories that has you sitting on the edge of your seat.
I didn’t see the ending coming at all and there were a lot of twists during the story.
A good psychological thriller with a real sense of mystery.
My thanks to Zooloo’s Book Tours and Inkubator Books for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
13 years later, Darcy appears at a police station and confirms that she is the missing child, Darcy Drummond.
Sophie’s friend, Margo is a budding journalist & Sophie asks her to do the initial interview about Darcy’s return. Margo senses all is not right and starts looking deeper.
This is one of those stories that has you sitting on the edge of your seat.
I didn’t see the ending coming at all and there were a lot of twists during the story.
A good psychological thriller with a real sense of mystery.
My thanks to Zooloo’s Book Tours and Inkubator Books for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 12, 2024
Thank you to @zooloosbooktours for my copy of The Lost Girl. Given in return for a fair and unbiased review.
Darcy was four when she was kidnapped from a crowded beach. Now a seventeen year old girl has turned up claiming to be her. Darcy’s arrival throws the family into chaos. Though there are plenty of secrets swirling underneath outward appearances in this family.
I really enjoyed this tense thriller with its twists that I didn’t see coming. I thought I had solved the mystery but the ending took me completely by surprise. It’s definitely a page turner, I couldn’t put it down as I wanted to know what was going on. If you like slow burn, twisty , tense thrillers you’ll love The Lost Girl.
Darcy was four when she was kidnapped from a crowded beach. Now a seventeen year old girl has turned up claiming to be her. Darcy’s arrival throws the family into chaos. Though there are plenty of secrets swirling underneath outward appearances in this family.
I really enjoyed this tense thriller with its twists that I didn’t see coming. I thought I had solved the mystery but the ending took me completely by surprise. It’s definitely a page turner, I couldn’t put it down as I wanted to know what was going on. If you like slow burn, twisty , tense thrillers you’ll love The Lost Girl.
October 10, 2024
4.5 stars. I was pretty intrigued by this one from start to finish. It didn't go how I thought it was going to go which I liked. The ending was good.
March 17, 2024
The synopsis sounded great & the starting was great & then it just lost me in the middle, it was a bit confusing and a bit dull too. The ending was good - Although I did expect that the girl wasn’t Darcy as soon as she took Mike (the dad).
~ Read on kindle ~
~ Read on kindle ~
May 11, 2024
Slightly worse than the average “unputdownable” Kindle Unlimited book. Here’s a tip: when you are writing in the first person, try saying the words out loud. Nobody speaks in the awkward way all of these characters do.
January 26, 2024
An enthralling psychological thriller that had me on the edge of my seat from the very first chapter. The story centers around Darcy Drummond, the daughter who was kidnapped at Bournemouth Beach, only to resurface 13 years later at a police station with two dead bodies in tow – her former captors. The narrative is a rollercoaster of suspense, and Gillespie masterfully weaves a tale where the twists and turns are impossible to anticipate.
The author skillfully builds tension by creating an atmosphere of uncertainty. As the protagonist's family falls under suspicion in the eyes of both gossip and news headlines, there's a lingering sense that something is not quite right. Gillespie cleverly keeps readers guessing, and just when you think you've figured it out, the plot takes an unexpected turn.
Part 3 of the novel takes a dark and intense dive, escalating the suspense to new heights. The pacing is relentless, and the twists come one after the other, leaving readers eagerly flipping pages to unravel the mystery. The author's ability to maintain this level of suspense is commendable, making "The Lost Girl" a true page-turner.
What sets this thriller apart is its unexpected ending. Gillespie delivers a conclusion that defies expectations, leaving readers stunned and satisfied. The intricate web of the plot is expertly crafted, and the resolution ties up loose ends in a way that is both surprising and satisfying.
The novel's setting in Edinburgh and Glasgow, added a delightful personal touch. Gillespie's vivid descriptions allowed me to visualize the locations, creating a sense of familiarity and comfort. This attention to detail enhances the overall reading experience, making the story even more engaging.
In conclusion, Mark Gillespie's "The Lost Girl" is a gripping psychological thriller that captivates from start to finish. With its unpredictable plot twists, dark turns, and a surprising ending, it's a must-read for fans of the genre. Gillespie's storytelling prowess and the inclusion of familiar settings make this a memorable and enjoyable read. I eagerly anticipate more thrilling tales from this talented author in the future.
Gratitude extended to Net Galley for generously providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The author skillfully builds tension by creating an atmosphere of uncertainty. As the protagonist's family falls under suspicion in the eyes of both gossip and news headlines, there's a lingering sense that something is not quite right. Gillespie cleverly keeps readers guessing, and just when you think you've figured it out, the plot takes an unexpected turn.
Part 3 of the novel takes a dark and intense dive, escalating the suspense to new heights. The pacing is relentless, and the twists come one after the other, leaving readers eagerly flipping pages to unravel the mystery. The author's ability to maintain this level of suspense is commendable, making "The Lost Girl" a true page-turner.
What sets this thriller apart is its unexpected ending. Gillespie delivers a conclusion that defies expectations, leaving readers stunned and satisfied. The intricate web of the plot is expertly crafted, and the resolution ties up loose ends in a way that is both surprising and satisfying.
The novel's setting in Edinburgh and Glasgow, added a delightful personal touch. Gillespie's vivid descriptions allowed me to visualize the locations, creating a sense of familiarity and comfort. This attention to detail enhances the overall reading experience, making the story even more engaging.
In conclusion, Mark Gillespie's "The Lost Girl" is a gripping psychological thriller that captivates from start to finish. With its unpredictable plot twists, dark turns, and a surprising ending, it's a must-read for fans of the genre. Gillespie's storytelling prowess and the inclusion of familiar settings make this a memorable and enjoyable read. I eagerly anticipate more thrilling tales from this talented author in the future.
Gratitude extended to Net Galley for generously providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2024
Sophie and Mike Drummond’s daughter, Darcy, disappeared from a beach when she was four, and thirteen years later has reappeared at a police station. The usual doubts arise immediately – is it really her? Where is the proof? How quickly can they do a DNA test? Once it’s confirmed, there are a slew of other questions waiting for answers. Where has she been all this time and how was she able to escape?
Everyone in the media is clamoring for the story, including a close friend of Sophie, Margo Martin. She’s an aspiring journalist who is itching to know all the details, but she wants to be a friend first. She decides to wait and let Sophie confide in her when she’s ready. But things feel a bit off when she visits the household. Clearly, it will take time for Darcy to find her place again among the family, which includes four other siblings. So it’s no surprise that she can’t help but investigate on the side, especially after receiving an anonymous phone call. But will she uncover the truth before she’s the next one to disappear?
There’s not much else to reveal because of spoilers (not that it has stopped other reviewers, apparently). But it’s not like you can expect Darcy to have had a wonderful life after being kidnapped, so no one should be surprised to discover she hasn’t. And because they are a wealthy and powerful family, any seasoned reader will see where it’s headed. I’m glad the author was realistic in his portrayal of missing children, The impact it has on the family, and then the struggles to return to any type of normalcy if they are lucky enough to be reunited.
Obviously, if you’re looking for a fun, breezy story this isn’t it. If you know what you’re getting into, give this one a go – you won’t be disappointed.
Everyone in the media is clamoring for the story, including a close friend of Sophie, Margo Martin. She’s an aspiring journalist who is itching to know all the details, but she wants to be a friend first. She decides to wait and let Sophie confide in her when she’s ready. But things feel a bit off when she visits the household. Clearly, it will take time for Darcy to find her place again among the family, which includes four other siblings. So it’s no surprise that she can’t help but investigate on the side, especially after receiving an anonymous phone call. But will she uncover the truth before she’s the next one to disappear?
There’s not much else to reveal because of spoilers (not that it has stopped other reviewers, apparently). But it’s not like you can expect Darcy to have had a wonderful life after being kidnapped, so no one should be surprised to discover she hasn’t. And because they are a wealthy and powerful family, any seasoned reader will see where it’s headed. I’m glad the author was realistic in his portrayal of missing children, The impact it has on the family, and then the struggles to return to any type of normalcy if they are lucky enough to be reunited.
Obviously, if you’re looking for a fun, breezy story this isn’t it. If you know what you’re getting into, give this one a go – you won’t be disappointed.
April 26, 2024
This is the best book I have read in a while. I haven’t read this author before but I am for sure going to look for his other books.
Sophie and Mike and their kids are at the beach for the day. Sophie and Mike take their eyes off the kids when there is a distraction and when they look back, their 4 year old daughter, Darcy is gone. They search and search, but Darcy is not found. It is now 13 years later and a girl shows up at the police station saying she is Darcy. Sophie and Mike get there, she looks just like Sophie and her other daughter. DNA confirms it is her. They take Darcy home and of course it’s not a smooth transition for any of them. Darcy is very withdrawn, spends her days watching cartoons, really not communicating with Sophie or Mike. She only gets along with the youngest sister. The other kids are very leery of her. There is something off about how she found out the truth about the people she thought were her parents, the people who kidnapped her.
Then there is Margo, Sophie’s friend who is a reporter. Sophie asks Margo to write the story of Darcy’s return hoping that will get all the other reporters off the story. Margo writes it but it really ends up being a fluff piece. Sophie controlled the whole story and didn’t allow Darcy to speak with Margo. Then Margo keeps digging and she finds out more and more, specifically about Mike.
Then it takes a turn and you think you know what happened. And then it takes another turn. I had suspicions about the whole family, Mike and Sophie’s father Edward. But when the real story all comes out it was a lot to take in.
This is not a light read, some of it is pretty disturbing. The end was excellent.
Sophie and Mike and their kids are at the beach for the day. Sophie and Mike take their eyes off the kids when there is a distraction and when they look back, their 4 year old daughter, Darcy is gone. They search and search, but Darcy is not found. It is now 13 years later and a girl shows up at the police station saying she is Darcy. Sophie and Mike get there, she looks just like Sophie and her other daughter. DNA confirms it is her. They take Darcy home and of course it’s not a smooth transition for any of them. Darcy is very withdrawn, spends her days watching cartoons, really not communicating with Sophie or Mike. She only gets along with the youngest sister. The other kids are very leery of her. There is something off about how she found out the truth about the people she thought were her parents, the people who kidnapped her.
Then there is Margo, Sophie’s friend who is a reporter. Sophie asks Margo to write the story of Darcy’s return hoping that will get all the other reporters off the story. Margo writes it but it really ends up being a fluff piece. Sophie controlled the whole story and didn’t allow Darcy to speak with Margo. Then Margo keeps digging and she finds out more and more, specifically about Mike.
Then it takes a turn and you think you know what happened. And then it takes another turn. I had suspicions about the whole family, Mike and Sophie’s father Edward. But when the real story all comes out it was a lot to take in.
This is not a light read, some of it is pretty disturbing. The end was excellent.
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